USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV > Part 67
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Fraternally Mr. Walker is a Mason, belonging to Corinthian Lodge, No. 241, A. F. & A. M. He has membership in the Vortex Club, of which he was formerly president, serving in that office for the first full term of any incumbent of that office. He like- wise belongs to the Detroit Auto Club. In addition to his Detroit residence he has a fine summer home on the lake and he and his family are popular in the social circles in which they move. Mr. Walker also has a very wide business acquaintance and there are few men more thoroughly familiar with the develop- ment of the automobile trade than he, as he became a factor therein with his selling experience of the first Oldsmobile and throughout almost the entire in- tervening period has been connected with the industry.
BARNARD COFFIN LUCE, manager of the firm of Paine, Webber & Company, is one of the well known men in brokerage and financial circles of Detroit. Mr. Luce is a New Englander by birth and educa- tion, and a Detroiter by adoption. He was born in Holliston, Massachusetts, February 27, 1879, his par- ents being Barnard and Sarah Osborn (Coffin) Luce. The ancestral line of Mr. Luce may be traced back to 1640, and throughout the intervening period the family has been represented in New England.
Barnard C. Luce is a graduate of the Phillips And- over Academy of Massachusetts and for two years was at Dartmouth before entering Harvard University, where he received his S. B. degree in 1902. In the year of his graduation he became chemist with the Lake Superior Smelting Company of Houghton, Mich- igan, with which he remained for three years, then returned to his native state, entering into active busi- ness association with Paine, Webber & Company, stock and bond dealers of Boston, with whom he continued until 1913. In that year he came to Detroit as man- ager for Paine, Webber & Company and since that time has been no small factor in the development of the business of this firm, which is one of the foremost of its kind in the city. Mr. Luce is a member of the Detroit Athletic Club, the Detroit Golf Club, the Play- ers Club, the Harvard Club of Michigan, and the Dartmouth Club of Boston. He is deeply interested in all those forces which make for the upbuilding of the city and advancement of the interests which in- spire civic development.
On the 22d of March, 1913, Mr. Luce was married to Miss Bernice F. Heyworth of Providence, Rhode
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Island. They have one son, Barnard Coffin, Jr., born September 23, 1914, in Detroit. Mr. Luce delights in hunting and fishing, which claim much of his atten- tion during his leisure hours. His fraternal connee- tion is with the Masons and he is known as a worthy and loyal follower of the craft.
EDWARD BURGHARDT. As secretary of the Mich- igan Insurance Company of Detroit, Edward Burg- hardt occupies a leading position in commercial circles of the city and his influence is one of broadening activity and strength in the field in which he operates. He is a young man, alert, energetic and enterprising, and whatever he undertakes he carries forward to a successful termination. He was born in this city on the 5th of October, 1889, a son of Charles and Minnie (Leonhardt) Burghardt, the former a native of Joliet, Illinois, and the latter of Germany. They came to Detroit in early life and their marriage occurred in this city. Here the father entered mercantile circles as a grocer, building up a business of substantial proportions, but later disposed of his interests. The mother also survives. In their family were three children: Elsie, Lillian and Edward.
In the public schools of his native city Edward Burghardt acquired his education, later pursuing a course in the Detroit Business College. His initial business experience was gained as a solicitor for the Michigan Insurance Company, with which he became identified in 1909 and he has continued with the cor- poration. He has advanced with the growth of the business, which was organized eleven years ago and during the first year of its existence its total business amounted to twenty-seven thousand dollars, which at that time was considered a large sum. An indication of the rapid growth of the enterprise is shown in the fact that in 1920 they sold over a million dollars worth of insurance and the business now ranks with the leading firms of this character in the city. They carry all forms of insurance and their reliable dealing and progressive business methods have won for them the confidence and support of the general public, so that their patronage has steadily increased. Mr. Burghardt's close application and faithful, efficient work soon won the attention of his employers and he was steadily advanced from one position to an- other of greater importance, until he was made sec- retary of the company, which office he has filled for the past eight years. He has proven fully equal to the duties of this responsible position and his inde- fatigable labor, initiative spirit and marked executive ability have been important factors in promoting the development and expansion of the corporation which he represents.
On the 19th of May, 1915, Mr. Burghardt was united in marriage to Miss Adele C. Tenney, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Tenney of Detroit, and they have become the parents of a son, Gordon Edward, who was born September 29, 1916. In his political
views Mr. Burghardt is independent, voting for the man whom he deems best qualified for office without regard to party ties at local elections, but when na- tional issues are at stake he casts his ballot in favor of the candidates of the republican party. He is a Master Mason and his life is guided by the beneficent teachings of the order. He also belongs to the Fellow- craft Athletic Club. His life history is the chronicle of unceasing endeavor of one who without assistance of any kind has risen to a position of trust and re- sponsibility, wisely utilizing his time, his talents and his opportunities. His record measures up to the full standard of honorable manhood and those who know him recognize in him a citizen whose loyalty to the publie welfare has never been questioned, while his integrity and honor in the private affairs of life are matters familiar to all with whom he has been asso- ciated. His home is at 1641 Hazelwood avenue.
JOHN C. WIDMAN, president of J. C. Widman & Company, is engaged in the manufacture of automo- bile bodies, glass for same and sectional bookcases, in Detroit, and by reason of the importance of his busi- ness affairs he ranks with the prominent and substan- tial residents of the fourth city. He was born in Rochester, New York, November 30, 1848, his parents being Christian and Roselia (Sigfried) Widman, both of whom were natives of Germany and came to Amer- ica in 1847, settling in Rochester, New York. The father was a builder by trade and there engaged in contract work, erecting dwellings and business blocks. He and his wife remained residents of Rochester to the time of their death.
John C. Widman attended the public schools of Rochester, and after laying aside his textbooks en- tered upon an apprenticeship in order to learn the wood-working trade. In 1866 he came to Detroit, and here followed his trade for a time and also engaged in the manufacture of picture molding. After four years spent in this city he returned to Rochester in 1870, and there continued to reside until 1874, when once more he took up his abode in Detroit, and here entered the employ of his brother, C. D. Widman, picture molding manufacturer. He was thus asso- ciated until 1900, when the firm of J. C. Widman & Company was formed to engage in the manufacture of antomobile bodies and kindred parts. During the World war the factory was devoted to the manufac- ture of aeroplane fusilage and parts for the United States government. So splendidly, promptly and ef- ficiently was the work done that honorable mention was accorded by the war board to J. C. Widman & Company for the efficiency and value of its work. Since the end of the war the plant has been con- verted to its usual lines of business, the manufacture of automobile bodies for some of the prominent motor car manufacturers. The business has been developed to such an extent that it is today one of the most important productive industries of the city, employ-
EDWARD BURGHARDT
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ing about eight hundred people. For many years John C. Widman has been a most active factor in the de- velopment and management of the business, and his enterprise, clear vision and keen sagacity have fea- tured largely in the success of the undertaking.
In May, 1871, Mr. Widman was married to Miss Lena Kiefhaber of Rochester, New York, a daughter of John H. Kiefhaber. They have become parents of six children: Flora, the wife of William S. Gibbs, resides in Detroit; Frank E., is manager of J. C. Widman & Company; Charles H., is vice president of J. C. Widman & Company; C. David, is secretary of the corporation; George H., is assistant super- intendent of the corporation; and Arthur W., is also connected with J. C. Widman & Company. The children have been accorded liberal educational advantages and the sons have made for themselves creditable positions in the manufacturing circles of Detroit. The son Charles is married and has one child, Phylis. George H. Widman is also married and has two children: J. C., and George. Arthur W. Widman is married and has two children: Arthur and Betty.
John C. Widman is a member of Palestine Lodge, F. & A. M., Detroit Commandery, Knights Templar, and Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Detroit Athletic Club, the Aviation Country Club and the Board of Commerce. He is a republican in political faith, as are all his sons. Al- most sixty years have passed since John C. Widman first became identified with the business affairs of this city, and with the exception of the period of four years he has remained here. His progress has been continuous and his success has had its root in industry, economy, sound judgment and enterprise. His labors have been most wisely directed and he has done his full part in making Detroit the fourth city of the Union.
REAM C. LOOKER, supervisor of agencies for Michigan, for the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, is an alert, enterprising young man who is rapidly forging to the front in business circles of the city. A native of Detroit, he was born October 3, 1897, and is a son of Oscar R. and Elizabeth (Sul- livan) Looker. He attended the public schools of his native city and for four years was at St. Johns Military Academy, Manlius, New York, where he be- came first lieutenant of a company, qualifying as an expert marksman. In 1916 he became interested in the gum paper business in association with George R. Fugate, conducting a jobbing business, with offices in the Free Press building. He was engaged in that enterprise until the fall of 1917, when he sold his interests to a mill engaged in the same line of activity and enlisted for service in the World war, being com- missioned a second lieutenant in an infantry com- pany. He was stationed at Camp Gordon, Georgia, and was discharged November 30, 1918, being one of the first men released from the service after the signing
of the armistice. Returning to Detroit, he became identified with the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, of which his father was president for many years and Ream C. Looker is now serving as supervisor of agencies. He has closely applied himself to the performance of his duties in this connection and his conscientious, accurate and efficient work will no doubt secure for him merited promotion in the very near future.
In March, 1919, Mr. Looker was united in marriage to Miss Jean Weighell and they are popular in social circles of the city. He is a member of the Detroit Athletic Club and the Lochmoor Golf Club. In his political views Mr. Looker is a republican, stanchly supporting the principles and candidates of the party, and he is deeply interested in all that pertains to public progress and development. He is a most progres- sive and capable young business man of mature judg- ment and keen discrimination who has already accom- plished much and his many friends predict his con- tinued success.
J. WARD HINKLE. One of the popular and well known citizens of Detroit is J. Ward Hinkle, secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Oakview Cem- etery Association and vice president of the Kiwanis Club. He was born in Cass City, Michigan, November 16, 1885, a son of Charles E. and Henrietta (Albee) Hinkle, the former a native of Massillon, Ohio, and the latter of Pinerun, Michigan. They were married at Oxford, Michigan, and more than forty years ago the father filled the position of sales manager with the Globe Tobacco Company, also dealing in leaseholds. Subsequently he gave up both lines of activity and entered the retail shoe business, first opening a store at Oxford and later conducting in- terests of this character at Bay City and at Flint, Michigan. On disposing of his enterprise in the last named city he engaged in the manufacture of woven wire bed springs, of which he was the inventor, his plant being located at Flint, but later he sold out his rights in that undertaking and came to Detroit. Here he entered the leasehold real estate business and in connection with Mr. Hammond and others was instru- mental in securing the development of Lafayette boule- vard. Through his leaseholding interests he acquired title to much valuable property, including a large and beautifully situated tract of land comprising several hundred acres at Royal Oak, Michigan. His son, J. Ward Hinkle of this review, urged him to lay this out as a cemetery for Detroit, of which the city was greatly in need, and the result was the opening of beautiful Oakview cemetery. The father passed away in April, 1915, at the age of sixty-five years. The mother is living and resides at No. 70 Westminster avenue, in Detroit. In their family were two children: Pearl, now Mrs. William B. Warren of Flint, Mich- igan; and J. Ward Hinkle.
The last named acquired his education in the graded
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and high schools of Flint, Michigan, and following his graduation came to Detroit in 1903, entering busi- ness circles of this city as a clerk in the employ of the Detroit White Lead Works, with which he was connected for one and a half years. Hle then formed a partnership with John M. Larkins for the conduct of an ice cream and confectionery business, opening a store on Woodward avenue, with which he was asso- ciated for three years. On the expiration of his lease he abandoned the enterprise and invested his earnings in the Automobile Laundry, engaged in the washing, cleaning and parking of cars, the work being per- formed quickly and thoroughly. He was the pioneer in this line of activity in Detroit so far as is known and the enterprise at once found favor with automo- bile owners, a large patronage being accorded him. He was the originator of the idea: "Wash your car while you wait," a system that has been adopted in all large cities since. At the end of three years he sold his interests in the business, after which he induced his father to open up Oakview cemetery at Royal Oak, a suburb of Detroit. This is one of the finest burial places in the entire country, its grounds being beautifully laid out with choice flowers, shrubs and trees and always kept in perfect condition. As secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Oak- view Cemetery Association Mr. Hinkle is in large measure responsible for this beautiful resting place for the dead, which owes its inception and mainte- nance directly to him. He possesses marked execu- tive ability, energy and enterprise and is most capably controlling the affairs of the association.
At Flint, Michigan, on the 18th of February, 1914, Mr. Hinkle was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Hathaway, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert M. Hathaway, the former a prominent clothing merchant of that city. The four children of this union are: Mary Henrietta, who was born March 4, 1915; Robert William, whose birth occurred August 27, 1917; Bar- bara Ruth, born February 27, 1919; and Paul Stanton, born January 25, 1921.
Mr. Hinkle is independent in his political views and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church, while fraternally he is iden- tified with the Masons, belonging to Palestine Lodge and to the chapter. He is well known in club circles as the vice president of the Kiwanis Club, which was named by the Hon. C. M. Burton and was organized in this city about six years ago with about a dozen members, while it now numbers its members by the thousands throughout the country. On the return fron overseas duty of the Michigan troops attached to the Thirty-second Division Mr. Hinkle was appointed by the club to take charge of out-of-town guests and he was also honored by being placed in charge of the returned bodies of Detroit soldiers who had died on foreign soil, likewise looking after the bereaved families-commissions which were most capably exe- cuted. In addition he served as chairman of the
committee that received General Pershing on his visit to Detroit and was also a member of the reception committee which welcomed Mr. Hoover. He has served in a similar capacity on various other occasions, prov- ing very efficient in the discharge of his duties. He obtains needed rest and recreation through his mem- bership in the Riverside Golf, Aviation aud Detroit. Automobile Clubs. His is a most creditable record, characterized by devotion to duty, by integrity and enterprise in business and by loyalty in citizenship, and Detroit has greatly benefited through his labors.
COMFORT A. TYLER. Born in a log house on a barren, obscure little farm, Comfort A. Tyler has, by his own industry and force of character, attained a position among the foremost men in Michigan and is leaving the impress of his individuality upon the agricultural, commercial and financial history of the state. His activities have touched the general interests of society to their betterment and he has made his work a dynamic force in accomplishing results which have been factors in an advancing civilization. He is a tireless worker, a profound student, energetic, en- thusiastie, resourceful, with a genius for accomplish- ment.
Mr. Tyler was born on a farm in St. Joseph county, Michigan, February 24, 1865, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Foote) Tyler, who were natives of New York state and of old New England stock. The were brought to Michigan by their respective parents in 1826, when about eight years of age, and here grew to manhood and womanhood. The father took up agricultural pur- suits and following his marriage continued to cultivate his farm in Michigan until 1890, when he sold the property and went to California, locating in Fresno county, where he engaged in fruit raising, in which he was very successful, being active along that line until his demise in 1910, while the mother there passed away in 1914. In their family were four children: Mrs. Helen Bennett, a resident of Fresno, California; Edward, who is also living in that city; Hattie, who has passed away; and Comfort A.
Mr. Tyler acquired his early education in the coun- try schools and the high school at Burr Oak, Michigan, while later he became a student in the State Agri- cultural College. After completing his course he engaged in farming in St. Joseph county, Michigan, and for twenty-two years successfully conducted his agricultural operations. In the meantime he had re- turned to his Alma Mater, which he represented in extension work among the farmers, his efforts in that connection proving far-reaching, effective and result- ant. Possessing unusual ability as a public speaker and an intimate knowledge of the soil and its possi- bilities, his lectures were both instructive and inter- esting and his services were in constant demand. He is secretary of the American Hampshire Sheep Asso- ciation and his name is a familiar one in live stock circles of the country. He has a thorough knowledge
COMFORT A. TYLER
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of animal industry and on his farm has raised many sheep and rams which have been prize winners at the leading live stock expositions of the country. He was awarded the premium at the International Stock Show held at Chicago in 1912 and is much interested in sheep raising, in which he is regarded as an au- thority.
This, however, represents but one phase of Mr. Tyler's activities. He possesses marked executive force and the powers of organization and concen- tration and has been successful in coordinating and combining seemingly diverse elements into a unified and harmonious whole. He is president and manager of the National Mortgage Corporation of Detroit, of which he was the organizer, and he was also one of the organizers of the Commonwealth Federal Savings Bank of this city, of which he has served as vice president since its establishment. He is an able financier and has succeeded in building up one of the strong moneyed institutions of Detroit. In 1919 he assisted in organizing the Peninsular Fire Insur- ance Company, of which he is vice president and loan manager, and is a director of the Peninsular Casualty Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is also a director of the National Society of Records. His interests are thus extensive and varied, showing him to be a man of superior business ability who has attempted important things and accomplished what he has attempted.
At Burr Oak, Michigan, on the 1st of November, 1885, Mr. Tyler was united in marriage to Miss Eva E. Watson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Watson, and two daughters have been born of this union: Helen, wife of Frank Belote, was born in St. Joseph county, Michigan, and following her gradua- tion from high school completed a course in the Ferris Business College. She now resides in Detroit and by her marriage has become the mother of two children, Richard Tyler and Elita Tyler; the younger daughter, Pearl, is the wife of Blaine Coleman, and is also a resident of this city and has two children, Gardner Tyler and Robert Tyler. She was born in St. Joseph county and after completing her high school course attended a normal school at Kalamazoo, Mich- igan.
Mr. Tyler attends the Methodist Episcopal church of Detroit and is deeply interested in everything that pertains to the welfare and progress of his city, state and country. For twelve years he was secretary of the state sanitary commission and since 1900 has served as a director of the Michigan State Fair Association. He is also president and a director of the North Wood- ward Residents Club of Detroit and is a member of the Bankers Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Dynamic Club and the Fellowcraft Athletic Club. He possesses those qualities which make for leadership and the nature and magnitude of his work in public and pri- vate connections have made him a strong factor in Detroit's promotion, power and prominence, while the
state has also benefited through his activities. He is a big man-big in that power which understands con- ditions, grasps situations and molds opportunity into tangible assets-and his contribution to the world's work has been most valuable.
JOHN MATTHEW WELCH is closely identified with that real estate activity which contributes so largely to the development and promotion of the city and has been an active factor in subdivision work which has constantly featured in the steady growth of Detroit. He is a charter member of the Real Estate Exchange and there is no one operating in this field more familiar with realty values and the property which is on the market in Detroit that is John M. Welch.
A native of Michigan, he was born at Algonac, Oc- tober 23, 1867, his parents being John Lucien and Ellen B. (Bagley) Welch, natives of Ireland, although the father was of English parentage. In 1840 John Lucien Welch became a resident of Schenectady, New York, and from that city enlisted in the United States army for service in the Mexican war. He remained with the army for five years and rose to the rank of lieutenant. At the end of that period he returned to his native land, where he married and then with his bride came again to America, located in New York city and established himself in the grocery business. After five years he removed to Marine City, Mich- igan, where he engaged in steamboat building in asso- ciation with Abraham Smith. They built the first steam-propelled boat, called the Morning Star, that was sent out from that place. Mr. Welch afterward removed with his family to Minnesota and located at Hamilton, about twenty-five miles from St. Paul, and there he owned and conducted a large farm. Later he sold this property and again took up his residence in Michigan, where he devoted his attention to grist- milling and farming. He passed away at Marine City, July 3, 1890. His wife's death occurred there on the 10th of September, 1911. There were seven children in their family, four of whom are living, namely: Thomas H., a real estate man of Detroit; Mrs. James A. Monn of Marine City; Julia, the wife of F. J. Crowley, of Marine City; and John Matthew.
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