USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. III > Part 58
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The last named attended the public schools and then learned the painting and decorating business under his father and with his father and brothers obtained the technical and business training which has brought him his present success. His love of beauty was early manifest, but he had no means of studying art save through books at home and through examination of fabrics in shop windows. He thus developed a discriminating taste and after his father's death he found it easy to obtain employment in his chosen line, thus continuing until 1915, when he established business on his own account. The Detroit Journal said of him in this connection: "From a 'hole in the wall' to a shop in the exclusive section of Woodward avenue in three years and a half. When he left the partnership of his brothers he made his home his business headquarters. He built his own scaffolds and ladders and went out after painting jobs. He built up a following until he was able to take a tiny site near the corner of Trumbull and Grand River. That is the 'hole in the wall' which the oc- cupant soon found too small and caused to grow until the character of his business required a better location. In January, 1916, the establishment was moved to Woodward avenue upon a venture which has had happy results." Mr. Wall, speaking of his own experience, said: "In the early days of my business independence I was unable to take large contracts
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because of the tremendous cost of supplies. Small jobs with speedy payment of wholesalers' bills established my credit. Gradually I was able to ven- ture further. Thousand dollar contracts could be handled and so the business grew. My first big contract was for decorating the Book building. Since then I have had others of equal importance until now I keep decorators in several Detroit hotels with sufficient painting stock for a small establishment. I opened the present shop during the war at a time when conservative men considered the change hazard- ous. However, I studied the venture until I was con- vinced it was not only safe but logical. Business doubled the first year and its increase during the war was steady. It doubled again in 1919, reaching one hundred and fifty thousand dollars." Mr. Wall has had the contracts for decorating a number of the finest buildings of the city, for following his work in the Book building he furnished the decorations for the Detroit News, the Real Estate Exchange building and many others, employing continuously more than sev- enty-five people. Close application and thoroughness, as well as artistic taste and comprehensive study, have been important elements in his progress and success. It is said that he is the first one to reach his office in the morning and the last one to leave at night, and he keeps in close touch with his representatives and their work, knowing that the best possible results are at all times being accomplished.
On the 19th of August, 1902, Mr. Wall was mar- ried to Miss Clara M. Clark of Detroit, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Clark, well known in this city. Mr. Wall belongs to the Detroit Athletic Club, also to the Detroit Board of Commerce and to the Kiwanis Club. He is today prominent and popular-a busi- ness man who has attained leadership and a citizen whose course reflects credit upon the city that claims him as a native son.
WILLIAM A. NEER, one of Detroit's best known men in security and investment brokerage circles, is the owner and founder of William A. Neer & Com- pany, one of the city's leading houses in that line of business. William A. Neer was born at St. Paris, Ohio, March 10, 1885, and his parents, Adam and Mary E. (Kite) Neer, are also natives of the Buck- eye state, where they resided for many years, but now make their home in Indianapolis, Indiana. The father has retired from active business. In their family were three children: Warren E., a resident of Tremont City, Ohio; Katherine N., of Detroit; and William A., of this review, who is the youngest of the family.
Reared in his native town, William A. Neer when but a boy began to acquire a practical knowledge of life's responsibilities. Coming from an excellent family, he was the type of a boy that was known as a "hustler" and was always on the alert for an opportunity to earn his own money. He received
his early education in the public schools of St. Paris, Ohio, and with more desire for a business than for a professional career, he further prepared himself by attending the Bliss Business College of Columbus, Ohio. He then became a stenographer and was em- ployed along similar lines for five years. On the 1st of August, 1907, he entered the employ of A. J. Hood & Company of Detroit, with whom he remained until 1911 and then spent two years with W. A. Hamlin & Company. On the 1st of February, 1913, he be- came one of the organizers of the firm of John Burn- ham, Neer & Company, investment securities, stocks and bonds. Mr. Neer was made treasurer and gen- eral manager, filling that position for a year. At the end of that time Mr. Neer purchased the interests of his partners and has continued the business under the style of William A. Neer & Company, although he is sole proprietor. In both the character and vol- ume of its business the house of William A. Neer & Company occupies a foremost position among the stock and bond houses of Detroit. Mr. Neer served as president of the Detroit Stock Exchange in 1916 and in 1920 was again elected to that office, while as a member of its board of governors he has served a number of terms. In addition to his other business interests Mr. Neer is secretary and a director of the Houseman-Spitzley Corporation, one of Detroit's prom- inent real estate concerns.
In politics Mr. Neer maintains an independent course, looking entirely to men and measures rather than party. He belongs to the Baptist church, is a member of the Ohio Society of Detroit and is connected with the Detroit Club, the Detroit Country Club, the De- troit Boat Club, the Detroit Athletic Club and the Oakland Hills Country Club. He has always been much interested in athletics and manly outdoor sports. He pulled an oar on the rowing team of the Detroit Boat Club for several seasons and his athletic prowess has made him widely known. He also enjoys fish- ing, hunting, golfing and motoring, turning to these activities for recreation when business permits. He maintains a hunting and fishing lodge west of Pon- tiac, where he is the owner of Haven Hill Farm, a tract of three hundred and eighty acres, affording him recreation and enjoyment. He started out in the business world, however, empty-handed and his close application and indefatigable energy have been salient features in the attainment of his present-day success.
DANIEL PATRICK CASSIDY. For seventeen years Daniel Patrick Cassidy has engaged in the general practice of law in Detroit and his advancement at the bar has resulted from the thorough preparation of his cases, his clear reasoning and his devotion to the in- terests of his clients. He was born in Wyandotte, Michigan, August 26, 1882, and pursued a public school education, after which he took a course in a business college of Detroit and then entered the Detroit Col- lege of Law, from which he was graduated in 1903.
WILLIAM A. NEER
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In the same year he was admitted to the bar and entered at once upon the practice of law, in which he has continued. He has never specialized in any given department of the profession but has continued in general practice, being well versed in all branches of jurisprudence, while his clear reasoning and logical deductions are manifest in every case which he brings before the court.
On the 26th of September, 1907, Mr. Cassidy was married to Miss Evelyn M. Carlin and they have be- come the parents of four children: Joseph D., Loretta Mary, Elizabeth Agnes and Edward James. The re- ligious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Cassidy is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of the Board of Com- merce and at all times has manifested a keen and helpful interest in those problems of public concern and in the opportunities which have led to the up- building of a larger city with higher civic standards.
OTTO A. WURM. No insignificant place is held by Otto A. Wurm in connection with the vital commer- cial activities of the Michigan metropolis, where he is president of the Detroit Plumbing Supply Company, the headquarters of which are established on Mack avenue, with equipment and facilities of the best order and with a business of substantial and success- ful ramifications.
Though he is of European nationality, Otto Wurm was but an infant at the time of the family immigra- tion to the United States, his birth having occurred August 1, 1877, and his parents, August and Augusta · (Vandersee) Wurm having established their home in Detroit in 1887. The father here followed various lines of business activity. He was killed by the col- lapse of a building that was in course of construction in this eity in 1898. His widow is still a resident of Detroit. They became the parents of five children: Otto A., who is the eldest; Emma, who is unmarried; Elsie, who is now Mrs. Leo Kromm of Detroit; Clara, who married Ehrich Heinrich, and died in June, 1918; and William C., of Detroit.
The public schools of Detroit afforded to Otto A. Wurm his youthful educational opportunities, and his ambition was shown by his attendance at night school after he had become associated with practical affairs. He was earnest and aspiring and in following various lines of work he ever looked forward to advancement toward the goal of independence. At the age of eighteen years he entered upon an apprenticeship to the steamfitter's trade, with the Detroit Sheet Metal & Brass Works, and later he completed his technical training under the effective direction of Jacob Zarga, and at the plant of the Detroit Shipbuilding Com- pany. He continued with this company seven years, as a skilled artisan, and in 1902 established himself independently in the plumbing and heating business. By his energy, effective service and fair and hon- orable policies he developed a prosperous business
but in 1915 he found it expedient to abandon the general plumbing and heating service in connection with his enterprise and to turn his attention to the manufacture of plumbers' supplies. This wise action eventually led to the organizing of the Detroit Plumbing Supply Company, which was incorporated in March, 1918, and of which he has continued as presi- dent. The company manufactures woodwork and brass fixtures for the plumbing trade and does a general job- bing business in plumbers' supplies. Mr. Wurm was one of the organizers of the Men's Service Stations, of which he has been president since 1917. He is a director of the Commercial Syndicate, general real estate and land contract dealers. He also was one of the organizers of the Commercial State Bank of De- troit. He is independent in politics and gives support to men and measures meeting the approval of his judgment, rather than being constrained within strict partisan lines. In the Masonic fraternity he is affil- iated with Acacia Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 477, of which he is now master, also with Scottish Rite bodies. He is a Shriner and belongs to Michigan Sovereign Consistory. He is a member, also, of the American- German Order of Foresters. His religious affiliations are indicated by his membership in the First English Lutheran church.
June 29, 1904, recorded the marriage of Mr. Wurm to Miss Ida A. Baude, daughter of David J. and Amelia (Bertram) Baude, highly respected citizens of Detroit, and of this union have been born three children: Ro- malda, who was born November 1, 1905, is, in 1921, a student in the high school, as is also Donald David, who was born July 7, 1909; while Dorothy Marion, the youngest of the children, was born July 26, 1912, and is attending the public schools. Mr. Wurm built his home at 3095 Cadillac avenue, in 1907, and this has since been his place of residence.
J. M. GALLAGHER, a prominent member of the accountancy profession in Detroit, where he holds the responsible position of auditor in the plant of the American Car and Foundry Company, is a native of Michigan, born in Fowlerville, August 18, 1878, a son of James and Annie (Gibney) Gallagher, both of whom were natives of the Emerald isle, who immi- grated to the United States many years ago.
J. M. Gallagher was educated in the public schools and in the high school at Howell, this state. He then started work on his own account and clerked in a store for two years, at the end of this time entering the Detroit Business University, where he applied him- self to the study of accounting in its various phases and from which institution he was graduated in 1901. Following his graduation Mr. Gallagher took a posi- tion as a clerk and later became local auditor at the Peninsular plant of the American Car and Foundry Company at Detroit, and has since been thus engaged, covering a period of almost twenty years. He has charge of a staff of about thirty office assistants,
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whose confidence and esteem are cordially extended to him, the same being true of the management of the company, whose interests have ever been his chief concern.
In 1903 Mr. Gallagher was united in marriage to Miss Mayme Wines and they have become the parents of four children, namely: Hugh, Howard, Charles, and Elizabeth. Mr. Gallagher is a member of the Knights of Columbus, in the affairs of which he takes an active and practical part. During the progress of the World war he was one of the indefatigable workers who helped to make the record of the American Car and Foundry Company in the manufacture of war muni- tions, the great industrial achievement of America. While Mr. Gallagher has always given a good citizen's attention to public affairs he has never been a seeker after political office, preferring his daily avocation to the turmoil of party politics.
CHARLES RICHARD WALKER, member of Homer Warren & Company, the foremost real estate firm in Detroit, is one of the most highly regarded men in realty circles of the city.
Mr. Walker was born at Romeo, Michigan, Sep- tember 13, 1877. His parents, Seth and Carrie (Draper) Walker, were both natives of Michigan. The father was a successful farmer, carrying on that busi- ness extensively. He died at Romeo, Michigan, where his widow yet resides.
Charles R. Walker was the only child of his par- ents and in acquiring his earlier education he attended school at Armada, Michigan. A business, rather than a professional, career appealed to him and to better fit himself for this he became a student at Jewell's Business College in Detroit. On the completion of his course at this institution he took up the real estate business in 1896, with which he has ever since been connected, and has been continuously associated with the same gentleman, Mr. Homer Warren.
Mr. Walker's first connection with the real estate business was in a modest capacity, but he had am- bition and energy, so his work in Mr. Warren's office was performed in a manner which did not pass by unnoticed or unappreciated. A keen interest in his work, together with exceptional capability shown in any branch with which he had to do, were charac- teristics which attracted the attention of his employer. In 1906 Mr. Walker was called into Mr. Warren's private office and informed by that gentleman that from then on he was to be a partner in the busi- ness, share and share alike. It would be difficult to conceive of a higher tribute from employer to employe.
Homer Warren & Company has for many years been known as the leading real estate firm in Detroit, oper- ating a high class business for a clientele such as no other firm in the city enjoys. No small part of its business is the management and care of the realty holdings of large estates, the rental and rent collec- tion of a number of the important buildings in the
city. The insurance department of this firm includes agencies of the leading American and foreign com- panies. The organization represented by Homer War- ren & Company is one of the most efficient business organizations in the commercial circles of Detroit, and has been built up to a degree of perfection and thor- oughness not often attained in its line of business. Mr. Walker's connection of twenty-five years with this firm has long since made him an important factor in its growth and a conspicuous figure in trade circles where its activities have been centered.
On October 6, 1909, Mr. Walker was married to Miss Elizabeth Dawson of Detroit, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Dawson.
Mr. Walker holds membership in the Detroit Ath- letic, the Bloomfield Hills Country and the Fellowcraft Clubs, and the Detroit Board of Commerce. Hunting and fishing may be said to be his favorite recreations, whether in the northern woods during the deer season or in Florida, where he has an attractive home in which he spends his winters.
Mr. Walker ranks as a citizen of the highest type and as a business man whose record is clean and whose success has been solely the result of his own efforts.
FRANK D. WHEELER, M. D. A life of activity and usefulness was ended when Dr. Frank D. Wheeler was called to the Home beyond on the 28th of November, 1915. He was but sixty years of age, his birth having occurred near Kendallville, Indiana, August 5, 1855, his parents being Heman H. and Loretta (Mather) Wheeler. His educational oppor- tunities were those afforded by the public schools of Kendallville, bringing him to his graduation from the high school with the class of 1874. He afterward took up the profession of teaching in Noble county, Indiana, and was thus engaged in 1875 and 1876. He then entered upon a commercial course of study in Kalamazoo, Michigan, pursuing his course in 1876. It was his desire, however, to become a member of the medical profession and as soon as opportunity offered he entered the Detroit Medical College, from which he was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1880. Fifteen years later he pursued postgraduate work in Edinburgh, Scotland, and throughout his life he re- mained a close student of the profession, reading dili- gently the standard works and at all times keeping in touch with the advanced thought and purposes of the medical fraternity. He was most conscientious in the performance of his duties to his patients and he always adhered closely to advanced professional ethics. He had membership in the Wayne County, Michigan State and American Medical Associations.
In Ithaca, New York, on the 4th of June, 1895, Dr. Wheeler was married to Miss Ella A. Kingsley, a daughter of William H. and Hannah (Prentice) Kings- ley, the former an extensive lumber dealer who re- moved from New York to Detroit. Dr. and Mrs. Wheeler hecame the parents of a son, Don Carlos,
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CHARLES R. WALKER
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whose birth occurred February 19, 1900, and he is now attending the medical department of the Uni- versity of Michigan. He resides with his mother at No. 640 West Warren avenue. Dr. Wheeler had been successfully engaged in practice in Detroit from 1881, or for a period of more than a third of a century, and was the loved family physician in many a household of this city. He was a republican in his political views and a Protestant in his religious belief. He exhibited many sterling traits of charac- ter, not the least of which was his kindly sympathy and helpfulness toward those who needed aid, and his intuitive understanding of human nature consti- tuted one of the elements in his professional success.
GENERAL ALPHEUS STARKEY WILLIAMS. One of the most brilliant of the chapters of the mili- tary record of Detroit and of Wayne county is that contained in the life history of General Alpheus Starkey Williams. He served in two of the country's great wars and in days of peace he fought with equal loyalty for the highest standards of American life and ideals. A native of Connecticut, he was born in Say- brook, September 20, 1810, and liberal educational advantages were accorded him. He completed a course in Yale University in 1831 and afterward took up the study of law with the intention of making its practice his life work. After thorough preparation he came to Michigan in 1837 and opened an office in De- troit. While advancement at the bar is proverbially slow, he soon won recognition as a capable lawyer and one whose devotion to the interests of his clients was proverbial. He prepared his cases with great thor- oughness and zeal and was making steady progress in this field when in 1839 he was called from the active work of the cours to serve as probate judge of Wayne county. Three years later he was selected as judge of the recorder's court and upon the bench he dis- played the qualities of equity, justice and clear vision which make the capable jurist. He likewise owned and edited the Detroit Advertiser and thus within a comparatively few years he had made for himself a most creditable position in the business and pro- fessional circles of Detroit.
General Williams early manifested the keenest in- terest in military affairs, joining the Brady Guards, a newly organized company of Detroit militia, in which he served as captain. He was thus identified with the state military organization until after the outbreak of war with Mexico, when he was mustered into the federal service as a lieutenant colonel of the First Michigan Infantry Volunteers, with which he served from the 8th of December, 1847, until July 29, 1848. When the country no longer needed his military aid Colonel Williams returned to Detroit and again took up the active work of the legal profession. He was also again called to publie office, being ap- pointed postmaster of Detroit, and thus in public service and as an able representative of the bar he
passed his years until the country again needed his aid in a military capacity.
When hostilities began between the north and the south Governor Blair placed General Williams in command of an instruction camp at Fort Wayne, with the rank of brigadier general, and in that position he was continued by President Lincoln. In October, 1861, he was assigned to the command of the Third Brigade, attached to Banks' division of the Army of the Po- tomac. With his troops he went to the front, and when Mansfield fell at the battle of Antietam, Gen- eral Williams succeeded him in the command of the Twelfth Army Corps, which fought until completely exhausted. He afterward headed his troops in the hotly contested engagements at Chancellorsville and at Gettysburg and in the latter his corps held Culp's Hill. On the 14th of April, 1864, he was assigned to the command of the First Division of the Twentieth Army Corps, fighting through all the long series of battles leading to Atlanta. He then went with Sher- man on the march to the sea, which proved the weak- ness of the Confederate defense, showing that the troops had been drawn from the interior to protect the border. From Atlanta he proceeded northward to Columbia and was present at the surrender of General Joe Johnson on the 26th of April, 1865, two weeks after Lee had surrendered to Grant at Appomattox. From the 12th of January, 1865, he ranked as brevet major-general of volunteers. In this connection a con- temporary biographer has written: "No soldier from Michigan had longer, more arduous or more responsible service. He entered the service at the age of nearly fifty-one years; he was twelve years older than Grant, ten years older than Sherman and twenty-one years older than Sheridan; General Hooker wrote of him to Secretary Stanton, 'General Williams is one of the oldest brigadier generals, and with one exception has fought on more fields and fought better than any officer of my acquaintance. He commanded a corps under me 'at Antietam, was distinguished as the head of his division at Gettysburg; and on the campaign just ended in Georgia commanded a division of the Twentieth Corps, and to him belongs no small share of the glory of its achievements. At Resaca, New Hope Church and in front of Atlanta he won imperishable honors. . . . Irrespective of his services in battle the manner in which he has discharged the ordinary duties of his profession from the incipiency of the Rebellion to the present time reflects the highest credit upon his intelligence, fidelity and patriotism.' This letter sums up fairly the claims of General Wil- liams to be considered a typical soldier of the War of Secession, and as the embodiment of the war senti- ment of Michigan. It is altogether fitting, therefore, that a half century after the war ended, the people of Detroit, led by the Loyal Legion, arranged to place an equestrian statue of General Williams, by Henry Mer- win Shrady, in the city he so greatly honored during his life."
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