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 109

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 109

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Ezra T. Nelson, of the firm of Nelson, Matter & Co., was born in Milford, Worcester Co., Mass., May 9, 1824. After a preparatory education he attended the academies of Framingham, Cambridgeport, in his native State. In 1842 he became clerk in the wholesale dry-goods house of S. F. Morse & Co., of Boston. He remained there about two years, when he came West, spend- ing the winter in Chicago, a few months in Columbus, O., and several months in St. Louis, Mo. He then, in 1845, came to Grand Rapids and became a clerk in the store of Henry R. Williams. He remained here two years, and then started, in company with J. M. Smith, D. Hatch, and E. B. Bostwick, in search of adventure, through the copper regions of Lake Superior. But after a fruitless search of four months, returned to Grand Rapids. For several years Mr. Nelson was not very successful in business, until in 1863, when he engaged in the furniture trade. From the latter date he has been very successful, and is now a principal stockholder in the largest furniture factory in this part of the country. The exhibit of this firm, at the Centen- nial Exposition, attracted much attention on account of its fine . finish, unique style and massive proportions. Mr. Nelson held the office of Supervisor two terms, and has refused many offices of trust, tendered him by the people. He was married, Oct. 9,1848,

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to Miss Augusta M., daughter of Charles Valentine, of Cam- bridgeport, Mass .; they have three daughters. Mr. Nelson has always been characterized by a public-spirited mind, and always aids the worthy enterprises which are for the public good.

James M. Nelson, of Nelson, Matter & Co., was born at Milford, Worcester Co., Mass., Nov. 27, 1810. His father, Ezra Nelson, was captain of the artillery company of Miiford, and had charge of it when it went to Boston in 1812. His mother. Mary, nee Parkhurst, was a native of Milford, Mass. James M. was reared in Massachusetts, but in early life became imbued with a desire to visit the West, and, if satisfied, to make it his future home. This desire induced him, in 1836, to purchase a stock of goods, and start for Green Bay, Wis., then almost the Western limit of civilization. After arriving at Detroit, his attention was called to the advan- tages possessed by Grand Rapids as a trading point, and his stock was therefore sent to the latter place. His brother, George, had previously located there, and, when Mr. Nelson arrived at the Val- ley City, he entered into partnership with his brother in mercan- tile pursuits. In 1838 he built the first raft that ever floated down Grand river. In 1840 he became Postmaster of Grand Rapids, which position he ably filled for four years. He subsequently engaged in the lumber business, but, in 1859, sold his interest, and, in company with M. L. Sweet and J. E. Bridge, purchased ground and erected two grist mills. These mills were capable of grinding 300 barrels of flour, besides doing the large amount of custom work necessary at that time. In 1863 Mr. Nelson sold his inter- est in the mills, and, with his brother, Ezra T., bought a halt interest in the furniture factory and business owned by C. C. Com- stock. Under the efficient management of Mr. Nelson, ably assisted by the subsequent partners, the business has rapidly increased, until at present it is second to none in the State, and possibly in the Union. The firm of Nelson, Matter & Co. is widely known for its strict integrity in business matters, and the superior quality and finish of the furniture manufactured. Mr. Nelson came to Kent county when it was yet a wilderness, and his heart and hand have been uniformly manifested in all matters pertaining to the business growth of the community. His keen business fore- sight and good managing qualities have enabled him to prosper in life, and he has acquired a handsome competency. He was married, in 1839, to Abba Gray, daughter of John Bridge, of Boston, Mass. Four daughters were born to this union. In 1858 he was called upon to mourn the death of his devoted wife. In 1860 he was joined in marriage to Mrs. Anna M. Sargeant, who departed this life in 1872. Socially, James M. Nelson is highly respected by all; as a business man, but few possess better quali- ties; and, as a pioneer, he ranks among the noble few who resolved to make Kent county and Grand Rapids a county superior to any, and a manufacturing center exceeded by none.

David W Hilton

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GRAND RAPIDS CITY.

A. M. Nichols. General Freight and Passenger Agent, and Assistant Superintendent of the Chicago and West Michigan R. R., was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 1838. His father was A. J. Nichols, a farmer of that county. When 18 years of age Mr. Nichols learned telegraphy, in Attica, N. Y., and began his railroading in Paris, Can., on the Great Western R. R., remain- ing there two or three years. He then accepted the position of operator and ticket agent of the D. & M. R. R. at Owosso, Mich., and was subsequently transferred to Lowell, Kent Co., where he acted as agent for two years. His next location was at Holly, and 18 months later he was made agent at Grand Rapids. In 1864 he went into the Government Telegraph service, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. During his war service he travelled through most of the Southern States, and after coming again to Michigan, was once more located at Holly; thence to Detroit as Train Dispatcher and Superintendent of Telegraph of the D. & M. R. R., and after another term of service, as agent at Grand Rapids, he resigned that position to accept that of General Freight Agent of the Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore (now C. & W. M. R. R.). This was Sept. 1, 1871. Two years later he was made Assistant Superintendent, and in 1874 gave up the latter position to accept that of General Passenger Agent. In 1881 he was again made Assistant General Superintendent, which position, in addition to that of General Freight and Passenger Agent, he now holds. Mr. Nichols was married Jan. 31, 1861, to Margaret Smith. Of their four children, two are living-Helen and Mabel. Mrs. Nichols is a consistent member of the first Congregational Church.

Lyman D. Norris, only son of the late Mark Norris, of Ypsi- lanti, was born at Covington, Genesee Co., May 4, 1825. In 1827 his father came to Ypsilanti, and died there in 1862. Mr. Norris, after a preparatory course of study, attended Michigan College at Marshall, and in the fall of 1841 entered the University of Michi- gan, the first enrolled student of the first class of the institution. He studied there two years and nine months, and matriculated at Yale, taking his degree in 1845. The winter following he entered the law office of A. D. Frazer, of Detroit, a lawyer of distinction and ability, and possessing the best library in the State. He studied 15 months, and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1847. His examination in open court by a committee and the judges of the Supreme Court reflected the greatest credit on him- self and his instructors. He engaged in the practice of law at St. Louis, Mo., in the spring of 1848. During a part of 1850 and most of 1851 he was engaged in the transaction of professional business in Europe. Having brought it to a successful termina- tion he went to Heidelberg and entered upon the study of civil law to prepare himself for a branch of litigation common in St. Louis at that period, the investigation of French and Spanish titles and claims based upon conditions existing prior to the purchase of

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

Louisiana in 1803. In 1852 Mr. Norris was retained on the celebrated Dred Scott case, and induced the Supreme Court of Missouri to reverse the decisions and principles of 14 previous cases. He was political editor and part proprietor of the St. Louis Times about a year. In 1854 the failing health and involved affairs of his father demanded his attention and the relinquishment of his career at St. Louis, and he went to Ypsilanti, where he remained until 1871. In the spring of that year he came to Grand Rapids and formed a law partnership with James Blair, firm name Norris & Blair. Nov. 1, 1875, this connection was dissolved and Mr. Norris was associated with E. F. Uhl, under the style of Norris & Uhl. Though a Democrat, Mr. Norris is intimately associated with some of the most important public matters in the history of the State. In 1867 he represented Washtenaw county in the Constitutional Convention, co-operating with such men as Judge Withey, Mr. Lothrop and Governor McClelland. Their conservative advice was overlooked in the heat of partisanship, and several important issues disregarded. He was nominated in :1869 for Senator from Washtenaw county. Unwilling to sit down to tame defeat he challenged the opposition candidate, J. Webster Childs, to a canvass of joint discussion. Mr. Childs acceded and the novel proceeding was carried out in the best of spirits and in the most honorable manner, resulting in the election of Mr. Norris by a small majority, a little less than 200. There were

but five Democrats in the Senate, and it was decided to make no aggressive moves but to act with the majority; and in acknowl- edgment of this courtesy Lieut .- Gov. Bates placed every Demo- crat at the head of a committee. Mr. Norris was chairman of the Geological Survey, also on the Judiciary Committee and the Com- mittee on Education. The labors of the Geological Committee resulted in most important benefits to the people of both sections of the State, particularly to those of the Upper Peninsula. Mr. Norris prepared an exhaustive report of the subject matter before the committee, which resulted in a bill being reported, and an appropriation of $8,000, to be devoted to the survey which has wrought such benefit to the inhabitants of all portions of the State. At this session of the Legislature Mr. Norris opposed the bonding of the State municipalities to aid railroads, a measure which passed but was afterward declared by the Supreme Court unconstitu- tional. He has had a successful career in his profession as the reports of the Supreme Court clearly show. He was married Nov. 22, 1855, to Lucy, daughter of the late Chauncey Whittelsey, of Middletown, Conn. They have a son and a daughter.

A portrait of Mr. Norris is given elsewhere in this volume.

Thomas J. O' Brien, of Grand Rapids, was born at Jackson, Mich., July 30, 1843. While yet a small boy his parents moved from Jackson into the country and located on a farm in Summit, then Jackson tp. He there spent his boyhood and early youth, and received his rudimental education in the district school of his

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neighborhood. At the age of 17 he left home and attended the public schools of Marshall until the fall of 1861, when he entered the law office of Mr. John C. Fitzgerald, then of Marshall, who had a large and active practice, until the fall of 1863, when he at- tended the University law school during one term, after which he was admitted to the bar and returned to the office of his preceptor. Jan. 1, 1865, he formed a co-partnership with Mr. Fitzgerald, which continued six years. The firm name was Fitzgerald & O'Brien, and was in all respects highly successful. About Jan. 1, 1871, he dissolved partnership with Mr. Fitzgerald and formed a new one with Mr. D. Darwin Hughes, then of Marshall. The business of the new firm was but fairly organized, when in the following April they removed to Grand Rapids, and at once came into a large and lucrative practice. At the end of about a year, more help was re- quired, and Mr. Mitchell J. Smiley was taken into the firm, and the name changed to Hughes, O'Brien & Smiley, its present title. Mr. O'Brien was married Sept. 4, 1873, to Miss Delia, eldest daughter of the lamented Hon. William A. Howard. They have one son, Howard, and a daughter, Katharine. Mr. O'Brien is a gentle- man of recognized legal ability and of high social standing.

Charles E. Olney, one of Grand Rapids' successful business men, is a son of Jeremiah and Elmira (Jacobs) Olney, and was born in Thompson, Windham Co., Conn., May 1, 1845. He at- tended school until 18 years of age, when he went to Providence, R. I., and engaged as clerk in a grocery house two years, then went to Brownsville, Tex., as bookkeeper in George F. Brott's mercantile house, where he remained one year, and then went to Chicago and acted as salesman five years in the wholesale grocery house of J. W.Doane & Co. In March, 1870, he came to this city and engaged in the wholesale grocery business with Darwin D. Cody, opposite the Rathbun House, firm known as Cody & Olney. In 1876 they removed to Nos. 13 and 15 Pearl st., where they carried on a large and very successful business until April, 1881, when he sold his interest to Mr. O. A. Ball, and having been sev- eral years connected with a lumber stock company, he concluded to make that his business, his office is now over his old place of busi- ness, Cody, Ball & Co's. wholesale grocery house on Pearl st. He was married in Chicago, Dec. 30, 1869, to Elizabeth, daughter of William and Jane Gray, born in Albany, N. Y. They have three children born in this city in the order which they are named- George E., Lucy E. and Arthur G. Mr. Olney owns a fine resi- dence, No. 95 Prospect st., and several thousand acres of pine land in various parts of the State. He is a member of the Knights Templar, and also a member of the Peninsula Club, and its Treasurer.

Loren F. Owen, dentist, was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., Dec. 9, 1847, son of Harmon and Betsey (Silvernale) Owen, both living in Lapeer Co., Mich. At the age of five years he was brought to Lapeer county with his parents ; was raised on a farm till 18 years old, attend-

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ing district and high school in Lapeer, three miles from his father's farm. He then was in a drug store three years; he calculated to make this his business, but he found it necessary to finish his edu- cation; accordingly he went to Adrian, Mich., and entered the col- lege at that place, and continued in his studies three years. When 25 years old he began to learn dentistry, studied with Dr. E. G. Doug- lass, of Lapeer, and remained with him about one year. He then attended the Pennsylvania Dental College at Philadelphia one year. He next had a dental office at Benton Harbor, Berrien Co., Mich., two years, when he removed to Grand Rapids in 1875, where he has ever since been engaged in practicing dentistry. In 1876 he formed a co-partnership with C. S. Allen in the dentistry business, this relationship continuing four years. He then bought out his partner in October, 1880, and has since been alone. The Doctor has good paying practice; his patrons are from the best class of citi- zens in the city. He does dental work in all its various branches, and his work has always given the best of satisfaction.

He was married at Benton Harbor Aug. 9, 1873, to Miss Carrie I. Pierce, a daughter of Myron E. and Julia A. Pierce, of that city They have one child, a daughter-Marion Julia Owen. His resi- dence is at 349 Bronson st., and his office 68 Monroe st.

Abel T. Page, dealer in real estate, Grand Rapids, was born at Rutland, Vt., April 15, 1829, and was the fifth of six children whose parents were Abel and Zilpha (Barnes) Page. The former was born at Ringe, N. H., Jan. 30, 1775, married Oct. 17, 1809, and died April 30, 1854. The latter was born Jan. 14, 1790, and de- parted this life at Grand Rapids May 25, 1849. The subject of this sketch accompanied his parents to Detroit in 1835, and in the fall of 1836 to Grand Rapids. The eldest son, William B., re- mained at Detroit, where he died March 11, 1841. Abel T. was 'reared amid pioneer surroundings and associations and is there- fore well versed. in the early history and progress of Kent county. He obtained his early education at a village school taught in the old National Hotel, on present site of Morton House, and subse- quently on corner of John and Barclay sts., with Mrs. Streeter as preceptress; then on Prospect Hill in a school-house (used on Sun - day for public worship), and taught by Mrs. Dr. Winslow, wife of a pioneer physician. He afterward finished his schooling at the Academy, taught by the late Henry Seymour, Rev. Addison Ballard, Rev. James Ballard, now deceased, also by Prof. Franklin Everett. When young, he assisted his father in horticultural and agricult- ural pursuits, and in 1844 himself and father set out the first nur- sery within the limits of Kent county. He then went to Monroe and for several years he was employed as clerk in a store owned by James Armitage. He came back to Grand Rapids, and assisted his father in the nursery business until the latter's death (in 1854), when he took charge of the business, which he operated until 1857. He then sold the nursery and after a year's residence at Grand Rapids purchased a farm four miles northeast of the city, where he

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resided, engaged in farming and horticulture until the fall of 1860, when he sold his farm, and two years later engaged in the grocery business at Grand Rapids. After being engaged for some years in different pursuits he established his present business, in which he has made a noble success. Mr. Page is a member of the Old Resi- dents' Association, the Y. M. C. A., the Kent County Horticultural Society and the Grand Rapids Sanitary Association. He was one of the founders of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, and has been elected Deacon, besides filling various other offices. He was married Dec. 21, 1852, to Martha Briggs, a native of Scio tp., Washtenaw Co., Mich. Two children were given them-William B., a machinist in the employ of the G. R. & I. R. R., and Edward, deceased. Mrs. Page died Jan. 30, 1860, and Dec. 30, 1863, he was married to Harriet C. Butler, a native of Grand Blanc, Genesee Co., Mich., and a daughter of John and Sarah P. (Walkley) But- ler, natives respectively of New York and Connecticut.

Hon. Isaac H. Parish, Judge of the Supreme Court of Grand Rapids, was born April 2, 1826, in Ontario Co., N. Y .; is son of Isaac H. and Elizabeth Shurtleff Parish, natives of New York. The Parish family of Ontario county have a long and honorable record; many of them lived at Canandaigua. The father of Judge Parish died when he was young and his mother was married a second time, to Eleazer Sperry. They removed to Farmington, Oakland Co., Mich., in May, 1834; settled in the woods in a log cabin without doors or windows. The early life of Judge Parish was passed in the logging fallow, in cutting brush, holding plow, and in all the labors and struggles incident to pioneer life. He graduated at a log school-house in Farmington; never attended school elsewhere; three months' study in the winter and nine months' labor rounded the years of the pioneer boys of Michigan. He stayed at home until 19, when he entered the country store of John T. Little, near Farmington, where he continued two years and then entered the law office of Green & Stephens. He was admitted to the bar in Oakland county in 1848, by the Supreme Court at Detroit. He was associated about three years with the Hon. Michael E. Crowfoot, of Pontiac, and then located at Manitowoc, Wis., en- gaging in the practice of his profession; while there was appointed County Judge. He spent five years in Wisconsin, practicing law in '57, '58 and part of '59 in Milwaukee. In 1860 he went to Chicago and entered the office of E. S. Smith, known in that city as " whispering Smith," where Emory A. Storrs was also estab- lished. In November, 1861, he came to Grand Rapids and com- menced practice, and in May, 1863, was appointed Clerk of the U. S. District and Circuit Court, incident to the organization of this Judicial District. He held the position 13 years, and in 1876 again engaged in the practice of law. In the spring of 1881 he was elected Judge of the Superior Court of the city of Grand Rapids. He was married at Sheboygan, Wis., Sept. 23, 1855, to Carrie C. Cook. They have one son and four daughters-Isaa

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H. H. ; Minnie E., wife of George Preston, a lumber merchant of Chicago; Carrie, a graduate from Michigan University, now teacher of languages in the High School at Pontiac; Louise M., a student at the University, and Viola, residing at home.

S. M. Pearsall, Supt. Poor, was born Dec. 11, 1817, in Caynga Co., N. Y. His father and mother, Michael and Esther (Irish) Pearsall, came to Michigan in 1827, with a family of four sons and two daughters. They reached Detroit June 15, 1827, and soon after bought a farm in Troy, Oakland Co. Mr. Pearsall bonght in 1841 a farm of 240 acres in Alpine tp., seven and a half miles from this city, and two years later he took possession of it with his family. He made all the improvements, superintended the chopping, and has at present three miles of fencing on the place. He has held many of the several tp. offices in Alpine-Highway Superintend- ent, School Inspector, Overseer of Poor, etc. In the spring of 1874 was elected Justice of the Peace; held the place four years without trying a case. He served four years as Treasurer of Michi- gan State Horticultural Society, and in 1877 was appointed Treas- urer of the Grand Rapids and Walker Plank Road Company. In February, 1879, he changed his residence to Grand Rapids, and Oct. 23, 1880, was chosen Secretary of the Board of Superintend- ents of the Poor. Dec. 19, 1841, he was married to Catharine R. Bailey, of Pontiac. They have two sons and two daughters living. Herbert, the eldest son, is married, and lives on the farm; Celina E., the eldest daughter, married Wm. N. Rowe, a bookkeeper at the Starr Mills. Esther J. is married, and resides at Denver, Col. The youngest son, Pearley, lives at home. Another son, John B., enlisted in the war for the Union, was seized with typhoid fever at Pittsburg Landing, and died at Covington, Ky., where he was buried. A second son, Bailey, died at home. A favorite son of Mr. Pearsall, Wyatt, was drowned in a lake near the farm, and his death caused a shade of sorrow to prevail over the entire com- munity; also another son, George S., died when he was two years old. Mr. Pearsall has a handsome residence at 176 N. Prospect st.

Mr. Pearsall erected the first frame barn in Alpine tp. in 1844 in the spring. Mr. Pearsall being a temperance man gave notice that he would not furnish any liquor at the raising. He was told that he would not succeed in raising the building without liqnor, but he did succeed, and the building was named Temperance; this was the nucleus of the temperance interests in Alpine, the effects of which have extended to this day.

Thomas M. Peck, Vice-President of the Farmers and Mechanics' Bank, was born at Newburg, N. Y., Feb. 16, 1835: is son of Elias and Catharine (Millard) Peck. His father was a practicing phy- sician at Newburg for 40 years. Mr. Peck attended the schools and seminary at that place until 18 years of age. In 1858 he be- gan business as a druggist, and in 1865 disposed of his commercial business to his brother, J. E. Peck, and spent a year in traveling for recreation in Europe, the Western country and British Prov-

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inces. In 1867 he went into business again in Newburg with his brother, which relation continued until 1873. In the spring of 1876 the firm transferred their business to this city, and are en- gaged in extensive wholesale and retail transactions. Previous to his removal here, he was Director in the Newburg Savings Bank for several years. At the organization of the Farmers and Me- chanics' Bank he was elected Director, and in 1880 acceded to his present position. He is Secretary of the Grand Rapids Elec- tric Light Company, organized March 22, 1880. He was married Jan. 8, 1873, at Brooklyn, L. I., to Mary L. Harris, of that city. They have one son. Mr. Peck has been an Independent Repub- lican.

Thomas R. Perry, dentist, was born Dec. 19, 1836, in West- chester Co., N. Y .; is son of Samuel and Ellen (Roberts) Perry. He was educated at Utica, and began to study for his profession with H. R. White, M. D., of that city. In 1856 he entered the office of Dr. Metcalf, of Kalamazoo, and a year later commenced reading with C. E. Bartlett, M. D., of Battle Creek. Two years after he returned to the office of Dr. Metcalf, where he remained until 1861, when he enlisted in a Corps of Engineers organized for special duty by Captain Howland, of Battle Creek, and included in the command of General John C. Fremont. In De- .cember, 1862, Dr. Perry returned to Kalamazoo. In May follow- ing he engaged as office assistant with Dr. E. R. Carpenter, of Chicago, and five years after came to Grand Rapids. He estab- lished himself rapidly as a dentist, and has an extensive and profitable business. Office, 94 Monroe street. He was married in November, 1870, to Frances C. Stevens, of Grand Rapids. They have had two sons and one daughter, one son deceased. Dr. Perry is a member of Michigan State Dental Association, of which he was Secretary in 1872 and 1873, and was elected President for 1874.

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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 109

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