USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117
On the 15th of September, 1908, Dr. Camelon was married to Miss Edith L. Hartwell, a daughter of George E. Hartwell. Mrs. Camelon is well known in the social circles of Detroit. In his political views Dr. Camelon was a stanch republican, giving stalwart support to the party at all times, after becoming an American citizen. He was also prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to Palestine Lodge, F. & A. M .; King Cyrus Chapter, R. A. M .; Monroe Council, R. & S. M .; Michigan Sovereign Consistory, A. A. R. S .; Detroit Commandery, No. 1, K. T .; and Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belonged to the Masonic Country Club, had membership in the De- troit Athletic Club and in Larned Post of the American Legion and also with the Officers of the Great War. Along strictly professional lines he was connected with the Wayne County, Michigan State and American Medical Associations, and at all times im- proved every opportunity to broaden his knowledge and promote his efficiency in his chosen field of labor. His professional duties were most conscientiously dis- charged and in every relation and every connection of life loyalty was one of his marked character- istics. Well may it be said of him "a hero has fallen but because of such as he the republic lives."
FRANK MACMILLAN, who since 1910 has been manager of the paint department of the Frohlich Glass Company, one of the largest enterprises of this character in Detroit, has become well known in trade circles of the city and his initiative spirit, progress- iveness and excellent business ability have been im- portant contributing factors in the growth of the enterprise. He was born in Germantown, Ohio, a son of John and Ann (Schafer) MacMillan, who be- came the parents of four children, but he is the only member of the family who survives. He attended the public schools of Germantown and Dayton, Ohio, and
MAJOR THOMAS P. CAMELON
49
CITY OF DETROIT
on laying aside his textbooks became a clerk in the employ of the Thresher Varnish Company, a close corporation, with which he was identified for a period of twenty years. His close application, faithfulness and ready adaptability won him merited promotion and he was made a traveling salesman for the firm, his territory covering the entire country, so that he acquired an extensive acquaintance among retail paint and varnish dealers and became thoroughly familiar . with the business. In 1910 Mr. MacMillan came to Detroit as manager of the paint department of the Frohlich Glass Company, whom he had previously represented as a traveling salesman for about three years, and the value of his services to the corporation is shown in the fact that since he assumed charge of this department its volume of sales has steadily increased until is is now over fifteen times in excess of the amount of business transacted in this line previous to his connection therewith, the trade ex- tending throughout the states of Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. He combines a thorough understanding of the principles of merchandising with executive ability of a high order and has therefore succeeded in main- taining a high degree of efficiency in the operation of his department, so that his cooperation has proven a strong element in the continued growth and de- velopment of the company which he represents. The Frohlich Glass Company is one of the old and sub- stantial mercantile enterprises of the city, occupying a foremost position in the lines in which it specializes, and the firm name has long been a synonym for in- tegrity, progressiveness and reliability in business circles of Detroit.
In 1916 Mr. MacMillan was united in marriage to Miss Anna Fritz of Kendallville, Indiana, and they reside in an attractive home at No. 838 Putnam avenue. He is a republican in his political views and fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree. He is a life member of the York Rite at Dayton, Ohio, and also belongs to Michigan Sovereign Con- sistory and to the Shrine. He has attained success by strict integrity, the conscientious discharge of all obligations and an unremitting attention to an indus- try in which he takes great interest and which he thoroughly understands. As a business man his stand- ing is of the highest and in all matters of citizenship his influence is on the side of advancement and im- provement.
FRED WILBUR SMITH, for many years well known as a representative member of the Detroit bar, has since July, 1913, been connected with civil service work and is now chief examiner and secretary of the civil service commission of this city. He was born in Cass county, Michigan, September 1, 1871, a son of William H. and Melissa (Jones) Smith, who are also natives of this state and are now residing in Detroit.
Fred W. Smith, who is one of a family of five Vol. IV-4
children and the only son born to his parents, sup- plemented his public school education by a law conrse in the University of Michigan, being graduated in 1894 with the LL. B. degree. Ile first opened an office in Decatnr, Michigan, and after about a year there spent sought the opportunities of the broader field offered in Detroit and has been a resident of this city since 1895. He practiced as a member of the firm of Smith & Curtis until 1909 and then con- tinued independently, remaining an active member of the bar until July, 1913, when he took up civil service work, in which connection he has rendered to the city most important service. He is now chief examiner and secretary of the civil service commission and while thus serving has practically organized a new department, systematizing the work in a most efficient manner. His appointment to the office came to him through the board of examiners.
At Buchanan, Michigan, on the Ist of May, 1895, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Rose M. Simmons and they are parents of two children: Hallett F. and Helen D. Mr. Smith is a member of the Detroit Athletic Club. He is a Knights Templar Mason and Mystic Shriner and his political affiliation is with the republican party. He has long been keenly interested in public problems and served as a member of the common council of Detroit from 1899 until 1905, act- ing as president in 1902. In 1905 he was secretary to Mayor George P. Codd and from 1906 until 1909 was police commissioner. He is among the more prom- inent of the younger business men of Detroit, thoroughly alive to the issues and demands of the hour and with the keenest recognition of the duties and obligations as well as of the privileges and op- portunities of citizenship. Identified with the best clubs of the city, his associations are of the highest.
FRED PARKER CHILD, manager of the distribut- ing branch of the General Cigar Company at Detroit, was born in Malone, New York, September 5, 1866. His youthful days were spent in the home of his parents, Gardner A. and Adelaide (Parker) Child, and he supplemented his early education by study in the Franklin Academy of his native city. He then took up the occupation of farming, which he followed in the Empire state until 1889, at which time he turned his attention to commercial pursuits, being engaged in the furniture business at Malone, New York, from 1889 until 1895. In the latter year he removed to Chicago, where he entered the employ of Sprague, Warner & Company as cigar salesman. In August, 1904, he became associated with the well known cigar manufacturing and importing firm, the Best & Russell Company, and has since been associated with that honse, which in March, 1916, was taken over by the General Cigar Company. On the 1st of May, 1908, he came to Detroit as a salesman and later on, when a distributing branch at this point was opened, was
50
CITY OF DETROIT
put in control of the business here, which under his guidance has developed to extensive proportions.
On the 2d of March, 1886, Mr. Child was united in marriage to Miss Frances G. Ashworth of Plymouth, England, and they have become the parents of two daughters: Katherine and Isabel. The religious faith of the family is that of the Baptist church and Mr. Child is interested in all those forces and agencies which make for upright manhood and honorable citi- zenship. He gives his political allegiance to the re- publican party and is identified with the Board of Commerce, thus manifesting his interest in everything that has to do with the city's welfare, the extension of its trade relations and the maintenance of high civic standards. Fraternally he is a Mason, having taken the degrees of the lodge and chapter, and the craft finds in him an exemplary follower of its teachings.
GEORGE WILLIAM CARTER. One of the best known men in insurance circles in the state of Michi- gan is George William Carter, vice president of the Detroit Insurance Exchange. He is an alert, ener- getic business man and in the conduct of the interests under his charge displays marked ability and sound judgment. He was born at Hamilton, North Dakota, September 4, 1886, a son of John M. and Sarah (Winter) Carter. After completing his public school education he pursued a night course in a business college at Chicago, Illinois, and in 1900 entered the field of insurance, in which he has continued active. On the 15th of January, 1913, he came to the Detroit Insurance Agency as manager and his successful work in that connection led to his selection for the office of vice president in 1915, which office he still retains. He is thoroughly familiar with the business and ranks with the most successful insurance men of the city.
On the 28th of October, 1914, Mr. Carter was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. MeNulty of Chicago, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Con- stance Virginia, born April 3, 1916, in Detroit. He is a popular member of the Ingleside, Detroit Golf, Oak- land Hills Country and Detroit Athletic Clubs and his concern in the welfare and progress of his city is indicated by his membership in the Detroit Board of Commerce, in whose proceedings he is actively inter- ested, being chairman of the fire prevention committee. He is also identified with the Insurance Federation of Michigan, of which he is one of the directors, and for- merly was president of that body. In 1920 he was president of the Insurance Exchange of Detroit. Al- though but thirty-five years of age, Mr. Carter bas already won a notable measure of success, owing to his close application and persistent effort and also to the fact that he has continued in the line of activity in which he embarked as a young man, thereby ac- quiring a specialized knowledge of the subject. As the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well and in winning business advancement
he has at the same time gained the respect and good- will of those with whom he has been associated. Mr. Carter resides at No. 35 Burlingame avenue.
JOHN WARD WESTCOTT, of The J. W. Westcott Company, vessel agents of Detroit, was born in this city December 22, 1883, a son of John Ward and Henrietta (Crane) Westcott. The father was born on Lime Island in the Sioux river of Michigan, while the mother is a native of New Jersey and came to this. state in early life. The grandparents in the paternal line were David H. and Mary Jane (Ward) Westcott, early pioneer settlers of Michigan. While spending his youthful days under the parental roof John Ward Westcott obtained a public school education. His father, Captain J. W. Westcott, established business in Detroit in 1874, under the name of J. W. Westcott, and continued this style until July 1, 1910, when he incorporated it under the name of The J. W. Westcott Company. Today this is the oldest vessel agency in the state, the business being now conducted by his sons. The father remained active in connection there- with until his death, which occurred August 17, 1913. He was also interested in many other enterprises for the welfare of Detroit and served as alderman in 1883, thus bearing his part in the public activity of the city. His religious faith was that of the Epis- copal church. His widow survives and is living in Ann Arbor. In their family were four children: Charles H., who is connected with the J. W. Westcott Company; Mary Louise, of Ann Arbor; Mrs. C. L. Loos of Ann Arbor; and John Ward.
The last named attended the public and high schools of Detroit and later secured a position in the Home Savings Bank of this city, remaining with that in- stitution for three years, during which time he rose from the position of messenger to that of receiving teller. At length he resigned and entered his father's office, while later he and his brother, Charles H. West- cott, succeeded the father in the ownership of the business, which is very successfully conducted. It is still known as The J. W. Westcott Company and a business of substantial proportions has been developed.
The main office is in Detroit, and it has two branch offices: one at Livingstone Channel, established Octo- ber 1, 1910; and the other at Limekiln Crossing, established April 1, 1914.
On the 30th of December, 1907, Mr. Westcott was married to Miss Hazel Squier of Detroit, who passed away November 23, 1916, leaving one child, John Ward, who was born February 5, 1910, and is now attending the Onarga Military Academy of Onarga, Illinois. For his second wife Mr. Westcott chose Miss Mildred Simpson, daughter of Joseph Burt Simpson. Their marriage was celebrated July 26, 1917, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Mildred June, born July 10, 1919.
Mr. Westcott and his wife are members of the Congregational church and they have many warm
GEORGE W. CARTER
53
CITY OF DETROIT
friends in Detroit, the number being constantly aug- mented as the circle of their acquaintance broadens. Mr. Westcott belongs to the Detroit Yacht Club and to the Masonic Country Club. He is well known as a faithful follower of Masonic teachings, belong- ing to Kilwinning Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; King Cyrus Chapter, R. A. M .; and Detroit Commandery, K. T.
SAMUEL SELINSKY, well known in Michigan and neighboring states through his connection with the men's furnishing trade, with which he has been iden- tified for several years, especially as a partner in the Mohawk Overall Company, is a native of Detroit, born on December 25, 1870, a son of Louis and Bertha (Joseph) Selinsky, the former of whom came to De- troit from Poland about 1850. He spent the remainder of his life in Detroit, passing away here in 1914.
Samuel Selinsky was educated in the public schools and commenced his working career as a newsboy in Detroit for four years, between the ages of ten and fourteen. Some time later he went to work for the Peerless Manufacturing Company, where he was em- ployed for sixteen years, during this time having had an excellent opportunity, of which he fully availed himself, to learn the garment manufacturing trade in all its branches, including everything from cutting to marketing. In 1905 Mr. Selinsky decided to go into business on his own account and in that year he joined with Joseph Decker in organizing the Mohawk Overall Company. The company manufac- tures on an extensive scale, being jobbers of men's shirts, pants and overalls, in the handling of which it has an extensive trade, covering Michigan, Ohio, In- diana, and Wisconsin. From the very commencement the business has been successfully conducted, due in large measure to the untiring energy and business acumen displayed by Mr. Selinsky and his partner, Mr. Decker.
On June 16, 1897, Mr. Selinsky was united in mar- riage to Fannie Abram, and they have become the par- ents of two daughters: Helen and Mrs. Laura Bernstein. Mr. Selinsky is a member of the Detroit Credit Mens Association, of the National Association of Garment Manufacturers, and of the Detroit Board of Commerce, in the affairs of all of which he takes a helpful in- terest. He is also a member of the B'nai B'rith. Mr. Selinsky is generally regarded as a live business man, broad-minded and full of American ideas.
Mr. Selinsky's partner, Joseph Decker, who is as- sociated with the general management of the Mohawk Overall Company, is a native of Germany, where he was born in 1867. At the age of seventeen years Mr. Decker immigrated to the United States and coming out to Michigan, started as a clerk in a store at Calumet, this state. After five years he went into business for himself and so continued until he and Mr. Selinsky established the Mohawk Overall Company in 1905. As already stated the company has made rapid commercial strides since being organ-
ized and to this healthy condition Mr. Decker has contributed in no small degree.
On June 14, 1895, Mr. Decker was married to Alice Schott, and they have become the parents of two children: Frederick S. and Mrs. Elsa Baasiches of Cleveland, Ohio. Frederick S. Decker enlisted in the navy soon after this country had entered the World war; he joined the radio service and was operating in and around Charleston until a month after the signing of the armistice.
Mr. Decker is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Commercial Travelers Association, and of B'nai B'rith, in the affairs of all of which he takes a warm interest.
RAYMOND E. VENDERBUSH, who since 1916 has been secretary and treasurer of the Venderbush Com- pany of Detroit, sheet metal manufacturers, was born in this city and is a son of E. and Ida M. (Imm) Venderbush. The father is a native of New York and is now president of the Venderbush Company, having for a long period figured in manufacturing circles of the city.
Raymond E. Venderbush pursued his education in the Detroit schools and is an alumnus of the Eastern high school. When his textbooks were put aside he became connected with the business in which his father was interested. It was in 1900 that the firm of Venderbush and Looman was formed, which be- came the Venderbush Company in 1916, and it was at that date that R. E. Venderbush was elected sec- retary and treasurer of the corporation. In the mean- time he had familiarized himself largely with every phase of the business. He started in at the bottom and worked his way steadily upward, being today practically manager of the enterprise, as well as the secretary and treasurer. The company engages in sheet metal manufacturing, and enjoys a very exten- sive trade among Detroit factories, theirs being the only house in Detroit making a specialty of sheet metal for blow pipes, stacks, breechings and tanks of all kinds, including lead tanks. During the war the firm turned its factory over for government work and the output during that period was sheet metal for Ford eagles, as well as for other government work.
Mr. Venderbush has voted with the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to the Bethel Lutheran church, and is also an exemplary representative of Ashlar Lodge. No. 91, A. F. & A. M .; Palestine Chapter. R. A. M .: Michigan Sovereign Consistory, S. P. R. S .; and Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Delta Theta Nu, and has membership connection with the Board of Commerce. He is in- terested in all that pertains to the welfare and pro- gress of the city, and cooperates in many measures for the public good. At the same time he is a young business man, who gives the major part of
54
CITY OF DETROIT
his attention to important interests under his control. He displays fine managerial ability and progressive- ness in every way.
JAMES DUDLEY HAWKS was for a half century a prominent railway official, but though he gained prominence in railway circles, it was not this alone that entitled him to the high respect and uniform regard that was tendered him. He came of ancestry honorable and distinguished and his lines of life were east in harmony therewith. He stood for the highest ideals of American citizenship and there were in him certain admirable qualities which found their expres- sion in his love for flowers, in his devotion to his family and in his fidelity to his friends.
Mr. Hawks was born in Buffalo, New York, Octo- ber 13, 1847, his parents being Thomas Sidney and Hester Ann (Layton) Hawks. The father was a mer- chant at Buffalo. In both the paternal and maternal lines James D. Hawks was descended from ancestors who came to America on the first voyage of the May- flower. The family name has figured prominently in connection with the story of New England and with the development of New York and other states of the Union, but no representative of the family has done more towards leaving behind him the monument of a great work accomplished than James Dudley Hawks. He attended the high school of Buffalo, New York, and after completing an engineering course in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor he entered the railway service on the 1st of February, 1870, and continued in active identification with railway oper- ation and management until 1920, or for a period of a half century. For the first five years he was assistant engineer of the Buffalo division of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Company and from 1875 until 1878 he was assistant engineer of the Erie division and thereafter for three years was assistant engineer of the Lake Shore division of the same road. From 1881 until 1883 he was superintend- ent of construction of the New York, West Shore & Buffalo Railroad, now known as the West Shore Rail- road, and from 1883 until 1884 he was engineer of maintenance of the same road. The building of this railroad has long been considered one of the most difficult feats of railway construction work east of the Rockies. He then became chief engineer of the Mich- igan Central Railroad, filling the position until 1892. It was while he was acting in this capacity that he personally inaugurated the custom of giving flowers to ladies on the trains of the Michigan Central system. All of the first year he donated the flowers himself and since then, because of the popularity of this beautiful custom, the Michigan Central has perpet- uated it. Mr. Hawks was always passionately fond of flowers and it is to his credit that the grounds of the various depots along the line of the Michigan Central have so many beautiful flower beds and were placed amid such attractive surroundings. Mr. Hawks
personally designed and superintended the construc- tion of most of the depots from Detroit to Chicago.
An article in the Michigan Manufacturer and Finan- cial Record said in part: "From the day Mr. Hawks was associated with the Michigan Central he began to make it a trunk line. He built heavier bridges, laid heavier tracks and built roads capable of carrying heavier motive power and hauling heavier trains. He had as much influence as anyone in having erected the Michigan Central station at Detroit, designed in 1882 by Mr. Erdlitz and then looked upon as the last word in station construction. He put taste and archi- tectural design into the construction of stations along the line. Collaborating with Mr. Spier and Mr. Rohns, he had erected the really imposing stations at Ann Arbor and Niles, in which beauty and utility still survive over three decades of change. He had the earliest prophetic vision of the growth of Detroit with which we are familiar, literally covering the marshes of the Delray and Ecorse districts with terminal tracks and right of way before it was thought that those swampy areas could be reclaimed and made the seats of industry. He did great things for the devel- opment of transporation in Michigan and the devel- opment of business in the state."
Resigning from his connection with the Michigan Central Railroad in October, 1892, Mr. Hawks then spent one year as manager of the Detroit Citizens Street Railway. He did away with the old horse-car system and electrified the line. One of the things for which the Detroit people can thank him is that he built the tracks with one foot more space between them-a fact which resulted in having the Detroit cars a foot wider than in other cities, thus making them much more roomy and comfortable. With S. F. Angus, Mr. Hawks built the electric railway from Detroit to Ann Arbor and afterwards to Jackson, this road be- coming known as the Detroit, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor & Jackson Railway. He was president of the company until the sale of the road to the Detroit United Rail- way in 1907. He was also president of the Lansing City Railway and the Grand Rapids, Grand Haven & Muskegon Electric Railway.
It was in 1895 that Mr. Hawks became vice presi- dent and general manager of the Detroit & Mackinac Railway, and in 1896 was appointed president and general manager, which position he held until Federal control in 1918. The road had just been reorganized after being in the hands of the receiver, and the success of Mr. Hawks in rehabilitating this property and its subsequent development is one of the romantic chapters in American railroad history. It had been described as "two streaks of rust, beginning nowhere and ending nowhere." The road was built by Alger, Smith & Company, one of the largest lumber firms of Michigan, and after they had completed their lumber- ing operations the property went into the hands of re- ceivers. At this time the lumber industry along the line had practically disappeared and Mr. Hawks faced
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.