USA > Michigan > Kent County > Grand Rapids > Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan: History and Account of Their Progress from First. Vol. II > Part 32
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Frank E. Leonard .- Among the business men of Grand Rapids to whom the community is indebted for its position in the commercial world is he whose name introduces this paragraph. Mr. Leonard was born in Grand Rapids, April 8, 1855, son of Heman Leonard, who is given extended mention on another page of this volume, and to which review citation is made in connection with the mercantile establish- ment with which Frank E. Leonard has been identified during all of his business career. Mr. Leonard received his education in the public schools of Grand Rapids, finishing in the high school. After leaving school he became identified with the mercantile establishment of his
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father and by dint of close application and personal initiative he has steadily advanced until he is now the president of the company, known as H. Leonard & Sons. On Oct. 15, 1882, Mr. Leonard was married to Miss Sarah E. Pierce, of Grand Rapids, and of this union were born the following children: Mrs. Evelyn Avery, of Grand Rapids, and Capt. Frank E. Leonard, Jr., now in the ordnance depart- ment of the United States army, at Washington, D. C. Mr. Leonard is vice-president of the Grand Rapids Refrigerator Company, a direc- tor of the Grand Rapids Savings Bank, and chairman of the board of trustees of the Fountain Street Baptist church. He is also a member of the Peninsular and of the Kent Country clubs.
Heman Leonard .- The business men who started operations at Grand Rapids during the '40s have all passed to their final rest. For the most part they were natives of the East who came here with high hopes of winning success in the development that was taking place, and while all did not succeed, the large majority of them deserved to for the courage and resource they displayed in establishing and foster- ing their various enterprises in what was practically a new commun- ity. One of the earliest to arrive, during the early '40s, was the late Heman Leonard, who has now been dead for more than thirty years, but who founded a business that is still one of the most prosperous in its line in the city. He was a native of Parma, N. Y., and as a youth had migrated to the West, first settling at Sturgis, Mich., in which community he worked on a farm and established a home of his own by being married. At the time of his arrival at Grand Rapids, in 1842, he became proprietor of the old Eagle Hotel, a well known hostelry during the early days, but two years later sold out to enter mercantile affairs, establishing a general store at No. 29 Monroe street, where the principal article consisted of crockery, in which a good business was gradually developed through Mr. Leonard's care- ful management and progressive methods, together with strict hon- esty and fair dealing. As his three sons-Frank E., Charles H. and Frederick-grew to manhood he admitted them to partnership, and thus came into being the business of H. Leonard & Sons. Mr. Leonard continued to be connected with the business and in its active management until his death, in 1884. He had become at that time well known in business circles, where his name stood for probity and integrity and where his word was considered equal in value to his bond. He was a citizen of the old type, a man who believed that his city should be given his support in needed movements, and in his private life, as in business, his record was beyond reproach. Two years after the elder Leonard's death, it was found that the business needed more room for its proper conduct, and within thirty days after such a decision had been made, the Leonard Block was enlarged and refitted for the increased business. It was a double store building, of four stories, and each floor was occupied with a stock of goods. This store, it may be noted in passing, as a commentary on the firm's progressive methods, was the first in the city to use electricity for lighting purposes. In the meantime, the firm had embarked in the manufacture of refrigerators and had built a factory on the site of the old gas company, at the corner of Ottawa street and the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad. Both lines of business increased to such an extent that the mercantile business was moved to the corner of
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East Fulton and Commerce streets, and a new factory on Clyde Park avenue was erected for the manufacture of refrigerators. The busi- ness, which became exclusively a wholesale house-furnishing goods establishment, is still carried on under the firm style of H. Leonard & Sons, by Charles H. and Frank E. Leonard, capable and substantial business men who are upholding their father's prestige as skillful operators and his reputation for integrity and probity in all the avenues of life.
Jeremiah Lewis .- In order to give adequate expression of the influence which a man exerts over his fellows, it is necessary to re- view his career in retrospect, after he has passed from daily inter- course with his contemporaries. Judged in such a manner the late Jeremiah Lewis shows up very advantageously, for he was a man of alert capability, who acted from the best motives and faithfully per- formed whatever duties were laid upon his shoulders. His business associations brought him to Grand Rapids, where for years he was connected with the lumber industry of the city and he assisted in the founding of one of the large companies operating in that commodity. While his death occurred more than thirty years ago, his personality is still of interest as one of the men who assisted in the establishment of Grand Rapids' business prestige. Mr. Lewis was born in Oxford county, Maine, April 6, 1823, son of Theodore and Susan Lewis, the former of whom died March 27, 1865. His education was secured in the public schools, and when still a youth he entered upon his business career by making shook, in which he was engaged until 1873. In that year he came to Grand Rapids and embarked in the lumber business with Constantine Morton, and while engaged in business with that gentleman his death occurred, May 25, 1888. Mr. Lewis' widow took over his interests at that time, and the company continued under the same management until 1895, when the style was changed to the Morton, Lewis & Willey Lumber Company, with headquarters at Bristol, Tenn. The business was operated until 1910, when it went out of existence. Mr. Lewis was a Republican, but was essentially a business man, with little desire for participation in politics or public matters. He is remembered by the older generation as a straight- forward, fair-minded man, capable and honorable in business, and faithful in his friendships. He was married, Jan. 3, 1847, to Lucy E., daughter of Thomas and Mary (Stearns) Watson, of Oxford county, Maine, where Mrs. Lewis was born, Feb. 21, 1826, and where she was educated. They became the parents of the following chil- dren: Ardelia, the wife of Constantine Morton, of Grand Rapids ; Everett P., who resides with his mother; Georgiana, deceased; Ella, wife of W. T. Neeley, of Dalton, Ga .; Drucilla, and Anna, who lives with her mother. Mrs. Lewis is one of Grand Rapids' remarkable old ladies. She is still in good health and spirits and has lived to see a large family of children and grandchildren, as well as great- grandchildren, grow up about her. Her daughter, Mrs. Ardelia Mor- ton, has six children : Nellie L., at home; Katherine, wife of R. M. Crumley, of Bristol, Tenn .; Sadie and Anna, at home; Charles, of Spokane, Wash., and Howard J., of Portland, Ore. Mrs. Ella Neeley is mother of four children: Perley ; Harvey, who is married and has four children; Anna, who is the wife of Frank Dowler, of Chatta- nooga, Tenn., and has two sons-William and Frank, Jr .; and Lewis, of Dalton, Ga., who is married and has a daughter.
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Frank E. Liverance, Jr., attorney and counselor-at-law, and a widely known solicitor for patents, was for six years an examiner in the United States Patent Office at Washington, D. C. Since 1912, when he became a resident of Grand Rapids, he has materially ex- tended his reputation as a thoroughly reliable solicitor of patents and trade marks, having established not only a good private practice in these lines, but, in view of his ability, has been appointed counsel of several interests whose industries depend largely for their develop- ment and permanence on the stability of the patents involved. Mr. Liverance is a native son of Michigan and was born on a farm in Ingham county, Feb. 13, 1883, his parents being Frank E. and May (Barber) Liverance. Frank E. Liverance, the elder, was born in New York State and was ten years of age when he migrated to the West, in 1868, in which year he located in Ingham county and took up his residence with his parents on a farm. Through industry and well directed carrying through of opportunities recognized and grasped, he has won his way to position and a comfortable compe- tence, and he and Mrs. Liverance, who is a native of Ingham county, are now living in comfortable retirement on their handsome country property. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are widely and favorably known in their locality for their many sterling traits of character. Mr. Liverance has taken more than a passing interest in civic affairs, has been a strong factor in the success of the Democratic party in his section, and has served acceptably as a member of the county board of supervisors. In his vocation of agriculturist he has always been progressive and keeps himself fully abreast of the times and the advancements being made by maintaining membership in the Grange and the Gleaners. There were three chil- dren in the family ; Frank E., Jr .; Wallace B., of Grand Rapids ; and Grace Fern, who is the wife of Irwin G. Woodin, of Chicago. Frank E. Liverance, Jr., attended the district schools in the vicinity of his father's farm in Ingham county and passed his boyhood in helping his father and brother with the work connected with the development of the home property. His education was furthered by attendance at the Williamston high school and the Michigan Agricultural college, in which he was graduated in the engineering course with the class of 1906, and his legal studies were prosecuted at the National College of Law, Washington, D. C. While attending that institution and while in the Patent Office, he also studied law under the direction of Frank W. Holt, who now is a primary examiner in the United States Patent Office, and where he secured knowledge, experience and training that have been of the utmost value to him in his chosen line of practice. Mr. Liverance was admitted to the bar in 1910, and two years later came to Grand Rapids, where he engaged in the practice of patent law alone. In June, 1914, he formed a professional partnership with L. V. Moulton, and they now maintain offices in the Houseman build- ing. Mr. Liverance practices in the state courts and in the United States District court. His is a professional field which requires thor- ough mastery of countless details, mechanical ability of no small order, and intense and continuous application to the entrusted matters, and these qualities he possesses in so positive a degree that his note- worthy success is assured. He belongs to the various organizations of his profession and is represented in fraternal and club life. In
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political matters he is an independent Democrat, and since coming to Grand Rapids has devoted his energies and capabilities to the estab- lishment of his professional business, and to the complete exclusion of public or political considerations. Mr. Liverance was married, June 16, 1909, to Iris, daughter of James B. and Sarah (Hall) Ennis, of Laurel, Md. They have two children: Mary and Robert E.
Frederick W. Loettgert .- During the many years that the late Frederick W. Loettgert was engaged in business activities at Grand Rapids he established a splendid record for commercial integrity and public-spirited citizenship. He was connected with a number of enter- prises which legitimately promoted the best interests of the city, and in several positions of public importance demonstrated the value of the business man in the advancement of municipal affairs when he pos- sesses an earnest desire for the betterment of his community. It may be said that Mr. Loettgert combined the two characters of citizen and business man into a happy unison that did much for the Furniture City, and his career is one well worthy of emulation by the present and coming generations. Born in Altena, Prussia, Germany, April 10, 1840, Mr. Loettgert received a public school education and was seventeen years of age when he came to the United States. He early displayed the qualities of determination and progressiveness, and these, combined with inherent business ability of a high order, made him successful in his first venture, the conducting of a mercantile establishment at Detroit. From that city he soon changed his scene of activities to Grand Rapids, where he at once entered into the life of the growing municipality with a vim, aggressiveness and sureness of purpose that was bound to be productive of good results, and his merchandise store on Monroe street soon attracted a large and repre- sentative trade. Mr. Loettgert's energetic nature made it necessary that he find more than one line of endeavor for the outlet of his spirit and ability, and he soon found time to enter the field of in- surance. In this, as in his mercantile venture, his honorable methods and straightforward dealing with his clients and customers won him confidence and an ever-increasing amount of prosperity, and his fellow business men learned to rely implicitly upon his word, while many sought of him counsel, advice and leadership in ventures of import- ance. Later he increased the scope of his activities to include the handling of passages on trans-Atlantic steamships, and found this field a prolific one for a man of his standing and acquaintance. In the midst of his many business activities Mr. Loettgert found time to give a part of his attention to matters affecting the public and the management of civic affairs. He was one of the organizers of the Charity Commission of Grand Rapids, and to the end of his life was one of its most generous supporters, giving freely of his time, abilities and means in forwarding its movements and institutions. His sound judgment, large capacity, and established reputation for honesty led to his being made a member of the board of police and fire commis- sioners, of which he was president at one time, and his public service was noted for its conscientiousness, thoroughness and capable hand- ling of matters which called, not only for courage and thorough- ness, but for the display of some diplomacy and tact. Mr. Loettgert was a Republican, but was a politician only in so far as it benefitted his city and his country. His only fraternal connection was with the
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Masonic order, of which he was a member for many years. His death, which occurred Nov. 22, 1900, lost to the city a sterling, sound and reliable citizen, whose record still stands inviolate and unblemished.
Frank B. Long .- The business interests of Sand Lake are heavy and varied, offering opportunities for development and advancement, as the village is the natural center of a rich farming community that looks to this point as a source of supplies, as well as a market for farm products. It is, therefore, perfectly logical that those who engage in business here should have the opportunity of succeeding ; but here, as elsewhere, ability is necessary for success, and industry, perseverance and integrity are necessary concomitants for a full measure of prosperity. Among the merchants who have attained to positions of independence and position in recent years, one who has a straightforward record for honest and upright dealing and for success won with honor and without animosity, is Frank B. Long, who has been proprietor of a general store here for twelve years and has also taken an active part in public affairs, being the present asses- sor of the village. Mr. Long was born in Van Buren county, Michi- gan, Dec. 10, 1871, and was reared in a farming atmosphere, his father having been one of the leading farmers of Van Buren county for many years, although a native of Vermont, where his boyhood and youth were passed. He is now a resident of Montcalm county, Michigan, where he continues to be engaged in the vocation of farm- ing. While growing up on the home farm, Frank B. Long occupied his time and energies much the same as other farmers' sons of Van Buren county at that date, attending the district schools for several months each winter term and during the rest of the year giving a goodly share of his attention to farm work. His early experience with agricultural matters did not serve to make him take kindly to this kind of a life, and when he had completed his public school training he obtained permission to attend a business college at Big Rapids, where he took a course in bookkeeping and graduated in 1892. During the following seven years he was variously employed in mercantile establishments, while he learned business methods and accumulated sufficient capital, but in 1904 his ambition was attained when he became the proprietor of a house of his own. This, at Sand Lake, was then but a modest venture by a young man of small capital, but it has since grown and developed by leaps and bounds and is now one of the most successful and most largely-patronized in this part of the county, carrying a full line of up-to-date stock for supply- ing the needs of the residents of the surrounding country. Mr. Long bears an excellent reputation in business circles, both among his customers and business associates. Likewise as a citizen he has done his share in contributing to the welfare of Sand Lake and the com- munity and is now serving in the capacity of assessor of the village. He has the unique distinction of having served as county treasurer of two counties in Michigan, and in all his official capacities he has had an unblemished reputation. Politically he supports Republicans, the party and the party's policies. Mr. Long married Ethel, daughter of A. S. McNaughton, Montcalm county, and of this union have been born three children: Angus A., born Jan. 26, 1907, and now attend- ing the public schools; Marion E., Nov. 2, 1911; and Frank B., Jr., Oct. 23, 1913.
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Dexter G. Look .- For more than a quarter of a century Dexter G. Look has been one of the foremost citizens of Lowell. Foremost in its business life, its financial concerns, its public enterprises, and in the distinction he has won and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow-citizens. Such varied achievement is a proud distinction, the fruition of a symmetrical manhood. It is possible only to the favored few upon whom have been bestowed the fundamental ele- ments of energy, constructive ability and business intuition. All these essential qualities Mr. Look possesses, united with an unbend- ing integrity of character that has commanded the trust and confi- dence of the public and made him an important factor in the develop- ment of this live and thriving community. Mr. Look was born in Lapeer county, Michigan, March 3, 1863, son of John and Adeline (Corwin) Look, natives of New York State. His father was born Sept. 6, 1801, and was only a lad when the War of 1812 broke out, but nevertheless he was a participant in that struggle, serving for twenty-six days as a teamster when he was only thirteen years of age. In 1834 he came to Lapeer county, Michigan, where he married Ade- line Corwin, who had come to this state in 1830. They resided on a farm in Lapeer county and Mr. Look engaged in agricultural pur- suits until his retirement, Sept. 15, 1877, at which time he changed his place of residence to Lowell, and here died, July 17, 1892, Mrs. Look surviving him some years. By his first wife, a Miss Hopkins, Mr. Look was father of four children: Orson H., Mrs. Alice Gardner and Mrs. Helen Eaton, all deceased, and John Quincy, of Grand Rapids. The only child of his father's second marriage, Dexter G. Look received his early education in the district school at Farmer's Creek, Lapeer county, and was fourteen years of age when he ac- companied his parents to Lowell, where he completed his studies at Lowell high school, being graduated with the class of 1880. At that time he became a clerk in the drug store of his half-brother, John Quincy Look, in whose employ he remained for six years, at the end of which period he purchased a one-half interest in the drug business conducted by Joseph Yeiter, whose partner he was for six years. He then purchased his partner's interest, and since that time, a quarter of a century, has conducted the business alone, by good management making it one of the leading commercial enterprises of the village. In any growing locality, whether it is developing from wilderness to settlement or from city to metropolis, the changing conditions offer splendid returns to foresight and business sagacity. The man who can foresee the strategic commercial situation may claim a conquest just as surely as may he who cunningly secures advantage in martial strife. It was through his ability to see where trade would develop that enabled Mr. Look to enter upon his suc- cessful career, and it has been through his ability to satisfy the needs of this trade that he has built his business up to its present enviable proportions. While the greater part of his attention has, naturally, been devoted to this business, the first in which he was engaged, he has been active in various other commercial and financial enter- prises, and at this time is vice-president of the City State Bank of Lowell and treasurer of the Lowell Specialty. In business circles his name is synonymous with integrity and upright dealing, and his associates have every reason to place confidence in his judgment and
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his probity. Mr. Look was married at Lowell to Evelyn, daughter of William B. and Elizabeth Rickert, natives of Paris, Canada, who came to Keene township, Ionia county, Michigan, shortly after mar- riage and were there engaged in farming for several years. Later they moved to Lowell, where Mr. Rickert established himself in a confectionery business, and is still active, although eighty-two years of age. Mrs. Rickert is now deceased. There were two children in the family: John H., a dental practitioner in Leicester, England ; and Mrs. Look. Mr. and Mrs. Look are the parents of one child, Helen G., wife of Mr. Burger, cashier of the Commercial Savings Bank at Constantine, Mich. Not less than in business life, Mr. Look is prominent in public affairs, and for many years has served his fellow citizens in positions of responsibility and trust, in which he has rendered a splendid account of his abilities and his fidelity. He was for two terms township treasurer, was a member of the village council for sixteen years, during six years of which time he was president of that body, was president of the board of education for five years and a member of the school board of Lowell for about twelve years, and for five years has been county road commissioner. His political belief makes him a Republican. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Blue Lodge and Chapter of Masonry at Lowell, the Consistory at Grand Rapids, and the Shrine at that city, and also belongs to Lowell Camp No. 81, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Scott P. Lowe .- From the viewpoint of the twentieth century, it may be difficult to fill out a picture of comfortable living in Kent county in the primitive days when no railroads reached this section, bringing news, commodities and visitors from the outside world; when even the absolute necessities of life were scarce and hard to secure; and when dangers were many and hardships numerous; but it must be remembered that life is more complex now, and that hori- zons are wider, demands greater and expectations higher. Undoubt- edly, those whose lot it was to carve out the pioneer path here and elsewhere ultimately found happiness and contentment despite the dangers and privations. Among the hardy early settlers of Kent county was Abraham Lowe, who founded his family here in 1852, since which time it has been identified with the agricultural interests of this community, its present representative being Scott P. Lowe, who owns much of the original homestead. Scott P. Lowe was born in Bowne township, Kent county, July 27, 1868, son of Hiram and Eliza (Porritt) Lowe, the former born in Somerset township, Niagara county, New York, and the latter at Detroit, Mich. When Hiram Lowe was six years of age his father, Abraham Lowe, gathered together his family possessions and what capital he could realize, and, with his family, started on the long journey to Michigan. The trip was made by canal to Detroit, from whence the little party made their way overland with ox-teams to Galesburg, in which community they remained four years. While living there, Mr. Lowe heard of a pioneer settler whose sons had gotten into trouble with the Indians and who wished to leave the locality before something serious oc- curred, and Abraham Lowe grasped at the opportunity to secure 200 acres of wild land in Bowne township at a reasonable figure. Thus, in 1852, the Lowe family was established in a country that still teemed with deer and other wild game, and where were still
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