USA > Michigan > Oakland County > History of Oakland County Michigan a narrative account of its historic progress, its people, its principal interests Volume II > Part 21
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Mr. Bromley was hapiply married on December 3, 1891, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Ditmas, of Brooklyn, New York, daugh- ter of A. I. and Caroline (Suydam) Ditmas, both now deceased. Mrs. Bromley is the youngest of four children, the other members of the family being: John A., Elizabeth and Caroline, all of Brooklyn. Mr. and Mrs. Bromley share their home with two interesting sons-Bruce D. and A. Ditmas.
In the matter of political faith Mr. Bromley adheres to the men and measures of the Democratic party. He is a Mason, having affiliation with the Blue Lodge and the Knights Templars. He and his wife are Presbyterians and support very materially the good causes of the church.
GEORGE B. RICHARDSON. It is an axiom demonstrated bv human experience that industry is the keynote of prosperity. Success comes not to the man who idly waits, but to the faithful toiler whose work is characterized by sleepless vigilance and cheerful celerity, and it was by such means that George B. Richardson, the present popular and efficient county treasurer of Oakland county. has forged to the front and won an honored place among the substantial citizens of this part of the state. He is well and favorably known as a citizen of high character. and for a number of years his influence in the community has been marked and salutary.
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The birth of Mr. Richardson occurred in Rochester, Michigan, De- cember 17, 1858. His parents were Hosea B. and Charlotte (Averill) Richardson, the father a native of Vermont and the mother of Scotland. Both of these admirable citizens are now deceased, the death of the father having occurred October 28, 1880, and that of the mother on June 20, 1873. By occupation Hosea B. Richardson was a millwright and his arrival in Michigan was in the year 1849. He located in Roch- ester in the early days and there followed his trade. He and his wife became the parents of six children, as follows: Samuel H., deceased, late of Seattle, Washington ; Emma, wife of Walter Lowe, of Pasadena, California ; Anna, now deceased, her death having occurred in the year 1890; Frank, who died in infancy, as did also an unnamed infant; and the immediate subject of this review.
George B. Richardson passed the roseate days of boyhood and youth in Rochester and received his education in the common and high schools, in due time graduating from the latter. When it came the season for him to become an active factor in the work-a-day world, he became an assistant to his father in the woolen mill and becoming familiar with its routine, he became associated with his father and brother in its management and remained in this capacity for about eight years. It was at the end of that period, in 1895, that he came to Pontiac, and his acquisition was properly accounted as a piece of good fortune to the community. For a few years at the first of his residence here he was engaged in the knitting factory business and following that became engineer at the works of the Standard Vehicle Company, which was afterward changed to the Auto Top and Tinning Company. He re- mained with the establishment for eight years, his connection with the same being terminated in 1910 by his election as county treasurer, which office he holds at the present time, his services having redounded to his credit and the profit of the people. To be elected to the office of county treasurer is usually an eloquent commentary on a man's high standing in his community.
Mr. Richardson was married June 20, 1880, the young woman to become his wife and the mistress of his household being Ada B. Stone, daughter of Amos and Elizabeth (Keyes) Stone, both natives of the Wolverine state. Mrs. Richardson is one of a family of five children, as follows: Hattie, deceased ; Mattie, widow of James Pardee, of Pon- tiac ; Anita, widow of J. J. Niles, of Chicago; Byron A., a resident of Troy township; and Mrs. Richardson. The union of the subject and his worthy wife has been blessed by the birth of one child-Bessie, wife of Leo L. Thomas, of Detroit.
Mr. Richardson has a number of pleasant and important affiliations. He belongs to the most ancient of the orders-the Masonic, being a Royal Arch Mason : to the Modern Woodmen; to the National Associa- tion of Stationary Engineers ; the Foresters of America ; and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is a warm and enthusiastic adherent of the "Grand Old Party," as its admirers are pleased to call it, and has taken a good deal of interest in public affairs. In addition to his pres- ent office he was for five years supervisor of the third ward.
HARRY C. GUILLOT, M. D. In no profession is there more constant progress than in that of medicine and surgery, thousands of the finest minds the world has produced making it their one aim and ambition to
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discover more effectual method for the alleviation of suffering, some more potent weapon for the conflict with disease, some clever device for repairing the damaged human mechanism. Ever and anon the world hears with mingled wonder and thanksgiving of a new conquest of dis- ease and disaster which a few years ago would have been placed within the field of the impossible. To keep in touch with these discoveries means constant alertness, and while there may be in many quarters great indolence in keeping pace with modern thought, the highest type of physician believes it no less than a crime not to be master of the latest devices of science. To this type belongs Dr. Harry C. Guillot, one of Pontiac's most noted and gifted physicians and surgeons. It is not, however, merely in the profession that Dr. Guillot has given "a taste of his quality," for as mayor for five years he has made a splendid record of progressiveness and efficiency.
By the circumstances of birth Dr. Guillot is a Canadian, his life record having begun at Windsor, Ontario, September 24, 1867. He is the son of James C. and Ellen (Weaver) Guillot, both natives of Canada and of French and English extraction. The father was a gentle- man of very considerable prominence, having held the office of city treasurer of Windsor and being colonel of the Twenty-first Essex Fu- siliers, Canadian Militia. His demise occurred January 28, 1905, and that of his cherished and devoted wife on January 7, 1905. Colonel Guillot was a great friend of Lieutenant Kislingberry, who headed the United States Polar expedition in 1887, and one of Dr. Guillot's most prized possessions is a photograph of the exploror taken in latitude 81 degrees and 35 minutes north. The subject is the eldest of four chil- dren and the only son. Bessie E. is the wife of W. C. McCuaig, of Berlin, Canada; Ida S. is the wife of W. Van Hook, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; and Nellie married O. B. McCuaid, of Wenatchee, Wash- ington.
Receiving his preliminary education in his native place, Dr. Guil- lot early started out in quest of independent fortunes and at the early age of thirteen became an employe in a wholesale drug concern in the city of Detroit, with which he remained identified for seven years. He then matriculated in the Detroit College of Medicine, and was gradu- ated from that institution in 1891. He began his practice in the East- ern State Hospital of Pontiac and for over four years was a member of the state medical staff. By no means content with the policy of "letting well enough alone," he resigned from this excellent position and went abroad to continue his studies, attending clinics in London, England and Edinburg, Scotland. He then returned to Pontiac and took up private practice, which he has ever since continued with remarkable success.
On April 19, 1900, Dr. Guillot became a recruit to the ranks of the Benedicts, his chosen lady being Alice Treble, of Windsor, Canada, daughter of William B. and Elizabeth (St. Clair) Treble. They were English people, who had immigrated to Canada, and the father was identified with railroad affairs in the Dominion. The father died in 1887 and the mother is now making her home in Windsor. Mrs. Guil- lot is one of a family of eight children, of whom the following brief data are herewith entered: Frank is a citizen of Buffalo, New York ; Wil- liam is located in London, Canada; Charles resides in Terre Haute, In- diana ; George B. is in Detroit; Mrs. Guillot is the fifth in order of birth ;
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Violet resides in Windsor, Canada, as does also Mable; and Florence is the wife of Dr. George Burke, of Detroit. Dr. and Mrs. Guillot share their cultured and attractive abode with a son and a daughter-James C., born January 15, 1901, and Ellen E., born March 5, 1908.
Dr. Guillot was first elected to the important municipal office in which he was to serve on four later occasions in the year 1901, and so enlightened and public spirited was his administration that he was re- elected in 1902, in 1903, in 1905 and 1906. He is one of the standard- bearers of the Republican party and his word is of weight in party councils. He is a very prominent Mason, belonging to Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M .; to Oakland Chapter, No. 5; to Pontiac Council, R. & S. M., and he wears the white-plumed helmet of the Knight Templar with Pontiac Commandery, No. 2. He is likewise affilated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent & Pro- tective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees, the Mod- ern Woodmen and the Foresters of America. He and his wife are communicants of the Episcopal church.
It was during Dr. Guillot's mayoralty that the question of a new courthouse for Oakland county was agitated. He prepared a resolution to this effect, the same, written upon. a piece of manila paper, being presented to the supervisors, who secured its submission to the people. It was defeated at its first submission, but in the following year was carried under Dr. Guillot's inspiring leadership.
HARRY COLEMAN. It is a well recognized fact that the most power- ful influence in shaping and controlling public life is the press. It reaches a greater number of people than any other agency and thus has always been, and is in the hands of persons competent to direct it, al- ways will be a most important factor in molding public opinion and shaping the destiny of the nation. The gentleman to whom these lines are devoted is prominently connected with the "Fourth Estate" in this section of Michigan and is editor and publisher of the Press Gazette, the only newspaper published at the county seat. The county recognizes Mr. Coleman not only as one of the keenest newspaper men, but also as a representative citizen whose interest in all that affects the general welfare has been of such a character as to win for him a high place in the confidence and esteem of the people.
Mr. Coleman is a native son of the state, his life record having be- gun at Greenbush, Clinton county, Michigan, on August 13, 1872. He is the only son of Charles and Minnie Coleman, the latter a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas King, pioneers of Clinton county. Charles Coleman, a farmer by occupation and a native of Orange county, New York, came to the state during the '50s and with his brothers, who were all farmers, took up land in Livingston county, Michigan, where Charles resided until removing to Clinton county during the year 1860. Following his calling as a tiller of the soil, he gave his attention to the raising of cattle and horses, in which line he was considered remark- ably proficient, the business proving remunerative because of the close attention given it. He afterwards removed to St. Johns, the county seat of Clinton county, where the family resided until the death of Mr. Coleman in the year 1885. His widow survived until June 28, 1911.
Harry Coleman, immediate subject of this review, was educated in the public schools of St. Johns, and before leaving their higher depart-
HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY 645
ment, when about seventeen years of age, took up work with the American Express Company. His position was that of assistant to the agent and, proving faithful and efficient, when eighteen years of age he was intrusted with the position of express messenger, running be- tween Detroit and Grand Rapids for nearly a year. As a youth he had been interested in newspaper work, and had served at different times as school reporter for the village weeklies. This particular avenue of endeavor appealed to him and he resigned his position with the ex- press company and reentered school with a university education in mind. He matriculated in the University of Michigan the next year and applied himself particularly to political economy, English, logic and philosophy, together with all of the courses offered in history by the institution.
While at Ann Arbor Mr. Coleman became a close associate of James A. LeRoy, later secretary to the first Philippine commission, and this acquaintance led to his coming to Pontiac in August, 1895, when he purchased the Pontiac Post from Ferris S. Fitch and took possession of the paper when but twenty-two years of age. Mr. Fitch had been a former superintendent of schools and occupied a prominent position in state politics at that time. Naturally Mr. Coleman assumed more than an ordinary burden in his purchase, the people of the county being used to having their newspaper work done by men of mature minds. But he soon gained an acquaintance, sought wise counsel and within a year the columns of the paper reflected the study that he had given to the leading questions of the day, including county, state and national topics. With the development of rural delivery in the county Mr. Coleman saw an opportunity opened to him and, whereas he had published a Demo- cratic newspaper, he conceived the idea that an independent publication which should be published daily instead of weekly would appeal to farmers in every part of the county. Against the advice of practically all of his friends, he launched into the daily field and staked all his means and much borrowed capital in the enterprise. The paper made slow progress and lost considerable money the first two years. It then became necessary for him to secure a new equipment and this neces- sitated additional capital that was all placed into the business. Finally. after a hard struggle, during which time Mr. Coleman nearly despaired of success, the business was placed on the right side of the ledger. Four years had made the enterprise a substantial factor in a community which had witnessed the demise of three other daily publications and three weeklies. Finally the field narrowed down to the Press. Mr. Coleman's publication, and the Pontiac Gasette, an old established Re- publican organ. The latter property changed hands during 1903 and the new proprietor started a daily publication the year following. It was soon apparent that two daily newspapers so near Detroit could not be made profitable and a consolidation was effected, Mr. Coleman com- ing into control of a property which enjoyed the largest circulation of any paper in the state in a city the size of Pontiac. The publication goes every day into nearly 8,000 homes and in the city of Pontiac. where there are 3.700 homes, the paper is taken and paid for by over 3.600. Throughout the county paid correspondents are maintained and the rural routes are so thoroughly covered by the paper that on many routes the mail carrier does not miss a box in his morning delivery.
Mr. Coleman believes thoroughly in the idea that a newspaper pub-
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lisher should be concerned only in the publication of his paper, that he should hold no public position, nor take active part in business ventures or party politics, except as his views are expressed for better govern- ment, irrespective of parties, and his counsel offered for the safe and conservative upbuilding of the community. His ideal of a newspa- per is one which reflects the public sentiment of the community and publishes the news in an impartial way. Editorially he takes a posi- tion on all questions and toward the end that a better understanding may be reached between the citizens and that all may share each others' views without the creation of factions-which he considers the bane of any growing community. The editorials of the Press Gazette are widely quoted and in the state the newspaper occupies a high standing with the journalistic ranks.
On August 24, 1897, Mr. Coleman was united in marriage with Miss Ann L. Richards, a graduate of the University of Michigan, class of 1895. Mrs. Coleman is the daughter of Rev. J. E. and Hulda (Loomis) Richards, the former deceased and the latter a resident of Pontiac. There were four children in the Richards family. Mrs. Cole- man is a woman of charm and force of character and while in the uni- versity was noted for her scholastic attainments. She has been active at all times in promoting the best interests of Pontiac and among her good deeds was the prominent part she assumed in the founding of the Oakland County Hospital, of which she served as president during 19II. Two interesting daughters share their household, Harriet, aged twelve, and Barbara, aged four. Their home is situated at 136 West Lawrence street, where they have resided ever since their marriage.
Mr. Coleman is a member of the Michigan state park commission. His fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Foresters of America. He and his wife are members of the Pres- byterian church and are everywhere liked and esteemed for many good gifts of mind and heart.
STUART EUGENE GALBRAITH, M. D. The life of the city physician and surgeon in these modern days is one in unceasing activity. Mod- ern methods and the high speed with which civilization pursues its re- lentless way makes demands upon the time and energy of the physician, greater, perhaps than upon men in any other profession. The extent to which specialization is pushed, the deep study required to keep abreast of the discoveries of the age and the everlasting call of the suffering public, all combine to sap the vitality of the most rugged. But as modern days are strenuous, so the modern man has something of power in his makeup which works best under pressure. Dr. Galbraith, the well-known Pontiac physician and surgeon, is a modern instance of a man well equipped to handle the responsibilities of high medical posi- tions.
Dr. Galbraith is a native son of Pontiac, his life record having be- gun in this city on April 30, 1873. He is a son of Franklin B. and Maria S. (Smith) Galbraith. As indicated in the name, the Galbraith family is of Scotch origin and was founded on the American continent by John Galbraith, great-grandfather of the subject, who was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and immigrated from the "land 'o cakes" to Can- ada. It was in that province that Dr. John Galbraith, grandfather of the subject, was born and from thence he came to America, settling in
-
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Sanilac county, Michigan, where he died in 1880. He married Nancy Humphrey, who was born in Canada of Irish parentage, and who pre- ceded him to the Great Beyond a short time, dying in 1878. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Franklin B. Galbraith was one. He was born near Port Huron, Sanilac county, Michigan, De- cember 26, 1840. He received a common school education and as a lad was engaged for a time in mercantile pursuits. However, his in- clinations were for the practice of medicine, and at the age of seven- teen years he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, from which celebrated institution he was graduated at the age of twenty-one. In 1860 he went to New York and attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons, whence he was graduated the following year. He began practice in Lexington, Michi- gan, where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the government in behalf of the preservation of the Union. He was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Tenth Regi- ment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry and in April, 1862, he was sent to Tennessee. One of his brothers, A. G. Galbraith, was captain of the Twenty-second Regular Michigan Volunteer Infantry, was wounded at the battle of Chattanooga and lay for seventeen months in Libby and Andersonville prisons. He was finally sent home on parole, but died soon after as a result of his terrible experiences. Dr. Galbraith remained in the service until on account of failing health he was com- pelled to resign, and he returned to Port Huron, where he took charge of the practice of Dr. C. M. Stockwell, who went into the army. In 1863 he was appointed surgeon of the board of enrollment, with head- quarters at Pontiac, and later was commissioned surgeon of the Thirty- first regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry. This regiment, however, was broken up and its members used to replenish other organizations already in the field. Dr. Galbraith was transferred to the Fourth Regular Michigan Volunteer Cavalry and with that organization went to the front, where he remained almost until the close of the war. After his resignation was accepted he returned to Pontiac, and following his marriage shortly thereafter he went to Port Huron, where he engaged in practice for a few years. He then returned to Pontiac, where he spent the remainder of his life. For over thirty years he was a promi- nent citizen of this place, of which he was thrice chosen mayor. In 1889 he was elected from the Fourteenth Senatorial District on the Re- publican ticket, by a large majority. In private life he was a studious, courteous gentleman and kept pace in his professional work with the advancement which was continually being made in medical science. He was a member of the Oakland County Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He belonged to the military order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and to Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, A. F. & A. M. He died February 21, 1903. Shortly after the close of the war he was united in marriage to Maria S. Smith, who was born in New York state, but was reared in Oakland county, her father, John Smith, having migrated from New York to Michigan in the early days. Her death occurred May 7, 1912, when sixty-nine years of age, leaving children : Grace G., now Mrs. James H. Harris, of Dubuque, Iowa; and Dr. Stuart E., subject of this review.
Stuart E. Galbraith attended the public schools of Pontiac and then entered the Michigan Military Academy, at Orchard Lake, whence he
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was graduated in the class of 1891. He subsequently entered the Uni- versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, first taking a literary course, in which he attained the degree of bachelor of science. In the meantime a long gathering desire to become a physician had reached the point of crystallization and he entered upon his preparation, graduating from the medical department in 1899, and, thoroughly reinforced in a theoreti- cal way, he displayed his professional shingle in Pontiac. He has been successful from the first. He engages in the general practice of medi- cine and surgery and the constant demands made upon his time in the performance of his professional duties bear witness to the popularity and success to which he has attained.
Dr. Galbraith became a recruit to the ranks of the Benedicts on June 19, 1907, the young woman to become his wife being Mary Wis- ner, a native of Detroit, where her family resided until the death of her father, after which her mother removed to Pontiac. Two children have been born to their union: Stuart Eugene, born February 12, 1909; and Wisner Avery, born July 3, 1910. Dr. Galbraith is a Republican in politics and is in sympathy with the teachings of the Episcopal church. Fraternally he is a Mason, and is also, by inheritance, a member of the Loyal Legion. In addition to other fields of usefulness is is a member of the board of trustees of the Pontiac State Hospital.
DANIEL A. McGAFFEY. In the daily laborious struggle for an hon- orable competence and a solid career on the part of a business or pro- fessional man, there is little to attract the casual reader in search of. a sensational chapter ; but to the mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who without other means than a clear head. strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgment, conquers adversity and, toiling on, finally wins not only pecuniary independence but what is far greater and higher, the deserved respect and confidence of those with whom his active years have brought him in contact. Such an one is found in the person of Daniel A. McGaffey, deputy register of deeds of Oak- land county, Michigan.
Mr. McGaffey is a native son of the state, his eyes having first opened to the light of day on January 23, 1875, at Hartford, Michigan. He is the son of Andy and Effie (Campbell) McGaffey, the father a native of Ireland and the mother of the neighboring isle of Scotland. They came to America in quest of its much vaunted opportunity in young manhood and womanhood and located near Quebec, Ontario, where the father, who was engaged in railroad construction, continued in his occupation. He followed this the greater part of his life and died in 1908. The mother survives and makes her home in Oakland county. An enumeration of their sons and daughters is as follows : John E .. of Pontiac; Richard and Donald, deceased; Andrew. a resi- dent of Toledo, Ohio; a daughter who died in infancy; Joseph E., of Pontiac : Daniel A., of this review: and Margaret, who is living in Holly, this county.
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