USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. III > Part 46
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upon the vital problems of the day. At the republican convention in Chicago in 1880 he nominated General Russell A. Alger of Detroit for the presidency in a remarkable speech that was printed by leading news- papers throughout the country. Judge Frazer never sought nor desired political office outside the strict path of his profession. In 1864 he was appointed city attorney of Ann Arbor and after his first term's service was twice reappointed. In 1865 he was elected circuit court commissioner of Washtenaw county for a term of two years and in 1867 became county prose- cuting attorney and was reelected in 1869 and again in 1874. This, together with his service ou the bench, constituted the entire scope of his office holding. He passed away May 9, 1908, and no better tribute to his memory could be paid than by quoting from the resolutions of the Detroit Bar Association, which in memorial services said: "Judge Frazer had a long and brilliant career, both at the bar and upon the bench of the state of Michigan. As a member of the bar his practice was never confined to the circuit of his residence. His brilliant mind and powerful method of presenting his side of a case to a jury, called his services into demand in many parts of the state where trials of importance were in progress. This was par- ticularly true with reference to criminal matters. As an advocate he was remarkably quick to grasp the weak points in his opponent's case, and equally strong in presenting the strong points in his own case; by emphasis of what was favorable to his, contention he overshadowed what was weak. During his active career at the bar he had and deserved the reputation of being one of the very strongest advocates in the state before a jury.
"During his career on the bench, covering a period of nearly fourteen years, he built for himself a repu- tation for rugged honesty, which stands today per- haps as the brightest attribute of his character. He could grasp the exact point in controversy with almost unerring certainty and, having grasped it, could de- fine the issue with absolute clearness. With the issue defined, he went with an alertness and directness to the solution, along lines of natural justice, with the greatest celerity. He was not overawed by a prin- ciple simply because it was stated in a book, if it did not appeal to his own sense of justice and right. As one of the bench of six judges, his services were invaluable. The qualities which made his worth as an individual jurist were highly accentnated in confer- ence. His associates were wont to confer with him on all matters doubtful to them, and no conferences of this nature were fruitless. He was always prepared to state his views frankly, and when those views were later compared with authority they were almost in- variably found to be correct.
" Aside from his prominence as an advocate and as a judicial officer, he had acquired a very wide repu- tation as a political speaker. His services were in demand in every campaign, because of his incisive
wit and his eloquent, forceful utterances. He was a man of peculiarly domestic character. His hours of leisure were spent entirely in his own home. Fond of nature, he obtained perhaps his chief enjoyment in life from his garden. His trees and his flowers were to him personal friends.
"In the death of Robert Emmett Frazer the bar has lost a distinguished member and the state has lost a citizen whose influence was always for that which is best in civic life."
REV. JAMES G. DOHERTY, LL.D., has devoted forty-four years of his life to the Catholic ministry and since the 1st of July, 1886, has occupied his present pastorate in St. Vincent de Paul's church at Detroit. A native of Ireland, he was born in Dana- mana, County Tyrone, on the 13th day of February, 1847, his parents being William and Rose (Gallagher) Doherty, both of whom passed away on the Emerald Isle. The son attended the national schools of his native town until he had completed the regular course and afterward became a student in the Agricultoral College at Langhash, from which he was graduated with high honors on the completion of a three years' course. After passing a civil service examination he was offered the position of civil engineer at Trinidad, but declined the appointment, owing to the opposition of his parents to his leaving Ireland. He then took up the study of classics under the famous Professor Kane, of Cumberclandy, and eventually became a student in All Hallows University of Dublin, where he pursued a five years' theological course. Ou the 26th of June, 1876, he was ordained to the priesthood for the diocese of Detroit by Bishop Michael Warren of Fernes, Ireland, and on the 30th of September, 1876, he reached this city, becoming assistant pastor of SS. Peter and Paul's church, with which he was thus connected for six months. He afterward spent nine and a half years as pastor at Brighton, Michigan, having charge of three churches and three missions during his connection with that city. On the 1st of July, 1886, he was assigned to take charge of St. Vincent de Paul's parish, where he has continued as pastor. In August, 1921, Father Doherty was appointed by the pope a Monsignor of the papal household.
The original building of St. Vincent de Paul's was consecrated on the 2d of December, 1866. The lot had been acquired at a cost of twenty-nine hundred dol- lars and the church was built at a cost of about sixteen thousand dollars. The Rev. A. F. Bleyenbergh, the first pastor, took charge in December, 1866, and was succeeded in February, 1869, by the Rev. M. Willigan, who continued in charge until 1871. The church was then under the direction of the Rev. E. Van Pamel until June, 1877, when the Rev. M. O'Don- ovan took charge. His successor was the Rev. James G. Doherty, who for more than a third of a century has lived and labored in St. Vincent de Paul's parish. During the pastorate of Father Doherty the present
REV. JAMES G. DOHERTY, L.L.D.
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school was erected, followed by the academy. Later all the modern improvements were installed in the buildings and the convent was erected, then the club- house and lastly the present rectory.
WILLIAM FRIEDMAN, for almost two decades a representative of the Detroit bar, was born April 1, 1880, in the city which is still his home, his parents being Samuel and Celia (Weisman) Friedman. In the acquirement of his education he attended the De- troit Central high school, from which in due course of time he was graduated, and later he became a student in the Detroit College of Law, where he pre- pared for his professional career until entering the University of Michigan, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1901. In the summer of the same year he was admitted to practice in the courts of Michigan and has been a member of the Detroit bar since July, 1901. He is now accorded a large clientage and the court records bear testimony to the many favorable verdicts which he has won for his clients. He belongs to the Bar Association of Detroit, the Michigan State Bar Association, and also to the Lawyers Club.
On the 1st of June, 1909, Mr. Friedman was united in marriage to Miss Florence Blumrosen, who passed away on the 4th of July, 1910, leaving a little daugh- ter, Ruth Naomi. Mr. Friedman holds to the reli- gious faith of his fathers and is a member of the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith. He has served as a trustee of the congregation of which he is a member and he has done effective and valuable work as a di- rector of the United Jewish Charities, of which he is now president. Fraternally he is a Mason and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and has also become a member of the Grotto and the - Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Elks and the Knights of Pythias and for recreation he turns to motoring and golf, spending his leisure hours largely in that way. He belongs to the Redford Country Club, the Masonic Country Club and the Phoenix Club and is a member of the Detroit Board of Commerce, an associate member of the Detroit Real Estate Board and is interested in all of those forces and measures which have to do with the upbuilding and progress of the community, the advancement of its civic stand- ards and the extension of its business relations. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day he does not care to give a divided interest to his profession by accepting public office.
ARTHUR J. TRUMBULL is the vice president of the Detroit Wax Paper Company and deserves much credit for his foresight and good business judgment, which have brought the industry up to its extensive proportions. Thereby he has become recognized as one of the capable business men of the city, for his
administrative direction and executive ability have proven an important element in winning success for this undertaking. Mr. Trumbull was born in Norwalk, Ohio, January 3, 1877, and is a son of Almond and Laura (Emmerson) Trumbull, who were likewise natives of Ohio, where they spent their lives. The Trumbull family is one of the oldest and most prom- inent New England families and is conspicuous in the annals of early American history. The father was engaged in the manufacturing business throughout his active life, and is living retired at Norwalk, where his wife passed away. In their family were two chil- dren, the younger being Mrs. Clara Parish, a resident of Norwalk.
Arthur J. Trumbull, the only son, was educated in the graded and high schools of Norwalk, completing his course of study by graduation when seventeen years of age. Reviewing the broad field of business, he turned his attention to the book binder's trade, serving an apprenticeship thereto and thoroughly learning the work. He continued in that business for ten years, and then resigned, after which he or- ganized the Cleveland Office Supply . Company, of
which he was the president until 1916. He then dis- posed of his interest and came to Detroit, here or- ganizing a business that has been developed under the name of the Detroit Wax Paper Company. At that time he knew nothing concerning the manufacture of wax papers, but realized the importance of such a product as a wrapper for food and foodstuffs and other commodities, so that they might be kept in a clean and sanitary condition. He had to learn the entire business from the beginning and so well has he succeeded that the Detroit Wax Paper Company is today one of the important productive industries of the city. The demand is far in excess of the possible manufacture, owing to a shortage of wax, which is one of the by-products of petroleum. The business grew so rapidly that it was necessary to find a suit- able location and a large two-story business structure and office building was completed in 1920, on well selected ground, at 547 Harper avenue. Today em- ployment in the factory is furnished to from fifty to seventy-five people. The plant is complete in every particular, is thoroughly modern in its equipment, and most sanitary in its arrangement. Mr. Trumbull has continued as the vice president of the company, with George F. Titus as the president.
On the 7th of May, 1902, Mr. Trumbull was married to Miss Clara M. Titus, a daughter of George F. Titus, and they have one child: George Trumbull, born in Norwalk, Ohio, in 1904, and now attending the Detroit high school.
In politics Mr. Trumbull is a supporter of the dem- ocratie party, while fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and his interest in municipal affairs is shown in his associa- tion with the Detroit Board of Commerce. He like- wise belongs to the Michigan Manufacturers Associa-
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tion, and is a cooperant factor in many measures for furthering the interests of trade and commerce. Mr. Trumbull became a member of Company G, Fifth Ohio National Guard and was a sergeant during the period of the Spanish-American war, after which he became first lieutenant. He finds recreation as a member of the Brookland Club, and he maintains a fine summer home on the lake shore. His success has made it pos- sible for him to supply his family with all of the com- forts and many of the luxuries of life, and the hos- pitality of the Trumbull home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Trumbull resides at 130 Longfellow avenue.
JAMES H. O'DONNELL. A representative business man and substantial citizen of Detroit passed away when on the 17th of December, 1919, James H. O'Don- nell was called to his final rest. He had figured in the business circles of the city as the head of the Schroe- der Paint & Glass Company from 1897 until his demise. Born in Detroit on the 23d of September, 1861, he was a son of James and Johanna (Fitzgerald) O'Don- nell. After acquiring his education in the public schools of this city he began his active career in the accounting department of the Michigan Central Rail- road and after leaving the employ of that corporation was connected with the accounting department of the Peninsular Car Company. In 1880 he became identified with the American Eagle Tobacco Company, wholesale tobacco dealers, but was ambitious to engage in busi- ness on his own account and utilized every means that furthered that end. At length broadening expe- rience and the capital which he had acquired in his previous business connection caused him to feel justi- fied in starting in business independently and he joined with Mr. Schroeder in organizing the Schroeder Paint & Glass Company in 1897. He was made secre- tary and treasurer of the firm and so served until 1913, when he was elected to the presidency and con- tinued also as treasurer. He occupied the dual posi- tion to the time of his demise and the success and constant growth of the business were attributable in no small measure to his enterprise, his keen discern- ment and his sagacity in matters relating to the trade.
On the 26th of May, 1887, in Detroit, was cele- brated the marriage of James H. O'Donnell and Miss Margaret Glass, who passed away on the 4th of June, 1903, leaving four children: Thurman J .; Marguerite, now the wife of Frederick K. Kelly; Agnes; and Er- nest J., the latter now deceased. On the 11th of May, 1909, in Detroit, Mr. O'Donnell was again mar- ried, his second union being with Edna E. Smith, and they became the parents of three children: Edna Mary, Dorothy, and James Henry.
Mr. O'Donnell was a consistent member of the Cath- olie church and he belonged to the Knights of Colum- bus. He also had membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Along the line of business
he was connected with the Detroit Paint, Oil and Varnish Club, of which he was at one time president. He helonged to the Detroit Board of Commerce, while along more strictly social lines his connection was with the Automobile Club, the Country Club, the Red Run Golf Club and the Detroit Athletic Club. His interests were broad and varied. He had keen appre- ciation for the interests of friendship, at all times recognizing his duties and obligations in citizenship, while in business affairs he was at once progressive and thoroughly reliable.
WALTER COLLYER, who since 1908 has been a member of the firm of Collyer & Simpson, conducting one of the leading enterprises of this character in Detroit, is a native of the state, his birth having occurred in Washtenaw county on the 11th of Angust, 1877. He is a son of Humphrey and Ann (Peppiatt) Collyer, the former a farmer by occupation. In the public schools of Washtenaw county he acquired his education, subsequently becoming a student in the Cleary Business College at Ypsilanti, Michigan, which he attended for a period of seven months, acquiring an insight into modern methods of bookkeeping and business efficiency. After leaving school he returned to the home farm, where he remained until 1903, when he came to Detroit and entered the employ of Messrs. Mason & Simpson, prominent hardware merchants of the city whose establishment was then located on Michigan avenue, near Thirtieth street, acting as salesman for the firm. Here he familiarized himself with the various phases of the business, and was with the company for a period of fifteen months. Impelled by an uncontrollable desire to see the great empire of the west, he accepted a position with the J. L. Nichols Book Company, whom he served for four years, during which time he visited nearly every state west of the Mississippi, gaining much valuable informa- tion concerning conditions in various parts of the country and also in regard to business methods.
In 1908 Mr. Collyer returned to Detroit and formed a partnership with Mr. Simpson, his former employer, opening a hardware store at No. 5643 Grand River avenue, where the business is still located. Their interests are conducted under the style of Collyer & Simpson and they carry everything in the line of retail hardware, including household ware, tools, knives, cutlery, electrical equipment and automobile accessories, their establishment approaching the de- partment store as nearly as possible without losing its identity. The members of the firm are men of excellent business capacities and powers as indicated in the fact that within the last twelve years the trade has been more than trebled as a result of their close application and initiative spirit, while the business methods em- ployed by the house are such as commend it to public patronage. The firm has made it a policy to carry none but the best articles in the hardware line and has
JAMES H. O'DONNELL
Vol. III-26
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ever regarded a satisfied customer as the best adver- tisement.
Mr. Collyer was married on the 19th of March, 1908, and has two children, Kate E. and Charles Her- bert, aged respectively eleven and two years. He owns an attractive home at No. 5759 Lawton avenue aud also has invested in other lots in the vicinity, having great faith in the future of Detroit. In his political views he is a democrat, interested in the welfare and success of the party but never an aspir- ant for public office. He is a member of the Retail Hardware Association and the Northwestern Commun- ity Club and finds his chief recreation in the delights of travel. Throughout his career he has closely applied himself to the work in hand and has steadily advanced, each forward step bringing him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. He is a man of high personal standing, of marked business integrity aud ability, and the sterling worth of his character is recognized by all with whom he has been associated.
C. WALTER HEALY, prominent among the younger lawyers of Detroit, was born in Houghton, Michigan, October 29, 1889, of the marriage of James and Mar- garet (Power) Healy, the former born near Fenton, Michigan, and the latter in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, whence she came to Michigan in early girlhood. After attaining man's estate James Healy became a prominent factor in county politics and was elected to the office of sheriff, which he filled for several terms. He also served in other official positions in the county and exercised considerable influence over public thought and action in his community. Both he and his wife passed away in Houghton, Michigan, the latter in 1911. In their family were six children who are all living: James T., residing in Houghton; Mrs. Ferris D. Stone, living in Marysville, Michigan, where her husband is a prominent attorney and see- retary of Wills-St. Claire; Mrs. William R. Webb, of Detroit; Frank L., of Detroit; Anna F., also of Marys- ville; and C. Walter.
The last mentioned was a pupil in the public schools of Houghton, Michigan, passing through consecutive grades to the high school, while later he became a student in the University of Michigan, there pursuing a law course, which he completed in 1913 with the LL. B. degree. He then began practice in Detroit and was in the office of several very prominent attorneys of this city until 1916, when he started out independ- ently and has made a creditable name and place for himself through his successful conduct of various im- portant cases, in which he has won favorable verdicts for his clients. He is devoting his attention to gen- eral practice and is constantly broadening his knowl- edge concerning all departments of the law.
Mr. Healy is a member of the American Bar Asso- ciation, Michigan Bar Association, Detroit Bar Asso- ciation and also of the Lawyers Club of Detroit. He likewise belongs to the University of Michigan Club
of Detroit, to the Delta Chi fraternity and to the Felloweraft Club. His political support is given to the democratic party and his religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. He is well known, standing high as a young lawyer and as a progressive citizen.
MARTIN KELLY, who passed away February 3. 1919, was a self-made man, his business enterprise, determination and commendable qualities bringing him to a point of notable success as the years passed. He became proprietor of the Parisian Laundry and built up a business scarcely equalled in scope in all Detroit. A native of Ohio, Martin Kelly was born in September, 1857, being one of a family of fifteen children, whose parents were James and Hannah (Goodlander) Kelly. The father engaged extensively in farming for many years in the state of Ohio, where he was born and reared and continued to make his home until the latter part of his life. He then removed to Richmond, Indiana, retiring from farming and spending his remaining days there in the enjoy- ment of well earned rest.
The youthful experiences of Martin Kelly were those of the farm bred boy, who early began work in the fields and assisted in their further cultivation until erops were gathered in the late autumn. In winter months when there was little farm work to do he attended the country schools and thus acquired the education that served as a basis for his later success. He first engaged in business with his brother- in-law when a young man in Richmond, Indiana, his attention being given to mercantile pursuits. He was a resident of that place until he came to Detroit in the middle "90s, and here purchased the Palace Laun. dry, continuing in this connection until he became a half owner in the Parisian Laundry, purchasing the interest of Gabriel Chiera, and conducted this enter- prise until his death. He built up a business of very substantial proportions, his extensive patronage being indicated in the fact that the laundry furnished em- ployment to three hundred people and was one of the popular institutions of that character in Detroit. He always equipped his plant with the latest improved machinery and did everything that would insure first class work.
Mr. Kelly was married twice. He first wedded Miss Emma Aydelotte, who passed away in 1907, leaving two children: Grace, who is now the wife of Charles E. Mabley of Detroit; and Edgar, whose death occur- red in 1900. The wife and mother passed away in 1907 and Mr. Kelly was afterward married to Miss Agnes Laughton, a daughter of David Laughton, rep- resentative of a highly respected Canadian family. This marriage was celebrated January 11, 1911, and to them have been born two children: Christine H., whose birth occurred in October, 1914; and Betty J., born in September, 1917. Mrs. Kelly and the family are of Protestant faith, as was Mr. Kelly. He was a
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member of the Masonic order and that he obtained high rank is shown by his connection as a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belonged to the Vortex Club and the Chamber of Commerce. His political views were in accord with the principles of the republican party, but he never sought nor desired office as a reward for party fealty, preferring at all times to concentrate his efforts and energy upon his business affairs and that these were most wisely con- ducted is indicated in the fact that he became pro- prietor of one of the largest laundry establishments of Detroit. He possessed excellent organizing ability and sound judgment and so directed his efforts that success in large measure crowned his labors.
COLONEL ANGUS McLEAN, a distinguished sur- geon, was born in St. Clair county, Michigan, April 4,' 1862, a son of Donald and Catherine (McDonald) Mc- Lean. Colonel MeLean is of pure Scotch descent on both . the paternal and maternal sides of his family. His father was born in Quebec in 1828, a son of Hugh McLean, and married Catherine MeDonald, who was born in . Lambton county, Ontario, a daughter of Angus Me- Donald, a Scotchman, who located for a time in On- tario, and then moved to St. Clair, Michigan. Donald MeLean, after locating in Michigan, was engaged in the timber and land business. He lived until the age of sixty-eight, dying in 1896, while his widow sur- vived him until 1899, also reaching the age of sixty- eight. The member of the MeLean family who first came to this continent was Lieutenant MeLean, who was an officer in the English army, and served under the Duke of Wellington, losing a limb at the Battle of Waterloo. About 1816 he crossed the ocean to Canada. He resided at Quebec and held the office of paymaster in the British army for the Province of Quebec.
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