History of Calhoun County, Michigan, a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Volume II, Part 34

Author: Gardner, Washington, 1845-1928
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago New York, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 838

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 34

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until 1885, in which year he was transferred to Chicago, and there became trainmaster of the Western Division of the Grand Trunk lines. In May, 1888, he returned to Battle Creek, as assistant superintendent, this title lasting over the D. G. H. & M. and Cincinnati, Saginaw and Mackinaw and the Chicago & Grand Trunk from Port Huron to Chi- cago. He continued as assistant superintendent until 1898, at which time he severed his connection with the road on account of ill health. After spending a few years in the mountains of Colorado, Mr. McIntyre was persuaded, in May, 1902, to resume railroading, accepting the agency of the D. T. & M., now a part of the Vanderbilt System, and was agent here until May, 1906. At that time he was transferred to the main office of the Michigan Central Railroad at Battle Creek, taking charge of all of that company's business. In May, 1910, ill health again caused his resignation. In 1904 Mr. McIntyre built a handsome home at No. 257 Garfield avenue. He has shown his confidence in the welfare of Battle Creek's industrial concerns by investing in a num- ber of manufacturing companies. He is a master mason of A. T. Met- calf Lodge No. 419, and for a quarter of a century was connected with the Athelstan Club. With his family he attends the Congregational church.

On April 14, 1879, Mr. McIntyre was married in Battle Creek to Miss Mary Lois Latta, daughter of Alfred and Martha E. (Hill) Latta, a sketch of whose lives will be found in another part of this work. Mrs. McIntyre was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and was there educated and at Olivet College. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mc- McIntyre was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and was there educated and Ida Martha, born and educated in Battle Creek, graduating from the high school in the class of 1909, and also a student in the Michigan Business and Normal College. As a railroad man Mr. McIntyre is known throughout this and several other States, and is recognized as a railroad operator of capacity and ability. Having begun his career as a railroad man, as agent in a country station, he has thoroughly familiar- ized himself with all the details of railroad business and management, and has earned promotion by hard work and thorough honesty, intelli- gent effort and efficient services. He has made a close study of what may be termed "the science of railroading," has knowledge of the principles governing the operation of railroads, the rules and regula- tions pertaining to railroad traffic, and is a man also of extensive general information. As a citizen he has the respect and esteem of his fellow- citizens.

LOUIS E. STEWART. An active and able member of the Michigan bar, Louis E. Stewart of Battle Creek, head of the firm of Stewart & Jacobs, has achieved a splendid success in his profession through a wise and systematic application of his abilities to his work, which ever demands veritable talent and a broad knowledge. A son of Henry W. Stewart, he was born August 19, 1870, near Grand Rapids, Kent county, Michigan.

Reared to agricultural pursuits, Henry W. Stewart was for many years engaged in farming in Michigan, but is now a resident of Florida. In the fall of 1882 he was elected sheriff of Antrim county, Michigan, and served in that capacity for eight years, winning a fine record as a public official. His wife, whose maiden name was Adeline Holden, died in 1883, in Antrim county, Michigan, which had then been the home of the family for eight years.

Educated in the schools of Mancelona, Michigan, Louis E. Stewart taught school the summer in which he attained his majority, after

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which he learned the printer's trade in Bellaire, Michigan. The fol- lowing year he resumed his studies, and in 1894 was graduated from the Bellaire high school. His natural tastes and inclinations turning towards a professional life, Mr. Stewart then entered the Law Depart- ment of the University of Michigan, where, in 1896, he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Immediately locating in Albion, Michigan, he remained there six years, during which time he built up a substantial patronage. Since November, 1902, Mr. Stewart has been actively engaged in his professional practice at Battle Creek, and in partnership with Mr. Henry F. Jacobs, since May 1, 1904, being senior member of the firm of Stewart & Jacobs, attorneys-at-law. This firm carries on a general law business, with some corporation practice, and has an extensive and lucrative clientele, it being one of the leading law firms of the city.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Stewart is a stanch Republican, and since early manhood has been more or less identified with public affairs. At the age of twenty-one years he was elected city marshal of Bellaire; was circuit court commissioner while living in Albion; in 1907 and 1908 he served as prosecuting attorney of Calhoun county ; and in 1911 was elected to the Battle Creek Board of Education for a term of three years. Fraternally Mr. Stewart is a member, of Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons; a member of the Order of the Eastern Star; of Bryant Chapter, Modern Woodmen of America, of Albion; and of the Knights of Pythias, of Bat- tle Creek. He is also a member of St. Andrew's Scottish Society, and of the Athelstan Club, of Battle Creek. Religiously he is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church.

On August 5, 1903, at Albion, Michigan, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage with Miss Clarissa Dickie, who was born in Hastings, Michi- gan, and was educated at Albion College, being graduated from its Con- servatory. Her father, Dr. Samuel Dickie, M. S., LL. D., is president of Albion College, and one of the advisory editors of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have two children, namely: Mary, born in Albion, Michigan; and Elizabeth, born in Battle Creek, Michigan. The family have a pleasant residence at No. 192 Fremont street, and there take pleasure in entertaining their many friends.

HENRY F. JACOBS. In considering the prominent legal firms in Battle Creek one's mind instinctively turns to the firm of Stewart & Jacobs, of No. 6 Kingman Block, a concern which has acted as coun- sel in some of the most important litigation carried on in the Michi- gan courts in late years. The younger member of this partnership, Henry F. Jacobs, was born in Mount Elgin, Ontario, October 26, 1872, a son of Samuel J. and Melissa (Smith) Jacobs, natives of County Ox- ford, Ontario, of Irish and English descent.

Henry F. Jacobs was six years of age when brought to the United States, his parents settling in Watrousville, Tuscola county, Michi- gan, where the lad was reared on his father's farm and attended the graded and high schools. Graduating from the latter in 1891 he began teaching school, a profession which he followed four years, and in the spring of 1895 entered Albion College, where he remained until Feb- ruary, 1899. He then became a student in the literary department of the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1900, and in June, 1902, completed his studies in the law department, shortly thereafter being admitted to the bar. In November, 1902, a professional partnership was formed with a classmate, Lewis W. Leisening. and the firm of Leisening & Jacobs at once began practice in Battle Creek, the

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association continuing until the death of the senior partner, in March, 1904, when the firm of Stewart & Jacobs was founded. Mr. Jacobs possesses a keen and analytical mind and a broad and comprehensive mental vision, enabling him to assimilate the correlation of ideas and to instinctively grasp the fundamental and basic elements of the sub- ject under consideration. Added to this he is a logical reasoner and an eloquent and forceful public speaker. While in Albion College and at Ann Arbor, he was very active in oratorical and debating work, rep- resenting both institutions on several occasions in contests with institu- tions of other States. These attributes and accomplishments are essen- tial in a successful legal career, and by the possession of these superior qualities, which in themselves are marks of distinction, Mr. Jacobs has attained an enviable station in his profession. He has served as coun- sel in some very important litigation that has attracted widespread attention, and his ability and superior merit has obtained the recog- nition that it deserves.

Mr. Jacobs was married June 25, 1902, at North Branch, Michigan, to Miss Mabel G. Butler, whose mother died in 1901, while her father, William Butler, still survives, and for more than thirty years has been engaged in the hardware and farm implement business. He is promi- nent in local politics, and one of the most influential Democrats in Lapeer county. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have two children: William H., who is eight years of age; and Ethel Maude, aged six. Mr. Jacobs has. been a lifelong Republican.

EDWARD CHAUNCEY HINMAN. The Central National Bank of Battle Creek, located at the corner of Main street and Jefferson avenue, was organized in 1903. With a capital stock of $200,000 and a surplus of $50,000, this is the largest bank in this section of Michigan, and has had a prosperous, progressive record during every year of its history. In March, 1912, the capital stock was increased to $300,000.00 and sur- plus to $150,000.00 and with resources over $4,500,000 makes the Cen- tral National Bank the largest and strongest bank in southwestern Michigan. The bank has fine offices and the latest improvements for safety and facilitation of business.

One of the men most active in the organization and president of the institution from the beginning is Edward Chauncey Hinman, who has been prominently identified with the business and civic life of Battle Creek for nearly forty years. A member of the Hinman family which has contributed to the development of Battle Creek and Calhoun county almost from the pioneer era, he was born in this city March 1, 1852, a son of John F. and Harriet E. (Hayt) Hinman.

The first American ancestor of this branch of the family was Ser- geant Edward Hinman, who was born in England in 1609, was a mem- ber of King Charles First's body guard, and during the time of Oliver Cromwell escaped from England and became a resident of Strat- ford, Connecticut, in 1650. From him in the line of descent comes through Benjamin Hinman, Judge Noah Hinman and Abijah Adoniram Hinman, both of the latter being Connecticut soldiers in the war of the Revolution. A son of the last named was Truman H. Hinman, who lived and died at Castleton, Vermont, where he followed the occupa- tion of farmer.

A son of this Vermont farmer, the late John F. Hinman was born at Castleton, March 17, 1816, was reared there, but in 1836, when a young man of twenty years and at a time when southern Michi- gan was beginning to fill up with the first tide of settlers, he came west and settled at Bellvue, in Eaton county. He was one of the early

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HISTORY OF CALHOUN COUNTY

merchants of that community and remained there until 1851, when he sold out and moved to Battle Creek. Here he and his brother estab- lished a large store under the firm name of B. F. & J. E. Hinman. Both in business and public affairs John F. Hinman was successful and influential. He was recognized as one of the strong adherents of the Republican party from its first organization, but he never ran for any office. The Hinman block, erected by himself and brother, con- tained the old Hinman Hall in which the first Republican meetings in Battle Creek were held. After a long and honored career, John F. Hin- man passed away February 6, 1900. His widow Harriet E. Hayt Hin- man died March 17, 1907. The Presbyterian church counted them among its members for half a century or more.

Harriet Elizabeth Hayt, who became the wife of the late Mr. Hin- man, was the daughter of John Tompkins Hayt. Her lineal descent from the famous John Alden of New England is as follows: John Alden and Priscilla Mullens' daughter Elizabeth became the wife of William Paybody. Their daughter Rebecca married William South- worth. Joseph Southworth, their son, wedded Mary Blake. To them was born a son Constant, who married Rebecca Richmond.

A son of the last named, Major William Southworth, who won his title by valiant service in the Revolution, married Mary Throop, and their daughter Harriet became the wife of Ira Tillotson. Harriet Tillot- son, a daughter of this marriage, was the wife of John Thomp- kins Hayt, of Patterson, New York, and the mother of Mrs. Hinman. Mr. Hayt brought his family to Bellvue, Michigan, where his daughter and John F. Hinman were married April 23, 1845. Six of their chil- dren reached mature years.

Edward Chauncey, one of these children, was reared and received his early schooling at Battle Creek. His college days were passed at the University of Michigan, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1874. He is a member of the Chi Psi college fraternity. His first active work was in the government engineering work on the Fox and Wisconsin rivers improvement, at which he was employed from 1874 to 1880. For the next two years he was in the grain business at Port Huron, and since 1882 has been permanently identified by residence and business with his native city. Until 1888 he was senior member of Hinman & Ward, millers. In 1890 he pur- chased an interest in the Battle Creek Machinery Company. That was then one of the smaller factories of the city, and about fifty men were on the payroll and its output restricted in amount and in extent of sales territory. With Mr. Hinman as secretary and treasurer of the company, the business was greatly increased, until in 1898 it was reor- ganized and incorporated under the name of the American Steam Pump Company, with capital stock of $500,000 and with no indebtedness. In the new company Mr. Hinman continued to hold the same office he had under the previous organization until he was made president.

Besides these two enterprises which have foremost place in a busi- ness summary of Battle Creek, Mr. Hinman has many other interests. Successful in business, he has also given his energies and civic spirit for the betterment of his home city. It was largely through his instrument- ality that the appropriation for the federal building was obtained. A member of the Athelstan Club, during his two years as president the elegant club rooms were opened in the Post building. He also affiliates with the Metcalf Lodge, A. F. & A. M., also with the chapter, council and commandery in this city, and with Saladin Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Grand Rapids. His other fraternal connections are with the Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. As a Republican but

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more as a good citizen, he has served as alderman from his home ward, the fourth, but has refused all other offices. His residence at 303 Maple street is one of the most attractive homes in this city.

Mr. Hinman married, in 1876, Miss Carrie L. Risdon, who passed away in 1887, leaving two daughters, Gertrude B. and Belle R. Mrs. Hinman had been reared at Ann Arbor, and was educated in Dr. An- nett's school of Boston. She was a daughter of Lewis C. and Gertrude B. (Judd) Risdon. The latter was a descendant of Thomas Judd, who came from England in 1633. Another of Mrs. Hinman's ancestors was Thomas Hastings, who settled in Boston in 1652, and on the father's side her ancestry goes back to Orange Risdon, Josiah Risdon and David Risdon. The present Mrs. Hinman was before her marriage Miss Isadore M. Risdon, a sister of the first wife.

THEODORE E. SANDS, M. D. For a quarter of a century a practic- ing physician and surgeon of Battle Creek, the life of Dr. Theodore E. Sands was a benefit and an inspiration to the people of his community, and in his untimely passing out on June 22, 1911, Battle Creek lost a man who could hardly be spared from the ranks of her valuable and admirable citizens. His life and work among the people of the commu- nity in which he had been a familiar figure for so long was of an order eminently calculated to win to him the respect and love of all, and in those qualities his life was richly endowed.

Dr. Theodore E. Sands was born in Shipping Port, Pennsylvania, June 5, 1861. He was the son of Elijah Sands, captain on a river boat running between New York and New Orleans. The son, Theodore, re- mained in his native town until he reached the age of sixteen years, at- tending the public schools, and he then moved with his parents to Napoleon, Ohio, where the father became engaged in the lumber busi- ness, and where he continued his studies in the high school until he was about eighteen years of age. He then entered the law office of Judge David Meekison, it being his intention to pursue the study of law, and he continued his studies under the preceptorship of the old judge until he was ready to take his final examinations, which he passed success- fully, and was admitted to the bar as soon as he had reached his majority. He entered upon active practice in Napoleon, but a thorough test of the profession convinced him that the work was not congenial to him, and that he was better fitted for other labors. He had been strongly at- tracted by the medical profession, and after mature consideration, he decided to give up his legal work and study medicine. In the fall of 1882 he became a student in the office of Dr. W. J. Fairfield of Battle Creek, then medical superintendent of the Health Home. In 1883 he pursued a course of study in the University of Michigan covering a period of two years, after which he attended the Starling Medical Col- lege at Columbus, Ohio, graduating from that institution with honors. The young doctor then returned to Battle Creek, where he became the recognized successor of his former friend and preceptor, Dr. Fairfield, being appointed to the responsible position of superintendent of the Health Home, which he held during the remainder of its existence. The institution was later superseded by the Nichols Memorial Hos- pital, with which Dr. Sands was subsequently connected as consult- ing and visiting physician and surgeon. He always maintained an abiding interest in the hospital, and as a member of the staff gave much of his time to the enterprise, not alone in his advisory capacity but in lecturing before the training classes. His private practice was exceed- ingly large, and his days were planned with a view to utilizing every valuable moment, that being the only possible way in which he might

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meet the heavy drafts upon his time. Dr. Sands was a registered phar- macist, and a post graduate in therapeutics. As a devoted member of his profession he spent considerable time at various intervals in the foreign hospitals, and his skill in surgical work was widely acknowl- edged, while he made an especial study of the subject of gynecology.

Dr. Sands was one of the original promoters and owners of Urban- dale, a suburb of Battle Creek, and he was interested in real estate and general building to a large extent throughout the city. He was a member of Battle Creek Lodge No. 12 A. F. & A. M., Royal Arch Masons and Knights Templar, and with reference to his profession, he was a member of the Calhoun County Medical Society and the Amer- ican Medical Association, being prominent in both organizations, and a contributor to numerous medical journals, as well as having made frequent addresses before the assembled societies of which he was a member

Dr. Sands was twice married. His first wife was Miss Hilah Miller, and she died January 26, 1904. The doctor's second marriage occurred on April 23, 1905, when he married Miss Elizabeth Millspaugh of Evanston, Illinois. The bereaved widow still remains in the family home on West Van Buren street. She was born in Penn Yan, N. Y., and educated there, and is a graduate of Penn Yan Academy of Penn Yan, New York.

The sudden and untimely death of Dr. Sands was brought about as the result of an operation performed to relieve a mastoid affection of the middle ear. The doctor had suffered for some time from the trouble, but did not regard it as serious, but the symptoms became suddenly aggravated while on a trip to Detroit and he consulted a spe- cialist. An immediate operation was pronounced necessary, and it was performed, but without avail, death coming within a few hours after the operation, and without his once regaining consciousness.

The sense of loss sustained by the people of Battle Creek will long be felt, and the love and esteem in which the doctor was generally held is aptly expressed in an editorial from the Battle Creek News of June 23d: "On the street, in the office, across the counter, they speak sadly of the death of Dr. Theodore E. Sands. In the home they discuss his going out as a personal loss. A good soldier went down in the thick of the fight and in the prime of his service, and they say it is a great pity that he might not have lived on to fight, for the victory that was in his blows and the inspiration that was in his example. They say, too, that it is a great pity that one who had battled so bravely and so often for others should have had so short a battle against such cruel odds, for himself. But they also say, upon reflection, that this crushing sud- denness of his attack and defeat has its compensations, in that they will remember him as he was before he fell-the watchful guardian, the smiling friend, and the strong, resourceful fighter. Success oper- ates many scales-but she has, after all, only one standard of values. She weighs fame and notoriety, prosperity and influence, but she writes her enduring certificate of value upon the record of useful life and helpful deeds. The good that men do lives after them, and this, on a local or a national scope, is success. The record room of success is in the heart, and the good physician and the kindly gentleman is re- corded there."

Numerous tributes to the memory of the beloved doctor were paid at the funeral services, which were in charge of the Knights Templar of Battle Creek. Reverend B. Frank Taber, pastor of the First Baptist church, who was called home from the East to officiate at the funeral, said in part: "I pay a tribute to my friend and yours, whose

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sudden and untimely death has brought to us a sense of great personal sorrow. Cicero said that friendship is the only thing concerning which all men agree. That a man is richer in his friendships than in his gold, and it is a sad day for any man when he loses a friend. The friend-making qualities of Dr. Sands and his genuine interest in peo- ple, his constant giving of himself for the good of others, and the fact that all over the city there are homes that feel the personal loss of his death, were evidences of his splendid manhood. There are some people whose acquaintance we shall wish to renew in the next world, and I count Theodore Sands as one of these."

Among others who spoke feelingly of the life and death of their friend was Edward C. Hinman, who said in brief: "Dr. Theodore E. Sands has passed away long before the allotted life of man. We have lost a true friend and Battle Creek has lost a good citizen, one who never knowingly did a wrong to another. He was gentle as a child, brave as a lion, patient and long suffering, and at the last, sacrificed his life for the benefit of his patients, for had he thought more of his health he would undoubtedly be alive today. He did not practice medicine for the money he could make from his profession, but rather for the pleasure he derived from helping others. I, among many others, owe my life to him. Our loss is great, and it seems the more unbearable when we consider that Dr. Sands should have been spared to us for many years, but we can console ourselves with the thought that if we are privileged to meet Dr. Sands in the life to come, death should have no fear for us, for he is with the blessed. The words of Abraham Lincoln apply to our friend: 'I do the very best I know how-the very best I can and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.'

"The end brought Dr. Sands out right, and he died as he had lived; a true friend, a good samaritan, a devoted husband, loved by people who knew him well. Those who tried to malign him should repent as those who loved him mourn."

FRANKLIN B. SPRING. Twenty-five years ago, or in 1887, there was added to the roster of Calhoun county citizens the name of Franklin B. Spring, who located on the farm of 128 acres in Clarence township on which he has since resided. This he has developed into an attractive and comfortable rural home and has proved himself a citizen of char- acter and enterprise who in making his own a valuable farm property has materially aided in the upbuilding of this section and therefore has added to the wealth of the whole county. He is a depositor in the State Bank at Springport.

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History of Calhoun County, Michigan, a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Volume II, Part 34

Author: Gardner, Washington, 1845-1928 Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago New York, The Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 838

Author: Gardner, Washington, 1845-1928
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago New York, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 838