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 110

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 110

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Isaac H. Phelps, President of Grand Rapids Savings Bank, was born in Luzerne, Warren Co., N. Y., July 10, 1809. He is son of Joel and Hulda Phelps, and was the oldest of a family of 17 children. At the age of 23 he engaged in the lumber trade in Allegany Co., N. Y., and in Pennsylvania, until 1865. He was married in 1835 at Ceres, Allegany Co., to Laura Rew, a native of Onondaga county. She died at Ceres in 1848, leaving one son and four daughters. Mr. Phelps was married again in 1850, to Marilla Maxson, of New York State, who died in 1853, leaving one son. In the same year he opened a general store at Friend- ship, Allegany Co., and established a branch in Jefferson Co , Pa. He continued the enterprise 12 years. In 1853 he was a third time married, to Melissa Lull. They have one daughter. In 1864 he made land purchases in Michigan, and in 1865 located at Grand Rapids. In June, 1879, Mr. Phelps was elected Pres- ident of Grand Rapids Savings Bank; is a Director in the First National Bank, and owns an interest in the First National Bank

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at Grand Rapids, Wis .; also the largest stockholder in the Big Rapids National Bank, Mich., known as the Northern National Bank. One of Mr. Phelps' sons, George, was a soldier in the civil war; was taken prisoner and confined in the stockade prison at Andersonville; was removed thence to Florence, and died there in 1864. Mr. Phelps assisted in the organization of the First National Bank at Golden, Col., and has financial interests there. Mr. Phelps is a man whose business career is without blemish. His record is one continuous detail of success, but he is the most unassuming man in Grand Rapids. No personal exhibit indicates that he is one of the solid men of Western Michigan.

John E. Phillips, proprietor of feed-store and wood-yard, corner of Island and Summit streets, Grand Rapids, residence, Grandville, was born in Summit Co., O., Aug. 1, 1836. He is the son of Geo. K. and Mercy A. (Edson) Phillips, natives of New York. Mr. Phillips was reared on a farm, receiving but the limited educational advantages afforded by the district schools of that day. In 1853 he came to Georgetown, Ottawa Co., Mich., purchasing a farm near that place. When 22 years of age he went to Wisconsin, and was married in Portage county to Mary A. Shannon, a native of the " Empire State." A year later he started for Oregon, but changed his mind, and after a year at Elk Grove, Wis., went to Iowa. He purchased a farm in Butler county, where he resided 18 months. Then he returned to Georgetown, Mich., and some- time after located at Grandville, where he was engaged in the man- ufacture of staves and the mercantile trade for some years. He then came to Grand Rapids, purchasing a grocery store on S. Di- vision street, and subsequently removed his stock to Monroe street. He was the owner of the steamboat on Reed's lake, also the steamer " Twilight," on Grand river, for a short period; also in the saw- mill business at Hudsonville. He purchased an interest in Gordon & Co.'s carding-factory at Grandville, and in 1879 started his present business at Grand Rapids. Mr. Phillips has always dealt largely in real estate and stocks, and his long experience in this business enables him to make this business a perfect success. His father having died when he was four years of age, and his mother six years later, he was early thrown on his own resources; but in - domitable will, energy and perseverance, coupled with his charac- teristic good-nature, have placed him far beyond the average. Politi- cally, to use his own words, he is " a good old black Republican." Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Phillips six survive- Ida E., wife of Charles W. Scott, of Grand Rapids; Diana M., George K., Carrie I., Bertha M., and an infant Mercy A., Aurilla M. and John E. are deceased.

A. Le Grand Pierce, of the San Francisco Tea Co., 79 Canal street, is a life resident of Grand Rapids, where he was born Aug. 6, 1849. He is a son of John W. and Sarah L. (Roberts) Pierce, natives respectively of Virginia and Mohawk, Conn. His father was a dry-goods merchant of Grand Rapids, who located here in

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1836, and where he died, October, 1875. His mother still survives. Mr. Pierce was educated in the public schools of the Valley City, and when the war broke out, entered the commissary department in the employ of Col. C. B. Hinsdill, Chief Commissary of the Western Division. He remained with him six months, and then entered the Military College at Chicago, Ill., remaining two years, and graduating with a Captain's commission for one year. He subsequently returned home and embarked in the dry-goods busi- ness with his father. Two years later the stock was burned, and he engaged in the real estate and insurance business. Believing him- self to be possessed of an average amount of talent, he resolved to try the stage as a mode of living and to win a good name on the lists. He remained on the stage till October, 1878. During this time he was associated with the original Signor Blitz, the Berger Family, Coleman Sisters, Prague Family, Lancaster, Ohio, Bell- Ringers, and a New York combination, besides "starring it" in the larger cities of the Union, and managing two concert troupes of his own. His success far exceeded his expectations, but desiring rest and a relief from the fatigue of the stage, he cancelled his engagements and returned to Grand Rapids. He immediately es- tablished himself in his present business, in which he has made a suc- cess likened to that of the stage. Mr. Pierce is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Full Moon Club, Grand Rapids Peninsulars, and the "I. H. C's." He was married in September, 1878, to Ella G. Matthews, a native of Covington, Ky., and a daughter of R. G. and Cornelia Matthews, the former of whom is a broker of Grand Rapids. Two daughters have been sent to bless this union-Ethel C. and Louisa.

Alonzo Platt, M. D., was born in Stephentown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Jan. 10, 1806; is son of Judge Henry and Susan (De La Vemge) Platt, the latter a descendant of the French Huguenots. He received his literary education at Lenox, Berkshire Co., Mass., and as he was about to enter college, an attack of inflammation of the eyes compelled him to abandon his projected course. In 1825 he began the study of medicine and surgery with Dr. Wright, of New Lebanon, N. Y. and two years later entered the office of Dr. John De La Mar (?), of Sheffield, Mass., where he continued until 1829, in which year (December) he graduated from Berkshire Medical College. He practiced his profession at Port Gibson, Ontario Co., N. Y., two years, and in the spring of 1832 went to Ann Arbor, and 10 years later came to this city. He had an extensive, popular and laborious practice for many years; was compelled by ill health to relinquish it to more ambitious and younger men, since which time he has kept himself from the rust and decay of idleness by devoting himself to the wants of the poor and to his obligations as physician in charge of St. Mark's Home and Hospital. During the war he was Surgeon of the Enrolling Board for this Congressional District; is a member of the Grand Rapids Medical Society, and while in health, was connected with other county and state organ-

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izations. He cast his first vote with the Whigs, and since then has been a Republican; has been for 30 years a Warden of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. He was married in the autumn of 1832 to Laurella, daughter of Stoddard Smith, a prominent lawyer of Greene Co .. N. Y.

Mark M. Powers, a member of the bar of Kent county, was born in the village of Scott, Cortland Co., N. Y., in the year 1846, December 22. His father, Marcus, was in the carriage business, and in the year 1850 moved from Scott to Tompkins county, same State, where Mark received his early schooling, and finished his academic course at Groton, Tompkins Co., and at Moravia, Cayuga Co. He came to Grand Rapids in 1868, and entered the law office of Taggart & Simonds in the same year. In 1869 and '70 he pursued a course of study at the Michigan University. He then returned to Grand Rapids, and commenced the practice of his profession in 1872, and since that time has continued in practice alone, doing a lucrative and constantly increasing business.

Hon. William H. Powers, of Powers & Walker, is the oldest son of Hon. Win. T. Powers, and was born at Troy, N. Y., April 7, 1841. He came to Grand Rapids with his parents, June, 1847. At the age of 18 years he entered the employ of his father, as clerk in his furniture store, and continued in that position until the business was closed, in 1861. In 1862 he was elected City Clerk, serving one term. In company with Daniel H. Watrous, he entered into contract with the city for the grading, graveling and paving gutters of Lyon street, from Canal street to the east city limit, which was a very extensive job, requiring the cutting through " Prospect Hill," and the removal of over 30,000 yards of earth. He then rented a shop on the east side canal, and put in a shingle machine, and manufactured sawed shingles by the thousand for Messrs. Powers & White, also job work, sawing and wood turn- ing, doing a greater portion of the work himself. Feb. 8, 1865, he married Sarah L., daughter of Durfee T. and Hannah M. Bradford, of Walker tp., and soon after entered into a co-partner- ship with E. M. Ball, under the firm name of Powers & Ball, pur- chasing a steam saw-mill at the head of the rapids, on the west side, where an extensive lumber business was carried on until 1869. The firm then sold out to A. B. Long & Son, and invested their means in a water- power site on the then new west side canal, and built a sash and door factory. This was the first factory built upon the west side canal. In 1871 Mr. Powers entered into co-partner- ship with his uncle, E. K. Powers, who purchased the interest of E. M. Ball in the firm of Powers & Ball; and, in 1873, Mr. Powers purchased his uncle's interest in the business, and continued it himself until 1875, when he entered into a co-partnership with Mr. Jos. H. Walker, under the firm name of Powers & Walker. The firm commenced the business of manufacturing coffins and caskets upon a large scale, which business is at present one of the leading manufacturing industries of Grand Rapids. Mr. Powers has held

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the office of City Clerk, Alderman, member of the State Legislat- ure, and at the present time is a member of the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners, appointed at the last session of the Legis- lature. He is also identified as a stockholder in the Wolverine Chair and Furniture Company, holding the position of President; also in the Grand Rapids Electric Light and Power Co., holding the position of Treasurer; in the Grand Rapids Brush Co., holding the position of Secretary; in the Grand and Rouge Rivers Log Running Co., holding the position of Secretary and Treasurer, which position he has held for the past 16 years. He is also manager of Powers' Opera House.

Hon. William T. Powers was born at Bristol, N. H., July 8, 1820. He received a very limited education, and at the age of 18 years was apprenticed to the cabinet business, in a short time be- coming very proficient in all its branches. Being naturally a me- chanic, he took an especial liking to machine work pertaining to the cabinet business, and his employer, upon his solicitation, al- lotted to him piece work at wood-turning, and he was soon able to earn extra good wages. Possessing a great spirit of enterprise, he soon commenced business for himself at Troy, N. Y., making bed- steads and tables. At the age of 21 years he married Miss Louisa Hall, who is still with him in life. They have four children living, the oldest William H., then Sara A., Mary L. and Chas. B. Powers. Mr. P. continued to work at his trade. After having had the ex- perience of a partnership business, which proved disastrous, he fell back upon his own resources. In 1847, with about $45 in pocket, including the products of the sale of a portion of his household goods, he embarked with his little family, consisting of wife and one child, for the far West, arriving at Grand Rapids in June. 1847. At the old National Hotel he met " Uncle John Ball," who directed him to a suitable boarding place, the home of Hiram Hilton, where himself and family found a kind, motherly woman in Mrs. Hilton, and a comfortable and happy resting place. Mr. Powers immediately made arrangements with a Mr. White, who owned a carpenter and joiner's shop, for bench room, where he manufactured all the furniture needed for his family, the most of which is in use at his home at the present time. After this he employed one man, and started business in the manufacture of furniture in a building at the foot of Canal st., known at that time as the old "Owl's Nest," at the east end of Bridge st. bridge. His business gradually increased, and after two years he associated with him E. M. Ball, under the firm name of Powers & Ball. The business increased, and in 1851 they erected anupright saw-mill on the present site of Adolph Leitelt's boiler shop. Soon after they erected a large cabinet factory near

by, where they finally employed about 40 men. The business of the firm was profitable, and it was the basis of the fortunes of both partners. The co-partnership was dissolved in 1855, when Mr. Powers built a circular saw-mill on the site now occupied by A.

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B. Long & Sons. which was the first circular saw-mill in this State, and which proved to be a grand success. People came from far and near to see this " wonder of wonders"-a circular saw-mill, the then enormous amount of products of which, as reported, could not be accredited until people had seen it for themselves. In this mill Mr. Powers put a machine of his own invention, con- sisting of circular gang saws for splitting plank into scantling, which was the original of the now perfected patent edger, in use for sizing and edging lumber. Mr. P. carried on the lumber manufacturing business here for several years, besides again tak- ing up the manufacture of furniture and running a large retail fur- niture store, until 1861, when he closed out his furniture business, and devoted himself to lumbering operations, in company with George H. White. In 1866 he purchased the river bank and right of way on the west side of Grand river, and projected and built what is known as the West Side canal, expending in its construc- tion about $120,000. This canal was completed in 1869. It is 3,300 feet in length, and affords at least 1,000-horse power. On this canal is now located two of the largest grist-mills in the State, besides numerous factories, among which are factories owned and built by Mr. Powers, as follows: Saw-mill, with capacity for saw- ing 35,000 feet of lumber per day; brick, sash and door factory, 50x75, four stories high; Wolverine chair factory building, 50x150 feet on the ground and four stories high; machine shop building 24x50 feet, two stories; and Wolverine spice mills, 40x100 feet, four stories.

In 1873 Mr. Powers erected the large brick block on Pearl st., called " Arcade building," and Powers' Opera House, one of the finest Opera Houses in the West. Preparatory to the erection of this block, Mr. P. caused an artesian well four inches in diameter to be drilled until a depth of about 300 feet was reached, when a stream of mineral water was struck, which flows several feet above the surface and has ever since been flowing continuously for the benefit of the general public. This fountain is a living testimonial of the enterprise and public spirit ever manifest in Mr. P. He has been instrumental in inaugurating and starting many busi- ness enterprises and public improvements too numerous to de- scribe in the space allotted in this work.

In 1857 Mr. Powers was elected Mayor of Grand Rapids. He was one of the prime movers in the introduction of an economical system of water works for the city, and was appointed a member of the Board of Public Works. He procured the construction of the present fine water-works system.

Hon. Clarence W. Prindle, M.D., was born in Rutland tp., Barry Co .; is son of Sherman C. and Eliza (Dorrance) Prindle. His father was a pioneer of Barry county, and officiated as Probate Judge from 1860 to 1876; both parents reside in this city. Mr. Prindle attended the common schools of his native tp. and the Union schools at Battle Creek and Hastings, and in 1867-'S was

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a student at Albion College. He previously acted as clerk in a dry-goods house. In 1868 he entered upon the preparation for his profession with Dr. B. J. Brown, of Hastings, and read with him until he graduated. He attended lectures at Cleveland and at the Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago; graduated from the latter Feb. 22, 1871. He began practice the same year in this city, establishing his office on the West Side. In March, 1879, he associated with his brother, Henry E. Prindle, in the purchase of a drug store, which they have operated advantageously. In April, 1880, he, in company with another brother, Frank A. Prindle, opened a hardware store on West Bridge street. He is also Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Wolverine Chair and Furniture Company. He was married Feb. 9, 1870, at Cleveland, to Mrs. Mary V. Johnson, daughter of Dennis Harbaugh, of that city. He has always been a staunch Republican, and has been twice elected to the Michigan Legislature, in 1876 and 1880. In 1876 Chairman of Public Health, also member of Education and Engrossment and Enrollment Committees. In 1880 Chairman of Education and member of Public Health and Eastern Asylum for Insane Committees.

Dr. Prindle's portrait is presented in this volume.

C. G. Pulcher, 106 Canal street, was born at Detroit, Mich., Nov. 25, 1849, and is the youngest of 12 children, nine of whom are living. Their parents were Martin and Mary (Barrie) Pulcher, natives of France, and both yet living. The subject of this sketch received a good education in a private school, and in 1869 came to Grand Rapids. He engaged in the grocery business under the firm name of Gorman, Pulcher & Co., but six months later sold his interest to the other partners, and engaged in the liquor busi- ness with Kortlander, at 116 Canal street. Three years later he sold his interest to Mr. Kortlander, and established his present business at 106 Canal street, where he carries a stock of fine cigars, whiskies, brandies and liquors. He disposes of 50,000 cigars per month, and his annual sales in the business will average $25,000. Mr. Pulcher is a member of the Mozart Club, St. James' Catholic Church (W. S.), and is Democratic in politics. He was married in June, 1872, to Mary J. O'Brien, who was born in Walker tp., in August, 1850, and is a daughter of Stephen and Mary J. (Paton) O'Brien. They have four children-Mary E., Edward J., Essie and Katie.

Rev. James C. Pulcher, Priest of St. James' Catholic Church, West Bridge st. (W. S.), was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., March 21, 1843. When five years of age he accompanied his parents to Michigan, locating seven miles from Detroit, where he remained till 13 years of age. He then went to Bardstown, Ky., and en- tered St. Thomas' Seminary, remaining there five years. In 1861 he removed to Milwaukee, Wis., and prosecuted his studies at St. Francis Seminary for 18 months. In the fall of 1863, he went to Europe, and finished his studies at the American college, Louvain,

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Belgium. He remained there till Dec. 22, 1866. when he was or- dained priest, and placed as assistant of the Muskegon ( Mich. ) parish, when there was not a Catholic Church north of that point in Michigan. In 1868 lie was placed in charge of the St. Andrew's Church, Grand Rapids, remaining there until 1872. St. James' Church was built under his supervision, and dedicated July 22, 1872. In November, 1876, he was removed to Detroit, and had charge of Our Lady of Help Church for four years. In February, 1881, he was re-located in charge of St. James' Parish. The church cost about $40,000. Twelve hundred communicants worship within its walls, under the fatherly care and attention of their be- loved pastor.

William Pulte, jeweler, was born July 11, 1845, in Prussia; is son of Joseph and Therese Pulte. His father died in Prussia in 1861, and his mother still lives there. He was educated in his native country, and in 1869 came to America. He stopped two weeks at Grand Rapids, and proceeded to Chicago, and two years later to Detroit, where he remained a year, and in 1872. located at Grand Rapids. He learned his business in his native land, and on coming to this city established himself on West Bridge st. He was burned out in '75, and two years later removed to liis present quarters, at 88 Canal st. His stock includes a full line of jewelry, watches, clocks and plated ware and a repair shop. He was mar- ried in 1874, to Paulina Cordes, a native of Alpine. They had one child, that died two months after birth. Mr. Pulte has been a member of the German Workingmen's Society three years.

Benjamin W. Putnam, senior member of the firm of Putnam & Brooks, wholesale and retail confectioners and dealers in fruits, was born at Orange, Mass., in 1843. He was reared and educated in his native State, and in 1865 came to Grand Rapids. Soon after arrival, in connection with his brother, Joseph D., he established his present business, at the foot of Monroe st. The firm was Put- nam Bros., and were retail dealers only. By strict attention to all branches of the business, the firm's trade rapidly increased. Some seven or eight years after the business was established Joseph D. sold his interest to A. E. and Henry C. Brooks, and the firm has since been Putnam & Brooks. In 1869 the firm com- menced the wholesale trade in a small way, but year by year the business increased so rapidly that more commodious quarters were needed. In 1878 they removed to their present location, where they occupy three floors. The firm manufacture all candies they handle, and are large dealers in oranges, lemons, bananas, figs and nuts. They employ from 60 to 100 hands in their factory and salesroom, and have the best facilities for manufacturing candy of any place in the State. They employ three traveling salesmen, and their goods are shipped to all parts of Michigan and Indiana, and a large share to Minnesota and Dakota. Their confectionery en- joys a fine reputation for its purity and excellent flavor. In 1881 the firm handled the enormous quantity of 16,000 boxes of oranges and lemons. The sales of the firm will average $300, 000 annually

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-doing probably the largest business of the kind in the West, outside of Chicago. Mr. Putnam was married in 1870 to Miss Abbie Gorham.

John C. Quinsey, a member of the bar of Kent county, residence Grand Rapids, was born at Rochester, N. Y., Dec. 25, 1851. His parents were Joseph and Julia McCarty, natives of Ireland. The former died in 1861, leaving a wife and five children, of whom our subject was the third. In 1862 the widow removed to sec. 32, Gaines tp., Kent county, where John C. was reared to manhood. He attended the district school, and subsequently the Grand Rapids Commercial College, where he obtained a good business training. Desiring to lead a professional life, he selected the legal branch and soon after commenced the study of laws. He remained as a student for three years, and in 1877 was admitted to the bar. Since that period he has been in constant practice, and by strict attention to business has secured a rapidly increasing practice, and a fair amount of property. Mr. Quinsey is a faithful member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church, and has proven to be a man possessing more than average business qualities. He was married in 1874 to Mary Laven, a resident of Kalamazoo, Mich.

Hon. James W. Ransom, one of the pioneer attorneys of Grand Rapids city, was born in Sullivan Co., N. Y., May 20, 1829. His father, Peleg Ransom, was a farmer by occupation, and is still living at his old home, at the advanced age of 88 years. James received his education at Wilson Collegiate Institute, and studied law with L. F. & G. W. Bower, and with Sullivan Caverno, Lockport, New York, and was admitted to the bar at Buffalo, New York, in April. 1853, to practice in the Supreme Court of the State. He immedi- ately came to Michigan and opened an office at De Witt, Clinton Co., in the following May, and there remained in the practice of his profession until 1857, when he removed to St. Johns, same county, and there practiced until 1861. From St. Johns he removed to Grand Rapids, and from this time dates his connection with the bar of Kent county. In 1873 he took as a law partner Mr. O. C. Ransom, a nephew, and since that time the business has been con- ducted under the firm name of J. W. & O. C. Ransom. During Mr. Ransom's residence in Grand Rapids he has twice held the office of City Attorney, prior to the year 1870, and since that time has held the same office for four successive terms. In 1875 was elected to the State Legislature, which office he held one term. He - is a member of the Bar Association of Grand Rapids, and in poli- tics is a Democrat. Mr. Ransom was married in 1855, June 12, at Welson, New York, to Miss Esther P. Graves, daughter of Harvey Graves, a farmer of that locality, and a native of Hampshire Co., Mass. They have one son-James W., jr.

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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 110

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