USA > Michigan > Calhoun County > History of Calhoun County, Michigan, a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Volume II > Part 2
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tion. The duties and responsibilities of the position which he has held have demanded his undivided attention, and he has neither the time nor the inclination to seek official preferment or public office of any kind. He has, however, taken the interest which all good citizens should feel in political movements, acting always with the Democratic party where political issues are involved, and being a firm believer in the wisdom of its principles and policies. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of Springfield, Illinois, and the Knights of Columbus, of Battle Creek. The religious influences which surrounded him in early life were those of the Catholic Church, and he is at present a well-known member of St. Philip's congregation. The comfortable family residence is situated at No. 11 Cliff street, in Battle Creek.
Mr. Reagan was married, February 21, 1882, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Miss Helen Connors, of that city, and seven children were born to this union. Two died in infancy, and Raymond, one of Battle Creek's popular youths, was killed by an automobile, July 14, 1911. Nellie is the wife of Frederick A. Whalen, secretary of the T. F. Whalen Grocery Company, of Battle Creek; John T. is connected with the Grand Trunk Railway, and resides with his parents; Irene L. also lives at home; and Frank I. is a resident of Detroit. The children were educated in Battle Creek and Springfield, Illinois, and the two daughters are graduates of St. Mary's Academy, of Monroe, Michigan.
GEORGE CROMWELL WALTER. On June 3, 1911, death removed one of the men who composed the group of Battle Creek manufacturers, and a citizen of prominence and fine ability. The late Mr. Walter was iden- tified with this section of Michigan for over thirty years, and had re- sided in Battle Creek about ten years previous to his death.
George Cromwell Walter was a native of one of the noted manufactur- ing districts of Massachusetts, and was born at Southfield on the 26th of September, 1846. His parents were Oliver Cromwell and Emily (Heath) Walter. His father, who died at Southfield, March 15, 1876, was a manufacturer of leather goods and whips and had a long and prosperous career in that section of the old Bay state. The principal center of the leather goods manufacturing in Massachusetts is at West- field, and his plant in Southfield was part of a large group of similar manufactures. Emily (Heath) Walter, the mother, spent the last years of her life with her son in Allegan, Michigan.
The late Mr. Walter was reared in Massachusetts and received his education in the Berkshire Institute at New Marlboro. He was trained in the business with which his father was identified, and for a number of years was engaged in that line in the east. In 1880 he came to Michi- gan, locating in Allegan, and for several years traveled as representa- tive of the American Whip Company of Westfield, Massachusetts. Later, at Hastings, he organized the Michigan Whip Company, of which he was president, and continued as one of the manufacturers at that point until 1902, when he moved to Battle Creek. Here he first established the Halter & Leather Company on Kalamazoo street, but sold his in- terest in order to found the Walter Halter Manufacturing Company, with a plant near the Verona dam, and he was the active manager of this important industry until his death. He was an expert in his parti- cular line of manufacture, and also possessed the faculty of originating and inventive genius, so that he introduced many special features into his business. Some time before his death he perfected and patented a leather automobile tire, which was tried out with considerable success at Detroit. An enterprising man of business, he was equally known for his fine integrity and public-spirited citizenship, and his death came
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as a personal loss to his many friends and business associates. His final resting place is in the Oak Hill cemetery at Battle Creek. One sister survives him, Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, of Norfolk, Connecticut.
Of his own family he left his widow and two sons and a daughter. His first wife was Miss Harriet Baldwin, of Winston, Connecticut, who died before he came to Michigan. The two sons, Herbert and Charles, are children of the first marriage. On December 31, 1884, Miss Lizzie M. Ellinger, of Allegan, became his wife that date being her birthday as well as her wedding day. Mrs. Walter, who was born in New York City, was the daughter of John Joseph and Barbara (Reichel) Ellinger, who for many years were well known farmers and citizens of Allegan county, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Walter became the parents of one daughter, Lucile, who was born at Allegan, graduated from the Battle Creek high school with the class of 1906, and is a graduate of the Gra- ham School of Shorthand of this city. Mrs. Walter has for a number of years been a member of the Woman's League and is active in church and social affairs. Her husband was throughout most of his life a member of the Congregational church. Mrs. Walter with her daughter resides at 853 Maple street, the home at which her husband died. She is owner of this residence and considerable other city property.
MICHAEL H. VERNON. For nearly thirty years the late Michael H. Vernon was an honored and successful member of the business and civic community of Battle Creek. Throughout most of this time he had been engaged in the real estate business, and at the time of his death was one of the very oldest dealers in this line in the city. He had been in ill health for some time, in fact for five years, but his death, which occurred at his home on Calhoun street, August 19, 1909, brought sincere grief to his many friends and family who had so long known him as an upright citizen and an affectionate husband and father.
Michael H. Vernon was born at Avon, New York, April 29, 1853, was reared and educated in the east, and after reaching manhood came to Michigan, residing a short time at Flint and making his permanent home in Battle Creek in 1882. For about ten years he was proprietor of a paint and wall-paper store and did decorating and painting. In 1884 he also opened an office for real estate and insurance, and for a quarter of a century was one of the reliable and prosperous men in this line of business. About two years before his death he took a part- ner, Mr. N. E. Retallick (see sketch elsewhere), who assumed the man- agement of the insurance end of the business, and the firm was then known as Vernon & Retallick until the death of the senior member. His first office was the place now occupied by Dr. Lamoreaux, and when the Minty block was completed he moved across the street to that build- ing, where he was located for years and where Mr. Retallick still con- tinues the business.
The late Mr. Vernon was one of the prominent members of the St. Philip's Catholic church of this city, and regulated his private and business life by the high principles of his church. He was also affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Mutual Benefit Asso- ciation.
On November 6, 1880, he was married in St. Michael's church at Flint, Michigan, to Miss Sarah J. McCauley, of that city. To his family and home he gave the best of his character and affection, and outside of business his home was his lodge. The family left to mourn his death comprised his wife, Mrs. Sarah J. Vernon, and their one daughter, Onnolee, who is now Mrs. D. S. O'Callaghan; also his three sisters, Catherine and Anna, of Flint, and Mrs. J. C. O'Leary, of Butte,
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Montana, and one brother, P. F. Vernon, of Flint. The daughter, Mrs. O'Callaghan, and her mother now reside at 47 Groveland avenue. Miss Onnolee Vernon, who was born in Barry county, received her education at Battle Creek, being a graduate of the St. Philip's Catholic school and of the Michigan Business & Normal College. She was then employed in the Union Trust Company of Detroit two years and with the Battle Creek Gas Company as bookkeeper a short time before her marriage. Her marriage to Dennis S. O'Callaghan was solemnized August 26, 1909.
LOUIS P. GOODWIN. The marvelous advancement that has been made in the utilization of concrete in all manner of architectural work and other constructive enterprise, has brought about the development of many thriving industries along this line, and the city of Battle Creek claims an admirably equipped and ably managed institution in the Or- namental Concrete Stone Company, of which the subject of this review is the executive head. He was the founder of the enterprise and in the same is now associated with his elder brother James A. The com- pany, with the most approved and modern facilities, manufactures con- crete building blocks, chimney blocks, and column, pier and veneer blocks, as well as many concrete products for general architectural purposes, besides dealing in lime, brick, plaster, cement, etc. The headquarters of the concern are at 144 South McCamly street, and the business has been brought to such a status of service and prosperity as to make it a valuable contribution to the industrial activities of the city in which it is established.
Louis Perry Goodwin finds due satisfaction in claiming Calhoun. county as the place of his nativity. He was born in the city of Marshall, the judicial center of the county, on the 10th of July, 1884, and is a son of Frank W. and Estella (Perry) Goodwin, the former of whom was born at Parma, Jackson county, this state, and the latter at Marshall, this statement bearing evidence that both families were founded in Michi- gan in the pioneer days. Frank W. Goodwin learned the miller's trade in his youth and was actively identified with the milling business in Marshall and later in the old mill that occupied the site of the present Ward building in Battle Creek. He maintained his home in the latter city for a period of about ten years, and here his cherished and devoted wife was summoned to the life eternal on the 8th of September, 1888, when her son Louis P., of this sketch, the youngest of the children, was about four years of age. The father, who resided at Ithaca, the capital of Gratiot county, Michigan, and was interested with his eldest son, Theron A., in the drug business, died August 14, 1912, and was buried at Marshall. He was fifty-eight years old at the time of his death. Marjorie M., the second of the children is now the wife of Ash- ley C. Stone, of Ithaca; and James A. and Louis P. are the interested principals in the Ornamental Concrete Stone Company, of Battle Creek, as already noted.
Louis P. Goodwin was one year old at the time of the family removal to Battle Creek, and here he gained his early education in the public schools. Later he continued his studies in the schools at Ithaca, where he continued to reside until 1901, when he returned to Battle Creek. He founded the business now conducted under the title of the Orna- mental Concrete Stone Company, the enterprise having had a modest inception on the 15th of August, 1908. Thorough knowledge of the details of manufacture combined with aggressive and honorable busi- ness methods, soon gained to the new undertaking a substantial sup- port, and it has been developed into one of large ramifications and de-
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fine success. James A. Goodwin was admitted to partnership in De- cember, 1908, and thus the two brothers have been closely associated in the upbuilding of a prosperous enterprise which stands creditable to them and to the city in which their operations are centered. Both are progressive and alert young business men and both are held in high esteem in business and social circles in their home city. He whose name initiates this review is aligned as a staunch supporter of the cause of the Republican party and is identified with United Commercial Travelers and the Battle Creek Lodge of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. Louis is a member of the Baptist church.
On the 6th of November, 1903, was solemnized the marriage of Louis P. Goodwin to Miss Henriette E. Bernard, daughter of Alfred Bernard of Battle Creek, where both he and his wife continued to reside until their death. Mrs. Goodwin was born at Serena, LaSalle county, Illinois, but was reared and educated in Battle Creek, to which city her parents removed when she was a child. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin have one son, Marshall B., who was born on the 6th of April, 1906. The family home is maintained at 93 Harvard street.
James A. Goodwin was born at Marshall, this county, on the 28th of September, 1882, and his educational training was secured in the public schools of Battle Creek and Ithaca, in which latter place he continued to be associated with his father and elder brother in the drug business until he returned to Battle Creek to enter into his present busi- ness alliance with his younger brother. He likewise is a Republican in politics and is affiliated with the Elks and the United Commercial Travelers. He and his wife reside at 85 Central street.
On the 20th of April, 1904, Mr. Goodwin was united in marriage to Miss Inez Lennox, who was born and reared at Ithaca, this state, where her father, Peter P. Lennox, is a representative business man. No chil- dren have been born of this union.
Mrs. Goodwin is a Presbyterian. Mr. Lennox served in the Third Michigan Cavalry, Company G, in the Civil war.
MAURICE P. CARNEY. In naming the men whose activities have been of a nature beneficial to Battle Creek, extended mention should be given to Maurice P. Carney, whose work in connection with the architectural and engineering contracts on some of the city's largest buildings has been of a character to leave its impress on the city for many years to come. He has done well all the tasks allotted to him, has built up a reputation for tireless industry that has accomplished great things along the right lines, and has shown the highest kind of executive ability, and as a result stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. Mr. Carney was born in Climax township, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, May 31, 1870, and is a son of William H. and Hannah (Powers) Carney.
Silas A. Carney, grandfather of Maurice P. Carney, took up one hundred and sixty acres of land from the Government at an early day, and was engaged in farming in Kalamazoo county throughout his life, passing away when seventy-two years of age, while his wife was sixty- five years old at the time of her demise. On the maternal side, the grand- father of Mr. Carney was D. C. Powers, who also was an early settler of Kalamazoo county, and took up two hundred acres of land from the Government, spending the remainder of his life in Climax township and passing away at the age of seventy-five years. His wife, who was of the old Benjamin Harrison stock, was born in 1819, in Marion county, Ohio, and died April 18, 1912. William H. Carney, father of Maurice P., was born in Climax township, and spent his entire active career in farming, but on his retirement in August, 1885, came to Battle Creek,
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where his death occurred December 29, 1898. He and his wife had a family of four children: Frank, who died when about one year old; Maurice P .; Grace, who graduated from the Battle Creek high school in 1892, and married V. E. Spaulding, of Kalamazoo; and Daniel A., residing in Battle Creek.
After attending the public schools and the Battle Creek high school, Maurice P. Carney took a course of three and one-half years in the Michigan Agricultural College, where he learned mechanical engineer- ing. He then spent six months in Battle Creek, after which he traveled around the country to some extent, visiting Chicago, St. Paul, Mil- waukee and Cleveland, and doing engineering work. In December, 1902, he returned to Battle Creek, where he has devoted his time to architectural and engineering work. At the present time he is chair- man of the building committee of the new City Hall. In politics a Re- publican, he is senior alderman from the Second Ward, having been elected to that office in April, 1911, for a term of two years. Fraternally, he is connected with the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 12, the Lodge, Chapter and Council of Masonry, and the Knights of Pythias, and Elks, and also holds membership in the Athelstan Club and the Battle Creek Industrial Association. With his family, he attends St. Thomas Episcopal church, where he is clerk of the vestry, superintendent of the grounds and build- ings, and active in the work of the Sunday school.
Mr. Carney was married in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Miss Carrie Westnedge daughter of Thomas and Mary (Burchnall) Westnedge, citi- zens of Kalamazoo. Mrs Carney was born in New York state, and educated in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, where her parents are at present residing. Mr. and Mrs. Carney have two children: Richard B. W., born in Kalamazoo county, September 15, 1899, and now attend- ing school in Battle Creek; and Beatrice, born October 22, 1901, in Cleveland, Ohio. The family residence is located at No. 156 Upton avenue. Mr. Carney has won wide recognition of his abilities through his identification with earnest and hard-working bodies of men whose efforts have helped toward better things, while among his business asso- ciates he is known as a man whose integrity has ever been unques- tioned.
ALONZO E. MCBETH, D. V. S. On the 21st of August, 1908, was summoned to the life eternal the soul of a man whose sterling integrity and most exemplary Christian character have left an indelible impress upon the hearts of his fellowmen. At the time when he was called from the scene of his mortal endeavors he was in his forty-third year and it may be said concerning him that "his strength was as the number of his days." The prestige which he gained as a fair and honorable man was the result of his own well directed endeavors and his success was on a parity with his ability and well applied energy. Dr. McBeth located in Battle Creek in 1889 and here gained renown as one of the best veterinary surgeons in the State. He was loyal and public spirited in his civic attitude and was incumbent of a number of important offices of public trust and responsibility.
Dr. Alonzo E. McBeth was born on a farm in the township of Wil- liamsberry, county of Simcoe, province of Ontario, Canada, January 2, 1864. His father, Donald McBeth, was of Scotch descent and he was born and reared in Canada, where he was engaged in the manufacturing business during the greater part of his active career. Dr. McBeth re- ceived his educational training in the public schools of his native place and that discipline was later supplemented with a course of study in the Ontario Veterinary College, in which excellent institution he was gradu-
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ated with honors, in March, 1889, duly receiving the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Surgery. He came to Battle Creek immediately after his graduation and here he continued to reside and to practice his profession until his death, in 1908. He built up a splendid patronage and with the passage of time came to be recognized as the most efficient doctor in his particular branch in the country.
In 1890 Dr. McBeth engaged in the livery business, later purchasing the interests of his partner and continuing in the business alone. He was a breeder of thoroughbred race horses, a number of which were win- ners. In his political convictions Dr. McBeth was a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor. April 18, 1904, he was chosen as alderman from the Second ward to fill a vacancy. In the spring elections of 1905 and 1907 he was again returned to the council by overwhelming majorities. He was a man who was kind and courteous in his home life, honest and industrious in his business dealings, and sincere and earnest in his public duties. He was esteemed by all who knew him and had no enemy among all the city officials notwithstanding the fact that he was constantly associated with them for several years prior to his demise. His business integrity and generous spirit won for him the confidence of all with whom he came into contact. He was president of the common council at Battle Creek and senior alderman of the Second ward when he died.
The Doctor passed away on Friday, August 21, 1908, after a very brief illness. The Monday preceding his demise he enjoyed his usual good health and on Tuesday witnessed the races in Lansing, in which one of his own horses was entered. Early Wednesday morning he was taken suddenly ill and died the following Friday, his death being the result of a hemorrhage of the brain. The funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian church and the same was attended by lodge members and city officials in a body. A profusion of beautiful floral offerings covered the casket and the front of the altar, the remembrances including pieces from the different lodges and from friends and ac- quaintances. A floral wheel with one spoke missing represented the sorrow of the city council. Rev. Frederick H. Bodman, of the Inde- pendent Congregational church of this city, spoke eloquently of the life of the departed, declaring him to have been a man of honest and upright dealings. The services were conducted under the auspices of the Ma- sonic order and were most impressive. The remains were followed by a long funeral cortage to Oak Hill cemetery where interment was made. Six members of the city government acted as pall bearers. In 1909 Mrs. McBeth, widow of the deceased, erected a beautiful monument to the memory of her husband. The same was engraved by John M. Thom, of this city, and had the Masonic emblem cut in stone and also a cut of the Doctor's favorite horse.
Following are extracts from the tribute paid by the city council to its deceased president, the same being considered worthy of insertion here :
"Alonzo E. McBeth, president of the common council of the city of Battle Creek and senior alderman from the Second ward, departed this life at his home in this city on Friday, the 21st day of August, 1908.
"The surviving members of this body wish to place on. record some tribute of love and admiration, though we realize that such tribute must be meager at the best.
"No man ever sat in the council who commanded a higher respect from his associates. He was a tireless worker for the betterment of the city and his ward. Many permanent municipal improvements stand as monuments to his zeal, business foresight, and honest labor. His sudden
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departure cast a deep gloom over our city for he was beloved by all classes of citizens,-rich and poor, high and low. He was never known to turn his back on an honest appeal for aid and frequently he gave more than his means justified. Had Dr. McBeth longer survived, many public and political honors would have been his for the asking.
"We bow our heads in sorrow to pay to his memory the highest tribute-that of being a good and honest man. The words of a famous poet are a fitting conclusion :
'To thou who are cleansed of sin and pride, sorrow and lust and shame,
Borne on the breath that men call death our brother's spirit came. Scarce had he need to cast the pride or slough the dross of earth,
E'en as he trod that day to God, so walked he from his birth,
In simpleness and gentleness and honor and clean mirth.'
"Be it resolved: That this memorial be spread at large upon the official minutes of this meeting and a certified copy thereof sent to the widow of our beloved friend and departed brother."
August 29, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. McBeth to Miss Josephine Howard, who was born and reared at Montreal and who is a daughter of C. S. Howard. Mrs. McBeth survives her honored husband, as do also two uncles. The doctor had no children. Mrs. McBeth is a woman of most gracious personality and is deeply beloved by all with whom she comes in contact.
In a fraternal way Dr. McBeth was affiliated with the time-honored Masonic order, the Knights of the Tented Maccabees, the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of Pythias. In this day, when disinterested citizenship is all too rare a jewel, it is helpful to reflect upon a course of high-minded patriotism such as that of Dr. McBeth. His genial, kindly manner won him the kind regard and good will of all with whom he came in contact and thus his death was uniformly mourned throughout Battle Creek and the surrounding district.
Mrs. McBeth is and always has been a great lover and friend of horses and animals. She is a member of the Humane Society.
JACOB WEICKGENANT. He whose name initiates this review is a native son of Calhoun county and has been a resident of Battle Creek from his boyhood days. Here he has developed and matured his ad- mirable initiative and administrative powers and has risen to a position of definite precedence as one of the most enterprising and successful merchants not only of Battle Creek but of this entire section of southern Michigan. He has been dependent upon his own resources from early youth, has guided his course along a high plane of integrity and honor, has gained the unqualified confidence and esteem of the community that has long represented his home, and has won success of such distinctive order as to place him in the front rank of the leading merchants of Battle Creek, where he now conducts three retail establishments, besides being an interested principal in one of the prominent mercantile con- cerns in the city of Kalamazoo. His character and achievement entitle him to specific recognition in this history of his native county, in which he is known as a most liberal, loyal and progressive citizen.
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