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 95

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 95

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

spring he was elected Marshal of the city, on the Republican ticket, and served in that capacity one year. He then purchased a meat market, which he operated until 1872. In that year he accepted the nomination for County Treasurer, on the Republican ticket, and was triumphantly elected over the Liberal candidate. He served the people faithfully for a term of four years. In 1879 he was elected to his present position, and re-elected in 1881. Coming to America a poor boy, with nothing except health, and a strong right arm, he has overcome all barriers, and won positions of honor and trust. Henry Bremer is too well known to the people of Kent county to need any eulogy, but the biographer will simply state that as a German citizen none stand higher in Western Michigan; a beaming face, and cheerful, warm, loving heart, together with his undoubted integrity, place him high on the social and intellectual ladder among the citizens of Kent county. Mr. Bremer was the first to sign the Unaltered Augsburg Confession of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Grand Rapids, and has served as one of its efficient officers since the date of organization. He was married in November, 1844, to Maria Ackerman, a native of Germany, who came to America when · quite young.

Col. George G. Briggs was born in Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 25, 1838. When but a child his father died, and while yet a youth he entered a mercantile house at Battle Creek, where he remained three years, and subsequently attended, for a short time, Olivet College. He then removed to Galesburg, Ill., where he remained five years, and returning to Battle Creek, entered into partnership with Mr. Averill, in the mercantile business, under the firm name of Averill, Briggs & Co. In 1862, during the Rebellion, he raised a company of cavalry, of which he was appointed 1st Lieut. This company became a part of the 7th Mich. Cav., which left Grand Rapids for the Army of the Potomac, under command of Col. W. D. Mann. Before leaving he paid his friends at Galesburg a parting visit, and while there was presented with a sword by the citizens of that town, as a token of their high esteem. He served with his regi- ment during the war, that regiment forming a part of the famous Michigan Cavalry Brigade which, under the command of the dar- ing and lamented Custer, fought and distinguished itself in 63 bat- tles. Lieut. Briggs soon became noted for his gallantry and courage, and promotion followed from grade to grade, until in 1864 he became Colonel of his regiment. His regiment was successively under the command of Gens. Custer, Kilpatrick, Merritt, and the present Lieutenant General of the United States army. During the six days immediately preceding the surrender of Lee, Col. Briggs had three horses shot from under him, but miraculously escaped injury .. In attestation of his gallantry, a recommendation that he be brevetted for gallant conduct was signed by Col. Stagg, Gen. Deven, Gen. Merritt and Gen. Sheridan. On the morning of the 9th the posi- tion obtained by Briggs enabled him to be the first officer to

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recognize the bearers of the flag of truce which so suddenly ter- minated a four years' war. He accompanied the bearers to Gen. Custer, the nearest general officer, who directed his chief-of-staff and Col. Briggs to return with the bearers and his message to Lee's headquarters. There the Colonel made the acquaintance of Gen. Longstreet, and other distinguished men, with whom a cessation of hostilities was agreed upon until four o'clock in the afternoon, when the surrender of the Confederate army was announced.

In a few days after the war terminated, Col. Briggs and his regi- ment was sent to the Western frontier, where they served faithfully; guarding heavily freighted stage lines and teams, and protecting the resident of the frontier. In October, 1865, Col. Briggs marched a part of his command over the mountains to Salt Lake City, and having taken command of the cavalry forces at Fort Douglas, re- mained there until he was mustered out of service. He returned to the East, by San Francisco and Panama, arriving at New York after three weeks' voyage from Aspinwall. On his arrival in De- troit he was presented with a fine gold watch, by the officers of his regiment.

In May, 1866, Col. Briggs removed to Grand Rapids, and engaged in the dry-goods business with J. W. Pierce, under the firm name of Pierce & Briggs. From this business he withdrew in 1870, and en- gaged in manufacturing as a stockholder and treasurer of the Michi- gan Barrel, Rim and Bent-ware Manufacturing Co, to which he has since devoted his time. In May, 1866, he married Miss Julia R. Pierce, youngest daughter of his partner in business at that time. In politics the Colonel has been active. In the campaign of 1868, he was a delegate to the National Convention at Chicago, that nominated Grant and Colfax. He was appointed one of the secretaries; and as an officer of the convention, was one of the committee that went to Washington to notify Gen. Grant of his nomination. The same year he was elected to the Michigan Legislature by a large major- ity. Since serving his term of two years he decided to withdraw from politics, although urgently requested to accept other positions. The Colonel is one of the self-made men of Michigan. He began his career an orphan youth, dependent entirely upon himself; and by energy and close attention to business, has gained wealth and position among his fellow citizens. In May, 1881, he was made President of the police and fire commissioners of Grand Rapids. Mr. Briggs' portrait is given elsewhere in this volume.

Abijah E. Brooks, of Putnam & Brooks, wholesale and retail confectioners and dealers in fruits, was born at Wendell, Mass., Aug. 16, 1842. He resided there until eight years of age, and then accompanied his parents to Orange, Mass., where he was reared and educated. He worked on a farm until 1873, when he came to Grand Rapids, and, in connection with his brother, Henry E., purchased Joseph D. Putnam's interest in the firm of Putnam & Brooks. He has since devoted his time and attention to the business of the firm, and the success which they have achieved is

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truly astonishing. Mr. Brooks is a member of the Universalist Society of Grand Rapids and also of the Knights of Honor. He was married, June 10, 1868, to Julia E. Ward, a native of Orange, Mass. They have three children-Sadie H., Marcus D. and J. Winfield. Mr. Brooks is yet a young man, but by energy and per- severance has succeeded in building up a trade in his line of busi- ness second to none in the State of Michigan.

Marcus P. Brown, firm of M. P. Brown & Co., No. 20 Pearl st., was born at Philadelphia Dec. 23, 1818. He is son of Wm. P. and Sarah ( McCammon ) Brown. In 1821 his parents made an overland journey to Tuscaloosa, Ala., setting out June 1, and ar- riving about the first of October. His father went there for the purpose of establishing a steam saw-mill, flour-mills, and a mer- cantile enterprise. He was in comp ny with Elijah Pledger and they made their enterprise very successful ; they ran the first steamboat from Mobile to Tuscaloosa, loaded with merchandise. Mr. Brown attended school until 18, when he engaged in mercan- tile business with his father, which he operated until July 8, 1858, when he came to Grand Rapids and in company with Geo. C. Fitch engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages at No. - , Division st., where Mr. Fitch is still engaged in the same business. In 1865 he formed a partnership with the Hon. W. D. Foster and opened business in saddlery, hardware, and carriage goods, No. 29 Canal st. They were burned out in 1871 and re-established themselves on Pearl st., opposite Codey & Ball's grocery house, where they remained until the re-building of the store where Mr. Brown now does business-No. 20 Pearl st. Mr. Foster died in 1873, and Sherwood Hall, a nephew, was admitted to partnership in 1874. They carry a stock valued at about $25,000, comprising a full line of saddlery, hardware, carriage and wagon goods; do an annual business amounting to about $100,000. Mr. Brown was married in Tuscaloosa, in 1853, to Frances D. Fitch, sister of. George C. Fitch, born in Putney, Vt., in 1819. They had one daughter -- Abbie M., born in Tuscaloosa in 1855. Mr. Brown owns a residence at 38 South Lafayette st., his present home, a house and lot at 143 Fountain st., and a house and lot in Penny's addition.

John A. Brummeler, groceryman, 126 Monroe street, was born in Holland in 1840; is son of John D. and Wilhelmina (Vierdag) Brummeler. At the age of 14 years he engaged as clerk in a grocery ; in 1865 he came to Grand Rapids and was employed as a harness- maker while learning the English language, where he was occupied 18 months, when he entered the employ of L. D'Ooge, as clerk in a grocery. About three and a half years after he, in company with Jacob Vandenburgh, purchased the establishment, and nine months after sold to his partner, and with Martin Witters bought out Dykema Bros .; a year later Wm. Brink bought his partner's inter- est, and they did business together seven years. They were burned out June 12, 1871, with a loss of $1,000; insurance, $600. In 187

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they moved to 126 Monroe street. In March, 1878, he bought Mr. Brink's interest; carries a full assortment of groceries and deals ex- tensively in garden seeds in bulk. His stock averages a value of $5,000, and his yearly transactions reach about $40,000; operates three delivery wagons. He was married at Grand Rapids, April 10, 1867, to Jacoba, daughter of Jacob Semyn, a native of Holland, born in 1844. 'They have six children-John D., Adrian A., Win- nie, Jennie, Jessie and Sarah. They are members of the Dutch Reformed Church.

John C. Buchanan, dentist, was born at Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 15, 1824; he is son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Stewart) Buchanan. His father was born in Pennsylvania and was a gun- smith by trade, which business he pursued until his death; he came to Grand Rapids in 1842 and died in 1854. Dr. Buchanan's mother was a native of New York, of Scotch origin, of the old Presbyterian stock in the north part of Ireland. She died in Pennsylvania, in 1837. Dr. Buchanan was educated chiefly in Pennsylvania, but attended school in Grand Rapids, and taught one session in Plain- field. He carried on the gunsmith business until 1861, when he entered the 8th Reg. M. V. I. He was mustered into the U. S. service in September, and commissioned First Lieutenant of Co. D, at Detroit, whence the regiment proceeded to Washington and Annapo- lis, where they had quarters in the naval school buildings. They embarked on the " Vanderbilt" in Sherman's Expedition to South Carolina. The regiment took part in the capture of Hilton Head, the first victory on the Atlantic coast. They were employed during the winter picketing the islands along the coast at Beaufort, Port Royal Island, and embarked June 1 for James Island, South Caro- lina. The history of the attack and the result to the 8th Michigan is recorded in history as one of the most disastrous of the war. The engagement took place June 16, 1862. The regiment then came north and joined the 9th Corps of Burnside's army, at Newport News. It proceeded up the Potomac, encamped at Fredericksburg, marched to Raccoon Ford, on the Rapidan; was two days in the fight at second Bull Run and reached Centerville at the next break of day (Sunday). On Monday it went into the fight at Chantilly, where General Stevens was killed, and General Kearney, later in the day. They then marched to Alexandria to join in the Maryland campaign, under General McClellan. Sept. 1, 1862, Dr. Buchanan was promoted to the position of Captain of Co. D; was at South Mountain and Antietam, where he was shot in the right arm just below the shoulder, and was sent home to recover. November I he rejoined his command and took part in the battle of Fredericksburg, returning to Newport News, whence the regiment was ordered to Green River, Ky. From Green River embarked for Vicksburg, in 1863. After the surrender it took part in the pursuit of General Johnston, and the siege of Jackson. August 6 it sailed for the North, landed at Cairo and went thence by rail to Newport, Kentucky, to engage in the campaign at East Tennessee; crossed Cumberland

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Gap and was at the siege of Knoxville by Longstreet. The regi- ment re-enlisted in the veteran service and returned home on fur- lough in the spring of 1864. It proceeded to Annapolis after a few weeks, and in May Dr. Buchanan was honorably discharged for dis- ability. He returned to Grand Rapids and soon after commenced the study of dentistry in Watertown, N. Y., and in 1866 began the practice of his profession. Dr. B. is a member of the Baptist Church, with which he united in 1843; was married in March, 1854, to Sophia H., daughter of Rev. Abel Bingham, a missionary who spent 33 years among the Indians. They have three sons and one daughter-Claude S. (recently graduated from the University of Michigan), Bingham S., Russel R. and Angie S. Mary Angie died at three, and Clara Angie at less than one year of age. Dr. Buchanan lives at 218 Fulton street, which has been his residence since 1844.

Henry M. Buhrmann was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Holland, in 1837, and came to Grand Rapids in 1871. He was en- gaged eight years as editor of "De Vrijheids Banier," a Holland weekly paper, published in this city. Mr. Buhrmann published the first Holland books in the United States. They include the Constitution . of the United States, the Constitution of Michigan, and the History of the Treaty of Utrecht. He is at present engaged in the successful prosecution of insurance and real estate business.

Charles Buss, of the Buss Machine Works, 36 and 38 Mill street, was born at Marlboro, N. H., Sept. 21, 1820. His parents were John and Levisa (Converse) Buss. When 14 years of age, Mr. Buss went to Keene, N. H., and apprenticed himself to J. A. Fay & Co., now of Cincinnati, O., to learn the machinist trade. He remained in their employ five years, and subsequently had charge of a woolen-mill and machine shop for two years. Some time after he erected a shop at his native place (Marlboro), where he remained in business until April, 1878. At the latter date he was induced to come to Grand Rapids and establish his present business. He removed 84 tons of patterns, models, tools and machinery a distance of over 1,500 miles. Since starting in business at Grand Rapids, Mr. Buss has admitted his boys as partners in the business. Charles Buss is possessed of an inventive mind, and when 15 years of age invented a patent rotary revolver. This was before Colt obtained his patents, and was probably the first of the kind in the world. He also patented a pistol in connection with a portemonnaie, and on . May 6, 1856, patented the Buss hand vise. In 1854 he patented an eight-shot revolver, and after manufacturing several thousands, sold his stock and interest to a party at Lowell, Mass. Mr. Buss was married in February, 1845, to Jane A. Woodard, a native of Marlboro, N. H. Five children have been given them, four sons and one daughter, the sons, George F., Charles H., Edward P. and Wendell R., being partners with their father in the business. The daughter, Florence A., is aged 16 years. Mr. Buss has

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been a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity for many years, and was formerly a Whig, but since 1854 has been a member of the Republican party. One son and wife and daughter are members of the Congregational Church.

R. W. Butterfield, of Grand Rapids, was born in the village of Elbridge, Onondaga Co., N. Y., April 23, 1844. His father, Isaac Butterfield, now a resident of Grand Rapids, is a Baptist clergyman by profession, and as such is well known throughout the East and West. He has now practically retired from the clergy. He is a native of Vermont and married Miss Sarah Templeton, of Massachusetts, and had two children -- R. W., the subject of this sketch, and Sarah, now wife of E. J. Smith, a farmer in Iowa. R. W. prepared for college at Davenport, Iowa, and entered the junior class of Princeton College, N. J., in 1864, and graduated with honors from the classical course in 1866. He entered the University Law School at Ann Arbor, in 1866, and a portion of his time during the next two years was spent in the office of Moore & Griffin, of Detroit. He received his degree of L. B. at Ann Arbor, in 1868, when he entered the office of John W. Champlain, Esq., and in 1869 became his partner, under the firm name of Champlain & Butterfield. This arrangement continued until March 1, 1868, when Mr. John C. Fitz Gerald entered the firm, and the title changed to Champlain, Butterfield & Fitz Gerald. In 1876 Mr. Butterfield retired, and in 1878 became senior member of the firm of Butterfield & Withey until Jan. 1, 1881, since which time he has practiced his profession alone. Mr. Butterfield was married in 1876, to Miss Leonora I. Drake, daughter of Moses Drake, of Fort Wayne, Ind. They have one son, Roger C., and a daughter, Mary.

R. E. E. Butterworth, of Butterworth & Lowe, was born in 1806, at Port Antonio, on the Island of Jamaica, British West In- dies. His father, a captain in the British army, was the com- mandant of Fort George. Mr. Butterworth was educated in Eng- land, and, choosing the business of a civil engineer, placed himself under the tuition of William Nicholson, of Manchester. Mr. But- terworth recalls the construction, in 1830, of George Stephenson's locomotive, the " Rocket," and was among the first who rode upon it on the trial trip, on the line of the Liverpool & Manchester railway. For several years Mr. Butterworth was engaged at Man- chester in the manufacture of cotton, but was induced to settle in the United States, and arrived at Grand Rapids in June, 1843. He soon after purchased a tract of land on the west bank of the river, about two miles below the village, where he engaged in agricult- ural pursuits until 1850. In 1849 he made a geological survey of his land, and discovered large and valuable beds of gypsum un- derlying a great portion of his property. He immediately pro- ceeded to quarry the rock, and to erect a mill, with machinery to grind it for land plaster. He operated the mill until 1856, when be sold the land and works to a Boston party for $30,000, and re-

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moved to Grand Rapids. He bought the Grand Rapids Iron Works, where he has since been engaged in business. In 1857 he built the propeller, " Mary Ann Ryerson," and completed her as a steam-tug, with all the necessary engines and machinery. In 1875 he made the pumping engines and machinery for the Grand Rapids Water Works. Mr. Butterworth has been engaged in dif- ferent business operations, but has made the machinist trade his principal one. In 1827 he married Ann Butterworth, of Manches- ter, England. Two daughters were given them, both married, and living in Grand Rapids. In 1872 he suffered the loss of his wife -his companion of 45 years. Having been afflicted with deaf- ness, owing to the accidental fall of a great shower of water on his head, he has been, in some degree, shut out from the enjoyment of social intercourse, and has learned to depend much on read- ing. Endowed with a good memory, he has, by constant use, improved this faculty, and now, at the age of 75 years, its retention is remarkable. Since the death of his wife, he has visited Europe three times, and traveled extensively through Egypt, Palestine, Turkey and Greece. He has neglected nothing which might serve as a souvenir of his various travels, and has col- lected many curiosities in Egypt and Palestine, together with a large collection of French photographs, embracing views of an- cient structures and sculpture. A member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, Mr. Butterworth is liberal in his support of every moral and Christian organization.

Calkins Bros .- Charles W., Henry W. and William H., dealers in all kinds of sporting goods, 97 Ottawa street, established their present business in 1875. They had previously been engaged in the grocery business at 25 Monroe street, where they started in business in 1872, and operated until 1875, when the stock was closed out, and the present business was established. This firm handles only the very best quality of goods, and enjoys the largest trade of any firm of this kind in the city. Henry W. Calkins was born in this city Sept. 10, 1848, as was his brother, Wm. H., the two being twins. They are the sons of C. P. Calkins, who located in Grand Rapids in 1836. Both brothers were reared here and educated in the public schools of the city. In 1863 Henry W. entered the employ of L. H. Ran- dall, grocer, and remained until 1866. He then went to Chicago, where he was engaged in business with Hinsdale, Sibley & Endicott, wholesale grocers, until 1872, when he returned to Grand Rapids. When the Grand Rapids Guards were organized in June, 1872, H. W. became a charter member. He was finally elected Corporal and Sergeant, and, April 12, 1875, was made 2d Lieut. On Aug. 7, 1875, he was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieut; re-elected Jan. 10, 1876, Jan. 15, 1877, Jan. 15, 1878, and on Jan. 13, 1879, was made Captain, being re-elected each succeeding year. In October, 1881, the Guards attended the Yorktown Centennial Celebration. William H. was employed as clerk with A. Roberts & Son for some years, but formed one of the present firm in 1872. " He was mar-

H Gs, Stone

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ried Dec. 5, 1878, to Ella Canan, a native of St. Clair, Michigan. They have been blest with one child, Marjory. Both brothers are Democratic in politics. The members of this firm have grown up in this city, and are well known throughout the county for their strict integrity, genial and courteous manners and good business qualities.

Charles P. Calkins, one of the pioneer attorneys of Kent county, was born Jan. 24, 1803, at Hinesburgh, Chittenden Co., Vt. His father, Charles, and his mother, Eliza (Farrand) Calkins, were both natives of Connecticut, " the land of steady habits," and he by oc- cupation was a mechanic. Charles P. was the third child of the family. He had two brothers-Nathaniel, the oldest, who came West with his father, and an infant who died when quite small. Charles had one sister, who also came West. She married Mr. Schuyler Fabrique, and settled in Southern Indiana, where she died in 1833. Charles P. with his father came to Kalamazoo, where he read law, and his father worked at his trade. In the fall of 1834 Charles went to Ann Arbor, where he completed his law studies, and was admitted to the bar in 1835. In 1836 he came to Grand Rapids and formed a law partnership with Benjamin G. Bridge. This partnership continued until the summer of 1839, when Mr. Bridge's death caused the dissolution of the firm. Mr. Calkins con- tinned practice alone, until about 1853, when Mr. John T .. Holmes, who had been his student, became his partner. This arrangement existed until 1856, when, upon the election of Mr. Holmes to the . office of Justice of the Peace, the partnership ceased. Mr. Cal- kins again conducted his business alone until 1879, when he re- tired from business. Mr. Calkins, during his business career, has devoted his entire time to the practice of his profession, and has in no way sought public office; but, in 1845, was elected Justice of the Peace in Grand Rapids city, which, as a matter of duty, he re- luctantly accepted. He was Master of Chancery and Injunction Mas- ter of the Circuit Court through Western Michigan in 1848-'9, and City Recorder during Johnson's administration in 1850. Mr. Calkins was married Dec. 23, 1839, in Grand Rapids, to Mrs. Mary A. Hins- dale, daughter of Hiram and Rocvlana (Walbridge) Hinsdale. Mr. Hinsdale was an early settler and pioneer landlord, having built the first hotel in Grand Rapids, in which connection his name is else- where mentioned in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Calkins have four sons and three daughters living-Charles W., loans and insurance, Clara L., now wife of Joseph C. Herkmer, a jeweler of Grand Rapids ; Irwin, Henry W., and Wm. H., merchants; Anna R., Cora, and George J., salesman. Charles W. was born June 19, 1842, and is the oldest of the family. He remained at home until the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861, when he enlisted in the Mich. Engi- neer Reg. under Gen. Wm. P. Ennis. He served six months as private, six months as Regimental Sergeant-Major, and two years 1st Lient. and Regimental Adjutant. After the close of the war he went to Nashville, Tenn., and held a position as General Agent for

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the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad Company, when he came to Kalamazoo, Mich., and was Cashier of the Kalamazoo Division of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway. In 1871 he came to Grand Rapids and entered the grocery trade with his broth- ers, Henry W. and William H., under the firm name of Calkins Brothers. In 1875 he retired from the grocery trade and estab- lished his present business, loans and insurance, in which from the start he has been very successful. He married Sept. 21, 1869, at Nashville, Tenn., Miss Mary L. Scovel, daughter of H. G. Sco- vel, a prominent property holder of that city. They have two daughters-Anna and Effie.

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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 95

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