USA > Michigan > Kent County > Grand Rapids > Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan: History and Account of Their Progress from First. Vol. II > Part 30
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one who is still remembered as an industrious and honorable citizen was the late David Kinsey, whose advent in Caledonia township occurred in 1855. Mr. Kinsey's life was devoted to the pursuits of the soil and his success in his chosen vocation came as a result of close application to the management of his interests, yet he found time to serve his community in a number of official capacities and gave to the performance of his duties therein his conscientious atten- tion, so that his contribution to his locality's welfare entitled him to recognition among the representative men of his day. David Kinsey was born at Dumfries, Canada, Aug. 22, 1830, son of Jacob and Susan (Stauffer) Kinsey, farming people, who migrated from Canada to the United States about the year 1845 and, locating in the locality of Gaines, Genesee county, bought unimproved land at $1.25 per acre. Their first home was a small cabin, built of planks, but as the years passed and they cleared and cultivated their property and received remuneration from its products, they were enabled to install improve- ments and to erect more commodious buildings, and their last years were passed in the comforts acquired during their long period of industry. David Kinsey received his education in the public schools of Canada and at Gaines, and as a young man learned the trade of carpenter. This vocation occupied his attention until his marriage, at the age of twenty-five years, when he came to Caledonia township, Kent county, and purchased a small tract of land, upon which he be-
gan his operations. Being of an industrious nature, thrifty, ener- getic and with much native ability, he soon was able to add to his holdings, which increased to such an extent during his lifetime that he became known as one of the substantial men of his community. He continued as an active farmer until a few weeks prior to his death, which occurred on his farm, in May, 1892. In politics Mr. Kinsey was a Democrat and an active worker in the ranks of his party. Held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens, who recognized his ability and knew from experience of his integrity and personal probity of char- acter, he was frequently called upon to serve in offices of responsi- bility in his township, and during the latter years of his life was almost continually the incumbent of one or another township position. Mr. Kinsey was married, Oct. 9, 1855, to Nancy, daughter of Nicholas and Marie (Reipsaw) Pletzer, natives of Germany. Mr. Pletzer, who was a weaver in his native land, adopted farming as his vocation after coming to America and passed the last years of his life in Canada, where both he and Mrs. Pletzer passed away, being buried in the cemetery at Goderich. Mrs. Kinsey, who was born May 14, 1839, still survives her husband and makes her home on the farm, which is situated in section 29, Caledonia township. They were the parents of the following children : Matilda, wife of Isaac Wade, of Caledonia ; Charles, who is successfully engaged in general merchandising at that place ; Owen, deceased; Ada, deceased wife of the late George Caukins, who was a jeweler at Grand Rapids; Jennie, wife of Albert Center, proprietor of a boot and shoe establishment on Monroe street, Grand Rapids ; and James, of Seney, Mich. Mrs. Kinsey has been a resident of Kent county for many years, has seen many changes take place in the community to which she came as a young married woman, and is one of the best known and mostly highly respected residents of Caledonia township, where she has many sincere friends, attracted to
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her by her many admirable qualities of mind and heart. She has six grandchildren: Ada, born to her daughter Matilda Wade, and now the wife of Kenneth Spooner, of Alberta, Canada ; Minor and Rhea L., born to her son Charles; Genevieve and David, born to her daugh- ter, Mrs. Ada Caukins; and Doyle, son of her daughter, Mrs. Jennie Center.
Gilbert Klingman .- Contrary belief notwithstanding, there are as a class no more intelligent and far-seeing business men in the country than those to be found in the farming communities. The life of the agriculturist is exacting in that he may not choose his own times or his own seasons for exertion, Nature adjusting such matters, but it is not likely that any other occupation gives such lavish rewards for labor expended. When a farmer successfully produces large crops he may be called a capable husbandman, but when he also is able to profitably handle the yield of his fertile fields for himself, he is entitled to be considered a man of excellent business capacity. A well known citizen who has achieved much both as an agriculturist and business man and who is worthily representative of the most progressive class of Kent county's farming element, is Gilbert Kling- man, of Gaines township. Mr. Klingman has passed his entire life in the community in which he now makes his home and where the family has resided for some sixty-four years. He has a wide acquain- tance in the locality and is accounted a man of absolute integrity and good citizenship. Born on the home farm in Gaines township, Aug. 1, 1875, Mr. Klingman is a son of David and Catherine (Huff) Kling- man, honored people of their locality, both of whom are now deceased. David Klingman was a native of Ohio and was little more than a child when he came to Kent county, locating in Gaines township, May 11, 1854, when the greater part of this section was still wild land with its development and promise all in the future. He decided on a venture in agriculture and purchased 160 acres of green land, on which the timber stood so thickly that not only were there no roads but he was compelled to clear a space in the forest on which to build his first rude log home. Following this, he experienced the usual vicissi- tudes, hardships and disappointments of the pioneer, but his faith was strong, his spirit buoyant and his self-reliance and confidence steady and unbending, and he won through to a well-earned success. Later in life he replaced his first little home with one of a more substantial and commodious character, completed the clearing off of his land, and was able to spend his last years in comfort surrounded by the con- veniences and amidst the leisure that his earlier years had never known. Mr. Klingman was highly esteemed in his community and had many friends. Politically he was a Republican. There were three boys in the family: John, of Lake Odessa, Mich., who has a daughter Eliza; Frank, engaged in farming in Gaines township; and Gilbert, of this review. Gilbert Klingman was educated in the public schools of Gaines township and was reared as a farmer, a vocation to which he has devoted his career. At the time of his father's death, he and his brother Frank took over the home property, which they have con- tinued to operate as general farmers, and on which they have added many improvements. Gilbert Klingman has never married. He is known as an able farmer and a man well versed in business ways, and
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as a citizen who is public-spirited but who has confined his interest in politics and civic affairs to supporting good men and beneficial measures.
Stuart E. Knappen, of the firm of Kleinhans, Knappen & Uhl, of Grand Rapids, has long been a prominent figure at the bar of Kent county. Born at Hastings, Mich., Aug. 30, 1877, Mr. Knappen is a son of Judge Loyal Edwin and Amelia I. (Kenyon) Knappen. He comes of good Revolutionary fighting stock, both of his paternal great-great-grandfathers having fought in the struggle for the win- ning of American independence. His great-grandfather, the Rev. Mason Knappen, was born during the period of the Revolution, re- moving to Michigan in 1836. His paternal grandparents were Edwin and Sarah M. (Nevins) Knappen, natives of Vermont, and as chil- dren removed to Michigan with their parents. Judge Loyal Edwin Knappen was born at Hastings, Mich., Jan. 27, 1854, and in 1873 graduated in the literary department of the University of Michigan with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, three years later receiving his Master's degree. He was admitted to the bar, in 1875, and entered upon a career in which he gained high honors and a lasting reputa- tion as one of the most brilliant and distinguished of Grand Rapids' attorneys. He has been judge of the United States Court of Appeals since 1908. Judge Knappen was married, Oct. 23, 1876, to Amelia I. Kenyon, of Hastings, Mich., and they became the parents of three children: Stuart E., Fred M., and Florence, who is now Mrs. Arthur D. Perry, of Grand Rapids. Stuart E. Knappen attended the public schools of Grand Rapids, following which he enrolled in the literary department of the University of Michigan, graduating in 1898, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Thereafter he continued the study of law, and when admitted to the bar, in 1900, began practice with his father's firm, that of Taggart, Knappen & Denison. In 1899 the firm became Wanty & Knappen, and in the following year Knappen & Kleinhans, which was succeeded, in 1902, by Knappen, Kleinhans & Knappen, this style continuing until the elder man's elevation to the United States bench in 1906. The firm of Kleinhans & Knappen then came into existence, and continued until 1910, when the partner- ship was augmented by the entrance of Marshall M. Uhl. The busi- ness carried on is that of a wide general practice, and the firm has been identified with much exceptionally important litigation. Mr. Knappen is a member of the American Bar Association, and the state and local associations. His connection with a number of public- spirited movements has stamped him as a helpful and energetic citi- zen. He is a director in several financial institutions. Mr. Knappen was married, Nov. 5, 1902, to Edna, daughter of John E. Pilcher, of St. Louis, Mo., and they had three children: Mary E., Jane and Elizabeth. Mrs. Knappen died, Feb. 2, 1913, and Mr. Knappen was again married, Jan. 12, 1916, to Claire, daughter of Judge M. L. Vesey, of Memphis, Tenn.
Martin Koning .- Not a few of the younger element in the agri- cultural districts of Kent county are living on farms which were formerly owned and occupied by their fathers, and in this class is found Martin Koning, whose well cultivated property is located in section 3, Gaines township, on the Caledonia rural route. This young farmer has, within the space of a few short years, established him-
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self firmly as one of the progressive and energetic men of his locality, a student of his vocation, and a useful factor in the civic life of the community. He was born on a farm in Paris township, Kent county, Michigan, Oct. 30, 1884, his parents being John and Sarah (Schram) Koning. He is of Holland extraction, his father having come from the Netherlands, his native country, in young manhood and first settled in Illinois. There he lived for several years, in a colony of his own people, but, not making the desired progress, came to .Michigan and first took up his residence at Grand Rapids. He was without capital, but possessed the determination to succeed and his willingness to accept whatever kind of honorable employment presented itself enabled him to lay away a small sum of money, which he finally in- vested in a farm in Paris township, the one upon which his son, Mar- tin, was born. This he brought under cultivation and sold to advan- tage, and then bought eighty acres in Gaines township. He continued to be energetic and industrious, and, having supreme faith in his adopted community and a willingness to demonstrate his belief, added to his holdings from time to time, so that when he was ready to retire from active labor he was possessor of 126 acres. Mr. Koning was a man of sterling rectitude of character and won the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens by reason of his straightforward dealings and honorable principles. He was a stalwart Republican in his political views, and although he did not care for public office took an interest in matters which affected his community. His religious faith was that of the Reformed church, of which he was a regular attendant. Mr. and Mrs. Koning were the parents of the following children: Sidney, a resident and engaged in business at Chicago, Ill .; Cornelius lives at McBain, Mich .; Abbie, wife of Charles London, of Grand Rapids, Mich .; Nellie, wife of Jake Ritzema; Jennie, wife of Ben Turbungar; Martin, of this notice; Charles, a resident of Gaines township, where he is engaged in farming ; and John and Denny, resi- dents of Grand Rapids. Martin Koning received his education in the district schools of Paris and Gaines townships and was reared on the home farm, where he was well trained in all the details that assist to make a man a successful agriculturist. Accordingly, when his father died, he was able to take up the work where the elder man had laid it down, and for several years he farmed the land for his mother, from whom he also rented for two years. Finally, he pur- chased the farm, and since that time has carried on operations on his own account. He is a general farmer, raising all the standard crops, and also does a little dairying and stock-raising, although these are side lines. He uses the most modern approved methods and the latest machinery, and the success which he has attained would seem to indicate that his methods are correct. Mr. Koning is a Republican and has served Kent county in the capacity of deputy sheriff. While he has few interests beyond those of his farm and his home, he has assisted to support several public-spirited movements for civic better- ment. Mr. Koning was married, March 15, 1906, to Jennie, daughter of Hiram Morthous, of Kent county, and they have a son, John Nelson.
Mrs. Cynthia L. (Wells) Konkle .- Among the old and honored residents of Kent county, few have resided within the limits of this county for a longer period than has Mrs. Cynthia L. (Wells) Konkle,
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whose home is now at Caledonia. Coming to this part of the state in 1840, as a child of seven years, she has watched the growth and de- velopment of Kent during more than three-quarters of a century, and has shared in the progress and prosperity that has come to this region, while at the same time winning a place in the respect, affection and veneration of the people among whom she has lived so long. Mrs. Konkle was born March 31, 1833, in Madison county, New York, daughter of Robert and Laura (Richardson) Wells, natives of that county. Her father, a blacksmith by trade, brought his family to Plainfield, Kent county, in 1840, and during a long period of years was the proprietor of the village 'smithy and a man known for his physical prowess, his rugged honesty and his sterling citizenship. In the latter years of his life he was able to retire upon a competence fairly earned through a long life of honest labor. He was a Republi- can in politics and a sturdy member of the Baptist church. There were twelve children in the family: Wealthy, deceased; Cynthia L .; Mary, a resident of Grand Rapids; Robert De Los, deceased; Arvilla and Arvil, twins, the former deceased and the latter a resident of Cali- fornia ; Harriet, whose home was at Boston, Mass., died June 23, 1918; George, deceased, who was for twenty-one years a member of the police force of Grand Rapids ; Clark, deceased ; Sarah, of Belmont, Mich .; Emma J., who makes her home with her sister, Cynthia L., at Caledonia, and Ida Laura, of Belmont, Mich. Cynthia L. Wells was educated in the public schools of Plainfield, Mich., where she grew to healthy young womanhood, being reared in a family where honesty and industry were considered among the finest things of life. She was married Dec. 31, 1855, to Aaron Konkle, who was born Sept. 2, 1820, in Pennsylvania, son of Abraham and Catherine (Dreisbaugh) Konkle, natives of the Keystone state. Mr. Konkle's parents came to Kent county, Michigan, in 1839, and for some years Abraham Konkle was engaged in lumbering, but later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and during the final years of his life lived in retirement. There were eleven children in the Konkle family: Aaron, Robert, Hollis, Eliza, Franklin and Timothy, all of whom are deceased; Phineas, a resident of Hastings, Mich., and the only survivor, and Amos, Mary, Louisa, and Amanda, deceased. Aaron Konkle received a public school education in Pennsylvania, and as a youth learned the trade of stone-mason, which he followed until coming to Michigan at the age of nineteen years. Here he entered the lumber business with his father and gradually developed into a good businss man, being the builder of the handle factory at Caledonia, which he oper- ated for upwards of forty years. He was a man of industry, fore- sight and much business acumen, and built up and maintained a repu- tation for sterling rectitude of character and for honorable methods in his dealings with his fellow-men. When he reached advanced years he retired from active affairs, turning over his business to younger shoulders, and from that time lived quietly and in comfort at his home at Caledonia, where he passed away, July 21, 1906, being laid to rest in the Fulton Street cemetery, at. Grand Rapids. Mr. Konkle was a faithful member of the Lutheran church. A Democrat in politics, he was very active in the ranks of his party, and for four years served acceptably in the capacity of postmaster at Caledonia. As a citizen he took part in the enterprises fostered with the idea of
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adding to his community's prestige and to the welfare of its people, and in various ways proved himself a helpful and valuable member of society. Mr. and Mrs. Konkle were the parents of three children : Katherine makes her home with her mother, and Blanche and Hallie are deceased. Mrs. Konkle, although advanced in years, is still alert and active, taking a keen interest in the busy life going on about her, with faculties unimpaired. It has been granted to her to have seen far more of the development of this region than the ordinary indi- vidual, and her reminiscences of the early days of the country are both interesting and instructive. In the community in which she has lived so many years she has the love and affection of her many friends and the sincere regard of her numerous acquaintances.
Chauncey E. Koon, M. D .- Unlike many men who have made the medical profession the medium of their life work, Chauncey E. Koon, M. D., now a veteran physician of Grand Rapids, did not enter into the ranks of his calling in the enthusiasm of untried youth. On the contrary he was a man of mature years and experience, who had been tested in the battles of war and the conflicts of peace, ere he became aware of the talents that were to lead him to an honored place in the medical fraternity. To his vocation he brought sound prin- ciples and a mind fully matured, a knowledge of life's responsibilities and duties, and out of the knowledge he had gained he developed faculties and qualities that have since made him a thorough master of his profession. Dr. Koon was born in Steuben county, New York, Oct. 1, 1843, a son of Allason Elias and Marilla (Wells) Koon. His father was a blacksmith and farmer who came to Hillsdale county, Michigan, when the son was a lad and there his education was se- cured in the public schools. He was still working on the home farm when the Civil war came on, and with patriotic spirit joined Company B, Eleventh Michigan infantry, Aug. 24, 1861. With this organization he served three years and twenty days. Enlisting as a private, he was promoted to sergeant, later to orderly sergeant, and then commis- sioned second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and finally captain, receiv- ing his last-named commission from Governor Blair as the youngest commissioned captain in the Michigan troops. He fought bravely and faithfully in the ranks of the Union army, and when his military serv- ice was completed returned to Michigan, ready to take up the duties of peace with a better understanding of life and what it meant. For a few years he was employed as a traveling salesman, but in 1870 went to Lisbon, Mich., to accept a position in the drug store which was conducted by his brother, and it was while there that he decided to enter the medical profession. After some preparatory study, he en- tered the University of Michigan for one course of lectures, and then went to Northwestern University, where he completed a full course and was graduated with the class of 1873, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. During the following twenty-four years Dr. Koon practiced at Casnovia, Mich., where he built up a large practice, but in 1898 changed his scene of practice to Grand Rapids, where he was associated with his son, Dr. T. M. Koon, father and son continuing together until the latter's death, Oct. 10, 1915. Dr. Koon still remains in practice, one of the most honored physicians of Kent county, with a large and representative clientele. He has been a member of the Kent County Medical Society, the Michigan State
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Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and for eight years was a medical examiner in the pension department at White Cloud. For three years he was commander of Casnovia Post, Grand Army of the Republic, was one year medical director of that organi- zation, and still retains his membership therein, delighting in the camp-fires of his old comrades of the army days who are now so rapidly passing away. Politically, the Doctor is a Republican, and his fraternal connection is with the Masons. Dr. Koon was married to Miss Rebecca S. Clark, daughter of William Clark, of Bloomington, Ind., and they had two children: William A., now an attorney of Minneapolis ; and Dr. Thomas M., deceased.
John Korybalski .- Cosmopolitan in character, and possessing much that is metropolitan in appearance, Grand Rapids numbers among its most honored and most eminent citizens many of those who are descendants of Poland. In this class is found John Kory- balski, one of the younger generation of banking men of the city, who, starting his career as a messenger boy at a tender age, has so well improved his opportunities and accepted his chances that today he occupies the position of manager of Branch C of the City Trust & Savings Bank. Although he has reached an age when most men are merely getting settled in their stride, Mr. Korybalski has already had much experience in several fields of endeavor, in which he has shown his worth and gained a satisfying measure of success. He was born at Grand Rapids, June 24, 1887, son of Joseph and Pauline (Frankowski) Korybalski, natives of Poland who came to the United States in 1880 and located at Grand Rapids, where the father is now foreman at the plant of the City Ice & Coal Company, the mother having died June 1, 1903. She was a member of St. Adelbert's Catho- lic church, to which belongs also Mr. Korybalski, who is likewise a member of the Polish National Alliance of North America and the Polish National Benevolent Aid Society of Grand Rapids. John Korybalski was educated in the parochial schools of Grand Rapids, immediately after leaving which he showed his youthful industry and ambition by securing a position as a messenger boy for the Western Union Telegraph Company. His energy and fidelity won him pro- motion to the position of clerk with the same concern, with which he remained in all for about one and one-half years, his next con- nection being with the Hart Mirror Plate Glass Company, with which he continued two years. About this time he decided he needed some further training and accordingly spent one year in study at the Mc- Lachlan Business College. He was next with the Grand Rapids Brush Company for one year, and for three months worked in a real estate and insurance office, but resigned his position to take a clerical post in the city treasurer's office, where he was employed for four years. At that time Mr. Korybalski embarked in the real estate and insurance business on his own account, but July 11, 1915, was induced to accept the managership of the C branch of the City Trust & Sav- ings Bank, with which institution he has since been identified. Mr. Korybalski is a young man of energetic spirit and great industry, capable in the handling of business and financial affairs and with an excellent standing in the confidence of his associates and superiors, as well as of the public. His hard and energetic work has done much to extend the business of the institution with which he is connected.
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He is a Republican in his political adherence and belongs to St. Isa- dore's Catholic church. Mr. Korybalski was married June 15, 1910, to Anna, daughter of Anthony and Josephine (Jesion) Alexandrowicz, of Grand Rapids, and of this union have been born two children- Edward, deceased, and Edmund John.
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