USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. III > Part 47
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Colonel Angus McLean received his literary education at the Collegiate Institute of Strathroy, Ontario, from which he was graduated with the class of 1880. Sub- seqnently he entered the Detroit College of Medicine and was graduated therefrom in 1886. In 1888 Colonel MeLean entered into the active practice of medicine and surgery in Detroit with Dr. H. O. Walker, a noted surgeon, and began his professional career, which was destined to be one of the most notable in the annals of medical achievement. From the outset he made a specialty of surgery, and to equip himself with the best ideas and methods in Europe as well as in America, he took a postgraduate course of study at the University of Edinburgh. Through his zeal and ability he rose rapidly to distinction, and today he is recognized not only in America, but in England, France, and Italy, as one of the eminent surgeons of the world.
From the commencement of his professional career his services have been sought not only by individuals but by corporations and colleges. As a consequence he has filled an unusual number of highly responsible positions, and some of those during the earlier days
of his practice. He was city physician of the city of Detroit from 1888 to 1891. In 1893, on recommend- ation of the Hon. John Logan Chipman, Colonel MeLean was appointed by President Grover Cleveland to the position of quarantine inspector for the port of De- troit. He was surgeon of the Detroit police depart- ment from 1895 until 1901; and for several years was attending surgeon to Harper Hospital, the Childrens' Hospital and Providence Hospital. In 1905 he be- came professor of clinical surgery in the Detroit College of Medicine and continued his lectures there until 1913. Governor Warner, in February, 1905, appointed him a member of the Michigan State Board of Health, which position he retained until 1911, serving as president of the board during the last four years. Governor Ferris appointed him a member of the Detroit City Board of Health and as such Colonel McLean was serving at the time he went overseas.
Immediately after the United States entered the great World war, Colonel McLean offered his services to his conntry. He was commissioned a colonel and sent to France, arriving in that country in July, 1917. He had organized before leaving, the unit which later became Base Hospital No. 17, and of which he was made commanding officer. His work in France was of such distinguished character that he was appointed president of the medical commission sent to Italy in October, 1917, and there prepared a report for the sur- geon general of the United States army on the progress of surgery in the Italian army. Notably, he was given citation by the adjutant general of the United States army for heroic work in the American Expeditionary Forces. Later he was transferred from hospital duty and appointed special surgeon to the peace commission in France. Then, by special order of General Pershing, lie accompanied President Wilson upon the homeward journey in February, 1919. On September 15, 1919, Colonel McLean received a diploma of honor from the Federation des Foyers dn Soldat et dn Marin, in testi- mony and recognition of his services au Foret of Dijon. The French government recommended him for the Legion of Honor in January, 1919.
Colonel McLean's brother, Dr. Allan Donald McLean, medical corps of the United States navy, also received signal honors during the conflict with Germany. He was appointed surgeon to the Peace Commission by President Wilson, and accompanied Colonel House's party to France, where he served during the entire peace conference.
After he returned to Detroit, Colonel Angus McLean resumed his medical practice in the David Whitney building, where his snite of twenty-four offices is in fact a great medical establishment-the largest in the state outside of the hospitals.
His professional affiliations are with the Michi- gan State aud Wayne County Medical Societies, the American College of Surgeons and the American Medical Association. He has served as president of the Wayne County Medical Society, aud in May,
COLONEL ANGUS MeLEAN
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1920, was elected president of the Michigan State Medical Society. He was one of the founders of the Academy of Surgery of Detroit in January, 1921, and was elected its first president. On August 21, 1921, Colonel McLean received the Distinguished Service Medal from the War Department, for meritorious work over- seas. In the fall of 1921, he accepted the post of corps surgeon of the Sixteenth Army Corps, of the Sixth Corps Area.
Colonel MeLean is a member of the Presbyterian church and his clubs are: the Detroit Club, Detroit Athletic Club, the Army and Navy Club of Washington, D. C., the Bloomfield Hills Country Club, the Societe Française; and the Clan McLean Association of Glas- gow, Scotland, of which he is an honorary member.
In 1916, when the McLean Highlanders were organized at Fredericton, New Brunswick, by Colonel Guthrie, Colonel Angus McLean extended valuable aid to the organization and in appreciation of this there was named in his honor the Angus McLean Ambulance Company, which served overseas.
On April 9, 1907, at Atlantic City, New Jersey, Colonel Angus McLean married Rebecca, daughter of the late Orren Scotten of Detroit. Two daughters have been born to them, Marion and Bessie. The latter died at the age of seven years.
HENRY WILFORD HARDING, president and founder of the H. W. Harding Lumber Company, one of the substantial and well known corporations con- nected with the lumber trade in Detroit, has been identified with this line of business for more than a half century in the city where he still operates. He has established an enviable reputation that places him in the front rank among Detroit's business men and has won marked success as well. Mr. Harding is a descendant of an old New England family, his ances- tors having resided in Massachusetts for several gener- ations. Lyman Shumway Harding, father of Henry W. Harding, was a native of Sturbridge, Massachu- setts, and upon leaving New England removed to Madison county, New York, where he resided until 1855, when he located at Clinton, Oneida county, New York, and there he spent his remaining days, devoting his life to the occupation of farming. He married Hannah Barker, who was born in Madison county, New York, and was descended from colonial ancestry.
Henry Wilford Harding was born May 29, 1853, in Madison county, New York, and was reared as a farm boy, in Clinton county, acquiring his eary edu- cation in the district school, while later he attended the high school at Clinton, New York. He then ma- triculated in Hamilton College and was graduated with the class of 1873, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree. Soon after leaving college he came to De- troit, arriving in this city in 1873, and here he entered the employ of the old lumber firm of William M. Dwight & Company. In time he was advanced to the superintendency, being promoted through intermediate positions, and his connection with this firm and its
successor, the Dwight Lumber Company, covered a period of twenty-nine years. He then resigned and became one of the organizers of the firm of W. F. Hurd & Company, lumber dealers, and was associated therewith until 1904, when he established his present business, which was incorporated in that year under the name of the H. W. Harding Lumber Company, of which he became the president and treasurer. He has continued to fill the dual office, directing the development and conduct of the enterprise. The growth of the business has been steady since its inception, and the large volume of trade handled by the concern is a just tribute to the integrity, execu- tive ability and keen foresight of its head.
Mr. Harding is also prominent in club life, being a member of the Detroit Athletic, Detroit Golf, Boat, Bloomfield Hills Country, Oakland Hills Country and Detroit Auto Clubs and also of the Yahnundasis Golf Club at Utica, New York. He is likewise a member of the Chi Psi and of the Detroit Board of Commerce. His political support is given to the republican party.
On the 19th of September, 1877, Mr. Harding was married in Clinton, New York, to Agnes Louise Clute, a daughter of John V. Clute of Utica. Mr. and Mrs. Harding have become the parents of two daughters: Ruth C. is the wife of Carl E. Huyette of Detroit, secretary of the H. W. Harding Lumber Company, and they have three children, Ruth Harding, Hannah Barker and Nancy Jane Huyette; the other daughter is Agnes Louise, who is the wife of Professor Harry R. Barrows of New York city, and they have two children, Molly Harding and Henry W. Barrows. Mr. Harding's Detroit residence is on Palmer avenue, West, and he also has a country home, Fairview Lodge, on Pine Lake, Michigan, and another country home, Harding homestead farm, in Clinton, New York.
FRED H. TALBOT, vice president of the Common- wealth-Federal Savings Bank of Detroit, was born in Adrian, Michigan, May 3, 1881, a son of Henry C. and Jennie Elizabeth (Redmond) Talbot, who were natives of Ohio and of Adrian, Michigan, respectively. In young manhood the father removed to this state and soon afterward was married and entered upon mercantile interests in Carlton, Michigan, continuing active in commercial pursuits in that place and in De- troit for many years, and later removing to Toledo, Ohio, where he lived retired until his death in Novem- ber, 1920. His wife passed away in Detroit in 1909, survived by their three sons: Charles R., who is the vice president of the National Bank of Commerce and is mentioned elsewhere in this work: Fred H., of this review; and Cash W., who is the president of the Talbot Lumber & Coal Company of Detroit.
Fred H. Talbot mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Detroit and after leav- ing the high school pursued a business course in the Detroit Business University, in which he continued for a year. He then secured a position as bank mes- senger with the Detroit National Bank in 1897 and
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remained with that institution until its consolidation with the First National in November, 1914. In the meantime he worked his way steadily upward, ad- vancing through intermediate positions to that of as- sistant cashier. Following the consolidation of the two banks he resigned his position and with others organized the Commonwealth-Federal Savings Bank, which opened its doors for business in May, 1916. Since that date Mr. Talbot has devoted his entire energy to the promotion of the interests of the new bank, which has steadily grown, its clientele contin- uously increasing in numbers until the business of the bank places it among the strong and rapidly growing financial institutions of the city. On the 1st of July, 1919, Mr. Talbot was advanced from the cashiership to the vice presidency and is also one of the directors of the company. He is likewise a director of the Talbot Lumber & Coal Company and also of the Wayne County Bond & Mortgage Company and the National Mortgage Company.
On the 21st of February, 1911, was celebrated the marriage of Fred H. Talbot and Laura Margaret Wit- tet, a daughter of Rev. and Mrs. George L. Wittet of Detroit. They have become parents of two chil- dren: Josephine Elizabeth, who was born in Detroit in November, 1912; and Margaret June, born in 1919.
Mr. Talbot is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Palestine Lodge, F. & A. M. He also has membership in the Bankers Club. He is an ap- proachable, genial gentleman, a pleasing conversation- alist, a thorough-going and progressive business man, and in the city where almost his entire life has been passed he has gained a most ereditable position in both social and business circles.
GEORGE THOMAS CALVERT. Numbered among the successful business men of Detroit for many years was George Thomas Calvert, who occupied a high position not only in commercial circles but in the esteem of his fellowmen, his activities being ever for the advancement of public good. He was the presi- dent and treasurer of J. Calvert's Sons, Incorporated, retail dealers and jobbers in coal, coke and builders' supplies, theirs being one of the leading establishments of the kind in the state. Mr. Calvert was born in Champaign, Illinois, February 1, 1868, a son of John and Mary (Threadgould) Calvert and an elder brother of Elmer C. Calvert of Detroit, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this publication.
George T. Calvert was seven years of age when his parents took up their abode in Detroit and his edu- cation was acquired in the public schools of the city and in the Spencerian Business College. He started out upon his business career as a bookkeeper and cashier at the Detroit branch of the Diamond Match Company and left there in 1886 to accept the position of chief clerk and confidential man with Hammond, Standish & Company, packers, with whom he con- tinued until March 1, 1893, when he resigned to engage in business for himself. In company with his brother,
Elmer C., he organized the firm of J. Calvert's Sons, the success of which concern was marked from the start. Through the capable management of the broth- ers, the business grew to immense proportions, be- coming one of the chief enterprises of this character in the state. George T. Calvert became president and treasurer of the corporation and so continued until his death, his sound business judgment and keen discrimination, combined with his unabating energy and industry that never flagged, being salient fea- tures in the promotion of the business. Mr. Calvert was a director of the Detroit National Fire Insurance Company; treasurer and director of the Detroit Ter- minal Storage Company; and director of the National Builders' Supplies Association, (Michigan branch). His cooperation was considered a valuable asset in any business enterprise.
On the 14th of January, 1896, Mr. Calvert was mar- ried to Adelaide C. Wilcox, who passed away October 1, 1906, leaving two daughters: Dorothy Wilcox, who was graduated from Wellesley College in 1920; and Marjorie Adelaide, who died in June, 1915, at the age of sixteen years. Mr. Calvert was again married January 17, 1912, at Howell, Michigan, his second union being with Clara E. Krueger, of that place, who survives him and resides on Second boulevard in Detroit.
The death of Mr. Calvert occurred June 26, 1917, and his many connections with the fraternal, social and religious activities as well as with the business enterprises of the city made his death the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He was a member of Corinthian Lodge, No. 241, F. & A. M .; Peninsular Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M .; and Detroit Commandery, No. 1, K. T. He attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and was a Noble of Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also belonged to the Detroit Athletic, Detroit Boat, Fellowcraft and Ingleside Clubs. He was a very active member of the Central Methodist church, serving as trustee for a number of years and also as superintendent of the Sunday school. He was deeply interested in the Young Men's Chris- tian Association and a liberal contributor to its sup- port. Throughout his life he chose those things which were most worth while, never being content with the second best. All of his activities were wisely directed for the public good as well as for individual benefit and he made valuable contribution to the progress of the city along many lines.
CLARENCE M. BURTON. As the founder and president of the Burton Abstract & Title Company, as the donor to the city of the Burton Historical Col- lection, and as an active participant in many of the civic and financial affairs of Detroit, Clarence M. Burton has rendered signal service to the community. As an authority upon abstracts and land titles, as a student and historian, and as a business man, his name has become a familiar one to every Detroiter. Now at the erest of a career of versatility, unusual
GEORGE THOMAS CALVERT
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activity and numerous accomplishments, his labors have had far-reaching results. Mr. Burton has never ceased to be a student, a seeker of new information, and his intense enthusiasm and encyclopedie memory have been constant sources of wonderment to his contemporaries.
Clarence M. Burton was born in Sierra county, Cali- fornia, November 18, 1853, a son of Dr. Charles S. and Annie E. (Monroe) Burton, both of whom were natives of New York state and spent their early lives in Seneca county, a region far-famed for the beauty of its lakes and natural scenery. In 1855 Dr. Burton and his wife removed to Michigan and established their home at Hastings, Barry county. Here, through the greater part of his life, Dr. Burton devoted his attention to the practice of medicine and surgery. Both he and his wife remained residents of Michigan until called to their final rest.
Clarence M. Burton was only two years of age when his parents came to Michigan. As a youth he attended the public schools of Hastings and in 1869 matrieu- lated in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he first pursued a scientific course for three years. He then entered the law department and in 1874 received his degree. He came to Detroit the next day, accompanied by his wife and baby, to seek a field for his newly acquired legal attainments, but as he had not yet reached the voting age he was not eligible for admission to the bar.
This condition did not remove the dire necessity of earning a living for himself and family, however, and he entered the office of Ward & Palmer, attor- neys of Detroit, which association he retained so long as that firm existed. On November 19, 1874, he was licensed to practice law in the circuit court of Wayne county, having attained his majority only the pre- vious day.
To one who cherishes the assumption that a col- legiate degree has a cash value in itself, the story of Mr. Burton's initial labors in Detroit should be very illuminating. His assets consisted of unyielding courage and confidence in his own ability; necessity was his stimulus; his little family his inspiration. The months which he spent, as a virtual apprentice, in the Ward & Palmer law office, were made up of days of work. Pleasures, luxuries and idleness were things apart from his existence. It is not a violation of confidence to state that Mr. Burton's first year in this capacity was rewarded by a salary of just one hundred dollars. This amount-to cover a year's time for himself and family-seems almost incredible, but he not only made this sum sufficient, but saved money. The average reader, if a bit incredulous, might be enlightened by the fact that during this time such luxuries as meat and butter were unknown, but he obtained the calories just the same. A ride on the horse-drawn street-cars would have been an outing, but he walked.
The legal firm of Ward & Palmer made a specialty
of extending loans on real estate securities and upon Mr. Burton devolved the task of examining land titles. John Ward, the senior member of the firm, was also connected with E. C. Skinner & Company, engaged in the abstract business. In this manner the opportunity came to Mr. Burton to utilize his evenings, sometimes nights, in working upon these abstracts. Routine work it was, with small remuneration, but in this manner he perfected his knowledge of the busi- ness. Gradually he made his services indispensable and at the same time grew away from the law practice into the new field in which he perceived great possi- bilities. In 1883 he was admitted into the abstract company as a partner and the following year bought out the company with borrowed money. In this way began the business now known as the Burton Ab- stract & Title Company. The scope of the work at first was very small and for many years after he took over the company it failed to show a profit. But when Detroit began to grow with increased speed, Mr. Burton was prepared to grow with it. His pains- taking and exhaustive care in improving his equip- ment and resources then received its reward.
The growth and quality of the Burton Abstract & Title Company since that time is best indicated by its reputation in Detroit. It has frequently been written that "a Burton abstract is considered by all dealers in real estate, either sellers or purchasers, as good as a deed itself." Another writer said, "the perfect system of conducting the business finds ex- emplification in simplicity and absolute exactitude, and neither time nor labor has been denied in the preparation of the abstracts, which number fully three hundred thousand. Research and investigation have been most careful and exhaustive, so that the business is founded upon a basis absolutely authoritative."
That Clarence M. Burton would have been an out- standing figure in the courts of Michigan, had he elected to follow the legal profession alone, is certain. On the other hand, his knowledge of realty law, his natural legal attainments and his judicial aptitude, to- gether with his fondness for historical research, have augmented his success in his chosen business and have lifted him far above the common rank of abstractors. Possessed of a logical, analytical and inductive mind, intimately acquainted with the science of jurispru- dence, and having an endless capacity for hard work, Mr. Burton has won his success in the abstract field, also in many other lines of endeavor. He has oper- ated largely in the real estate business, has handled much valuable property and negotiated many impor- tant realty transfers. Known for his accurate knowl- edge of values, recourse is continuously being made by the leading real estate dealers of the state to the files of his office. In business affairs Mr. Burton has always been alert and energetic. Among his financial interests aside from his own company are those indi- cated by his directorships in such organizations as the Guaranty Trust Company, the American Loan & Trust Company, the Michigan Investment Company, the
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Wayne County & Home Savings Bank, the Detroit Macomb Land Company, the Detroit Dearborn Land Company, and many others.
As an authority upon matters pertaining to the history of Detroit and the northwest Mr. Burton is equally well known as an abstractor. We refer to the story of the Burton Historical Collection, in Volume I of this work, for information concerning the great library of books, manuscripts, private papers, letters and other miscellany, which comprehensive collection is the result of a young man's resolution to buy a book each day. This collection is without a superior in the United States and to obtain it Mr. Burton has carried his investigations and researches into the archives of Canada, London, France, and in all of the states of our Union. Rare works and manuscripts and letters have been sought in every conceivable place. The gift of this collection to the city of Detroit and the additional donations which Mr. Burton is constantly making are typical of the donor. Moreover, he has been generous in his gifts of valuable works to public institutions. He gave to the University of Michigan that monumental publication, "Stevens' Facsimiles of European Archives Relating to American Affairs at the Era of the Revolution." In recognition of what he had accomplished and his generosity to the institution, the university conferred upon him the Bachelor of Science degree and later that of Master of Arts. In later years Mr. Burton became city his- toriographer of the city of Detroit, which position he now holds. He has also served as president of the Michigan Historical Society, having been chosen to this position before he was of the age to become a member of the Society and at the time when the Society was in very poor condition. Largely through Mr. Burton's efforts, the organization was brought to its feet again. Mr. Burton was also one of the prime movers in the founding of the Detroit His- torical Society in December, 1921, and was elected the first president of the association.
Mr. Burton has always been a supporter of the republican party, was a member of the constitutional convention of 1908, has labored earnestly in support of his political convictions, and yet has never sought nor desired publie office for himself. He became a member of the Detroit board of education in 1902 and served thereon for cleven years. Mr. Burton is a member of the Board of Commerce, the Exchange Club and the Ingleside Club, also of the State His- torical Commission.
On Christmas day of 1872, Clarence M. Burton was united in marriage to Miss Harriet J. Nye, daughter of the late Nelson B. Nye of Ann Arbor, Michigan. To this marriage there were born eight children, as follows: M. Agnes Burton, collaborator with her father in many historical researches; Charles W., member of the common council of Detroit for many years, and now engaged in real estate work in Detroit; Clarence H. Burton, M. D., D. D. S., of Mt.
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