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 115

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 115

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Horace Tompkins, Deputy United States Marshal of Western District of Michigan, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., July 3, 1838, and is a son of Rice and Julia A. (Ferris) Tompkins, na- tives of New York, the former of whom died in October, 1877. He was reared on a farm, and obtained his education at the Dui- dee and Bradford Hollow academies, and Alfred University, Alle- gany county. Mr. Tompkins was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 19 years of age. In 1861 he entered the law office of R. T. Dorr, of Dansville, N. Y., as a student, and eight months later went to Bath, N. Y., where he was admitted to the bar (in 1863). In 1867 he came to Grand Rapids, Mich., and was engaged in the fruit business for some time. Soon after arrival he was ad-

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

mitted to practice in the United States Court, of Western District of Michigan. He was appointed Deputy Clerk of the United States Court, and in 1869 to his present position, and has filled the latter office to the present time. Mr. Tompkins has resigned his former position on account of ill health. Mrs. Tompkins came West after the death of her husband, and has since resided with her son, the subject of this sketch.

G. W. Thompson, attorney, was born in Hillsdale Co., Mich., in 1844. His father, Warren Thompson, a farmer and pioneer of Jefferson, Hillsdale Co., settled in Michigan in 1838; was Post- master of Osseo 21 successive years, and held other minor posi- tions; is a native of Middlebury, Vt. His family numbered eight children, five of whom are living. Mr. Thompson is the youngest child. He studied at the district schools and at home until 17, when he went to Hillsdale College and remained three and a half years; also studied one year at Oberlin, teaching school and reading law at intervals. In 1865 he entered the law office of Judge Dick- erson (deceased) at Hillsdale, and read for his profession until admitted to practice in the fall of 1869. He opened an office at Hillsdale, where he continued until 1873, practiced one year in Detroit, and in 1874 came to Grand Rapids and formed a partner- ship with Wm. S. Edwards-firm style, Edwards & Thompson. Two years later this relation was dissolved, and he associated with Wm. E. Graves, who withdrew after two years, and in March, 1878, the firm became Kennedy & Thompson. Mr. Thompson was married Dec. 9, 1874, to Miss J. Rosetta Fisher, of Hillsdale; they have three children-Kate, Mary Ellen and John Roy.

Charles W. Trebing was born in Hesse Cassel, Feb. 16, 1833. He came to America in 1849, landed at New York, and went to Marshall, Calhoun Co., Mich., where he managed a restaurant two years and went to Kalamazoo, where he remained 22 years. Six years ago he came to this city and engaged in the manufacture of soap. Two years later he established a liquor business at No. 60 Canal st. He is a member of the Masonic order, belongs to the Blue Lodge Chapter of Knights Templar. He was married at Kalamazoo, in 1861, to Miss S. Wood, of Calhoun county. She died Jan. 27, 1875, from the consequences of an accident, leaving four children. In 1878 Mr. Trebing was again married, to Mrs. Mary (Greimer) Mohl, daughter of a pioneer of this county. They have one child.

Demetrius Turner, chief engineer at the Grand Rapids water- works, and builder of the machinery and engines of the same, was born in the town of Essex, Conn., Feb. 25, 1815, and is a son of Elisha Turner, who removed with his family to Rochester, N. Y., in 1820. Mr. Turner, being of a mechanical turn of mind, and a natural genius, early learned to work at the machinist's trade. He mastered the art without serving an apprenticeship, he seem- ing to have a natural talent for acquiring a knowledge of the trade without an instructor. In 1835 he came to Grand Rapids, and the

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following year became engineer in a saw-mill, where he remained for two years. He was then employed as engineer on a steam- boat, remaining on the waters for about 10 years. In 1864 he built the engines for the steamer "L. G. Mason," in Grand Rapids, for Capt. Ganor. This steamer now plies on the Saginaw river, between East Saginaw and Bay City. In 1869 he remodeled the engines of the steamer "Daniel Ball," which afterward burned at Saginaw. And last, but not least, Mr. Turner built the wonderful water-works at Grand Rapids; the engines are of his own inven- tion, on which he since received a patent. He was married in . March, 1837, to Miss Hannah Pickett.

Kossuth and Frederick A. Tusch, proprietors Cincinnati Brew- ery, were born at Grand Rapids, Mich., June 28, 1852, and April 16, 1854, respectively. Both attended the common schools of their native place, where a good education was obtained. In 1873 Frederick entered the mercantile trade, where he remained three years. During this time, Kossuth was at Toledo, O., learn- - ing the brewing business. In 1877 the brothers formed the present partnership, and their business talents have met with very gratifying success. Frederick A. was married in May, 1880, to Carrie Newman, a native of Allegan Co., Mich. Kossuth is a member of the Foresters, Turn Verein, Arbeiter Verein and Har- monie Singing Society. Both brothers are still young, but possess business talents, energy and perseverance, and will surely succeed in the race through life.

Edwin F. Uhl was born Aug. 14, 1841, at Avon, N. Y. ; is son of David M. and Catharine (De Garmo) Uhl, pioneers of Ypsi- lanti. He obtained his elementary education at the district school of that place and prepared for college at the Union School. At 16 he entered the University of Michigan and graduated at 20 in class of 1862. He at once began reading law, with Norris & Ninde, of Ypsilanti, and continued until admitted to the bar in January, 1864, by the Supreme Court at Lansing. He opened an office in Ypsilanti, and Jan. 1, 1866, formed a partnership with Mr. Norris on the dissolution of his former relation. The firm of Norris & Uhl dissolved in 1871, Mr. Uhl continuing the business until 1876. In 1870 he was elected Pros. Atty. of Washtenaw Co., and officiated one term, declining re-nomination on account of press of business. In 1871 he was engaged as Attorney for the Detroit, Hillsdale & Ind., and Detroit, Eel River & Ill. R. R.'s,-both under the same management. Continued as counsel and acted as Secre- tary for the corporation until his removal to Grand Rapids, Jan 1, 1876. During the foreclosure of the D. H. & I. road, Mr. Uhl was Receiver of that company. He formed a partnership with Mr. Norris on the dissolution of his relations with Mr. Blair in 1876 and has continued junior member of the concern since. In 1881 Mr. Uhl was elected President of the Grand Rapids National Bank upon the death of C. H. Bennett. The bank was organized in March, 1880, to succeed the house established and managed by

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M. V. Aldrich. Mr. Uhl was married May 1, 1865, to Alice Fol- lett, eldest daughter of the late Benjamin Follett, a pioneer and lead- ing business man of Washtenaw county and extensively connected with the banking and milling interests of Ypsilanti. They have three children-Lucy Follett, David Edwin and Alice Edwina.

Jay D. Utley, of the firm of Nelson, Matter & Co., was born in Portland, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., July 14, 1845. He came with his parents to Grand Rapids in 1855, where he was brought up and educated. At the age of 16 he engaged as a clerk in a dry-goods store. In 1868 he became bookkeeper for Nelson, Comstock & Co., remaining with that firm until 1878, when he became a partner in the firm (Nelson, Matter & Co.). He was married Jan. 24, 1877, to Miss Frank E. Smith, by whom he had one child-Florence L. (dec.). Mr. Utley was a member of the Grand Rapids Guards for six years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the De Molai Commandery, No. 5., Knights Templar.

Chas. HI. Van Aernam, proprietor Albany Shoe Store, 102 Monroe st., was born in Albany Co., N. Y., March 5, 1850. His father, J. T. Van Aernam, was a builder and contractor of that county. Mr. V. was reared in Albany, N. Y., attending the public schools till 15 years of age. He then entered the employ of J. Fearey & Son, now wholesale manufacturers of boots and shoes, with whom he remained 15 years. During the last five years of this time, he had charge of their largest retail store, in that city. In 1878 he started in business for himself at Albany, where he remained three years. He then sold his stock, and in June, 1881, came to Grand Rapids, purchasing the stock and trade of M. C. Fields & Co. In the short time he has been in business at Grand Rapids, he has succeeded in building up a good trade and establish- ing a good reputation for fair dealing and fair prices. He is the sole agent of the celebrated Fearey shoe, and enjoys a lucrative business in that line of goods. Mr. Van Aernam is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 3 (Masonic), of Albany, the A. O. U. W., and Empire Order of Mutual Aid ; is a Republican in politics. He was married in 1874, to Mary E. Howard, a native of Greene Co., N. Y. They have two children-Howard and Adelaide. Mr. Van Aernam is ably assisted in his business relations by Albert Adraince, his brother-in-law, formerly a drug clerk, of Albany, N. Y.

Ocenus Van Buren, son of Barnard and Barbara Van Buren, was born in the town of Trenton, Oneida Co., N. Y., July 6, 1820; was on his father's farm until 12 years old, when he commenced for himself, hiring out on a dairy farm; he followed this business until he was 25 years of age, when, in 1844, he emigrated to this State. He delayed his departure from home a short time in order to vote for Polk and Dallas. He came by packet on the Erie canal to Rochester, thence by rail to Buffalo, by the steamer " Great Western " to Detroit, and on the old "strap rail " to Mar- shall, Mich., taking a whole day for this last section of his trip.

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After remaining in Marshall a week, he went by wagon to Battle Creek, and then by stage to Grand Rapids. The roads were very muddy (November), and the last few miles Mr. Van Buren walked, namely, from " Yankee Lewis'," where he took dinner, the rest of the way in to Grand Rapids. In coming West he started for Illi- nois, but to this day he has never been in that State.

The first winter (1844-'5) Mr. Van Buren cut cord-wood and split rails for Deacon Stone, on sec. 22, on 40 acres of land, of which Mr. V. afterward bought 20, and laid it out in city lots, to- gether with six acres previously purchased, which is known as "Van Buren and Turner's addition to the city of Grand Rapids." In April, 1845, he made his first start in the dairy and milk busi- ness in Grand Rapids, his first day's sale being 10 quarts of milk, April 22. On the same day he split 200 rails, and he felt he was doing a "big " business. He had only three cows, but by fall he had 13. He followed this business 10 years, at the end of which time he had 77 cows. He next followed the meat trade four or five years, and then resumed dairying, in which he has since been engaged, having now 126 cows and selling milk in all parts of the city, his business amounting from $12,000 to $15,000 annually.

When Mr. V. first came here there were but two or three houses within the village limits, all rough and wild. His present residence and 34 acres of land he purchased in 1854, and this. homestead lies within the city limits. He was married Feb. 22, 1846, at Grand Rapids, to Phila Rickerson, who died a short time afterward. He was again married in 1849, to Christiana Peek, a native of New York State. Of their seven children, four are liv- ing, namely: Phila, Agnes, Nellie and Frances. His second wife died, and in January, 1870, he married Lucy Sliter, a native of Vermont. They lost their only child.

Politically, Mr. Van Buren is a Democrat, taking a deep inter- est in public affairs, although he has never accepted office, which has from time to time been tendered him. He considers the man who is out of debt and out of office the happiest of all.

Mr. Van Buren's portrait appears elsewhere in this volume.

Francis Van Driele, of the firm of F. Van Driele & Co., No. 98 Monroe st. (rear), son of Cornelius and Nellie Van Driele, was born in the Netherlands in 1816. He came to America in 1848 and was variously employed; he worked 15 years for M. L. Sweet in the flouring business and managed a feed store on Monroe st., on the site of the Morton House. He bought the latter place of business and operated until Aug. 1, 1868, when he admitted the Kotois Bros .; was burned out and moved to present site; in '67 was again burned out-loss, $2,000. He rebuilt and sold the building to his partners; they resumed operations and are now do- ing a first-class wholesale and retail business, amounting to $100,- 000 annually. He was married in Ottawa Co., Mich., to Mrs. Margaret Veldisma, born in the Netherlands in 1821. They have one child-Sarah. Mrs. V. has a daughter by her first marriage-

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Margaret. Mr. Van Driele is a member of the Old Settlers' Associa- tion, owns a residence on south Bostwick st., one and a half lots on Ransom st , six lots on Dosker st., in Barclay & Stephens' addition.

John A. S. Verdier, Treasurer of Kent county, was born at Oost- burg, Province of Zeeland, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dec. 17, 1838. His parents were Abram J. and Maria S. (Brill) Verdier, descendants of the Huguenots, the former of whom died when our subject was six years old. A year later the widow, accompanied by her seven children-four daughters and three sons,-came to the United States. They located at Buffalo, N. Y., where they re- mained during the winter of 1847-'S, removing the following spring to Sheboygan, Wis., where Mr. Verdier grew to manhood, receiving a common-school education. His mother died in 1865. When 10 years of age he entered the office of the Sheboygan Nieuwsbode, the first paper printed in the Holland language in the United States. He remained in that office three years, learn- ing the trade. When 15 years old, he entered the hardware store of F. Lawrence, remaining with him eight years. In 1862 he en- listed for the Union, and was commissioned 1st Lieut. of Co. E, 27th Reg. Wis. Vol. Inf .; was promoted in 1864 to the Captaincy of Co. H, same regiment, and served in that position till the close of the war. He then came to Grand Rapids and formed a co-part- nership with W. P. Kutsche, in the hardware business. The firm remained as such for five and a half years. Mr. Verdier then sold out his interest and purchased the stock owned by John Connell, in the same line of trade. In May, 1874, William A. Brown was admitted as a partner, and gas fitting and plumbing were added to the business. The June following the store and contents were burned, and that summer Mr. Verdier closed up the business alto- gether. In the fall of the same year he started a wood-yard and hay market, and continued in that business until the fall of 1876. He then changed this business to the purchasing and sorting of rags, and the manufacture of tinware, which line of trade he still continues. In the spring of 1871 he was elected Alderman of the Fourth ward for two years, and re-elected in 1873 for a like term. In the spring of 1875 he was elected Comptroller of Grand Rapids. In the fall of 1876 was elected Treasurer of Kent county on the Re- publican ticket, re-elected in 1878, and also in 1880 by increased majorities, showing his undoubted popularity. Mr. Verdier is a Master Mason, and a member of Valley City Lodge, No. 34, and has been a Republican since the organization of the party in 1854. He is also a niember of the First Reformed Church (English), in which body he officiates as Deacon; is also a Superintendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. Verdier was married Oct. 5, 1870, to Maria J. D'Ooge, a sister of Prof. Martin L. D'Ooge, of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. They have three sons-John Walter, Leonard D'Ooge and Frank Lawrence.

In 1880 he ran against John Walker, who was the candidate of the Democrat and Greenback party for Treasurer, and led by 1,200 majority.

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GRAND RAPIDS CITY.

Voigt, Herpolsheimer & Co., one of the heaviest dry-goods firms of Western Michigan, and doing business in their double mammoth store Nos. 80 and 82 Monroe st., justly find mention in a history of Kent county as fairly representing the growth and rapid strides trade in their line has taken in this county within a few years past. The firm was organized in Michigan City, Ind., in 1865, by Carl G. A. Voigt and William G. Herpolsheimer, where they entered the dry- goods trade and there continued until the spring of 1879. Doing a profitable business they were enabled to open a branch store in Grand Rapids in the year 1870. Their

start in Grand Rapids was made at No. 42 Monroe st., and the new branch store was soon made their headquarters. From this location they moved to No. 50 Lucas Block about February, 1871, where they continued until February, 1875, when they took pos- session of their present magnificent quarters, that had been espe- cially arranged for their business. This store has a frontage on Monroe st. of 40 feet, is 112 feet in depth, and occupies three floors. The basement is high, well lighted, has outside entrances front the rear, and contains a general wholesale stock of dry goods and no- tions. The first floor proper having two double entrances from Monroe st., is well lighted from front and rear, and is without excep- tion the finest sales-room in the State and comprises a complete re- tailing stock of dry-goods of all kinds.

This room is divided into 16 different departments as follows: Five-cent counter; ten-cent counter; zephyrs and yarns; prints, ginghams etc .; flannels ; cloths; shawls, cloaks etc .; black goods; silks; dress goods; domestics; white goods; laces and embroidery; notions, ribbons etc .; hosiery and underwear; Butterick's paper patterns.

The second floor is devoted to the carpets and upholstery trade.

In these lines they carry a most complete stock, comprising the best makes of carpets, ingrains, tapestry, Brussels, moquetts, velvets, Axminsters, etc., also a line of cocoa, straw and Napier mattings, floor and table oil- cloths and an excellent variety of rugs, etc.

Their curtain stock, also on this floor, contains all the novelties in Nottingham, cluny antique, and real laces. In upholstery they carry an attractive as- sortment of raw silk, cashmere, jute, ramee damasks and cre- tonnes, and a complete stock of fringes. The entire business of this house is conducted under a most thoroughly organized system, each department having its respective head, who is held responsi- ble for the arrangement and condition of his or her stock and all business transacted therein. The wholesale, retail and carpet de- partments are in a measure conducted as separate stocks, and an accurately kept account shows the amount of business transacted and the net profits of each. The cash system of this house is most perfect in its workings. When a sale is made a little cash girl, as though by magic, appears on the scene, having been summoned from her seat near the cash desk by the salesman, by means of an electric enunciator, connected by wire and thumb button with each department of the house. This modern device does away with the

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incessant noise and counter rapping heard in similar establishments in large cities. The house aim at doing a business on a cash basis. They advertise by placing in reach of the public a complete line of merchandise at the lowest possible price, and exact of their salesmen square deal with all customers, and they are allowed to sell their merchandise upon nothing but fair representations. Mr. C. G. A. Voigt being also at the head of the milling firm of Voigt & Co., devotes his entire time to that business, leaving the business of this house with Mr. Herpolsheimer and the junior partner, Mr. John Snitseler, jointly. Mr. Herpolsheimer came to this country from Prussia in 1849 with his parents, being at that time eight years of age. They located at Milwaukee, Wis., where they re- mained about three years. They then removed to Mishawaka, Ind., where they spent three years more. William, now at 14 years of age, entered a dry-goods store in the year 1855 as clerk, and to do general work for Gabriel Drulinger. He remained in the house six years, and became so efficient in the business as to receive a call to Buchanan, Mich., to take charge of a store for George Roe in 1861. In 1862 he entered the employ of C. E. De Wolf, of Michigan City, Ind., remaining with him until 1865, when the well-known firm of Voigt & Herpolsheimer was formed, as before men- tioned. Mr. H.'s success is due to his characteristic diligence and energy, and his close application and attention given to the de- tails of his business. Mr. John Snitseler, who also by dint of his personal exertions and industry has risen from comparative ob- scurity to the prominent position he now occupies as junior part- ner in this firm, is a native of the Peninsular State, and was born in Ottawa county, town of Zeeland, Oct. 1, 1853, and is a son of Bernardus Snitseler, a farmer of the Grand River Valley since 184S. John spent his early boyhood on his father's farm and at-

tended the district school of the neighborhood. After taking a course of study in Hope College, at Holland, Mich., he taught school one term in Ottawa county. He then entered the dry-goods house of C. B. Allyn, of Grand Rapids, for six months, after which he engaged with Voigt, Herpolsheimer & Co. as salesman. He continued in that capacity, making his services so valuable to the house that he was offered and accepted an interest in the business, and assumed the responsibilities of his position Jan. 1, 1879. Mr. Snitseler affords to the young men of Kent county an example of what may be accomplished early in life by enterprise, business push and an honest effort and will to succeed.

Rev. John H. Vos, Pastor of the Holland Christian Reformed Church, was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, March 14, 1826. He was educated at Kampen, Netherlands, in a seminary there, and subsequently became minister of the congregation (in 1858). He was first located at Ulzen, where he remained two years; he afterward resided in Theerenveen three years, Katwyk on the Zee five years, Lutten four years, Pernis four years, and Ommen three years. In August, 1881, he left his native land,

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and, with his family, came to America, locating at Grand Rapids, where he soon after assumed ministerial charge of the Holland Christian Reformed Church. Mr. Vos was married in 1858, to Aalbje Beuker, a native of Hanover. Of the six children given them, four are living-Girard, Anna, Bernard and Gertrude. Fanny and John are deceased.

J. Vossen, firm of J. Vossen & Co., was born in Rhenish Prussia, Germany, Dec. 13, 1850. He came to New York, and engaged in trade in New Jersey about two years, when he transferred his busi- ness temporarily to Kansas City, afterward going to Albany, Ga., where he engaged as clerk in a dry-goods house. About 1877 he returned to New York city, where he conducted commercial trans- actions until 1879. In that year he closed out his affairs and came to Grand Rapids, where he established his present business rela- tions in April, 1879. The store occupied by J. Vossen & Co., No. 18 Monroe st., has a frontage of 26 feet, by 100 feet deep; they occupy two floors, and do a prosperous jobbing and retail trade, carry a general stock of dry goods, and make a specialty of ready- made ladies' garments. S. Mainzer was born in Lorsch, Grand Duchy of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, Feb. 26, 1845. In 1859 he came to America and engaged in the wholesale dry-goods store of Wynaman, Frank & Co., on Lake st., Chicago. Two years later he went to Morris, Ill., and clerked two years for H. Benjamin & Bro., when he returned to Chicago, and, in 1865, went to Gales- burg, where he sold goods three years for Spear Bros. The years '67 and '68 he passed in Chicago, and in 1869 came to Grand Rapids, and engaged with Houseman & May. In 1875 he engaged in a partnership with William Houseman, which continued two years, and he returned to the employ of Houseman & May. In 1879 he embarked in his present business enterprise. . He was married to Rosa Houseman, of New York city; they have two sons and one daughter-Ida, Solomon and Morey.

Joseph H. Walker, of the firm of Powers & Walker, is a native of Vermont, and was born Feb. 19, 1830. He is a son of Justin Walker, who emigrated to Oakland Co., Mich., in 1832, and lo- cated on a farm, where they had Indian neighbors. In 1844 they came to Kent county, and located on sec. 36, Wright tp. His father was a carpenter by trade, and our subject learned the trade before leaving home. He worked at bridge building on the De- troit & Milwaukee R. R. for two years, and was afterward in part- nership with J. N. Brazee, as bridge builders, for several years. For three years he was superintendent of the Grand Rapids Man- ufacturing Company. He then, about the year 1870, engaged in the manufacture of coffins and caskets; and in 1875 formed a part- nership with Wm. H. Powers, and continued the manufacture of burial cases and caskets.

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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 115

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