USA > Michigan > Kent County > Grand Rapids > Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan: History and Account of Their Progress from First. Vol. II > Part 47
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Henry Sipple .- The name of Henry Sipple, of Courtland town- ship, is well known in agricultural circles throughout this part of the county, and particularly in the vicinity of Sand Lake, where he is the owner of a handsome farm. He has been an active factor in the ag- ricultural development of this part of the county during the past thirty years, and in the community in which he makes his home and where his social nature is best known, he is most popular, the circle of his friends being almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintances. Mr. Sipple was born in the State of New York, July 9, 1853, son of Christopher and Maggie (Apples) Sipple. His father was born in Germany and as a young man, in order to better his condition, emigrated to the United States and first settled in New York State. He was a pioneer into Michigan in the days of the wild country and became a resident of Kent county as early as 1864, when settlers were few, comforts were fewer, wild game abounded and the land now devoted to farming was covered with a heavy growth of timber. He took up his residence in Courtland township, where he bought land and started farming. This community continued to be his home during the remaining years of his life and by his industry and perseverance he succeeded in winning a substantial competence. Mr. Sipple married Miss Maggie Apples, also a native of Germany, and to them were born fourteen children, all of whom are living at this time, with one exception. Henry Sipple was educated in the district schools of Courtland township and was reared on his father's farm. He has had much experience in various ways and his youth was filled with much hard labor, including the clearing of much heavily timbered land and labor in the lumber woods. However, during the past thirty years he has devoted himself to farming, and in this connection has made a success of his affairs, having accumu- lated a good piece of property which he has improved with modern equipment and substantial buildings. Mr. Sipple married Miss Anna Borst, of Nelson township, born in Pennsylvania, Sept. 25, 1871, a daughter of Philip Borst. This family is an old and prominent one in the United States, being traced back for several generations in the State of New York, where it had many public men in its members, including candidates for governor and other high offices, and a judge of the Supreme Court of that state. Philip Borst was a Union sol- dier in the Civil war and after the battle of Antietam was promoted in rank because of conspicuous bravery in action. He was a miller
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and farmer for many years up to his death, which occurred at Evans, Mich., in 1912. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sipple : Ethel, born Dec. 19, 1889, now the wife of Fred Smith, of Edmore, engaged in the produce and poultry business; Charles F., born at North Decatur, Mich., May 4, 1895, graduated from the Edmore school in 1916, and has since held a postoffice position at Detroit ; Catherine, born June 3, 1902, now attending school; Cecelia, born Aug. 21, 1905, and also attending school ; and Henry DeForrest, born June 19, 1912.
William M. Sipples .- In a history of the men of the past and present who have figured prominently in connection with agricul- tural development and progress in Nelson township, mention should be made of William M. Sipples, whose entire life has been passed here, and who is now a substantial farmer and a respected citizen. Mr. Sipples was born in Nelson township, March 11, 1862, son of Wil- liam Sipples. The elder man was born in Germany, but was a child of four years when brought to the United States, the family origi- nally locating in New York State. There William Sipples grew to manhood and received his education, but when still a young man he heard the call of the West and accordingly came to Michigan, his first location being at Ann Arbor. Lumbering was the vocation which attracted and held his interest for many years, but gradually, as the timber began to disappear, he became more and more inter- ested in farming, and finally gave up his other holdings to devote his entire time thereto on a property in Nelson township. He is now well advance in years, but still active in affairs, although princi- pally as the owner and operator of a threshing outfit. Mr. Sipples married Catherine Soll, of a well-known family of this locality, and of this union there were born the following children: John, a farmer of Nelson township, who married Florence Cowles; Persis, who mar- ried Earl Williams, a farmer of this locality, and has a son, Wayne, one year old; Minnie, who married Mason Coles and has a daughter, Cleo, a teacher in the public schools and a graduate of Sand Lake High School; and William M. William M. Sipples relied upon the training received in the East Nelson schools for his education, and when he was ready to enter upon his own career chose farming as the occupation in which to work out his life's success. His training had been all along that line, and if his present success can be taken as an indication, his choice was a wise and fortunate one. The owner of eighty acres of fertile and valuable land, he is accounted one of the substantial men of his community, whose prosperity has been self-gained and who has had to ask for no outside help or use any unfair tactics in his operations. While his activities have been de- voted almost entirely to his homestead, in the improvement and modernizing of which he has been kept decidedly busy, he has found time and had the inclination to align himself with other public- spirited men in the working out of problems pertaining to the civic welfare of his locality. He served for a short period as a member of the board of school directors, and is a supporter of Republican prin- ciples and candidates. Mr. Sipples married Miss Lottie Howard, daughter of A. W. and Alice (Unger) Howard. Mr. Howard, who served through the Civil war as a Union soldier and came through
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that struggle unscathed, was engaged in grist-mill work until 1889, at that time taking up farming. For many years he carried on agri- cultural pursuits in Nelson and Spencer townships, where he was highly esteemed, but he and Mrs. Howard are now both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Sipples have been born two daughters, the Misses Lela and Lola, both of whom are still attending school.
James A. Skinner .- The business interests of the village of Ce- dar Springs have shown a marked increase in growth during recent years, and this desirable state of affairs may be accredited to the en- terprising business men, whose energy and modern methods have put the city on a sound financial basis, while co-operating with the offi- cials of the village in looking after its municipal needs. It may be said of James A. Skinner, a leading citizen of Cedar Springs, that he belongs to both classes, for he is not only a representative business man, of twenty-two years' standing, but also has served in several positions of trust and responsibility within the gift of the people. Mr. Skinner has the added distinction of being a native of Cedar Springs, born Sept. 28, 1875, son of William P. and Eva A. Skinner. William P. Skinner was for many years one of the leading factors in the business and official life of the village, having been postmaster for a long period, and while he is now living in retirement, at a ripe old age, still takes a keen and active interest in the life of the community in which he has resided so long and to the welfare of which he has contributed so materially. James A. Skinner received an excellent training in his youth for his battle with life, his early education being gained in the public schools of Cedar Springs, this supplemented by attendance at Northwestern University, Evanston, Chicago. Thus fitted, he returned to his native place and in 1896 established himself in the drug business, on Main street, and his business, commenced in a modest way, has been built up to large proportions through Mr. Skinner's good management, policy of fairness in dealing, and man- ner and methods in carrying on his enterprise. The volume of busi- ness is large and in its scope extends all over the village, including the best families and also attracting a large outside trade from the country districts. Mr. Skinner carries a stock that includes a full line of drugs and all goods usual to the stock of a store of this char- acter, in addition to which he has a large line of wall paper, station- ery and kindred articles. Mr. Skinner's position as one of the lead- ing and reliable merchants of Cedar Springs is assured, but his ef- forts have not always been confined to his own advancement, for he has not been backward in contributing his abilities to the welfare of his community and has also had a large share in the work of civic government. He has been president of the village, has for some years been president of the school board, and has been a member of the village council. In his official work, as in his business, his activi- ties have been characterized by thoroughness, conscientiousness and fidelity to trust, and few men have established better records while in office. Mr. Skinner's political tendencies make him a stanch Re- publican. He is a member of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He married Matie, daughter of Joseph Doyle, of Cedar Springs, and she died, leaving a daughter, Dorothy, who is now attending the high school.
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Joseph LaVerne Skinner .- The entire career of Joseph La Verne Skinner, of Grand Rapids, has been passed in connection with mat- ters of a financial nature, and from the time he left school to the present his rise in banking circles has been a steady and consistent one. His start was secured in a minor capacity, and as he has worked his way upward he has become thoroughly conversant with the vari- ous departments of banking, so that he is eminently capable of dis- charging in an efficient manner the duties of manager of Branch D, of the City Trust and Savings Bank, which position he holds at this time. Mr. Skinner was born at Sandwich, Ill., Oct. 31, 1883, son of Joseph and Augusta (Hudgens) Skinner. His father, who is now re- tired from active pursuits and a resident of Bedford, Taylor county, Iowa, was a farmer by vocation, and the early years of Joseph L. Skinner were passed in the vicinity of Sandwich, Ill., where he at- tended the public schools. His educational training was furthered by attendance at the public schools of Quincy, Ill., and Bedford, Ia., and his first experience with banking matters was secured at Chi- cago, where, in 1903, he became a clerk in the Corn Exchange Na- tional Bank. In the three years that followed he gained much profit- able banking knowledge with this institution, one of the most promi- nent of the Illinois metropolis, and in 1906 he came to Grand Rapids to accept the position of assistant bookkeeper with the National City Bank. From that position he was promoted to receiving teller, and July 2, 1917, was offered and accepted the post of manager of Branch D of the City Trust & Savings Bank. A young man whose experi- ence has been gained at the desk, in a practical and thorough man- ner, and who has relied solely upon his own abilities for his advance- ment, he has already made a name for himself in banking circles of the city and is accounted as thoroughly worthy of the trust reposed in him. A pleasing and likable personality has enhanced his value to his institution and he has already gained a firmly established place in the favor and confidence of the depositors of his branch. Mr. Skin- ner is an independent voter, endeavoring to give his support to good men and measures without party leadership or ties. With Mrs. Skin- ner he belongs to the First Methodist Episcopal church. Popular socially, he belongs to the Point Paulo Club, and is also well known in Masonry, being treasurer of Malta Lodge and a member of Colum- bian Chapter, Tyre Council and Lalakoum Grotto. Mr. Skinner was married Sept. 8, 1914, to Estella Margaret, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Hurst) Mckinley, of Grand Rapids.
Rev. Casimir Skory, pastor of St. Adelbert's Polish Catholic Parish, of Grand Rapids, has held his present charge since 1904, and during the fourteen years that he has labored here has lastingly im- pressed the community with his self-sacrificing work in the cause he serves and has displayed qualities which have called forth general admiration and commendation even from those who have differed most radically with him theologically and politically. His sincere piety, his intense moral earnestness, his great industry, his kindliness and his spirit of tolerance have not alone made him beloved by his flock and prosperous in the affairs of the parish, but have gained him the good will and assistance of those of other creeds, without which no priest considers he has achieved the fullness of success. Father Skory was born March 4, 1864, at Trzemeszko, Poland, a son of
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Casimir and Theresa (Reyman) Skory. He secured his early educa- tion in the schools of his native place, and when eleven years of age was brought to the United States by his mother, first locating at Bay City, Mich. Having decided to enter the priesthood of the Cath- olic church, the lad attended the parochial schools of Bay City for over five years, and in 1881 was sent to Rome, Italy, where he prose- cuted his theological studies in a Polish college and was graduated in 1888. Returning to the United States, his first charge was at Chicago, where for two years he was assistant at St. Stanislaus' church, and for two years following was a teacher in St. Mary's Col- lege, at St. Mary's, Kentucky. During twelve years he was in charge of a parish at Gaylord, Mich., and in 1904 he came to Grand Rapids to accept his present charge. His assistants are Fathers Stephen Narroch and Paul Felchnerowski. Father Skory may well be counted among those who fortunately have chosen that life vocation for which they are best fitted. The natural and temperamental endowments which in him contribute to a strongly marked character, easily lend themselves to the facile and successful accomplishment of the many- sided duties inevitable to the life of an active priest of the church. Successively as student, teacher, assistant and settled pastor, his life has ever been so active as to worthily win for him a conspicuous place in the ranks of the church militant. During his pastorate here the present beautiful church has been erected at a cost of $150,000.
Arthur T. Slaght .- Among the business men of Grand Rapids who in recent years have taken advantage of the opportunities offered here for preferment and have profited materially thereby, one who has become well known is Arthur T. Slaght. Mr. Slaght has been a resident of Grand Rapids since 1891 and during the greater part of this time has been identified with banking concerns, having been con- nected, since 1905, with the Grand Rapids National City Bank, of which he is now assistant cashier. He was born in Seneca county, New York, and is a son of Amram C. Slaght. His education was se- cured in the public schools of his native place, following which his first employment was as clerk in a store at Ovid, N. Y. In 1878 he came to Michigan, locating first at Caro, at which place he had a posi- tion in the Tuscola County Bank, his first experience of this nature. He subsequently, from 1886 to 1891, had various other business .ex- periences, principally in the loaning and abstract business, but in 1891 changed his residence to Grand Rapids, which city has continued to be his home and the scene of his continued prosperity. On his arrival here he entered the electrotype business, later going to the Old National Bank and still later to the Kent County Savings Bank. When he joined the Grand Rapids National City Bank, March 1, 1905, it was in the capacity of manager of the county banking busi- ness department. In 1916 he was advanced to his present post, that of assistant cashier. During the many years of his connection with banking affairs, Mr. Slaght has gained an intimate knowledge of methods and conditions. He is conservative and careful, an expert accountant and a man of loyalty and fidelity, whose identification with the institution has served to promote its interests in several ways. He and his family belong to the Park Congregational church, and Mr. Slaght holds membership in the O-wash-ta-nong club. He mar- ried Dicie L. Carlough, of Hopewell, N. Y., and they are the parents
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of one son, Harold T., secretary and advertising manager of the Saginaw Daily News.
Charles R. Sligh .- In his rise from tinsmith's apprentice to prominent position in the business world, Charles R. Sligh has had only the assistance given him by his natural gifts. In fact he was given even less than the regular advantages which it is felt that youth should receive, for when he was but entering his 'teens his father fell as a martyr to the great god of war and the lad was forced to assume a man's responsibilities at a time when he was still a boy. It was his fortune, however, to have been possessed of sturdy Scotch-Irish ancestry and to have inherited from his forefathers the best qualities of both races. With these as his capital he fought his own battles bravely and faithfully and won his way to high honors and to a place where he now commands the respect and esteem of the leading busi- ness men of his city. Grand Rapids has been the scene of the work- ing out of Mr. Sligh's entire career. Here he was born, Jan. 5, 1850, son of James W. and Eliza (Wilson) Sligh. His father was born in Scotland, in 1821, and his mother in Ireland, in 1822, and they met at Rochester, N. Y., where they were married in 1843. Three years later they came to Grand Rapids, where Mr. Sligh was engaged in business until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in the service of the Union, becoming captain of Company F, First Michi- gan Engineers. He was a brave, valuable and faithful soldier, serv- ing his country with valor and fidelity until 1863, when, as a result of injuries received while in the performance of duty, he died. Mrs. Sligh survived him for many years, dying at Grand Rapids, Jan. 23, 1892. There were three children in the family: Dr. James M., who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Montana ; Mrs. Julia S. Follett, a resident of Grand Rapids; and Charles R. Charles R. Sligh was attending the public schools of Grand Rapids when news was received of his father's death, and he continued to apply himself to his studies until he was fifteen years of age, at that time becoming apprenticed to the tinsmith's trade under Wilder D. Foster. He served his full apprenticeship and mastered his vocation, and con- tinued to work thereat for some time, being with Mr. Foster in all for about nine years. At that time Mr. Sligh gave up the tinsmith's trade and turned his attention to the furniture business. His first practical experience therein was secured as a traveling representative of the Berkey & Gay Furniture Company, and for six years he was a knight of the grip, familiarizing himself with every angle of the business, becoming widely acquainted with the trade and making nu- merous friends in various communities. Thus, when in 1880 he ef- fected the organization of the Sligh Furniture Company, he had al- ready laid the foundation for a successful business structure and the company, of which he was president and general manager, had a rapid and steady development. Since that time Mr. Sligh has been identi- fied with various business organizations. He has given his support to incipient enterprises and has assisted them in their growth to ma- turity and prosperity, and still retains his connection with a number of leading firms, being at this time a member of the board of directors of the Grand Rapids National City Bank, the City Trust & Savings Bank and the Grand Rapids Trust Company; vice-president of the New Pantlind Hotel Company and of the Empress Theatre Com-
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pany ; president of two timber companies and one irrigation company in the West; president of the Furniture Manufacturers' Insurance Company, and secretary and treasurer of the Clark Iron Company. For many years he was president of the Grand Rapids Board of Trade. Mr. Sligh is a man who has led a career touching on many sides, and whatever he has found to do he has done to the full meas- ure of his strength and ability. He is a great believer in the develop- ment of youth, and in this connection is serving as president of the Grand Rapids Council, Boy Scouts of America. Until 1896 he sup- ported the principles and candidates of the regular Republican organ- ization, but in that year he assisted in the formation of the Silver Republican party and for a time was prominent in its ranks. How- ever, he has never been a politician, nor has he made a business of seeking favors at the hands of any political organizations. He has been primarily a business man and has found success and contentment in working out the problems and complexities of competition in the world of industry and finance. Mr. and Mrs. Sligh are members of Grace Protestant Episcopal Church, in which he belongs to the vestry. Mr. Sligh was married in 1875 to Miss Mary S. Conger, of Wisconsin, who died in the faith of the Congregational church, in 1903. She is survived by three children-Edith, Adeline and Loraine. In 1905 Mr. Sligh was again married, being united with Miss Edith E. Clark. They have two children-Charles R. Jr., and Gertrude.
Ansel Brooks Smith, M. D .- One of the younger members of the medical profession of Kent county, Dr. Ansel Brooks Smith has al- ready attained a position of prominence in his chosen calling and is at this time secretary of the Michigan State Homeopathic Society. Dr. Smith was born at Petoskey, Mich., Sept. 23, 1885, son of R. C. Smith, formerly a well-known business man of that city, who is now retired and a resident of Jackson, Mich. After attending the Petos- key High School, Dr. Smith entered the University of Michigan, where he had a brilliant career as a student and graduated with the class of 1909 with his degree as Doctor of Medicine. At that time he received an appointment as professor of gynecology and obstetrics at the University of Michigan, holding that post for two years, and June 1, 1911, engaged in practice at Grand Rapids, where he now maintains offices in the Metz building. Dr. Smith has attracted to himself a large and lucrative practice and has gained wide recognition of his skill and knowledge. While he carries on a general practice, he has specialized to some extent in surgery and achieved something more than ordinary reputation as a result of his success in a number of complicated and difficult cases. In homeopathic circles he is widely known, and is secretary of the State Homeopathic Society and a member of the Western Homeopathic Association and the American Institute of Homeopathy. He is also a member of the staff of the Blodgett Memorial Hospital. Still a young man, with the best years of his life lying before him, he will no doubt achieve ac- complishments that will place him among the eminent men of his calling. While attending college he belonged to the Medical Literary Club of the University of Michigan. Dr. Smith was married Jan. 24, 1912, to Miss Mary Louise Parker, daughter of B. W. Parker, of Detroit, Mich., and they have two children-Mary Campau and Ansel Brooks, Jr.
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Coridon E. Smith .- Many and great are the changes which have been made in Kent county since the arrival of John Smith, an immi- grant from the State of New York. At that early date in the history of the county the most primitive conditions prevailed and the men who laid the foundations and blazed the trails for those yet to come had to be possessed of courage, fortitude and patience. Mr. Smith was of this character and the same characteristics are to be found in his son, Coridon Smith, who is perpetuating the family name and carrying on agricultural pursuits in Nelson township. Mr. Smith was born in this township and on the original family homestead, Nov. 28, 1867. His father, John Smith, had been a farmer in the Empire State, but the progress he was making did not satisfy this sturdy pioneer, and he accordingly sought a field in which his determination for success might have a chance of realization. Coming to Michigan he settled on what is now known as the Odell farm, just at the limits of the village of Cedar Springs, and prepared to hew out a home from the wilderness. At that time Cedar Springs boasted of but one house, and that was made of logs. His first operations were neces- sarily in the lumber business, for the nature of the country at that time made impossible engaging in farming, but when he had cleared a sufficient tract of land he turned his attention again to agricultural pursuits and continued to be engaged therein during the remainder of his life. He was industrious, persevering and a man of good judg- ment in business matters, so that his affairs prospered and he was able to spend his last years in comfortable retirement from active labors. Mr. Smith married Miss Lydia, daughter of Frank Propper, of New York State. The following children were born of this union : Frank P., a carpenter at Sparta; Alice, wife of Jonathan Wooden, of Pierson, Mich .; Clara, who married Charles Stephens, a farmer of Solon township, Kent county ; Coridon E., and George H., Solon township farmer; and Anna L., wife of George Wickett, formerly a painter and paperhanger, but now conducting an automobile garage at Cedar Springs. C. E. Smith was educated in the district schools of Solon township and the high school at Cedar Springs, and immedi- ately upon the completion of education started farming, in which he has continued. to be engaged to the present time. He has made a success of the vocation which he chose as his life work when he en- tered upon his career, being the owner of 119 acres of good land in Nelson township, the greater part of which is cleared and under a high state of cultivation. He is alive to the improvements and ad- vancements being made in farming, and is a member of the Gleaners, and his activities have shown him to be both practical and progress- ive. Mr. Smith married Miss Maud J., daughter of John and Sarah Sycles, of Kent county, and of this union have been born six chil- dren: Goldie E., who married Joseph Anderson, a farmer of Kent county ; Vita, a graduate of the State Normal School, who is now teaching in the graded school at Sand Lake; Sadie A., who was for- merly a public school teacher, but now living at home; Esther A. and Alton W., who are pupils in the public schools, and Howard E., the baby. Mr. Smith has been variously active in the life of the community, having served very acceptably for six years as treasurer of the school board, a mark of esteem on the part of his fellow- citizens that demonstrates the confidence in which he is held. He ad-
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