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 99

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 99

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).

A portrait of Mr. Durfee is presented in this volume.

C. H. Dyer, dentist, is a native of Thompson, Windham Co., Conn .; is son of W. T. and A. M. Dyer. He was reared in Con- necticut, and attended school at Millbury, Mass., two years; studied dentistry two years with H. F. Bishop, of Worcester, Mass. In '62 he went into the office of Thos. B. Gunning, of New York, and in '65 entered the Dental College at Philadelphia. In March, 1866,

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he returned to New York as operator in the office of Dr. Deafen- beauch. In September, the same year, he established his business at Sterling, Ill., and in 1873 opened an office in Chicago, continuing the management of both until 1875, when he closed that at Chi- cago and a year later sold his business at Sterling. He traveled for the benefit of his health, which he soon re-established, and in May, 1876, he opened an office on Monroe st. At that date 18 dentists were located in the city. Dr. Dyer by strict attention to business has succeeded in overcoming the obstacles incident to a new comer, and occupies a comparatively high position in his pro- fession. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, the Masons, and the Knights of Honor, and has been the incumbent of the second highest official position in the State in the last- named order, that of Grand Vice Dictator; is a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the An- cient Order of United Workmen; belongs to the Illinois and Mich- igan Dental societies. He was married in 1869 at Sterling, Ill., to Hattie E. S. Thomas, born in the city of New York. They have two sons and one daughter. Office, 30 Monroe st.

J. Edward Earle was born in New York city Sept. 6, 1843. His father, Justus E. Earle, was a wholesale grocer of that city. J. Edward received his education in the city of New York, at Mt. Washington Collegiate Institute, and came West in the fall of 1863, locating at Grand Rapids, and went into the manufacture of woolen goods, erecting the brick mill on the canal, known as Earle's Mill, in partnership with an uncle, under the firm name of John E. Earle & Co. In 1876 he went out of the mercantile business and turned his attention to the study of law, entering the law office of John C. Fitzgerald. He was admitted to the bar of Kent county upon ex- amination in 1878 and remained with his preceptor until June 4, 1879, when he formed a partnership with Mr. G. Chase Godwin under the firm name of Godwin & Earle. He was married Nov. 14, 1865, to Miss Martha, eldest daughter of George Kendall, a cap- italist of Grand Rapids and a pioneer of Kent county. Mr. Earle is a member of the Board of Education of Grand Rapids and Chair- man of the Library Committee.

Harry Eaton (deceased) was born in Cambridge, Vt., April 22, 1804. He was brought up on a farm, and acquired his education at the common schools. He was married at Halifax, Vt., June 14, 1831, to Cynthia W., daughter of Salmon Hunt. Immediately after this event he moved to Jamestown, N. Y., and operated a line of stages running from that place to Warren, Pa. In the fall of 1836 he came to Grand Rapids and engaged in the mercantile and lumbering business. In 1840 he was elected Sheriff of Kent county. He was elected first Treasurer of Walker tp., and was one of the charter members of Grand River Lodge, No. 34, F. & A. Masons. Mr. and Mrs. Eaton had four sons and one daughter; three sons are now living-Charles W., of this city; Theodore C., of St. Louis, Mo., and Henry S., of Kansas. Mr. Eaton died Jan.

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12, 1859. His funeral was attended by the Grand Lodge of Masons then in session at Grand Rapids. Mrs. Eaton is still living in this city, residing with her son Charles.

Homer Eaton, of Eaton & Christenson, cracker manufacturers, 77 Canal st., was born in Central New York, in June, 1841. His father was Julius Eaton, a miller by trade. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native State, receiving the education. afforded by the district schools of that day and age. When 21 years of age, he learned the milling trade, and then came to Oak- land Co., Mich., where he worked at his trade for two years. Fail- ing health prevented him from active labor, and four years were spent in regaining his lost health and vigor. After a year spent in New York, in a general store, he came to Grand Rapids (in 1866), and for a year's time was employed in the baking business. He then formed a co-partnership with John C. Christenson in the manufacture of all grades of crackers, a sketch of which business we have given on a preceding page. Mr. Eaton is a member of the Republican party. He was married in February, 1863, to Ann Arnold, a native of Schuyler Co., N. Y. They have one child- Mary. Mr. Eaton has never taken an active part in politics, but devoted his entire time and attention to business, and deserves the success for which he has so faithfully labored.

A. J. Edgerton was born in Wilkes Barre, Luzerne Co., Penn., Feb. 22, 1847. He lived at his native home, and there received his rudimental education until he came West, in 1867. He then entered the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, and graduated from the literary department in 1871. He then pursued a course in law, and was admitted to the bar of Washtenaw county in 1876. During his studies at Ann Arbor, he was from time to time en- gaged in astronomical work under Prof. Watson. He came to Grand Rapids in 1876, where he has since remained in the prac- tice of his profession. He is a son of Richard D. Edgerton, a native of the Keystone State, and, since 1864, a farmer of Saint Joseph Co., Mich.

James Orton Edie, M. D., was born June 14, 1837, at Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y .; is son of David W. and Matilda (Austin) Edie, natives of Washington county. The former died in 1871, the latter in 1875. He was brought up on a farm until 19 years of age, meanwhile attending common schools, and a higher school at Oswego, N. Y. During early life, a natural taste led him to study art, and his studies at home were prosecuted with the intention of becoming an artist. Two years before reaching his majority, he began studying medicine with Dr. Austin, of Oswego, and attended one course of lectures in the winter of '59 and '60 at the Medical Department of the University of Michigan. In 1860, entered Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, and took his degree in 1864. After his graduation, he practiced in Rockford one

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year, and in Lowell 13 years. During the latter period, he was also engaged in mercantile and lumbering interests. In 1875 he came to Grand Rapids and established himself as a practitioner. He is a member of the Michigan State, Western Michigan and Grand Rapids Medical Societies, and is a life member of the Alumni Association of Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, Pa. He occupies a prominent rank among the fraternity of Grand Rapids, and is regarded as a reliable and skillful member of the profession. He was married June 30, 1860, at Lockport, N. Y., to Laura Gaskell, a native of that city. They have two daughters. Dr. Edie has an attractive office on the corner of Monroe and Ottawa sts. He has been connected with the Masonic Order 16 years; was brought up a Presbyterian, and baptized by Dr. Bull- ions, of Washington Co., N. Y., who performed the same service for his father and mother. He belongs to the Congregational Church of Grand Rapids.

Rev. John G. Ehrentrasser, Priest of St. Mary's Catholic Church, cor. 1st and Turner sts. (W. S.), was born in Innspruck, Tyrol, July 14, 1835. He received his early educational training in the city schools, and the gymnasium of his native place. He then entered a theological seminary, at Salzburg, where he remained four years. He was ordained Priest, July 25, 1859, and was first stationed at Angath, Tyrol, remaining there four years. He then went to Louvain, Belgium, and six months later came to America, arriving at New York, May 1, 1865. His first charge in this coun- try was at Adrian, Mich., where he remained until May, 1870. He then took charge of his present parish, which position he has since filled to the satisfaction of all. Since coming to Grand Rapids, Rev. Mr. Ehrentrasser has been largely instrumental in building the fine Gothic church in which the congregation worship. The Church was commenced Dec. 30, 1872, and dedicated Oct. 18, 1874. The cost of erection was nearly $50,000. The parish numbers 1,000 communicants. He is the eldest priest in the city, and since his arrival has won hosts of friends.

Edward B. Escott, druggist, 75 Canal st., was born at Bristol, Eng., Oct. 23, 1822; is son of Henry and Anne Escott; the latter died in 1854, the former is still living in this city. Mr. Escott was educated in England and in 1835 eame to America, spent two years and went back to his native country. He returned to Grand Rapids in 1843 with his parents, and his father purchased land near the city on which he lived about nine years. In '55 Mr. Escott engaged as a clerk in a hardware store in Detroit, where he remained three years. He had previously become familiar with the details of a druggist's business in his father's store, and in 1858 entered into that business, which he has since prosecuted ; he has a fine stock of goods and deals largely in paints and oils ; also carries on some jobbing transactions. He was married in 1858 to Mary C., daughter of N. J. Daniels, of Wacousta, Mich. They have four

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sons and one daughter. Mr. Escott's son, Charles E., operates a branch drug store in the city.

Prof. Franklin Everett was born at Worthington, Mass., Jan. 26, 1812; his youth was passed in humble life. From his father he inherited a love of books, which in childhood became almost a passion. Humble circumstances rendered inevitable a life of hard labor, and he had but few early advantages. But, his day's labor

CROSSCUE K WEST. PHILA.

PROF. FRANKLIN EVERETT.

done, the instruction book was sure to be his companion. Study- ing in the fitful way which a hard-working boy must, if ambitious to improve, he picked up what was then called a good English education, and fitted himself for college with little aid from teachers. He commenced school-teaching at the age of 16, and until he was 23 alternated between the farm, saw-mill and school- house. At that time he entered Colby University (then Water- ville College) in Maine, where he graduated in 1838. Adopting the profession of a teacher, soon after graduating he took charge of the "Black River Academy " in Vermont. In 1840 he re-

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moved to Canajoharie, N. Y., and afterward to Cooperstown, at which places he had charge of academies there located.

In the fall of 1846 he came to Grand Rapids as principal of the Grand Rapids Academy. This soon became an independent school, known by his name. This school he sustained until 1874. In 1877 he published his " Memorials of the Grand River Valley." Without ambition, other than for universal scholarship, and to stamp his impress on the minds and hearts of those under his in- struction, his life has been uneventful, cheered by the hope that his labors would be appreciated by those he taught, and that by their loving hands, when life's work was ended, he would be laid to his final rest.

As a teacher he has considered his profession the most sacred, and regardless of personal consequences, has sought only the mental expansion and moral growth of his pupils, never laboring for popularity.

He has been known in Grand Rapids as "Prof. Everett," and has dignified that name by his connection with a scientific society, known as the Kent Scientific Institute, of whose interests he has been a chief promoter by the original and intelligent views as well as the larger information which he has had upon the natural sciences. He has been a welcome and kindly guest in many homes, where his wit, geniality and information have been much treasured. His radical independence of conscience and thought has been sustained by the unblemished purity of his character and the transparent sincerity of an affectionate heart.

George A. Ferguson, liveryman, 65 and 67 N. Kent street, was born at Grand Rapids, and has lived in the house where he was born, until 18 months ago ; is son of Andrew and Sarah (McCray) Fergu- son. His father was among the earliest settlers of Kent county ; came here from Detroit with his team in the spring of 1837; he was a carpenter and millwright and built the first edgers, shingle and lath mills on Grand river ; built the third house on the west side of the river, and died in this city in February, 1880. The mother died Oct. 13, 1879. At 17 Mr. Ferguson entered the em- ploy of C. H. Taylor as clerk ; three years later he went to Mus- kegon, as clerk for Geo. R. Roberts, of Chicago; remained 10 months and engaged with J. S. Wright of Grand Rapids ; six months after entered the employ of Henry W. Brown, and a year later that of Long & Bennett as teamster ; four months after engaged driving baggage-wagon for several months for John Drew. He was employed three years in the lime and plaster store of Wm. S. Hovey, at 33 Canal st. ; bought the interests and stock of his employer and sold out a few months later ; drove team for Cleveland & Grange two years ; engaged with the fire department two and a half years, drove team for Codey & Olney, one summer ; worked in the stables of C. L. Ives 18 months, and bought him out Jan. 24, 1881. In April he entered into partnership with J. R. Wilson, who afterward sold out to Mr. Swain, of the firm of Fer-

Sportbooke

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guson & Swain. They are doing an extensive business ; keep 18 horses, hacks, carriages, etc. Mr. Ferguson was married near Middleville, Barry Co., Nov. 30, 1880, to Anna. daughter of Ephraim and Mary A. Butcher, born in 1859 in Kalamazoo.Co.

Henry Fiebig," manufacturer of wagons, 148 Canal street, was born in Prussia, Dec. 18, 1833. He then attended school, and subsequently learned the wagon-maker's trade. When 22 years of age he came to America, first stopping at Detroit. He then went to Utica, Macomb Co., Mich., where he remained three years. At the end of that time he came to Grand Rapids, in 1858, and soon after formed a co-partnership with Julius Rathmann, in his present business. This relationship continued for some years; the firm erected a handsome brick block, where they now carry on the business, each one using half of the building. A sketch of Mr. Fiebig's business will be found in the chapter on manufacturing industries. He is a member of the Republican party. Mr. Fiebig was married July 5, 1859, to Ernitine Culms, a native of Walden- berg, Macomb Co., Mich. Of the 10 children given them eight are living-Charles, Helen, Henry, William, Oswald, Louisa, Clara and Mata. Mr. Fiebig, wife and family are members of the Ger- man Lutheran Church.

Erastus Fisher was born at Northfield, Franklin Co., Mass., Jan. 15, 1814. At the age of two years he was taken to Vermont by his parents, and eight years after to New York. In 1840 he came to Michigan, and located on a farm in Eaton county, where he remained three years. In 1843 he went to Battle Creek, and engaged in the grocery business about five years. After a short stay in Kent county he went to Greenville, Montcalm Co., and was variously engaged in trade, farming and transactions in real estate. In January, 1866, he went to Big Rapids and commenced mercantile operations; was burned out and bought a hotel, Mason House, which he managed six months, and afterward operated in real estate. He engaged in trade at Pewamo, Ionia Co., and at. the end of four years was burned out, and in 1879 went to Owosso. In 1880 he purchased property at 106 Fourth street, west side of Grand Rapids. He was married in 1841 at Ypsilanti to Sarah R. Palmer. They had seven children, four of whom are living. They are: Elijah H., Ellen P., Otis G. and David. James K. (de- ceased) was a jeweler, as is Otis G. Two sons were in the war. Mr. Fisher has had extensive business connections, has been in flattering financial circumstances and met with serious reverses, but is still comfortably well off.

James O. Fitch, carriage manufacturer, was born April 25, 1815, at Putnam, Windham Co., Vt. His father, James Fitch, was en- gaged in the harness, saddlery and shoe business, and always took a lively interest in all military organizations and matters pertain- ing to the military. He was familiarly known as "Col." Fitch, and was Sheriff of Windham county for many years. His mother was Abigail Wilmarth, a native of Lyndon, Vt. James O. was

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reared and educated at his native place, and when quite young was employed in the manufacture of satinets and cassimeres, working at it in Claremont, N. H., and subsequently at Rockville, Conn., where for several years he invoiced, measured and packed from 600 to 700 yards per day for the New York market. He re- mained in that business until 1850, when he came to Grand Rapids, and soon after commenced the manufacture of wagons and car- riages. He purchased a lot, 66x100 feet in size, on Monroe street, opposite the present site of the Morton House, for $500. At this place Mr. Fitch did his first work in Grand Rapids. His busi- ness increased with the years that rolled along, and to-day his bug- gies are noted throughout the county and this part of the State for their excellent light-running and lasting qualities. A sketch of the business done by Mr. Fitch will be found in the section on manufacturing industries. Mr. Fitch was married March 26, 1843, to Minerva, youngest daughter of Anderson Gager, a pioneer farmer of Connecticut. Mr. Fitch and his life companion have four children-Gertrude M., wife of Cassius Stores; Hurtell S., a traveling salesman for a large wholesale hardware firm of Kansas City, Mo .; Stella M., wife of H. B. Davis, of Davis & Hunt, en- gaged in abstracting titles, Grand Rapids; and James W., a car- riage trimmer in the employ of C. L. Benjamin, of Saginaw City, Mich. The latter is a member of the Grand Rapids Guards, and went with that company of troops to the Yorktown Centennial. Mrs. Fitch is a consistent member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church.

John C. Fitzgerald, dry-goods merchant at 72 Monroe street, Grand Rapids, was born at Limerick, Ireland, March-, 1842, and came to America in 1856 at the age of 14. He spent four years in the province of New Brunswick, and in November, 1861, enlisted in the American army at Portland, Me., and served in the war of the Rebellion, fighting for the preservation of the Union until July, 1866, when he received, his discharge and went to New York city. There he entered the employ of Foster Bros., dry-goods mer- chants, and in April, 1872, came to Grand Rapids and laid the foundation of his present business, under the firm name of Foster Brothers & Co., the firm comprising J. G. Foster, Scott Foster and John C. Fitzgerald. This arrangement continued for about six year-, when in October, 1878, they dissolved partnership and removed their stock to another location. Mr. Fitzgerald took a special partner and continued in trade with a new stock, compris- ing a general line of dry-goods, carpets, oil-cloths and mattings. His establishment occupies two floors, 22×100 feet, and has the first French plate-glass front of any store in Grand Rapids city. He employs 14 salesmen and ladies and does a thriving business.

Charles Fluhrer, pastor of the Universalist Church, Grand Rapids, was born at Providence, R. I., Aug. 29, 1842, his father being a German, his mother a native of Massachusetts. He received an education in the common schools, including the Prov- idence High School, and subsequently entered St. Lawrence Uni-

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versity at Canton, N. Y., where he was graduated in 1862. Reared in the Universalist Church, he entered the ministry of that denomi- nation in 1865, his first settlement being at Newark, Wayne Co., N. Y. Subsequently he was located at Victor and Harlem in the same State. In October, 1875, he was called to the pastorate of the Church at Grand Rapids.

John B. Folger, son of Philip and Mary A. Folger, was born in Oxford, Chenango Co., N. Y., Dec. 17, 1823. In 1856 he came to Grand Rapids city and engaged as a baker several years for Mr. Scribner, as foreman. They had the first bakery on the west side. He also had a bakery of his own two years, but his health failed and he had to give it up. In 1865 he began the manufact- ure and bottling of Sarsaparilla beer, being the first establish- ment of that kind in this county. In the spring of 1881 he began the manufacture of ginger ale, and is now doing a very flourish- ing business, in the wholesale line exclusively. His annual sales amount to $7,000 or $8,000. He runs three delivery wagons, to all parts of the city. His ales have a wide-spread reputation in this State. He was married in Oxford, Chenango Co., N. Y., May 22, 1849, to Elizabeth M. A., daugliter of John and Elizabeth Hall, born in London, England, April 11, 1828. They have three chil- dren, born in the following order : Merwin D., Wilbur B. and Charles E. Mr. Folger's residence is No. 85 Broadway, where he owns a lot, 75x180 feet, with his bottling establishment in the rear. He is a member of the Old Settlers' Association, Masonic frater- nity, and Odd Fellows, and himself and wife are members of the Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Folger has been Warden five years. Mr. F. was the founder of the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges on the west side.

Wm. R. Foster, general fire and life insurance agent, was born at Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y., Dec. 15, 1834. His father, Theron Foster, is a native of Massachusetts, and his mother, Mary L. Foster, was born in Vermont. They now reside at Washing- ton, Alameda Co., Cal. Theron Foster was one of the first pio- neers of Branch county, whither he removed in 1836. He kept a hotel at Coldwater and acted as Postmaster under Polk. His son, William R., grew up and received his education at the common schools of Coldwater, and at 15 entered a clerkship, which employ he pursued 11 years, when he became junior partner in the mer- cantile house of J. B. Crippen & Co. This alliance continued three years, when the business interests were purchased by Mr. Foster, and a new relation formed under the style of Foster & Van Ness. This firm was the heaviest in Southern Michigan in its general merchandise, wool and grain transactions, and the co- partnership existed until 1868. During the periods referred to, Mr. Foster held several municipal offices, such as Alderman, City Clerk and Chief of the Fire Department. He was also agent for the Merchant's Union Express Company. In 1868 he closed his connection with the mercantile world and engaged in insurance,

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and as ticket agent for Eastern roads, and, also, for the Merchants' Dispatch Fast-Freight Line. Feb. 26, 1876, he came to Grand Rapids and engaged in insurance under the firm name of Stuart & Foster, continuing two years, when the business was operated singly by Mr. Foster. In October, 1880, he formed a partnership with Marcus W. Bates, and their house is one of the strongest insurance agencies in Western Michigan, if not in the entire State, representing upward of $100,000,000 assets. Mr. Foster was married at Coldwater in 1856, to Martha A. Love, born at Colden, Erie Co., N. Y., and reared at Buffalo. The family residence is at No. 159 Summer street.

Charles Fox, of the firm of Osterhout & Fox, lumber company, Grand Rapids, was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., Dec. 15, 1854, and is a son of Dr. Chas. Fox (deceased), formerly professor of the agricultural department of the Michigan University, and after- ward editor of the Michigan Agricultural Journal at Detroit. In 1855 our subject's parents removed to Grosse Isle in the De- troit river, and shortly afterward to Detroit, where Mr. Fox died the same year, of the cholera. The younger Charles Fox, the sub- ject. of this sketch, was educated in Ann Arbor, graduating with high honors in the classical course from the Michigan University of that place in 1875. He then went to Europe, traveling through Egypt and many of the oriental countries, and learning much about the manners and customs, of the oriental people. While in Egypt he was introduced to some of the most distinguished Egyptian officers; among them were General Stone, Count De Sala, Count Bromio and others. Mr. Fox came to Grand Rapids in 1876 and purchased a third interest in the business of Oster- hout & Fox; and the firm now consists of S. W. Osterhout, Charles Fox and E. C. Fox. They operate a saw-mill at Deer Lick, on a branch of the G. R. & I. R. R., one at Crofton, on the same road, and one at Foxville, on the C. & W. M., and also a shingle-mill at Edmore, Mich.

James Fox, of the firm of Fox, Musselman & Loveridge, was born in Zeeland, Holland, March 21, 1850; is son of Leonard and Sarah (Tollanar) Fox. His parents came to Grand Rapids in 1856, and at the age of 13 he entered the Swintzburg Commercial Col- lege, remaining one year. He engaged as clerk for L. & C. Fox in the retail grocery business, and seven years after formed a part- nership with his uncle, Samuel Fox, under the style of S. Fox & Co., and opened a wholesale and retail grocery establishment at 19 South Division st. Five years later a change occurred, and the firm became Fox, McSkinen & Co., with Mr. Fox, of this sketch, at its head. Two years after he sold out to Graff, Shields & Co., and took a trip for his health through the Southern States, occupying eight months. He arrived in this city Saturday evening, and Monday morning commenced doing business with his present as- sociates, at No. 3 Ionia st. Five days after he was on the road as traveler for his house. Nov. 1, 1881, they moved to Peck's block,

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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 99

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