History of Kent County, Michigan, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 101

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Chapman, Charles C., & Co. (Chicago)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1434

USA > Michigan > Kent County > History of Kent County, Michigan, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 101

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Nov. 23, 1871, Mr. Gilbert was married to Mary A., daughter of the late Rev. Abel Bingham, well and widely known as a mission- ary among the Ojibway Indians, at Sault Ste. Marie.

Rev. Francis Glass was born Apr. 25, 1812, in the county of Armagh, Ireland, of Scotch parentage. In the fall of 1841 he went to Australia as a missionary of the Wesleyan Methodists, where he spent three years and came to South America, traveled extensively, and in the fall of 1845 came to Detroit. He at once united with the Michigan Conference of the M. E. Church. He was assigned successively to Port Huron, Dearbornville, Rochester Colony, Owosso and Corunna, and in 1850 came to Grand Rapids. He was appointed to Paris and the tp. of Dorr ; preached the first sermon and organized the first class at the latter place, which was then in its pre-emption state, and Mr. Glass encountered all the vicissitudes of the "pioneer minister; " had on his circuit 10 ap- pointments. The next year he went to Allegan and stayed two years ; has been connected with the Conference 36 years. He was married Jan. 21, 1852, to Mary, daughter of Silas Darling, a pio- neer of Kent county, who died March 6, 1880, aged 91. Mr. and Mrs. Glass have one daughter, Mary, wife of Frank Hopkins, U. S. Harbor Inspector at Montague ; they have one son, Charles.

Henry M. Gobel, dealer in artist's materials, paints, oils, glass, wall-paper, varnishes, brushes, decorations, fine paintings and en- gravings, 19 Canal st., was born at Utica, N. Y., Jan. 15, 1838. His father, Michael Gobel, was a native of Germany, and came to Utica, N. Y., in 1831, where he was a large manufacturer of boots and shoes. Mr. Gobel was reared in his native place, attending the public schools. When 15 years of age, he learned the carriage- painter's trade, working at it for nine years. He then went to Chicago, and had charge of a carriage repository, owned by East- ern parties, for eight months. At the end of that time he accepted a position as traveling salesman for Samuel Green & Co., and two years later with John Alston & Co., wholesale manufacturers of

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paints and oils, with whom he remained five years. In 1870 he came to Grand Rapids, purchasing an interest with Van Houghten Bros., and seven months later he established his present business, at 56 Canal st., with Cuthbert Heatherington, under the firm name of H. M. Gobel & Co. Five years later Mr. Gobel purchased the entire stock, and has since continued the business alone. He re- moved to his present location in December, 1879, where he carries a stock valued at $25,000, and employs a large force of mnen, paint- ing and decorating houses. This is the only house in Grand Rap- ids that manufactures gold frames and regilds them. Mr. Gober buys all his goods from first-class houses only, and can compete in prices with New York or Chicago. He employs one traveling salesman, and his trade extends throughout all Western Michigan. He was married in Febuary, 1866, to Caroline A. Cook, a native of Canada. They have one child, Henry M., jr.

G. Chase Godwin, of the Grand Rapids City Bar, was born April 18, 1840, in Wyoming tp., Kent Co. His father, William R. Godwin, was a pioneer of Kent, having settled in Wyoming in 1836. He died at the homestead in 1862. G. Chase received his education in the district schools of Wyoming and public schools of Grand Rapids. He commenced the study of law in 1862 with Holmes & Champlain (John T. Holmes and John W. Champlain), in Grand Rapids, and was admitted to the bar of Kent county in 1865, whereupon he commenced the practice of his profession. For six years previous to the election of the Hon. John T. Holmes to the Judgeship of the Superior Court of Grand Rapids he was as- sociated with him in the practice of law. The present law firm of Godwin & Earl was formed in June, 1879, and they have been favored with a steadily increasing practice. Mr. Godwin was married in 1868 to Miss Cornelia Chambers, daughter of Nelson Chambers, of Wayland, Allegan Co., Mich. Mr. Godwin has been engaged in some of the most important litigations of the county, with success. He has enjoyed a good share of public confidence; was the nominee of his party for City Clerk, has held the office of Recorder four years, the second office in the city, he being often acting Mayor by virtue of the Recorder's office. He has been the nominee of his party for the Legislature, and has held the office of City Attorney; has long been a member of the Democratic State Central Committee, and has been prominently mentioned as the candidate of his party for Member of Congress, and for Attorney General of the State, once receiving 190 votes for that position in the State Convention.

Philip N. Goodrich, Grand Rapids, was born in Essex Co., N. Y., March 27, 1822, and is a son of Andrew and Susan (Miller) Goodrich, natives of Vermont, who removed to New York at an early day. Our subject passed his life in rural pursuits, assisting his father in the shoemaking trade. When 15 years of age he ac- companied his parents to Elizabethtown, in the same county, where he served an apprenticeship in the shoemaker's trade. At the age

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of 21 he came to Michigan, locating at Albion, where he worked at his trade until 1849. He then had an attack of that fatal malady, called the " gold fever," and was one of the first to visit the Golden State, by the overland route. After two years of fruitless labor he returned to Michigan, locating at Grand Rapids, and soon after · opened a shop at the foot of Monroe street, building a tannery on Division street, and operating both for two years. He was engaged in different business occupations for seven years, until 1858, when in connection with George W. Gay, he purchased the stock and trade of Gay & Tolford, hardware merchants, and eight years later bought his partner's share, and sold a third interest to Norman D. Carpenter. In 1870 he purchased a half interest in all the steam- boat property on Grand river; in 1873, in company with Robert M. Collins he located once more in the hardware trade on Canal street. The firm name was soon after changed to P. M. Goodrich & Son, and in a short time Mr. G. suffered the loss of his life's work. He is now engaged in mercantile trade at 31 Canal street. He was married Dec. 6, 1843, to Betsey Ismon, who bore him seven children, five of whom are living-Albertine, wife of D. K. Hul- bert, of Port Huron, Mich .; Charles M., a merchant of Chicago; Frank H., Henry P. and Eddie I. Clara and Freddie are de- ceased. Mrs. Goodrich departed this life in 1869, and in July, 1870, he married Lydia J. De Camp, a native of Livingston Co., N. Y., and graduate of Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, at Lima, N. Y., in the class of '67. They have one child-Carrie L. .

Frederick A. Gorham, Auditor of the G. R. & I. R. R., and residence Grand Rapids, was born at Middlebury, O., Oct. 23, 1845. When two years of age, his father, Charles E. Gorham, re- moved to Cleveland, O., where our subject was reared and educa- ted. When 16 years of age, he entered the C. & P. R. R. office as telegraph operator, remaining there one year, then entering the W. U. Telegraph office, where he worked till 1864. Hethen went to Fort Wayne, Ind., and accepted position of clerk in office of Su- perintendent of the P., F. W. & C. R. R., where he remained until June, 1870, when he accepted the position of Auditor of the G. R. & I. R. R., the duties of which position he has since faithfully discharged. Mr. Gorham is a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, and a vestryman of that denomination. He is also Treas- urer of the Association of the Diocese of Western Michigan. In 1867 he was married to Ella Conger, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind. Two children have been sent to them, one of whom is living- Frederick A., jr.

Henry B. Grady, of Kortlander & Grady, wholesale dealers and compounders of liquors, etc., Grand Rapids, was born in Florida in 1848. His father, Edward Grady, was a native of Ireland, and came to America when quite young. Mr. Grady was reared and edu- cated at Fordham, N. Y. When 22 years of age he came to Michigan, and was employed as a traveling salesman by Cody & Olney, whole- sale grocers, remaining in their employ for six years. In 1874, he

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formed a partnership with William Kortlander, a wholesale liquor dealer, at 105 Monroe street, Grand Rapids, and the relationship still continues. The firm removed to their present location, 34 and 36 Ionia street, in 1879. They occupy two floors and a portion of a third. The basement, or first floor, is used for compounding pur- poses, the firm buying the pure alcohol in Kentucky and manufact- uring it into whisky here. None but the choicest brands of liquors, brandies and wines are handled, and the three brands of whiskies, "Valley City," "New Hope," and "Kentucky Club," are manufactured expressly for this firm. The whiskies and fine wines are purchased direct from the manufacturers, and the firm hold $40,000 in bonded warehouses in Kentucky. Mr. Grady was mar- ried in 1871, to Anna Nagele, a native of Grand Rapids. They have three children-Frances, Maud and Harry. Mr. Grady and wife are worthy members of St. Andrew's Catholic Church.

Philip Graham. - James Graham settled in Morrow tp., near Lake Simcoe, Upper Canada, when the country was very new, where their son, the subject of this sketch, was born, Sept. 19, 1838. His wife's maiden name was Nancy Reed. When Philip was eight years old his parents removed to near Buffalo, N. Y., where his father engaged in the lumber business, employing his son in that enterprise at the age of 17. In 1856 he came alone to Grand Rapids, Mich., near which place he was employed in the lumber business until 1875, when he opened a retail grocery at his present stand, No. 477 South Division street. Miss Arminta C. Smith, who was born March 6, 1841, in Greig, Lewis Co., N. Y., and to whom he was married in 1863, was the daughter of Elijah and Rachel E. Smith, whose dates of birth were, respectively, Jan. 11, 1800, and April 22, 1815. Mr. Smith's ancestors were among the first English settlers of this country, and were actively engaged in the Revolutionary war, in behalf of the Colonies. Mrs. Smith was the daughter of Marshall Howe, a relative of Lord Howe, of England. Mr. and Mrs. Graham have two children-Arminta Agnes, born Nov. 3, 1864; and Jennie Emeralda, born April 11, 1868. Mr. Graham, with an ample stock of groceries and crockery, valued at $4,000, has an annual retail trade of about $30,000. His affability and integrity in his business transactions are fast winning for him a place among the leading commercial men of the city.

Rev. Samuel D. Graves, D. D .. is a son of John Graves, who was a leading politician of Ackworth, N. H., and Betsey (Cilley) Graves, whose earnest Christian faith has left its impress upon the character of the son. The subject of this sketch was born at Ack- worth, N. H., March 25, 1820. He received his early education at Lyndon Academy, Vermont. In 1837 he was apprenticed to the firm of E. & T. Fairbanks & Co., scale manufacturers, St. Johnsbury, Vt. Two years later he closed his apprenticeship and entered Madison University, Hamilton, N. Y, where he remained till 1846, when he graduated from the Theological Seminary. While a student he was instructor in Greek for three years, and remained

Edurne B Hagadone

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at his alma mater as tutor in mathematics for two years after com- pleting his theological studies. In 1848 Dr. Graves was installed Pastor of the Baptist Church, at Ann Arbor, Mich., remaining three years. He then became Professor of Greek and Systematic Theology, in Kalamazoo College. He continued in this position eight years, developing the minds and influencing the destinies of many young men. He then accepted a call to the Central Baptist Church, of Norwich, Conn., where he remained 10 years. On Jan. 1, 1870, he became pastor of the Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, which position he has since occupied. His sermons are distinguished for simplicity, clearness and directness ; his manner in the pulpit is unostentatious, and deeply earnest. During the year 1872, Dr. Graves spent seven months in Europe, and be- fore his return visited the Holy Land. Dr. Graves was married Sept. 23, 1846, to Mary W., daughter of James L. Baldwin, of Paterson, N. J.

J. B. Griswold, M. D., a native of Vermontville, Eaton Co., born June 21, 1842. His father, R. W. Griswold, now resident at Vermontville, is a son of the Green Mountain State, and a repre- sentative of one of the oldest and best families within its borders. His mother, Abbie (Bascom) Griswold, was a native of the same State and descended from an ancestry of unblemished record. Dr. Griswold interspersed the life of a farmer's son with attendance at the academy of his native place until 16; in 1859 he entered the Agricultural College at Lansing ; in 1861 enlisted as a member of the band connected with the Second Mich. Cavalry, and afterward was leader ; was discharged in 1862 on account of disability. . As soon as his health permitted he began the study of medicine with Prof. R. C. Kedzie, of the State Agricultural College of Lansing. He attended the courses of lectures of '63 and '64 at Ann Arbor, and in 1864 was commissioned Asst. Surgeon of the 4th Mich. Inf. He was commissioned Regimental Surgeon in 1865, and served as such until mustered out in May, 1866 ; was also Medical Inspector of the Department of San Antonio, Texas. On returning from the war he matriculated at the Rush Medical College of Chicago, and received his degree in 1867. He engaged in practice at Taylor's Falls, Minn., until 1873, when he located at Grand Rapids ; has been City Physician two years and was elected Alderman of the 4th ward in 1880. He is a member of the G. R. Med. Society, the Western Mich. Med. Association and the Mich. State Med. Society, also of the American Med. Ass., and honorary member of the Minn. State Med. Society. His practice in this city is exten- sive and popular. Dr. Griswold was married at Ann Arbor, in 1868, to Mary B. Wisner. They have two sons and one daughter.

Charles C. Groger was born in Wethersfield, Genesee Co., N. Y. His father, John B. Groger, farmer by occupation and lawyer by profession, was a native of Oneida county. In 1832 he came to Michigan and located land in Lenawee county; lived there 30 years, and returned to Wethersfield, where he died in 1850. Mr.

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Groger, of this sketch, resided in Lenawee county about 46 years and came to Grand Rapids in 1878; engaged in real estate and liv- ery business; was elected Alderman of the First ward in April, 1880. He was married Jan. 15, 1879, to Julia E., daughter of the late William H. Withey (Mayor of Grand Rapids in 1852). They have one son-Charles Withey Groger.

William E. Grove, senior member of the law firm of Grove & Harris, of Grand Rapids, was born Nov. 27, 1833, at Geneva, On- tario Co., N. Y. He received his rudimental education in the common schools of Geneva and later attended Hobart College. He came to Grand Rapids April 1, 1857; studied law with John T. Holmes, and was admitted to the bar of Kent county in March, 1859. Since that time has been in active practice at Grand Rap- ids. April 1, 1878, his partnership with John M. Harris was formed, and they have been favored with a lucrative and steadily in- creasing practice, with offices on Monroe street.

John W. Gunnison was born in Goshen, Sullivan Co., N. H., Nov. 10, 1812. His early advantages were good. At the age of 18, purposing to go to college, he began his preparation at Hopkinton Academy. In 1833 he went to West Point, where in four years he graduated with the highest honors, and was appointed Lientenant in the 2d Artillery. After the formation of the Topo- graphical Engineers, he received an appointment in that corps. After that his life was that of an engineer, in which capacity he had no superiors. Among his labors may be mentioned service in the coast survey, and in the exploring expeditions in the region of the Rocky Mountains. In the voluminous reports on the exploration and surveys for the railroad to the Pacific, he figures conspicuously. While engaged in that work, he was killed by the Indians in Octo- ber, 1853, and his body devoured by the wolves. The death of no man so young, and of a rank no higher than Captain, ever made so profound an impression on the country. The fact is, none knew

him but to love him. His attainments were great, and his whole character noble. "To accomplish the greatest amount in the least time " was adopted in early life and acted upon until his death.

William Hake, wholesale liquor dealer, 39 and 41 East Bridge street, was born at Westphalia, Germany, March 11, 1828. He · received a good scholastic education in his native country, and when 19 years of age, bade adieu to the " Faderland," and set sail for the metropolis of the West. He located in Detroit in the fall of 1847, and soon after was employed in the State printing office as " devil." When the seat of State Government was removed to Lansing, Mr. Hake accompanied the removal of the office to that point. They started from Detroit, with the presses on wagons, on " Christmas Day " of that year, and were seven days on the road, arriving at their destination Jan. 2. A rude building had been previously erected to answer for the purpose of an office. The now Capital City contained but a few log houses, and the printing office was such

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a rude structure that had the winter been severe the poor German boy would have suffered many hardships. The house where he boarded was a small affair, the larger one of the two in the place being only 25x60 feet in size, neither plastered or sided. Our sub- ject was offered a lot now covered by the Capitol building for $40, but not possessing the ready cash, he was obliged to decline the pur- chase. After three months of hard and incessant labor, he came to Grand Rapids, but soon after removed to Dexter, Washtenaw Co., where he learned the harness trade with Albert Guest, now a resi- dent of that place. After working one year he was taken ill, and for better treatment was taken to a hospital at Detroit, where he lay on a bed of pain for over nine months. Many a foreigner would have been disheartened at this drawback, but William Hake belonged not to that class. He arose from his couch with renewed energy and perseverance, and impatiently awaited the time spent in regaining his lost health. When able, he came once more to Grand Rapids, and was engaged at harness-making for a few months. He could talk but little English, but his willing manner secured for him a situation in a general store, owned by John Clancy, and in the second year he was promoted as chief clerk. In 1853 he started a little grocery on Canal street, with Frank Voigt as a partner, and a year later the new firm purchased the stock and trade of John Clancy, and the business soon developed into a large wholesale and retail establishment, the first of that trade in the city. In 1857 the firm erected a building near the present site of Sweet's Hotel, but the panic soon after caused them to close out the busi- ness-not, however, without honestly endeavoring to settle all claims. Mr. Hake then started a small liquor store (in 1859), and under his efficient supervision it has grown to its present large proportions-now carrying a stock of $40,000 in store, with $70,- 000 worth in bonded warehouses in Kentucky. In 1870 Mr. Hake erected his present brick block, 60x95 in size, two stories and a basement, which is stocked with the choicest foreign and domestic liquors. His foreign liquors are imported direct, also his Califor- nia wines. Since 1859 he has been agent for the Hamburg line of steamers, and in 1876 made a trip back to Germany, taking along three children. In May, 1881, he repeated the voyage with his wife and four children. He was married in 1857 to Anna M. Schit- tler, a native of Wurtemberg. Of the 14 children born to them 11 are living-Amelia, wife of Frank P. Mc Graw; Charles W., the manager of his father's business; William, jr., a student in the medi- cal department of the University of Michigan; Mary, Henry, Theo- dore, Albert, Helen, Paul, Edward and Louis. Louisa, Anna and Frank are deceased. Mrs. Hake is a member of the German Protestant Church. Mr. Hake is connected with the Catholic Church, and is a man well respected by all. Mr. Hake's por- trait is given on another page of this volume.

Anthony Hanish, harness-maker, Nos. 76 and 78 Ottawa street, and son of Anthony and Johana Hanish, was born in Saxony in

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1849. In 1856 he came to this country with his parents and set- tled in Chicago. In 1860 he came to this city and learned the har- ness-making trade with Frederick Tusch and others. In 1876 he commenced business for himself where he is located at present. He is a jobber and manufacturer of and dealer in harnesses, trunks, traveling bags, whips, buffalo, wolf, and lap robes; also does re- pairing. He has a first-class stock on hand at all times, amounting to from $6,000 to $10,000, does an annual business of $20,000, and employs six men. He was married in Grand Rapids city in 1880, to Matilda, daughter of Peter and Josephine Weirich, born in this city in 1858. They have one child. He has a residence on Shaw- mut avenue, No. 136. He is a member of the Harmony Society of this city.

William Harrison, manufacturer of the celebrated "Harrison Wagon," was born at Fishloft, Lincolnshire, Eng., Jan. 10, 1824. He attended the National School at Sibsey, and also a select school at March, Cambridgeshire. In October, 1838, he went to Stickney to learn the wheelwright and joiner's trade. The following January he was bound as an apprentice for six years to that busi- ness. After serving his time, he worked four years longer for his employer, and subsequently, as a journeyman for the same length of time. During the winter of 1849 he again attended school. In the spring of 1850 he left England for America, landing at New York on the 21st of May, and after spending a few days there started di- rect for Michigan. When he arrived at Kalamazoo, he had only a half sovereign and a few shillings. In a few days he commenced work at his trade, receiving nearly two dollars per day; but, with the exception of a few cents for postage, was forced to take his wages in barter. In about a year, with a good stock of barter and one dollar in money, he began working at his trade in Galesburg, Mich., remaining there seven months. During this time he earned enough to equal in value two wagons and a set of buggy wheels. He then returned to Kalamazoo, taking a contract to make 50 sets of wagon wheels, for which he was to be paid in cash, but after the work was partly done, the other party refused to carry out his part of the contract. During this time Mr. Harrison invested some money in real estate, which action proved very fortunate. In 1857 Mr. Harrison came to Grand Rapids and engaged in the manufacture of wagons.

A notice of his manufactory will be found in the chapter on manufacturing industries. In October. 1852. Mr. Harrison married Rebecca Mc Cullough, a native of Ireland. Of the five children born to this union four are living: William H., Mary A., Kate and George E. Mrs. Harrison died May 5, 1869, and Feb. 16, 1870, he was married to Frances Ade- laide, daughter of Samuel H. Gilbert, originally of Canterbury, Eng. Five children were given to seal this alliance, only two of whom survive-Bertha L. and Ray G. Mrs. Harrison is a worthy and consistent member of the Second Street M. E. Church. Mr. Harrison has been an active member of that denomination for 32

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years. He has been a Republican since the organization of that party. William Harrison is a man of integrity and industry, and is persistent in carrying out whatever he undertakes. He is en- tirely self-made, and is highly respected by all with whom he is acquainted.

Frederick Hartmann, of Hartmann & Dietz, proprietors Phoenix Iron Works, 71 S. Front street (W. S.), was born in Germany Oct. 10, 1832. He received his education in his native land, and when 16 years of age learned the stone-cutter's trade. When 22 years of age he came to America, and remained 13 months in New York city. He then came West to Grand Rapids, and learned the molder's trade in Dean's shop, with Samuel Tower, now of Greenville, Mich. He remained there three years, and was subsequently in the employ of R. E. E. Butterworth, Gilbert M. McCray, and seven years with A. L. Chubb, afterward Chubb, Stewart & Luther. He was foreman for Adolph Leitelt four years, and in 1872 bought out Doran & Co., and in 1878 the pres- ent company was formed. The building purchased was 41x40 in size, and with the ground cost $3,200. A fire destroyed the building, and the present shop was erected at a cost of $3,000. Mr. Hartmann was married May 2, 1858, to Katrina Weber, a native of Germany. They have three children-Henry, Lotta and Carrie. Mr. Hartmann has been a hard-worker all through life, and his labors have been crowned with success.

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History of Kent County, Michigan, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 101

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Chapman, Charles C., & Co. (Chicago) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co. Number of Pages: 1434

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Chapman, Charles C., & Co. (Chicago)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1434