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 36
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James L. Dobbins was but nine years old when his parents came to Michigan, and in this state he grew up and completed the education which had barely begun when they removed from their eastern home. He was attending the high school at Battle Creek when his parents removed to Marshall and he remained in the former city about three years, in that time studying architecture and building. He then came to Marshall where he took up contracting and building, combining with that occupation the manufacture of furniture on a small scale. He car- ried on this business until 1870, running a planing mill and furniture manufactory, and doing an exclusive wholesale business.
Among the prominent buildings which Mr. Dobbins erected may be mentioned the Peter Block, Academy of Music, old Academy of Music, now used as a furniture store, the Methodist Episcopal church, and many of the finest residences in the city. After entering into partner- ship with Mr. Phelps, Mr. Dobbins still conducted his mill and factory operations until May, 1872, when they were destroyed by fire and he suffered a heavy financial loss. He finally turned his attention entirely to the hot air furnace business. His partner in the business was Wil- liam M. Phelps, patentee of the Tubular Furnace, and in a few years he found it expedient to purchase the interest of Mr. Phelps. He con- ducted the business on his own responsibility and built up an amazing patronage in his line. He dealt in furnace fixtures, registers and ven- tilators, and manufactured all kinds of wood and coal furnaces under the Phelps patent. These furnaces were shipped to various points, the principal trade outside the state of Michigan being in Ohio, Indiana Vol. IT-16
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and Wisconsin. From three to five men were kept on the road between March and December in the interests of the business.
On May 3, 1880, Mr. Dobbins was united in marriage with Mrs. Emma Wagner, the widow of James Wagner. She at one time made her home in Canandaigua, New York, and is the daughter of Bennett and Hannah Tiffany. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dob- bins, one of whom died in infancy, Bertha E. surviving.
Mr. Dobbins has accumulated a goodly bit of real estate in Marshall, in addition to his handsome home and his business property. He has been identified with numerous financial and industrial enterprises in the city. of his home in the years of his residence here, and has a well established reputation for stability and progressiveness. He is a direc- tor of the First National Bank of Marshall and of the Central National Bank of Ellsworth, Kansas. Fraternally, Mr. Dobbins has membership in Marshall Lodge No. 20, F. &. A. M. and in the chapter and com- mandery.
WILL A. KRENERICK. Energetic and able men, whether they elect to be identified with the professional, commercial or industrial worlds, are always the most highly valued citizens of any community, for they seldom fail in personal accomplishment and thereby become factors of importance in the general public progress. The farming interests of Calhoun county have a prominent representative in the person of Will A. Krenerick, a native and now treasurer of Clarence township, whose father William Krenerick and grandfather Adam Krenerick were in their times both numbered among the most substantial and influential citizens of that community. Mr. Krenerick inherited the fine property he now owns but throughout his business career he has displayed that acumen and judgment which mark him in his own right a man of strong business ability.
Born October 10, 1877, on the farm on which he now resides, he here grew to manhood and received his earlier education in the local district schools. Later he was a student in the business department of Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, and also completed the nor- mal course in the state normal. After student days were over he took charge of his father's farm and at the latter's death heired the estate. There are 204 acres in the property and besides general farming he feeds a good many cattle and hogs. The family became established in Clarence township with the removal of Adam and Henrietta (Hundle- berger) Krenerick, the grandparents of Will A., from Ohio to Calhoun county, Michigan about 1853. Here Adam Krenerick bought a farm from a Mr. Drew, who had taken the land up from the government, and became one of the most prosperous and prominent men of this vicinity, owning several hundred acres at the time of his retirement and removed to Albion some fifteen years before his death. He passed away in that city in 1906 at the advanced age of ninety-three years. His wife preceded him in death a number of years, her demise having occurred in 1890 when seventy-three years of age. Five children came to their union, one of whom died in infancy. The other four were Adam, deceased; Mrs. Caroline Sheek, of Albion; William, deceased; and Mrs. Emeline Roper, also a resident of Albion.
The late William Krenerick, the fourth in this family in order of birth and the father of our subject, was born in Ohio on January 2, 1844, and came to Michigan with his parents as a lad of nine years. Here he grew to man's estate and received his education in the district schools and in the high school at Marshall, Michigan. He took up inde- pendent activity as a carpenter but only followed the trade four years
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and then returned to his father's farm, the agricultural vocation there- after claiming his attention until 1901. He owned the farm of 204 acres which at his death passed to his son Will. Seriously troubled with asthma all of his life, he went twice to Colorado and once to Florida in search of relief from the disease. He passed to the life beyond on June 30, 1908, at Albion, a citizen held in high esteem. In Michigan, in 1872, he was united in marriage to Minnie Kline, who was born in Ohio July 2, 1855. A daughter and a son blessed this union; Mary, now Mrs. Daniel Holland, of Denver, Colorado, and Will A. Krenerick of this review. The senior Mr. Krenerick was a Democrat and had served as clerk of Clarence township. In religion he was a Lutheran, the faith in which he was reared, and fraternally he affiliated with the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows.
In 1902 was solemnized the marriage of Will A. Krenerick and Miss Orah Reed, daughter of Alfred and Alma Reed, who are now living in Albion and were pioneer settlers in Sheridan township of Calhoun county. Mr. and Mrs. Krenerick have one daughter, Vera Lucile. In politics Mr. Krenerick is a Progressive Democrat and is now serving his second term as treasurer of Clarence township and has also served on the board of reviews. His fraternal connections are as a member of the Patrons of Husbandry.
CHARLES C. GREEN was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, January 15, 1876. He is the son of James and Cornelia (Kellogg) Green, both of whom are mentioned at length elsewhere in this biographical work. Charles C. Green was the only child of his parents, and he passed his boyhood and youth in regular attendance at the public school of his home town. He was graduated from the Battle Creek high school with the class of 1894, immediately following which he entered the University of Michigan, graduating from the literary department of that institution in 1898 and from the law department the following year.
Following his university course, he began the practice of law in Battle Creek, conducting a lucrative and constantly growing practice between the years of 1899 and 1905, after which he became connected with the Advance Thresher Company as a director of the company and a member of the executive committee, as well as acting as assistant treasurer of the company. In October. 1911, he, together with the other stockholders, sold out his interest in the Advance Company to The M. Rumley Company.
Mr. Green was mayor of Battle Creek from April, 1907, to a corres- ponding time in 1909, his tenure of office being marked by a number of changes consistent with the advancement of the best interests of the city. He is a Republican in his political faith and adherence and has been active and enthusiastic for the advancement of the party at all times. Mr. Green is prominent in business circles of his city, being at the pres- ent time president of The Citizens Electric Company, and president of The City Bank of Battle Creek. He is affiliated with numerous fraternal societies, being a member of the Alpha Delta Phi. since his college days. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and of the Athelstan Club. He is a member of the Independent Congregational church and is active and interested in the work of that body.
On November 20. 1901. Mr. Green married Miss Ella Louise Wil- liams, the daughter of Herbert R. Williams of Battle Creek, ex-sheriff of the county. Mrs. Green was born in Cleveland. Ohio. and received her education in Battle Creek, being a graduate of the Battle Creek high
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school of the class of 1896. Mr. Green is the only living representative of his father's family in this country today.
REV. FATHER JAMES CAHALAN. A man of earnest convictions, strong character, and deep consecration, Rev. Father James Cahalan, rector of Saint Mary's Catholic Church, at Marshall, is a faithful and tireless worker in the cause of the faith, and a firm friend and a wise counselor to all who go to him for advice and consolation. He was born in March, 1870, in Hubbardston, Ionia county, Michigan, a son of John and Mary (Needham) Cahalan. His father, a native of Ireland, immigrated to America when young, and having bought land in Ionia county, Michi- gan, erected a good set of buildings, and was there for many years suc- cessfully employed in general farming.
Obtaining his preliminary education in the rural schools of his na- tive district, James Cahalan subsequently continued his studies at Saint Francis' Seminary, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he spent a year. Going then to Ontario, Canada, he attended Assumption College for a time, after which he entered Saint Mary's Seminary, in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was graduated in 1895. On June 20, 1895, he was ordained to the ministry, and immediately assumed charge of St. Joseph's Church at. Trenton, Michigan. Transferred to Saint Anthony's Church, at Hillsdale, Michigan, Father Cahalan remained there nine years doing most efficient and satisfactory work. Accepting the pastorate of Saint Mary's Church, in Marshall, in 1908, he has here held the position since, and has led a busy and useful life, administering wisely to the spiritual needs of his large congregation, which embraces two hundred families, while in the school, which is under his control, there are one hundred and thirty-five pupils enrolled.
The church edifice, which is a substantial brick structure, reflects credit upon the loyal men and women of the parish who contributed so generously towards the support of their church. A brief history of the church appears on another page of this volume.
IRA A. BECK. Among those who have gained distinctive prestige as representative members of the bar of Calhoun county is Ira A. Beck, who is established in the successful practice of his profession in the city of Battle Creek, with offices in suite 206, Post Building. Recognition of his ability and success is the more pleasing by reason of the fact that he is a native son of the fine old Wolverine state and that he is a scion of one of its sterling old families.
Mr. Beck was born at Charlotte, the judicial center of Eaton county, Michigan, on the 21st of September, 1878, and is the oldest of the five children of John T. and Ella (Foster) Beck, the former a native of New York and the latter of Michigan. John T. Beck was long numbered among the representative exponents of the agricultural industry in Eaton county and commands secure place in popular confidence and esteem. He is now living virtually retired and he and his wife have an attractive home in the city of Charlotte. He is a stalwart Republican in his political adherency. As already stated, the subject of this review is the eldest of their five children : Charles H., Mary and Ruby are resi- dents of Detroit and Pearl remains at the parental home.
Ira A. Beck is indebted to the public schools of his native city for his early educational discipline and has the distinction of having been the youngest person ever graduated in the Charlotte high school, the curri- culum of which he completed as a member of the class of June, 1893, so that he was but 14 years of age at the time of his graduation. After leaving the high school Mr. Beck began reading law under the effective
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preceptorship of Judge Horace S. Maynard, one of the leading members of the bar of Eaton county, and was admitted to the bar of his native state in 1899, shortly after attaining to his legal majority. He served as register of the probate court of Eaton county, a position to which he had been appointed in 1896 and of which he continued the incumbent until 1901. His initial work in his profession was done in his native city, where he was for a brief interval associated in partnership relations with his honored preceptor, Judge Maynard. In 1901 he went to the city of Chicago and entered the offices of the leading and influential law firm of Flower, Smith & Musgrave, with which he remained until the 1st of January, 1904, his connection with this representative firm in the great western metropolis having afforded him especially wide and varied ex- perience along professional lines.
Mr. Beck made consistent observance of the advent of the new year of 1904 by coming to Battle Creek, where he entered into a professional partnership with Arthur B. Williams, with whom he was associated in active general practice for the ensuing five years, under the firm name of Williams & Beck. The alliance was then dissolved and since that time Mr. Beck has been engaged in individual practice, with a clientage of representative order. He has built up a substantial professional busi- ness and has gained prestige as a strong and resourceful attorney, as well as a counselor well fortified in technical knowledge and mature judgment. In politics Mr. Beck accords unfaltering allegiance to the Republican party and he has given effective service in behalf of its principles and policies. He is affiliated with Battle Creek Lodge, No. 12, Free & Accepted Masons, of which he is senior warden in 1912; with Battle Creek Chapter, No. 19, Royal Arch Masons; with Battle Creek Commandery, No. 33, Knights Templar, of which he is serving as gen- eralissimo at the time of this writing; with De Witt Clinton Consistory of Grand Rapids and with Saladin Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in the city of Grand Rapids. He also holds membership in the Battle Creek lodges of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, and is identified with the Athelstan, Country and Community Clubs, all representative social organizations of the metropolis of Calhoun county. He and his wife attend and support the Independent Congregational church in their home city and both are popular factors in the social activities of the community, their home, at 69 Garrison avenue, being a center of hospitality.
On the 21st of March, 1906, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Beck to Miss Mildred Phillips, who was born and reared in Battle Creek and who is a daughter of Dr. Albanus M. Phillips, individually represented on other pages of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Beck have two children,- Margaret and Dorothy.
DR. ALBANUS M. PHILLIPS. At the time of his retirement from active practice, in 1905, Dr. Phillips was the oldest representative of the dental profession in the city of Battle Creek, in the matter of years of continuous practice in the metropolis of Calhoun county, where he successfully followed the work of his chosen vocation for nearly forty years, during which entire period he continuously occupied the offices in the Eldred block, at the corner of South Jefferson avenue and East Main street. He has long held prestige as one of the skilled and suc- cessful exponents of the dental surgery in Calhoun county and he controlled a large and representative practice until the time of his re- tirement. He is well known throughout the county and commands secure place in the confidence and esteem of its people. As one of the
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pioneer dentists and sterling citizens of this section of the state he is eminently entitled to recognition in this publication.
Dr. Albanus Moulton Phillips is a scion of one of the honored pio- neer families of the historic old Western Reserve of Ohio and is also a representative of families that were founded in New England in the colonial era of our national history. He was born in Bainbridge town- ship, Geauga county, Ohio, on the 19th of November, 1844, and is a son of William S. and Sarah (Richardson) Phillips, both of whom were born and reared in North Adams, Berkshire county, Massachu- setts, where their marriage was solemnized. In 1832 they came to the West and established their home in Geauga county, Ohio; where the father became a substantial farmer and influential citizen. He was a man of strong individuality' and impregnable integrity and his life was one of earnest and effective industry. He continued to reside on the old homestead farm until the death of his loved and devoted wife, and he himself was a resident of Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, during the closing days of his long and useful life, his remains being interred beside those of his wife in the old home township in Geauga county. In politics he was originally a Whig and later a Republican. Of the three sons and three daughters all are living except the eldest son, Nelson H., who continued his residence in Ohio until his death; Marie is the wife of Mr. Robbins, a prosperous farmer of Battle Creek township, Calhoun county, Michigan; Anna L. is the wife of Mr. Reed, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; Dr. Albanus M., of this review, was the next in order of birth ; Julia is the wife of Mr. Lake, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; and William R. resides in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Dr. Phillips was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and after availing himself of the advantages of the district schools of the locality and period he pursued higher studies in Chester Seminary. His preliminary training for the work of his chosen profession was secured in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, under the preceptorship of Dr. H. H. Newton, one of the leading practitioners of that city. After thoroughly learning the scientific and practical details of his profession Dr. Phillips established himself in practice, at Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where he remained about five years, at the expiration of which, on the 29th of September, 1869, he came to Battle Creek and opened an office in the Eldred build- ing. There he continued in active practice, with a large and appreci- ative clientage, during the long period of thirty-eight years, at the expira- tion of which he felt himself entitled to release from active application and retired from practice. He is now enjoying the well earned rewards of former years of earnest endeavor and he and his wife have a host of loyal and valued friends in the community that has so long represented their home.
As a citizen Dr. Phillips has always been loyal and public-spirited and while he has never manifested any desire for political preferment he has been found continuously aligned as a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party. He is affiliated with Battle Creek Lodge, No. 35, Knights of Pythias.
At the home of the bride's parents, in Battle Creek township, this county, on the 24th of September, 1874, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Phillips to Miss Adella Beach, who was born and reared in that township and who completed her education in the Kalamazoo Female College. Mrs. Phillips is a daughter of Morgan G. Beach, who long maintained his home in Battle Creek township, where he was a repre- sentative agriculturist and highly honored citizen. He died a number of years ago and his venerable widow now resides in the city of Battle Creek. Dr. and Mrs. Phillips have one daughter, Mildred P., wife of
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Ira A. Beck, who is one of the representative young attorneys of Battle Creek and who is individually mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
WALTER S. KEET. One of Battle Creek's most representative and public-spirited citizens is Walter S. Keet, who is without doubt, one of the most thoroughly up-to-date and scientific undertakers and funeral directors in the state of Michigan. This honored citizen has maintained his residence in this city since 1878, and in the ensuing period has by no means played a passive part in the wonderful progress and growth enjoyed by Battle Creek. in his particular field of endeavor he has kept pace with the improvement which has characterized the age, and the methods employed by him are at once modern, scientific and dig- nified.
Mr. Keet was born in Waterloo, New York, October 16, 1857, and is of English origin, his parents, George and Maris (Beadle) Keet, having been born in "the right little, tight little Island." The father's birthplace was Richmond, a part of the great city of London, and the date of his nativity October 10, 1810. There he learned his trade of carpenter and mill wright and there married Miss Beadle, who had been born in London in 1835. In course of time the elder Mr. Keet decided to sever old associations with his native land and to come to America in quest of its much-vaunted opportunities for himself and his family. They located in Waterloo, New York, where he engaged in business for a number of years and where he became prominent and influential in public affairs. He died on July 14, 1889, but his good wife preceded him to the Great Beyond by many years, her demise oc- curring in 1859, when Walter, the subject was but one year old. The elder Mr. Keet served at one time as township assessor and he and his wife were devout communicants of the Episcopal church.
Walter S. Keet was the youngest member of a family of thirteen children. He received his education in the schools of Waterloo, New York, and under his father's tutelage learned the trades of carpenter and millwright. In December, 1878, about the time of the attainment of his majority, he came to Battle Creek and here became engaged at work in his trade in the employ of Nichols & Shepard, with whom he remained for seven years. At the end of that time he entered upon an independent career as a carpenter and builder and he followed that business until 1890, when he joined the firm of Baker & Caldwell, un- dertakers of Battle Creek, with whom he was associated for four years. He next purchased a stock of furniture and undertaking goods from J. H. Mykins, of West Main street, and at that location he remained successfully engaged in business for some two years. After the dissolu- tion of the firm of Baker & Caldwell, Mr. Keet joined the former gentle- man in a partnership under the firm name of Baker & Keet, which en- terprise was inaugurated March 1, 1897. These gentlemen continued in the furniture and undertaking business until the spring of 1903, when they closed out the furniture business in order to devote their entire time to that of undertaking, that branch of their establishment having in its business grown to extensive proportions-so extensive, in fact, that it easily ranked as first in this part of the state of Michigan. This part- nership was maintained until June 17, 1903, when Mr. Keet, purchased the interest of Mr. Baker and has ever since continued alone in this large business. On January 1, 1904, he opened very extensive and modern undertaking parlors at 80 East Main street, occupying the building erected for the Baptist parsonage by Charles Willard in memory of his sister, Laura Harris Willard,-an ideal location.
Mr. Keet is a member of the State Association of Funeral Directors & Embalmers and has served as treasurer of the same.
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On September 28, 1881, Mr. Keet laid the foundations of a happy household and congenial life companionship by his union to Miss Angie L. Davis, daughter of Gilbert and Susannah L. (Blanchard) Davis. A good many years ago, Mr. Davis, with his family, removed from Lock- port, New York, to this city, and here engaged in his occupation as a stone mason, he having been connected with the construction of many of the early buildings of Battle Creek, when the municipality was in its youth. This good citizen was a veteran of the Civil war, having served valiantly in the dark days of the '60s as a member of the First Michigan Sharp Shooters, which organization was among the first to go to the front. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Mrs. Keet being the only surviving member of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Keet share their attractive household with one daughter, Marjorie. All three are mem- bers of the Maple Street Methodist Episcopal church, in whose work Mr. Keet is active.
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