USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV > Part 72
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On the 8th of April, 1885, Mr. Whitehead was united in marriage to Miss Ida Marie Frazer of Detroit, daughter of Abram C. and Mary (Moross) Frazer. To this marriage have been born the following named: James Frazer, who was born in 1890 and attended the public schools of the city and graduated from Cornell University with the class of 1913, is the secretary and treasurer of the Kales Stamping Company of Detroit. He is married and has one child, Frances Elizabeth, born in 1914; the second son, Thomas Cram White- head, born in 1893 and also a graduate of Cornell University in the class of 1916, is one of the vice presidents of the Whitehead & Kales Company; Eliza-
betli, born in 1897, graduated from Miss Liggett's school of Detroit, and Miss Porter's school of Farm- ington, Connecticut, and is now the wife of Harry Lynn Pearson, Jr .; Walter Kellogg, born in 1902, is attending the University of Michigan. Mr. White- head's family residence is one of the finest homes in Detroit. It stands on spacious grounds at No. 1782 Seminole avenue, is of the most beautiful architecture and attractive furnishings, and is one of the visible evidences of the life of notable thrift and industry which Mr. Whitehead has led.
Politically Mr. Whitehead is an earnest republican. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and his religious faith is manifest in the fact that for many years he has been a vestryman of St. Paul's cathedral and is now its senior warden. He belongs to the Detroit Club, Bloomfield Hills Country Club, the De- troit Golf Club, the Detroit Country Club and the Detroit Athletic Club. He served two years on the city plan commission of Detroit, is now a member of the public lighting commission, and has manifested interest in all that has to do with the city's welfare, progress and upbuilding, stanchly supporting all those activities which are a matter of civic virtue and pride.
JOSEPH ELMER TORRENCE, vice president of the White Star Refining Company, was born in Wave- land, Indiana, April 25, 1876, a son of the Rev. Joseph William and Eliza Jane (Bartholomew) Torrence, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania but in early life removed to Indiana. The father was a Presby- terian preacher who labored untiringly in various fields in different parts of the country. Both he and his wife have been called to their final rest. Their fam- ily numbered seven children, two of whom have passed away-William E. and Ella. Those living, in addition to J. E. Torrence of this review, are: Mrs. C. L. Work of Portsmouth, Ohio; Mrs. Mary E. Tompkins of Ber- key, Ohio; Mrs. E. E. Galbraith of Cincinnati, Ohio; and C. M., living in Buffalo, New York.
J. E. Torrence, having attended school in the va- rious places to which his father's pastoral duties called him, studying for a year at Ripley, Ohio, also for a year at Wooster and at Oxford, Ohio, later entered Miami University at Oxford and when he had completed his studies turned his attention to farm- ing, which he followed for several years. Later he engaged in the hardware business at Sylvania, Ohio, for a period of four years and then took up the task of selling supplies for the oil wells in the oil districts of Indiana, Oklahoma and Texas. He continued in active connection with this branch of the oil business until 1911, when he became identified with H. B. Earhart in the White Star Refining Company, later becoming its vice president. The oil is transported from the various oil fields to Woodriver, Illinois, where it is refined. Mr. Torrence was identified with the sales end of the business at the start but now is devoting his attention to official duties as vice presi-
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dent, with offices in Detroit and with gas stations throughout the city. The company is a distributor in various places and the business is being steadily de- veloped.
On the 3d of September, 1910, Mr. Torrence was married in Port IIuron, to Miss Katherine Avery of that city, a daughter of Alexander Avery. Mr. and Mrs. Torrence have one child, Joseph William, who was born in Detroit, September 9, 1912. Mr. Torrence gives his political endorsement to the republican party. He belongs to the Ingleside Club and the Oakland Hills Country Club, to the Masonic fraternity and to the Detroit Board of Commerce, his connection with the last named being a manifestation of his interest in all that pertains to the city's welfare and progress and to the advancement of its civie standards. His residence is at 205 Tuxedo avenue, Detroit.
JOSEPH ALFES, president and general manager of the Conrad Keller Company, contractors and builders of Detroit, was born in Germany, December 10, 1868, but was brought to the United States when a lad of twelve years. He began his education in the schools of his native country and continued his studies in the night schools of Detroit. When a youth he began learning the carpenter's trade and in 1895 became associated with Conrad Keller and has since been identified with the company. Mr. Keller was one of the early contractors and builders of the city, coming to America from Switzerland and remaining a factor in the building operations of Detroit for more than four decades. Mr. Alfes became an officer of the company upon its incorporation in 1912, when Mr. Keller was elected the president and Mr. Alfes the vice president and general manager. Steadily their business grew in volume and importance and the firm erected some of the finest structures of the city. In 1916 Mr. Keller passed away, but the business has since been carried on under the old name, with Mr. Alfes as the president and general manager and Miss C. T. Keller as the secretary and treasurer, a position which she has occupied since 1912. Mr. Alfes has been identified with the carpentering and building business in Detroit for thirty-seven years and is widely known in this connection. The company handles all of its own lumber and building supplies and enjoys an extensive patronage. They did the carpenter work on the county jail and the sheriff's residence, also the Ford service station, the first units of the Ford hos- pital, the residences of C. A. DuCharme, H. A. Selden, Richard P. Joy, Standish Backns, and many other fine structures, including twenty residences in Indian village.
Mr. Alfes was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Wittman, and they have become the parents of four children: Ralph F., born January 25, 1895, who is now assistant manager of the Conrad Keller Company. He was top sergeant of Company D, 310th Engineers during the World war; Vincent F., born November
20, 1896, who is a student at St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio; Leona, born August 10, 1899; and Ervin, born May 23, 1904. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Alfes is identified with the Knights of Columbus, having taken the third degree. He is also a member of the Knights of St. John but allows himself little leisure for recreation, concentrating his attention upon his business affairs, which, wisely and carefully directed, have brought to him notable success, placing him among the leading contractors of the city. Mr. Alfes resides at No. 3368 Leland street.
JAMES MILTON OAKMAN. The high estimate placed upon James Milton Oakman in his native city and county has been significantly shown in the official positions to which he has been called and in the ad- ministration of which he fully justified his selection for such positions. He has been a leader in the ranks of the republican party in Wayne county, and aside from his personal activities, in all of which he has manifested a fine stewardship, he has the distinction of being a representative of one of the old and hon- ored families of Detroit. Here he is associated with his brother, Robert, in the conduct of a large and important real estate business, under the title of the Robert Oakman Company.
James Milton Oakman was born in Detroit on the 17th of March, 1870, and is a son of John and Eliza- beth Oakman. He was one of ten children and the youngest of six sons. The public schools afforded him his early education, which was supplemented by a course in the Spencerian Business College in his native city. In 1897 he assumed a clerical position in the office of the city clerk and the efficiency of his work in this connection had definite influence in his sub- sequent election to the office of county auditor of Wayne county, of which office he continued the in- cumbent seven years-1904-1911. While serving as auditor he initiated the budget system in connection with appropriations for the various departments of the municipal government, and this provision did much to coordinate, simplify and conserve economy in the work of the various departments. He retired from the office of auditor of the county to enter upon his administra- tion as sheriff of Wayne county, in 1911, his election having been compassed by a gratifying majority and his tenure of the office having continued until 1915. As sheriff Mr. Oakman gave a most effective and satisfactory administration, and in this connection he adopted certain policies that showed liis true humani- tarian spirit and his appreciation of the springs of human thought and action. He tried to find the ele- ment of good in malefactors assigned to his jurisdiction, and showed sympathy and consideration to pa- roled prisoners, for many of whom he obtained em- ployment and to whom he extended the kindly counsel and aid that made for their moral rehabilitation. To aid in uplifting a fellowman, by practical means rather
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JOSEPH ALFES
Vol. IV-40
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than mere sentiment, is a service worthy of the highest commendation, and there are many former prisoners who owe much to the former sheriff of Wayne county -many whose worthy actions and useful service in later years have justified his faith and the aid he rendered them. While sheriff, Mr. Oakman initiated the system of giving to prisoners at the county jail who were still of minor age the privilege of open-air recreation. He encouraged them to appreciate the spirit of fair play and by his plan of permitting them to develop themselves through athletics and asso- ciation with each other in a proper and normal at- mosphere, he did much to forefend the moral degen- eration which so often attends those kept in close confinement. In short he endeavored to make his work corrective and helpful rather than punitive and vengeful.
Upon his retirement from the office of sheriff Mr. Oakman was not permitted to leave the public service, for in 1917 he was elected county clerk, in which office he served until 1919 and likewise gave a most efficient administration. Since his retirement from this office he has maintained partnership interest in the representative real estate business conducted under the title of the Robert Oakman Company,
Mr. Oakman has exercised much of leadership in the councils and campaign activities of the republican party in Michigan. In political, business and social circles in his native city and county his popularity is unqualified, and few native sons of Detroit can claim a wider circle of friends. Mr. Oakman is a member of the Detroit Athletic Club, the Harmonie Club and the Detroit Yacht Club. In the Masonic fraternity his affiliations are with Palestine Lodge, No. 357, Free & Accepted Masons; King Cyrus Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine; and Shadukiam Grotto. He holds membership also in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and various other social and fraternal organizations in his home city.
Mr. Oakman has two daughters, Dorothy H., and Helen.
ALLISON BURDETTE TOAZ, M. D. Dr. Allison Burdette Toaz, engaged in medical and surgical prac- tice in Detroit, was born in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, June 30, 1887, a son of William H. and Me- linda (Hilliker) Toaz, who were natives of New York and of Canada, respectively. Each came to Michigan in early life and here they met and were married. Subsequently they removed to South Dakota, where Mr. Toaz engaged in grain raising and stock ranch- ing. He remained thus for five years and then re- turned with his family to Michigan, settling at Grand Ledge, where he secured farm land, and concentrated his energies and attention upon the further develop- ment and improvement of his fields. He still resides at Grand Ledge. His wife passed away there in 1908. Their family numbered four children: Clarence H.,
living at Grand Ledge; Glenn, whose home is in Cleve- land, Ohio; Adela, who died in 1909; and Allison B.
Dr. Toaz, who is the youngest of the family, attended school at Grand Ledge, Michigan, mastering the work of the grades and of the high school, and in 1908 he entered the University of Michigan as a medical stud- ent, where he spent two and a half years. In 1912 he entered the Detroit College of Medicine and Surgery, from which he graduated in 1914, and entered upon practice in Detroit, where he has since won a credit- able name and place as a representative of the medical profession. He has taken postgraduate work in the Lying-In Hospital at New York city, where he spent a portion of the year 1917, and he now specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. He is a member of the staff of the Woman's Hospital and Infants' Home, also the William Booth Hospital, and in addition he enjoys an extensive private practice.
On the 16th of June, 1914, Dr. Toaz was married to Miss Anna E. Doty of Grand Ledge, Michigan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Doty. They have become parents of three children: Phyllis Doty, born in Detroit in 1915; Robert Burdette, born in 1916; and Barbara Jean, born in 1919. Dr. Toaz is a mem- ber of Sojourners Lodge, F. & A. M., Grand Ledge Chapter, No. 85; and Damascus Commandery of Knights Templars, No. 42, and has ever been a loyal follower of the teachings and purposes of the craft, which is based upon a recognition of the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God. He also belongs to the Detroit Masonic Country Club. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and along professional lines his connection is with the Wayne County Medi- cal Society, the Michigan State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. He is progressive in all that he undertakes and in his profession has made steady advancement, by reason of his wide study and his efficiency in practice. His residence is at No. 2545 Longfellow avenue.
GEORGE JEROME, who has been and still is an important factor in the expansion and development of Detroit, has for many years practiced his pro- fession in this city, where he is well known as the leading surveyor and an expert civil engineer. He was born in Detroit, December 24, 1870, and is a sơn of Franklin H. and Nora F. (Daly) Jerome. The family has been associated with the development of this city for almost a century, the grandfather, Edwin Jerome, having removed from the state of New York to Detroit in 1829. He, too, was a civil engineer who followed his profession in the early days, and to the same line of work Franklin H. Jerome gave his at- tention, so that George Jerome is of the third gen- eration of civil engineers in Wayne county. He ac- quired a public school education in Detroit and then studied engineering under private tutorship. He en- tered upon the practical work of his profession about 1890, in connection with his brother, and in 1891 he
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was made assistant city engineer of Detroit, occupy- ing the position continuously for sixteen years. On his retirement from the office in 1907 he resumed the private practice of his profession, which he has since followed with notable success. He has a large suite of rooms on the thirteenth floor of the Majestic build- ing and employs a large force of competent engineers and surveyors. His clientage has constantly grown in volume and importance and he is today accounted by many the leading surveyor of the city.
On the 6th of February, 1894, Mr. Jerome was married to Miss Eleanor G. Wiltsie of Detroit, and they became parents of a daughter and two sons: Eleanor, George Leonard and Gilbert T. Mr. Je- rome's first wife died December 17, 1916. For his" second wife he married Mrs. Addie M. Beach of De- troit. The religious faith of the family is that of the Presbyterian church, while in political belief Mr. Je- rome is a republican, although he has never sought nor desired political office. He belongs to the Detroit Board of Commerce and has membership in the Detroit Yacht Club and the New Detroit Athletic Club. He recently purchased a motor boat from the United States government-one that was used in the World war-and makes frequent trips on the lakes. He took part in the races at Put In Bay in July, 1921. He thus finds that needed recreation which maintains an even balance to intense business activity, for he is a man of tremendous energy aud superior executive ability and his labors have long been regarded as a vital force in the expansion and development of De- troit.
WALTER J. WILSON, M. D., a well known phy- sician and surgeou, has reflected credit upon the his- tory of the medical profession in Detroit by the wise development and utilization of his innate powers and his opportunities and by closely following in the foot- steps of an honored father, himself an eminent phy- sician of Detroit, for he is a son of Dr. W. J. Wilson, Sr., and Rebecca Jane (Hutton) Wilson, the former a native of the state of New York, whence he came to Detroit in early life and here entered the drug busi- ness. He afterward became a student in the Detroit College of Medicine and subsequent to his graduation opened an office in Detroit, continuing in active practice here until his death, which occurred in June, 1916. For many years he was accounted one of the able and eminent representatives of the profession in this city. Here he married Rebecca Jane Hutton, who was born in Wayne county, and they became the parents of four children: Florence B., William H., David L. and Walter J., all residents of Detroit.
The natal day of Dr. Walter J. Wilson was February 6, 1876. After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools he attended the Bishop school, from which he was graduated in 1890, and then became a student in the Central high school, com- pleting his course as one of the alumni of 1894. At-
tracted to the profession in which his father had won so eminent a name and place, he became a student in the Detroit College of Medicine and was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1897. He then entered Harper hospital as an interne and through the 'suc- ceeding year gained valuable hospital experience in a varied practice. He began practicing independently . in 1898, specializing on diseases of the heart, and is considered an authority thereon. He took postgrad- uate work in the Harvard School of Medicine in 1907, under Dr. Richard C. Cabot, and under Sir James Mackenzie of London, England, in 1913. His profes- sional connections are varied and important. He is a trustee of the Wayne County Medical Society and also belongs to the Michigan State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He has been an alter- nate delegate to the last named organization and was chosen the first president of the Detroit Medical Club, which he organized. He served at one time as president of the Alumni Association of the Detroit College of Medicine; is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and in 1910 was a member of the United States pharmaceutical convention. Dr. Wilson also acts as professor of materia medica in the Detroit College of Pharmacy, while since 1902 he has served in the departments of therapeutics and medi- cine in the Detroit College of Medicine, being at present associate professor of medicine. Dr. Wilson is also on the staff of St. Mary's hospital of Detroit, being associate attending physician, and for nine years was the secretary of that institution. In 1913 he was a delegate to the International Congress of Medi- cine in London, England. He is a charter member of the Detroit Society of Internal Medicine.
On the 23d of September, 1900, Dr. Wilson was married to Miss Amelia H. Stricker, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Stricker. They have become parents of three children: Dorothy F., born in Detroit in 1902, is a graduate of the Central high school; Walter J., born in 1904, attended the Central high school and is now preparing for medical college; and Marjorie, born in 1906, is a high school student.
Dr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the First United Presbyterian church, in the work of which they have taken a most active and helpful part. For a number of years Dr. Wilson was superintendent of the Bible school, has served for more than a decade as a member of the session of the church and since 1899 has been a member of the executive committee of the Wayne County Sunday School Association, serving as president of that organization in 1909. He has also been a member of the state central committee of the Michigan Sunday School Association. In pol- ities he has always been a stalwart republican and is keenly interested in everything that pertains to the general welfare. He was one of the organizers and incorporators of the Detroit Society for the Study of Sex Hygiene and is earnest in furthering its work as a matter of conserving both public morality and
DR. WALTER J. WILSON
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health. He holds to the highest ideals in every re- lation of life and is constantly seeking to inculcate improved standards. He has actively cooperated with the Young Men's Christian Association, being a mem- ber of the physical board of that organization, is a member of the Detroit Board of Commerce, the Sat- urday Night Club and the Fellowcraft Athletic Club. Whatever he does is for the benefit and uplift of the individual and for the progress and upbuilding of the community, and his labors have at all times been far-reaching and resultant.
THOMAS P. PENNIMAN, assistant corporation counsel of the city of Detroit, was here born Jan- uary 26, 1873, and is a son of Major George H. Pen- niman, deceased, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. After attending the public schools he took up the study of law in the office and under the direc- tion of his father and won admission to the state bar upon required examination on the 21st of June, 1894. At one time he served as deputy clerk of the recorders' court and has also been acting secretary of the water board of Detroit. In 1905 he was called to the posi- tion of assistant corporation counsel of the city and has since occupied that position. During the course of his work as assistant corporation counsel he has tried more lawsuits, condemnation and ordinance cases in the courts of Detroit than any other attorney. He is a brilliant orator, gifted with a remarkable mem- ory, and is a particularly valuable man for this posi- tion. He inherited no little of his legal ability from his father and yet in the profession success must, after all, depend upon individual merit and effort. He has always prepared his cases with great thoroughness and care, is quick to note the salient features of any litigation and is seldom at fault in the application of a legal principle.
In 1902 Mr. Penniman was married to Miss Emma Wreford and they have become parents of four chil- dren: Dorothy W .; Thomas Palmer, Jr .; George W .; and Shirley.
Mr. Penniman belongs to the Detroit Board of Com- merce and is much interested in the city's welfare and progress. He also has membership in the Harmonie Society and his religious faith is indicated in his connection with the Episcopal church. Along strictly. professional lines he has membership in the Lawyers Club and in the Detroit Bar Association.
GEORGE A. GLOOR, a prominent and prosperous manufacturer of Detroit, beginning his working career in a very small way and rising gradually and by steady effort, is a native of the Buckeye state, born at Marys- ville, Ohio, July 2, 1878. He is now the owner of the George A. Gloor Company, well known tool manu- facturers, whose products are distributed over a large area.
Mr. Gloor was educated in the schools of Springfield, Ohio, following which he commenced to earn money
to help the family, at the humble but necessary occu- pation of an errand boy. He later learned the trade of machinist while working in various factories in Springfield, Ohio, and became an expert toolmaker. He rose by steady stages to the position of superin- tendent, then went a step further and was appointed factory manager, finally becoming the owner of a fac- tory. Mr. Gloor came to Detroit to take charge of the Michigan Cash Register business, and for three years continued his connection with that business.
In 1914 Mr. Gloor started business with E. L. Gar- man, forming the Gloor-Garman Company, established for the manufacture of tools. Iu 1917 he bought out Mr. Garman's interest and has since conducted the factory alone. The Gloor factory has the reputation of turning out only the best quality of tool work, and the present volume of business is so large that orders cannot be filled with the promptitude which marked pre-war days. A profit-sharing system marks another feature of Mr. Gloor's method of handling the help with a view to keeping the employes interested and contented. Mr. Gloor is also interested in the Crescent Tool Company and in several other growing industries in Detroit.
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