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 102

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 102

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Ira C. Hatch, groceryman, No. 125 Monroe street, was born at Grand Rapids Sept. 11, 1852; is son of Ira S. and Mary P. (Ches- brough) Hatch. Until 15 years of age he attended the public schools, and then engaged as clerk for Crawford Bros., grocers, six years; was employed by D. D. Cody six months, and by Rice & Moore 18 months. In the fall of 1875 he opened business at 127 Monroe street, in company with Charles Hayden. This rela- tion dissolved after two years, and Mr. Hatch conducted his busi- ness alone at 125 Monroe street, where he carries a full line of sta- ple and fancy groceries, with about $6,000, and does an annual business amounting to $50,000. He was married in this city Sept. 14, 1876, to Adelaide P., daughter of Charles W. and Eliza- beth (Gravitt) Warrell, born at Grand Rapids Sept. 29, 1853. They have two children-Anna P. L., born Aug. 9, 1877, and Frances E., Feb. 1, 1879. Mr. Hatch is a member of the Junior Old Settlers' Society.

William C. Hauser, proprietor liquor saloon, 110 Canal street, Grand Rapids, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 29, 1848. When 18 years of age he was employed as traveling sales- man for a kerosene lamp manufactory, and traveled through all parts of his native country for two years. In 1866 he came to America, locating at Grand Rapids, being first engaged in the grocery business, on Pearl street. Five years later he bought an interest in the same kind of business on the west side of the river, and remained there five years. Then purchased a restaurant in

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

Rood's block, and subsequently engaged in the present business. Mr. Hauser is a member of the Foresters, Workingmen's Society and Turn Verein. He was married in 1871 to Annie Walder, a native of Germany. Of the five children born to them „o are living-Annie and William. tw

Arthur Hazlewood, M. D., born in Warwickshire, England, Sept. 22, 1839; came to America in 1860; graduated at St. Louis Medical College, St. Louis, Mo., in March, 1866; practiced his profession in Memphis, Tenn., until the fall of 1868; settled in Grand Rapids in December, 1868; appointed in 1875 member of the State Board of Health for two years; re-appointed for full term in 1881.

General W. Heath, hatter and furrier, No. 76 Monroe street, is the largest dealer in this line in the State. He is the son of James and Mary A. (Mann) Heath; was born in Ashtabula Co., O., in 1837. When eight years old his parents moved to Geauga Co., O., where he attended the Hiram College till 1857. When he commenced his studies our late President, James A. Garfield, was a student and under teacher, and they were chums together. When he left college they kept a private correspondence to the time of the President's death, and now he has about 200 letters from him, some of which are very valuable. In 1857 he came to Lenawee county, this State, and engaged as a teacher till the war broke out, when he enlisted in the first regiment raised, Co. K, 1st Mich. Vol. Inf., and served three months, returning in August, and immediately assisted to raise Co. F, 11th Mich. Inft., in which he was commissioned as 2d Lieut., and in April, 1862, he was promoted to a captaincy of same regiment, and was then placed on detached service and served till the spring of 1863, when he resigned on account of disability and returned to Adrian, Lenawee Co., Mich., and engaged in the life insurance business for the Michigan Life Insurance Association, and in 1867 he came to this city as their general agent, where he acted two years in that capacity; then bought a stock of goods, Mr. Woodbury having made an assignment at that time, and kept where Gardner & Baxter now keep. When the Aldrich block was built in 1874, he immediately removed there, where he has been ever since, keeping a full line of hats, furs etc., to the amount of $20,000 to $25,000, and doing an annual business of $75,000 to $80,000, and business steadily increasing. Immediately after the nomination of President Garfield he made him a hat and went to the White House and made arrangements to make his hats during the administration. He again made another, which was sent in March 1, for the inaugu- ration, with the request that it should be returned at the end of the season. This is the hat which he wore when inaugurated and also at the time of his assassination. Mr. Heath now has this hat in his possession, which he keeps as a memento of the late President. Mr. Heath has been a member of the State Central Republican Committee four years. After the death of Senator Chandler he

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was elected by the committee to fill the vacancy. He was ap- pointed by the chairman one of the executive members of the National Republican Committee. In 1877, he was appointed In- spector General of the Michigan State Troops, which position he has held four years. In April, 1881, he was appointed P. O. In- spector, which office he still ho!ds. He was also Alderman of the 3d ward several years ago. He was married at Medina, Lenawee Co., this State, Sept. 1, 1863, to Jennie S., daughter of John and Sophia Worcester, born in New Hampshire. They have two children-Jennie A. and Ferry Garfield.

In 1878 the general officers of the military service of different States met in New York and perfected the organization of the National Military Association, for the purpose of raising the standard of the militia of the States and establishing a uniform system for the government of that service and secure a more liberal recognition from the general Government. Gen. Heath was a delegate from Michigan. At this meeting a bill was pro- posed and submitted to Congress to obtain the above results. The bill is still pending. In this matter Gen. Heath was chairman of the committee. He is also a member of the Western Executive Committee, appointed by the association to further these interests. Of this committee there are 10 members, two respectively from the Eastern, Middle, Southern, Western and Pacific States.

C. E. Hebard, M. D., was born in Lapeer county Feb. 28, 1858; is a son of E. A. and M. J. (Thornton) Hebard, residents of Walker. In 1876 he entered the Medical Department of the University at Ann Arbor and graduated in 1879. The following year he was engaged in the drug business in Lapeer, and in June, 1881, transferred his interests to Grand Rapids, buying the store and fixtures of A. E. Eckerman, 126, Canal street. He deals in drugs, medicines, wines and liquors for medicinal purposes, toilet and fancy articles, trusses, supporters, etc. ; also manages a large prescription department.

Charles F. Heinzelman, a son of John and Armistina Heinzel- man, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1829. When 25 years of age he came to Berks Co., Pa., where he worked as a black- smith, which business he had learned in Germany. Three years after he came to Ann Arbor and spent one winter. He then rented a shop in Argentine, Genesee Co., and six months later came to Grand Rapids and worked for Rathbun, on Huron street, three years; then opened a shop on Canal street with Fred O telle, which rela- tion continued a year, his partner selling his interest to Julius Bathmun, when Mr. H. sold out and built a large brick shop on Waterloo street opposite the Eagle Hotel, with John Gelock. He still owns this building. Nine years later, in 1871, he built a large shop on Oak street, and manufactures wagons, buggies, sleighs, etc .; keeps five men constantly employed. He was married at Grand Rapids in 1857, to Christ na Mohart, born in Wurtemberg in 1837. They have had 16 children, nine of whom are living-Carrie,

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

Charles, George, Amelia, William, Adolph, Albert, Louisa and Paul.

Henry M. Hinsdill, Clerk of the United States Circuit Court for the 6th Circuit and Western District of Michigan, is a brother of Col. Chester B. Hinsdill, and younger by two years. Mr. H. was for nearly 20 years a prominent merchant of this city, connected with the book-selling and paper interests, and has an extensive ac- quaintance throughout the State, and has been connected with the organization of many of the local societies in Grand Rapids. He was appointed to his present position by Judge Baxter, in 1878.

Charles Th. Hennig, music-dealer, No. 24, Monroe street, son of Charles T. and Charlotte E. Hennig, was born in Berlin, Ger- many, in 1841. His family are all of a musical turn, his father be- ing Musical Director of the Academy at Berlin about 20 years. He commenced the study of music when only five years old, and has made it his life study; he was Musical Director at the King's Belvidere, Dresden, Germany, three and one-half years. In 1878 he employed a company of 48 musicians for one year and, under his direction, they came to the United States and traveled to all the large cities, giving concerts. In the summer of 1879 they filled an engagement at Coney Island for the season, at the end of which the year having expired, they disbanded, and part of the troupe re- turned to Germany. During their travels they gave six concerts at Powers' Opera House in this city, and Mr. H. was so favorably impressed with the city that, after the disbandment, he returned here again in September, 1879. He taught music and gave enter- tainments till the summer of 1881, when he opened his present place of business, occupying part of Kimball's piano store, where he keeps a full line of sheet-music and small instruments. From the time of his return to this city he has been engaged as leader of the Grand Rapids National Cornet Band. He was married in Ger- many, in 1871, to Dorothea L. Ellefsen, born in Germany in 1849

Joseph C. Herkner, jeweler, is a native of Germany, born Dec 1, 1840. His parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Herkner, came from the " Faderland" to Grand Rapids Nov. 15, 1849; his father died in August, 1850. Mr. Herkner was educated in the city schools, and in 1856 went into the business house of N. T. Butler, to acquire the details of the jewelry trade. He served his apprentices ship and found employment in the city until 1861. At the break - ing out of the war, he enlisted in Co. D, 1st Mich. Eng's and Mech's and served valiantly and faithfully until honorably discharged Sept. 30, 1865. He enlisted as private and soon received the ap- pointment of Orderly Sergeant, and in November, 1861, that of 1st Lient., and in February, '64, became Captain. At the close of the war he returned to this city and, in 1870,established himself in business on Monroe street, where he has since managed a successful and creditable business. His store is elegantly arranged and fully stocked. He was married in 1867 to Clara L. Calkins, daughter of

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Charles P. Calkins, Esq., of this city. They have one daughter. Mr. Herkner holds the rank of Quartermaster of the 2d Mich. Reg. He was one of the organizers of Co. B of that regiment in 1872, and acted four years as its Captain. He is a Democrat in po- litical principles and a Knight Templar.

E. J. Hervey, jeweler, 6 Canal street, was born at London, Eng- land, July 25, 1843. He is a son of Henry J. and Ellen A. Her- vey. His father was a surgeon by profession, and was in the employ of the East India Company. He died in 1844, and soon after our subject accompanied his mother to America, locating at Grand Rapids. He was reared and educated in the Valley City, and when 15 years of age entered the employ of A. Preusser, to. learn the jeweler's trade. He remained with Mr. P. for eight years, acquiring a full and accurate knowledge of the jewelry busi- ness. In 1868 he purchased a small stock of jewelry, and opened in business in the Collins block, on Canal street. Business in- creased rapidly, and in 1875 he was forced to secure larger and better quarters. He removed to his present location, where he carries a fine stock of watches, jewelry, clocks, silverware, spec- tacles, etc., and also does repairing in all its branches. His un- questioned integrity and genial manners have secured for him a lucrative business. He resides with his mother, who is an only sister of R. E. E. Butterworth, of Butterworth & Lowe, of Grand Rapids.

George W. Hewes, President of the Grand Rapids Stave Com- pany, was born at Linfield, Mass., Oct. 25, 1822, and is a son of Elijah and Elizabeth (Brown) Hewes, natives of the "Bay State." Mr. Hewes worked on a farm the early part of his life, and at the age of 13 years was apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade at Saugus. Failing health compelled him to relinquish the business at the age of 18, and he next served an apprenticeship as mason and builder for nearly three years. When 22 years of age he commenced building at Chelsea and Boston, but in 1849, failing health, with symptoms of consumption, caused him once more to cease his active duties. He sailed for California, via Cape Horn, and re- mained in the Golden State until the fall of 1854. In October of that year he took passage on the " Yankee Blade," bound for Bos- ton, with 1,300 passengers. The vessel was wrecked on a sunken rock, 200 miles from port, but the greater portion of the passen- gers were saved and taken to Santiago, thence transferred to a ves- sel bound for San Francisco, where they were obliged to start again. Mr. Hewes arrived home in November, and again engaged at his trade, continuing it until 1862, when bronchial troubles caused him to visit the Southern States, and during the war he was engaged in trading and shipping. After several visits to the West, in May, 1865, he located at Grand Rapids, and soon after, in connection with John Whittemora and Marshall S. Lord, pur- chased the cooperage business of J. W. Converse. Mr. Hewes was

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married, in 1844, to Sophia Swett. Two children were the fruits of this union-George and William. Mrs. Hewes died while Mr. Hewes was on his voyage to California in 1849. Mr. H. was again married, in June, 1852, to Lavina Swett, a sister of his first wife. Of their five children, four survive-Frank O., Emma S., Alanson M. and Charlotte E. An infant is deceased. Mr. Hewes and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

Robert Hilton, President of the Early Residents' Society, and an honored pioneer of Western Michigan, was born at Mt. Ver- non, Kennebec Co., Me., Dec. 2, 1799. His parents, Jeremiah and Sarah (Thomas) Hilton, were natives respectively of Sand- wich, N. H., and Mt. Vernon, Me. They removed to New Port- Jand, Me., where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. His university of learning was the little district school-house by the wayside, and when old enough he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, as had his father. £ When 21 years of age he went to Boston, Mass., where he perfected his knowledge of his trade, and followed it five years. While a resident of Boston he was married, Jan. 1, 1825, to Elmira, daughter of Paul Mott, of that city. A year later he went to Utica, N. Y., and for five years was engaged in contracting and the erection of buildings. In the spring of 1831 he came West to Detroit, and worked there at his trade for some time. Hearing glowing accounts of the land to the west, he resolved to see for himself, and in the spring of 1836 stopped at Grand Rapids, when the now "Pittsburg of the West" contained only half a hundred inhabitants. Mr. Hilton was well pleased with the new country and its hospitable pioneers, and re- solved to cast his lot with them. He located 160 acres of land on sec 4, tp. No. 6 north, range No. 12 west, now a portion of Walker tp. This land was subsequently selected by Douglass Houghton, the State Geologist, for what was known as "Salt Springs Land, " or land under which it was supposed salt springs could be found. This land was to be reserved by the Government for the benefit of the State. Mr. Houghton had previously promised not to select Mr. Hilton's farm, as he knew our subject had made many valu- able improvements thereon, and he would receive nothing for them if the land was given to the State. The land was selected by accident, and through the influence of the lamented Houghton Mr. Hilton succeeded in getting the State Legislature to pass a law, selling him the land at one dollar and a quarter per acre, thus receiving a title from the State direct. £ The first year he broke some land, and when ready to sow wheat found he would have to go to Gull Prairie for it, some 40 miles distant. He had to pay $2 00 per bushel for the seed, and when the crop was har- vested could only sell it for 50 cents per bushel. While living on his farm he made the trip to Grand Rapids and return by canoe on the Grand river. In 18 - he was appointed superintendent of the erection of the light-house at Grand Haven, by the United States Government, and served in that capacity during the sum-

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mer. He suffered from an attack of ague, which made his position more uncomfortable than otherwise. His trip to and fro was made by the steamer "Gov. Mason," the first steamer on the river, going down to Grand Haven every morning and returning in the evening. Mr. Hilton made the Indians his friends, and suffered very little inconvenience thereby. On one occasion he went to hunt his oxen on horseback, and hearing a terrible noise in the direction of the stable rode that way as fast as possible. Upon arrival there he saw a dog worrying one of his pigs, and near by a full-grown Indian leaning on his gun. The sight so exasperated Mr. Hilton that he leaped from his horse, seized the Indian's gun and shot the dog dead. He then handed the gun back to the Indian with the remark: "Kaw-in-nis-shin Ish-na-ba," or "bad Injun," jumped on his horse, and rode away, not another word being said. Mr. Hilton resided on his farm eight years, and during the time improved over 100 acres of the land. He built a log house with a frame addition; set out 500 apple-trees, the larger proportion of which was bearing; employed a private tutor to educate his children, but finally became dissatisfied with the meager facilities afforded for educational training, and removed to Grand Rapids, where he has since resided. Mr. Hilton has been a dealer in real estate for the past 15 years, and in 1878 added an insurance and loan business, associating with him in the business his son Charles, the firm now being Robert Hilton & Son. Since his arrival at Grand Rapids Mr. Hilton has earnestly and zealously advocated all matters pertaining to the business, religious and educational growth of Kent county. He was County Commissioner at an early date, served as Justice of the Peace eight years, and later as Supervisor and Alderman. He made the first turning lathe ever used in the manufacture of furniture in Grand Rapids, and fitted up the office of the Grand Rapids Times, the first newspaper ever issued in Kent county. He designed and erected St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, on the "west side," it being the only pure Gothic structure in Michigan outside of Detroit. He was foreman of the first Grand Jury ever assembled in Kent county, and cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson in 1828. In January,

1876, he was elected President of the Early Settlers' Association, which position he has since ably filled. Robert Hilton had 11 children born to him, two of whom survive. His son, Charles, is married, and with his family resides with his father, at the old homestead, at 93 Bridge street. Mr. Hilton attributes the greater part of his success in life to the aid and trustworthiness of a true and loving wife, who assisted him in all his struggles and priva- tions, but who, on Dec. 2, 1875, left all earthly things behind, and sought rest and comfort in the arms of the Savior, under whose banner she had proven a valiant soldier. Mr. Hilton has been a member of the Universalist Church of Grand Rapids since its or- ganization, and has always borne an active part in its services and duties. Robert Hilton deserves the thanks of the publishers of

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this volume, and of the entire population of Kent county, for the zeal, interest and assistance rendered in compiling and printing this faithful portrayal of the history of the pioneers of Kent county. A portrait of Mr. Hilton appears in this volume.

Charles A. Hilton of the firm of Robert Hilton & Son, real estate, insurance and loan brokers, is a native of Walker tp., born Sept. 21, 1841 ; obtained his education at the Union schools of Grand Rapids, which he attended up to the age of 19 years, when he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade with his father, and at the age of 21 entered as a partner in his father's business. Since this firm was established they have contracted for and built upward of 300 buildings in Grand Rapids. Among the numbe. was the building containing the machinery for pumping for the Grand Rapids City Water-Works, costing about $30,000, and the St. Mary's German Catholic church, a Gothic structure-the only purely Gothic in the city and the finest finished, built at a cost of $65,000.

Mr. Hilton adheres to the Democratic party, taking quite an act- ive part in the politics of the day ; has served the 4th ward of the city as Alderman one term, and as Director of the Poor for the city one year. Mr. Hilton was married May 27, 1873, to Miss Alice Canfield, at Chardon, Geauga Co , O. She is a daughter of A. B. Canfield, of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Hilton have a family of two children, Florence N. and Maud E. Mr. Hilton is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a Knight Templar ; he is also a mem- ber of Junior Old Settlers' Society, of which he is President.

Col. Chester B. Hinsdill, Clerk of the Court of the Western District of Michigan, was born at Kalamazoo, Mich., Sept. 4, 1836. His parents were Myron and Emily (Kellogg) Hinsdill. In 1861, while Col. Hinsdill was a resident of Grand Rapids, he was appointed Captain of Commissary Subsistence, and was finally pro- moted Lieut .- Col. and subsequently Brev .- Col., serving as such till the close of the Rebellion. In 1875 he was appointed Clerk of the Court of the Western District of Michigan, which position he has since filled. Col. Hinsdill is a member of Custer Post, No. 5, G. A. R., and by his integrity and faithfulness in efficient duties, has made many warm friends.

Anton Hirth, proprietor of Steam Stone Works, and dealer in cut stone, was born in Germany in 1839. He attended school in his native land, and learned draughting and geometry at Stutt- gart. His father was a mason and stone cutter, and learned his son that trade, also spending $700 to teach him the business thoroughly, in all its branches. Our subject worked at his trade until 1866, when he came to America. He first located at Trenton, N. J., where he worked at his trade for four years. Then re- moved to Monroe, Mich., and soon after to Toledo, O., but re- mained at the latter place only eight months. He then returned to Monroe, and soon after came to Grand Rapids. He first worked on the Baptist Church, and subsequently formed a co-partnership

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with Charles Schmidt in the stone business, under the name of the West Side Stone Works. In 1878, the partnership was dissolved, each partner still continuing in the business. In 1876 the firm purchased machinery for sawing stone, which Mr. Hirth subse- quently purchased. In the winter of 1880-'1, he removed to his present location, where he enjoys a large and lucrative trade. He was married Dec. 3, 1866, to Augusta F. Beck, a native of Ger- many. Of the six children born to them four are living-Henry F., Augusta B., Augusta Rosa and Lena B. Mrs. Hirth is a mem- ber of the German Lutheran Church, and our subject is a regular attendant on its services.

Morris Holcomb, liveryman, 42 and 44 Louis street, son of Fleming and Louisa (Stone) Holcomb, was born in Machias, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., in 1837. In the spring of 1842, his pa- rents moved to Sycamore, De Kalb Co., Ill., where his father bought 160 acres of prairie, and he grew to manhood on the farm. At 21 he went to Darien, Walworth Co., Wis., and engaged success- fully in handling grain. In 1860 he bought a farm of 120 acres for $3,500, and sold it to enlist with a friend. He was rejected for physical incapacity, and arranged to remain at home, while his three brothers entered the service. Linus and Reuben J. Holcomb enlisted in the 105th Ill. Vol. Inf. The former was killed at Averysboro, N. C., and buried in the National Cemetery at Raleigh. He was 1st Lieut. of his company, and a handsome monument has recently been placed over his grave. Reuben was Sergeant, and was wounded below the knee of the right leg. Orator S. was but 17, and enlisted in three months' service. Mr. Holcomb came to this city and engaged in the lumber trade with Messrs. Mason & Cole, as contractors. The latter was killed in the woods almost at the outset. The remaining members of the firm cut and put in the river six million feet of lumber for Elisha Eldred, of Chicago, and for Phippen Grey, of Pennsylvania, also the same amount. Mr. Mason invested the money of the firm in a private speculation of his own, which proved unfortunate, and Mr. Holcomb lost all. He operated about three years as street contractor, and managed the grading and paving of several streets. He rented the stables where he now does business in 1878, and is very popular among his patrons. Keeps an average of 15 livery and 45 boarding horses, and a sale and boarding stable. He was Deputy Sheriff of De Kalb Co., Ill., one term, and Sheriff two terms; is a member of the Order of Masons. He was married in Sycamore Jan. 11, 1866, to Mary E., sister of E. F. Harrington, proprietor of the " Eagle," and daughter of Rufus and Caroline (Gore) Harrington, natives of Worcester, Mass. Mrs. Holcomb was born in the same place in 1845; they have had two children-Carrie L., born Feb. 11, 1867, and Frederick R., born Dec. 27, 1868.

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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 102

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