USA > Michigan > Kent County > Grand Rapids > Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan: History and Account of Their Progress from First. Vol. II > Part 8
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BIOGRAPHICAL
Realty Company, secretary and treasurer of the Grand Rapids Bread Company and treasurer of the Lindquist Company. In the working out of his business destiny, Mr. Brandt has not allowed himself to become merely a business drudge, although daily active in a hotbed of industry. He enjoys the companionship of his fellow-men, and holds membership in the Peninsular and O-Wash-ta-nong clubs, and in the local lodges of the Masons and Elks, and also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. His religious connection is with St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal church. Public-spirited and charitable, he al- ways finds time for studying and fostering movements which aim to improve the public weal. Mr. Brandt was married Oct. 23, 1891, to Mathilde, daughter of George and Louisa (Lang) Stengel, of Sagi- naw, Mich.
James P. Brayton made his home at Grand Rapids from 1889 un- til his death, in 1912. He achieved not only position and standing among the leading men of his day at Grand Rapids, but a reputation that extended far beyond the immediate scene of his activities. He was born at Aztalan, Wis., Nov. 23, 1847, a son of James C. and Julia (Barnard) Brayton. His father, who was a civil engineer by profession, followed that vocation, and his activities took him to vari- ous points. For a time he was engaged in operations at Holland, Mich., later he removed to Grand Haven, Mich., and finally, in 1877, went to Florida, in which state he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives and passed away. James P. Brayton attended the pub- lic schools of his native community in Wisconsin and at Grand Ha- ven, and his boyhood and youth were passed in the various places in which his father carried on his profession. Under the tuition of his father he learned civil engineering, working with the elder man through Michigan and also familiarizing himself at the same time with timber values, and in 1877 he joined his parents in Florida, where he resided until 1883. In that year he returned to Grand Ha- ven and for a time devoted himself to civil engineering, but eventually began to devote his entire attention to dealing in timber lands, a field in which he made rapid strides. In 1889 he came to Grand Rapids. His operations in timber grew and developed quickly, and in 1897 he opened an office in the Marquette building at Chicago. During his later years he had timber cruisers all over the United States and Can- ada engaged in estimating standing timber and his activities in this field made his name known not only in the timber business, but in the lumber trade throughout the United States and Canada. He was the greatest expert timber estimator in the United States. He was a member of the firm of the Baker Lumber Company, whose mills were in Arkansas. Mr. Brayton died July 25, 1912. He was a Republican in his political views, a Mason, and he belonged to the Peninsular and Kent Country clubs. Mr. Brayton was twice mar- ried, and is survived by his widow and two children who were born to his first wife: Louise, of Newark, N. J., and Mary, wife of Fred M. Dean, of Grand Rapids, and who has two children-James Bray- ton and Fred M. Jr. Mrs. Brayton resides at No. 516 College avenue, and is one of the well known ladies of Grand Rapids, belonging to a number of church and patriotic organizations. She has served as state vice-regent, state regent, and vice-president-general for Michi- gan of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Rudolph M. Bremer .- On the roster of men who have come prominently before the public in banking circles in recent years is found the name of Rudolph M. Bremer, assistant cashier of the Grand Rapids National City Bank. Mr. Bremer has been identified with this institution for two decades and is widely known in monetary circles, where evidence of the esteem in which he is held by his associates is found in his presidency of the local chapter of the American Institute of Banking. Mr. Bremer is a native of Kent county, born on a farm in Walker township, Oct. 31, 1878, son of Francis Henry and Mary (Wurtzler) Bremer, natives of Germany. Francis H. Bremer was about twenty years of age when he immigrated to the United States, first locating in the vicinity of Detroit, and about 1865 coming to Kent county, where he passed the remainder of his life as a farmer. His death occurred in 1886, while Mrs. Bremer survived him until 1915. Henry Bremer, an uncle of the subject of this sketch, was city treasurer and comptroller of Grand Rapids in an early day. After attending the public schools of Grand Rapids, in 1898 Rudolph M. Bremer entered the Grand Rapids National City Bank, where he be- gan to learn the business at the desk, holding a minor clerkship. The fidelity and industry which he displayed attracted attention and won him promotion, and as his ability was developed by experience he was given positions of greater responsibility and trust, eventually be- ing made assistant cashier, a capacity in which he has given evi- dence of the possession of sound acumen and practical knowledge of the intricacies of banking. In addition to being president of the Grand Rapids chapter of the American Institute of Banking, he be- longs to the Credit Men's Association, and has other connections which assist in making him well known to business men and bankers generally. Mr. Bremer is a Republican, but a good citizen's interest is all he has taken in public affairs. His religious affiliation is with the German Lutheran church. Mr. Bremer was married Oct. 16, 1907, to Susan, daughter of Martin L. and Mary (Rimmell) Harris, of Grand Rapids, and they have a son, Robert Harris. Mrs. Bremer's parents, who were farming people of Eaton county, Michigan, are both deceased.
Nelson Brewer .- Among the life-long residents of Gaines town- ship, one who has been a witness to and participant in the wonderful changes which have transformed what was once a wilderness into a fertile, productive region, and which have revolutionized farming methods and procedure, is Nelson Brewer, who is still making his home and centering his farming activities in section 9. Mr. Brewer's history has been that of the township, and in just such measure as the locality has prospered and advanced, so has he won prosperity and advanced to a recognized position among his fellow-men. He was born in Gaines township, Kent county, Michigan, Jan. 23, 1848, son of Aaron and Jane (Freeman) Brewer. His parents, who were born and reared in Pennsylvania, shortly after their marriage went to York State and settled in Washington county, where they resided for several years. Subsequently, in 1843, they decided to seek their fortunes in the West, and Nov. 30 of that year arrived in the wilds of Gaines township, where they settled on 100 acres of uncleared land. The country was new, comforts and conveniences few, and primitive conditions prevailed almost entirely, but the young and energetic cou-
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ple set to work with a will and soon had subjugated the wild forces of Nature. After their first property was cleared and put under cultiva- tion, they continued to add to their holdings from time to time and at one period owned from 700 to 800 acres, but much of this was later sold off. Mr. Brewer became one of the foremost citizens of his day in his locality and was honored by election to practically every town- ship office within the gift of his fellow-men, being accounted an in- fluential Democrat of Gaines township and having a wide acquaint- ance among the prominent men in that party. He was a member of the Grange and took a foremost part in promoting movements calcu- lated to be of benefit to his community. For years he kept the old Cuba postoffice, which was situated on the Kalamazoo stage road, was later one of the organizers of the Citizens' Telephone Company, of Grand Rapids, and became a stockholder and director of the Grand Rapids Savings Bank. He and his wife were parents of three chil- dren: Freeman, who is deceased; Nelson, and Frank, a resident of Gaines township. Nelson Brewer was given the usual public school education granted to youths of his community and time and began his active career by learning the business of farmer while working with his father. After he had attained his majority he continued working for the elder man, with whom he remained during the rest of the latter's active life, and since his death has carried on his operations alone. His property, located in section 9, Gaines township, is one of the well-improved farms of this part of the county, and its appear- ance of prosperity does not belie its condition, for Mr. Brewer is an excellent business man and capable manager. The buildings are well constructed and kept in the best of repair, while the equipment, ma- chinery and other improvements evidence the owner's possession of judgment and taste. General farming has been Mr. Brewer's stand- by and in this branch of his vocation he has perhaps had the greatest success, although he has also met with prosperous results in the breed- ing of Durham cattle, and at one time was a sheep raiser. His name stands for integrity and square dealing among his fellow-citizens, and he has served as treasurer of his township, to which office he was elected on the ticket of the Democratic party, of which he has been a member since he attained his majority. His name has frequently been found on the lists of public-spirited men who have sought to aid the township and county in their growth and advancement. Mr. Brewer was married Sept. 11, 1871, to Miss Phoebe Dunham, born Sept. 20, 1849, a daughter of William and Hannah (Conant) Dunham. The father was born in Maine, but as a young man went to Ohio, where he was married to a native of that state, and in 1853 they came to Kent county, Michigan. Not long thereafter the mother died, the father married Emily Godwin, and the children were brought up in the old Van Lew family. Four children were born to William and Hannah Dunham: Henry, who died in infancy; Charles, who lived in Cadillac, Mich., and died in August, 1917; Jennie is Mrs. Albert Hatch, of Grand Rapids; and Julia D. became the wife of John Kinzie, of Muskegon, and died in 1910. Mr. Brewer has 190 acres, 140 of which is in a good state of cultivation.
Richard Brink .- The recognized prestige of citizens of this country in almost every branch of human endeavor is in large measure due to that spirit of progress which urges them constantly onward
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and upward. The possession of this ambition to gain imposing pre- eminence is shared by all who attain to successful position. The most humble may develop into an individual of high standing, provided he possess the determination and ability to forge ahead, and many lives have been reconstructed from small beginnings. To reach the heights, the goad of necessity is frequently required, and a large number of the truly able men of the country have entered upon pros- perity through the stimulating influence of being forced to make their own way without assisting factors. One of the men who left more than ordinary amount of good work behind him when he entered into eternal life was the late Richard Brink, of Grand Rapids, who for a long period was one of that city's useful citizens and for many years a power in its mercantile circles. Richard Brink, more famil- iarly known as "Dick" Brink, was born at Grand Haven, Mich., Sept. 11, 1859, and received his education in the public schools of that place. His father, who was a sailor on the Great Lakes, died when Richard was a lad of five years, and when he was still a youth he became a clerk in the general store conducted by his stepfather, John Fuite. When he was about nineteen years of age he came to Grand Rapids and secured employment in a clothing store, but after a short period became identified with Houseman & May Company, being for a long time a salesman for that concern. On March 22, 1899, he established the Dick Brink Clothing Company, at 54 Monroe street, and continued to be the active head of this business until his death, Oct. 4, 1908. Mr. Brink was an honorable man of business, whose integrity was never doubted, and whose enterprise was built upon the foundation stones of honesty and straightforward representation. For several years he was president of the Monroe Business Men's Association, and he was also active in the Grand Rapids Association of Commerce. He was a member of the old White Guard, was fraternally identified with York Lodge No. 410 of Masons, the Knights of Pythias, and the D. O. K. K., belonged to the Knickerbocker club, and was a member of the First Reformed church. In his death his community lost a substantial and reliable citizen who had done much to advance its interests. Mr. Brink was married, July 16, 1888, to Caroline C., daughter of John and Jeannette A. (Bishop) Crane, of Grand Rapids, natives of Ohio, who came at an early day to Michigan and settled at Hastings. Mr. Crane was killed at the battle of Stone's River in the Civil war, in which he was fighting as a member of a Michigan infantry regiment. Mrs. Brink, who survives her husband, and with her only son, Howard C., is conducting the business founded by her husband, is one of the well known ladies of Grand Rapids and a member of the Fountain Street Baptist church. Howard C. Brink, only son of the late Richard Brink, and one of the energetic young business men of the Furniture City, was born at Grand Rapids, Mich., Nov. 11, 1890. He received a graded and high school education and entered upon his business career with his father, since whose death he has con- ducted the establishment in his own and his mother's interests. Mr. Brink is a member of the Peninsular, Highlands Country, and Auto- mobile clubs, and the Grand Rapids Association of Commerce. He is prominent in Masonry, belonging to York Lodge No. 410, Columbia Chapter No. 132, DeMolay Commandery No. 5, DeWitt Clinton Con- sistory, and the Eastern Star, and also to Saladin Temple of the
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BIOGRAPHICAL
Mystic Shrine, and other fraternal organizations in which he holds membership are Grand Rapids Lodge No. 2, Knights of Pythias; the D. O. K. K .; Grand Rapids Camp No. 11, Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Brink holds the rank of second lieutenant in the Thirty-second division, 126th infantry, formerly of the Michigan National Guard.
Frederick Brogger .- While more than a quarter of a century has passed since the death of the late Frederick Brogger, there will be many doubtless of the older residents, as well as of the traveling public, who will remember kindly this genial hotel keeper of Grand Rapids. When he first came to this city Mr. Brogger was a youth without capital or friends, but in the years that followed he succeeded admirably in attracting both to himself, and when he died, although not yet forty years of age, he was accounted a substantial man in a material way, while his friendships were equalled by the number of his acquaintances, and there were many left to mourn his loss. Mr. Brogger was born in Germany, July 26, 1852, and came of an honest family who were in moderate circumstances that allowed the lad only an ordinary public school education. Immediately upon completing his studies, he was apprenticed to the trade of baker, and when he had mastered that vocation he worked as a journeyman. However, he felt that he was making little headway in his native land, and it was not long ere his eyes turned toward America. He had become profoundly impressed by the tales of the opportunities to be found in this country by the energetic and ambitious, and after some self- sacrifice and industry he was able to accumulate sufficient means wherewith to come to America, choosing Grand Rapids as the scene for his expected success. As noted, he was without capital, and at that time, in 1871, found employment hard to get at his trade here. He was able to get other honorable work, however, and in the same year as that of his arrival entered the employ of the Berkey & Gay Furniture Co., one of the best-known pioneer concerns of the city. He had some knowledge as a cabinet maker, which secured him a good position in that capacity, and with this concern his ability in this direction was developed, so that he became a valuable man for his concern. While thus employed, Mr. Brogger became acquainted with a young woman of Grand Rapids, Ann Richter, daughter of Valentine and Josephine (Reamer) Richter. Their romance progressed rapidly and culminated in their marriage, Sept. 24, 1878. At that time Mr. Brogger left the employ of the Berkey & Gay Furniture Company to take over the management of the Ohio Hotel, which had been built, was owned and had been operated by his father-in-law, Valentine Richter. Mr. Brogger continued as manager of this hostelry until his death, April 28, 1892. While he was still comparatively a young man, with his best years before him, Mr. Brogger had been successful in his undertakings. He had through good judgment and a careful study of the wishes and needs of the public attracted a splendid patronage to his house and had made himself a general favorite. As a business man he was known to be possessed of sterling integrity and his good citizenship made itself manifest in numerous ways. His religious connection was with St. Mary's Catholic church and he be- longed to the C. M. B. A. and St. Joseph's Association. At the time
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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
of Mr. Brogger's death, in 1892, Mrs. Brogger had the building remodeled and since that time it has been under the capable manage- ment of William F. Glaser. Mrs. Brogger, a woman of marked busi- ness capacity, survives her husband, and is one of the well known and highly esteemed residents of the community in which she has lived for so many years. She has been the mother of two children : Ella, who died at the age of seven years, and Frederick, who was born in 1881 and is known in business circles of Grand Rapids.
Charles E. Brooks .- Among the live and energetic business men of Sand Lake, Charles E. Brooks is recognized as one who has estab- lished his right to be named. He is also deserving of the title of self- made man, for he started out upon his own initiative as a youth of seventeen years and has worked his own way to position and success, in addition to which he has been prominent in the civic affairs of the village and at present is serving in the capacity of justice of the peace. Mr. Brooks was born, July 24, 1861, in Allen county, Indiana, son of W. H. Brooks, a native of New York. W. H. Brooks was a druggist by vocation, but after some years spent in that business turned his attention to farming, which he followed in Allen county, Indiana. When his son was still a child he changed his residence to Kent county, Mich., taking up a farm in Nelson township, where he made a success of his operations. Finally, his attention was turned to the hotel business, and, coming to Sand Lake, he became proprietor of the Brooks House, which he conducted for a long period. Through good management he made this one of the popular houses of the section and had built up a good business when the hotel was destroyed in the disastrous fire which swept the village. Charles E. Brooks received his education in the district schools of Nelson township, Kent county, and was partly reared on his father's farm, subsequently coming with the elder man to Sand Lake. Here, at the age of seven- teen years, he began to shape his own career, engaging in the jewelry and barber business. Even as a youth he was possessed of good business ability, while his energy and industry found an outlet in working persistently to build up a paying trade in his line. At this time he is the proprietor of the leading tonsorial parlor of the village of Sand Lake, and in addition thereto conducts a prosperous cigar and tobacco business, in which he has also built up a good trade, handling all the leading brands. These ventures have been built up solely through Mr. Brooks' energy and business acumen. He is thor- ough-going in all that he undertakes and has a keen taste for his business, while his popularity among the people of Sand Lake has done much to gain him success. In politics he is a Democrat. He has the people's confidence, as is evidenced by the fact that he has been elected councilman and village clerk, capacities in which he handled himself so well that he was eventually elected justice of the peace, an office which he holds at this time. He has made an excellent impression in this capacity, as in the others, and has vindicated him- self fully in the eyes of his fellow-townsmen who have placed their faith in him. He belongs to several fraternal orders and in other ways takes part in the active life of the flourishing village. Justice Brooks married Josephine, daughter of Nathan Burroughs, and a member of a family which traces its history in Kent county back to the earliest settlers of this region. They have several children, among
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alvah Brown
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BIOGRAPHICAL
whom is Charles Walter, who was called to the United States army and reported at Battle Creek, Mich., for service.
Alvah W. Brown .- The executive head of some of the largest and best known business institutions of Grand Rapids, Alvah W. Brown is an example of that spirit of enterprise which has so distinguished this city during the past several decades. Here have been founded, fostered and expanded the great business projects which have carried the city's name and fame to distant lands, often arousing surprise, envy and emulation and ever commanding admiration. Behind these great enterprises stand the able men who organized them and who have consistently carried out the policies which have resulted in such commercial prosperity. Belonging to this class of energetic and cap- able business men is Alvah W. Brown, who needs no introduction to the people of Grand Rapids, for this is his native community, and here during a long period he has been identified with some of the city's most important concerns. Mr. Brown was born in Kent county, Michigan, in 1865, and his education was secured in the public schools of Grand Rapids. As a youth he showed himself enterprising and industrious and early became identified with the Durfee Embalming Fluid Company, although not known by that name at that time. This concern had been established as early as 1871 by Allen Durfee, who had founded the firm of Allen Durfee & Company. For some years Mr. Brown worked energetically for this company, rising in the esteem of his employers and being promoted from time to time as his industry and real capability commended him for advancement, and finally purchased from Mr. Durfee the formula and the right to manufacture this article, which by that time had acquired a wide reputation and a receptive and profitable market. In 1895 Mr. Brown was the principal factor in the founding of the Durfee Embalming Fluid Company, of which he has since been the directing head in the offices of president and treasurer; with Freeman Bremer, vice- president, and George Sinclair, secretary. Evidence of Mr. Brown's ability in promoting large and successful enterprises is found in the growth of this company. In 1895, when it was founded, the capital represented was $8,000. Four years after its inception, in 1899, the capital was $100,000; and in 1902 the company was reorganized with a capital of $165,000. Mr. Brown is also president of the Brown & McInnes Undertaking Company, president of the Michigan Hearse & Carriage Company, vice-president of the Michigan Engraving Com- pany and president of the Utilization Company. He is a director of the Western Michigan Fair Association and chairman of the Michigan Funeral Directors' and Embalmers' Association. Thus, for more than twenty years, Mr. Brown has been identified with large business projects and his judgment is valued in everything connected with the line of industry which he represents. Under his progressive policy rapid growth and permanent trade relations have characterized his houses, and as they stand today monuments to his superior business qualifications, their importance is second to none in the Middle West. An extremely busy man, with large interests which need constant attention, Mr. Brown has nevertheless found time to discharge civic responsibilities, having, in 1902, been appointed a member of the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners. He is an active member of the Grand Rapids Board of Trade and takes a helpful and useful
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part in various civic movements. When he can spare the time, he is often found on his 100-acre farm in Paris township, where he has nearly 3,000 hogs, fed by city garbage. In all his associations, with friends, acquaintances, business competitors and the public at large, he impresses through a pleasing personality and is widely esteemed.
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