USA > Michigan > Kent County > Grand Rapids > Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan: History and Account of Their Progress from First. Vol. II > Part 28
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successful farmer. From his native state of Vermont he first removed to Chautauqua county, New York, and then went to Erie county, Pennsylvania, where he spent five years, then returning to the Empire State. In 1863 he came to Michigan and bought two forty-acre tracts of land, one for $140, and later added twenty-two acres to his original purchase and rounded out his life in tilling the soil on the farm on which he first settled, although the last several years of his life were passed in retirement. He was a man of superior intelligence, varied attainments and splendid mind, and for many years was notary public and justice of the peace in his community, where for a long period he performed most of the marriage ceremonies and presided at other gatherings. One of the leading Republicans of his locality, he was on one occasion a delegate to a state convention, and almost continu- ally was the incumbent of some township office. Stephen and Cather- ine Johnson were the parents of eight children: Orrin L., deceased, who was in the Union army during the Civil war and won promotion to the rank of sergeant; Henry, also fought in the army and was promoted to bugler ; James, fought as a member of the Sixth Michigan cavalry ; John C., deceased; William was in the Union army and was shot at Fredericksburg; Mary, deceased; Robert; and Jasper, who was also in the Union army and is now proprietor of a general store at St. Johns, Mich. These brothers, with the exception of Robert and John C., enlisted in June, 1861, and took part in many engage- ments in the struggle between the forces of the North and South, including the battle of Gettysburg. Robert Johnson received his edu- cation in the district schools, after leaving which he was for about one year employed in the Pennsylvania oil fields. In September, 1863, he enlisted in the United States navy as a landsman, subsequently qualified as a seaman, and was then made ship's cook, and June 25, 1865, received his honorable discharge, having established a good record as a wearer of his country's uniform. At that time he came to Kent county, Michigan, where he purchased forty acres of wild land in Bowne township, for $240, and when he had put it under culti- vation sold it and bought eighty acres, which he also sold. He then embarked in the hotel business at Middleville, and after being there two years, at Big Rapids for eleven years, at Greenville for one and one-half years, and at Stanton for one year, all in Michigan, returned to agricultural pursuits, purchasing 100 acres of his present farm in Bowne township, section 21, to which he has since added by purchases of sixty and forty acres. This is without doubt one of the best im- proved farms, if not the best, in the township, and Mr. Johnson is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle. The improvements, all made by Mr. Johnson, are new and modern in character, and include every comfort known to life in the country. He is still actively interested in farm- ing operations, assisted by two of his sons, and is accounted an im- portant factor in the progressive developments which have gained prestige for this region in an agricultural way. Mr. Johnson is a Republican and has filled various township offices, including those of clerk, treasurer and school director, and his official record is a splen- did one. He was married, Dec. 25, 1869, to Lovina, daughter of Rus- sell Smith, a wagonmaker from Ohio who came to Michigan in 1858 and spent the rest of his life in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have three sons : Clayton is assisting in the cultivation of the home farm;
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Raymond is his father's other assistant and the father of two daugh- ters-Margaret, aged eighteen years, and Elsie, aged twelve; and Harry F. is an attorney at Grand Rapids, Mich., and has two sons- Robert, Jr., aged four years, and Paul Franklin.
B. D. Jones .- Prominent among the old and honored residents of Kent county, one who after seventy-four years of residence here is still actively engaged in his daily routine of work, is B. D. Jones, of the Cedar Springs community. Since entering upon his career as a youth, Mr. Jones has been engaged in various occupations, all within the limits of Kent county, and it is his privilege to say that since his arrival he has never spent a single night outside of the county boun- daries. Like many of his fellow-citizens in this section, Mr. Jones is a contribution to Michigan from the Empire State. He was born in New York, Jan. 12, 1841, and was a child of three years when brought to the West by his parents. His father was one of the earliest resi- dents of Solon township, where he engaged for many years in farm- ing, and B. D. Jones grew up amid pioneer surroundings, early becoming inured to hard work and learning the value of money and the virtue of honest labor. He secured his education in the primitive district school and when he was ready to start upon his career followed the example of numerous other young and enterprising men of his community and entered the lumber camps, this being considered the main vocation during his day for ambitious youths who were not afraid of toil. This occupation became less and less profitable as the years passed and the lumber was taken out, and eventually Mr. Jones turned his attention to other matters. Being possessed of abilities which adapted themselves readily to almost any business at hand, he had no trouble in finding profitable employment, and he was finally able to take up farming as a proprietor, a business which he followed for many years. While he has reached an age that most men would consider at which to retire, he still retains his strength and mentality and continues to keep actively at work each day, having also retained the skill of hand and the quickness of mind that made him so useful in his younger days. While he has never had an actual course in mechanics, he is naturally gifted in this way, and is thus able to turn his hand to almost any piece of work. While he has not been a seeker for personal preferment, Mr. Jones has at various times been the choice of his fellow-citizens for public office and has filled various township offices, and at one time served as deputy sheriff of Kent county. He gives his support to the Republican party at elections and at all times his assistance can be depended on in matters pertain- ing to the public welfare.
Jacob Jones .- One of the progressive, intelligent and enterpris- ing agriculturists of Kent county, whose operations in his chosen voca- tion have been prosecuted during recent years in the northern part of the county, is Jacob Jones, owner of an eighty-acre property in Al- goma township. Mr. Jones is another example of the fact that men trained in other lines of endeavor can succeed as farmers if they possess the necessary industry and intelligence, for prior to locating in the country he had for many years followed the trade of carpenter. Mr. Jones is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and was born March 3, 1858, his parents being James and Sarah (Hunter) Jones. The parents were born, reared and educated in the State of New York, and shortly after
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their marriage removed to Cleveland, where they passed the remain- ing years of their lives. James Jones worked in the iron foundry business, as a puddler, and was so engaged until within a few years of his demise, when he retired from active pursuits. Jacob Jones was sent for his education to the public schools of Cleveland, and when his intellectual training was completed began to learn the trade of carpenter. Having mastered that vocation he worked thereat for a number of years at Cleveland, but soon after his marriage to Emma Rice, of Cleveland, removed to the State of Michigan and settled at Grand Rapids. Mr. Jones continued to follow his trade in that city and worked with such good effect and managed his affairs so capably that he was able to lay aside an appreciable amount of money. For some years it had been his ambition to be the owner of a farm and home of his own, and eventually he realized this aim when he pur- chased forty acres of land in Algoma township. He has since been carrying on agricultural operations with a full measure of success, and his present farm is double the original size. His land is fertile and productive, owing to expert treatment of the soil and the use of the most highly approved methods of agricultural science, and as a whole the property reflects great credit upon its owner's ability, having been improved with good buildings of substantial character. and attractive design and boasting of many modern conveniences and labor-saving devices. Mr. Jones as a business man is level- headed, belonging to that class of farmers who are ready to accept a reasonable price for their crops instead of holding out for something unreasonable, with a possible subsequent danger of depreciation in value. He has built up a good reputation for integrity among his associates. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have numerous friends in the com- munity of their home, which is located not far from the town of Cedar Springs. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church there and have been generous in their support of its enterprises, as well as of other movements, educational, religious, civic and social. Fra- ternally, Mr. Jones affiliates with the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Republican in his political views, and while he takes an intelligent interest in national and local events has never sought preference as an official in public position.
William H. Jones .- With the exception of three years, during which he was wearing the uniform of his country in the dark days of the Civil war, the entire career of William H. Jones has been passed at Grand Rapids, and the history of his development is much the same as the history of the development of the city. Under his eye, and with himself as a participating factor, the far-famed Furniture City has grown and progressed, and in no less a manner has he ad- vanced beyond the limitations of his early life. As president of the William A. Berkey Company, he today occupies a place of recognized prominence in manufacturing circles of one of the principal manu- facturing centers of the Middle West. Mr. Jones was born at Grand Rapids, Mich., Aug. 5, 1846, son of Wilson and Elizabeth (McGraw) Jones. His parents, natives of New York, migrated to Michigan about the year 1842, settling at Grand Rapids, where the father found lucrative employment at his trade of carpenter, many of the earlier frame buildings of the city having been monuments to his mechanical skill and industry. Carpentry continued to be his occupation through-
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out his life, and after some years of retirement he died at the age of eighty-five. Mrs. Jones has also been deceased for many years. There were six children in the family: Helen, William H., C. W., E. W., and Elizabeth, all residents of Grand Rapids, and Mary, deceased. William H. Jones was educated in the public schools of Grand Rapids and when still a lad began to gain experience in the furniture business as a worker in the factories. The Civil war came on to find him still a stripling, but after the struggle had gone its bloody way for a year the lad felt that his country needed him, and, although he was only sixteen years old, managed to be accepted by the recruiting officers and, Aug. 14, 1862, was enrolled as a member of Company H, Twenty-first Michigan infantry. Three years of hard fighting fol- lowed, in which he saw some of the heavy engagements of the war, and when the brave young soldier returned to his home, after his honorable discharge, he was wearing a corporal's stripe. While in the army he had gained some idea of the responsibilities of life, and shortly after his return he went to Chicago, where he took a business course in Eastman's Commercial College. He then came back to Grand Rapids and entered the employ of the Berkey Brothers & Gay Furniture Company. There, during the years that followed, he learned the furniture business in all its numerous details, and about 1884 became identified with the William A. Berkey Furniture Company. This concern had been founded in 1881 by William A. Berkey, at the corner of Louis and Campau streets, and the original company remained until 1886, when a stock company, incorporated for $85,000, was formed, with the following officers: William A. Berkey, presi- dent; William H. Jones, vice-president; L. T. Peck, secretary and treasurer, and C. E. Peck, office manager. Mr. Berkey remained as president until his death, in January, 1902, when he was succeeded by Mr. Jones. In 1906 the company was re-incorporated, and the officers then elected still retain their positions: W. H. Jones, presi- dent; E. B. Jones, vice-president, and L. T. Peck, secretary and treasurer. The company moved its offices and plant to the present location at 39-55 Market avenue, N. W., in 1884, but since that time, of necessity, many changes have been made and the plant at this time is greatly larger and presents a much changed appearance from that of thirty-four years ago. Also, the number of employes has been greatly advanced, there now being 150 skilled mechanics at work, while five traveling salesmen represent the company on the road, their territory being the United States and Canada. The output of this company consists principally of mahogany dining room and library furniture, which has won a reputation throughout the country and which finds a ready market everywhere. Mr. Jones is a man of varied business interests, one to whom his associates naturally turn for advice and counsel. Few men are better known in the furniture trade and it is doubtful if any have a better acquaintance with it or can speak more authoritatively on furniture values and conditions. He is a Republican, but has never been weaned from his business affairs by the call of politics. An active member of Grace Episcopal church, he has served as vestryman for thirty years and as junior warden for six years. He belongs to several clubs, among them the Kent Country club. Mr. Jones was married, Sept. 27, 1870, at Grand Rapids, to Miss Emma Berkey, daughter of William A. Berkey, of
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this city, and four children were born of this union: Mary, Harry, E. Berkey, and William, all of whom are deceased save E. Berkey, of Grand Rapids.
Charles B. Judd .- The late Charles Judd, whose career was one in which the quality of self-help played an important part, belonged to that select coterie of men whose foresight enabled them to realize the future greatness of the city of Grand Rapids and to profit accord- ingly. His youth had been adventurous and he possessed but little capital when he returned to the city of his boyhood, but it was his fortune to be possessor of characteristics which made for success, and he lived to place himself in comfortable circumstances in a material way and in an honorable position among business men. Mr. Judd was born at New Milford, Conn., Jan. 21, 1852, a son of A. B. Judd. The latter was a pioneer merchant of Grand Rapids, coming to this city in 1858 and establishing himself in the furniture and undertaking business on the present site of the Friedrich Music House, at No. 206 Monroe avenue, at that time known as 30 Canal street. For many years he carried on a profitable business, and was well known to the earlier generation of people of the Furniture City, even before it had acquired such a title. He has long since passed away. Charles B. Judd was past six years of age when he accompanied his parents to Grand Rapids, and here his education was secured in the public schools. As a lad he did not take kindly to the parental discipline, and finally ran away from home to make his own way in the world. Like many other runaway boys, he took up railroading, a vocation which holds out allurements to venturesome and adventure-loving youths, and gradually worked his way up in the service until he became a Pullman conductor, one of the first to be designated as such. When he gave up train service and returned to Grand Rapids, Mr. Judd began work on a device for a carpet sweeper, and in this con- nection came into association with the late Melville R. Bissell and Walter Drew, whom he joined in partnership, in 1883, in the forma- tion of the Bissell Carpet Sweeper Company, now the owner of the largest factory of its kind in the world. In the organization, promo- tion and building up of this business, Mr. Judd played a most im- portant part, and to his sterling abilities as a manufacturer much of the success of the concern is due. He was one of the men to whom their associates instinctively looked for advice and leadership in mat- ters of importance, and his counsel was seldom found to be wrong, while as a citizen, in promoting various movements, his motives were universally acknowledged to be disinterested and public-spirited. In Masonry, Mr. Judd stood high. He was a member of Grand River Lodge No. 34 and Grand River Chapter No. 7; and took the Templar degree in 1879 and the Scottish Rite in the same year. He joined the Shrine as a member of Moslem Temple, of Detroit, May 10, 1882, and was a charter member of Saladin Temple. His financial interests were numerous, and he was one of the organizers and a director of the People's Savings Bank. Following a stroke of paraly- sis, he died Oct. 30, 1915, at his home at 445 Cherry street, S. E. Mr. Judd was married, Jan. 21, 1875, to Miss Georgiana White, daugh- ter of George H. and Sarah A. (Hetfield) White, and she survives him, as do also a daughter, Mrs. Charles F. Powers, and an adopted daughter, Mrs. R. L. Sexton.
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Piliers B. Gerald
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Joseph S. Kaminski
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Rev. Joseph S. Kaminski .- The substantial results of years of effort, intelligently directed by a trained mind, are gratifying to one who has devoted his life to carrying out the highest ideals of a cer- tain calling., No man can be greater than his appreciation of the debt he owes the world, and the learned men who rise highest are those who endeavor to aid humanity and assist their fellows. A member of the Catholic clergy who has accomplished a great and good work in behalf of his fellow-men, who is greatly reverenced and held in affection by his flock, and who is admired by his fellow- priests as well as by the public at large, is Rev. Joseph S. Kaminski, pastor of the Sacred Heart parish (Polish) of the Catholic church at Grand Rapids. He was born in Allegan county, Michigan, Jan. 11, 1878, being a son of John and Mary (Adamczyk) Kaminski, who were both born in Poland but were married in the United States. John Kaminski was still a young man when he arrived in this coun- try, and, being bright, ambitious and energetic, had no trouble in securing employment. For a number of years he was connected with the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railway, rising to the position of foreman, and eventually became the owner of a good farm in Allegan county. Eventually, in 1880, he left Allegan county and came to Grand Rapids, where he was foreman for the Lake Shore & Michi- gan Southern for thirty-five years, and here he and his wife still make their home, well advanced in years. They are faithful members of the Catholic church, and the father is a Democrat in his political views. There were six children in the family, namely: Francis, who lives at Grand Rapids; Rev. Joseph S .; Mary, who is the wife of Stanislaus Merdzinski, of Grand Rapids; and John, Henry 'and Natalia, who reside with their parents. Father Joseph S. Kaminski began his education at St. Albert's parochial school, following which he went to St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, Wis., and was gradu- ated there in 1903, after completing the prescribed course. He was ordained, April 11 of that year, and his first charge was assistant at St. Stanislaus' church, Bay City, Mich., where he remained for four and one-half years. He was very successful in his labors at that place, as he was at St. Anthony's parish, at Fisherville, Mich., where he continued one and one-half years, and his labors at St. Mary's church, Alpena, Mich., where he remained for four years, were also productive of good results. He was called to the Sacred Heart parish, at Grand Rapids, Feb. 1, 1913, and since that time has been bending every energy in behalf of the interests of his peo- ple here. The Sacred Heart parish (Polish) was established in 1904, at which time it belonged to St. Albert's parish. The church was dedi- cated, Thanksgiving Day of that year, and cost in the neighborhood of $15,000. Father L. P. Krakowski was pastor at the time, and there were 150 families in the parish. How greatly the parish has grown ยท during the incumbency of Father Kaminski is shown in the fact that there are now 400 families in the parish, while there are about 400 pupils in the parochial school, taught by seven Sisters of Notre Dame, Milwaukee. The Sisters' Home was built in 1907, and the parish house about 1909, and both are substantial structures, as well as attractive and commodious. Father Kaminski has been something more than spiritual advisor to his people. He has also served as counsellor, guide and friend, and in their business affairs has directed
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them well and led them along lines of honesty and industry. His labors have had their reward in a constantly-growing parish and in the love and confidence of the people who make up the Sacred Heart congregation. It should be here stated that, in 1917, Father Kaminski caused plans for a new church to be drafted, the cost of the same to be $82,000. Work on it is under way, and when completed it will be one of the most beautiful church structures in the city.
Willard F. Keeney .- The city of Grand Rapids contains a great many able men who have made the law the profession of their lives. That all should be equally successful in such a career would be an impossibility ; the prizes in the battles of life are few and far be- tween, and the fortunate individuals must needs be gifted with quali- fications of a diverse character, personal charm of manner or power of intellect sufficient to dominate and control their fellowmen, ex- ceptional legal ability, good judgment and ready perception. Among the representative lawyers of the city, there are but few who possess these necessary characteristics in greater degree than does Willard F. Keeney, who has been engaged in practice here for nearly thirty-five years. Mr. Keeney was born at Arcola, Douglas county, Illinois, Jan. 25, 1862, son of Daniel and Rhoda (White) Keeney. Daniel Keeney was born at Brant, Ontario, Canada, and in 1839, when six years of age, was brought by his parents to Kent county, the family settling in the eastern part of the county, in the Vergennes community. There he was reared, educated and grew to manhood, and married Rhoda White, who, like himself, had been born at Brant, Ontario, and had been brought to Kent county by her father, Walter White, a native of Oneida county, New York, who had lived for several years in Canada, but who in 1844 came to Michigan and rounded out his career in agricultural pursuits in Vergennes township. Some time after his marriage, Daniel Keeney went to Arcola, Ill., where for several years he was engaged in the lumber business, subsequently going to Penn- sylvania, where he was interested in the oil industry. In 1869 he returned to Michigan, locating at Grand Rapids on May 1 of that year, and here for a number of years was interested in various suc- cessful business ventures. At the time of his retirement from active affairs he went to La Mesa, Cal., where Mrs. Keeney died, March 8, 1917, and where he still makes his home at the age of eighty-two years. While residents of Grand Rapids, Mr. and Mrs. Keeney. were faithful members of the Park Congregational church. They had four children : Cora K., wife of A. B. Mason, of La Mesa, Cal .; Walter L., who also resides at that place; Willard F., and George W., of Seattle, Wash. The early education of Willard F. Keeney was secured at Grand Rapids, where he attended the graded and high schools, and, having decided upon the law as his profession, entered the University of Michigan, in which he was graduated with his literary degree, and subsequently took the law course of one year. He was admitted to the bar in November, 1883. Prior to this time, however, in April, 1882, he had been a student and clerk in the office of Roger W. But- terfield, whose partner he became Jan. 1, 1887, and with whom, for a period of thirty-five years, he has been associated, the firm style now being Butterfield & Keeney. A son of his partner, R. C. Butterfield, was admitted to the firm in 1906. Mr. Keeney is engaged in a gen- eral practice, the success of which has grown steadily, and his legal
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