USA > Michigan > Kent County > Grand Rapids > Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan: History and Account of Their Progress from First. Vol. II > Part 4
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BIOGRAPHICAL
Rev. Philipous Abo Assaley .- Through the earnest and unselfish labors of its pastor, St. George's First Syrian Orthodox Church of Grand Rapids has been placed upon a self-supporting basis, and since its organization, in 1908, when it was an uncertain venture, has grown into a religious body that today wields a great influence for good. Rev. Philipous Abo Assaley, its pastor, was born at Rashaya-Ellwady, State of Damascus, Syria, in 1870, son of Georgious and Rose (Mal- lick) Assaley, natives of the same place, where the family had lived for generations. He was educated in private schools, and in his na- tive land taught in parochial schools for seven years, then spending one year as an educator in the town of Balaabeck and nine years in Russian schools. In 1906 he came to the United States and settled at Grand Rapids, where a number of his countrymen lived. While en- gaged in the work of gathering together a congregation, he worked in the Sligh Furniture Company's factory, but in 1908 resigned his position and went to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he was ordained into the ministry. In that same year he returned to Grand Rapids and or- ganized St. George's First Syrian Orthodox church, and started the erection of the church edifice, at No. 219 Williams street, the building being completed at a cost of $5,000. Each year the parish has grown, until today it includes fifty families. In Reverend Assaley is found a wholesome and human philosopher and a most courageous ethical teacher. The fragrance of his faith, the encouragement to be found in his business success, the strength and dynamic power of his utter- ances from the pulpit, and his maintenance of the truth in which he believes and for which he has ever been ready to make war when at- tacked, unite in the making of a career of more than average purpose and usefulness. Reverend Assaley was married Feb. 1, 1903, to Yamna Zekaib, daughter of Ferris Zekaib, born in the same place as her husband. They have had the following children: Olga and George (1), who were born in Syria and died there; George (2), also born in Syria; Alexander, the first child born in the United States; Ben, who is deceased; Toofic and Shafic.
Norton Louis Avery .- In no department of human activity have there been greater strides in the past few years than in photography. The man who succeeded a decade ago would find himself hopelessly in arrears should he, with no additional equipment, attempt to cope with the conditions of the present. Photographic portraiture is an art which admits of infinite conception, and requires varied knowledge and great capacity for painstaking in its development. The men who maintain its highest artistic methods necessarily have a knowledge of human nature and are artistic and scholarly in their inclinations. To this class belongs Norton Louis Avery, to whom Lowell has looked for the best possible results in his calling, and who has a patronage by no means limited to the immediate field of his activity. Mr. Avery was born at Lowell, March 22, 1894, a son of Sherman B. and Inez (Barber) Avery, and a member of a family which has been well known and highly respected in Lowell township for three genera- tions. His parents still reside at Lowell, where Sherman B. Avery is the oldest employe of the Lowell Cutter Company. Mr. Avery has one brother, Harvey G., who is an employe of his studio and a gradu- ate of the Lowell high school. Norton L. Avery received his educa- tion in the Lowell public schools. He inherited a love for the beau-
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
tiful and an artistic temperament from his mother, who is a natural artist in oils and whose work has been commented upon favorably by critics, and at an early age became interested in the subject of pho- tography, starting his training in that kind of work with F. B. Rhodes, of Lowell. Later he went to Battle Creek, Mich., where he furthered his education in this line with H. H. Topping, and upon his return to Lowell embarked in business on his own account. While he is practically a newcomer in a business way, he has already attracted a large patronage and has a very promising career before him. His studio is light, airy and artistic, and in its equipment permits the most satisfactory results possible with present-day knowledge of pho- tography. In local affairs Mr. Avery is inclined to be independent in politics, but votes the Republican ticket in national elections. He is a member of Lowell Lodge No. 90, F. & A. M., and Hooker Chapter No. 73, R. A. M., in both of which he holds office, and of the Eastern Star lodge at Lowell. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Avery is popular and widely known and to his other business qualifications adds those of courtesy, tact, obligingness and strict in- tegrity. He is now in the First company, Fourth regiment, motor mechanics, located at Camp Green, N. C.
C. Arthur Ayers, secretary of the Barclay, Ayers & Bertsch Company, has been identified with this concern since its organization, in 1907. During these eleven years he has made a recognized place for himself among the men of business prowess of the Furniture City, and his untiring energies have found an outlet in the work connected with the important duties of his position. Mr. Ayers was born at Geneseo, N. Y., July 1, 1881, a son of A. H. Ayers, who came to Grand Rapids in 1896 and has since been engaged in the real estate business here. C. Arthur Ayers secured his education in the public schools of Howard City, Mich., and Grand Rapids, and the Mclachlan Business College, following which he accepted a position with the Clipper Bi- cycle Company. Later he was identified with the Macey Company and the Grand Rapids Show Case Company, where he developed the abilities that led to his selection as secretary of the Barclay, Ayers & Bertsch Company, in 1907. Mr. Ayers is a member of the official board of the First Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics is a Republican. He has taken an active part in the work of the Grand Rapids Association of Commerce and the Builders' and Traders' Ex- change, and has also given of his abilities and time in the encourage- ment of the Young Men's Christian Association movement. He is a Mason and belongs to the O-Wash-ta-nong and Hinglands Country Clubs. Mr. Ayers was married June 12, 1907, to Florence, daughter of John Bertsch, and they have two children-Caroline Josephine and Betty Jane.
Malcom A. Ayer .- Throughout his life Malcom A. Ayer has made his home in Kent county and today is identified with its agricultural and stock-raising interests. In the working out of his career it has been his fortune to have builded wisely and well upon solid founda- tions and to have reaped the reward that comes alone in character and achievement to those whose actions have been governed by industry and integrity. Mr. Ayer was born on his father's farm in Ensley township, Newaygo county, Michigan, March 22, 1868, son of Jacob and Amanda (Briggs) Ayer. His father was a native of Canada,
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but as a young man came to the United States and when the Civil war broke out enlisted in the Union army, with which he fought all through the war until 1865, being severely wounded at the battle of Lookout Mountain. After receiving his honorable discharge, the gal- lant young soldier returned to Newaygo county and, in 1867, settled in Ensley township, then a practically barren country as far as farms went, although there was a plentiful growth of timber. He was mar- ried about that time to Amanda Briggs, daughter of Horace and Rhoda Briggs, her father being one of the earliest settlers of Ensley township, where he erected the seventh log house. He also cleared a small place for the family cemetery, as was the custom of the pioneers, but was so busily engaged in his other work that it was necessary for him to do this at night. In the year 1869, Horace Briggs removed with his family to Solon township, Kent county, where he engaged energetically in farming and continued to follow that vocation throughout the remainder of his life, with much success. He was a man highly respected in his community, saw the development of this section from the time when there were no railroads running even to Grand Rapids, and when he died, Jan. 27, 1901, his community lost a good citizen and he left many behind to mourn his loss. By two mar- riages, Jacob Ayer became the father of the following children: R. K., who died in infancy ; Malcom A .; Henry, secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association at Sacramento, Cal .; Sylvia, wife of Lewis F. Wood, of Hynes, Cal., who is the owner of a ranch; R. V., of Ray- mond, Wash., a painter and paper hanger ; and Glen, of Grand Rapids, who is connected with a chair factory. Malcom A. Ayer received his educational training in the district schools of Solon township and the public schools at Cedar Springs, and when a youth learned the car- penter trade, which he has followed in conjunction with farming, al- though the latter vocation receives the greater part of his time and attention. His property is situated in sections 9 and 10, and consists of 120 acres, of which sixty acres are cleared and under cultivation. Mr. Ayer has made splendid improvements on his property, including his modern home, which he erected himself and which is equipped with all modern comforts and conveniences of country life. Mr. Ayer married Miss Jennie Goller, daughter of John and Anna E. (Krause) Goller, of Algoma township, Kent county, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Goller had a long and useful career in Algoma township, where he was greatly respected, and at the time of his demise had reached the remarkable age of ninety-one years, Mrs. Goller dying at the age of seventy years. Mr. Ayer is a Republican. He is a good citizen, willing to accept responsibilities, and has served in the office of treasurer of the school board. Fraternally, he belongs to Lodge No. 213, F. & A. M., at Cedar Springs, of which he has been master two years, senior deacon two years and junior warden one year ; and he and Mrs. Ayer belong to the Eastern Star. He also holds membership in the local Grange and is a student of agricultural conditions and methods.
James Wesley Bailey .- Some of the best farmers of Kent county are those who have inherited their land, or a part of it, from their fa- thers, and are now carrying on operations on soil upon which the greater part of their lives has been passed. Having spent so many years in close connection with these farms, they are fully informed as to their soil, their needs and their possibilities, and thus are able to
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
give them the proper attention and treatment, which results in the security of best returns. Of the farmers of the northern part of the county who stand in this class, one who is widely and favorably known is James Wesley Bailey, of Nelson township. This commu- nity has been his home since his early childhood and he is not only esteemed for his skill and knowledge as an agriculturist, but for many years of faithful and valuable service in positions of public trust. James Wesley Bailey was born in LaGrange township, Lorain county, Ohio, Jan. 30, 1852, son of Sanford H. Bailey. The latter, a carpenter by trade and a native of New York, removed to Ohio as a young man and for several years lived in Lorain county, but in 1849, the year of the discovery of gold in California, came to the West and purchased part of the farm now owned by James W. Bailey, at that time land on which no improvements had been made. This he se- cured at $1.25 per acre from the United States government. He then returned to Ohio, but came back to Michigan the same Fall, this time bringing with him his family. Mr. Bailey continued to make this his home during the remainder of his life, cleared up a large part of his acreage, and made his farm one of the best of his locality. He was a man of industry who occupied high standing in the community and had the confidence of his fellow-citizens. He married Alzina, daughter of Hiram Smith, and of this union there were born the fol- lowing children: Duain, James Wesley, Theodore and Ulysses H., of whom James W. is the only survivor. Sanford H. Bailey married for his second wife Elizabeth Shores. James W. Bailey grew up amid pioneer surroundings in Kent county and obtained his education in the early district schools, after leaving which he learned the business of milling, which he followed for some years in connection with farm work. Eventually, however, he gave up milling to devote his entire time to agriculture, and the latter has been the real vocation of his life. His industry and good management made him successful in his operations and from time to time he was able to add to his acreage, until at the present time his operations cover a wide scope and his property is now one of the most valuable in Nelson township. Mr. Bailey married Agnes A. McMurrey, and four children have been born to this union: Laverne M., a graduate of the State Normal School, who has taught school for seven years and is now a teacher in the South Division school at Grand Rapids; Robert E., who is engaged in operations on a part of the home farm; Harry died at the age of twenty years, and Lee W. resides with his parents and is assisting his father. James W. Bailey has been active in the civic affairs of his township and for thirty years contributed to the educational ad- vancement of the community while serving as a member of the board of school directors. He has also been highway commissioner for two terms and at present is acting capably as justice of the peace. His public service has been efficient and conscientious, well entitling him to the reputation which he enjoys of being one of the valuable and public-spirited men of Nelson township. He is a supporter of the Republican party and its candidates in political matters.
J. C. Ballard .- The contribution of J. C. Ballard to the commer- cial interests of Sparta consists of two well-established business con- cerns, one devoted to furniture and undertaking and the other to the sale of hardware. Prior to locating permanently here as a proprie-
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BIOGRAPHICAL
tor, he had a number of years' experience in business matters, so that it was not in the first untried experience of youth that he assumed the responsibilities of a mercantile career, but as a mature man with a thorough knowledge of conditions and methods. During the six years that he has conducted his stores he has built up a representative trade of the best kind, through honorable policies and integrity in his dealings. Mr. Ballard was born on a farm in Sparta township, Kent county, Michigan, June 5, 1874, son of Sherre H. and Elizabeth S. (Swenson) Ballard, natives of Michigan. The family is an old and honored one in this locality, having been founded here as early as 1850 by the grandparents of Mr. Ballard who settled in Sparta town- ship at a point which subsequently became known as Ballard's Cor- ners and there passed their lives in agricultural pursuits. Sherre H. Ballard followed in his father's footsteps as a farmer and became a man of good circumstances, being respected in his community for his industry and honorable methods. From 1884 to 1900 he was in the general merchandise business in Sparta, and his son, J. C., was with him during this time. Both he and his wife have passed away. They were the parents of five children: Harry W., J. C., May E., who is deceased; Charles S., and Lawrence. J. C. Ballard had the advan- tages of a public school education in Kent county, supplemented by a course at Valparaiso (Ind.) University. He then became connected with a mercantile firm, having preferred a business career to one in farming, and continued as a clerk until he was twenty-four years old. At that time he went on the road for a manufacturing concern and continued as a knight of the grip for twelve years. Having by this time accumulated some capital, and being desirous of a permanent settlement instead of the constant going from place to place, made necessary by his traveling salesman vocation, in 1912 he came to Sparta and established himself in the furniture and undertaking busi- ness. Encouraged by his success therein, he (shortly thereafter bought S. C. Fields & Company's hardware store, and this likewise has proved a prosperous venture. In the working out of his career, Mr. Ballard has been steadfastly honorable, continuously industrious and notably progressive, with the result that his success is a satisfac- tory one, builded upon something substantial. He has taken an active and helpful part in civic affairs, and the confidence of his fellow- citizens in electing him alderman of Sparta was not misplaced, for he gave them conscientiously capable service. He is a Mason and is sec- retary of his chapter. He belongs to the Church of Christ at Grand Rapids, but attends the Baptist church at Sparta, where there is no congregation of the former denomination. Mr. Ballard was married July 9, 1906, to Miss Agnes Finney, daughter of L. H. and Lillie (Stimpson) Finney, and of this union there have been born two chil- dren : Evelyn and Jack, both at home.
Rev. Henry Bank, the learned and pious pastor of the German Methodist Episcopal church at Lowell, has, since coming to this place in 1909, been the means of many improvements and additions being made in the church and the parish. His clerical jurisdiction is of no small extent, and he finds ample scope for his characteristic zeal and energy ; while here, as in all his previous incumbencies, he has gained for himself an enviable popularity and the well-merited love and es- teem of his parishioners. Rev. Henry Bank was born in Germany, II-3
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Jan. 14, 1865, son of Henry and Henrietta (Diehl) Bank. His father, who was engaged in agricultural pursuits in his native land, never left that country, but the mother, coming to the United States in her seventy-third year, died in the State of New York. There were eight children in the family: William, who resides in Germany; Carl, of Saginaw, Mich .; Rev. Henry ; August and George, of Germany, the latter a soldier in the great war; Louise and Lena, of Germany ; and Fiena, of Saginaw, Mich. Henry Bank was educated in his native land, was there prepared to assume his ministerial labors, and held several parishes in Germany, where he was married, in 1895. Shortly thereafter he brought his bride to the United States and took a charge at Auburn, Ind., where he remained two years and where both he and his wife took out their first naturalization papers. He was next sta- tioned at Pigeon, Mich., where he remained five years, being then transferred to Hopkins, Mich., for three years, and to Bay City for a like period. In 1909 he came to Lowell, where he has since been located, and where, by his piety and his assiduous attentions to the welfare of his flock, both spiritual and material, he has gained their affection and reverence. The German Methodist Episcopal church of Lowell was founded in 1892 by Rev. Rogatzky, and at that time the present church was erected. He was succeeded in 1897 by Rev. Maag, followed by Rev. Ruikheim in 1900, and by Rev. Magdane in 1903, the last named remaining until the arrival of Rev. Bank in 1909. The parish has showed a steady growth and development, and now has approximately 110 members of the older generation, who worship in their native tongue, the younger people having their services in Eng- lish. The congregation includes members who come from a radius of eight miles to attend. Rev. Henry Bank was married July 11, 1895, in Germany, to Miss Clara, daughter of Herman and Wilhel- mina (Uueck) Lorence, the former of whom died in Germany, while the latter is living in New York. There were eleven children in the Lorence family : Oswald, of Germany; Clara, wife of Rev. Bank ; Emma, of Germany ; Max, who lives in the State of Oregon; Freda, wife of the United States consul to Switzerland; Rosa, who lives in Germany ; and Elya, Marie, Paul, Madeline and Walter, who all live in New York with their mother. Rev. and Mrs. Bank are the parents of five children, born as follows: Carl, May 26, 1896; Theo, Dec. 13, 1897; Erhart, Dec. 21, 1900; Oswald, July 13, 1903; and Freda, Nov. 5, 1905. Carl and Theo are soldiers in the United States army and recently saw active service on the border during this country's trouble with Mexico. Rev. Bank is now in the prime of life and at the height of his usefulness. The respect which he inspired on his arrival has not abated, but has increased as time has passed. To the talents of a pastor is united the learning of a scholar, and these com- bined with a rare business tact and ability to govern have made him a power for good in his community and have gained him the confi- dence and good will of all classes and denominations.
William O. Barber .- For nearly seventy years a resident of Kent county and during forty-five years of that period engaged in the practice of dentistry, William O. Barber is one of the best known, as he is also one of the most highly respected, citizens of Caledonia. He has been a companion of the wilderness and an eye-witness of the nu- merous changes which have taken place in the development of this
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BIOGRAPHICAL
now prosperous and thriving community, and has done his share in bringing about the progressive movements which have meant so much to the people of the southern part of the county. Dr. Barber was born in Illinois, June 7, 1847, a son of O. B. and Abigail (Mason) Barber, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York State. His father, who was a carpenter by trade, went to Illi- nois in 1846 and for two years was engaged in farming there, but as the outlook did not suit him in the Prairie State, decided to try a new locality, choosing Michigan as his point of destination. In 1848 he drove sixteen head of cattle and fourteen horses overland to Caledo- nia, at a time when there were but seven voters in the township, and here traded his live stock for 120 acres of uncleared Kent county land. His first home was a primitive log cabin, built by himself, and as he had no capital he was forced to work out among his neighbors, receiving fifty cents per day for his labor, and at the end of two years was finally able to purchase a cow from the Indians. The ob- stacles which he met and overcame in his early struggles would seem practically unsurmountable today, but he sturdily kept on, cheerfully accepting whatever hard knocks had been kept in store for him by fate and always attacking his work with renewed vigor and determi- nation. This kind of persistence eventually brought its success. As the years passed he cleared more and more of his land, added new buildings and equipment, and in time became one of the substantial men of his community and an influential citizen who held nearly all the offices, at one time or another, within the gift of the people of his township. His industry was shown in the fact that he worked at the wage of seventy-five cents per day in laying out township roads, and his progressiveness is evidenced by his owning the first wagon in the township. He was a stanch and unwavering Republican in his polit- ical alliance, a member of the Masonic lodge at Caledonia and one of the founders of the Old Settlers' Association in his locality. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Mary, who is the widow of the late George Barbour and resides at Caledonia ; Maria S., who is the wife of Dr. Brown, of Washington ; William O., of this notice; Emma, who is the wife of Jude Alleman, a farmer of Sunfield, Mich .; Dr. Mason J., who is a practicing physician and sur- geon of Mayger, Ore .; Letta, deceased, who was the wife of Louis Smith, now residing on the home farm; Frederick R., who is en- gaged in farming at Six Lakes, Minn .; and Frank, of Tacoma, Wash., proprietor of a meat market. William O. Barber received his early education in the public schools of Caledonia, where he grew up amid pioneer surroundings and assisted his father and brothers in the hard work of clearing and cultivating a virgin farm. The life of an agri- culturist, however, did not appeal to the young man, and when he reached his majority he went to Newcastle, Canada, where he studied dentistry and successfully passed the examination in 1872. Returning to Caledonia he at once established himself in the business of his pro- fession, and at this time is one of the oldest practitioners in point of service in the state. Dr. Barber is a veteran of the Civil war, having been a member of the First Michigan light artillery from 1863 until the close of the war, taking part in numerous battles, and establishing a fine record for gallantry and fidelity to duty. He is a Republican in politics and a charter member of Caledonia Lodge of Masons, in
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