USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. III > Part 49
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Mr. Walker was born in Detroit, July 22, 1872, a son of Dugald and Sarah (Gainor) Walker, whose fam- ily numbered eleven children and of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. Alexander F. Walker attended the public schools of his native city and upon the completion of his studies entered the employ of the Price bakery, which at that time was located on West Fort street, his position being that of store boy. His early business training was there received and at the end of three years he was placed in charge of the wholesale department, having been advanced through intermediate positions to that of foreman. He became connected with the Coon bakery at No. 361 Grand River avenue as city salesman and for two years sold bread to the wholesale trade. His brother, William M. Walker, became a partner of Mr. Coon and the firm name of Coon & Walker was then adopted.
ALEXANDER F. WALKER
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Alexander F. Walker remained in the employ of the firm, which began handling groceries in conjunction with the conduct of its baking interests. In 1909 William M. and Alexander F. Walker purchased the interest of Mr. Coon and established a catering busi- ness in connection. Their present enormous business is the outgrowth of a modest beginning. They were at first situated at 361 (now 2737) Grand River, where they established their business upon a substantial basis, making it their purpose to maintain the highest standards in all they undertook, and thus they gained the confidence of their patrons, the number of whom has constantly increased. In 1910 they opened their first restaurant at No. 147 Shelby avenue and since that time they have opened an average of more than one additional restaurant each year. Their business has grown until they found it necessary to build a factory, in which they make practically everything that they use. They serve approximately sixteen thou- sand people a day and it requires a staff of over three hundred people to carry on the business. They have attained signal success in their activities, promoting their interests along the most progressive lines, have closely studied the demands of the trade, have met every public requirement and have shown marked en- terprise in introducing new methods that have ren- dered their establishment most attractive to the public.
On the 20th of October, 1915, Alexander F. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Hazel Rosbach of Detroit, and to them two children have been born: Anna Marie, born May 19, 1917; and Georgia May, born February 22, 1919. Mr. Walker has membership with the Catholic church and has always been a liberal supporter and generous contributor to its work. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and is very active in the order, which draws its membership only from those of Catholic faith. He was keenly interested in the wonderful work accomplished by this organization overseas and did much to further the project. He is known as an extremely charitable man and is con- stantly extending a helping hand where aid is needed. In politics he has usually supported the democratic party where national questions and issues are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot, giv- ing little consideration to party ties. He is a great lover of motoring and of travel and is an enthusiastic baseball fan, turning to these interests for needed rest and recreation. His has been an extremely busy life. His career has been characterized by intense industry and activity, and his close application and persistency of purpose have been the basic elements upon which has been builded his present-day success. Mr. Walk- er's home is at 1549 Longfellow avenue.
GEORGE W. HAWLEY, M. D. While Detroit knew Dr. George W. Hawley as a most capable physician, he was also a graduate dentist, and for some years practiced both professions. For a very extended period he ministered to the ills of his fellow citizens
in Detroit, continuing his labors until he had passed the promised allotted span of threescore years and ten. Dr. Hawley was a native of New York, his birth having occurred in Lewiston, March 18, 1845. He was an adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman Hawley.
In his youthful days Dr. Hawley was a pupil in public and private schools of the Empire state and after his preliminary education was completed he took up the study of medicine, which he followed under the direction of Dr. Catlin of New York. At length he entered the Buffalo Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1868. Removing westward he began the practice of medicine in St. Johns, Michigan, and having also taken a thorough course in dentistry he followed both professional lines. After several years spent in St. Johns he removed to Detroit in 1878 and here again engaged in both lines of practice, having an office at the corner of Michigan and Cass avenue, where he continued for a quarter of a century. He long enjoyed an extensive practice and at all times kept in touch with the trend of modern professional thought and progress. He in- formed himself concerning the latest scientific re- searches and discoveries and the most approved methods for treating diseases. He thus rendered his life of great service and benefit to his fellowmen and remained for many years the loved family physician in a large number of the homes of Detroit.
It was on the 28th of January, 1877, that Dr. Hawley was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Balcom, a daughter of John A. Balcom of New York. Dr. and Mrs. Hawley became parents of two daughters: Georgia May, who died young; and Bessie Emma, who is the wife of Elliott B. Jay, a well known resident of this city. Dr. and Mrs. Hawley also reared a little one, Georgia May, whom they adopted as a grand- child. In his family Dr. Hawley was a most devoted and loving husband and father, finding his greatest happiness in ministering to the welfare and comfort of those of his own household. His political support was given to the republican party and he was a firm believer in its principles, but never sought nor desired office as a reward for party fealty. He belonged to the county and state medical societies and thus kept in touch with the trend of modern professional prog- ress. He held to high ideals in all that he undertook and in all that he accomplished, and his was, indeed, a life of loving service. Dr. Hawley passed away April 6, 1921.
ROBERT W. STANDART, JR. Although one of the younger business men of Detroit, Robert W. Standart, Jr., has already attained an enviable position in com- mercial circles of the city as treasurer and office manager of the Standart Brothers Hardward Corpora- tion, one of the oldest and most substantial whole- sale houses of Detroit. His birth occurred in this city June 2, 1884, he being the younger son of Robert W. and Harriet Childs (Hyde) Standart, of whom
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extended mention will be found elsewhere in this work.
Robert W. Standart, Jr., pursued his education in public and private schools of Detroit and in 1905 entered Cornell University, from which he was grad- uated in 1909 with the A. B. degree. Returning to this city, he entered the employ of the Standart Brothers Hardware Corporation, filling a position as office boy. Closely applying himself to the mastery of every task assigned him, his faithful and efficient work soon won him advancement from one position to another of greater responsibility until he is now serving as treasurer and office manager and is also a member of the board of directors. His initiative spirit and executive ability have been no unimpor- tant factors in promoting the substantial growth of the business. He has installed many novel features in connection with its management, among them being a unique mail order system which has proven most advantageous. A progressive and enterprising young man of pleasing personality, with a capacity for win- ning friends, he has become an important part of the management. The business of Standart Brothers Hard- ware Corporation was established in 1863, incorporated in 1900, and has long enjoyed a reputation for commer- cial integrity not surpassed by any firm in Detroit.
On the 19th of October, 1910, Mr. Standart was united in marriage to Miss Etta Katharine Thomas of Buffalo, New York, a daughter of Henry A. Thomas, well known in insurance circles of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Standart have one daughter: Katharine Thomas, born September 12, 1920.
During the World war Mr. Standart served as cap- tain in the ordnance department at the headquarters in the Detroit district, rendering valuable service in that connection. In his political views he is a repub- lican, interested in the welfare and success of the party, while his club connections are with the Cornell Alumni Association, the University Club, the Players Club, the Country Club, the Indian Village, and Pointe Aux Barques Resort Association. He finds diversiou in golf and other outdoor sports. His residence is at No. 1704 Iroquois avenue.
WILLIAM HARVEY ALLISON, one of the oldest living native-born Detroiters, as he is also one of the men longest in business in the city, where for numer- ous years he has been identified with the customs brokerage business, was born in Detroit on July 28, 1852, a son of James D. and Mary (Lake) Allison. James D. Allison, father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of New York state; he moved to Michi- gan before it had formally reached statehood. Mr. Allison, who was well known in his day, was an alder- man for six years from the old sixth ward of Detroit and during that time the present city hall was built. His father, John D. Allison, the grandfather of W. H. Allison, had a farm south of Ann Arbor, and came to Michigan in 1838. He died July 28, 1874.
Willliam Harvey Allison was educated in the public schools of Detroit. In 1872 he started in the customs brokerage business; he formed a partnership with E. B. Welton under the firm name of Welton & Allison. At the end of seven years, or in 1879, Mr. Allison withdrew and opened business for himself. Some time later he was joined by H. C. Tillman, but after Mr. Tillman's death Mr. Allison conducted the busi- ness alone until 1911, when he formed the corporation of W. H. Allison & Company. He withdrew from active participation in this company in 1914 and since that year has been doing business on his own account. During the long period of forty-eight years, in which Mr. Allison has been in business in his native city he has made hosts of friends, who recognize him as one of the prominent and representative citizens of Detroit.
Mr. Allison was married to Sarah A. Babcock; they are the parents of one daughter, Helen. Mr. Allison has for years been an active member of the Masonic order. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and was grand secretary of Michigan Sovereign Con- sistory and coordinate bodies from 1887 to 1904, and is a member of all the affiliated Masonic bodies. From 1883 to 1889 he was color sergeant in the Detroit Light Guards and during four years of that period he was president of that organization. For more than thirty years he has held membership in the Rushmere Club, in the affairs of which, as in all civic matters, he has ever taken a warm interest. He is also a mem- ber of the Canopus Club.
JOHN W. RITCHIE. The success which legiti- mately follows earnest endeavor, intelligently directed, has come to John W. Ritchie, who for many decades was closely connected with the industrial development of Detroit and who is now in the evening of life enjoying a well earned rest as the reward of his former activity and reliability. He was born at Ross's Point, New York, December 27, 1848, a son of William and Emily (Cummins) Ritchie, the former a native of England, while the latter was born in Canada. His youthful days were devoted to the acquirement of an education in private schools to the age of thir- teen, when he started out to provide for his own living by working in a bakery, where he was employed for nine months. He then began learning the boiler- maker's trade at Hamilton, Canada, and when twenty years of age he became a resident of Detroit, where he entered the service of Buchanan & Carroll, with whom he continued for nine months. He afterward spent four months with the Buhl Iron Works at Third and Congress streets, and later was for one winter a resident of Bay City, Michigan, In 1872 he returned to Detroit and was for a time employed by Dessotell & Hutton. He next went to Port Huron, Michigan, to establish a business of his own, but conditions due to the widespread financial panic of that period caused the venture to prove a failure. Again becom-
WILLIAM H. ALLISON
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ing a resident of Detroit, he once more entered the employ of Dessotell & Company, with whom he con- tinued until 1885, when he became associated with Frederick Desner in establishing the East End Boiler Works. For thirty-one years the two partners con- ducted this business with growing success. They not only did all kinds of repair work on boilers, but made a specialty of the manufacture of marine boilers, which were made after patterns on which they held a patent. These boilers came into general use on ships sailing from almost every American port, and steadily the business grew and developed until it was long classed with the progressive and profitable industrial concerns of the city. It was still yielding an excel- lent financial return to the partners when in 1916 they decided to retire from business and sold to the Michi- gan Steel Castings Company, since which time they have lived retired.
On the 29th of September, 1875, John W. Ritchie was married to Miss Elizabeth Schwinck of Detroit, and they have become the parents of two sons: William David, who is foreman for the D. M. Ferry Company of Detroit and who married Mollie Stevens of Atlanta, Georgia; and Archer F., who is an attorney, associated with the Wayne County & Home Savings Bank, and who married Margaret Anderson of Detroit, and has two sons.
The homes of Mr. Ritchie and Mr. Desner, his old- time partner, are situated within a few doors of each other and though their active business relations in the East End Boiler Works have been discontinued, they are still connected in business investments and in their social relations, the closest and most endur- ing friendship being maintained between them after a business partnership of thirty-one years.
Mr. Ritchie is a thirty-second degree Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine and he belongs also to the Business Men's Bowling Club. In politics he is a republican, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He has long maintained an unassailable reputation in business circles and in every relation of life has commanded the respect and con- fidence of those with whom he has been brought into contact.
JAMES H. CULLEN. Measuring up to most cred- itable standards in his professional career and in other relations of life, James H. Cullen is recognized as one of the substantial and worthy citizens of De- troit, in which city he was born July 8, 1859, his parents being James and Abigail (McSweeny) Cullen. After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Detroit and in business college he took up the study of law and his thorough pre- liminary training led up to his admission to the bar in 1892. For about ten years he remained alone in practice and then became a member of the firm of Dickinson, Stevenson, Cullen, Warren & Butzel, an association that was maintained from 1902 until 1909.
He then became the head of the firm of Cullen, Cas- grain & Hanley and in this connection won a very liberal clientage that has caused his name to figure in the defense or prosecution of many important cases. He has also extended his activities into other fields and is the secretary of the Detroit Sulphite Pulp & Paper Company.
In his native city Mr. Cullen was married on the 19th of April, 1887, to Miss Harriett C. Walters and their children are three in number: Harry, Don and James H., Jr. The religious belief of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Cullen is identi- - fied with the Knights of Columbus. His broad humani- tarian spirit is indicated in his connection with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, of which he is a consulting director. He belongs to the Detroit Golf Club and is a member of the Detroit Board of Commerce, while along strictly professional lines he has connection with the Detroit Bar Associa- tion. His life has been passed in this city and he has witnessed its development from a comparatively small place to a great metropolitan center, fourth in population of all the cities in the United States and the leader in various commercial and industrial activi- ties. He has ever rejoiced in what has been accom- plished as the work of progress and improvement has been carried forward and his aid and influence have ever been on the side of advancement and right.
ANTONIO P. ENTENZA, member of the Detroit bar, was born in Waldo, Florida, July 7, 1877. His parents, Manuel and Rosa (Wade) Entenza, were natives of Spain and in early life came to the new world, settling in Florida, where the father became extensively engaged in cigar manufacturing. Both he and his wife died in that state, where they had reared their family of five children, four of whom are living: John, Emma and Mrs. Bernice Smith, all of Florida; and Antonio P., of this review.
The last named attended the public schools of St. Augustine, Florida, and in that state learned the cigar- maker's trade, which he followed for a time. He was employed at his trade in New York city, and while there furthered his education by attending lec- tures at the Peter Cooper Institute. He then came to Michigan, where he worked in the line of his trade, but with a desire to enter upon a professional career, he became a law student in the University of Michigan and later entered Detroit College of Law, from which he was graduated in 1911 with the LL. B. degree, hav- ing in the meantime supplemented his more specifically literary training by a classical course that gained for him the Bachelor of Arts degree. He located in Detroit in 1910 and was admitted to the Michigan bar in 1911, after which he entered upon the practice of law as a member of the firm of Entenza, Brewer & Ulbrich, being thus associated until 1913, when he withdrew from that partnership and has since prac- ticed independently, gaining a place among Detroit's
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leading attorneys. The zeal with which he has de- voted his energies to his profession, the careful regard which he has manifested for the interests of his clients and his unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases, have brought him a large business and made him very successful in its conduct. He has had wide experience in the courts and the court records bear testimony to his ability in the many favorable ver- diets which he has won. He belongs to the Detroit and to the Michigan State Bar Associations.
On the 4th of December, 1902, Mr. Entenza was mar- ried to Miss Ella Dymock of Calumet, Michigan, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Dymock. They have one child, John, who was born in Calumet, Michigan, in 1904, and is now attending the Northern high school of Detroit.
In 1910 Mr. Entenza was elected to the office of president of the Detroit Federation of Labor. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he was candidate for congress against the Hon. Charles Nichols, but was defeated for the office. There is a most interesting military chapter in the life record of Mr. Entenza, who served during the Spanish- American war as one of the Michigan soldiers who made the brilliant dash up San Juan Hill and sue- ceeded in capturing the fort. He enlisted as a private of Company D, Thirty-fourth Michigan Volunteers, and was also in the battle of El Caney as well as that of San Juan, being honorably mustered out early in 1899. He is now a member of the Spanish-American War Veterans and has served as its state historian, while at the present time he is serving his third term as national judge advocate of the United Spanish War Veterans. During the World war he displayed equal loyalty to the country and its interests, participating in many of the war activities and serving as one of the Four-Minute men. He was one of those appointed by the city to draft the new constitution, being made a member of the commission of fifteen. He served as secretary of the commission and did important investi- gation work in this connection. He has long been a prominent figure in fraternal circles and has served as supreme judge of the Loyal Order of Moose. He is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic fraternity. He has always manifested the deepest interest in the study of sociology and political economy and few men are better informed along those lines.
EDWARD JOSEPH WALKER is the secretary of Walker Brothers, caterers and restaurant owners, con- ducting the largest business of its kind in Michigan, and in the development of their interests Edward Joseph Walker has always made the business his first consideration. The success of the firm is due in no small measure to his keen foresight and wonderful executive power, which have excited the admiration
of his colleagues aud contemporaries in the business world.
Edward J. Walker was born in Detroit, May 10, 1875, a son of Dugald and Sarah (Gainor) Walker. A more extended mention of Dugald and Sarah (Gainor) Walker appears elsewhere in this work. Edward J. Walker attended the public schools of his native city for a time but at the early age of thirteen years began providing for his own support by entering the employ of the Grand Trunk Railroad Company as a messenger boy. In the ten succeeding years he practically filled every position in sequence until he became traveling freight agent, his promotions being won through per- sistent energy, capability and fidelity to the interests which he represented. He remained in the railroad employ in various connections until 1905 and then accepted a position in the south as chief clerk for the trainmaster of the Southern Railroad at East St. Louis, occupying that position for a few years.
Edward J. Walker first became identified with his brothers in the restaurant and catering business in 1909. He became manager of the pavilion which they conducted for a time on Belle Isle but after Edward J. Walker had there spent a year they closed the pavilion and he returned to Detroit as manager of the catering department. In 1910 he was elected secre- tary of the company and was placed in full charge of the catering end of the business, which he has since directed along progressive lines and on a scientific basis. He has always demanded of his employes that they produce the very best possible and he has taken as the standard of his service the motto: "If it is good to eat, we furnish it; if we furnish it, it is good to eat."
In the management of the catering business Mr. Walker has developed a department that has few equals and no superiors. The company through this department furnishes absolutely everything for use at weddings, dinner parties and dances and other social functions and it has recently added a new fea- ture to the business in the serving of meals in homes that have been sorely upset by death, relieving the bereaved ones of all worry from that standpoint in their hour of trouble. The name of Walker has be- come a synonym for quality and service. The success of the firm is undoubtedly due to the fact that some member of the company has been "on the job" every minute night or day. Each brother has had his par- ticular interests to control, yet they have thoroughly cooperated in the development and upbuilding of their trade and all that stands for efficiency and splendid service in restaurant management and cater- ing is indicated to Detroit's citizens by the name of Walker Brothers.
Edward J. Walker has always been regarded as a most public-spirited resident of Detroit and is a warm supporter of every measure that tends to improve the city in any way. His charitable work is deserving of comment, for he is a liberal contributor to all
EDWARD J. WALKER
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causes in behalf of those less fortunate than himself, especially to those who are meeting the hard condi- tions of life and are denied much that makes for hap- piness and contentment. During the World war Mr. Walker served with distinction as a director of the draft board and performed the duties of that office to the best of his capability-which is of high order.
On the 9th of November, 1910, was celebrated the marriage of Edward J. Walker and Miss Viola Moebs of Detroit. To them have been born two sons: Ed- ward J., Jr., whose birth occurred July 16, 1913; and George, born October 1, 1914. Mr. Walker is of the Catholic faith and is a communicant of SS. Peter and Paul Jesuit parish. He belongs to the Rotary Club, the Automobile Club, the Board of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus and other local organizations. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party but he has never allowed party sentiment to deter him from supporting the best man seeking office. He is very fond of outdoor life and is an enthusiastic baseball fan, finding keen pleasure in watching the national game. In manner he is thor- oughly frank and comes to the point at once in any business matter. He has always believed in giving full credit to others for their accomplishments but has been extremely modest in regard to himself. His fellow townsmen bear testimony to his worth as an individual and as a citizen and the great business enterprise conducted by the firm of Walker Brothers is an evidence of his capacity and his powers in his chosen line of activity.
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