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 80
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man Business College, in which he was graduated. After his return to the home farm he found that conditions and opportunities did not sat- isfy his ambition, and having received from his cousin, Henry Potter, who has established a home in Battle Creek, he decided to come to Michi- gan, where he felt assured of opportunities for the gaining of success and independence through his own powers and efforts, as his financial resources were very limited. He came to Battle Creek about the time of the close of the Civil war, and his first employment was in the lumber yard of the firm of Potter & Gilman. After a period of six months he gained advancement and in the meanwhile he formed the acquaintance of William H. Mason, who was employed in the same yards. Finally, in 1867, these two ambitious young men formed a partnership and ef- fected the purchase of the lumber yard and business, the yard having been at the time situated on the site of the First Presbyterian church. When he initiated his independent business career Mr. Rathbun's avail- able capital was about five hundred dollars, and he effected a loan of a sufficient amount to cover the remainder of his share of the purchase price of the business, in which connection he assumed the obligation of paying interest on the loan at the rate of ten per cent. The firm of Mason & Rathbun continued operations under this title until James Green was admitted to partnership, whereupon the title was changed to Mason, Rathbun & Company. The enterprise was continued in the original location until 1883, when the same was removed to a larger and more eligible site, on South Jefferson street. Mr. Rathbun continued his active identification with the business until the time of his death. Diligence, progressive policies and keen business acumen were salient features in his career and brought to him large and definite pros- perity, as well as prestige as one of the most substantial business men of his adopted city. At the time overtures were made for establish- ing in Battle Creek the manufacturing plant of the Advance Threshing Machine Company, Mr. Rathbun was one of the foremost in advocat- ing the enterprise and giving it requisite support, though many other leading citizens considered the venture hazardous or one of question- able value to the city. He became one of the stockholders of the new concern, in which he invested ten thousand dollars, and he became a member of the original board of directors, a position which he retained until his death, the while he had the satisfaction of seeing the enter- prise develop into one of the largest of the kind in the Union and to prove one of the most valuable agencies in furthering the industrial and commercial progress of Battle Creek. The scope of the enterprise may be appreciated when it is stated that the plant and business were sold, in December, 1911, to the Rumley Company, of New York city, for a consideration of more than three million dollars.
Mr. Rathbun also gave his influence and ready co-operation in the support of other enterprises and measures projected for the general good of the community. He was a member of the directorate of the Citizens' Electric Light Company and was a stockholder in various other local corporations.
Ever unswerving in his allegiance to the cause of the Democratic party, Mr. Rathbun became one of its leaders in Calhoun county and was an effective advocate of its principles and policies. He served for several years as a member of the city board of aldermen and also as supervisor of Battle Creek township. He was elected mayor of the city, and he gave a most progressive, businesslike and popular ad- ministration of municipal affairs. He served one term and within his regime were compassed many permanent improvements of value. He was a member of the board of aldermen, as representative from the
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Second ward, at the time of his death. Mr. Rathbun was a most consistent and earnest member of the Independent Congregational church in Bat- tle Creek, as was also his wife, and he was a member of its board of trustees at the time when he was summoned to the life eternal. He was one of the organizers and a charter member of the Athelstan Club, and was affiliated with the local organizations of the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. From an appreciative estim- ate published at the time of his death are taken the following extracts, with minor paraphrase: "Mr. Rathbun was a very popular man in Battle Creek, his social nature and affable disposition winning him many friends. His honor in business, his fidelity in public office and his devotion to his friends were qualities which greatly endeared him to his fellow men and made his example one well worthy of emula- tion. When the news of his death was received the prearranged festi- vities of New Year's day in Battle Creek were all postponed, and his death was the cause of deepest mourning throughout the city.
On the 10th of November, 1870, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Rathbun to Miss Mary Hughes, who was born in Brady township, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, on the 12th of September, 1851, and who was a daughter of William and Emma (Prindle) Hughes, both of whom were born and reared at Elmira, New York, where their marriage was solemnized and whence they came to Michigan about the time that the state was admitted to the Union (1837). They settled in Battle Creek when the future metropolis of Calhoun county was scarcely more than a forest hamlet, with primitive log cabins, and later they removed to Kalamazoo county, where Mrs. Hughes died at the age of forty-two years. Mr. Hughes passed the closing period of his life in Battle Creek, where he died in 1882, at the age of seventy-six years. He was one of the sterling pioneers of southern Michigan and was well known through- out this section of the state. A better record concerning Mrs. Rathbun could scarcely be given than that which appeared in a Battle Creek paper at the time of her death, which occurred at her old home, at 48 West Fountain street, on the 11th of June, 1911, and with but slight change the estimate is perpetuated at this juncture :
"Mrs. Rathbun was but eight years of age at the time of her mother's death, and was reared under the care of a sister, Mrs. Selina Wandell, who survives her. The Wandell family came to Battle Creek forty- four years ago. With them came the young woman, Miss Mary Hughes, and here began the acquaintanceship which culminated in her mar- riage to Mr. Rathbun. During her young womanhood the decedent was very popular, because of her sunny and gentle disposition and her cheerful and kindly manner. These qualities matured and strength- ened with the passing years, enabling the possessor to draw around her a choice circle of friends, who remained such through life and who will ever cherish in loving memory this noble woman. The young Mrs. Rathbun was especially agreeable, ever catholic in attitude and chari- table in expression. She will be deeply mourned not only by a wide circle of acquaintances but also in the vicinity of the home which she has graced these many years and whose doors were always open to hospitality, graciously dispensed. Though not devoted to social mat- ters Mrs. Rathbun held an enviable place in these realms, yet found time to attend to religious duties and those acts of charity which made her so beloved, no one seeking sympathy or aid having been denied the same by her. A loving wife, mother and friend has gone to the reward made sure through good deeds and the discharge of every obligation. She is survived by two sisters,-Mrs. Selina Wandell, of this city, and Mrs. George Wilson, of Bellaire, Antrim county."
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Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun became the parents of four children, con- cerning whom the following brief data are entered in conclusion of this memoir: Luella R. is the wife of George H. Williams, of Battle Creek; Stephen J. is individually mentioned on other pages of this volume; Frank J. is associated with the White Automobile Company, of Cleveland, Ohio; and Earl H. is in the employ of the Vogue Publishing Company, in New York city. All of the children were born and reared in Battle Creek and all were afforded the advantages of the University of Michigan.
STEPHEN J. RATHBUN. Holding precedence as one of the repre- sentative business men and progressive and public-spirited citizens of Battle Creek, Mr. Rathbun has been a resident of this city from the time of his birth to the present and is a scion of one of the old and honored families of the fine metropolis of Calhoun county, where he is now treasurer of the Rathbun & Kraft Lumber & Coal Company, one of the most extensive concerns of its kind in the county. He is a son of the late Frank M. Rathbun, who was long one of the most honored and influential citizens of Battle Creek and who was intimately iden- tified with the civic and industrial upbuilding of the city. To this sterling citizen a special memoir is dedicated on other pages of this work, so that further reference to his career and the family history is not demanded in the present connection.
Stephen J. Rathbun was born in Battle Creek on the 21st of Sep- tember, 1876, and in his youth he fully availed himself of the advan- tages of the excellent public schools of his native city, after which he completed an effective course in Krug's Business College, which was then one of the well ordered educational institutions of the kind in southern Michigan. After his graduation in this college Mr. Rathbun assumed the position of bookkeeper for the Advance Thresher Com- pany, of Battle Creek, in which his father was an interested principal, and he remained with this concern, now known as the Rumley Com- pany, for three years.
In 1896, at the time of the organization of Company D of the Second Regiment of the Michigan National Guard, Mr. Rathbun became a mem- ber of the same, as a private, and in 1898, at the inception of the Spanish-American war, he enlisted with his company and regiment in the United States service, the regiment being mustered in as the Thirty- second Michigan Volunteer Infantry. The command was mobilized at Island Lake, Livingston county, and thence proceeded to Tampa, Flor- ida, where Mr. Rathbun was promoted to the office of corporal of his company. The regiment was assigned to General Shafter's command but did not go to Cuba, as its transport vessel became disable just at the time when needed. Under these conditions the command was or- dered to Fernandina, Florida, whence it later proceeded to Huntsville, Alabama, from which point it finally returned to Island Lake, Michi- gan. The members of the regiment found it a matter of deep regret that they had not been able to take part in the active military opera- tions on the stage of conflict. Mr. Rathbun received his honorable dis- charge in September, 1898.
Upon his return to Battle Creek Mr. Rathbun became bookkeeper for the lumber firm of Mason, Rathbun & Company, of which his father had been one of the organizers and was a member until the time of his death, in 1893. In January of the following year he became associated with Arthur J. Kraft in the purchase of the business, and thereupon the concern was incoporated under its present title, the Rathbun & Kraft Lumber Company. The officers of the company are as here
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noted : Fred Wells, president; Edwin Henning, vice-president; Stephen J. Rathbun, treasurer; and Arthur J. Kraft, secretary. The company has a well equipped planing mill, for general work and for the manu- facturing of interior finish, sash, doors, blinds, etc., and deals exten- sively in lumber, lath and shingles, as well as hard and soft coal and genuine gas coke, besides cement and lime, brick and plaster. The office and yards are located on McCamly street south, and the office number is 57. The concern controls a business that is not exceeded in scope and importance by any of similar character in southern Michigan, and its high reputation for effective service and fair and honorable dealings constitutes its best commercial asset. Mr. Rathbun is essentially alert and progressive as a business man and is one of the prominent and in- fluential figures in the industrial and commercial activities of his native city, where his personal popularity is of the most unequivocal order, his circle of friends being coincident with that of his acquaintances.
Reared in the faith of the Democratic party, Mr. Rathbun has found his mature judgment such as to beget a continuous allegiance to the same, and he has been one of the active workers in the local ranks of his party, which he has frequently served as a delegate to conventions, both county and congressional, and in 1899 he was appointed alderman from the second ward, to succeed his business associate, Mr. Kraft, who removed from that ward to another part of the city. He served during the unexpired term and did not become a candidate for re-elec- tion. Mr. Rathbun was chairman of the city board of health during the time, in 1899, when the smallpox epidemic was raging in Battle Creek, and he was indefatigable in his efforts to check scourge through practical and insistent measures of isolation and care. In the autumn of 1902 he was made the Democratic nominee for representative of his district in the lower house of the state legislature, and he made a most effective canvass, with the result that his personal popularity and the favorable impressions he made in this specific connection caused him to run far ahead of his ticket, though from the start he had no expecta- tion of being able to overcome the large and normal Republican major- ity. Mr. Rathbun was reared in the faith of the Congregational church, his parents having been prominent members of the Independent church of this denomination in Battle Creek, but he now attends and supports St. Thomas' church, Protestant Episcopal, of which his wife is a zeal- ous communicant. He is a member of the Athelstan Club, and is affili- ated with the local organizations of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Knights of Pythias, as well as with the adjunct of the last named, the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan. In addition to his extensive business interests already noted he is vice-president of the American Motor Company, one of the important industrial concerns of Battle Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun are most prominent and popular factors in the representative social activities of the community, and their fine modern home, at 59 Orchard avenue, is one of the attractive centers of gracious hospitality in the city.
On the 12th of September, 1899, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Rathbun to Miss Julia Henning Frazer, who likewise was born and reared in Battle Creek and who is a daughter of Sidney and Mary (Henning) Frazer. The late David Henning, maternal grandfather of Mrs. Rathbun, was president of the Battle Creek Gas Company and was one of the honored and influential citizens of the county. To him a specific tribute is dedicated on other pages of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun have two children,-David Henning and Mary Louise.
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ARTHUR J. KRAFT. There are turning points in every man's life called opportunities. Taken advantage of they mean ultimate success. The career of Arthur J. Kraft is a striking illustration of the latter statement. Diligent and ever alert for his chance of advancement, he has progressed steadily until he is recognized today as one of the fore- most business men of Battle Creek, Michigan. Here he is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens, who honor him for his native ability and for his fair and straightforward career.
Arthur J. Kraft was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, February 17, 1868, and he has always been a resident of this city. His father, James H. Kraft, during his active business career was engaged in the grain business at Battle Creek. He died June 21, 1896. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary A. White, was born in this city and was a daughter of Dr. William White, whose death occurred in Meadville, Pennsylvania. She passed to the life eternal, September 11, 1891, and both she and her husband are buried in the Oak Hill cemetery. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kraft, namely,-Arthur J., to whom this sketch is dedicated; and Etta, who is the wife of J. D. O. Powers, of Seattle, Washington. Rev. Powers is a minister in the Unitarian church at Seattle, where the family have resided for the past six years. Mrs. Powers was born and educated in Battle Creek, where she was graduated in the high schol. For six years prior to go- ing West she and her husband resided in the state of Maine.
After completing the curriculum of the public schools of Battle Creek, Arthur J. Kraft was graduated in the high school of this city. In 1888 he entered the employ of Mason, Rathbun & Company, serving that concern in the capacity of bookkeeper until 1899, when the firm of Rathbun & Kraft was formed. In 1903 Fred Wells became inter- ested in the business and the same was incorporated, with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars, under the name of the Rath- bun and Kraft Lumber & Coal Company. Of this thriving concern Fred Wells is president; Stephen J. Rathbun is treasurer; and Arthur J. Kraft is secretary. On other pages of this work appear sketches of the careers of Messrs. Wells and Rathbun. The company are extensive dealers in lumber, lath and shingles, hard and soft coal, and genuine gas coke. They also handle cement and lime and brick and plaster. The office and yard are located at No. 57 McCamly Street, South.
In his political adherency Mr. Kraft maintains an independent at- titude. In April, 1899, he was honored by his fellow citizens with election to the city council as a member from the Second ward. He continued incumbent of that office until the following October, when he resigned because of his removal from the ward. He is a charter member of the Elks Lodge at Battle Creek and is also affiliated with the Fellowcraft Club of Detroit.
August 10, 1897, Mr. Kraft was united in marriage to Miss Grace E. Knibloe, who was born at Nunda, New York, and who is a daughter of Gilbert and Sarah Knibloe, of Battle Creek. Mrs. Kraft came to Battle Creek with her parents and here she was reared and educated. Both her parents are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kraft have two children, -Glen A. and Arthur G., aged, respectively, eleven and ten years. The Kraft home is maintained at No. 11 West Fountain street.
EDGAR F. NYE. Prominent among the best known and most useful citizens of Bedford, Michigan, is Edgar F. Nye, postmaster, who, in this capacity, has during the past ten years rendered prompt, accept- able, and efficient service to the people of the community. A son of the late Willard Nye, he was born, June 6, 1841, in Bedford township,
4
Robert A. Kinechman
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Calhoun county, coming on the paternal side of excellent New Eng- land stock.
Willard Nye was born and educated in Vermont, but subsequently removed to New York state, where he met and married Arvilla Young. Shortly after that important event, he came with his young wife to Michigan, settling, in 1836, in Bedford township, where he worked at his trade of a carpenter and joiner, and also as a farmer. He sub- sequently engaged in lumbering, putting up the first saw mill erected in Bedford, and finally settling permanently in Barry county, where he improved a good farm, on which he spent his remaining years.
Obtaining his rudimentary education in the district schools, Edgar F. Nye subsequently attended the Battle Creek High School one term. On September 8, 1862, inspired by patriotic enthusiasm, he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Michigan Cavalry, and served with his com- mand until after the close of the conflict, being mustered out Decem- ber 15, 1865. With his comrades he took part in many engagements of importance, including the battle at Falling Waters, and the Battle of Gettysburg. On returning to Michigan, Mr. Nye bought one hun- dred and twenty acres of land in Barry county, and in its improve- ment met with genuine success, in addition to carrying on general farming profitably, making considerable money in raising Short Horn cattle. In 1891, he embarked in the hardware business in Bedford, where he has since resided, although he retained the ownership of his farm until 1905, and his hardware business until that same year. In 1902 Mr. Nye was appointed postmaster at Bedford, and has filled the position continuously since, his long record of service bespeaking the ability and fidelity with which he has filled the position.
A stanch Republican in his political affiliations, Mr. Nye has ever evinced a loyal interest in public affairs, and while living in Barry county was clerk of Johnstown township eight years, and supervisor twelve years. He also served as treasurer of Bedford township two years. After the passage of the Mortgage Census law, he took the mortgage record for his district, which included five counties.
Mr. Nye has been twice married. He married first, in 1862, Agnes Irving, a daughter of William Irving, a pioneer settler of Michigan, and an early farmer. She passed to the higher life in 1891, leaving three children, namely: Claudie, wife of Cyrus Rice, of Lansing, Michigan ; Adella E., wife of Flutell Mosier, of Oklahoma City, Okla- homa; and Myrta, wife of Verne Doty, of Battle Creek. Mr. Nye married second, in 1892, Agnes Fox, a daughter of William G. Fox, a veteran of the Civil War, who lived in Berry township a number of years, but spent his last days in Battle Creek, Calhoun county. Mr. and Mrs. Nye have one child, Edgar F. Nye, Jr., a student in the pub- lic school of Bedford. Mr. Nye has accumulated considerable wealth, owning two houses and lots in Battle Creek, his own home in Bedford, and other property of value.
ROBERT HENRY KIRSCHMAN. Calhoun county has not had a more efficient servant in the office of prosecuting attorney than the present incumbent, Robert Henry Kirschman. It was his proficiency in his profession and his popular citizenship which, in the election of 1910, gave him a majority of 1,422, a larger majority than was received by any other county candidate on the Republican ticket that year.
Unfailing industry and worthy ambition have used the solid natural gifts to bring Mr. Kirschman into prominence in his profession. He was born at Allegan, Michigan, September 13, 1874. His parents, Jacob and Christiana (Oesterle) Kirschman, migrated from Germany to this Vol. II-35
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country, both being young orphan children when they came. The mother died while her son was a student at the University of Michigan. The father was engaged for many years in the manufacture of wagons at Allegan and in Grand Rapids and is now living retired at Muskegon.
At an early age Mr. Kirschman moved with his parents from Allegan to Muskegon where he finished his early education and was graduated from the Muskegon high school in the class of 1894. For a short time he attended the Benton Harbor College. For eight years he was engaged in teaching. This was the intermediate stage of his career,-the period of preparation.
He then undertook to work his way through the University of Michi- gan, in which effort he was quite successful. He entered the law depart- ment of the University of Michigan from which he was graduated in the class of 1907, when he received the degree of "Bachelor of Laws." Along with his other university work he took an active part in the work of the Webster Debating Society, a literary society in which he served as president; he was also a member of the Law Presidents' Club during his university career.
On his admission to the bar he located at Battle Creek where he formed a co-partnership with the late Judge Robert J. Kelley. Kelley & Kirschman was a leading firm until the death of the senior partner, Judge Kelley, since which time Mr. Kirschman has managed a large and growing practice himself. In 1909 his appointment as assistant prosecuting attorney of the county, called his professional services to the public interest. He resigned this, however, after a year, in order to devote his time exclusively to his private practice. Then in 1910 came his election on the Republican ticket to the office of prosecuting attorney, which office he has since filled with marked ability, having recently been re-nominated and re-elected for a second term by a large plurality, running ahead of his party ticket by more than 1,000 votes.
Mr. Kirschman is worshipful master in the A. T. Metcalf lodge No. 419, F. & A. M., and is also identified with the chapter, council and commandery of Masonry. His other fraternal memberships are with Battle Creek lodge No. 33, B. P. O. E., and Battle Creek lodge No. 35, K. of P. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their comfortable residence is at No. 22 Terrace avenue.
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