The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. III, Part 31

Author: Burton, Clarence Monroe, 1853-1932, ed; Stocking, William, 1840- joint ed; Miller, Gordon K., joint ed
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Detroit-Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1022

USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. III > Part 31

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Their son, William A. Moore, was a lad of eight years when the family came to this state. When twenty years of age he began preparation for the bar, studying at Ypsilanti for two years and then taking up a literary course in the University of Mich- igan, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1850. He then went to Salem, Mississippi, where for eighteen months he engaged in teaching school, and in April, 1852, he became a law student with the firm of David- son & Holbrook of Detroit, being admitted to practice at the bar of the state in the following January. As the years passed he built up an extensive practice of an important character in Detroit, specializing in admiralty law, then an important branch of practice in this city. He was retained in connection with most of the important cases of this character not only in Michigan but also was frequently called to Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago and Milwaukee in a professional capacity. While recognized as an able trial lawyer, he preferred to act as counselor rather than advocate and won equal prominence in that field of professional service. Of him it was said: "He united a judicial and independent character of mind, long familiarity with the principles of law, excellent foresight, sound . judgment and, above all, unquestioned integrity- qualities which admirably fitted him to act the part of conciliator and harmonizer of conflicting interests. His convictions were not reached without careful investigation and consideration, but a stand onee taken was not abandoned for any mere question of policy or expediency. All his influence was cast on the side of morality, good government, obedience to law, and the elevation of his fellows. No responsi- bility laid upon him was ever neglected or betrayed. Many persons of far less worth have attracted a larger share of public attention, but few have done more to conserve, in various ways, the best interests of the city." William A. Moore was a prominent democrat who from 1864 until 1868 was chairman of the democratic state central committee and for eight years thereafter represented Michigan as a member of the democratic national executive committee. He served on the Detroit board of education from 1859 until 1865 and was its president for three and one- half years of that time. He long served as attorney for the board of police commissioners and in 1881 was

made a member of the board of park commissioners, to which position he was reappointed in 1884. Twice he was chosen president of that board but resigned the position before the expiration of his second term. He likewise became one of the organizers of the Wayne County Savings Bank and of the Detroit Fire & Marine Insurance Company and was a director and attorney for both for many years. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Baptist church. On the 5th of December, 1854, he married Laura J. Van Husan, who was born at Saline, Washtenaw county, Mich- igan, March 12, 1837, a daughter of Caleb Van Husan, a leading Detroit citizen. Michigan lost one of her prominent representatives when William A. Moore passed away September 25, 1906. His wife survived until July 30, 1911, when she was called to her final rest.

Their only child, William V. Moore, is a native son of Detroit, born on the old family homestead on Congress street, December 3, 1856. He supple- mented his early educational opportunities by a course in the University of Michigan and won his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1878. He took up the study of law under the direction of his father and afterward became a law student in the Boston University, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Laws degree in 1880. Following his return to Detroit he was ad- mitted to the bar and entered at once upon active practice in connection with his father, their profes- sional relations being maintained until the latter's death. He was thus identified with the law firm of Moore & Canfield and of W. A. & W. V. Moore, while subsequently he was a partner in the firm of Moore & Goff until 1905 and then became senior partner of the firm of Moore, Standart & Drake, thus continuing until 1909. He has since practiced alone, maintaining ever a foremost position at the Detroit bar, recognized as one of the most prominent corporation lawyers of the state. He has long been general counsel for the Wayne County and Home Savings Bank, of which he is a vice president and he is a director of the Detroit Fire & Marine Insurance Company. He has become vice president of the Northern Engineering Works and has other invested business interests which make liberal contribution to his annual income.

Mr. Moore was married on the 28th of June, 1883, to Miss Jennie C. Andrews, a native of Michigan and a daughter of Harry S. Andrews, now deceased, who was a resident of Fenton, Genesee county. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have a son and a daughter, William Van Husan and Mary. William Van Husan, active in the business circles of Detroit, married Stephanie Moran, April 11, 1912. The daughter, Mary, became the wife of Richard P. Joy in 1908.

Mr. and Mrs. Moore attend the Woodward Avenue Baptist church and contribute generously to its sup- port, Mr. Moore serving as one of the trustees, an office formerly filled by his father. Since age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise he has been

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a stalwart advocate of democratic principles but never ambitious for office. In 1896 Mr. Moore was a delegate to the Democratic National convention, but was op- posed to the free silver plank endorsed by the party. He supported the republican ticket that year, being known as a gold democrat. From 1885 until 1889 he was a member of the Detroit board of education and for two years was its president, thus rendering valuable service to the city schools. He was a mem- ber of the board of fire commissioners of Detroit from April 1, 1905, until April 1, 1913, and there is no project formed for the benefit of his native city and the promotion of its highest and best interests with which he is not identified as a supporter or endorser. His opinions carry unusual weight in those councils where matters of vital public concern are considered and are always most sound, being based upon a discriminating judgment and keen analysis of the situation.

JOHN HERBERT AVERY is now living practically retired in Detroit, although at various periods he has been identified with many important business interests. The name of Avery, which belongs to one of the old and leading families in New England history, has long been prominently associated with commercial develop- ment and the substantial upbuilding of Detroit and Michigan. John Herbert Avery was born in this state July 29, 1855, his parents being Newell and Nancy Clapp (Eddy) Avery. The father was truly a self-made man and one who deserved great credit for what he accomplished. He was born in Jefferson, Maine, October 12, 1817, and was a youth of but fourteen years when his father died and he started out to earn a living for his mother and for his brothers and sisters. When twenty-six years of age he married Nancy Clapp Eddy, the wedding being celebrated January 3, 1843, in Eddy, a town named in honor of her great-grandfather. There Mrs. Avery was born December 22, 1824, and after their mar- riage Mr. and Mrs. Avery lived for a time at Bradley, Maine. Working diligently and perisistently as the years passed, Newell Avery steadily advanced toward the goal of success. He became the owner of pine lands and sawmills in Maine and for some time was associated with the firm of Eddy & Murphy, which operated at Bay City, Michigan, under the firm style of Eddy, Avery & Eddy. For an extended period he was connected in business with Simon A. Murphy, who was the builder of the Penobscot building in Detroit. Newell Avery came to Michigan in 1849 and through the extensive operations of the firm with which he was connected he became one of the fore- most lumbermen of the United States. He was a splendid executive, having a marvelous faculty for handling men. He seemed to realize fully the ad- vantage and opportunity of every business situation and accomplished at every point in his career the pos- sibility for successful accomplishment at that point. He made a most thorough and comprehensive study

of the timber lands of Michigan and conducted an immense lumber business, making the name of Avery a potent force in this connection in the state. More- over, his activities were of a character that contrib- uted in large measure to the upbuilding and progress of Michigan, not only through the conduct of his private business affairs but through his cooperation in many plans and projects for the general good. He was one of the founders of the republican party which was formed under the oaks at Jackson, Michi- gan, in 1854, and he was long recognized as a di- rector of public thought and opinion in this state. One of the most commendable traits of his character was manifested in his attitude toward those in his employ, for he was continually helping his men to help themselves by giving them a share of the profits, by assisting them to establish business and encourag- ing them in every way to make the best use of their time, talents and opportunities. Mr. Avery was a man of unusual physical and mental vigor. He stood six feet in height, had light hair and keen blue eyes that seemed to see readily through every individual and every situation. He was, moreover, a most modest man, honest in his dealings, holding at all times to the highest standards of conduct and making the world richer and better because he lived. The name of Newell Avery was long a synonym for integrity and progressiveness in this state.

John Herbert Avery obtained his early education in the public schools, while subsequently he attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor for two years and then spent a year as a student in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. When his textbooks were put aside he joined his father in the lumber business and was so connected for many years, becoming thoroughly familiar with every phase and detail of the trade. Following his father's demise he was trustee of the estate, which he settled up. He assisted in establishing the Detroit Steel Products Company, was connected with the Great Lakes Ship- building Company, was treasurer of the Belle Isle & Windsor Ferry Company and was one of the organiz- ers of the Dominion Sugar Company of Canada. He likewise became interested in the Kermath Manufac- turing Company and is still a director of the Detroit Trust Company and president of the Forest Lawn cemetery. While he has many dividend bearing in- vestments, he is now practically living retired. He owns a fine farm of eight hundred acres, called Long Meadow Farm, which is situated a mile and a quarter south of Oxford, and he takes great delight in di- recting its further development and improvement.

Mr. Avery was married in Detroit, Michigan, Jan- uary 8, 1880, to Miss Ella Smith, a daughter of William L. and Ann (Olcott) Smith of Flint, Michigan, and a graduate of Wellesley College. Their children are: Florence Olcott; Kenneth Newell, of Pasadena, Cali- fornia, a well known artist, who married Nancy Gil- chrest of Pasadena, California, and they have one son,

NEWELL AVERY

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Kenneth Newell Avery, Jr .; and Clara Elizabeth, now the wife of Wilson W. Mills, an attorney of Detroit. They have three children, William, David and Ann Olcott Mills.

In his poltical views Mr. Avery is a republican, having stanchly supported the party since attaining his majority. He belongs to the Delta Kappa Epsilon, a university fraternity of Ann Arbor, and he also has membership in the Detroit, Country, Bloomfield Hills Golf and Harmonie Clubs and the Old Club at the Flats. Honored and respected by all, Mr. Avery has long occupied an enviable position in business and financial circles, not alone by reason of the success he has achieved but also owning to the straightfor- ward business policy which he has ever followed. For a considerable period he carried on the work begun by his father and he has ever sustained the honor of the name.

JOSEPH J. KENNEDY, attorney at law, was born in Cambridge, Ohio, June 26, 1881, and is a son of Joseph R. Kennedy. The father and mother were natives of Guernsey county, Ohio, where they were reared, educated and married, continuing their resi- dence in Ohio throughout their lives. At the time of the Civil war, the father joined the First Ohio Cavalry, with which he served from August, 1861, until October, 1864, participating in many of the stirring and hotly contested engagements of that conflict, including among others, the battle of Chickamauga, where he was severely wounded by being shot through the right shoulder and breast. After the battle of Chickamauga he was furloughed home for two months, at the expiration of which time he returned to his regiment and continued in the service until October, 1864, when he was honorably discharged. In their family were two children: William L. and Joseph J., both of Detroit.

Joseph J. Kennedy devoted his youth largely to the acquirement of a public and high school educa- tion and to study at Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in the class of 1901. He then took up educational work in the Knoxville high school, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and devoted seven years to teaching, most of that time being connected with the science department of which he was principal at the time he discontinued teaching. During his sum- mer vacations while engaged in educational work he pursued postgraduate work at Cornell University and in the year 1910 entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Mr. Ken- nedy completed his law course there in 1913, winning the degree of Juris Doctor and in July following his graduation he came to Detroit and entered the employ of the law firm of Chamberlain, May, Denby & Webster, prominent attorneys to whom his exper- ience was most valuable. January 1st, 1915, Mr. May discontinued the practice of law and Mr. Kennedy

succeeded Mr. May as a member of the firm, which continued until the death of Mr. Chamberlain, in the year 1917. Following Mr. Chamberlain's death the work of the firm was carried on under the same name by the survivors until January 1, 1919, when Mr. Webster took his place on the circuit bench for Wayne county and the law firm was dissolved. During the year 1919 Mr. Kennedy was engaged in the independ- ent practice of law; and on January 1, 1920, he became a member of the law firm of Denby, Kennedy & O'Brien, his associates being Major Edwin Denby and M. Hubert O'Brien. He is a member of the Detroit Bar Association and the Lawyers Club.

Mr. Kennedy was married to Miss Bessie T. Bond, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bond of George- town, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are members of the Presbyterian church and in politics Mr. Ken- nedy is a republican; but he has never been an office seeker, having concentrated his entire time upon his profession, in which he has made rapid advancement, winning an enviable place at the Detroit bar.

HARRY CONANT BULKLEY, member of the law firm of Campbell, Bulkley & Ledyard and a practitioner at the Detroit bar since 1895, was born at Monroe, Michigan, March 7, 1870, his parents being John McClelland and Mary Disbrow (Cole) Bulkley. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at the Uni- versity of Michigan in 1892. He then matriculated in the law department at Ann Arbor and gained his LL. B. degree upon graduation with the class of 1895. In the same year he located for practice in Detroit as offering the best field for professional labor in his state, becoming a member of the firm of Russel & Campbell, now succeeded by Campbell, Bulkley & Ledyard. He has retained this connection and with his colleagues enjoys an extensive practice of an important character.

On the 13th of August, 1898, in Monroe, Michigan, Mr. Bulkley was united in marriage to Cora Buhl Strong, daughter of Hon. John Strong of Monroe county, and they have four children: Leavitt James, John McClelland, Mary Disbrow and Helen Chauncey. The religious faith of the family is that of the Presby- terian church and in polities Mr. Bulkley gives his support to the republican party. He is a member of the Yondotega, Detroit, Country, University, Prismatic, Malden Marsh Shooting, Meadowbrook Country, De- troit Athletic and Grosse Pointe Riding and Hunt Clubs. He is also a member of the Delta Kappa Ep- silon Club of New York and he served on the board of regents of the University of Michigan from 1911 until 1917. He belongs to the Detroit Bar Associa- tion, to the Michigan Bar Association and the Ameri- can Bar Association.

GEORGE B. McGILL, for years identified with various branches of life insurance and at present occupying the position of superintendent of agencies iu Detroit, is a Canadian by birth, born in Elgin

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county, Ontario, Canada, January 18, 1864, a son of David and Katherine McGill, also natives of Canada.

Mr. McGill was educated in the public schools of his native county across the border; at an early age he began working for himself, his initial effort being in the mercantile business. After spending some time in this line, he took up insurance when he was twenty- one years old, and has been connected with some branch of the insurance business ever since. He first started with the Provident Savings Life Insurance Company in Detroit; after a short period with that company he left to join the Sun Life Company, with whom he remained for some time. His next step was to secure appointment as state agent in Michigan for the Life Insurance Clearing Company. Later Mr. McGill went to Chicago, where he spent one year.

In 1899 Mr. McGill formed a connection with the Michigan Mutual Life Company, representing them as special agent. In 1914 he began doing special work for the superintendent of agents in Detroit, and in 1920 he was made superintendent of agencies, bring- ing to the exacting duties of that position a ripe ex- perience, a tactful manner of handling the complexi- ties of his work, and energy and ability which produce results. The company with which Mr. McGill is con- nected is showing a steady growth year by year and they did a hugh volume of insurance business in 1920.

Mr. McGill has been twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Humpadge, who died in 1916, leaving one daughter, Dorothy Elizabeth. In September, 1918, he married Katherine Mitchell. Mr. McGill is a member of the Masonic fraternity; he is affiliated with Zion Lodge; Peninsular Chapter; the Knights Templar Commandery of Detroit; and Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine and is principal sojourner of the chapter. Mr. McGill eschews clubs; likes home life, and gives most of his attention to business. He gives a good citizen's attention to public affairs, but has never been a seeker after political office.

HENRY L. KOPPIN, a highly respected citizen of Detroit, is well known in business circles of the city as a pioneer real estate operator and his well directed efforts and close application have won for him a substantial measure of success, while at the same time his activities have contributed materially toward the development and upbuilding of Detroit. He is of foreign birth, his natal day being August 9, 1842, and his parents were John Henry and Eliza- beth (Schultz) Koppin, who were also of European extraction. On emigrating to the United States they took up their residence in Detroit and here both passed away.

Henry L. Koppin acquired his early education in the schools of his native land and later continued his studies in a private school of Detroit. After laying aside his textbooks he entered the employ of Mumford, Foster & Company, a manufacturing firm

of this city, first acting as shipping clerk and later filling the position of bookkeeper. For twelve and a half years he remained with that corporation and then entered commercial circles on his own account, engaging in business as a grocer, in which line of activity he was most successful, conducting his in- terests for nine years. He then sold his enterprise and turned his attention to the real estate and fire insurance business, in which he has continued, being regarded as one of the most successful dealers along those lines in the city. His first location was at the corner of Gratiot avenue and Arndt street, where he remained for twenty-two years, and for thirteen years he has maintained his present offices at No. 5122 Van Dyke avenue. He is a very capable busi- ness man, displaying sound judgment, energy and enterprise in the conduct of his interests, and he has negotiated many important realty transfers, while he has also written a large amount of insurance.

Mr. Koppin has been married three times. His first union was with Miss Mary Hekroth of Rochester, New York, whom he wedded in 1872. She passed away in Detroit in 1882, leaving five children: Mrs. Mary Wrobbel, who has a family of seven children and is a resident of this city; Mrs. Lydia Schramm, who has become the mother of two children and also makes her home in Detroit; Henry S., who is a prominent real estate dealer of the city and is married and has three children; George F., also a real estate operator of Detroit; and Mrs. Hannah S. Klute, who likewise resides in the city. Mr. Koppin's second wife was Mrs. Elizabeth Guth Klipfel, whom he married in November, 1882, and whose demise oc- curred in 1896. They became the parents of five children: Mrs. Ruth McLean, who is the mother of two children and makes her home in Detroit; Mrs. Eva McIntyre, who is deceased; Benjamin S., a well known electrical engineer of this city; Mrs. Anna French, a resident of Detroit and the mother of two children; and Mrs. Elsie Clark, who has passed away. In November, 1896, Mr. Koppin wedded Miss Mary Netting. Two children have been born of this union: Margaret, whose birth occurred in 1900; and Adelaide. All of the children are graduates of the public and high schools of Detroit and natives of the city.

Mr. Koppin is an active member of the Detroit Real Estate Exchange and his religious faith is in- dicated by his membership in the German-American Baptist church, with which he has been identified for over fifty years. He is a devout and sincere Christian and has been very active in furthering the influence of the church. He is president of its board of trustees, of which he has been a member for more than thirty-five years, and he is also serving as senior deacon. He was at one time superintendent of the Sunday school and he has been a strong moving force for moral progress in his community. The force of his personality, the keenness of his insight and the soundness of his judgment have brought him to a

HENRY L. KOPPIN

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position of prominence in business circles of Detroit and in the attainment of individual success he has also promoted the development and improvement of his city. His life is an exemplary one in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to benefit humanity, while his own personal worth is deserving of high commendation.

GEORGE E. SHELDRICK, for many years past associated with the Mailometer Company of Detroit, in which business he occupies the position of general manager, is a native of the Keystone state, born in Philadelphia, a son of David J. and Mary (Bridge) Sheldrick.

Sometime after the birth of George E. Sheldrick, his parents moved to Columbus, Ohio, and in the public and high schools of that city he received his education. He then entered the factory of the Jeffery Manufacturing Company of Columbus, where he learned the trade of a pattern-maker, remaining in this line for some years.

In 1907 Mr. Sheldrick came to Detroit and became associated with the Mailometer Company of the city, starting in at the bottom and gradually working him- self up to his present responsible position of assistant secretary, assistant treasurer and general manager, in the latter capacity having the whole burden of the conduct of the factory on his shoulders. The Mailom- eter Company makes special machinery of all kinds for automobile concerns, in addition to its mailometer trade. Under Mr. Sheldrick's guidance the business of the company has expanded in recent years, and is now one of the foremost of its kind in the country.

In 1905 Mr. Sheldrick was united in marriage to Miss Ina Middlewood, and they have become the parents of one son, George Edwin, Jr. Mr. Sheldrick is a member of the Board of Commerce, to the affairs of which he gives of his time and ability; he is also a member of the Fellowcraft Club. He takes a good citizen's interest in civic movements, but has never been a seeker after political office.

FRANK H. BESSENGER is the president of the Guaranty Trust Company and the vice president of the Bessenger & Moore Company of Detroit and enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the leading real estate dealers of the city, of recognized reliabil- ity and enterprise. Detroit claims him as a native son, as she does so many of her citizens who have been the promoters and builders of her greatness and her prosperity. He was born October 13, 1871, his parents being George E. and Susan (Hooper) Bes- senger, the former a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while the latter was born in Michigan. The father came to Detroit in early life and was here employed along mechanical lines, while afterward he became a sail-maker. During the latter part of the Civil war he enlisted for service in the navy and then returned to Detroit, spending his remaining days in Vol. III-18

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The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. III, Part 31

Author: Burton, Clarence Monroe, 1853-1932, ed; Stocking, William, 1840- joint ed; Miller, Gordon K., joint ed Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Detroit-Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 1022

Author: Burton, Clarence Monroe, 1853-1932, ed; Stocking, William, 1840- joint ed; Miller, Gordon K., joint ed
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Detroit-Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1022