USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. III > Part 53
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REV. ALONZO H. B. NACY, pastor of St. Paul's Roman Catholic church at Grosse Pointe, was born in Lapeer county, Michigan, April 21, 1860, his birth- place being the farm on which resided his parents, Peter and Mary J. (Darling) Naey, the former a native of Ireland, while the latter was born in Canada.
After reaching school age Alonzo H. B. Naey became 'a pupil in a little log schoolhouse not far from his father's home, therein pursuing the common branches of learning, while later he was graduated from the Wayne high school. He afterward attended St. Je- rome College at what was then Berlin but is now Kitchener, Ontario, and in 1886 he completed a course in St. Mary's Seminary at Baltimore, Maryland.
On the 16th of June, 1886, Father Nacy was or- dained to the priesthood by Bishop Henry A. Bor- gess at Sandwich, Ontario, and his first pastorate was at Most Holy Trinity in Detroit, where he labored until August 29, 1889. He was then assigned to duty at Hudson, Michigan, where he continued nntil Jan- mary 18, 1899, when he was appointed pastor of St. Paul's church at Grosse Pointe, and throughout the intervening period of twenty-one years has there la- bored, having charge of one of the strong Catholic parishes of this section of the state, in which he has thoroughly organized the work in all departments, while his zeal and consecration to the canse are greatly promoting the growth and development of the church in this district.
GEORGE HARLAND, president of the George Har- land Printing Company, who passed away November 10, 1920, left the impress of his individuality for good in many ways upon the history of Detroit. He was born in London, Ontario, February 3, 1869, a son of George Henry and Sarah Ann '(Tune) Harland, who were also of Canadian birth, the former a native of Hamilton and the latter of Woodstock, Ontario. The father came to Detroit in early life and here resided until his death on the 24th of December, 1918. He was a shoemaker and always followed the 'trade. His widow survives and yet makes her home in this eity. Their family numbered eight children, seven of whom are living: Mrs. Jennie Kenyon of Plymouth, Michigan; William J., of Guelph, Ontario; George; Mrs. Annie Page of Detroit; and Ida, Albert T., and Lenore, who is Mrs. A. A. Burr, all of Detroit.
In early life George Harland attended the public schools of Ontario and afterward continued his edu- cation in the high school of Detroit and in the De- troit Business University, having been a student there during the period in which he was serving as apprentice
at the printer's trade. He took np work at that trade when thirteen years of age and was employed in various printing offices, including that of the Free Press. He later purchased an interest in a small printing business on Woodward avenue and from that time the business grew steadily under his able management. His start was a most humble and modest one but his thorough understanding of the trade, his ability in salesmanship and his enterprise, combined with the excellent workmanship of his establishment, brought a constantly increasing patronage. By 1915 the business had grown to such proportions that it seemed wise to incorporate and the George Harland Company was organized, with Mr. Harland as the president, and he so remained until his death. The plant is located in the Marquette building and is one of the most thoroughly equipped in the state. They have every modern device for any class of printing work, including printing in color, and they employ a large force of skilled workmen. Notwith- standing the extent and importance of his interests as a representative of the printing business, Mr. Har- land was also one of the best known members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Michigan and devoted much time to the organization, his labors resulting in bringing it up to a high plane. He filled successively all of the offices in the order and was past grand master for the State of Michigan. He was sent as special representative to the grand lodge and was again elected to represent the organ- ization in the supreme grand lodge at Boston in 1920. His local membership was with Samaritan Lodge, No. 27, of Detroit. His friends say that he was the most active and valuable representative of Odd Fel- lowship in Michigan, having given most freely of his time and service to the order-more so than any other man in the history of the society in the state. No worthy member of the organization ever appealed to him in vain for aid and he was one of the best known Odd Fellows in the country, having made many personal sacrifices to advance the cause of his fellow- men, and never refused, even in the dead of night and when the thermometer was below zero, to go to the call of those who needed assistance. Mr. Har- land likewise belonged to Palestine Lodge, F. & A. M., and was a member of the Universalist church. He was also connected with the board of directors of the Citizens League of Detroit and with the Detroit Auto- mobile Club. He was one of the founders of the Typothetae Franklin Association and the Michigan Press and Printers' Federation, and has been presi- dent of both. He was also one of the founders of the Citizens League and was active in getting printing added as a course of study in the Cass Teclinical High School.
On the 26th of December, 1894, Mr. Harland was married at Lapeer, Michigan, to Miss Adelaide Marr, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Marr of a well known and prominent family of Lapeer, her father
REV. ALONZO H. B. NACY
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having been a leading builder of that city up to the time of his death. His widow is a resident of Detroit. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Harland were five children, but three of the number have been called to the Home beyond, those living being: Cecil, who was born in Detroit in 1897 and attended the Central high school, the Detroit Normal Training School and the Detroit Business University; and Mildred, who was born in December, 1904, and is now a scholar in the Northwestern high school of Detroit.
Such in brief is the history of George Harland, who in business life developed important and prosperous interests and yet always found time to devote to the welfare and advancement of his fellowmen. He was ever actuated by the broadest humanitarian prin- ciples and he was a close student of the great socio- logical and economic questions of the times as affecting the interests of humanity. There are hundreds who have reason to bless him for timely assistance and he was honored wherever he was known.
HARRY BREITMEYER. For over sixty years the name of Breitmeyer has figured prominently in com- mercial circles of Detroit in connection with the florists' business, standing ever as a synonym for progressiveness and reliability, and Harry Breitmeyer, representing the third generation of the family in this city, is worthily sustaining the traditions of an honored name. As florists they have long occupied a leading position and the firm name of John Breit- meyer's Sons has not only become well known in Detroit but also throughout the state.
Harry Breitmeyer was born in this city on the 23d of February, 1890, a son of Philip and Katherine (Grass) Breitmeyer, and his education was acquired in the public schools and the Eastern and Central high schools. Following his graduation in 1908 he entered his father's floral establishment at No. 26 Broadway, where he devoted his energies to the task of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business which had been founded over sixty years ago by his grandfather. Through close application and untir- ing energy he mastered every detail of the business, of which he was made manager in 1912, while in 1914 he became a member of the firm of John Breitmeyer's Sons. He attacks every business problem with the energy and enthusiasm characteristic of the young man of progressive spirit, which, combined with the mature judgment of a man many years his senior, is proving a valuable asset in promoting the substantial growth of the enterprise. The company handles none but the choicest of cut flowers, shrubs and plants, which are arranged most artistically and effectively, being expert in the art of decorating, and the establishment is one of the most attractive in the city. In the conduct of its interests the firm employs from fifty to seventy-five persons, is continually enlarging the scope of its operations and is contemplating the open- ing of a chain of stores in order to facilitate the
handling of its extensive business, which is now one of the largest commercial enterprises in the state. Its interests are conducted along the most modern and progressive lines and throughout the period of its existence the firm of John Breitmeyer's Sons has borne an unassailable reputation for honesty and integrity. Mr. Breitmeyer of this review has also extended his efforts in other directions and is now serving as secretary-treasurer of the Lohrman Seed Company, which is located on Randolph street and is the third largest enterprise of the kind in the city, handling seeds and farm implements.
On the 10th of October, 1912, Mr. Breitmeyer was united in marriage to Miss Maud Bamlet, a daughter of Frank Bamlet, one of Detroit's foremost citizens. In his political views Mr. Breitmeyer is a stanch republican, interested in the welfare and success of the party, but has never cared for the honors and emoluments of public office, although his father served as mayor of Detroit from 1908 until 1912, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration productive of excellent results. The son is an active and earnest member of the Detroit Board of Com- merce and the Retail Credit Men's Association and fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belong- ing to Palestine Lodge, F. & A. M., while his social nature finds expression in his membership in the Wil- derness, Automobile Country, Detroit Automobile, Detroit Boat and Detroit Athletic Clubs. When at leisure he is always found in the open and is an enthusiastic sailor, being fond of all aquatic sports. That Mr. Breitmeyer is a loyal and patriotic American is indicated in the fact that he volunteered for service in the World war, serving as a private in the Thirty-fifth P. O. D. at Jonchery, France. While it is true that he came to a business already established, he has demonstrated in its management the same ex- ecutive power and keen discrimination between the essential and the nonessential which have ever char- acterized his father and placed him at the head of one of the most important business interests of the city. His life is an exemplary one in all respects and he stands as the highest type of American manhood and chivalry.
E. R. MILBURN, one of the younger group of rising and prominent lawyers in Detroit, where he has been in practice for several years, is a native of the Hoosier state, born in Indiana on September 15, 1889, a son of Augustus and Ella (Cline) Milburn.
E. R. Milburn received his early education in the public schools and later entered the Detroit College of Law, from which institution he was graduated in 1910 and was admitted to the Michigan state bar in 1911. Immediately thereafter Mr. Milburn began the practice of his profession in Detroit and continued on his own account until 1916, when he formed a partnership with Emanuel T. Berger, a well known lawyer, and the business has been conducted as Ber-
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ger & Milburn. They specialize in commercial law practice and court work and are gradually developing an influential connection along these lines.
In 1918 Mr. Milburn was united in marriage to Miss Grace C. Anderson, a daughter of Edward Anderson of Detroit. Mr. Milburn is a member of the Detroit Bar Association, in the affairs of which he takes a warm interest; he is also a member of the Delta Theta Phi College fraternity. He is a republican in politics and to the principles and policies of that party he gives active support. The Milburns are of Seoteli- English ancestry, many generations having passed since the first of them arrived in this country.
Mr. and Mrs. Milburn enjoy the regard aud esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances in and about Detroit, and their efforts are always directed toward promoting the welfare of the community in which they reside.
GEORGE W. SLAUGHTER, a successful business man of Detroit, is a southerner by birth, born in Richmond, Virginia, January 25, 1873, and comes from one of the old families of Virginia. His father, Richard J. Slaughter, owned a stock farm on the James river, while his mother, whose maiden name was Ellen Batkim, belonged to the Rafehorns, one of the old and prominent families of Virginia.
George W. Slaughter was reared in the south and educated in the schools of Richmond and of Washing- ton, D. C. While living in the latter city he became engaged in the proprietary medicine business, with which he has been identified ever since. His opera- tions in this line of business have been very success- ful. He is the owner of several proprietary medicines, the building up and distribution of which have been entirely under his management and direction and represent an extensive business in both the United States and Canada. During the early part of his business career Mr. Slaughter resided in Washington, D. C., whence he removed to Montreal and for nine years was a resident of the Canadian metropolis. In 1907 he became a resident of this city and since that date has been a Detroiter.
While Mr. Slaughter has made a success of his business interests, he has become very well known in connection with what may be called his hobby-the breeding of fine horses, cattle and dogs. His love for a good horse is hereditary and from boyhood this interest has never diminished. Mr. Slaughter owns and has developed Deep Run Stock Farm, famous as the home of Lucile Spier, the holder of a world's record for a trotting mare over a half-mile track, and such other notable performers as Czar Peter, Isworthy MeKinney, Doris Watts and others. Deep Run Stock Farm is out Woodward avenue way, within a mile of Birmingham, and is one of the suburban features of Detroit, affording ample opportunity for the indulg- ence of the owner in his hobby. Here can be found some of the finest thoroughbred Holstein cattle in the
state as well as Airedale and collie dogs of the highest class. As a judge of horse flesh Mr. Slaughter has few superiors and is not confined merely to speed qualities but is equally as keen in the various classes of the show ring. For ability to pick a horse "in the rough" his judgment is almost uncanny. He has built up and owns probably the classiest string of horses owned in the state. As a driver his skill has frequently been shown, while as an expert rider he is equally well known. He is that type of gentleman horseman who is thoroughly posted in every branch of the sport, whether breeding, showing, racing or driv- ing. He knows the ins and outs, for he has owned all kinds of horses and iu a matter of judgment in the horse game he has demonstrated on various occasions that his own is most excellent.
Mr. Slaughter is a member of the Bloomfield Hills Golf Club, the Bloomfield Hills Hunt Club, the Cross Country Riding Club and the Detroit Athletic Club and in the pursuits of all these organizations he is an active participant. He is a member of the Royal resident of that city took a prominent part in the affairs of that club, being for some time its fleet captain. He has a number of valuable trophies from his skill in handling racing boats. Mr. Slaughter takes the interest of a good citizen in civic affairs but has never aspired for political honors.
HENRY L. OBETZ, M. D. A life of great activity and usefulness was ended when Dr. Henry L. Obetz was called to his final rest on December 22, 1913. He had for years been an eminent member of the profession, ranking among the most prominent in De- troit, and at all times he was an exponent of that progressiveness in professional circles which found its expression in broad scientific research and wide in- vestigation. Dr. Obetz was born in Columbus, Ohio, July 8, 1851, and was one of a family of three children whose parents were Cyrus and Sophia (Siebert) Obetz. The father was a well known contractor who con- ducted an extensive business in Ohio and in Illinois.
Dr. Obetz was reared in Paris, Illinois, where he attended the public schools, and later he entered upon the study of medicine in the Western Medical College of Cleveland, from which he was graduated in 1874. He then located for practice in Paris, Illinois, where he remained until 1883, when he removed to Ann Arbor in order to accept the responsible positions of , dean and professor of surgery of the homeopathic faculty of the University. There he continued for twelve years as a most capable educator and successful practitioner and in 1895 he removed to Detroit, where to the time of his demise he enjoyed one of the largest and most lucrative surgical practices of any homeopathie physician of Michigan. He performed many notable major operations, including one on the heart at St. Mary's Hospital that attracted wide- spread attention. He was for a number of years a
GEORGE W. SLAUGHTER
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member of the staff of Grace Hospital and he was prominently and widely known through his connec- tions with the Wayne County Medical Society and the American Institute of Homeopathy. He also be- longed to the Quarter Century Club, composed of physicians who have been in active practice for twenty-five years.
On the 4th of May, 1881, in Paris, Illinois, Dr. Obetz was united in marriage to Miss California Rudy, daughter of Preston O. Rudy, who was born in the state of Kentucky and who married Catherine Hard- ing. To Dr. and Mrs. Obetz were born the following named: Henry L., who was born February 9, 1882, at Paris, Illinois, is connected with the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company at Detroit; Jessie, who was born at Ann Arbor, Michigan, March 21, 1884, and is the wife of William H. Rose, a well known Detroit business man; Ethel, who was born June 16, 1886, at Ann Arbor, Mich- igan, and is the wife of Dr. Allan O. Fullinwilder, a prominent physician and surgeon of Lyons, Michigan. The family are members of the Unitarian church, to which Dr. Obetz belonged, and he also held membership in the Masonic fraternity and in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he was a stanch republicau, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but he did not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. An advocate of cremation, he was one of the directors of the Michigan Crema- tion Association. His entire thought and energy was concentrated upon his professional duties, which he ever discharged with a sense of conscientious obliga- tion. His skill and ability were continually augmented by broad reading, study and scientific research and investigation, and the efficiency of his life work was manifest in the many difficult surgical operations which he successfully performed, making his career one of great usefulness to his fellowmen. When he passed away his ashes were placed in the cemetery at Paris, Illinois. His family yet reside in Detroit, where they occupy a prominent social position.
ALBERT HENRY NORTON. In the high type of service given by the A. H. Norton Company, one of the leading concerns in the field of funeral directing enterprise in the city of Detroit, are reflected the consideration and kindly stewardship which the presi- dent of this company has made an insistent policy during the entire period of his association with this line of business, the company having two well equipped establishments with the most modern of facilities, and the fair and honorable dealings having constituted the basis on which has been built up the large and representative business.
Albert H. Norton was born at Galesburg, Illinois, on the 18th of February, 1883, and is a son of Isaac P. and Hannah R. (Jones) Norton. The parents were born and reared in the vicinity of Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, and the father became one of the pioneer embalmers of the United States. In the year 1881
Isaac P. Norton established his residence in the city of Galesburg, Illinois, and there he was successfully engaged in the undertaking business until 1900, when he came to Detroit and purchased the business of George Englehart, the oldest established undertaker in the section of the city in which his business was centered, on Michigan avenue, where he had main- tained his headquarters for fully half a century. Mr. Norton here continued in business as a leading em- balmer and funeral director, until his death, which occurred on the 11th of November, 1913, when he was fifty-three years of age. His widow returned to the old home at Galesburg, Illinois, where she still resides. Of the two children Albert Henry is the older, and the younger is Miss Anna Marie Norton, who is with her widowed mother at Galesburg.
The public schools of Galesburg, Illinois, held a goodly share of the time and attention of Albert H. Norton until he had completed the curriculum of the high school, and thereafter he took a special course at Knox College, in his native city. In 1900 he became associated with his father's business, the family home being established at Detroit in that year. About one year later, however, Mr. Norton made a radical change of vocation, taking a position as locomotive fireman in the service of the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy Railroad Company, in which connection he won advancement to the position of en- gineer. He remained in the service of this railroad company for eight years, and then resigned and became actively associated with his father's well established undertaking business in Detroit. Under the effective preceptorship of his father he became a skilled em- balmer, and after the death of his father he assumed full control of the business, which he has successfully continued, under the title of the A. H. Norton Com- pany, and with modern establishments at 2525-2529 Michigan avenue and 8608 Gratiot avenue. The equip- ment includes a fine chapel, funeral cars and automo- biles, and refinement, efficiency and consideration are the insistent watchwords in all phases of the business. Mr. Norton has gained secure place as one of the thorough and reliable business men of the Michigan metropolis and is essentially progressive and loyal in his civie attitude. He is independent in politics. At the time of the troubles along the Mexican border Mr. Norton subordinated his business interests and entered the nation's service as a member of the Thirty- first Michigan Infantry, with which he was stationed seven months at El Paso, Texas, and in which he won promotion to the office of first lieutenant. He returned to Detroit, and on the 15th of July, 1917, his com- mand was ordered into service at the stage of conflict in the great World war. He accompanied his regiment to France and was made adjutant to Lieutenant Colonel A. H. Gannser, of the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth United States Infantry. With his regiment Mr. Norton was among the first in action at Chateau Thierry, at Courmont and in the Marne sector, and on the 30th
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of July, 1918, he was seriously wounded. He was taken to Base Hospital No. 26, and after his partial recovery he was ordered home, as instructor, and promoted to the rank of captain, this dispensation having occurred just prior to the memorable battle of Jugvigny. As captain he served as commander of Company C of the Seventy-ninth Infantry, Fifteenth Division, and in this capacity he continued in service until the signing of the armistice. He then received his honorable discharge and upon the demobilization of his company he returned to Detroit and resumed his business activities, in connection with which he has manifested the same spirit of loyalty and stew- ardship that he did while representing his nation as a gallant soldier in the World war.
Captain Norton was numbered among the prominent veterans identified with the organization of the Amer- ican Legion in Detroit. In association with Colonel Fred M. Alger and John F. Roehl he effected the organization of the Charles A. Larned Post, No. 1, of the American Legion, and served as its vice com- mander the first year, besides which he represented the post as a delegate from Michigan to the National convention of the American Legion at St. Louis, Mis- souri. He is an active and popular member of his post, and is affiliated also with the Masonie fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Broth- erhood of Locomotive Engineers. He is also a member of the Masonic Country Club.
November 2, 1904, recorded the marriage of Mr. Norton to Miss Eva M. Dickerson of Bradford, Illinois, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin W. Dickerson, who are now residents of Houston, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Norton have four children: Lynford Calvin, who was born at Galesburg, Illinois, in 1905, is a student in the Cass Technical high school; Albert Maurice, born at Galesburg, in 1907, is attending the Stevens school in Detroit, as are also Evelyn Virginia, who was born at Burlington, Iowa, in 1910, and Jean Louise, who was born at Detroit, in 1912.
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