USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV > Part 65
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On the 6th of April, 1886, Mr. Bloomgarden was married to Miss Mary Zohn, a daughter of Aaron Zohn of Detroit. They have become the parents of five children: Philip, who was born in Detroit August 1, 1888, is now a member of the firm of A. J. Bloomgarden & Sons. He married Miss Florence Laboske of Chicago; Ora, born in Detroit in October, 1891, is the wife of Dr. Leon Cowan of Detroit; David, born in this city in February, 1893, and now a member of the firm of A. J. Bloomgarden & Sons, wedded Hazel Brill of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and they have one child, Raleigh Brill; Sadie, born in Detroit in March, 1895, is now the wife of C. S. Silver; Mabel, born in March, 1897, completes the family.
Mr. Bloomgarden is prominently known in the Elks lodge and was one of the organizers and members of
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the building committee of the Detroit Elks Temple, one of the finest in the country. He likewise has membership with the Knights of Pythias and is a Master Mason, loyal to the teachings and purposes of these various organizations, which recognize the broth- erhood of man and the obligations thereby "imposed. Mr. Bloomgarden is a most progressive citizen, alert, energetic, and enterprising, and never stops short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose and ful- fillment of his plans. Since 1917 Mr. Bloomgarden has resided at 1630 Virginia Park, where his residence is one of the pleasant homes of the North Woodward section.
JOHN R. BODDE, vice president of the People's State Bank of Detroit, his native city, was born February 12, 1872, a son of Frank and Adelaide (Cra- mer) Bodde. Both parents were of European birth. Coming to America, they settled in Detroit, where they were married, and the father engaged for many years in the shoe business in this city, continuing active in the trade from the early '60s until 1907, or for a period of more than forty years. He died in Detroit in 1917. His widow survived for but a brief period, passing away in 1918. In their family were four sons and two daughters: Anthony, Felix B., Albert F., Mathilda, Adelaide, and John R., all residents of Detroit.
John R. Bodde pursued his education in parochial schools and afterward the Detroit College. Later he was employed in a clerical capacity in a retail estab- lishment for four years, and in 1899 became con- nected with the People's State Bank, in the capacity of assistant teller. Through the succeeding years he advanced from one position to another, serving as teller, as assistant cashier, and ultimately becoming vice president and one of the directors. He is also a director of the Bankers Trust Company and of the Michigan Investment Company, and is well known in the financial circles of the city. Mr. Bodde belongs to the Roman Catholic church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is well known in club circles of the city, having membership with the Detroit Club, the Detroit Country Club, the Loch- moor Country Club, the Detroit Boat Club, the Detroit Athletic Club, and the Bloomfield Hills Country Club. He is likewise a member of the Bankers' Club, and he finds his chier source of recreation in golf. His life has been passed in this city, where his record is as an open book that all may read, and his sturdy and commendable qualities are perhaps indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the pres- ent time.
MICHAEL JOSEPH MURPHY, a capitalist, now devoting his attention and energies to the development of his real estate investments, was born in Sarnia, Canada, February 22, 1851, his parents being James
and Katherine (Casey) Murphy. He obtained a public school education and in 1868, when a youth of seven- teen years, came to Detroit, where he initiated his business carcer as bookkeeper for C. H. Dunks, a manufacturer of bed springs. He afterward accepted the position of bookkeeper in the Second National Bank, now the First & Old Detroit National Bank, occupying that position in 1871 and 1872. In the latter year he purchased the business of his former employer, Mr. Dunks, and remained active in that line until 1878, when he began the manufacture of chairs, which within a short time were made the sole product of the factory. Steadily the business grew and developed and in 1884 was incorporated under the name of the Murphy Chair Company, of which Mr. Murphy became the president. The enterprise was profitably conducted in Detroit until 1919, when the plant was sold and the business suspended in February, 1920. The Murphy Chair Company, however, is con- tinuing its large establishment at Owensboro, Ken- tucky, while the Detroit plant was taken over by B. F. Everitt for the manufacture of automobile bodies. Aside from his connection therewith Mr. Murphy is a director of the Security Trust Company, the People's State Bank and other important corporations which have been contributing elements to his success. As the years have passed he has made judicious and ex- tensive investments in real estate. He is a member of the real estate board and is now planning to con- centrate his efforts upon real estate and other invest- ments.
In 1877 Mr. Murphy was united in marriage to Miss Elisa Gleeson and they have become parents of seven children: Blanche; Marguerite, who is now the wife of Charles B. Davis; Gleeson; J. Harold; Charles R .; Francis; and Constance, the wife of Charles B. Hull, Jr., of Detroit.
Mr. Murphy has the distinction of having been the first president of the Detroit Board of Commerce and he was also the first president of the Security Trust Company of Detroit. He belongs to the Detroit, Detroit Athletic, Country, Detroit Boat, Bloomfield Hills Country and Automobile Clubs. His enterprise has carried him to a place in the front rank of the business men of Detroit. His initiative has enabled him to establish and develop important interests and he has become recognized as one of the forceful and resourceful men of the city.
KURT KLING, a well known business man of De- troit, was born February 4, 1879, in the city which is still his home, his parents being Philip and Josephine (Hower) Kling, the former a native of Alsace-Lor- raine, while the latter was born in Germany. The father's birth occurred in 1818 and his life record covered the intervening years until 1910, when he passed away in Detroit. Coming to the new world he was for many years the head of the Kling Brewery. Kurt Kling was a pupil in the public and high
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schools of Detroit and afterward entered the Uni- versity of Michigan, where he pursued a special course with regard to the business life before him. After leaving the State University he attended the United States Brewers Academy in New York city and was graduated as a brewmaster in 1900. Fol- lowing his return to Detroit he entered into the brew- ing business in connection with his father and worked his way upward through the various departments, thoroughly learning the business in every particular. Since his father's death he has had charge of the plant, continuing its operation until May I, 1918, when prohibition became operative. The property has been transformed into one of the finest outdoor amuse- ment enterprises in the country.
In October, 1902, Mr. Kling was united in marriage to Miss Olga Widner, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Widner of Detroit, and they have become par- ents of two children: Philip, who was born in 1904 and is now a student in the Detroit University school; and Paula, who was born in Detroit in 1908 and is attending the Liggett school.
Mr. Kling is well known in club circles, belonging to the Detroit Club, the Detroit Athletic Club, the Detroit Golf Club and the Harmonie Society. The nature of his recreation is further indicated in the fact that he also has membership in the Detroit Yacht Club, while his interest in community affairs is shown through his connection with the Detroit Board of Commerce.
HOWARD BARKER LEE, correspondent in Detroit for the Guaranty Trust Company of New York, was born in this city, August 13, 1891, a son of James L. and Mary (Lawson) Lec. He pursued his education in the Central high school of Detroit, then in the Lawrenceville Preparatory school and in Yale Uni- versity, enrolling as a student in the Sheffield Scien- tific school. He was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in the class of 1913, and initiated his business career as an employe of W. M. Finck & Company of Detroit, with whom he continued until July I, 1917.
It was on the date just mentioned that Mr. Lee enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve Corps, and was sent to New London, Connecticut, whence he was afterwards transferred to the Pelham Bay Training Station, where he was commissioned an ensign. He afterward attended the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and was later transferred to the United States transport, Madawaska. After the signing of the armistice he was transferred to the receiving ship at New York, where he was honorably discharged on the 20th of May, 1919.
After leaving active duty in the navy Mr. Lee joined the Guaranty Trust Company of New York and the recognition of his ability by that corporation led to his appointment on the 1st of December, 1919, to
the position of correspondent of the company at De- troit.
On the 16th of June, 1917, Mr. Lee was united in marriage with Miss Helen Bourne Joy, a daughter of Henry B. Joy of Detroit, and a representative of one of the city's most prominent families. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have two daughters: Helen Joy Lee and Mariau Lawson Lee. Mr. Lee is a devotee of golf and has become quite well known, due to success in city, state and national events. He has been Michi- gan state champion three times, having won the championship in 1910, 19II and again in 1920. He belongs to the Lochmoor Club, the Country Club, the University Club and the Detroit Athletic Club, and he is also a member of the American Legion. He resides at Grosse Pointe Park.
A. B. WILLEMIN, the secretary and treasurer of the L. H. & W. Manufacturing Company, is engaged in the manufacture of tools, jigs, dies and also in experimental work. The business is a valuable ad- junct to the large machine and automobile manufac- turing industry of the city and in all that he does Mr. Willemin is actuated by a most progressive spirit, never stopping short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose. He was born in Detroit, December 9, 1873, and is a son of Desire B. and Mary (Lyster) Willemin. The father was born in Paris, France, and came to America in 1869, settling in Detroit, where he met and married Miss Lyster, a native of Mich- igan. He became a factor in the public life of this city and for many years was a prominent member of the Detroit bar. Later he was elected police judge and served that office with distinction for some time. He passed away in Detroit in 1902, and his widow is still living in this city. They were the parents of two children, Mary and A. B., both of Detroit.
The latter attended the public schools and the Detroit College, after which he started out in the business world as a clerk for the Western Union Telegraph Company, being connected with that corpo- ration until 1903, at which time he became identified with the automobile industry, then in its infancy. He was supervisor of purchasers and assistant general manager for the Hupp Motor Company, and continued in that position of responsibility until 1916. He then became assistant supervisor of purchase and general manager with the Briscoe Motor Car Company and in 1917 he organized the L. H. W. Cales Company for experimental work and the manufacture of tools, jigs and dies. He has since been the vice president and general manager of the new corporation, with S. H. Humphrey as the president and John Ryan as secre- tary and treasurer. They employ about one hundred people and the business is a steadily growing one. The enterprise has proved successful from the beginning, and has increasingly gratifying patronage.
In October, 1902, Mr. Willemin was married to Miss Julia Clifford of Detroit, and they have become par-
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ents of eight children: A. B., Jr., who was born in Detroit in 1903 and is now attending the University of Detroit; Margaret, who was born in 1905, and is attending the Sacred Heart Academy; Louis Clifford, deceased; Katherine, who was born in 1908; Julian Vincent, born in 1910; Patrica, born in 1912; Eugene Robert, born in 1914; and Richard, born in 1917. With the exception of the last named the children, save those specifically mentioned, are in school. The reli- gious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Willemin is a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He belongs to the Benev- olent Protective Order of Elks and also to the Detroit Board of Commerce. His interest in community af- fairs is of a substantial nature, being manifest in his hearty support of varied plans and measures for the public good. Those who know him-and he has a wide acquaintance-esteem him as a representative manu- facturer and business man of Detroit and his sterling worth is attested by his many friends who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.
CARLTON MILO HIGBIE, well known in invest- ment and financial circles of Detroit and one of the founders of Keane, Higbie & Company, investment bankers of this city, was born February 1, 1890, in Chicago, Illinois. His father, Nathan B. Higbie, a native of the state of New York, went to Chicago when a young man and there married Miss Corda E. Terwilliger, who was born in that city. Nathan B. Higbie was for a number of years connected with Swift & Company, becoming one of the officials of that corporation. Later he extended his efforts into many other fields, becoming prominent in business and financial lines, and he remained a dominant factor in connection with the successful management and pro- gressive policy of various business interests. To him and his wife were born five children: Geraldine W., the wife of P. B. Palmer, Jr., a clothing manufac- turer of Chicago; Carlton M .; Harley G., who is vice president of Keane, Higbie & Company; Nathan B., Jr .; and Willis T.
Carlton M. Higbie attended private schools in Chi- cago and later the University high school in that city. A business rather than a professional career appealing to him, he entered the Chicago banking house of George H. Burr & Company of New York and Chicago, with whom he continued until coming to Detroit in 1912 as manager of the branch house of that firm in this city. Mr. Higbie remained in that connection until 1916, when he became associated with J. E. J. Keane in establishing the house of Keane, Higbie & Company for the conduct of an investment banking business. This has become one of the representative interests of its character in Detroit. Among his other business interests Carlton M. Higbie is president of the Detroit Nut Company and a director of the Pem- berthy Injector Company. He is well known in club circles, belonging to the Detroit, the Country, the
Lochmoor and the Meadowbrook Country Clubs. Dur- ing the World war Mr. Higbie was a first lieutenant in the air service of the United States army.
In 1915 he was married to Miss Laura O. Butler, a daughter of the late Frederick E. Butler and a member of one of the old and prominent families of Detroit. Mr. and Mrs. Higbie are well known in De- troit society. The Higbie home is on Yorkshire road, Grosse Pointe Park.
R. G. BEECHLER, chief engineer of the Vulcan Motor Axle Corporation of Detroit, is a native of Ithaca, Michigan. He was born in 1880, and comes of a family of Holland Dutch origin, the American aucestors having settled in Pennsylvania at an early day. His parents were Sidney and Dora (Rasor) Beechler, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They became residents of Michigan, however, and made their home for many years in Ithaca, so that R. G. Beechler of this review was there reared and pursued his education until he had completed his high school studies. He afterward entered the University of Michigan, and was graduated with the Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, as a member of the class of 1907.
Starting out in the business world R. G. Beechler spent two years in the employ of the Detroit Stoker & Foundry Company, and after leaving that position, he joined the Timken-Detroit Axle Company as drafts- man. After a short time he went to the Metal Prod- ucts Company, becoming chief engineer, and spending three years in that position. While with that corpo- ration he had charge of the axle designing, tool de- signing and similar branches of the work. During the World war he tested the Class B trucks made for the government. Mr. Beechler is an inventor, as well as a designer and has now several patents pending in the patent office in Washington, D. C. Later the Tim- ken Company purchased the Metal Products Company and he continued with them at the Metal Products plant, as manager of their works, but later was trans- ferred from that plant to their main plant as assist- ant chief engineer. In January, 1920, be resigned and in April of that year he joined Mr. Gilbert in organiz- ing the Vulcan Motor Axle Corporation, of which he became chief engineer, and his long and comprehensive experience in mechanical lines, his ingenuity, and his inventive skill, are constituting important elements in the growth and success of the new undertaking.
On the 20th of August, 1909, Mr. Beechler was mar- ried to Miss Margaret Willits of Detroit, and they have become parents of two children: Jack Sidney and Richard Willits. He has made his home in De- troit since 1907, or two years prior to his marriage. His political support is given to the republican party and his understanding of the vital principles before the country is comprehensive and exact, but he has never been ambitious to hold political office, as his time has been fully occupied in business affairs. He is
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now financially and actively interested in one of the growing manufacturing concerns of Detroit and has long occupied a creditable and enviable position as a representative of engineering circles of the city.
ERNEST O. KNIGHT is the president of the real estate and insurance firm of Clemons, Knight, Menard Company and dates his residence in Detroit from 1889, arriving here when a youth of sixteen years. He was born in Essex county, Canada, July 23, 1873, his parents being Joseph and Mary (Dawson) Knight, the former a native of England and the latter of Canada. The father crossed the Atlantic to Canada in early life and there engaged in general merchandis- ing until about 1889, when he removed with his family to Detroit. Both he and his wife are still living and Mr. Knight has put aside business cares, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil.
Ernest O. Knight was the fourth in order of birth in a family of six children, one of whom has passed away. He is indebted to the public school system for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed and after finishing the work of the grades he spent one term in high school. Feeling that he should then enter business life and provide for his own support, he became connected with his father in the conduct of a grocery and general merchandise establishment in Detroit and the business association was maintained between them until 1909. Ernest O. Knight then withdrew from the commercial field to enter the real estate business on his own account and was thus engaged until April, 1915, when he became one of the organizers of the Clemons, Knight, Menard Company, now engaged in the general real estate business, largely handling subdivisions. During the intervening period six hundred acres have been platted and sold on Grand River avenue, in Greenfield Park, Glendale Gardens, Glendale Courts and Rosedale Park. The company, now operating under the name of Clemens, Knight, Menard Company, has also handled many other well known properties and the business is a large and stable one. Since entering the real estate field Mr. Knight has thoroughly acquainted himself with every phase of the business and has demonstrated his understanding of the realty market and of public needs by the successful conduct of his interests.
In September, 1895, Mr. Knight was married to Miss Kathleen McFarland of Detroit, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William McFarland. They are the parents of two children: Thelma Grace; and Joseph, who was born September, 1902, in Detroit, in which place his sister also was born. The former is a graduate of the Central high school and the latter is still a high school pupil.
Mr. Knight is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the York and Scottish Rite degrees, and he is a past master of his lodge. IIe also belongs to the Detroit Golf Club, which in-
dicates much concerning his recreation, and his re- ligious faith is evidenced in his membership in the Baptist church. His position is never an equivocal one where matters of vital importance to the public are concerned, his aid being always given on the side of progress and improvement.
JOHN C. GOSS, president of the J. C. Goss Com- pany of Detroit, manufacturers of tents and awnings, and enjoying the reputation of being the most expert man in his line in the United States, came to the new world from England. He was born in Barnstable, May 15, 1848, his parents being John C. and Susanna (Ridd) Goss. After attending the public schools of his native country he served a seven years' appren- ticeship to the trade of sailmaking in Bristol, Eng- land. The year 1871 witnessed his arrival in Detroit and he followed his trade in the employ of others until 1877, when he organized the J. C. Goss Company, of which he is now the president and manager. This company has become extensively engaged in the manu- facture of tents and awnings and makes shipments to all parts of the United States, while in Detroit an extensive line of goods is carried. The present officers of the company are: J. C. Goss, president; C. L. Beck, first vice president; and Captain Joseph C. Goss, sec- ond vice president. The trade has been developed according to modern methods and demands and the annual sales now reach a large figure.
At Bristol, England, in 1871, Mr. Goss was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Allen and they have become the parents of four children: Nina Louise, now the wife of William Rickel; Claudia, who is de- ceased; Joseph Charles, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; and Leslie A., who resides in Oakland, California.
Mr. Goss is a member of the Detroit Board of Com- merce and is keenly interested in all those projects which have to do with the welfare and prosperity of the city. At one time he served as school inspector of Detroit and he has always given his political alle- giance to the republican party. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church. He is well known in Masonic circles, having attained the thirty-second de- gree of Scottish Rite Masonry, and he is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Elks, and to the United Commercial Travelers. He comes of good English stock, is a thoroughgoing business man and manufacturer and a gentleman of fine character.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH C. GOSS, who won his title by active overseas service in the World war and who is the second vice president of the J. C. Goss Company, awning and tent manufacturers of Detroit, was born April 17, 1881, in the city which is still his home, his parents being John C. and Mary J. (Allen) Goss, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. In the acquirement of his education he attended the public
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and high schools of Detroit and also Guteless College and later he pursued a course in mechanical engi- neering at the Y. M. C. A. His first military experi- ence came to him through training with the state militia of Michigan, but upon the outbreak of the Spanish-American war the company of which he was a member was practically disorganized through the enlistment of nearly all of its members for active serv- ice. Mr. Goss joined the Naval Reserves and served for three years on the old Yantic, from 1901 until 1903 inclusive. He then returned to Detroit and was associated with his father in business until the United States entered the World war, when he was asked to apply for a commission. He obtained his discharge from the Naval Reserves in November, 1916, and in February, 1917, was commissioned a captain in the Quartermaster Corps. In June, 1917, he entered active service at Philadelphia. He was transferred to Baltimore and was made government inspector there of canvas goods and uniforms. In September, 1918, he was ordered overseas and went to France, being located in an advanced section at Camp Du Valdahon, Doubs. There he was commissary for the One Hun- dred and Fortieth Heavy and the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Light Field Artillery as well as for the Fifty-sixth Pioneer Infantry. His duty was not only to assemble and ship army supplies but to convoy them to the army. He evacuated that camp with the headquarters troops April 29, 1919, and was sent to Brest as adjutant of the One Hundred and Seventy- seventh Provisional Battalion. On June 30, 1919, the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Battalion was or- dered to the United States to take passage on the S. S. Pretoria, and they landed at Hoboken, New Jersey, July 12, 1919. Since returning home Captain Goss has been engaged in the business which formerly claimed his attention.
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