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 98

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 98


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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John L. Curtiss, of Curtiss & Dunton, wholesale paper and oil dealers, 51 & 53 Lyon St., was born in Windham Co., Conn., Aug. 7, 1835. He is a son of Chauncey and Polly (Adams) Cur- tiss, natives of the Nutmeg State, the former of whom is living at the age of 85, and is yet hale and hearty. When 11 years of age Mr. Curtiss accompanied his parents to Ontario Co., N. Y., where he remained until of age. He graduated from Lima College, N. Y., in 1854, and when 21 years of age went to Dexter, Washtenaw Co., Mich., where for two years he was engaged in the mill and hardware business with Rice A. Beal. He taught school three winters in New York and three winters in Michigan. In the fall of 1859 he went to Milwaukee, Wis., and was employed as a dry-


goods clerk for five years. At the end of that time he went to Chicago, and was in the employ of Armstrong & Co., wholesale oil dealers, as traveling salesman, for five years. In the spring of 1870 he came to Grand Rapids, and in connection with James M. Hansel established his present business, on Front street (W. S.), remaining there nearly two years. He subsequently purchased his partner's interest, and sold it to Lewis G. Dunton, his present partner. The stock was removed to 69 Canal street, but increas- ing business soon necessitated more commodious quarters, and in the fall of 1880 the present location was secured. Mr. Curtiss is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has taken all the degrees of the order. He was married Nov. 1, 1864, to Martha J. John- son, a native of London, Eng., whose parents reside at Chicago. Of the five children sent to them, four are living-Martha, William, George and Lulu. Charles is deceased. Mrs. Curtiss is a consist- ent member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church.


Lewis M. Cutcheon was born in Merrimac Co., New Hamp- shire, in 1820. He was reared on a farm, and educated at Pem- broke Academy. He is also a graduate of the medical department of the University of New York city. In his younger days he taught school. He assisted Prof. D. P. Page, the great American educator, in organizing and conducting the first teachers' institutes ever held in the State of New York. He also assisted Dr. Cutter in the compilation of his first work on Anatomy and Physiology,


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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.


and traveled throughout the Northern and many of the Western States for 12 years, lecturing on anatomy, and introducing the new work on anatomy, which he had helped to compile. His lect- ures were mostly delivered to high schools and colleges. He went to Illinois in 1855, and continued his lecturing for a year and a half, and while there he was instrumental in inducing the Gen- eral Assembly of Illinois to establish the free-school system.


The Professor was associated for some time with another of America's most renowned educators, in the person of Dr. Gregory, of Champaign, Ill. He traveled thoughout the State of Michigan with that eminent man, during the spring and fall of 1856, and assisted him in holding teachers' institutes in various places. Mr. Cutcheon was married in Plainfield, Illinois, in June, 1856 (where he had returned after his spring term of institutes closed), to Miss Betsey W. Carr, a native of Pembroke, N. H. She was educated at the seminary of the M. E. Conference, at North- field, N. H. They have had three children, of whom two are living -Florence E., and Lewis. Mr. Cutcheon removed to Grand Rapids in October, 1872.


Prof. Anson J. Daniels, Superintendent of the Grand Rapids Pub- lic Schools, was born at Vesper, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Aug. 17, 1835. His father was James B. Daniels, who was born at Keene, N. H., in 1795. His mother, Laura Bailey, was born at Saratoga, N. Y., in 1805. They were married in 1821. Seven children were born to this union, of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest. When four years of age his father died, and four years later he was placed with a man till of age. When 14 years old becoming dissatisfied with the meager school privileges afforded him, he left the man and went to work on a farm, attending school during the winter season. When 17 years of age he went to Ohio, and there taught a village school at $17 per month, "boarding around with the scholars." The next spring he returned to New York and began preparation for college, at Cortland Academy, in the village of Homer, where he remained three years, boarding and clothing himself on the earnings of vacations and Saturdays. After teaching one year he entered the junior class of Union Col- lege (in 1856) graduating in the class of '58. He taught the vil- lage school at Geddes, Onondaga Co., N. Y., until March, 1860, when he accepted the position of Professor of Mathematics in Cortland Academy, remaining there five years. In April, 1865, he came to Grand Rapids and took charge of the Central Grammar School; was appointed Principal of the High School the following vear, and filled the position until 1871. Upon the resignation of Prof. Edwin J. Strong, he accepted his present position, which he has since filled with marked ability. While a resident of Geddes, N. Y., Prof. Daniels married Eliza J. Brown, the daughter of a Baptist clergyman. They have two children-George B. and Eva J.


August Daube, dealer in all kinds of fresh and salt meat, No. 477 Ottawa st., was born in 1841 in Prussia, Germany. He is son


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of John and Teressa Daube, and was reared on a farm. In 1868 he came to Grand Rapids and engaged in the butcher business with several firms. In 1874 he started the meat trade on his own account on the west side of Summit ave., with Rudolph Victor. They sold out and Mr. Daube transferred his affairs to 405 Ottawa st. Hard times interfered with his success, and he went to work for C. C. Comstock. Two years later he again set out in the same line of traffic and established himself at his old stand. In 1880 he located in his present quarters, where he manages a stock of $1,000 value, with an annual trade of about $8,000. He was mar- ried at Grand Rapids in 1869 to Adelheid Daube, born in Ger- many. They have had two children-Joseph and August. The latter died Sept. 25, 1881. Mr. Daube is a member of the St. Joseph Association and German Workingmen's Society. Himself and wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church.


Wm. H. De Camp, M. D., was born in Mt. Morris, N. Y., Nov. 6, 1825; is son of John C. and Sarah ( Miller ) De Camp, of Auburn, N. Y. His father was a native of New Jersey, of French extraction. The Doctor spent his early life on his father's farm attending the district school; entered the Academy at Mt. Morris at 14, and four years later began to read for his profession with Dr. Lewis G. Ferris, of Mt. Morris. The following year he entered the office of Dr. C. C. Chaffee at Nunda, where he read two years, meanwhile attending two courses of lectures at Geneva and one at New York University Medical College. He received his degree from Geneva College in February, 1847; was the youngest student of his class. He began practice at Grove Center, Allegany Co., N. Y., and four years later went to Hunt's Hollow, Livingston Co., where he had a large proportion of surgical business. At the end of four years he was compelled to abandon his vocation by failing health, and decided to go into the drug business. He prospected widely through the " then " West, and in 1855 located at Grand Rapids. Sept. 25, 1857, a disastrous fire stripped him of all his valuable library, office and professional apparatus, household fixtures and a considerable collection of preserved birds and animals, stuffed and mounted by himself to gratify his absorbing tastes as a natur- alist. He found himself stranded by the disaster, and of necessity again entered upon medical practice. He has been prospered and his severe losses fully made up. He has a fine, well-chosen library, and a wonderful museum of specimens from the world of nature, including collections in natural history, geology and conchology, the latter being the first private exhibit in Western Michigan. During the civil war Dr. De Camp was Surgeon of the First Reg. Mich. Engineers and Mechanics, and had charge of the rebel wounded of Gen. Bragg's army after the battle of Perry- ville. To Dr. De Camp is justly due the credit of the first salt in- vestigations which have led to the extensive manufacture of that commodity in this State. His researches proved that 90 per cent. salt could be obtained from artesian wells bored in this vicinity.


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and through his influence a meeting of citizens was held in Luce's Hall and steps taken to secure thorough investigation. The State authorities were induced to offer a bounty of 10 cents per bushel on the salt obtained. The insufficient flow of the wells of this section made them unprofitable, but the experiment here resulted benefi- cially in other localities, and to-day the wells in Saginaw and Mus- kegon are a valuable acquisition to the State resources. Dr. De Camp is examining physician for several life insurance companies, and one of the surgeons of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern R. R .; also is connected with many literary societies. He was married Nov. 4, 1847, to Emeline C. Griffith. They havene son.


Gerit H. De Graaf, jr., was born at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1857. He is son of Gerit and Helen (Cato) De Graaf. His parents came to Grand Rapids in 1857, and he was sent to the city schools until 17, when he began clerking for Horton & McNaughton, and a year later engaged with Voorhies & Co., where he served three years, and entered the employ of Jas. Sargeant in a restaurant and saloon on board the steamer " Daniel Ball," running on Grand river. He remained in the place two seasons, and clerked a year in the grocery of Gilbert Cook; was 18 months in the sample-room of Mr. Boorman, and passed some time in the billiard-rooms of G. B. Conkey, under the Rathbun House. He then engaged as civil engineer on the C. S. & C. S. R. R., where he remained a few months and then entered the employ of De Graaf, Vrieling & Co. In 1875 he began grocery business at 229 Division st. In Jan- uary, 1879, he built, in company with his brother, a brick block containing three stores, 55x65 feet, two stories. Mr. De Graaf occu- pies No. 221, and keeps a full line of staple and fancy groceries ; valne about $4,000, with an annual trade of about $35,000.


Wm. C. Denison, dealer in agricultural implements, No. 88, 90, 92, South Division st., and son of Asa W. and Eliza R. Denison, was born in Jefferson, Jackson Co., Mich., in 1836, Oct. 24. In 1845 his parents moved to Cascade tp. He came to Grand Rapids city in 1862 and engaged in the sale of agricultural implements seven years, chiefly on Monroe st., Nos. 104-105, then moved to his present place of business. He is a general dealer in farm im - plements and machinery, wagons and buggies, portable and sta- tionary engines, pony and standard saw-mills circular saws, and belting, oils, etc .; keeps a stock on hand of $10,000, last year's sales amounting to $187,000. He was married in Cascade tp., this county, to Frances E., danghter of Henry Holt, of Cascade tp. His wife died, leaving one child, Lavello A. He again married in this city, Minerva A., daughter of Robert Davidson, of this city. They have one child-Bertie. Mr. D, is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He owns his present store and warehouse; residence corner Cherry and Lagrave sts., one lot on Evergreen st., and con- siderable property in different parts of the city.


Louis Dietz, of Hartmann & Dietz, proprietors Phoenix Iron Works, 71 S. Front St. (W. S.), was born in Germany, Feb. 26,


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1834. He came to America in 1852, locating at Cincinnati, where he was engaged in the machinist's business for 12 years. He then removed to Grand Rapids, and was in the employ of R. E. Butter- worth for 14 years. At the end of that time, he formed a co-part- nership with Frederick Hartmann, in the foundry and - machine business, and the firm have since remained as Hartmann & Dietz. Mr. Dietz has charge of the machinist part of the business, and Mr. Hartmann the foundry branch of the trade. Mr. Dietz was formerly Republican in politics, but of late years has paid no at- tention to party lines, but always casts his vote for the man who will best serve the interests of the people. He was married March 13, 1858, to Johanna Fauth, a native of Germany. Eight children have been sent to them-Jacob (a molder in the shop), Mary, Jo- hanna, Louis, jr., Katie, Freddie, Henry and Lottie. Mrs. Dietz is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church. Mr. Dietz's father, Christopher Dietz, died in 1834. His mother, Katrina (Ermann) Dietz. resides with our subject, at the advanced age of 76 years.


Aaron Dikeman, retired jeweler, Grand Rapids, was born at Nor- walk, Fairfield Co., Conn., Jan. 3, 1796; is a son of Levi and Re- becca (Lines) Dikeman, natives of Connecticut. The former died at Wilton, Conn., in 1836, aged 86 years, and the latter at the age of 96. When 15 years of age, Mr. Dikeman went to Lansingburg, N. Y., where he learned the jeweler's trade with David Smith. In July, 1837, he came to Grand Rapids, and located in business on Monroe street. His stock was destroyed by fire in 1858, and in 1864 he erected another building for his trade. In the spring of 1867, owing to weakness of the eyes, he retired from business, and now enjoys the honor of being the oldest living jeweler in the United States. He was married at Norwalk, Conn., to Susannah, a daughter of Daniel and Dina (Eells) Butler. Of the 11 children born to them, four are living-Caroline M., wife of Edward S, Marsh, of Grand Rapids; Mary A., wife of John H. Axton; Lois A., residing with her parents, and one son. Mr. Dikeman is Democratic in politics; was elected County Treasurer in 1838, twice re-elected to same position, and in 1849 and 1853 was elected Alderman of the third ward. He became a Mason in 1824, and was one of the organizers of Grand River Lodge, No. 34. He was one of the original members of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. In 1872 Mr. Dikeman and wife had a golden wedding. and are now the oldest married couple (in point of married life) in Kent county.


James Dolbee, of James Dolbee & Co., funeral directors and pro- prietors of Grand Rapids Cloth Casket Co., was born in York tp. Washtenaw Co., Mich., in 1839. He is son of Jonathan Dolbee, agriculturist of Washtenaw county. When 10 years of age, Mr. Dolbee accompanied his parents to Ingham Co., Mich., where he resided until 1858. He was educated in a select school aad in 1858 came to Grand Rapids. He was employed as an engineer in ยท a mill for some time, and subsequently went to Mexico, where he


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was engaged in mining for seven years, and four years in California in the same business. At he end of that time he returned to Grand Rapids, and in 1878 established his present business under the firmn name of Dolbee, Kennedy & Co. The firm remained as such until 1881, when Mr. Kennedy retired from the business. In April, 1881, Peter McCallum was admitted as a partner, and the firm has since been James Dolbee & Co. The Cloth Casket Co. formerly did the lining of caskets for the Grand Rapids Burial Case Co., but since the latter went out of business, has manufactured its own caskets. Some six men are employed in the business, and the amount manufactured will exceed $10,000 annually, Sales are made in all parts of the Northwest. Mr. Dolbee is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 212, and Knights of Honor, No. 387. He is Republican in politics. He was married Nov. 19, 1861, to Helen E. Dunham, a native of Broome Co., N. Y. They have one child-Pearl E., born in Mexico. Mr. Dolbee has succeeded in business, beyond his most sanguine expectations, but deserves all he has achieved.


L. D'Ooge was born in the Province of Zealand, Netherland, Feb. 14, 1816, and learned the trade of a painter. He was married in 1838 to Johanna Quinters, and nine years after came to America, arriving in New York Oct. 1, 1847. He brought a snug little sum of money with him, which he invested in business, but being unable to speak English, he was unfortunate and lost his money. He moved westward and located in Ravenna (then) Kent county, where he lived two years. Being destitute of money, he served as mail messenger, traveling on foot from Grand Rapids to Mus- kegon, making trips semi-weekly, at $1.25 per trip. In 1857, at the solicitation of Father De Kunick, Catholic priest, he came to Grand Rapids with his family, and painted the new Catholic church on Mource street, continuing to work at his trade about two years, when he engaged in mercantile business of a somewhat limited character, in a frame building erected by himself, on the corner of Monroe and Division streets. He also built a small house and two stores, all of which have been removed and replaced by substantial structures. He leased a large plat of ground for 10 years at $75 per year, and by improving it, attracted business to that part of the town, at the head of Monroe street. During the crash of '57 he made an assignment for the benefit of his creditors, but on resuming business, liquidated his liabilities, dollar for dollar. He built a business block on Canal street in '68, and in '69 erected his handsome residence on Lafayette street. In '70 he retired from active life, bought and built other houses in this city, and has since been occupied in the management of the property he has accu- mulated. Mr. D'Ooge had little opportunity for education, but has given his children every advantage afforded by the institutions of the State. His eldest son, Martin L., is Professor of Greek in the University of Ann Arbor, and is well known throughout the State. The youngest son, Benjamin L., has recently graduated at the Uni-


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versity of Michigan, and has been appointed Principal of the School at Coldwater. The daughters-Nellie, Maria J. and Jennie C., are graduates from the High School at Grand Rapids. Mr. D'Ooge was the son of Martin and Maria (Vandevelde) D'Ooge. His father died at Grand Rapids, aged 80 years, and his mother died in the Netherlands. Mr. and Mrs. D'Ooge joined the Re- formed Church before they were married, and are still members in good standing of the First Reformed Church of Grand Rapids.


Peter Doran, of Grand Rapids, was born April 16, 1848 at Lon- don, Canada. His father, John Doran, was a farmer by occupa- tion, a native of the North of Ireland, and came to America in 1840. Peter received education in Canada, and in 1868 came to Michigan, and in 1872 commenced the study of law with Marsden C. Burch, at Hersey, Osceola Co. Mr. Doran continued his studies there until he was admitted to the bar in January, 1873. He then opened an office in Hersey and there practiced his profession with success during 1873 and a part of 1874. In 1873 he was appointed to the office of Circuit Court Commissioner and held the office during his stay in Osceola county. In the spring of 1874 he re- moved to Detroit and was employed by Mr. William S. Edwards, a lawyer of established reputation, until in 1876 a co-partner- ship was entered into under the firm title of Edwards & Doran, and in July of that year they opened an office in Grand Rapids. Mr. Doran assumed charge of their business and Mr. Ed- wards continued in Detroit. This co-partnership continued until 1878, when it expired by limitation, and since that time Mr. Doran has continued in an active and lucrative practice alone.


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Rev. Nicholas Dosker, Pastor of the Second Dutch Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, was born at Amsterdam, Netherlands, June 18, 1820. He attended the public schools of his native land, and when young entered a drug store as clerk. When 24 years of age he attended a theological seminary at Groningen, where he remained until 1850. He was ordained minister in May of that year, and placed in charge of the Christian Reformed Church, at Groningen. In 1852 he went to Bunschoten, where he remained till 1856; thence to Almkirk 1856-'62; Harlingen, 1862-'9; Zwolle, 1869-'73, and in the latter year, took charge of the congregation at Grand Rapids. The congregation under his charge is in a very prosperous condition, and Rev. Mr. Dosker enjoys the con- fidence and good will of the better class of citizens-religious and worldly. He was married in 1856 to Wilhelmina Gezine de Ron- den, a native of Weesp, Netherlands. Of the 10 children born to this union, only four sons are living-Bernard, Herman N., Henry E. and Cornelius.


Horton H. Drury, a member of the Bar of Kent county, was born in Middlebury, Vt., May 25, 1843. His father, Erastus W. Drury, was a lawyer by profession and came West in the year 1847 and located at Fond du Lac, Wis. Horton H. received his education in Fond du Lac public schools. He graduated from the


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High School of that place in 1861 and subsequently became the Principal of that institution for two years, in 1872 and 1873. In 1861 Mr. Drury enlisted in the war for the Union in 1st Wiscon- sin Vol. Inf., Co. K, and remained in active service until Oct. S, 1862, when he received a gun-shot wound at the battle of Perryville, Ky. The wound was received in the left shoulder. It was severe and he has since constantly suffered from its effects. In 1863 he entered the University of Michigan and graduated from that institution in the class of '67, taking the degree of A. B., and in 1870 that of M. A. From 1873 to 1876 he practiced law at Es- canaba, Mich., and came to Grand Rapids in October of the latter year. From that time to the present he has been in constant act- ive practice in Grand Rapids, doing a lucrative business. He was married to Miss Sarah Darrow, of Ann Arbor, Mich., who died Dec. 14, 1877, leaving one daughter, Miss Sarah Lillie.


William Dunham, of the firm of Arthur Meigs & Co., was born at Grand Isle, Vt., in 1824; is son of John and Julia (Hill- iard) Dunham. When he was eight years of age his parents moved to Medina Co., O. He lived at home on the farm and attended school until he was 18 years old, when he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, at which he worked 10 years in Ohio. In 1853 he came to Grand Rapids and engaged variously until 1861, when he raised a company for the war in Fentonville, Mich. The company was mustered into the 3d Mich. Cav. as Co. I. with Mr. Dunham as Captain. A year later he resigned on account of dis- ability, and engaged in business at Fenton until 1867, when he went to Manistee; was elected County Clerk and Register of Deeds, serving two years, when he embarked in banking with Chas. Secor & Co. The relation existed eight years; he operated alone two years and organized a State Bank, which continued two years. In the spring of 1879 he bought a half-interest in the wholesale grocery house of Arthur Meigs, but did not become resi- dent until April, 1881. They manage one of the largest wholesale grocery establishments in the city. Mr. Dunham was a delegate from the ninth Congressional District, and was one of the Electors for Mr. Hayes. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and has taken 32 degrees in the DeWitt Clinton Consistory; in 1877 was Grand Master of the State of Michigan. He owns a residence and lot on the corner of Barclay and Bronson streets; was married in 1843 to Hannah A., daughter of Chester Conant, born in Medina Co., O., in 1824. They had five children-William H., Charles C., James A., Phebe A. and Julia. His wife died in Gaines, Sept. 6, 1854, and he was married again, Feb. 26, 1856, to Emeline, dangh- ter of Wm. R. and Caroline (Harlow) Godwin, born at Bangor, Me., April 17, 1833.


Allen Durfee, funeral director and retail dealer in caskets, cof- fins, robes and funeral fittings, Grand Rapids, was born at Pal-' myra, Wayne Co., N. Y., Jan. 15, 1829. His parents were William and Permelia (Chase) Durfee, the former of whom was born at Pal-


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myra, May 3, 1800, and was engaged in farming and milling until his death. His mother's family emigrated from Connecticut and settled in New York at an early day, where she was born Feb. 7, 1806. Mr. Durfee was reared on a farm, and received his educa- tion in the public schools and at an academy of his uative place. He was engaged in his father's mill for three years, and in October, 1853, came to Grand Rapids, purchasing a farm of 80 acres in Walker tp., or what is now sec. 5 of Wyoming tp. Here he re- sided for 15 years, during which time he was elected to several tp. offices. In 1868 he sold his farm, and the following Sep- tember removed to the city of Grand Rapids. He purchased two pieces of property on Jefferson avenue, on which he erected substan- tial residences the coming winter. On June 15, 1854, he engaged in the undertaking business with J. H. Farwell, and remained with him two years and four months. He then commenced business on his own account, and has carried it on with success to the present time, now doing the largest trade of the kind in the city. He is a member of Enterprise Lodge, No. 12, I. O. O. F., of the Knights of Honor and the A. O. U. W. He is also a member of the Northern Mutual Benefit Association, of Kalamazoo, Mich., and the Cove- nant Mutual Association, of Galesburg. Mr. Durtee was united in marriage Oct. 5, 1853, to Phebe B. Thayer, a native of Wayne Co., N. Y. Both are members of the First Congregational Church and are numbered among its earnest supporters. Politically Mr. Durfee is a Republican. He is tall and of commanding presence, temperate in all his habits, of a genial nature, kind and affection- ate in his family, and has a warm and generous hand for all in real need. These qualities, coupled with his unswerving integrity in all business affairs, secure for him the good will and esteem of the better class of citizens of Kent county. In the latter part of 1879 Mr. Durfee and other leading funeral directors of the State conceived the idea of forming a State Association of funeral di- rectors, for the purpose of improvement in the business, and to discuss the better modes of burial, etc. Mr. Durfee and five others issued a circular to the different directors in Michigan, calling a convention at Jackson, on Jan. 14, 1880. The convention assem- bled on the date named, and the association formed, the first of the kind in the United States. Allen Durfee was chosen its Presi- dent and has ably filled that position to the present time. His ability, reputation and worth form a combination of qualities which admirably adapt him for the important head of this new association.




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