USA > Michigan > Kent County > Grand Rapids > Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan: History and Account of Their Progress from First. Vol. II > Part 35
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Hon. Fred Augustus Maynard .- The long and uniformly success- ful career of Hon. Fred Augustus Maynard as a member of the Michi- gan bar began at Grand Rapids, in 1876. Since that time he has been the recipient of many honors at the hands of his fellow citizens, having been elected to exalted positions within the gift of the people and hav- ing served with marked distinction in appointive offices. For more than forty years he has been in active practice, and still keeps an open office, gives consultations, writes opinions, and tries cases and argues causes with unabated vigor of mind, and with the authority which long experience, solid learning, and matured judgment bring. Mr. May- nard was born at Ann Arbor, Mich., Jan. 20, 1852, a son of John Wes- ley and Mary (Wilcoxon) Maynard. His early education was secured in the public schools of Ann Arbor, following which he entered the University of Michigan, being graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1874, and two years later with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, without examination. Later, he was given the degree of Master of Arts by that institution. Coming to Grand Rapids in 1875, from 1877 to 1879 he was assistant prosecuting attorney of Kent county, his law partner, Capt. Stephen H. Ballard, being prosecuting attorney at the time. Mr. Maynard succeeded Captain Ballard, in 1881, and served until 1883. In 1885 he was a candidate for the position of Judge of the Superior Court of Grand Rapids, and was defeated by fifty-two votes. In 1886 he declined the nomination for State Senator, and in 1888 he became Michigan's candidate for the office of governor of Alaska, having the unanimous support of the Michigan delegation. President Harrison decided to appoint him, but upon learning from Senators McMillan and Stockbridge that Mr. Maynard was only
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thirty-six years of age he reversed his decision. In 1890 Mr. Maynard accepted the nomination of representative in the State legislature and under the cumulative voting law which had just been passed, he was elected; but the law was held to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and as a result he was not permitted to take his seat. In 1894 he was elected to the position of attorney-general of the State of Michigan and served in that office with distinguished ability for a period of four years. In 1899 he was a candidate before the Republican State convention for the position of Supreme Court Justice, but was de- feated on the sixth ballot by the then Chief Justice Grant. In June, 1901, Mr. Maynard was appointed special assistant to the Attorney- General of the United States, to whom he gave great aid in securing convictions against the offenders in the famous Government Land Fraud cases. While thus connected, Governor Osborn appointed him one of the circuit judges for the county of Kent, but Mr. Maynard declined the appointment, feeling that he had not completed his work for the National government. On Jan. 1, 1914, however, he resigned his position and returned to private practice. Mr. Maynard is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association, and of the American Bar Association. He also holds membership in the Association of Commerce, the Peninsular and Highlands Golf clubs, and the Sons of the American Revolution, three of his great-grandfathers having fought as soldiers of the patriot army in the winning of American independence. He has always been a stalwart Republican, and his religious connection is with the Episcopal church. Mr. Maynard's professional life has been passed upon the highest plane of a lawyer's work. Early taking prominent rank, he soon attracted to himself a clientage of the most valuable kind which falls to the lot of a lawyer. The largest interests have been entrusted to his care and guidance, and his success in their management has been evinced by the command of a volume of business which has been bounded only by the limits of his own time and inclination. Mr. Maynard was married, Oct. 24, 1878, to Charlotte Augusta, daughter of James M. and Aba Gray (Bridge) Nelson, of Grand Rapids, and of this union there have been born two children: Helen, who is the wife of Lieut. Gordon Ireland, an attorney, of New York City, and has two children-Fred- erick and Elizabeth ; and James Nelson, who is successfully engaged in business in New York City.
Michael McAndrews, who for many years has been identified with the agricultural industry in Kent county, is a well known, enter- prising and progressive farmer, who, starting out in life at the age of fourteen years, has since been entirely dependent upon his own resources, gaining all that he now possesses through his own energy and business ability. At this time he is owner of 156 acres of good farming land in Vergennes township, his residence being on the Low- ell rural route No. 5, and in his community he is recognized as a worth-while and dependable citizen and a friend of the institutions of education and progress. Mr. McAndrews was born in Grandville, Ontario, Canada, son of Martin and Mary (Morn) McAndrews. His parents, natives of Ireland, were reared, educated and married there, and in middle age emigrated to Canada, where they settled on a farm. The remaining years of their lives were passed in the pursuits
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of the soil and they were known as honest, industrious people, who brought from across the waters the best traits of the race from which they sprang. Both are now deceased. Their children were eight in number: Michael, John, Ed, Thomas, William, Elizabeth, Ellen and Anna. Michael McAndrews was given only limited educational advantages in the locality of his birth and much of his boyhood was filled with hard work, which bred in him a respect for the value of honest labor and gave him self-reliance to aid him in his later battles with life. When he was but fourteen years of age he left the parental roof and came to Michigan, where he began to make his own way in various employments at East Saginaw and Pentwater. Two years later he went to Harrison, in which vicinity he secured a position on the farm of D. A. Blodgett, and there continued for a period of nine years. At that time Mr. McAndrews acquired a desire to see the West and accordingly went to Butte City, Mont., but after eleven months spent working in the mines he returned to Michigan, and, locating near Lowell, in Kent county, rented his present farm. The next ten years were ones of constant struggle, but his perseverance and determination finally won over all obstacles and he was able to purchase his farm, which now includes 156 acres of some of the best land to be found in Vergennes township. Almost without exception, he has devoted his energies to general farming and his labors have been met with well-merited success. Modern methods find in him a stalwart adherent and his buildings, equipment and appurtenances evidence, in their modernity, his progressive ideas and spirit. In his dealings with his fellow-men in the way of business he has been straightforward and fair, and this fact has given him a sound repu- tation for integrity. He has willingly and efficiently discharged the duties of citizenship and for some years was a member of the township board of school directors. Mr. McAndrews is a Catholic in his relig- ious faith and is fraternally affiliated with the Knights of Columbus. He was married, Sept. 12, 1893, to Mary, daughter of John Delany, of Kent county. They have no children.
Right Reverend John Newton McCormick .- It is generally accepted as an undoubted and self-evident truth that no man of acknowl- edged ability or genius can be adequately judged while in the midst of life's activities, chiefly because time is necessary to ripen the estimate upon work which can only be viewed on all sides in the calm atmo- sphere of a more or less remote period from its completion. This is in no way inappropriate to the life of Rt. Rev. John Newton McCor- mick, Protestant Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Western Michigan, who has long occupied a conspicuous place in the religious history of the State, to which he first came, in 1898, as rector of Saint Mark's church at Grand Rapids. No man in the community has had warmer friends or is more generally esteemed. He is a man of refinement and culture, greatly traveled, of fine executive ability, and one who has made a splendid success of his life work. Bishop McCormick was born, Feb. 1, 1863, at Richmond, Va., a son of John and Virginia (Newton) McCormick. He received his early education at Stuart Hall, Baltimore, Md., and then entered Randolph-Macon College, where he pursued a literary and theological course and graduated, in 1883, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1884 he was ordained
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to the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and from 1886 to 1888 took post-graduate work at Johns Hopkins University, at Baltimore. In 1903 the University of the South conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Bishop McCormick's first work in the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church was as pastor at Frederick, Md., where he had a charge from 1884 until the latter part of 1885. Next, he went to Arlington, Md., where he remained from 1885 to 1887, and in 1888 and 1889 he was pastor of Trinity Church, Baltimore, Md. Next, from 1890 to 1891, he had a pastorate at Winchester, Va., and in 1893 was ordained a deacon and in 1894 a priest of the Protestant Episcopal church. During the years 1893, 1894 and part of 1895, he was rector of Saint Paul's church, at Suf- folk, Va., and from 1895 to 1898 of Saint Luke's, Atlanta, Ga. The latter year saw Bishop McCormick's arrival at Grand Rapids, whence he came to take charge as rector of Saint Mark's church, with which he continued until 1906. On Feb. 14 of the latter year he was con- secrated bishop coadjutor, Diocese of Western Michigan, and March 19, 1909, became bishop of the diocese on the death of Bishop Gilles- pie. There has been great power in Bishop McCormick's life; great strength in his character. If its secret is sought, the source of his strength, it may be found in his exceptional unselfishness and in the vivid consciousness that he is the servant of Him who came not to be ministered unto but to minister. A man of scholarly attain- ments, he possesses marked literary ability and a forceful and vivid style, among the best known of his works being "Distinctive Marks of the Episcopal Church" (1902, "The Litany and the Life" (1904), "Pain and Sympathy" (1907), and "Good News from a Far Coun- try" (1910). His social qualities make him a welcome guest in every circle, he being a popular and valued member of the University club, Chicago, and the Kent Country and Peninsular clubs, Grand Rapids, and his tact and dignity make him approachable to those whose outlook on life differs entirely from his own, Bishop McCormick always being able to find some bit of common ground on which they can stand as human beings. Among his warm and admiring friends are men in every station of life, and that those high in public and social life have treasured his friendship is to their credit and not of his seeking. Bishop McCormick was united in marriage, Oct. 9, 1889, with Miss Bessie Chapman Tucker, of Baltimore, Md.
Gilbert Mccutcheon .- Sand Lake, in the extreme northern part of Kent county, is the home of many flourishing business houses which furnish the large contiguous territory with the necessities and comforts of life, and one of these is the coal and lumber business conducted by Gilbert Mccutcheon. Mr. Mccutcheon has been a resident of this locality for a half a century and has become well known to its citizens as a substantial citizen, while his business, in which he engaged in 1905, has become recognized as a necessary com- mercial adjunct. Gilbert Mccutcheon was born in Chemung county, New York, May 16, 1864, and was five years of age when brought to Michigan by his parents. His father was an agriculturist of Kent county and the youth grew up amid farm surroundings, his education being secured in the district schools. When he entered upon his independent career he followed various pursuits for a time
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until turning his attention to the coal and lumber business, and in 1905 founded his present establishment, having since built up a trade that extends far into the surrounding territory. Mr. Mccutcheon has never aspired to any office, being primarily and entirely a business man, but is accounted a good citizen, who has the interests of his community at heart and is ready to support progressive and beneficial movements. He is a member of Howard City Lodge of Masons, in which he has numerous friends. His political belief makes him a Republican.
Richard T. McGee .- Prominent among the energetic, far-seeing and successful agriculturists who have had their homes in Kent county was the late Richard T. McGee, whose entire life was passed in Vergennes township. Integrity, activity and energy were the crowning points of his success, and his connection with agricultural affairs was of decided advantage to his community, promoting its material welfare in no uncertain manner. While he did not rise to marked position in public or political life, his industrious career as a tiller of the soil makes his name well worthy of mention among the representative men of his county. Richard T. McGee was born in Vergennes township, April 9, 1863, a member of an old and respected family of this region and a son of Bernard and Elizabeth (Connerty) McGee, of Ireland, who came to the United States and lived at Kala- mazoo, and later in Kent county, where they followed farming in Vergennes township. Of their seven children only two are living- Rose Bergen and George. Richard T. McGee received his education in the district schools and was brought up on the home farm, where he worked while not engaged at his studies and learned thoroughly the vocation of agriculturist in all its particulars. He entered upon his independent career well equipped to compete with others as a farmer, and that his labors were rewarded with success is shown in the fact that he accumulated 350 acres and was still in the prime of life when his labors ended. While general farming occupied the greater part of his attention he was also skilled as a stock-raiser, making a specialty of Percheron horses, for which he was always able to find a ready market and command an excellent price. His business affairs were handled with sagacity and judgment and were carried on in such an honorable and straightforward way that Mr. McGee's name became synonymous with honesty and integrity. Reared in the faith of the Catholic church, he lived his religion, and his support was given to institutions for the advancement of church, school and citi- zenship. He supported the Democratic party stalwartly, without expectation or wish of favor at the hands of that organization, but merely because he felt its principles were right. When he died, April 9, 1916, his community lost a man who had been a strong and reliable part of its daily life and who in passing left behind him an honorable record of accomplishment. The marriage of Mr. McGee occurred May 12, 1891, when he was united with Anna, daughter of Patrick and Bridget (North) Murphy, of Ireland, County Wexford, who came to the United States in 1866, and settled in Vergennes township. Twelve children were born to Patrick Murphy and wife, and those living are Mary, John, Thomas, Catherine, Anna, Farinus and Essie. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. McGee was born a daughter, Lillian.
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Mrs. McGee, who survives her husband and resides on the farm, is one of the well known and highly esteemed ladies of her community, where she has many warm and appreciative friends.
Rev. Oswald T. McGinn .- It is impossible to estimate the lasting good or powerful influence toward moral uplift and a true Christian mode of living as illustrated in the life and labors of Rev. Oswald T. McGinn, priest of the Holy Name Catholic church, who for eleven years has given his church and people the benefit of his eloquence, profound knowledge of human nature, and his understanding study. A man of gentle disposition, he nevertheless has prosecuted vigorously his campaign against sin of all kinds, and never has hesitated to warn in words of power anyone whom he has felt has needed admonition, no matter what his station in life. While still a young man, only approaching his prime, he has already accomplished much, and his recent addition to the citizenship of Grand Rapids will undoubtedly be of lasting value to the city. Father McGinn was born at Cheboygan, Mich., Dec. 25, 1878, a son of Thomas P. and Emily (O'Reilly) McGinn. His parents were both born in this country, though of Irish descent, and for a number of years Thomas P. McGinn was a police judge at Cheboygan, where his death occurred. Mrs. McGinn, who survives her husband, is now making her home with her son at Grand Rapids. As a lad, Oswald T. McGinn attended the parochial schools of Cheboygan, and acceding to his parents' wishes as well as following his own inclinations early determined upon entering the priesthood of the Catholic church. He secured further training at St. Gregory's Preparatory Seminary, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1902 enrolled as a student at the Grand Seminary, Montreal, Canada, where he followed and completed the duly prescribed course. He was ordained, May 21, 1907, by Bishop Richter, and his first charge was at Grand Rapids, where for three and one-half years he served in the capacity of assistant. Next he was sent to Onaway, Mich., as pastor of St. Paul's church, remaining there for six years and, Feb. 15, 1917, became pastor of Holy Name church, returning to Grand Rapids, where he has since continued his energetic and successful labors. This parish was established in August, 1908, when it was taken from St. Andrew's parish. During the nine years of its exist- ence it has grown and developed rapidly, and now includes about 140 families, while there are 130 pupils in the parochial school, these being taught by six Sisters of Mercy from Mount Mercy, Mich. It is an English-speaking congregation for the greater part and in- cludes some of the most representative families of the city. Eloquent to a marked degree, Father McGinn has been able to bring home to his hearers the mighty truths he preaches in a powerful manner. He is the true type of the Catholic priest, one who wins not only the friendship, but the entire confidence, respect and admiration of those who have the privilege of belonging to his congregation. He is a great student and is able to bring home the lessons in a way that touches those who listen to his glowing words. His life work has not ended with his talks to his people, however, for he has lived in his daily duties the Christianity he professes, and by example as well as by spoken word teaches the beauty of Christlike living. Father McGinn is the second in a family of five children, the others
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REV. OSWALD T. McGINN
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being as follows: Arthur C., who is a resident of Cheboygan, Mich .; Rupert A., who is the present state tax commissioner and resides at Detroit, Mich .; Kyran E., who intends to enter the priesthood of the Catholic church and with that end in view is attending the Grand Theological Seminary, at Montreal, Canada, and Benedict H., graduate of Grand Rapids High School, in which he was director of its orchestra, and he was also director of the Holy Name band. He resides with his brother, Father McGinn.
William F. McKnight .- Among the members of the Grand Rapids bar was found the late William F. McKnight, an able, up- right, honored and successful lawyer, who through ability, culture and experience, long held a front place in the ranks of his profession, and was recognized as a man of more than local reputation. He was a member of one of Kent county's old families and was noted for many personal excellencies which, throughout a wide acquaintance, made him known as an embodiment of the term "gentleman" in its highest significance. Mr. McKnight was born on a farm in Cascade township, Kent county, Michigan, July 23, 1863, son of Thomas and Mary (Fitzpatrick) McKnight. His paternal grandfather, James McKnight, was born in Ireland, and about the year 1833 came to the United States, locating first in Kentucky, where he was foreman on the plantation of Henry Clay. About the year 1845 he removed with his family to Michigan, settling on a farm in Cascade township, and there rounded out a long and honorable career in agricultural pur- suits. Mrs. McKnight, who bore the maiden name of Mary Quinn, was a woman of many fine attainments and a graduate of the medical department of the University of Dublin, Ireland. She also passed away on the old homestead in Kent county. Thomas McKnight was born in Ireland and educated in the city of Dublin, still being a youth when he accompanied his parents to America. After coming to Kent county, Michigan, he adopted the vocation of farming, which he fol- lowed with success throughout the period of his active career. He retired about 1905 and from that time forward lived quietly until his death, in November, 1914. Mr. McKnight was married at Kala- mazoo, Mich., to Mary Fitzpatrick, who died in 1876, and they became the parents of seven children: John J., who still lives on the old homestead in Cascade township; Thomas J., of Berlin, Mich .; William F .; Lawrence Frank, who died in 1912; Dr. Edward E., a practicing physician at Alpena, Mich .; Mary, deceased, and Charles A., a resident of Los Angeles, Cal. William F. McKnight attended the common schools of Cascade township until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he began teaching in the country schools. After being thus engaged for two terms he entered the Valparaiso (Ind.) Normal School, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1884, and for two terms thereafter was superintendent of schools at Kankakee, Ill. He then entered the law department of the Uni- versity of Michigan and received his Bachelor of Laws degree with the class of 1887, and in the following year was admitted to the bar, at Grand Rapids. Until 1890 he was a law partner of G. Chase God- win and Allen C. Adsit, but in that year he was elected prosecuting attorney of Kent county, Mr. Adsit was elected to the bench and Mr. Godwin died, and thus the firm was dissolved. Next he was with T. F. McGarry until 1895, when he became associated with James T. II-17
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McAllister, under the firm name of Mcknight & McAllister, his brother, L. F. McKnight, being a member of the firm. The associa tion continued until 1910, after which time Mr. McKnight practice alone until his death, which occurred May 19, 1918. He engaged i general practice, with offices in the Michigan Trust building, and th largest interests entrusted him with their litigation. In its handlin; he was called into all the courts. Mr. McKnight belonged to th Michigan State Bar Association and the American Bar Association and his reputation among his fellow-practitioners and members in these bodies was that of a lawyer who always observed and lived up to the highest ethics of the calling. He belonged to the Associa- tion of Commerce and was well known in club life, having long been identified with the Peninsular and O-wash-ta-nong clubs and the High- lands Country club. Mr. McKnight was connected also with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, as a life member of Grand Rapids lodge, and with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Knights of Columbus, while his re- ligious affiliation was with St. Andrew's Catholic church. For seven years he was a member of Company B, Grand Rapids battery, of the Michigan National Guard. A stanch Democrat, and known for many years as one of the strong men in his party, Mr. McKnight's acquain- tance was extensive among public men, one of his personal friends being William J. Bryan. At the time of Mr. Bryan's last candidacy for the presidency, Mr. McKnight, with Senators White of Cali- fornia and Blackburn of Kentucky, was appointed on a committee to wait upon the Nebraska statesman and arrange the time and place for the announcement of his nomination. Mr. McKnight was married, Aug. 20, 1907, to Anna, daughter of John Caulfield, of Grand Rapids.
Frank J. McMahon .- One of the most important of the depart- ments connected with the public service is that which has to do with the lighting and power of the country. In all the larger villages and cities industry is practically dependent upon its lighting and power facilities, and the position of superintendent of such a plant is there- fore a decidedly responsible one. The thriving community of Lowell is fortunate in having at the head of its power and lighting system such an able manager as Frank J. McMahon, who has occupied this position for eighteen years, during which time, in spite of unavoid- able reverses, the plant has been self-supporting and has never cost the taxpayers one cent. The Lowell Municipal Light & Power plant was organized in 1896 as a village corporation, and its dam, eight miles north of the village, also furnishes power for the village of Belding. On two occasions the dam has burst, causing great dam- age and necessitating the expenditure of much money, but on each occasion service has been resumed with only a slight delay, and the money in the treasury has been sufficient to cover the loss without the necessity of calling upon the taxpayers for aid. New machinery had been installed in a new fire-proof building when, Dec. 31, 1916, this building was destroyed by water undermining the foundations, and it has since been replaced by another new building with modern machinery and appliances in every detail. This work cost in the neighborhood of $60,000, but the plant is financially sound, and the plant has furnished the city with free lighting since the time of its
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