The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV, Part 20

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 20

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In the public and high schools of his native city William Cornehl, Jr., pursued his education, later at- tending the Detroit Business University, and after completing his studies he entered the employ of his father, who had established the present business in 1886. Starting at the bottom of the ladder, he thor- onghly learned every phase of the business, devoting every energy to the mastery of the tasks assigned to him, and he at length became very proficient in the art of printing. He gradually took over greater responsibilities and in 1913 assumed entire charge of the business, proving fully equal to the duties which devolved upon him. From time to time he has added modern equipment and appliances for facilitating and improving the work and now has one of the most complete and up-to-date printing plants in the city. The business was first established at the corner of Griswold street and Jefferson avenue, whence a re- moval was made to the corner of Bates and Larned streets, later to No. 68 Congress street, then to No. 77 West Congress street, while its present location is at No. 64 West Congress street, each removal being neces- sitated by the expansion of the trade, which foreed the firm to seek larger quarters. The firm conduets a general printing and book-binding business and has built up a large trade, numbering among its patrons the American Car & Foundry Company as well as

extensive steel and automobile interests. In busi- ness circles of the city the firm name has long been a synonym for enterprise, reliability and integrity and the character of the work turned out has always been first-class in every particular, so that this is recognized as one of the leading printing establish- ments of the city.

In his political views Mr. Cornell is independent, voting for the candidate whom he deems best fitted for office without considering party ties. He is a member of several printers' societies and also is identified with the Order of the Amaranth and the Turnverein and is an enthusiastic devotee of athletic sports, finding therein the needed balance to his busi- ness activities. He is a worthy successor of his honored father. By inheritance he bears a name that stands for the highest ideals in business and social life and his influence is always to be counted upon in the furtherance of any measure looking to the pro- motion of the city in which his life has been spent and with whose growth and development he has been elosely identified.

CLARENCE E. WILCOX, corporation counsel for the city of Detroit, was born in Adrian, Michigan, December 14, 1880, and is a sou of Lamar and Mary (Rogers) Wileox, who were natives of Lenawee county, Michigan. The father was engaged in merchandising in Michigan to the time of his death, which occurred in 1906, and the mother is still living. Their family of four children ineluded Lavergne H., who was a member of Company B, Thirty-first Michigan Infan- try, during the Spanish-American war and died at Camp Chickamauga while in the service; Florence, wife of Lemoyne K. Wells, of Farmington, New Mex- ico; Vera, wife of Edmund W. Pierce, of Medina, Ohio; and Clarence E.

The last named, following the completion of his high school studies at Adrian, Michigan, spent two years in Adrian college and subsequently took up newspaper work in his native city, devoting about a year to that occupation. He afterward entered the law school of the University of Michigan, in which he remained for three years, receiving the LL. B. de- gree upon graduation with the class of 1905. Imme- diately afterward he came to Detroit and entered upon the active work of the profession, having since gained the reputation of being one of the most successful attorneys in practice in this city. On the 15th of January, 1919, he was appointed corporation counsel for Detroit by Mayor Couzens and is most acceptably filling that position, the duties of which involve him in much responsibility, as Detroit's rapid growth has brought about notable changes. He is also a director of the Highland Park State Bank of Highland Park, Michigan, and vice president and director of The Bankers' Land and Investment Company.

On the 30th of December, 1909, Mr. Wilcox was married to Miss Marguerite Arnett of Fairmont, West

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Virginia, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin W. Ar- nett. The three children of their marriage are: Ed- ward Arnett, who was born in Detroit in 1910; James Henry, born in 1912; and Josephine Marie, born in 1915. Their residence is at 454 Chicago boulevard.

Mr. Wilcox belongs to the Detroit Athletic, Detroit Automobile, the Ingleside and the Lochmoor Golf Clubs, associations which indicate much of the nature of his recreation. He is also a member of the Board of Commerce and is a hearty supporter of that or- ganization in its efforts to promote the growth of the city and extend its business connections. Mr. Wilcox belongs as well to the Lawyers Club, to the Detroit Bar Association and the Michigan State Bar Asso- ciation and he is now a leading representative of his profession in Detroit, studying closely the science of jurisprudence and preparing his cases with thorough- ness and care before he enters upon the work of the courts, so that his enviable reputation is well de- served. He is a member of the Woodward Avenue Baptist church and of the Masonic order.

WILLIAM E. WANDERSEE, dealer in sporting goods and automobile accessories, in which connection he is conducting two stores in Detroit, was born at Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, July 21, 1868, a son of John and Caroline Wandersee, both of whom were of European birth but came to America in 1860, settling on a farm in Wisconsin, where the father profitably conducted agricultural pursuits for a number of years. He is now living retired near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. To him and his wife were born nine children: John, who is connected with the Ford Motor Company in Detroit; Herman, residing at Johnson Creek, Wis- consin; Mrs. Lena Irving of Sioux Falls, Iowa; Mrs. Emma Bauman of Janesville, Wisconsin; Mrs. Minna Brunner, of Chicago; Mary; Mrs. Martha Klaush of Johnson Creek, Wisconsin; Mrs. Anna Yauck, also of Johnson Creek; and William E.

The last named obtained a district school educa- tion at the place of his birth and afterward was sent to high school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When his studies were completed he came to Detroit in 1889 and entered the employ of the Bresler Estate, owners of Lafayette, Shelby and Michigan avenue properties. He continued active in the management of the business for fifteen years, or until 1905, when he established business on his own account, handling bicycles and wheelmen's supplies on Shelby street, opening a small store room. He prospered and the enterprise grew until he sought more commodious quarters at 129 Gratiot street. He was a second time compelled to obtain more space and removed to 333-335 Gratiot, his present location. He has developed his business until he now carries a most extensive stock of sporting goods of all kinds and he also has a branch store at 7341 Woodward avenue, where he has a complete line of automobile accessories, tires and motor car supplies as well as bicycles and sporting goods. Both estab-

lishments are conducting a large and profitable busi- ness and handle the Famous, Miami and Pope bicycles. For several years Mr. Wandersee operated a store in Highland Park, making three stores operated at that period. The business has been incorporated with Mr. Wandersee as president and Percy W. Grose as vice · president, while Mrs. Jean Wandersee is secretary and treasurer. Mr. Wandersee is also a director of the Bar Point Land Company, with offices in Detroit.

In 1909 occurred the marriage of William E. Wan- dersee and Miss Jean Mckinnon, and they reside at 1643 Atkinson avenue. Fraternally Mr. Wandersee is connected with the Elks and he belongs also to the Detroit Yacht Club, the Detroit Board of Commerce, the Pastime Club, Ingleside Club and to the Michigan Sportsmen's Association. In these connections is in- dicated much concerning the way in which he spends his leisure hours and the methods to which he looks for recreation. He and his wife are the owners of some valuable city and country property and he is also the owner of a valuable piece of land on the lake shore which has greatly advanced in price in recent years. His realty holdings likewise include a fine Duplex flat in Detroit which has proven a valuable investment. The foresight which he displays in his business affairs, both in the management of his stores and in property investments, has brought him a most gratifying measure of success and his life record should be of inspirational value to others, as it indicates what can be accomplished through single- handed effort, determination and sound judgment.

HENRY C. F. GRASSER, an enterprising and pro- gressive business man and highly respected citizen of Detroit, is president of the John Kraft Coal Company and his influence is one of broadening activity and strength in the field in which he operates. He is widely and favorably known in this city, where he has spent his life, covering a period of thirty-nine years, for he was born July 22, 1882. His parents were Frederick Charles and Julia (Leppold) Grasser, in whose family were three children: Lillian, Julia and Henry C. F. The father passed away in 1883 and in 1890 the mother wedded John Kraft.

In the public schools and the Detroit Business Uni- versity Mr. Grasser acquired liis education and follow- ing his graduation entered the employ of his step- father, who in 1880 had established the John Kraft Coal Company. Starting in a humble capacity Mr. Grasser devoted every energy to learning the business and gradually worked his way upward, passing through each department. In 1904 he was made secretary- treasurer of the company and in 1918, following the demise of Mr. Kraft, he became president, in which capacity he has since served, bending his energies to administrative direction and executive control. The present yard at No. 4749 Bellevue avenue was opened in 1917 and here the firm keeps a sufficient supply of coal on hand to fill all immediate orders. They

WILLIAM E. WANDERSEE

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utilize Packard trucks and their equipment is modern In every particular. Their promptness in making de- liveries and their straightforward and reliable dealing have won for them a large patronage and they rank with the leading retail coal dealers of the city. Their sales amount to over thirty thousand tons of coal a year and in operating the business they furnish em- ployment to thirty persons. Mr. Grasser is very capa- bly directing the extensive interests under his con- trol, displaying sound judgment, initiative and marked executive ability.

On the 27th of July, 1907, occurred the marriage of Mr. Grasser and Miss Catherine Rupley, a native of South Sandwich, Ontario, Canada, and they have become the parents of two children: Catherine, who was born August 27, 1908; and Erwin, born April 21, 1912.

Mr. Grasser adheres to the Catholic faith, being a member of the Church of the Nativity of Our Lord, and he is also affiliated with the Knights of Colum- bus and St. Vincent de Paul's Charitable Society. He is a valued member of the Board of Commerce and the Retail Coal Dealers Association and is also connected with the Detroit Automobile Club. He possesses a kind and sympathetic nature and is ever ready to extend a helping hand to those in need of assistance, while in all civic matters his influence is on the side of advancement and improvement. He is a very energetic and progressive young business man who has successfully demonstrated his ability to direct large interests and the future undoubtedly holds for him still greater achievements.

WILLIAM VAN SICKLE. Well earned honors have come to William Van Sickle in business and fraternal circles. He is one of the leading representatives of the insurance business in the middle west and is also an eminent representative of Masonry in Michi- gan. The story of his life is the record of earnest endeavor and laudable ambition, intelligently directed. With no false sense of values he has placed his de- pendence upon the sure qualities of industry, adapt- ability and close application-qualities which any can cultivate and which lead to certainty of results.

Mr. Van Sickle was born in Onondaga, Ontario, June 1, 1873, his parents being Harvey H. and Han- nah (Wood) Van Siekle. After attending the public schools he continued his education in the Detroit Business University and secured a position in the Detroit office of the Home Insurance Company on the 11th of March, 1887, being first employed as office boy at a weekly wage of a dollar and a half. He applied himself earnestly to the faithful performance of the duties that devolved upon him and it was not long before merited recognition of his fidelity came in a promotion. Since then he has been advanced from one position to a higher one until he was made gen- eral manager for the company in Michigan on the 16th of August, 1898. He has since filled that office,

to which he was called from the position of cashier. In the first full year of his managership (1899) in- surance to the amount of six hundred and eighteen thousand dollars was issued from his office. Twenty years later, or in 1918, the total amount of business paid for was one million, six hundred and sixty thou- sand, three hundred and twenty-five dollars, and in 1919 the Detroit agency exceeded the sum of two million dollars in its business. Mr. Van Sickle has long been an outstanding figure in insurance circles in the middle west and he has the distinction of being the first member from the agency force of the Home Life to be chosen in January, 1919, as one of the directors of the company. He is also a past president of the Detroit Underwriters, was twice elected to the vice presidency of the National Association of Life Underwriters and is one of the most popular representatives of life insurance in the middle west.

On the 17th of February, 1897, at Detroit, Mr. Van Sickle was married to Miss Margaret Robertson and they became the parents of a daughter, Mar- garet, who is now the wife of Francis H. Phelps of Detroit. Among the city's leading clubmen Mr. Van Sickle is a well known figure, having membership in the Detroit, Detroit Athletic, Detroit Golf, and Wol- verine Automobile Clubs. Outside of insurance circles he is perhaps best known through his Masonic con- nections, for he is a Knights Templar and Consistory Mason, a member of the Mystic Shrine, and upon him has been conferred the honorary thirty-third de- grec. For six years he served as commander in chief of the Michigan Sovereign Consistory. His political support is given to the republican party and his re- ligious faith is that of the Baptist church. He is at all times loyal to his honest convictions, a man whose position upon any vital question is never an equivocal one.

CLARK CHESTER SEELY. Claimed by death ere he had scarcely reached his prime, Clark Chester Seely will be remembered for years to come by his many friends, owing to the high place which he had won in the regard of all with whom he had come into contact. Already he had made for himself a credit- able position in professional circles as a member of the law firm of Millis, Griffin, Seely & Streeter of Detroit. He was born September 16, 1886, in the city which always remained his home, being a son of John A. Seely, who came to Detroit as a boy with his parents, his father, William Seely, being a native of Germany. John A. Seely was deputy county clerk of Wayne county from 1893 until January 1, 1917, and thus was a well known and prominent figure in the public life of this section of the state. In 1885, in Monroe, Michigan, he married Carrie G. Fassnacht, with whom he traveled life's journey for a third of a century, being then separated by the death of the husband on the 28th of March, 1918. Mrs. Seely sur- vives and is living in Detroit.

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Clark Chester Seely pursued his education in the public schools of this city and later entered the Detroit College of Law, in which he won the LL. B. degree upon graduation with the class of 1909. On the 1st of July, 1913, he became a member of the law firm of Millis, Seely & Streeter and practiced in that connection until his demise. For ten years he was lecturer in the Detroit Institute of Technology, lecturing upon law, and for a time he was also one of the lecturers in the Detroit College of Law. During his last three years he was attorney for the Detroit United Railway and also taught law at the Young Men's Christian Association.

On the 31st of December, 1910, in Detroit, Mr. . entered into business with his brother, who had estab- Seely was married to Miss Jeannette Hirsemann, a lished the Fred E. Holmes Company, manufacturers' agents and dealers in all kinds of automobile materials. This is today one of the largest concerns of its kind in the state, due to the excellent management and business enterprise of those who are at the head of the undertaking. The brothers have been associated in the business from the beginning, Almon C. Holmes continuously acting as treasurer, with his brother, Fred E., as president. Their trade has been developed along safe and progressive lines. They have studied the public needs, have made judicious purchases and they early recognized the fact that success is due to the accomplishment of major result at a minimum expenditure of time, labor and material. They there- fore carefully systematized their business and as the result of their thoroughness and energy they are today controlling one of the profitable concerns of Detroit. daughter of August F. Hirsemann, and they became parents of two children: Clark Chester, Jr., and Iris Jeannette. The religious faith of Mr. Seely was in- dicated in his membership in St. Matthew's Evan- gelical church. He was a supporter of the republican party, with which he had been identified since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and he served on the legal advisory board during America's connection with the World war and was also one of the Four-Minute men, doing active work in educat- ing the public concerning war conditions. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and along professional lines he had con- nection with the Lawyers Club and with the Detroit Bar Association. Mr. Seely died of pneumonia on the 5th of February, 1920. His entire life was passed in Detroit and no further commentary is needed con- cerning his career than to state that some of his stanchest friends were those who had known him from his boyhood. He had many attractive social qualities. To the keen intellect with which nature had endowed him he added an appreciation for the good qualities in others that was expressed in an unfeigned cordiality, and his sterling worth was rec- ognized by all with whom he came into contact.

ALMON C. HOLMES. Actuated by a determined purpose and laudable ambition, Almon C. Holmes has reached an enviable position in business circles as the treasurer of the Fred E. Holmes Company, wholesale dealers in automobile parts. He was born in Port Huron, Michigan, October 28, 1885, and is a son of Almon J. and Sarah Louise (Adams) Holmes, the former a native of the state of New York, while the latter was born in Canada. They came to Michigan in early life, and the father, who was a marine en- gineer, largely devoted his attention to maritime pur- suits, sailing principally on the Great Lakes. He passed away in Port Huron in 1900, and is survived by his wife, who resides at Royal Oak, Michigan. Their family numbered five children, of whom the eldest is Fred E., president of the Fred E. Holmes Company and one of the prominent enterprising busi- ness men of Detroit, the others being: John H., also

of Detroit; Nellie M., the wife of George Deckebach of Royal Oak, Michigan; Almon C .; and Gladys, who is the wife of Clinton J. Allen of Detroit.

In early boyhood Almon C. Holmes pursued his studies in the graded schools of Port Huron, after- ward attended the high school in Detroit and still later became a student in the Detroit Business Col- lege. When his textbooks were put aside he entered the employ of the MeClure Lumber Company of this city in a clerical capacity, and his capability and faithfulness are indicated in the fact that he was continued in the employ of that company for eight years, at the end of which time he resigned and

On the 29th of July, 1912, Mr. Holmes was united in marriage to Miss Anna Colwell, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Colwell of Port Huron, and they have become parents of one child, Almon C., born in Detroit, October 17, 1917. Mr. Holmes belongs to the Detroit Automobile Association, also to the Wolverine Club and to the Fellowcraft Athletic Club, his brother, Fred E., being president of the last named. Almon C. Holmes is likewise a Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and is a member of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the De- troit Board of Commerce and manifests an alert and helpful interest in all that pertains to the city's upbuilding and development. His life has been char- acterized by a spirit of progress that never stops short of the successful accomplishment of his pur- pose, for he has ever recognized the fact that when one avenue of opportunity seems closed, he can carve out other paths whereby to reach the desired goal, and, moreover, his record represents the simultaneous attainment of prosperity and an honored name.

JOHN BORNMAN has passed the eighty-fifth mile- stone on life's journey and practically the entire pe- riod has been spent in Detroit, where for many years he figured prominently in business circles as a printer and bookbinder, developing interests of extensive pro-

ALMON C. HOLMES

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portions in that connection. Honored and respected by all who knew him or knew aught of him, he is one of the few residents of Detroit who can date his connection with the city from the time when it was a small town, for he was brought here by his parents in 1837. As he advanced in years he played on vacant lots that are now in the down-town district of Detroit, sold papers on the street and his boyhood days passed in the usual manner of the lads of that pe- riod. He developed, however, with the growth and progress of the city and for many years has ranked with Detroit's most successful and active business men and honored and respected citizens. He was born in Specswinkel, Hesse-Cassel, Germany, August 7, 1835, and is a son of Deitrich and Elizabeth (Immel) Bornman, who were likewise natives of Germany but left that country in 1837 and came with their family to the new world, settling in Detroit, where the father engaged in the draying and express business. Both the father and mother continued residents of this city until called to their final rest. Four daugh- ters and three sons were born of this marriage, only two of whom are living, these being John and Fred Bornman, both residents of Detroit.

In early life John Bornman was a pupil in the Beacon school, an institution equivalent to the present- day high school. He was early trained to habits of industry and economy and in order to eke out the somewhat limited financial resources of the family when ten years of age his initial effort was as a newspaper carrier, like so many others who have attained success, prominence and repute in Detroit. Detroit then had but one daily newspaper, the Detroit Advertiser, and the town deliveries were fully cov- ered by the brothers Bornman, John making distribu- tion on the east side and his brother Henry on the west side. He afterward, in 1856, became an appren- tice at the printer's trade, with the firm of O. S. Gulley & Company. His first independent business venture was made in 1875 in partnership with O. S. Gulley, under the firm name of O. S. Gulley & Born- man Company, a connection that was continued for many years. Following the death of his partner, N. H. Hubbell and Mr. Bornman acquired the Gulley interest in the business, which they conducted for ten years, when Mr. Bornman acquired the interest of his partner and became the sole owner. The busi- ness steadily grew and prospered. In 1895 it was reorganized under the name of John Bornman & Son and since that time the father has been continu- ously at the head of one of the leading enterprises of the character in Detroit. It has been developed until the company now owns an immense printing and binding establishment, which is the visible evidence of the enterprise and business acumen of the men who are at the head. From this plant comes some of the finest specimens of the printer's art and much of the work is brought out in colors. The company

Vol. IV-12

also prints half-tones and photogravures. The plant is a large four-story structure.

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The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV, Part 20

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