USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV > Part 22
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J. ROY RIDLEY, president of the Detroit Steam Carpet Cleaning Works, was born in Ridgetown, in the province of Ontario, Canada, December 27, 1883, and is a son of Thomas A. and Ella (Wilson) Ridley, whose family numbered three children, the others being Arthur Pierre and Mrs. Walter Gallagher.
During his student days J. Roy Ridley attended the public and high schools and also a business college and thus qualified for the practical and responsible duties of life. He came to Detroit in 1901, when eighteen years of age, his father purchasing the present busi- ness, which at that time furnished employment to only about ten people, while the greater part of the work was done by him. Today the business gives em-
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ployment to nearly sixty people and machinery has been installed whereby most of the work is accom- plished. Removing to Detroit J. Roy Ridley became associated with his father in the enterprise and for the last few years has been its active head, occupy- ing the position of president of the company, which has enjoyed marked prosperity, the volume of the trade increasing more than fourteenfold. The com- pany engages in the cleaning and repairing of oriental and domestic rugs, draperies and hangings and also makes and lays all types of new carpets. Mr. Ridley employs the latest and most improved methods of cleaning carpets and has a special treatment for oriental rugs that he considers vastly superior to that utilized by others. All work is done under his per- sonal supervision and the high grade of the work turned out has earned for the company a most envia- ble reputation.
In October, 1907, Mr. Ridley was married to Miss Elizabeth May Chilver, a native of Walkerville, On- tario, Canada, and they have become parents of three children: John C., who was born March 30, 1913; Elizabeth May, born in April, 1916; and Florence Ella, born April 11, 1918. Mr. Ridley votes with the re- publican party and is a stalwart believer in its prin- eiples as factors in good government. He manifests his interest in Detroit's welfare through his mem- bership in the Board of Commerce and his active support of many interests which have their basis in the publie welfare and progress. He has membership in the Detroit Rotary Club, also in the Fellowcraft Athletic Club and in the Essex Golf and Country Club. He is likewise a Mason, belonging to Ashlar Lodge, F. & A. M., and in these associations are in- dicated much concerning the nature of his diversion and recreation. Mr. Ridley resides at No. 679 Bur- lingame avenue.
JAMES A. MURTHA is a prominent and popular lawyer, now practicing in Detroit, where he has been living for more than sixteen years, a former member of the Michigan state senate and otherwise identified with public affairs both in this state and outside of it. He is a native of New York, born in Long Island, September 3, 1869, a son of James A. and Elizabeth (Martin) Murtha, the former of Irish and the latter of Dutch stock.
Mr. Murtha was educated in the public schools of Long Island and at the Larchmere Academy, later entering the Columbia University, where he took a law course and was admitted to the bar in 1891. He started the practice of his profession in Brooklyn, at the same time giving attention to contemporary poli- tics. A democrat in political faith, Mr. Murtha was nominated for congress, at the age of twenty-four, for the third congressional district, New York. In 1896 he was presidential elector to the Palmer-Buckner gold democratic national convention, and was delegate to the national democratic convention in St. Louis
in 1916. It was at this latter convention that Presi- dent Wilson was nominated for his second presidential term. With the foregoing advantageous experiences to his credit Mr. Murtha has ever since stood high in the councils of his party, his advice and guidance being frequently sought in matters of importance to the party welfare.
It was in 1904 that Mr. Murtha came to Detroit, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He was elected to the senate of the state of Michigan in 1910; he was reelected for three further terms, serving eight years in all, during that period giving general satisfaction to those whose interests were entrusted to his care, and in the several committees of which he was chairman bringing sound judgment to bear on the work. At the end of his fourth term he voluntarily retired.
Mr. Murtha is a member of the Detroit Board of Commerce; he is also a member of the Elks, of which organization he is the exalted ruler; the Loyal Order of Moose, the Idle Hour Club, the Harmonie Society and the Concordia Society. During America's partic- ipation in the World war, he took part in all patriotic drives and was one of the Four-Minute men, bringing energy and ability to bear upon the work.
GEORGE AUGUSTUS YOUNG, a member of the firm of Young Brothers Company, manufacturers at Detroit, occupies a most prominent position in the business world and has been active in the development of an enterprise which has, within six years, increased twentyfold. The story of his life is the record of earnest endeavor intelligently directed and fraught with notable success.
George Augustus Young was born in Windsor, Can- ada, May 10, 1866, his parents being Charles Q. and Martha (Noll) Young. He obtained his early educa- tion in the public schools of his native city, passing through consecutive grades to the high school, and when his textbooks were put aside he learned the trade of sheet metal and brass worker, under the direction of his father in Windsor. Steadily he advanced as his powers developed until he was made foreman of the Detroit Sheet Metal & Brass Works, occupying that position for eight years, from 1888 until 1896. In the latter year he joined with his brother in organizing the firm of Young Brothers, manufacturers of special copper and sheet iron work and has since been secretary, treasurer and manager of the company. Theirs is one of the big manufactur- ing concerns of Detroit, having had a remarkable growth. They established business in the Franklin street plant, and in 1920 acquired another large plant at No. 6500 Mack avenue, where their general offices are now located. They still retain their Franklin street plant and are building a steel warehouse on Bellevue avenue near the general offices, and they are also constructing a large building near by for a garage and laboratories for research work. They man-
JAMES A. MURTHA
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ufacture Japanning and Core ovens of superior qual- ity and their trade covers the globe. Their insulated steel oven is one of their specialties and they are the only makers of this kind of oven in Detroit. They are now opening up trade in Europe and Japan and their vastly increased facilities are necessary to their expanding business. The company was incorporated in 1914 as Young Brothers Company, and their busi- ness is today three hundred times what it was in 1896, the first year. George A. Young remains the active directing head of the business and its phe- nomenal success is due in large measure to his execu- tive powers, his keen discrimination as to business interests and his thorough organization.
On the 10th of June, 1899, Mr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Campbell. Their religious faith is that of the Methodist church and Mr. Young gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He belongs to the Detroit Board of Commerce and to the Employers Association, and fraternally he is a member of Detroit Lodge, No. 2, F. & A. M., while in the club circles of the city he is well known through his connection with the Detroit Athletic, Detroit Golf, Aviation Country, and Detroit Automobile Clubs, and the Doe Lake Fishing and Hunting Club. His entire life has been characterized by a determination that never stops short of the snecessful accomplish- ment of his purpose and throughout his life he has followed constructive methods, building upon the ex- perience of the past to meet the needs of the future and winning in the present a most admirable and enviable position in the manufacturing circles of his adopted city.
CHARLES C. SIMONS, lawyer and lawmaker, was born in Detroit, May 21, 1876, and since his admis- sion to the bar has been engaged in the practice of his profession in this city. He is a son of David W. Simons, who is mentioned at length on another page of this work. In the acquirement of his education he attended the Detroit high school and afterward en- tered the University of Michigan, from which he re- ceived the Bachelor of Letters degree in 1898 and that of Bachelor of Laws in 1900. He at once opened a law office in Detroit, where he has since followed his profession, and his recognized ability and his devotion to the interests of his clients have won for him an extensive and important practice.
On the 29th of November, 1906, Mr. Simons was married in Chicago to Miss Lillian Bernstein, a native of that city. Mr. Simons is a member of the Phoenix Club and Redford Country Club, and turns to golf for recreation. Aside from his profession, however, his attention has largely been given to public service and he is one of the recognized leaders of the re- publican party in Michigan. In 1903-04 he represented the second district in the state senate and in 1905-06 filled the office of circuit court commissioner of Wayne county. In 1908 he was chosen to represent the county
in the Michigan constitutional convention and in 1916 he was made republican presidential elector-at-large. His interest in the welfare and progress of the city is shown in his membership on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce. He likewise belongs to the Lawyers Club and is on the board of officers of the Redford Country Club, while along strictly pro- fessional lines he has connection with the Detroit and Michigan State Bar Associations. He has long been recognized as an able representative of that profession to which life, liberty and property must look for pro- teetion aud he has been most ethical in all of his professional relations, maintaining the highest stand- ards of the bar.
JOHN TIREMAN. For many years representatives of the Tireman family have resided in Detroit, taking an active and helpful part in the work of general improvement and progress in this section of the state. While conditions are radically different from those which confronted the earlier members of the family, John Tireman manifests an equally helpful interest in the projects which are established and promoted in order that the city's progress may be further aug- mented. He is numbered among the progressive real estate operators of Detroit, his activity in this field contributing to the material upbuilding of the city as well as to individual success. He was born in Greenfield, Michigan, which is now incorporated within the boundaries of Detroit, April 19, 1870, a son of Allen and Mary E. (Uridge) Tireman. His grand- father, Joseph Tireman, was a native of England and left that country to take up his residence in Green- field, Michigan, at a very early period in the settle- ment of the state. He secured a large tract of wild land which was covered with a dense growth of timber and at once set about the ardnous task of clearing and developing his property, which after many years of hard and unremitting labor he at length converted into a highly productive farm. He was numbered among the honored pioneers of the state, who by their labors made possible that superior eiv- ilization which is now one of the characteristics of the commonwealth. His life was a long and useful one and he passed away in Detroit on the 25th of November, 1882, at the very advanced age of ninety- nine years and six months. His son, Allen Tireman, the father of the subject of this review, was born in England, March 14, 1823, and was a small boy when the family came to Michigan. On reaching mature vears he took up the occupation of farming, culti- vating the original homestead. The property extended along what is now Grand River avenue, Grand boule- vard and Tireman avenue, the latter being named for the family. He continued successfully to follow agri- cultural pursuits until his demise, which occurred Au- gust 18, 1879, and the mother, born August 21, 1838, died September 21, 1873. They were highly esteemed residents of this section of the state, where their
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lives had been spent. Their family numbered five children: Joseph, who was born September 27, 1860, and died January 16, 1916; Sarah J., who is the wife of Charles Seebaldt of Detroit; Rebecca, who has passed away; Mary, who is the wife of Frederick C. Martindale of Detroit; and John, of this review.
Mr. Tiremau attended school in Greenfield and Detroit and after laying aside his textbooks continued to assist in the cultivation and improvement of the home farm. Meanwhile the city had been steadily growing, gradually encroaching upon the Tireman es- tate, and this led to Mr. Tireman's identification with the real estate business, in which he has continued active. The productive and well tilled fields have given place to large business houses, modern apart- ment buildings and attractive homes and Mr. Tire- man's entire energies have been devoted toward the beautifying and development of the property intrusted to his care under the terms of his father's will. The family has donated a large portion of the land to the city for street, alley and boulevard purposes and they have developed a greater area in the residential section of Detroit than any other family. Mr. Tire- man's entire attention is given to the supervision of his real estate interests, which have reached large proportions, and he occupies a foremost position among the realtors of the city.
On the 6th of April, 1896, Mr. Tireman was mar- ried to Miss Florence Jones of Detroit and they re- side in a beautiful home on West Grand boulevard, which he erected, their hospitality being often enjoyed by their extensive circle of friends. They are mem- bers of the Scovel Memorial church and guide their lives by its teachings. Mr. Tireman is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family and a progressive, energetic business man, possessing elear vision and marked executive ability. He has never selfishly centered his activities upon his own interests, for while laudable ambition has prompted him to labor diligently for the attainment of success, he has at the same time done that for Detroit which entitles him to classification with the real upbuilders and promoters of the city.
CLARENCE ELMORE GITTINS, engaged in the general practice of law in Detroit, was born at Ply- mouth, Michigan, September 21, 1884, and is a son of George I. and Josephine (Knight) Gittins. The father was born in England in 1853 and in his youth came to the United States with his parents, the family home being established in Detroit at an early day. George I. Gittins devoted his life to the occupation of farming and passed away in 1916.
After attending the district schools Clarence E. Gittins pursued his studies in the Michigan State Normal College at Ypsilanti and afterward entered the Detroit College of Law, from which he was grad- uated with the LL. B. degree as a member of the class of 1909. In the interval, however, between the years
1902 and 1909, he taught school in Wayne county and thus provided for the expense of his college course, entering upon law practice in October, 1909. His devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial, yet he never forgets that he owes a still higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. He has specialized in corporation law and his practice in this line with its diversified interests is a proof that the city of De- troit is a fertile field for those who are willing to apply themselves and take advantage of the pros- peets offered by this growing city. He is also con- nected with business interests of importance as a director of the Commonwealth Federal Savings Bank, as a director of the Highland Park Building & Loan Association and as president of the Highland Park Times Publishing Company.
On the 10th of July, 1911, at Vicksburg, Michigan, Mr. Gittins was united in marriage to Miss Lois Frances Goldsmith and to them has been born a daughter, Marilyn Elizabeth. The religious faith of the parents is that of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Gittins is keenly interested in all those forces which work for righteousness and the uplift of man- kind. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Something of the nature of his recreation is indicated in the fact that he is a member of the Brookline Golf Club and the Wilderness Club. He is also connected with the Delta Phi Delta and with the Lawyers Club and Detroit Bar Association of Detroit. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he was elected from the first district of Michigan to the state senate, where his term expired in January, 1914. He gave thoughtful and earnest consideration to the vital problems which came up for settlement during his connection with the senate and thus left the impress of his individual- ity and ability upon the legislative as well as upon the legal history of the state. During the period of the war his position was at no time an equivocal one. He acted as chairman of the legal advisory board at Highland Park and was also one of the Four-Minute men.
FRANCIS ALVIN RASCH. For thirty-two years Francis Alvin Rasch has practiced law in Detroit and the entire period of his life has been passed in this eity, where his birth occurred June 20, 1864. He is a son of August and Catherine (Smith) Rasch and while spending his youthful days under the pa- rental roof he pursued his education in the German- American Seminary, from which he was graduated with the class of 1881. Further preparation for life's practical and responsible duties was made by him in Goldsmith's Bryant & Stratton Business University of Detroit, in which he completed his course in 1882. From 1882 to 1884 Mr. Rasch was employed at the Union National Bank as general bookkeeper. He next
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CLARENCE E. GITTINS
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entered the University of Michigan as a law student and won the LL. B. degree in 1887. The following year he entered upon the active work of his pro- fession and for almost a third of a century has been a member of the Detroit bar. Several times he has been elected to public office. On the Ist of July, 1891, he became a member of the board of education and thus served until the 1st of April, 1892, when he resigned. It was in the latter year that he was elected city attorney, which position he filled for four con- seentive years, making a most excellent record in that office. He was also a member of the board of estimates of Detroit from 1902 until 1908 inclusive and acted as chairman of the board in 1906.
On the 18th of June, 1890, Mr. Rasch was married to Miss Jennie F. Seitz of Detroit, dangliter of Fred- erick L. Seitz, and their children are: Katherine S., Elaine H., Francis Alvin, Jr., and Frederick L. The family has an attractive home called Maple Leaf, on Harsen's Island, Michigan, where Mr. Rasch finds recreation in outdoor life. While in the University of Michigan he became a member of the Delta Tau Lelta fraternity. His interest in the welfare and upbuilding of his city is shown by his connection with the Civic Club of St. Paul parish and his membership in the Board of Commerce. As a member of the Detroit Coun- cil Boy Scouts of America Mr. Rasch has devoted his spare moments to the welfare of the Scout boys. In religions faith he is a Protestant and his political belief is that of the republican party. He keeps well informed on the vital questions and issnes of the day and thoroughly acquaints himself with the prob- lems which have to do with civic betterment and with the welfare of the state and nation.
FRANK E. LOGAN, D. D. S. Dr. Frank E. Logan, member of the dental profession in Detroit, has been engaged in practice in this city since 1898. IIe was born in Pickering, Ontario, Canada, March 27, 1875, a son of William and Jane (Whitney) Logan. After completing his public and high school education he entered the University of Michigan in 1893 and there pursued a course in dentistry, graduating in the class of 1896 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. From 1897 until 1898 he was demonstrator of operative and clinical dentistry in the university and during the year 1906 he took a postgraduate course in bridge work at the Peeso's Postgraduate school, Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania. In the latter part of 1898 he came to De- troit and opened an office at the corner of Cass and Grand River avenues, later removing to the Gas build- ing, while in March, 1915, he established his present office in the David Whitney building. He is well known in financial circles of the city as a director of the American State Bank, which office he has held for the past ten years. He has also served on the directorates of other large business enterprises.
On the 15th of December, 1909, Dr. Logan was united in marriage to Miss Maude A. Lennox and Vol. IV-13
they are well known in social circles of Detroit. In his political views Dr. Logan is a republican and fra- ternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Golden Rule Lodge, Ann Arbor, to Palestine Lodge, F. & A. M., to the Consistory and also to the Shrine. lle is a member of the First District, Michigan State and National Dental Societies.
AUGUST HESS. In the path of an orderly pro- gression, each step being made at the cost of earnest labor and close application, August Hess has reached an enviable place in the business circles of Detroit, being closely associated with its commercial interests as secretary of the Harry J. Dean Company, the largest honse decorating firm in the state of Michigan. He is a native son of Detroit and a representative of one of the old and prominent families of the city. IIis parents, Andrew and Margaret (Schlitt) Hess, were of foreign birth and at an early period in their lives emigrated to the United States, establishing their residence in Detroit. The father subsequently entered the employ of Godfrey Dean and later was a member of the firm of Hess, Reynolds and Ecklin, but after- ward disposed of his interest therein and again entered Mr. Dean's employ, with whom he was associated until his retirement from active commercial pursuits. He passed away in this city in 1909, while the mother's demise occurred in 1907. They became the parents of six children: Henry, a resident of Detroit; Chris, who is a member of the police force of this city, holding the rank of sergeant; Mrs. August Albrecht, whose husband is serving as city assessor of Detroit: August, of this review; and two, who have passed away.
Mr. Hess was born December 1, 1859, and his educa- tion was acquired in the grammar and high schools of Detroit, after which he completed a course in Gold- smith's Business College. He then entered upon his business career as a parcel boy in the employ of Deans, Brow & Godfrey, with whom he continued until he thoroughly identified himself with the business. He faithfully and efficiently performed each task assigned him and his close application and ready adaptability won for him merited promotion from one position to another of greater importance and respon- sibility. The style of the firm changed in the mean- time, first to Dean, Godfrey & Company, then to the Harry J. Dean Company. A short time prior to the death of the founder of the business he was called into Mr. Dean's private office and notified that he was hence forth to fill the office of secretary and to serve as a member of the board of directors. Too overcome to ex- press his gratitude, he was told by his employer that no apologies were necessary as the firm was merely pay- ing him a debt that was justly due for his many years of faithful and tireless service. For forty-five years he has been identified with the house, sharing in its varying fortunes, and much of its present prestige is due to his cooperation and excellent busi-
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ness ability. The Harry J. Dean Company is the leading house decorating concern in the state and for many years the firm name has stood as a synonym for superior workmanship, business integrity, enter- prise and reliability.
On the 15th of January, 1885, Mr. Hess was united in marriage to Miss Emma Belyea, a representative of an old and prominent family of this city. Two chil- dren were born to this union but both died in infancy. In his political views Mr. Hess is a democrat and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He is an active and helpful member of the Detroit Board of Commerce, and fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, being a member of its board of trustees, and also a member of its building committee. When leisure permits he spends much time in the open, being par- ticularly fond of fishing. In thoroughness and the mastery of every detail of the duties that have de- volved upon him lies the secret of the success which has brought Mr. Hess from a humble position to his present place of prominence among the leading busi- ness men of the fourth city of the United States. His example is one well worthy of emulation, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do, and Detroit is proud to claim him as a native son.
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