USA > Michigan > St Clair County > St. Clair County, Michigan, its history and its people; a narrative account of its historical progress and its principal interests, Vol. II > Part 18
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Mr. Siegel is recognized everywhere in Capac as a thoroughily up- to-date business man. His operations have done much to make his Vol. II-9
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adopted city a center of commercial and industrial activity, and the fact that he has been the architect of his own fortunes to such an extent and with such great success causes him to hold the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens in an eminent degree.
JOHN S. WITTLIFF. In the life of John S. Wittliff, the well-known proprietor of a flourishing insurance business at suite 6 and 8 White land; something to be found in it of a nature encouraging to the young aspirant who, without friends or fortune, is struggling to overcome obstacles in his efforts to acquire a comfortable competence, if not abso- lute wealth. John S. Wittliff was born at Fair Haven, then known as Swan Creek, St. Clair county, Michigan, December 20, 1870, and is a son of Joseph and Theresa (Lindeman) Wittliff. In 1877 the family moved to Marysville, Missouri, where the father worked at his trade of tailor for six years, but in 1883 returned to Michigan and settled in Port Huron, and shortly thereafter young Wittliff became engaged in business for himself.
While standing on the docks one day he saw a man cast aside a Port Huron paper which he had finished reading, and the youth promptly secured it, smoothed it out and sold it to another man, and when he, in turn, had thrown it away, the operation was repeated. This satisfied young Wittliff that there was money to be had in the paper business, and he thereupon invested his slender capital and became a full-fledged newsdealer. During the years 1884 and 1885 he sold the Detroit Free Press, and during the latter year was given the sole agency for Port Huron and vicinity. He continued in the employ of that sheet for up- wards of twenty years, during which time the business of the news- paper more than trebled. While acting as agent he qualified also as correspondent for this and other papers, and he was eventually assigned on staff work and special articles, giving the greatest satisfaction. In 1905 Mr. Wittliff decided to enter the insurance field and subsequently opened offices in Port Huron, where he later took over the business of the agencies of Harvey Bush, Palmer I. Carson, Wilson & Company and block, Port Huron, there is presented a lesson for the youth of any others. Mr. Wittliff has that natural, inherent ability that is absolutely necessary in selling insurance, and, like every insurance man who has gained any success to speak of, has become a specialist and authority on insurance matters. He has numerous friends in Port Huron and the surrounding country, many of whom he made while engaged in news- paper work. In all his business obligations he is prompt and reliable and his innate courtesy and obliging disposition have brought him hosts of clients. He has been a liberal contributor to all bonuses raised to bring factories and business industries to Port Huron and is a large stockholder in the Port Huron Creamery Company.
In politics Mr. Wittliff is a consistent Democrat, and active in fur- thering the party which happens to be in the minority in Michigan. He is staunch in the belief that the best government can be obtained if both leading parties be of nearly equal strength.
Reared in the Catholic faith, he is a conscientious adherent thereof. He is a member of St. Joseph's church of Port Huron, and has been a liberal supporter thereof. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Columbus and the B. P. O. E., and is also a charter member
Hugh Heffart.
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and first president of the local lodge of (. M. B. A., and a member of the grand council and the committee on laws. Ile is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and also belongs to the German Aid Society and the Loyal Guards.
On May 1, 1894, Mr. Wittliff was united in marriage with Miss Cath- erine Schwickert, a native of Port Huron, and daughter of John and Minnie (Marx) Schwickert, and five children have been born to this union, namely : Frank J., Genevieve, Edmund, Ruth and John S.
HUGH II. IIART. It is only necessary to trace two generations back to reach the pioneers of Michigan and an interesting, yes, an enthralling story may be truthfully told of their hardships, their deprivations, their facing of cold, hunger, savage men and animals and the intense loneli- ness of the wilderness, and of the almost incredible courage and sublime faith in themselves. The HIart family was a very carly one to settle in China township, St. Clair county, Michigan, the grandfather of Hugh II. Hart, of St. Clair and Port Huron, moving from Tompkins county, New York, with his family and establishing himself in the depths of the for- est here in 1836. Very few other settlers had been attracted to this region prior to this, but shortly afterward other log cabins beside the llarts were built along Pine river, which at that time was crossed by a floating bridge that had been built by H. James. Those early settlers had much to contend with and wolves were so numerous that the county paid four dollars a head for wolf scalps. Of the four sons and one daughter born into the Hart family, John M., the father of Hugh H. Hart, was probably the eldest.
John M. Hart was born in Tompkins county, New York, July 22, 1835, and was one year old when his parents settled in China township, St. Clair county, Michigan, where his long, useful and honorable life was passed. He was reared on the pioneer farm and obtained his educa- tion in the district schools, often attending during winters of great se- verity. He became a farmer and continued agricultural pursuits until 1888, when he retired from the farm and moved to St. Clair, where he embarked in the hardware business and enjoyed a large trade for many years. He was a man of sterling character, a Republican in his political convictions, and by that party was frequently called to the chairs of public office. He served as a member of the board of aldermen after com- ing to St. Clair, filled also the office of supervisor and in 1876 was elected sheriff of St. Clair county, continuing in office until 1883. His brothers, Judge IIenry, True and Oscar, like himself, all became men of conse- quence in St. Clair county. John M. Hart died Angust 20, 1901, and his burial was at St. Clair. At the time of death he was the oldest member of the Palmer Lodge, Knights of Pythias. He was universally respected and his memory is honored by his family and his fellow citizens. On November 5, 1863, he married Clara E. Carleton, who was born May 14, 1843. She survives and is a well known resident of St. Clair, where she has many friends of years of close and pleasant association. Two sons were born to the above marriage:4 Edward S., who is engaged in the hardware business at St. Clair: and Hugh II .. who is a prominent at- torney of St. Clair county, maintaining his home in St. Clair and a law office there and also in the First National Bank Building at Port Huron.
Hugh II. Hart was born in China township, St. Clair county, Michi-
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gan, March 28, 1876, and was educated in the common and high schools of St. Clair and at the University of Michigan, where he completed a course in law. He entered into practice at St. Clair in 1898 and con- tinued uninterruptedly until 1900, when he was appointed probate reg- istrar, and on January 1, 1901, assumed the duties of this office at Port Huron and continued until 1908, when he resigned. Mr. Hart then en- tered into partnership with Samuel D. Pepper, at Port Huron, where he may be found daily with the exception of Tuesdays and Saturdays, when he attends to his practice at St. Clair, where he has a beautiful residence and a happy home circle.
On March 29, 1904, Mr. Hart was married to Miss Blanche B. Brown See, who was born in St. Clair county and is a daughter of Captain Wesley and Louisa (Scott)y See, the former of whom is commander of a river vessel and a resident of St. Clair. Mr. and Mrs. Hart have one child, Hugh H., Jr., who was born at St. Clair, January 9, 1905, and is a school boy in his native city. Mr. Hart and wife are active and in- terested members of the St. Clair Congregational church, in which he is a trustee. Politically he is a Republican and is more or less a prominent figure in county politics, being chairman of the St. Clair County Re- publican Committee, an important position at the present time of writ- ing, when the public mind is unusually concerned with political questions in every section of the country. Mr. Hart is known as a broad-minded, well informed man, active in all movements for the betterment and ad- vancement of his section, generous in his donations to charity and ever ready to cooperate in worthy enterprises of a public spirited nature. He is identified fraternally with the Masons, Knights of Pythias and the Elks.
EUGENE A. BARTLETT. Among the distinguished citizens of Mem- phis and among the men who have made her good name known through- ont this section of the state is Eugene A. Bartlett, prominent as a pro- gressive and enterprising business man, an honorable and faithful holder of public office and a popular and altogether fine private citizen. He was born in Oakland county, Michigan, on the 17th of December, 1857, the son of Harold J. and Rose (Keys) Bartlett, both natives of New York state. The father in early life was a harnessmaker, having come to Clarkston as a young man and there learned the trade. At the breaking out of the Civil war he at once responded to President Lin- coln's call and enlisted in Battery D, Fourth Michigan Artillery, and served four years and two months as a saddler. He was mustered out of the army at Washington, D. C., at the end of the struggle, and went from the capital to Pontiac, Michigan. There he engaged in the har- ness-making business, remaining for two years prior to coming to Mem- phis, Macomb county, to engage in the same business. He passed away at Memphis in 1884 and was followed by his wife five years later. Mr. Bartlett was the eldest of four children. His brother John is deceased. His brother George makes his home in Memphis and has a prosperous hardware business. Grant Bartlett also resides in Memphis, and is engaged with the Streator & Company general store.
Eugene A. Bartlett spent his early life in Memphis and there ob- tained his education in the high school. On the 21st of February, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Julia Bywater, who was born in Memphis on the 11th of September, 1859. She is the daughter of John
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and Caroline (Tiller) Bywater, both of whom were born and raised in England. From the mother country they both came to the United States and settled at an early date in the state of Michigan. Mr. By- water and his father first settled near the city of Detroit, later remov- ing to Macomb county and locating not far from Memphis. Both of Mrs. Bartlett's parents have since passed to their eternal rest. After his marriage Mr. Bartlett continued in the harness-making trade, which he had learned under the able instruction of his father at the age of fifteen and which since the age of twenty-two, at which time his father died and left him the business, he had managed by himself. His good business management, his absolute honesty and his skilled workmanship all made for his success in the business, and he continued in it until his election in 1901 to the office of county clerk. In this capacity he gave eminent satisfaction to the people who had entrusted him with the honor, and he subsequently served two years as deputy before return- ing to Memphis. Politically he is a stalwart in the Republican party, and besides his four years' service as county clerk, he has served nine years as township clerk, as director of the public school board for a period of ten years, and has for many years lent his excellent judgment and faithful service to the office of justice of the peace.
Upon Mr. Bartlett's return to Memphis he accepted a position as cashier of the State Bank of Memphis, which he still continues to hold. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett have been born five children. Miss Caroline Bartlett, born on the 15th of December, 1885, now acts as assistant cashier to her father in the State Bank of Memphis. Her sister, Hilda R., born on the 26th of September, 1887, is now a student at the Michigan Normal College at Ypsilanti. Unabelle, born on De- cember 15, 1889, is teaching in the district schools of the county. Zelma J., born October 4, 1891, and Harold John, born October 4, 1893, are both members of the parental household.
Fraternally Mr. Bartlett is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Masonic order.
HON. FRANKLIN MOORE, JR. One of the most popular and efficient mayors who have ever presided over the municipal council of the city of St. Clair is Franklin Moore, Jr., encumbent of the official chair dur- ing 1911, whose enlightened and progressive ideas have already exerted an influence in civic affairs. He is a young man and a native son of this locality, his eyes having first opened to the light of day in St. Clair township, the date of his nativity being September 6, 1877. His par- ents are Franklin and Emily (Parmalee) Moore.
Franklin, Jr., received his early schooling in St. Clair, and when a student in the tenth grade left his desk in the school room to enter upon the more serious work of making a livelihood. He became an employe in the salt works and for five years remained in the manufacturing de- partment. His serious, alert ways and prompt efficiency resulted in his advancement, and faithful in little things, he was given more and more to do, until he became shipping clerk and finally general traffic man- ager, which office he now holds. He is an exceptionally talented busi- ness man and very valuable to the great corporation with which he is connected.
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On June 27, 1905, Mr. Moore laid the foundations of a happy house- hold and congenial life companionship by his marriage to Miss Jennie Harkness, of St. Clair. Her birthplace was St. Clair and she is the daughter of Samuel and Samantha (Quackenbush) Harkness, the for- mer having been for a number of years collector of customs at St. Clair port.
Mr. Moore entered upon his career in public affairs in 1902, being elected to the office of alderman from his ward to fill a vacancy. In the spring of 1904, recommended by his previous services, he was nomi- nated and elected, but at the election of 1906 he was defeated. How- ever, he became a candidate again in 1908 and was elected. In 1910 Mr. Moore's friends and admirers saw in him the proper material for mayor and made him candidate for that office, but although running eighty votes ahead of his ticket, he was even then defeated by forty votes. In 1911 he was again nominated for mayor and was elected. He is independent in local political matters and is thoroughly public- spirited, enthusiastically endorsing and assisting any measure which he believes will prove for the ultimate good of the community, which is dearest to him and in which his interests are centered.
Mr. and Mrs. Moore share their attractive home with two children: Margaret, born April 22, 1906, and Franklin Harkness, born September 1, 1907. The subject is an enthusiastic lodge man. He is a Mason and at the present time is master of the lodge, and he is affiliated also with the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Moore is a member of the Eastern Star, and both are members of the Congregational church.
If Mr. Moore has any particular hobby it is his fondness for motor boating and in the summer he spends all the time he can spare upon the river, finding this the most wholesome and satisfactory of recrea- tions.
THOMAS H. MOLLOY. The business interests of Port Huron, Michi- gan, are heavy and varied, offering opportunities for development and advancement, as the city is the natural center of a rich farming com- munity and fruit-growing section that looks to this point as a source of supplies as well as a market for its products. It is, therefore, perfectly logical that those engaged in business here have succeeded, and one of the sound, practical men of this city is Thomas H. Molloy, wholesale dealer in flour, feed, grain, coal and wood, at No. 318 Court street. Mr. Molloy was born in the township of Peel, Wellington county, On- tario, Canada, September 5, 1860, and is a son of William and Bridget (Tracey ) Molloy.
Thomas H. Molloy received a country school education in Canada, and accompanied his parents to Port Huron when he was sixteen years of age. After taking a course in the business college here he was for , seventeen years employed by the MeMorra Milling Company, being first engaged as weighmaster at $1.50 per day, and later promoted to the position of bookkeeper and eventually to that of assistant superintend- ent. In 1898 he embarked in the flour, feed and grain business on Water street, later moving to Third street, and finally entering business at his present location, at which time he added the handling of coal and wood to his business activities. By his careful attention to and thor- ough knowledge of the business, and his comprehension of the needs
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of his patrons, he has built up a splendid trade, and is now considered one of the most reliable men in his line in this part of the county. In addition to owning his place of business he has a residence property at No. 618 Court street. He has always been ready to do his full part in the upbuilding of the community, and wins many friends, whom he has no difficulty in keeping. Mr. Molloy's political sympathies are with the Democratic party, although he is liable to vote for the man whom he deems best fitted for the office in question. He has been a delegate to various conventions, although not an office seeker, and was the Demo- eratie candidate for the office of alderman on one occasion, but was de- feated on account of political conditions at that time, although he ran far ahead of his ticket. Fraternally he is connected with the C. O. F. and the B. P. O. E. He is interested in a number of large business in- terests and holds valuable stock in the Michigan Cereal Company and the Cass Motor Company.
On June 13, 1883, Mr. Molloy was married to Miss Mary Thomas, of Port Huron, who was also a Canadian by birth and came to the United States with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Molloy have six chil- dren, namely : Albert, who is a graduate of the Second Ward school and the business college, and now has an interest in his father's busi- ness: Edith, a graduate of the same institution, who is serving in the capacity of bookkeeper for her father; Blanche, a high school graduate, who is now engaged in teaching public school in Port Huron : Beatrice, also high school graduate, residing at home; Marion, who is now attend- ing the high school, and Geneva, at home.
EDWARD PHILLIPS. Among those thriving industries which con- tribute in definite manner to the prosperity and commercial prestige of St. Clair county is that of Belknap & Phillips, briek manufacturers, Mr. Edward Phillips, whose name inaugurates this review, being a mem- ber of the firm. It is operated upon extensive lines, the annual output being in the neighborhood of 3,000,000 brieks and upwards of thirty men being employed. Viewed merely as a means of livelihood for a large number of people it is thus of importance in the community, and the excellence of its product has recommended it far and wide. No small part of the prosperity which it enjoys is due to the fine executive capacity of Edward Phillips. The firm was originally Belknap & Com- pany, and was organized forty years ago, or in 1872, by Messrs. Belknap, Phillips & Scott. Later Messrs. Belknap & Phillips purchased the in- terest of the other members of the firm and the business is now carried on under their name. Mr. Belknap died several years ago, but his heirs still retain their interest.
Mr. Phillips was born in St. Clair, in 1848. His parents were Charles and Elizabeth (Hextell) Phillips. They were both New York- ers, but came from that state to Michigan at an early day. The sub- jeet's grandfather and great grandfather both followed the trade of blacksmith. The father was a machinist and shortly after coming to this section secured work in Kittens' foundry at St. Clair, this being well remembered by the older generation. However, the agricultural advantages of this part of the country appealed to him and he pur- chased a farm and engaged in the cultivation of the soil for the remain-
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der of his days. He was a good citizen and his influence will not soon be lost in the neighborhood in which he so long resided.
Edward Phillips passed his boyhood days upon his father's farm, receiving his education behind a desk in the district school room, with ever a sense, like the rest of his kind, of the hickory switch behind the schoolmaster's desk. When fifteen years of age he entered upon his career as a wage earner, and went rafting upon the Pine. Black and Belle rivers. He followed this occupation for a number of years and gained that self-reliance and knowledge of the world which have since stood him in such good stead. Following his rafting experiences he engaged for a time in brickmaking and then became a member of the firm with which he is now identified. As mentioned previously, the output of the firm is three million bricks a year, and its business is constantly grow- ing. In transporting the product the company makes use of a steam barge, which carried salt and coal from Toledo, Ohio, and brick to De- troit and Port Huron, which makes them independent to a certain ex- tent of other transportation companies.
In 1878 Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Edna M. Scott, of St. Clair, Michigan. She is a native daughter of St. Clair and very loyal to its institutions. Her father, Robert Scott, was a mill machinist and was a widely known citizen. The Phillips home is one of the most popular in St. Clair and this is in great part due to the geniality of the lady who presides over it.
Mr. Phillips finds no small amount of pleasure and profit in his rela- tions with the Masonic order, his connection with the time-honored brotherhood being of long standing. He belongs to the Blue Lodge, the Chapter and the Court and he has traveled east (as the parlance goes). with the Shriners. He is an enthusiastic advocate of Republican pol- icies and principles and attends the Congregational church. He has great sympathy for his less fortunate brother and all causes for the up lifting of humanity find in him a supporter.
HENRY T. SMITH. Among those citizens of Port Huron who by their conduct of some modern and well-directed commercial or industrial en- terprise necessary to the many-sided life of the community have con- tributed in material fashion to its prosperity and prestige is Henry T. Smith, proprietor of the Troy Steam Laundry. He is the son of Judge G. L. Smith, Elmira, New York, renowned in his day as a lawyer and jurist and at one time the partner of David B. Hill. Although the sub- ject's life opened under most auspicious circumstances, he is, nevertheless, a self-made man, the fortunes of the family suffering collapse in his. youth. He stands today one of Port Huron's successful business men and one of the most public spirited champions of all measures leading to its welfae.
Henry T. Smith was born in Elmira, New York, September 26, 1858, the son of Judge Smith, before mentioned, and of his wife, Frances A. (Bentley) Smith. The father was born on a farm near Goshen, Orange county, New York; received his professional training under the direction of Judge North of Elmira, and practiced law for forty-five years in Elmira. He held various public offices with credit and was appointed by Governor Hill to assist in collating the laws of the state. He was a
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staunch Republican, giving effective service to the "Grand Old Party" throughout his long and useful career. He accumulated a large fortune and put the greater part of it-$100,000-into the steel business, but the panic of 1873 sent steel from forty-eight dollars a ton to twelve dol- lars, and in less than six months the fortune had been wiped out. These reverses were borne by Judge Smith with characteristic fortitude. Ilis demise occurred in December, 1907, and that of his admirable wife in December, 1909.
The early education of Henry T. Smith was obtained in the public schools and he had finished the academy course preparatory to entering Cornell University when his father's financial reverses ended his chances of securing a college education. Facing the new conditions with fine philosophy, the young fellow set forth to New York to seek his fortunes, like the proverbial hero of romance. There he became an employe of the Chase National Bank and for five years had charge of the mail depart- ment. He subsequently became manager of the Evening News Company, a branch of the American News Company. While with the Evening News he became interested in the laundry business and its financial pos- sibilities and he determined to start a business of his own, the aspects of a position promising independence appealing to him. A relative in Port Huron, knowing of his idea, sent him word of the death of the owner of the Troy Laundry at this place (in 1897), with the result that he became proprietor of the plant. Ile has shown splendid exeentive capacity and in his more than a decade here has increased the business from $10,000 to $40,000 annually.
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