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 94

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 94

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In 1844 Solomon L. Withey was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership with Mr. Ball in his law practice, to which the late Judge Martin was afterward admitted, but withdrew after two years, Messrs. Ball and Withey continuing together eight years. In 1852 he associated with James H. McKee, sharing with him all the

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office business, a connection which proved in every way pleasant and satisfactory. In 1848 Mr. Ball, in conjunction with a few others, obtained a vote to raise $2,500 to build a school-house, and the late David Burnett erected a stone building on the site of the present High-School building. Mr. Ball, as School Director, aided matters pertaining to schools for 20 years.

In 1840 Mr. Ball purchased a mortgage on the property which is now his home, on which was an unfinished house. Finishing the house he rented the same, boarding with the families who occu- pied it, for some years. Edward Sargeant, Esq., who was at one time a member of the law firm of Ball, Withey & Sargeant, occu- pied the house for two years or more.

On New Year's eve, 1850, Mr. Ball was married to Mary T. Webster, of Plymouth, N. H. They have always lived in the same place. Mr. and Mrs. Ball have had 10 children, five of whom are living, the others dying in infancy.

Mr. Ball has always been true to his early instincts and devoted much time to travel. He went to Lake Superior at an early day, to Omaha when it had not a dozen buildings, to La Crosse, Wis., to Washington during the war, and down to the front on the Rapi- dan. After the war, in the winter of 1866, he went South with Mr. T. D. Gilbert, to see the ex-rebels, down the Mississippi to New Orleans, thence to Mobile, Augusta, Savannah, Charleston, Colum- bus, Raleigh and Washington. He found the people reconciling themselves to the changes, and the negro quite different from his knowledge of him in 1822. The next fall, in company with his wife, he traveled through Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, to Chat- tanooga, returned via Knoxville, crossed the mountains to Lynch- burg, thence to Washington and home. Since his trip around Cape Horn he had always desired to cross the ocean, and in April, 1871, he, with his family, visited all the principal countries of Europe, making their home mostly at Geneva, Switzerland. After more than two years' absence they returned to Grand Rapids, glad to be again at home and meet home friends, and look again on the Amer- ican sky, as brighter than that of boasted Italy.

Politically, Mr. Ball has always been a Democrat. His first vote was for Gen. Jackson, when Adams and Clay were also candi- dates. He has never been a radical in politics or religion; he never favored a wrong measure for the furtherance of party progress, and believes that conscientiously doing right for right's sake is better than doing so from fear of punishment or hopes of reward.

We present Mr. Ball's portrait elsewhere in this volume.

Marcus W. Bates was born in Geauga Co., Ohio, April 26, 1840, and is son of Abner C. and Laura W. Bates, of Allegan Co., Mich. He attended the district schools near Cleveland, and was a student at Excelsior, Minnesota, in 1858-'59. He enlisted in the war for the Union in '62, enrolling in Co. B, 21st Mich. Inf. He was appointed 1st Lieut. of Co. C, in 1864, and was acting Captain until the close of the war. He was in active service at the battles

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of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Savannah, Bentonville, and in numberless minor skirmishes. In 1865 he engaged in in- surance business at Grand Rapids with E. G. D. Holden, and the firm organized the Grand Rapids Savings Bank in 1868. Mr. Bates served as Cashier five years. In 1873 he embarked in business with the Grandville Plaster Company, and. acted as Secretary and Treasurer five years, also as Secretary of the Michigan & Ohio Plaster Company one year. In July, 1880, he established his pres- ent insurance business enterprise with Wm. R. Foster. He was married in 1861 to Mary E. Bisbee, of Allegan county. They have one son and two daughters. Mr. Bates is identified with the Re- publican party.

John J. Belknap, City Clerk of Grand Rapids, was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1850, and is a son of James A. and Mary A. (Butler) Belknap, natives of the " Empire State." When John J. was three years of age, his parents removed to Grand Rapids, where he was reared to manhood. He received a good common- school education, and when 13 years of age, entered the Grand Rapids Daily Enquirer office, where he commenced to learn the printer's trade. A year later he removed to Greenville, where he labored two years. Then he returned to the " Valley City," and en- tered the employ of A. B. Turner, in the Eagle office, remaining with him, at different times, for a number of years. He subse- quently worked for W. D. Dennis & Co., with whom he remained until the spring of 1879, when he was elected a member of the Board of Review and Equalization of the city, serving as such two years. In the spring of 1881 he received the nomination of City Clerk from the Democratic party, and was triumphantly elected over the Republican candidate (in a Republican " stronghold") by a majority of nearly1,000 votes, receiving 353 more votes than any man on the ticket. This commendation from the voters of GrandRapids was an entire surprise to Mr. Belknap, but showed his undoubted popularity, and their confidence in his ability to make a good public officer. Mr. Belknap was united in marriage on "Thanksgiving Day" of 1873 to Frances M. Page, of Ionia, Michigan. . Mrs. Bel- knap is a member of the Disciples Church of Ionia.

Franz Berles, groceryman, Nos. 57 and 59 W. Bridge street, and son of Adam and Terressa Berles, was born in Germany in 1828. He came to this country in 1844, and engaged as a printer in Detroit two years. He then learned the harness-making trade, at which he worked in that city until 1853, and then came to Grand Rapids, where he worked at his trade one year longer, then opened a grocery store, where he is at present. He keeps a full line of groceries, flour and feed, etc .; he also has a sample room ad- joining. He carries a stock of $3,000, and does an annual business of $30,000 to $35,000. He was married in Detroit, to Regine Green, born in Germany in 1830. They have eight children -- Frank, John, Elizabeth, Annie, Terressa, Josephine, Caroline and Abbie. Mr. B. owns his present place of business, 50x75 feet in

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size. He is a member of the Old Settlers' Association and St. Joseph's Society; also the Family's Protective Society, of Michi- gan, and is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Loomis K. Bishop, Register of Deeds, was born at Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 1836; is son of John and Laura (Kel- logg) Bishop. His father was a native of New Hampshire, and his mother of New York. When he was nine years old, in 1845, his parents settled in Cannon, and were among the first inhabit- ants. Mr. Bishop attended the common schools of Cannon until 16, when he was sent to the select school at Fallassburg, and after- ward to the High School at Grand Rapids. He engaged in teaching several terms, and at 21 went to Salt Lake City, during the time of the Mormon war, and served as clerk in the Quartermaster's department. He enlisted. July 3, 1862, as 1st Lieutenant of Co. H, 21st Inf., and was promoted to the captaincy of the company Feb. 3, 1863. He was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel Sept. 20, 1863, and March 18, 1865, Brevet-Colonel of U. S. Vol., and mus- tered out of service June 8, 1865, after which he engaged in mercantile pursuits in New York, returning to Michigan the follow- ing year. He bought the family homestead in Cannon and lived on it till 1876, on his election to his office as Register. He was re- elected in 1878 and in 1880. He has always been active in politics and was Treasurer and Supervisor of Cannon. His majority on election to his present office in 1880 was about 4,600. He was mar- ried in 1862 to Ellen A., daughter of Harry Smith, of Henderson, N. Y. They have one son and one daughter.

William 1. Blakely, an honored pioneer of Grand Rapids, was born in Huntsville, Otsego Co., N. Y., June 29, 1810; is son of Joseph and Lucy (Goodrich) Blakely, natives of Hartford, Conn., of English extraction. Mr. Blakely passed his childhood and youth until the age of 16 on his father's farm and diligently acquired a good education. Among his first teachers was Millard Fillmore, afterward President of the United States. He com- menced an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he fin- ished in four years, meanwhile attending the Aurora Academy three months each year, subsequently graduating. He worked about two years in Canada at his trade, returning to his father's, 14 miles from the city of Buffalo. In 1836 he went to Chicago in the in- terests of Mr. Fillmore, and while there aided in building the first store on Clark street. In the spring of 1837 he came to Grand Rapids, and carried on the business of carpenter, joiner and house builder until 1840. In that year he was elected Constable, and canvassed the country in the interests of the Whig party and the election of President Harrison. In 1841 he was appointed U. S. Deputy Marshal, and served four years. In 1842 he was nominated for Sheriff by the Whigs but was defeated, although he received more than a full party vote. In 1867-'68 and 1871 he acted as Supervisor of the Third ward, and during the Rebellion as enroll- ing officer of the First and Third wards. For the last 10 years Mr.

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Blakely has been engaged in the care of his private interests in the city. He was married Dec. 29, 1842, to Mary L. Green, of Paris. Of four children born to them but one is living-Wm. Jesse Blakely-who resides in the city. Mr. Blakely has been a member of the Old Residents' Association since its organization, and was one of the committee appointed by the President of the society to supervise the general history of Kent county, at the city of Grand Rapids, compiled for this work.

Henry M. Bliven, wholesale and retail dealer in oysters, fish and canned goods, 117 Monroe street, is a native of Connecticut, where he was born in 1838. His father was Pardon Bliven, a sea captain. Henry M. was reared and educated at Willimantic, Conn., and when seven years of age entered a cotton factory as an em- ploye. When 17 years of age he was placed in charge of the factory as overseer. His father died when he was six years old, leaving a widow and eight children, and our subject was bound as an apprentice, by his guardian, to the carpenter trade, at Norwich, Conn., where he remained four years, thoroughly learning the trade. Previous to the war he removed to Macon, Ga., and there engaged in the sash, door and blind business. During the war, he removed to Elmira, N. Y., where he followed the same business for three years. When the drafting of troops commenced, building ceased, which so injured his business as to induce him to remove to Norwich. Soon after, he was offered a good position in the United States Armory, at Springfield, Mass., which he accepted, and remained there till failing health forced him to resign. He then went to Minneapolis, Minn., and was there engaged in the building and contracting business quite heavily. The stringent times of 1873, and a strong desire to visit his native State and the scenes of childhood induced him to visit Connecticut once more. He returned in 1874, and a year later started for St. Paul, Minn., again. He got as far as Grand Rapids, and, liking the location and business air of the latter place, he de- cided to locate, and has since resided here. He finally embarked in his present business, in which he has made a decided success. He handles all kinds of fresh and salt fish, the Farrand brand of oysters, and his trade extends all over the Northwest, doing a business of $50,000 annually. This is the largest wholesale fish house in Western Michigan. Mr. Bliven is a member of I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 11. He was married in 1860, to Eliza Geer. Of their five children, three are living-Harry, Clarence and Burdett. Mr. Bliven was formerly a Whig, but since 1854 has been a member of the Republican party. Mr. Bliven is also a member of the Y. M. C. A., of Grand Rapids. In business matters Mr. Bliven is termed the " Booth of Grand Rapids," referring to his oyster and fish trade.

Frederick R. Blount, proprietor of Blount's Box Factory, was born near Evansville, Ind., June 16, 1855. His parents are Henry F. and Martha (Baird) Blount, the former of whom is a native of

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New York. Mr. Blount was reared in the city of Evansville, and educated at Barre Academy, Barre, Vt. After leaving school, he returned home and entered the Evansville National Bank as clerk, remaining in that position for three years. In 1875 he came to Grand Rapids, and soon after formed a co-partnership with E. S. Cory, in his present business. On June 1, 1881, the firin was dissolved, Mr. Blount continuing the business, a sketch of which will be found on another page. Mr. Blount is yet a young man, but by energy, perseverance and an indomitable will has placed himself in the front rank among the manufacturers of the "Pitts- burg of the West." Although his factory was destroyed by fire, Sept. 30, 1881, yet he has rebuilt, and with renewed hope is seek- ing to build up a larger and more profitable trade. He was married in 1878, to Isabella, daughter Ezra T. Nelson, of Nelson, Matter & Co. Factory is on G. R. & I. R. R., Front and Court streets.

Rev. G. E. Boer, Professor in the Theological School attached to the Holland Christian Reformed Church, was born in Holland, March 1, 1832. He attended school early in life, and from 1846 to 1851 assisted his parents on a farm, At the end of this time he entered the seminary at Kampen, where he remained four years. He was ordained as minister in 1865, and was first located at Sap- perneer, where he remained till September, 1868. He then' re- moved to Niezyl, where he had charge of the congregation until Aug. 26, 1873, when he removed his family to Grand Rapids, Mich. He became pastor of the Holland Christian Reformed Church, officiating as such until March 12, 1876, when he took charge of the Theological Seminary attached. Nine students have already been prepared for the ministry, and the same number are now studying. Rev. Boer was married Sept. 6, 1865; to Jessie Holtrop, a native of Leek, Pro. of Gronigen, Holland. Of the eight children sent to bless this union seven are still living-Bert H., Jessie, Henry, Winnie, Gerard, Willie and Lena. One son, Gerard, was born July 14, 1874, and died Aug. 14, following.

Eugene Boise, M. D., was born Nov. 29, 1846, at Wellington, Lo- rain Co., Ohio; is son of Eli Boise, M. D., and Lydia M. (Kellogg) Boise. He entered Oberlin College, and graduated in 1867. The fall of the same year he commenced attending medical lectures at Ann Arbor and graduated from the medical department in 1869. He went to New York for a course of study at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and took his degree in 1870. He entered the Charity Hospital on Blackwell's Island, and upward of a year after was put in charge of the fever hospital, on the same island; remained five months and went to Europe for further medical research in the Continental hospitals, spending a year, most of which was passed at London and Vienna. On his return to America he located at Grand Rapids (in the fall of 1872). He is a member of the Grand Rapids State and American Medical Societies; is a member of the United States Board of Examining Surgeons for pensions. He was

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married in the fall of 1875 to Eva A., daughter of A. Lamont Chubb, of this city. They have one child-a son. Dr. Boise is one of the best-read, most competent physicians in the city of Grand Rapids; is highly esteemed for his qualifications, and ranks well as an en- terprising, energetic business man.

Francis J. Boxheimer (deceased), son of Charles and Catherine Boxheimer, was born on the Rhine, Germany, in 1830. He came to the United States in 1849, and settled in Ann Arbor, where he had a brother holding a Professor's chair in the University. Dis- satisfied with the country he returned to Germany two years after, but in a few months came back and settled in Grand Rapids. He engaged in a saw-mill for a short time, and in the management of the Bridge Street House, when he returned to Europe for his health. He came back to Grand Rapids and opened a store on Canal street, trading in feed, flour, grain, produce, butter, fruits and German Rhine wine. After a year in business he bought the Bridge Street Hotel, in 1865, which he managed eight years, when he took a saw, lath and shingle mill, on which he held a mortgage; also a tract of 370 acres of land with about 25 small houses, and including a lake of 40 acres. He rented the hotel to Bonney and Persons, of Buffalo. N. Y., for five years, and engaged extensively in the lumber trade, He also owned the Hempel House and Sandusky House, and a bowl- ing alley. During the depression in business matters he lost about $32,000, sold his mill interests and returned to Grand Rapids; re- leased the lessees of the Bridge Street House and re-opened a pros- perous business. His health failed. in October, 1879, and after a year's illness he died, April 14, 1880. He was married Aug. 3, 1858, to Mary A. Schickel, born in Tiffin, Seneca Co., Ohio, in 1836. They have six children living-Augusta L., Charles F., Mary L., Catherine E., John E. and Abbie C. The family are Roman Cath- olics. After the death of her husband Mrs. B. established a feed barn, sale and livery stable, at 157 Kent street. Her father died May 10, 1879; her mother in October, 1878, and left her a fine res- idence.

Jeremiah W. Boynton, President and Manager of the West Side Street Railway Company, was born in Jackson Co., Mich., Sept. 17, 1837. His father was Jeremiah Boynton, a well-to-do farmer of Jackson county. The subject of this sketch received but limited educational advantages, spending the greater part of his boyhood days working on the farm. In 1847 he came North to Grand Rapids, and soon after purchased a farm in Grand Rapids tp., where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for two years. He then formed a partnership with J. P. Creque, in the furniture business, and remained with him for 10 years. During this time Reed's Lake, southeast of the city, had become a famous resort for the people of Grand Rapids, and Mr. Boynton was one of the first to conceive the idea of a railway to that point. When a company was formed in 1875 for that purpose, he was made Manager, and under his efficient supervision the road was soon built and equipped.

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In. 1878 he built the West Side railway, two miles long, of which he is President and Manager. J. W. Boynton received a good practical training when young, and during his life has proven to be a man among many. He never trifles with this or that, but "Go ahead and get there as soon as possible " has always been his motto. In building the railways above mentioned, he has over- come what seemed to be insurmountable barriers, but proved to be only mole hills to our subject. His enterprise and perseverance, together with his frank and genial nature, has secured for him the confidence and respect of the better class of citizens in the county. He has lately introduced 10 Herdic coaches, to be used in connec- tion with his railway enterprise. Mr. Boynton is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and Past Grand Master of I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 11. Politically he is a Democrat. He was married in 1859, to Agnes T. Noel, a native of Pennsylvania. They have two children-Mary and Lillie.

Aruna Bradford, confectioner and baker, Grand Rapids, was born in Canton tp., Wayne Co., Mich., June 11, 1827. He is a son of Moses and Elizabeth (Arnold) Bradford; the former was born at Canterbury, Conn., in 1803, and the latter in Farmington tp., Mon- roe Co., N. Y., in 1805. His Grandfather Bradford was born in Vermont in 1776, and his grandmother, Mary (Delop) Bradford, was born at Canterbury, Conn., in 1778. Mr. Bradford was reared amid rural scenes, and obtained his early education in the common schools. In 1852 he came to Kent county, purchasing a farm in Grattan and one in Sparta tp., and in 1856 permanently located here. He was engaged in the mercantile trade for some years, and in the spring of 1871 established himself in the bakery business at No. 20 Monroe street, where he has built up a large and profitable trade. Mr. Bradford was married, in 1855, to .Matilda M. Kinney, a native of Lima, Ind. Four children were sent to seal this al- liance, three of whom are living-Lizzie M., wife of Rowland Metheany; Kittie M. and Addie May. Mr. Bradford is a consci- entious indorser of the principles set forth by the Democratic party.

J. George Brandt (deceased) was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Dec. 21, 1834. His parents were John and Mary (Hurt) Brandt. Mr. Brandt resided in his native land until 18 years of age, re- ceiving a good common-school education. In 1852 he decided to visit America, and, if pleased with the people and the manner of doing business, to make it his future home. He had learned the brewing business in the "Faderland," but upon arrival at New York, went immediately to Ann Arbor, Mich., residing on a farm near the city with an uncle, until 1855. At the latter date, he came to Grand Rapids, and soon after engaged his services to Christopher Kusterer, in the brewing trade. He remained there six years, and at the end of that time, having saved a little capital, and a vast amount of experience, decided to embark in business for himself. He established Brandt's Brewery, on South Division

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street, in 1863, which he operated until his death. Mr. Brandt was considered a very healthy man, but was much troubled by a nervous sick headache for six years previous to his death. He had been unwell for 14 days, and on the morning of July 11, 1880, had a stroke of apoplexy, which resulted in his instantaneous death. Mr. Brandt was a man possessing excellent business qual- ifications, and his untimely death was mourned by all. In 1879 he purchased a fine residence on the southeast corner of Lagrave and Oak streets, where his widow and family now reside. After Mr. Brandt's death, Mrs. Brandt sold a third interest in the brewing business to Julius Peterson, who now has the supervision of the business. A sketch of this business will be found in the section on manufacturing industries. Mr. Brandt was married Oct. 20, 1844, to Elizabeth B. Fluhrer, a native of Bavaria. Eight chil- dren were born to them-George W., who is learning the brewing trade; Adolph H., Carolina C., Ernest J. and Frank W. Louisa C., Mary E. and Dora B. are deceased. Mrs. Brandt is a member of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, on whose service Mr. Brandt was a regular attendant.

Albert Praetorius, the clerk at the brewery, was born in Prussia, Nov. 19, 1843. He came to America in 1868, and since 1871 has occupied his present position, and had almost the entire manage- ment of the business.

Henry Bremer, Comptroller of Grand Rapids, was born in Germany, Nov. 28, 1806, and is a son of Joseph and Maria (Loh- meier) Bremer, natives of that country. Mr. Bremer was reared among the vine-clad hills of the "Vaterland," and was subse- quently sent to a college at Petershagen, from which he graduated with high honors, in 1839. Soon after graduation, he resolved to make America his future home, and the same year started for " the land of the free." He first located at Lancaster, Ohio, where he remained two years. He then removed to Detroit, Mich., and for several years was a teacher in the German schools of that city. Becoming tired of the monotony of a professional life, and wish- ing to engage in mercantile transactions, he established himself in the soap and candle business, in which he continued for two years. Michigan, at that time, was rapidly settling with the Eastern and foreign element, and Mr. Bremer forsaw great expec- tations in the near future for the Wolverine State, and especially the western part. He therefore closed out his business, and made a trip to Grand Rapids, then as now the center of the latter region. Being well pleased with the location of the future "Pittsburg of the West," he resolved to locate, and to that end engaged in the same business as in Detroit. The two articles manufactured were in good demand, especially candles, as kerosene had come but little in common use; therefore the trade in these staples proved quite brisk. At the end of five years, Mr. Bremer purchased a stock of groceries, on the corner of Canal and Lyons streets, where he did an extensive business until the fall of 1860. The following

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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 94

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