USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV > Part 55
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In 1887 Mr. Fleming was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Martin of Detroit, who passed away in August, 1919, leaving two sons: Russell W. and Frank B. Mr. Fleming is a Mason, having member- ship in Ashlar Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Oriental Chap- ter, R. A. M .; and also Englewood Commandery of Chicago; and in Moslem Temple A. A. O. N. M. S. He is likewise identified with the Board of Commerce and strongly endorses the progressive projects for that organization for the benefit of the city, the ex- tension of its trade and the promotion of its high civic standards. He enjoys membership in the Detroit Golf Club and the Detroit Athletic Club. He takes a great interest in all public affairs, is broad-minded, and clear-sighted and his mental horizon is wide.
CHARLES F. SPADEMAN, M. D. The life record of Dr. Charles F. Spademan covered but a half century an'd yet in that period he accomplished great good for his fellowmen and left an example well worthy of emulation. A member of the medical profession, his activities had their root in high professional ideals and broad humanitarianism. He sought to do the greatest possible good to his fellow travelers on life's journey and he brought sunshine, cheer and hope into many a sick room as he went about ministering to those who needed his services.
Dr. Spademan was born in East China, St. Clair county, Michigan, March 1, 1864, and was one of a family of six children, whose parents were Charles Frederick and Catherine (Schreiner) Spademan, both of whom were natives of Germany, although the family was established in Michigan about six decades ago. The father crossed the Atlantic in 1853, when a young man of thirty years and first established his home in Montreal, Canada, whence he removed to Michi- gan. For a time he resided in Marine City, St. Clair
county, and afterward purchased a tract of land in East China township, on the banks of the beautiful St. Clair river. He developed and improved the prop- erty, converting it into one of the excellent farms of that section. There he continued to make his home until called to his final rest in 1906, when he had reached the notable age of eighty-one years. He had contributed in marked measure to the development and progress of St. Clair county and at all times had stood for the upbuilding of that section of the state. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity of East China and in politics was a stalwart republican, while both he and his wife were consistent members of the Epis- copal church. During the Civil war he was a stalwart advocate of the Union cause and during the latter part of the period of hostilities between the north and the south he was a member of a Michigan regiment, being at the front when his wife passed away in 1865.
Upon the home farm Dr. Spademan was reared. He was only about a year old at the time of his mother's death and his opportunities were somewhat curtailed through lack of maternal care and guidance. He attended the public schools, supplementing his dis- triet school training by study in the union schools at Marine City. At length he determined upon the prac- tice of medicine as a life work and in 1889 matricu- lated in the Detroit College of Medicine, from which he was graduated in 1892 with the M. D. degree. Dur- ing his senior year he served as house physician in St. Luke's hospital and in the following year held a sim- ilar position in St. Mary's hospital, thus gaining val- uable knowledge in his hospital experience.
Dr. Spademan entered upon the practice of his pro- fession independently in Detroit in 1893 and here re- mained to the time of his demise. He built up a large practice as the years passed and he demonstrated his ability to cope successfully with the intricate prob- lems that continually confront the physician. He held membership in the Wayne County Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical and the American Medical Associations and also the Society of Resident Physi- cians of St. Mary's hospital and he found constant delight in the discovery of any truth that threw light upon that complex mystery which we call life.
On the 18th of December, 1895, in Detroit, Dr. Spademan was married to Miss Alice A. Fancher, a daughter of Loren and Rachel (McGraw) Fancher. To them were born three children: Loren C., who was born December 15, 1899, and is now a medical student in the Detroit College of Medicine and Surgery; Margaret F., who was born May 21, 1902; and Charles Frederick, III, who was born January 15, 1904, and is now in high school.
Dr. Spademan gave his political support to the republican party and his religious faith was that of the Baptist church, the family still being members of the Woodward Avenue Baptist church. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his life
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was ever characterized by high and honorable prin- ciples. Death called him January 4, 1914, and his remains were laid to rest in the Woodlawn cemetery. There are many who cherish his memory, but it is in his own household where his loss is most deeply felt, for he was a devoted husband and father, finding his greatest happiness in promoting the welfare of those at his own fireside.
HARRY FREDERIC MENARD, secretary and treas- urer of the Clemons, Knight, Menard Company, real estate dealers, was born in Detroit, May 6, 1882, a son of L. O. and Catherine (Conroy) Menard. The father, who for many years was engaged in the shoe business, is now deceased. The son entered the public schools at the usual age, mastering the work of the various grades until he became a high school pupil. When his textbooks were put aside he became secretary to the trustees of the David Ward estate and occupied that position for ten years. Later he was with the firm of Berry Brothers, varnish manufacturers, for a a time, and he later turned his attention to real estate interests in connection with the Stormfeltz-Loveley Company, with which he was associated for two years. Ambitious to engage in business on his own account, he then availed himself of an opportunity in that direction. The firm of which he is now a member was organized as Clemons, Knight, Menard & Paul in 1915 and was incorporated the same year. In 1918 the present firm style was adopted. They enjoy an extensive clientage and conduct a high-class real estate business, specializing in development work in the northwest section of the city. Their efforts are proving of the utmost benefit in the upbuilding of that section, where as the result of their labors unsightly vacancies have been transformed into fine residential districts.
On the 2d of September, 1908, Mr. Menard was united in marriage to Miss Leone Kessell of Pontiac, Michigan, and they have two children: Mary Ellen and Jane. Mr. Menard is a member of the Detroit Real Estate Board, of which he has been elected presi- dent for the year 1922. He also belongs to the Detroit Athletic Club and the Detroit Board of Commerce and is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fra- ternity and equally loyal as a follower of the Congre- gational faith. In politics he maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than for party. His sterling worth is recognized by all and the regard in which he is held as a progressive and enterprising business man is equaled by the esteem which is felt for him by those whom he meets socially.
HARRY A. SCHILLER, a Detroit merchant, who as the head of the Schiller Butter & Egg Company since 1915 is one of the executives in the most im- portant business of the kind in the city, was born in the province of Courland, Russia, that province having been settled by the Teutonic Knights and is of
Jewish descent. He came to America in 1893, when a lad of sixteen years. He was then a penniless boy, but he possessed courage, determination and energy and steadily he has worked his way upward, advancing step by step until today he is identified with the largest wholesale butter and egg establishment in Detroit. On reaching the United States he made his way direct to Bay City, Michigan, and took a position as clerk in the general store of A. Reed at Judds Corners, Michigan. Such was the ability which he displayed that within a short time Mr. Reed admitted him to a partnership in a small store at Parshallburg, Michigan, under the name of Reed & Schiller. This connection was continued for two years, but the business was too small for his ambition, so he sold his interest and joined his brother in the conduct of a general merchandise store at Reese, Michigan, which was carried on under the style of Schiller Brothers. This firm continued in existence until 1905, when Harry A. Schiller came to Detroit and organized the firm of Schiller & Koofman, wholesale dealers in butter and eggs. Business was carried on under that style for ten years, at the end of which time the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Schiller incorporated his interests under the name of the Schiller Butter & Egg Company in 1915. In September, 1919, this com- pany absorbed the Fred Pressel & Sons Company and became the largest house of the kind in Detroit. Mr. Schiller is secretary-treasurer of the corporation and is also the general manager and authoritative head of the company. He has long been connected with this line of business and his enterprise and persever- ance are salient features in the success which has attended the corporation.
In 1916 Mr. Schiller was united in marriage to Miss Ethel B. Blumrosen and they have one daughter, Wilma Surly. Mr. Schiller belongs to Zion Lodge, No. 1, A. F. &. A. M. He belongs also to the Masonic Country Club, to the Board of Commerce and to the Jewish Temple. He has always found his recreation in fishing and when opportunity permits he enjoys a trip in the open with rod and reel. He never allows outside interests to interfere with his commercial affairs, however, and is a remarkably astute business man whose intelligently directed labors have been crowned with a very substantial measure of success.
WRAY ROBERT BAILEY, Detroit manager for the Pillsbury Flour Company, was born in Wayne county, Michigan, April 23, 1870, and is a son of Wray R. and Mary E. (Hanley) Bailey, the former a native of Buffalo, New York, while the latter was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The parents came to Michigan in early life, settling in Wayne county, where they took up their abode on a farm in 1845. The father afterwards joined the California gold seekers in 1849. He prospected in the mountains and streams of California for some time, remaining on
HARRY F. MENARD
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the coast until 1853, and winning a moderate degree of success in his efforts. He then returned to Michigan and again took up his abode in Wayne county, where he engaged in farming for many years. There he continued to reside until his death, which occurred when he had reached the age of eighty-three, his birth having taken place in 1823. His wife died on the old homestead in 1908. They were well known rep- resentatives of the agricultural interests of Wayne county, and were most highly esteemed in that section of the state. Their family numbered five children of whom only two are living, the daughter being Mrs. George Meriman of Denver, Colorado.
Wray Robert Bailey, the youngest child of the family attended the district school, also the graded and high schools of Plymouth, Michigan, and the State Normal school at Ypsilanti. When he had completed his course there he started out in the business world and was employed at sundry occupations until he be- came connected with the Pillsbury Flour Mills Com- pany in 1898 as a salesman, with Michigan as his territory. He continued to dispose of the products of the Pillsbury Mills from that time until April 1, 1911, when he was promoted to the position of manager of the Detroit office and has since acted in this ca- pacity, covering a decade. He is regarded by the company as one of its most valuable and trustworthy representatives and at all times has at heart the in- terests of the corporation which he represents, doing everything in his power to promote the business and extend the trade relations of the Detroit house.
On the 16th of March, 1897, Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Flora Beaton of Detroit, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Angus Beaton, well known and highly re- spected residents of Lucknow, Ontario. Mr. Bailey and his wife have become parents of one son, Wray B., who was born in Detroit, July 10, 1906, and is attending the Northwestern high school. Mr. Bailey belongs to the Masonic lodge, also to the Detroit Yacht Club and to the Emanuel Presbyterian church. His life is ever actuated by high and honorable prin- ciples and the sterling worth of his character is rec- ognized by all with whom he has had business or social relations. His career has been characterized by a progressive spirit and he manifests the same pro- gressiveness in all of his relations to the public wel- fare. Mr. Bailey resides at No. 8519 Dexter boulevard.
WILLIAM LUTZ is well known in Detroit as one of the leading lumber merchants of the city. He was born November 18, 1866, at Pleasant Lake, Wash- tenaw county, Michigan, and received his early edu- cation in the district schools, for he lived on the farm until he was twenty-two years of age. He then came to Detroit and attended night school, being em- ployed during the day. He also took a course in the old Goldsmith College, from which he received his diploma. He had to make his own way in the world and took up insurance for three months, after which
he became bookkeeper for Larkin & Company, lumber dealers, and remained with them until they were bought out by the Kotcher Lumber Company. He re- mained with the Kotcher Lumber Company for twenty years, after which he went into real estate and was very successful, so successful in fact, that in 1910 he purchased three acres of land at the corner of Mount Elliott avenue and Farnsworth street and started the lumber business which is today a very important fac- tor in this rapidly expanding city. In 1920 he built a fine brick office and storehouse across the street from his lumber-yards. This edifice is one hundred and twenty by sixty feet and twenty-two feet high.
Mr. Lutz has been in the lumber business for thirty- two years and has established a high reputation for square dealing and superior business ability, but be- sides being a very successful business man he is a humanitarian who desires to see others prosperous. The welfare of the people of his city and of mankind at large makes a personal appeal to him. For this reason he is actively associated with the laudable enterprise of enlarging the Deaconess hospital and ex- panding the work and benefits of that institution. He is a member of the Hospital Board which has purchased the property in the rear of the present edifice so that they now own the land from East Jefferson back to Larned street and have ample space for a large hospital. The institution is an Evangelical Lutheran hospital and they are educating and training all their own nurses. When their plans are completed they will have one hundred and fifty beds. This in- stitution is a boon to Detroit, not only because of its excellent management as a hospital, but especially because they have instituted a plan which is scarcely known in this country except on the Atlantic coast. This plan is that there are no charity wards; yet the poorest patient receives the same treatment as the richest. The doctors and nurses know no distinction among patients, but if a patient is unable to pay he is handed a receipted bill when he is able to leave.
Mr. Lutz is unique among prominent business men in that he has built up and manages his business entirely alone and has never formed a corporation. This fact indicates his unusual and comprehensive abilities which enable him, without effort, to carry on the work of several executives within himself.
Mr. Lutz married Marie Haase, a native of Detroit, and they have two daughters: Marie and Annetta.
He is a member of Schiller Lodge, F. & A. M., the Salesman's Club and the Evangelical church. He is fond of outdoor life and recreations, especially fishing.
HENRY F. OHLSCHLAGER, secretary-treasurer of the Schober Printing Company of Detroit, not only has a unique record but one that is closely interwoven with the history of two states and constitutes an important element in the progress of the city of De- troit. Mr. Ohlschlager was born in Dresden, Saxony, Germany, and acquired his early education in the
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schools of his native place. At the age of seventeen years he decided to leave that country for America, and although the authorities refused him permission he, nevertheless, was resolved to carry out his plans, and left on his own responsibility, arriving in the new world in 1882. He first went to Texas and was engaged on railway construction for a year and a half. He then enlisted as a private in the United States army in 1883, and was on military duty in Texas for ten years, during the last five years of the period acting as sergeant-major. He also did a great deal of railroad building in Texas, and in 1893 was appointed to the topographical department of the United States and spent three years in topographical and hydrographical work at "the Soo" in Michigan. When in the army he distinguished himself as a marksman and has several beautiful medals conferred by the United States of America for championships, won in competition in the state of Texas. He was the champion shot in the Nineteenth Infantry, an honor won at San Antonio, Texas, in 1888. He re- ceived his sharpshooter medals from the United States in 1887, 1888 and 1889. For six years he was a sharpshooter and represented the state of Texas in United States army rifle competition. During the Geronimo war he was busy on transport duty support- ing the Third Cavalry, which was called from Fort Clark, Texas. He helped to build the first telephone line between Marfa Junction and Fort Davis, and he also helped to erect the first ice machine in Fort Ring- gold, Texas.
It was in 1896 that Mr. Ohlschlager joined the Schober Printing Company as a salesman and was so employed for four years. In 1901 the company was incorporated and since that date he has been secretary and treasurer. Through the intervening period of twenty years he has been closely associated with the upbuilding and development of the business which is now one of the important concerns of the kind in Detroit, enjoying an extensive patronage and a well earned reputation for the high character of the work turned out.
Mr. Ohlschlager was united in marriage to Miss Emma Splan. He aud his wife are members of Grace Episcopal church, which in association with three others he was instrumental in organizing in 1917 and which now has a membership of over six hundred. Fraternally Mr. Ohlsehlager is a Mason. He has at- tained the thirty-second degree of the Seottish Rite, belonging to Oriental Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Mich- igan Sovereign Consistory; and also to Moslem Temple A. A. O. N. M. S. Ile is likewise a member of the Aviation Country Club, and served for seven years on the executive committee of the United Com- mercial Travelers of America. He is likewise a mem- ber of the Board of Commerce of Detroit, and there is no plan or project for the benefit and upbuilding of the city with which he is not closely and help- fully associated. Mr. Ohlschlager is a remarkably
versatile man, one whose experiences have been wide and varied. He has visited every country in the world except China and Japan and had seen every country in Europe before he left the continent. Travel has been to him a most thorough teacher, bringing him wide and intimate knowledge of different countries and their people, and of the problems and the op- portunities of life. He has been associated with many movements which have benefited Detroit, and since renouncing his connection with Germany, America has had no more loyal or devoted eitizen.
CHARLES E. BEYMER is one of Detroit's oldest and best known real estate men and one who has done much toward the betterment of conditions in the city during his more than thirty years' connection with that business, always having been active in sup- port of movements which have had to do with the welfare and further development of Detroit. His in- terests in the general good is manifest in many tangible ways and at the same time he is carefully and suc- cessfully directing private business affairs, so that sub- stantial results accrue. Mr. Beymer comes from Penn- sylvania Dutch and New England Yankee stock and was born in New Salem, Ohio, October 25, 1858, a son of John McIntyre and Susan (Worth) Beymer. The grandfather in the paternal line was George Washington Beymer, who built the section of the old National Pike between Wheeling, West Virginia, and Zanesville, Ohio. This was before the days of rail- roads and this old highway was the overland route to what was then the far west. The superior character of its construction is best shown by its wonderful state of preservation. After one hundred years of usage, it now forms the foundation for one of the leading improved highways in Ohio. George Wash- ington Beymer conducted a tavern along the old Na- tional Pike after it was completed and it was there that John McIntyre Beymer was born. The latter was for forty years, from 1822 until 1862, a fur buyer for S. H. Benedict of Cleveland, Ohio. He traveled on horseback throughout the middle west and many times, by reason of the nature of his business, he was com- pelled to sojourn in the Indian camps while buying furs from the Indians. He lived to the ripe old age of eighty-four years and passed away at Columbus, Ohio. His wife, Susan Worth, was born in Vermont and passed away at Columbus, Ohio, at the age of eighty-six years.
Charles E. Beymer of this review was the fifth in order of birth in a family of nine children. He at- tended public and private schools of Columbus, Ohio, and afterward engaged in the manufacture of brooms in that city, there conducting business until March 31, 1889, when he removed to Detroit. Here he estab- lished a real estate business and has since been suc- cessful and active in this field. Since his arrival here he has developed very extensive subdivisions, in- cluding the Mack Avenue subdivision, Wyandotte sub-
CHARLES E. BEYMER
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division, Van Dyke, Nos. 1 and 2, Ecorse Heights subdivision, Cloverdale subdivision, River View sub- division, River Rouge subdivision, Great Lakes subdi- vision, also Aurora Park and Euclid Park of Buffalo, New York. In addition he has negotiated large loans and has conducted an insurance business. His inter- ests were incorporated in 1910 under the name of The William Tait Realty Company, and of this firm he is the president.
On the 30th of November, 1884, Mr. Beymer was married to Miss Caroline Gregory of Columbus, Ohio, and they have become the parents of seven children: Hazel, now Mrs. Harry C. Smith of St. Clair, Mich- igan; Charles Edward, receiving teller of the Boise City National Bank of Boise, Idaho, who married Elma White of Nebraska, and has three children, one boy and two girls; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Henry J. Holman and resides in Detroit; Edith and Ethel, twins, the former the wife of Hugh MeKay of Detroit, and the latter the wife of P. G. Bertlesen of Detroit; and Grace and Helen, who reside at home. Since 1901 the family home in Detroit has been at 385 Hurlbut avenue, while for some years Mr. Beymer has maintained his summer home at The Nook, near Algonac. His fruit and vegetable garden near by, on Harsen's Island, the cultivation of which affords his favorite recreation, gives evidence of his skill and enthusiasm in this line. He is fond of fishing and hunting and has made several trips to the Rocky Mountain country in search of big game.
Mr. Beymer is a member of the Detroit Realty Exchange, also of the Detroit Board of Commerce and the United States Chamber of Commerce, asso- ciations that indicate his deep interest in business affairs, especially those relative to the welfare and progress of city and state. Mr. Beymer belongs also to the Fellowcraft Athletic Club of Detroit, to the Ohio Society of Detroit, to the Detroit Citizen's League, to the Detroit Automobile Club and to the Methodist Episcopal church. He has worked his way steadily upward and determination and energy have featured in his career from the beginning. He is fond of travel and his present-day success enables him to spend two or three months each year in this manner in seeing America. He has visited all sections of the country, thus thoroughly acquainting himself with his native land, its opportunities and advantages, and is a member of the National Travel Club.
EDWARD JAMES WOODISON, a prominent and successful representative of business interests in De- troit, has throughout the past decade been the presi- dent of the E. J. Woodison Company, dealers in foundry supplies at No. 7415 St. Aubin street. He is likewise the vice president of the Acme Foundry Company and is identified with many other industrial enterprises of the city. A Canadian by birth, he was born at Ridgetown, Ontario, April 23, 1874, his parents being Edward and Mary (Carr) Woodison:
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