USA > Michigan > Kent County > Grand Rapids > Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan: History and Account of Their Progress from First. Vol. I > Part 68
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Grand Rapids has produced her due proportion of historical writ- ers. In 1856 a Business Directory of the City of Grand Rapids was published, containing the firm and individual names of the principal business firms, and men of the place, and also many of their business cards. It was compiled and published by W. A. Robinson. Among others may be mentioned Jackson D. Dillenback's "History and Di- rectory of Kent County," issued in 1870, and Prof. Franklin Ever- ett's "Memorials of the Grand River Valley," a larger and more com- prehensive volume, of about 600 pages, printed in 1878. A "History of Kent County," a book ponderous in size but not remarkable for its general accuracy, was published in 1881 by M. A. Leeson as historian, and C. C. Chapman & Company as publishers, neither of whom ever lived in Grand Rapids. Beginning in 1870, Isaac H. Parrish wrote a series of some seventy articles, entitled : "History of Parties," which were published in the Grand Rapids Eagle in the following two years. Again, in 1886-87, he contributed to the West Michigan Farmers' Club a series of papers on "Law for the Farmers." About 1870, Her- bert E. Dewey contributed to the press a series of fifteen long articles on "Southern Prisons," with which he was made somewhat acquainted during the Civil War.
The Kent Scientific Institute, among its other means for the spread of knowledge, has issued scientific pamphlets from time to time. In 1873, N. Coleman, a member, compiled under its auspices a list of the flowering plants of the Southern Peninsula of Michigan, including some 725 species. This list has been used extensively in later compilations of Michigan flora. A. O. Currier prepared some valuable lists of Michigan shells, and Dr. William H. DeCamp pub- lished a "Monogram on the Mollusks of Michigan."
William A. Berkey, in 1876, issued a book of 384 pages, entitled "The Money Question," a work indicating much labor and research. Three editions of it were published. 1879, D. Darwin and Walter H. Hughes published a genealogical work on the "Hughes and Allied Families."
In 1880, Luther V. Moulton published a volume of 271 pages, en- titled, "The Science of Money," and "American Finances," wherein he revels in mathematics, tables of figures and abstruse speculations.
The Rev. P. Moerdyke, D. D., in 1880 published a historical dis- course, giving an account of the origin and progress of the First Re- formed Church until it became self-supporting, in 1879, and a sermon
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to the young. Prof. Vos, Ph. D., issued a volume of some merit on "The Pentateuch," designed as a defense against recent criticisms. The Rev. Samuel Graves published the sermon preached at the dedication of the Fountain Street Baptist Church, and one commemorating his fifteen-year pastorate of that church. The Rev. A. R. Merriman, in 1888, published "A Study of the Divorce Problem."
Among medical works produced by Grand Rapids physicians, is a small treatise on "Homeopathic Treatment of Diptheria," published in 1880 by Dr. DeForest Hunt. A work on "Phthisis Pulmonaris" was published a year or two later by Dr. G. N. Brigham, of the Home- opathic School, who was also the author of one or two other treatises regarded as standard medical works. Dr. Charles J. Hempel was an author and translator of national repute in the line of Homeopathic medical literature.
Among theological works, the Coming Age Publishing Company in 1887 issued a pamphlet on the "Higher Teachings of Spiritualism." In 1886 the Rev. S. H. Cobb prepared a paper on "The Philosophy and Theology of the Mind Cure," which was published in pamphlet form. The Rev. Kerr B. Tupper edited a volume entitled "Robertson's Living Thoughts," consisting of selections from the sermons of Fred- erick W. Robertson, a famous divine of Brighton, England. The First Congregational Church Society issued, in 1884, a beautiful memorial volume in relation to the life, services and death of its pastor, the Rev. J. Morgan Smith. In 1881, Bishop D. D. Paterson, of the Chil- dren of Zion Church, published a small work entitled "A Casket of Poetical Treasures," original and selected, and in 1883, he published a volume entitled, "Zion's Waymarks, or Knowledge vs. Mystery."
In regard to newspaper contributions, the poems and the rich, though sometimes coarse, humor of J. Mason Reynolds ("Farmer Reynolds"), should not be ignored. In 1882 he published a collection of his poems-a pamphlet of 99 pages. In 1885, A. A. Crozier pub- lished a small volume entitled, "The Modification of Plants by Cli- mate." In 1886, Angie B. Gilbert published her poem, "Devil's Kit- chen, Mackinaw Island," and in 1897, "A Tale of Two Cities," from her pen, appeared. In 1887, L. L. Shaw published a volume on "The Industries of Grand Rapids," her relations as a center of trade, busi- ness houses and manufacturing establishments.
I. M. Weston, in 1889, published a small volume containing his "Documents and Addresses while Mayor of Grand Rapids." Georgie Young, who became intensely earnest in efforts for the relief and re- clamation of fallen women, in 1889, published a volume of 116 pages, entitled, "A Magdalen's Life," which awakened great interest in the cause for which it was written. In 1889, F. M. Kendall published a volume entitled, "Michigan: Its Geography, History, Resources, and Civil Government."
In 1890 appeared "Forging His Chains," the autobiography of George Bidwell, the famous ticket-of-leave man-his trial and incar- ceration in English prisons fourteen years on a life sentence for "the $5,000,000 forgery on the Bank of England." This book aroused lo- cal interest because of the fact that the author, George Bidwell, who successfully worked a forgery upon the Bank of England, was an early resident of Grand Rapids. In December, 1849, Austin B. Bid-
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well and his two sons, George and Austin, opened a small shop for the manufacture of candies between Ottawa and Ionia streets, on the north side of Monroe. Subsequently the business was removed to Pearl street, near where is the entrance to the Arcade. Soon after- ward the place was destroyed by fire. The young men then moved to the east side of old Canal street, between Lyon and Crescent streets, where they operated for a few years. They built up a large trade and had the best establishment of the kind then in this part of the coun- try, but they left Grand Rapids, and their subsequent history is given in the book, "Forging His Chains."
In 1891 appeared Stanton's U. S. Lawyer's Diary and Rule Book for Michigan, and in the same year Gerrit Berkhof published his "Zwanezang; of Laatste leerrede over 2 Timotheus 4:7, 8."
A number of miscellaneous works of a historical nature have been produced in Grand Rapids. In 1892 B. M. Cutcheon published "Fifty Years of Growth in Michigan," the same being an address which he delivered before the Michigan State Congregational Associa- tion at its annual meeting held in Jackson on May 19 of that year. And Mary E. Hardy has won especial distinction. In 1894 she pub- lished "Three Singers," and ten years later "Sea Stories for Wonder Eyes" appeared. This was followed in 1912 by "The Hall of Shells" and "The Little King and the Princess True," while perhaps the most popular of her works, "Little Ta-wish : Indian Legends from Geyser- land," appeared in 1914.
Several Grand Rapids men have added their contributions to the political and economic literature of the country. Among these have been Charles Howell, who in 1895 published "Civilized Money: the Way to Prosperity, Happiness, Civilization." The following year he published a volume on the industrial advantages of Grand Rapids, to- gether with an account of its material development and progress and a series of descriptive sketches of representative business enterprises. Eleanor W. Willard is a favorite among lovers of the style of litera- ture which she produces. In 1895 she published "Children's Singing Games," and in 1904 appeared "The Children's Garden," with illus- trations from photographs by Fedora E. D. Brown. A year later she published "A Youngster in the Old World," with photographic illus- trations, and following came "Children of. Holland," in 1908; "A Span- ish Picture Book," in 1909, and "Street Life in North Africa," in 1910. At a meeting of the Michigan Political Science Association, held in Grand Rapids, April 3 and 4, 1896, L. G. Stuart made a valuable con- tribution to historical literature in a paper entitled, "Verdict for Michi- gan: How the Upper Peninsula Became a Part of Michigan." An address which has been preserved was given by William Widdicomb at the banquet given by the Grand Rapids Board of Trade in com- memoration of the semi-centennial anniversary of the incorporation of Grand Rapids as a city, held in 1900. Mr. Widdicomb is also the author of a treatise upon "The Mahogany Tree: a Brief Historical View and Consideration of Its Present Usefulness," published in 1907.
In 1900, M. R. K. Wright published "The Moral Aphorisms and Terseological Teachings of Confucius, the Sapient Chinese Philoso- pher," to which is added a correct likeness of the great philosopher and a sketch of his life. In the same year G. W. Abell published
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"Flowers of the Heart," for the home, and Loraine P. Immen pub- lished "Art's Tribute to Shakespeare." Subsequently, the latter, in 1907, issued "1907-1912: Jeweled Years." In that year also there was published a series of sermons on the distinctive principles of the great historic church movements, by the representative pastors of Grand Rapids. In 1901 A. T. Thoits issued a pretty souvenir of the Grand Rapids Board of Trade outing, held on Oct. 3 of that year. The Rev. A. W. Wishart, in 1902, published a small volume under the title, "A Short History of Monks and Monasteries," and this was followed, in 1908, by "Mind and Body," and in 1910 by "The Social Mission of the Church," published for the social service commission of the Northern Baptist convention. In 1902-04 Henry Beets and M. J. Bosma issued a series of Catechetical books, and in 1904, a "Compendium of the Christian Religion for Those Who Intend to Approach the Holy Sup- per of the Lord." In 1902, G. W. Thayer published "From Vermont to Lake Superior, in 1845," the same being a personal narrative, deliv- ered before the Old Residents' Association of the Grand River Valley, on June 26 of that year. In 1903, Geert Ginghuis published a work under the title, "Think Aright; or, Cosmo-planetary: Celestial Har- monic Science Boiled Down," in two volumes. J. H. Randall pub- lished a series of sermons, in 1904-05, and in 1911 "A New Philosophy of Life," came from his pen, followed, in 1912, by "The Culture of Personality," and in 1915, by "Humanity at the Cross Roads."
In 1905, C. W. Garfield delivered an address, which has been pre- served, before the Grand River Horticultural Society. It is entitled "Private Rights, How They Are Invaded by Unthinking People." In the same year Charles Edwin Patterson delivered addresses before a class in advanced thought. "A Knowledge of the Self the Key to Power" was given in a series of three lectures: The Creation, and the New Dispensation ; the Gift of the Spirit and Soul Individualization; and the Building of the Body and Elemental Forces. The other sub- ject was, "What Should I Do That I Would Be What the Almighty Designed." This was also divided into three lectures as follows : Can- didates for Initiation; Man's Duty ; and Why Should I Preserve My Body, and How May I? In 1906, G. A. Wolf published a booklet enti- tled "Against Revision," which consisted of reasons advanced for con- sidering the present State constitution adequate. In the same year Daniel McCoy published "Old Fort St. Joseph; or, Michigan Under Four Flags," which was delivered before the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society at its thirty-second annual meeting. In 1907 W. A. Tateum published "Before the Blazing Back Log," which consists of little tales of the woods, fields and waters. The "Exposition of Re- formed Doctrine: a Popular Explanation of the Most Essential Teach- ings of the Reformed Churches," was published by M. J. Bosma in 1907. E. R. Shaw, in 1909, published "Stories of Hell's Commerce; or, the Liquor Traffic in Its True Light"; the volume being a compila- tion of interesting stories, true incidents, striking illustrations, pointed paragraphs, poetry and song, portraying the evils of the rum curse, as related by John G. Wooley, John P. St. John, Eli Perkins, and many others. In 1912, Mr. Shaw published another volume under ti- tle of "The Man of Galilee," which is a short sketch of Christ's three years of ministry.
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Henry Beets, in 1909, published a volume on "Abraham Lincoln," in Holland text, and in 1912 he compiled a volume entitled "Thinking on God's Loving Kindness," issuing it as a souvenir of the quarter centennial celebration of the Lagrave Street Christian Reformed Church. Mr. Beets has also translated the "Primer of Reformed Doc- trines for Catechetical Classes," and is the author of some works in the Holland language. In 1909, Thomas Benjamin & Son compiled a pictorial volume, called "A Hundred Homes," showing homes of vari- ous designs actually built by twenty-five leading architects in different localities. E. W. Bishop has published a collection of sermons, cov- ering the years 1909-11. Myrtle K. Cherryman, in 1909, issued a little volume, called "Mother Goose Meddlings," and in 1916, "Rhymes for Rainy Days," from her pen, was published. In 1909, G. H. Davidson published a "Building Inspector's Hand Book of Grand Rapids," con- taining the building laws, plumbing and sewerage laws, rules and regulations, mechanics' lien laws, electric laws, rules and sugges- tions, glossary of electric terms, steam boilers and steam engineers' laws, rules, etc. It is a complete hand-book for architects, and any who are engaged in the erection of buildings; and it contains a direc- tory of architects, contractors, and builders. W. H. Elson and Chris- tine M. Keck published the Elson Grammar School Fourth Reader, for the Eighth grade, in 1909, and later issued the Elson Grammar School Reader.
J. W. Evarts, in 1909, issued a volume, entitled, "Light of Life, Mystery Unveiled by a Personal Visit of Christ : Science Brings Revo- lution and Law." In the same year, Walter Benjamin Hadley pub- lished a pleasing volume with the title, "Selections of Harmony for the Cheerful or Sad." Cornelia S. Hulst, in 1909, published "St. George of Cappadocia in Legend and History," and in 1912 gave to the reading public her "Indian Sketches: Pere Marquette and the Last of the Pottawatomie Chiefs." Mrs. Hulst also contributed "So- cial and Civic Ethics from the Standpoint of the Chosen Vocation," which was published in a volume issued by J. B. Davis, in 1914, under the title of "Vocational and Moral Guidance." Other contributors to this volume were Mary N. Eaton, "Teaching Vocational Guidance in the Seventh and Eighth Grades"; Carrie R. Heaton, "Preparation for a Vocation and Vocational Ethics"; Mary E. Murphy, "Choosing a Vocation"; Anna E. Workman, "The World's Work: a Study of Vo- cations"; and Martha E. Clay, "Essentials of Character that Make for Success in Life." In 1910, Clara J. Denton published "Holiday Facts and Fancies," a pleasing little volume giving full yet simple explana- tions of the American holidays, and in the same year J. A. Heasley published "A Summer Vacation in the Yellowstone National Park." Mrs. Hogue Stinchcomb, in 1910, published a very creditable "History of the Ladies' Literary Club of Grand Rapids," and Belle M. Tower gave to the reading public "The True History of Fulton Street Park," which contribution was written for Sophie De Marsac Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1911, E. W. Booth pub- lished a "Survey of the Charities and Philanthropies of Grand Rap- ids." Johannes Broene, in 1910, published "The Philosophy of Fried- rich Nietsche," which is a dissertation submitted to the faculty of Clark University, at Worcester, Mass. In 1913, Mr. Broene pub-
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lished "Some Current Educational Ideals," and in 1917 "The Man Luther" appeared from his pen.
Viva Flaherty, in 1911, published a "History of the Grand Rap- ids Furniture Strike, with Facts Hitherto Unpublished," and in the same year, Maude Fuller issued a "Course of Lessons in Domestic Science, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Department of Manual Train- ing." A. P. Johnson published a "Library of Advertising," to which A. H. Vandenberg contributed an article on "Psychological Salesman- ship as Applied to the Selling of Advertising and Advertised Goods." Arthur Kirkpatrick published "The Four Original Sources of In- spiration for Designs of Furniture," and in the same year (1911) I. N. McCormick published a sermon, entitled "Hitherto." Stewart Edward White published "The Cabin," and in 1912 "The Sign at Six," and in 1913 he published three volumes-"African Camp Fires," "Blazed Trail Stories, and Stories of the Wild Life," and "Gold." In 1915 he gave "The Gray Dawn" to the public. In 1912, Tieman De Vries published "Dutch History, Art and Literature for Americans," which consisted of lectures given in the University of Chicago, and the same year he published "The Influence of the Nations of Europe, Especially of the Netherlands, on the Character, the Institutions and the Development of the American Nation." This was an inaugural address delivered on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 1911, in the University of Chi- cago. In 1913, Mr. De Vries published "What the House of Orange Has Done for America," and in 1916, "Holland's Influence on English Language and Literature," appeared from his pen.
W. H. Elson, in 1912, published the "Elson Primary School Read- er," and Sarah A. Jenison issued "David Erenberg, Healer." W. L. Kimerly published a volume on "How to Know Period Styles in Furniture," the contents being a brief history of furniture from the days of ancient Egypt to the present time, illustrated with over 300 typical examples and a brief description of each period. G. A. Mur- phy issued a little volume under the title of "Seedlings," consisting principally of epigrams, and "The Use of the Library in the Grades" was reprinted from the Library Journal, of April, 1912. This article was from the pen of Eleanor V. Rawlinson. In this same year (1912) J. A. Schmitt published a little volume on "How to Get Married," and as evidence of the popularity of the subject and the entertaining style in which it was treated, it may be stated that the little volume soon reached its third edition. E. M. Treusch compiled a volume called "Charter Clippings," which consisted of a careful compilation of all newspaper comments on the proposed new charter, from Jan. 3 to Feb. 26, 1912. In 1913, Ida P. Tubbs issued a little volume which she was pleased to denominate "A Book of Poems." O. H. L. Wernicke published his "Penology," consisting of an address delivered to the Class in Applied Christianity, in the Fountain Street Baptist Church, Oct. 27, 1912. Ethelyn Abbott published her "Folk Tales from Grimm," a dramatic reader for the Third and Fourth grades. In this year, also, Louis Berkhof published "The Church and Social Prob- lems," followed in 1914 by "Paul, the Missionary," in 1915 by "New Testament Introduction, or Special Canonics," and in 1916 by "The Christian Laborer in the Industrial Struggle," all from Mr. Berkhof's pen.
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B. H. Dean, in 1913, published "The Awakening of Steve Ran- dall," which is the story of a run-down furniture store and how it was rejuvenated. In this year, also, the "Autobiography" of H. W. Dud- ley, a native of Grand Rapids, but long a prominent business man of Chicago, was published. Ate Dykstra published his "Education in Grand Rapids Outside of the Public School System," which was read on Sunday, March 2, 1913, to the class in. Religion and Life of All Soul's Church. A volume on "The Origin of Life, a Girl's Physiolo- gy," by Grace Frances Ellis, was published in 1913, and C. C. Fraser published "Every Boy's Book of Handicraft, Sports and Amuse- ments," which consisted of worth-while plans for the general activi- ties of the modern boy, be he handy or unhandy. In this same year (1913) Isaiah Skeels published "Cost and Price; or, the Product and the Market," an analysis of the nature of costs and an inquiry into the origin of purchasing power and credits, showing their limit in paying the price of products and the ever increasing necessity for municipal and industrial bond issues. In 1914, William Bode published "The Book of Job and the Solution of the Problem of Suffering It Offers," and he is also the author of a volume in Holland text. R. B. Kuiper published a volume on "Christian Liberty," in 1914. G. H. Allen, in 1915, published a work on "The Great War," and D. M. Canright is- sued a volume on "The Lord's Day, from Neither Catholics nor Pa- gans," an answer to Seventh Day Adventism on this subject. D. R. Freeman issued a volume with the title of "God and War," an expo- sition of the principles underlying creative peace, and Carl M. Holt published "The Story of Grand Rapids."
W. K. Schmidt, in 1916, published a volume on "Problems of the Finishing Room," intending it to be a reference and formula manual for furniture finishers, woodworkers, builders, interior decorators, manual training departments, etc. F. M. Sparks published "The Busi- ness of Government, Municipal," and H. J. G. Van Andel issued a "Holland Grammar, with Exercises," as an elementary course for schools and colleges. H. W. Frohne published a work on "Home In- teriors," pertaining to the subject of furnishing and decorating the home, suggestions for the selection and arrangement of furniture, rugs, and draperies, and for the decorative treatment of floors, walls and ceilings in the home.
CHAPTER XLIII. MILITARY HISTORY
TRADITIONAL INDIAN BATTLES-FIRST MILITARY CAMPAIGNS-CIVIL WAR PERIOD-REGIMENTAL RECORDS-SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR -THE GREAT WORLD WAR-ROLL OF HONOR.
Traditions tell us of Indian battles fought along the Grand river between the different tribes, long years before the white man decided to add this region to his dominion, and the burial grounds and their indestructible contents, the large number of arrow heads and implements of Indian warfare found along both sides of the river
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seem to bear out those traditions. The victorious tribe doubtless made the site of Grand Rapids its home for many years, and was quite probably resident here when the section was first visited by white men. Details of the battle or battles are naturally lacking, although much has been surmised, but as the battles, if any there were, do not properly belong to the military history of the city or county it is unnecessary to present the deductions drawn by imaginative brains.
There are no records to show that any steps were taken for the organization of a military company here prior to the Mexican war. Upon the outbreak of that conflict, in 1846, although the army raised for its prosecution was not large, and Grand Rapids at that time was but a mere hamlet, the martial spirit was aroused, and a considerable number went out from here to join in the hostilities. A portion of one company for that service was raised in Grand Rapids. After the close of the Mexican war, the chief local incitement to military ardor for some years was the tenor of news occasionally received from the West, of conflicts with the border savages. Now and then an officer of the United States army would obtain some enlistments from Grand Rapids and vicinity for frontier service. So the military spirit did not wholly die out, and besides, the people were fully alive to the soundness of the advice given by Washington, to keep ourselves al- ways in a respectable attitude for defense.
On July 12, 1855, two local military companies were organized and their officers elected. One was the Grand Rapids Light Guards, and the name of W. L. Coffinberry headed the list of members of this company. He was at that time city surveyor at Grand Rapids and was made captain of the company. The other commissioned officers were F. W. Worden, first lieutenant ; E. T. Nelson, second lieutenant, and A. L. Gage, third lieutenant. The other company was the Grand Rapids Artillery, a west side company, with Lucius Patterson as cap- tain, and Baker Borden, William K. Wheeler and Alfred B. Turner, lieutenants. The first named of these companies was shortly after- ward reorganized, with Daniel McConnell as captain, and the name was changed to Valley City Light Guards, and subsequently further shortened to Valley City Guards. In 1856 Mrs. James Lyman started a movement to procure a banner for this company, and a beautiful silk ensign was made by the Misses Ferguson, the presentation of which to the company was an event of considerable public interest in those rather unmilitary days.
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