The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV, Part 107

Author: Burton, Clarence Monroe, 1853-1932, ed; Stocking, William, 1840- joint ed; Miller, Gordon K., joint ed
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Detroit-Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1024

USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV > Part 107

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It is through the honors, successes and victories that Mr. Standish has won in rowing races that he is perhaps best known outside of the state. A local paper writing of him in 1918 said, "Fred D. Standish is the dean of the American amateur oarsmen, and was rowing and winning races on the principal regatta courses of the United States and Canada for more years, and has won more championships, than any other man in the history of amateur rowing contests of America. He doesn't row in races any more but his love for rowing is as keen as when he pulled an oar in a racing boat the first time, which was in 1868. He has rowed in upwards of two hundred races, and several or more times on every racing course in the United States and Canada, east of the Mis- sissippi and has won a large majority of the events in which he competed. In a single season he has rowed more than five hundred miles. He won his first cham- pionship in pair-oared contests, and from that time on, first with John H. Clegg for a rowing partner, and later Edward Telfer and Frank A. Lyon, the Standish pair, as they were internationally known, were well-nigh invin- cible. At the close of the racing fete of 1890 the New York Spirit of the Times, the highest authority on boat racing, said editorially of Captain Standish: 'His first really public appearance as an oarsman was at the North- western association's regatta at Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, July 12, 1871, although he rowed in a six-oared race three years earlier. Since then he has rowed in races every season and now, in 1890, in the twenty-second consecutive year of his rowing career, he wins the senior pair, in the Mississippi Valley association's regatta at Duluth, July 23; the senior pair and the senior fours at the Northwestern's regatta, Detroit, August 5 and 6;

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the senior pair at the Canadian association's regatta. Lachine course, August 11; and the senior champion- ship pairs at the National association's regatta, Lake Quinsigamond, Massachusetts, August, 14. Did any amateur ever row twoscore and two years, and celebrate his twenty-second consecutive season by winning five senior races in open amateur regattas, including one national championship?' It used to be said of the Stand- ish pair that they had a mortgage on the senior pair- oared races at all regattas from the national association down through the lesser ones. So continuous were their victories that, in 1892, the Northwestern association refused to accept their entry on the ground that the event would not fill if it were known that they entered. At the World's fair regatta in 1893, which was rowed on the Detroit river, Chicago having no course suitable for rowing races, they won the national championship for the last time." To his outdoor life and exercise may be attributed the fact that Captain Standish has the vigor and strength of a man of fifty and his appearance in every way seems to contradict the statement of the calendar that he has passed the sixty-eighth milestone on life's journey, for he seems a man yet in his very prime.

GEORGE L. FLEITZ was numbered among Detroit's native sons, who made for himself a creditable position in the business circles and won the high regard of his fellowmen. He was for a long period numbered among the lumber merchants of the city and built up an extensive and profitable business. His birth here occurred on the 10th of October, 1874, his parents be- ing John P. and Elizabeth (Marx) Fleitz. The father was a well known lumber merchant of Detroit, who was born in Bingen of Alsatian ancestry. Coming to the new world, he settled in Michigan, where he re- sided to the time of his death, becoming an active business man of Detroit.

George L. Fleitz was reared and educated in his native city, early attending private schools and later he further qualified for life's practical and responsible duties by attending the University of Detroit, from which he was graduated. In young manhood he turned his attention to his timber interests located in the west and continued actively therein to the time of his death. He gradually developed his business, start- ing out along progressive lines and at all times keep- ing in touch with the trend of trade and commercial progress. He not only won success as a lumber dealer, but also became interested in other business affairs and was vice president of the United State Frumen- tum Company of Detroit.

On the 29th of July, 1908, in Cathedral chapel at St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Fleitz was united in marriage to Miss Lola Hartnett, a daughter of Michael J. and Catherine (Dodd) Hartnett, representative of a well know and prominent family of St. Louis, Missouri. In religious faith Mr. Fleitz was a Catholic and his wife is also identified with that church. In politics Mr. Fleitz was a stalwart republican, giving unfalter-

ing support to the principles of the party, because of his belief in their efficacy as factors in good govern- ment. He was a member of the Country Club. He pursued the even tenor of his way, enjoying the re- spect and confidence of his fellowmen because of his sterling worth and his fidelity to high and honorable principles. He passed away in his forty-first year, on the 12th of January, 1915.

JAMES SCHERMERHORN, the founder of the De- troit Times and from the beginning president and general manager of the controlling company, was born at Hudson, Michigan, March 13, 1865, the son of William Ten Broeck and Jane Adelaide (Terry) Schermerhorn. William T. B. Schermerhorn himself was one of Michigan's prominent newspaper men for a quarter of a century and a leader in the democratic party in the state. He died in December, 1884. He was long survived by his wife, who passed away in March, 1905.

James Schermerhorn learned the rudiments of jour- nalism under the direction of his able father in the office of the Hudson Gazette, entering upon an ap- prenticeship to the business when twelve years of age, after which his time was divided between the mastery of printing and attendance at school. He was a pupil in the Hudson schools from 1870 until 1884 and in 1885-86 was a cadet at West Point Military Academy, following two terms in Oberlin College. Cir- cumstances compelled his resignation from the Acad- emy in order to take charge of the Hudson Gazette, an event which "robbed the country of a good soldier, but gave to Detroit and Michigan a great journalist." Mr. Schermerhorn published the Gazette from 1886 until 1895, and in the latter year went to Washington, D. C., where he became a reporter and afterward Washington correspondent for the Detroit News, con- tinuing the representative of this paper at the Capital until the spring of 1896. Then he returned to Detroit, where he accepted a position as editorial writer on the Free Press, remaining in this capacity until 1900, when he established the Detroit Today, which was the predecessor of the Detroit Times and of which latter publication he has been continuously the publisher. Mr. Schermerhorn founded the Times in the interests of clean news, clean advertising and untrammeled editing, and not as a political organ. He proclaimed it as "a compact chronicle for toilful people, with nothing but news and an opinion or two." It has always been published as an independent daily, is of distinctive make-up and is universally regarded as a high-class, unafraid and dependable journal. Mr. Schermerhorn has given to the Times an editorial tone which is both unique and effective. His fearless editorials have been described as pithy, brilliant, trenchant and scholarly; he uses anecdote and para- ble discriminatingly but freely and in the parlance of the day, his work has carried an unmistakable punch. The Times was the first metropolitan daily

GEORGE L. FLEITZ

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to reject liqnor advertising and it gave to the Asso- ciated Advertising Clubs of the world their watchword of "Truth."'

At Oswego, New York, on the 13th of July, 1901, Mr. Schermerhorn was united in marriage to Miss Adaline M. Jenkins and they became the parents of four children: Gretchen, now the wife of Harry E. Kinney of Detroit; James, Jr., Katrina and Helen C., the last two students in the University of Michigan. James, Jr., graduated from the University of Michigan in 1918 and became his father's associate on The Times. Mrs. Schermerhorn, a gifted woman who shared her husband's enthusiasm for his calling, died on May 16, 1915. The religious faith of the family is that of the Congregational church and in his political views Mr. Schermerhorn is a democrat. He has en- gaged actively in journalistie affairs of the nation and state and has been honored with the presidency of the Michigan Press Association. Mr. Schermerhorn has not only won his reputation by his vigorous writ- ing, but has been in demand for many years as a publie speaker, having covered the entire country with his presentation of newspaper and advertising ethics. In his whimsical manner he has imparted his pleasant, positive personality to many audiences; also has ex- pouuded progressive convictions which have carried weight with his audiences regarding the issues of the day.

JOHN SPENCER WALKER is one of the most successful of Detroit's many automobile dealers and as president of the Walker-Saxe Motor Company he is at the head of the largest Ford distributing ageney in the state. A man of marked strength of character and determined purpose, he has overcome all difficul- ties and obstacles in his path and pressed steadily forward to the goal of success. He was born in Both- well, Ontario, Canada, September 1, 1878, a son of William J. and Lillian (Allen) Walker, the former a native of Canada, while the latter was born in Dearborn, Michigan. In early life the father took up his residence in Detroit, where he opened a photo- graphie studio, and has since continued active in this line of work, in which he has developed expert skill and ability. He conducts one of the leading enter-

prises of this character in the city and his excellent work has won for him a large patronage. His studio is now located at No. 2127 Gratiot avenue and he has the distinction of being the oldest photographer in Detroit, having conducted his interests continu- ously in this city for a period of fifty years. The mother also survives and they are widely and favor- ably known in the city where they have so long re- sided. They reared a family of seven children, namely: Mrs. Treamer, John Spencer, the subject of this review; Mrs. Harry Sellers, who has passed away; Mrs. William Quantrell, Mrs. Chris Kramer, Mrs. War- ren Belknap and Marie, all of whom are residents of Detroit.

John Spencer Walker acquired his education in the graded schools of this city, after which he followed various occupations until 1906, when he became iden- tified with the Ford Motors Company, with whom he remained until 1916, during which period he rose from a minor position to that of superintendent of all serv- ice stations in the city. In the latter year he resigned and became the organizers of the Walker-Saxe Com- pany, of which he has since been the president. From a small beginning the business has grown to one of extensive proportions under the capable direction of Mr. Walker and owing to the expansion of their in- terests the company has been obliged to build two additions to provide accommodations for their trade. The building in which the business is conducted now has a frontage of two hundred and forty-six feet on Gratiot avenue and employment is given to over sev- enty people. That Mr. Walker possesses executive ability of a high order is shown in the phenomenal growth of the enterprise and the 1921 contraet of the company calls for the delivery of eleven hundred cars, this being recognized as the largest Ford distributing ageney in the entire state. The men at the head of the business are progressive, energetic and reliable and their standing in commercial circles of the city is of the highest. Mr. Walker's connection with any enter- prise insures a prosperous outcome of the same, for he is a man of determined purpose who carries forward to a successful termination whatever he undertakes.

In September, 1899, Mr. Walker was united in mar- riage to Miss Bertha E. Greene of Port Huron, Michi- gan, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Greene, prominent residents of that city. To this union has been born a daughter, Edna May, whose birth occurred in Detroit in 1911 and who is now attending school.

In his political views Mr. Walker is a republican, stanchly supporting the principles and candidates of the party, and fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Palestine Lodge, F. & A. M. As the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well. His business career has been one of con- tinuous progress and he attributes his present enviable degree of prosperity to the inspiration and encourage- ment of his wife, whose hopeful spirit and excellent advice have enabled him to put forth renewed efforts, and rising superior to all difficulties and obstacles in his path, he has at length reached the goal of success. His record is a most ereditable one in all respects and Detroit numbers him among her most valued eiti- zens. Mr. Walker resides at 2447 Virginia Park.

ANDREW ADAM LEHR, who as manufacturers' agent at Detroit is representing important interests in various sections of the country, came to this city from Sandusky, Ohio, where his birth occurred July 27, 1880. He obtained a public school education while spending his youthful days in the home of his parents, Adam Henry and Elizabeth Dorothy (Klen) Lehr, and after complet- ing the work of the grades he was for two years a high

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school pupil. He also received two years' thorough training for business and subsequently devoted four years to a mechanical engineering course.

Early in his life Mr. Lehr became identified with the Pope Motor Car Company, entering the employ of that corporation in 1898, when they began building steam carriages. In 1906 he resigned his position to aid in the organization of the De Luxe Motor Car Company of Detroit and in 1907 assisted in organizing the E-M-F Company. Thus through many years he was closely associated with the automobile trade of the city and from 1911 until 1913 he was the director of purchases for the General Motors Company. On the 1st of August of the latter year he established business on his own account as manufacturers' agent, becoming the repre- sentative of the Chisholm & Moore Manufacturing Company of Cleveland, in handling malleable iron cast- ings, of the Saginaw Sheet Metal Works and of the Page- Storms Drop Forge Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts. His connection with the automobile industry has been of a varied and comprehensive character and there are few men more thoroughly acquainted with the trade in every particular. Since establishing business on his own ac- count Mr. Lehr has developed a trade of extensive and gratifying proportions and his position in commercial circles is an enviable one.

On the 27th of February, 1901, Mr. Lehr was married to Miss Lillian Cathleen Adams of Toledo, Ohio. He and his wife are Protestants in religious faith and Mr. Lehr is a republican in political belief, having given un- qualified support to the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to Zion Lodge, F. & A. M., and has taken the thirty-second degree of Scottish Rite Masonry in Michigan Sovereign Consistory. He is also connected with Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine and is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of The Maccabees, while the Detroit Motor Boat Club has his name upon its membership rolls. He belongs to the Detroit Board of Commerce and his interest in the welfare and progress of the city is deep and sincere. Aside from husiness he gives his attention largely to motoring and to scientific research. He has been a close student of many problems having to do with industrial progress and thoroughly understands the scientific basis underlying mechanical construction. Throughout his life opportunity has ever been to him the call to action and to this call he has made ready response.

WILLIAM SPRAGUE CARPENTER, who had at- tained prominence as general manager of the Hag- gerty Brick Company, passed away on the 7th of June, 1919. His life record, covering almost a half century, had been one of intense and well directed activity, winning him not only a substantial measure of success but also the confidence, respect and good- will of all who knew him. He was born December 7, 1870, in Adrian, Michigan, and was the son of the late Peter W. Carpenter, who for many years was a

well known banker of Ypsilanti, while subsequently he was connected with the Edison Company of that city, remaining an active factor in its business circles to the time of his death in 1918.

William S. Carpenter began his education at the usual age in the public schools, passing through con- secutive grades until he had completed the high school work, and then in young manhood initiated his active career by engaging in the jewelry business at Ypsi- lanti. He continued in that field of labor until 1908, when he came to Detroit, where he made his home until called to his final rest. Throughout his business career here he was associated with the J. S. Haggerty Brick Company as general manager and remained in that position until his death. He thoroughly ac- quainted himself with every phase of the business, was watchful of every detail as well as the principal features of the operations of the company and so directed his efforts that splendid results accrued.

In 1894 Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage to Miss Helen Trim, who passed away on the 7th of January, 1902, leaving a son, Dr. Sprague F. Carpenter of Ironwood, Michigan. For his second wife Mr. Car- penter married in 1908 Miss C. Edwin Winn, daugh- ter of Peter Winn, and their children were: Doris E. and William S. By reason of his success Mr. Carpen- ter was able to leave his family in very comfortable financial circumstances and they occupy an attractive home at No. 9710 Michigan avenue. Mr. Carpenter was very prominent in Masonic circles. He attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Mich- igan Sovereign Consistory, was also a member of Mos- lem Temple of the Mystic Shrine and of Shadukiam Grotto. He was likewise an honorary member of Palestine Lodge and he belonged to the Eastern Star and the Detroit White Shrine. Previons to his re- moval to Detroit he had served as eminent commander of Ann Arbor Commandery, K. T., and was a past master of the blue lodge and a past high priest of Ypsilanti Chapter, R. A. M. He took active interest in the work and purposes of the order and was one of its most worthy exemplars. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, and while he never sought nor desired office, he manifested his interest in progressive citizenship in many ways and par- ticularly as an active member of the Board of Com- merce. The deepest regret was felt at his passing, for he was not only a devoted husband and father but also a most faithful friend, one who at all times showed the keenest appreciation for the good qualities of his fellowmen.

HENRY F. CHIPMAN was one who gained distinc- tion in the practice of law and thus added new honors and laurels to a family name that has figured most prom- inently in connection with the bench and bar through several generations. By reason of what he accomplished and the high standards which he always maintained Henry F. Chipman ranked with Detroit's honored and

WILLIAM SPRAGUE CARPENTER

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prominent residents. He was born on the 29th of June, 1859, and was one of a family of three children who are yet living, born to John L. and Elizabeth (Shawannan) Chipman. His father was a distinguished lawyer and jurist who for eight years was judge of the superior court · of Detroit, continuing upon the bench until he was called to represent his district in congress, there serving to the time of his death and leaving the impress of his indi- viduality and ability upon much important legislation that was enacted while he was a member of the national legislative assembly.

Stimulated by the example of his honored father, Henry F. Chipman early determined to engage in the practice of law. His preliminary education was acquired in the public schools of Detroit and he started out in the business world in 1878 by accepting a position with the Paris, Cumberland Gap & Southern Railroad Com- pany. A little later, however, he returned to Detroit and began preparation for the legal profession as a student in the office and under the direction of his father. He also studied under the Hon. Don M. Dickinson and his thorough training qualified him for admission to the bar in 1880. He at once entered upon the practice of law and after a few months was elected to the office of circuit court commissioner, remaining in that position for two years, during which time he gained valuable experience, while his record was highly satisfactory to all. Later he was called to various other positions of public honor and trust and at all times his course was one which reflected credit upon himself and upon those who called him to office. In 1894 Governor Pingree appointed him a member of the board of police commissioners of Detroit and he filled the position for two years, when he resigned to become the democratic candidate for the office of sheriff in Wayne county. He received a gratifying majority at the polls and held the position in 1897-8, discharging his duties without fear or favor. In 1900 he was made the democratic candidate for the office of circuit judge but met the defeat that came to all the other candidates on the democratic ticket that year. He was always regarded as one of the leaders of his party, his opinions carrying weight in its councils, while his labors were an effective force for its success. In the practice of law his course was one which reflected honor upon an untarnished family name. As few men have done, he seemed to realize the importance of the profession to which he devoted his energies and the fact that he often held in his hand justice and the higher attributes of mercy.

On the 23d of October, 1891, Mr. Chipman was mar- ried to Miss Rose C. Copeland, a daughter of David M. Copeland of Detroit and they became the parents of three children, Dorothy L., Helen F. and Etole E., all at home. Mr. Chipman held membership in the Episco- pal church, of which his family are also communicants. His father was one of the founders of the Episcopal church in Detroit and Henry F. Chipman was always a faithful follower of its teachings, guiding his life at all times by its principles. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, also to the Fellowcraft Club and the Detroit Vol. IV-59

Athletic Club. In politics he was ever a supporter of the democratic party. His military record covered as- sociation for a time with the Light Infantry during his early manhood. Along strictly professional lines he had membership in the Wayne County, Michigan State and American Bar Associations. He ever held to high pro- fessional standards and as a citizen he stood for all those forces which make for civic virtue and for civic pride. He cooperated in many plans and measures for the general good and took great pride in what was being accomplished in his native city, contributing to that great growth which has made Dynamic Detroit the fourth city of the Union. The circle of his acquaintance was a very wide one and such were his personal char- acteristics that his death was mourned by a legion of friends.

JOHN A. MACIVOR. Among the important business enterprises of Detroit is the J. A. MacIvor Lumber Com- pany, of which J. A. MacIvor is the head. Since 1912 he has been identified with the commercial interests of this city and he is recognized as an energetic and progressive business man. He is thoroughly familiar with the line of activity in which he is engaged.

Mr. MacIvor was born in Goderich, Ontario, December 16, 1880, a son of Donald and Mary (Smith) MacIvor, who reared a family of five children. Upon the comple- tion of his work in the public schools, he removed to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where he completed his high school work, and soon afterward entered the employ of the government as assistant to the engineers of the St. Marys Locks and Harbor Improvements.

In 1905 Mr. MacIvor entered the University of Michi- gan and upon the completion of a course in civil engineer- ing he was graduated in 1909; besides having taken special work in forestry under Professor Roth of the University of Michigan. Mr. MacIvor displayed such extraordinary ability as a student that he was elected to the Scientific Society of Tau Beta Phi.

While attending college, he worked for the government during the periods of vacation, and from 1909 to 1911 he was employed as a civil engineer for the Great Northern Railroad, with headquarters in Seattle, Washington. He next became associated with the Salling-Hanson Com- pany, lumber manufacturers of Grayling, Michigan, and remained with that firm for one year. In 1912 he came to Detroit to become identified with the Hartwick Lumber Company.

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The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV, Part 107

Author: Burton, Clarence Monroe, 1853-1932, ed; Stocking, William, 1840- joint ed; Miller, Gordon K., joint ed Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Detroit-Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 1024

Author: Burton, Clarence Monroe, 1853-1932, ed; Stocking, William, 1840- joint ed; Miller, Gordon K., joint ed
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Detroit-Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1024