USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV > Part 83
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In 1911 he became secretary to Benjamin S. Han- chett, president and general manager of the Grand Rapids Railway Company, continuing to act in that capacity until 1914. He was assistant secretary-treas- urer of the Grand Rapids, Holland & Chicago Railway in 1914 and in the same year became operating re- . ceiver of the Pere Marquette Railroad, so continuing until 1917. In this work he was signally successful, in three years bringing this system from seemingly hopeless bankruptcy to a position where reorganiza- tion was made possible.
Mr. King's professional and public duties of a political character have been interspersed with other valuable public service. In June, 1917, he was the Michigan director for the first Red Cross war fund campaign, with a quota of three million dollars, and managed a campaign which raised over four million dollars. From October, 1917, until March, 1918, he was director of publicity for the Michigan state board of the American Red Cross. He was also a member of the state publicity committee in the second Liberty Loan campaign, and had charge of a division in the first patriotie fund drive in the city of Detroit. On the 20th of November, 1917, he was made a member of the Detroit Charter Commission, so serving until March 25, 1918. He was chairman of the committee on arrangement and phraseology and made the original draft of the present city charter. He was also a member of the public utilities committee in that body. From the 4th of March, 1918, until the 27th of August of the same year he was chairman of the executive committee of the Newberry senatorial committee and from the 25th of September to the 5th of November, 1918, was director of campaign for the republican state central committee. On the 10th of April, 1919,
PAUL H. KING
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he was appointed referee in bankruptcy for the eastern district of Michigan, in which office he is now serving. On the 27th of August, 1919, he was made state chair- man of the Roosevelt Memorial Association, and conducted a campaign for funds which raised more than one hundred thousand dollars in small contribu- tions, placing Michigan second only to New York in this enterprise. Mr. King is a director of the Commonwealth Federal Savings Bank, which he helped to organize, and also a director of the Fidelity & Surety Company.
Mr. King was married January 29, 1910, to Miss Sarah A. Bidwell of Lapeer, Michigan, and they have four children: Martha, who was born in Lansing in 19II; Sarah, born in Grand Rapids in 1913; and Eliza- beth and Pauline, born in Detroit in 1917 and 1921, respectively. Mr. King is a member of the Detroit, Detroit Athletic, Ingleside and Red Run Golf Clubs, is a director of the Rotary Club and a member of the Board of Commerce. Fraternally he is a thirty- second degree Mason, holding membership in Lansing Lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M .; Lansing Chapter, No. 9, R. A. M .; Monroe Council, No. 1, R. & S. M .; De- troit Commandery, No. I, Knights Templar; De Witt Clinton Consistory at Grand Rapids and Moslem Tem- ple, Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the North Woodward Avenue Congregational church, of which he has served as a trustee. In the line of his profes- sion he has membership in the Detroit Bar Associa- tion and the Michigan Bar Association.
By reason of his extended public service there are few men in Michigan better known than is Paul H. King and his marked fidelity to duty and the high degree of efficiency which he has ever displayed have made him one of the most valued residents of the state. Formulating his plans most carefully, he has ever carried them forward to successful com- pletion, making his own interests at all times sub- servient . to the public welfare.
LOUIS MENDELSSOHN. The formative period of the automobile industry found Louis Mendelssohn a man mature in years and business experience. A Detroiter at the age of two, when, in 1855, his parents removed to this city from New York, and educated in Detroit schools, he had chosen architecture as his profession, and had begun its practice as a very young man in the office of Messrs. Sheldon and Mort- imer L. Smith, and later as manufacturing draftsman in the car and locomotive.department of the Michigan Central Railroad.
Several years later he had formed a partnership with Mortimer L. Smith under the firm name of Mortimer L. Smith & L. Mendelssohn, and had de- signed many of the important buildings in Detroit and Michigan.
In 1882 he had gone west and had established one of the largest architectural and engineering offices in that region. In addition to private buildings of
all kinds he had designed buildings for the govern- ment and western railroads. He had made a special study of manufacturing and manufacturing plant arch- itecture and supplemented his American observa- tions with a five-year tour of the industrial and arch- itectural centers of Europe. From his profession he had accumulated an independent fortune when, in 1896, he returned to reside in Detroit.
Always a student of industrial progress, Mr. Men- delssohn followed closely the early stages of auto- mobile industry development. Basing his action on a firm belief in the future of this industry, he asso- ciated himself, in 1909, with the Fisher Body Cor- poration shortly after its organization. He became its treasurer and chairman of its board of directors. His integrity and high financial standing were a war- rant of the company's sincerity and ability to ful- fill obligations.
To the rapid and steady expansion of the company, Mr. Mendelssohn furnished far more than prestige and financial direction. His experience as an architect and builder also enabled him to take executive super- vision of new plant construction, thus eliminating construction delays which might have greatly inter- fered with the company's forward progress.
Outside of his business, Mr. Mendelssohn admits three hobbies-reading, travel and architecture. His home at 8415 Jefferson avenue, East, contains an ex- tensive and finely selected library. He has visited every part of the United States and has made frequent trips to Europe and other foreign lands.
By his first wife, Miss Lydia Benda, he has two sons, Gordon L. and Paxton C. After the death of Mrs. Mendelssohn he married Miss Evelyn Dumas, by whom he has a daughter, Miss Lydia Evelyn Mendelssohn.
" RUSSELL A. McNAIR, one of the younger repre- sentatives of the Detroit bar, has practiced his pro- fession in this city since 1916 and in the intervening period has built up a good clientele, being regarded as an able advocate and safe counselor. He was born in Carsonville, Michigan, a son of Hugh and Nancy (MeCaren) McNair, who were also natives of this state and whose family numbered two children, Rus- sell A. and Lawrence N. In 1890 the family removed to Brown City, Michigan, and there Mr. McNair attended the public schools, later becoming a student in the high school at Ann Arbor, after which he pur- sned a year's course in Olivet College. From 1906 until 1909 he was instructor of mathematics at the Brown City high school, also acting as principal, and subsequently entered the University of Michigan, from which he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1913, while two years later the LL. B. degree was conferred upon him by that institution. In the spring of 1916 he came to Detroit, becoming associated with the well known legal firm of Warren, Cady, Ladd & Hill, in the general practice of law, retaining that
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connection until June 1, 1918. He then enlisted for service in the World war, becoming a member of the navy, in which he rose to the grade of lieutenant junior, having charge of the legal work in connection with Admiral Sims' staff. He was honorably dis- charged in November, 1919, and returned to Detroit, where he again took up the work of his profession, becoming associated with Henry E. Bodman in the general practice of law. Since January, 1921, he has been associated with the law firm of Goodenough, Voorhies, Long & Ryan. He has made steady ad- vancement in his profession as he has proven his ability to cope with the intricate problems of the law and to arrive at clear deductions from the facts at hand. His mind is analytical and logical in its trend and in his presentation of a case he is always fortified by a comprehensive understanding of the legal principles applicable thereto. To his chosen life work he devotes his undivided attention and his business in the courts is constantly increasing in volume and importance. He is a member of the De- troit Bar Association and is also connected with several civic bodies, being deeply interested in all that per- tains to the welfare and development of his city. He is one of the rising young attorneys of Detroit and his ability is not only attested by his fellow prac- titioners but by the general public as well.
ALFRED E. D. ALLAN, well known as a represent- ative of the coal and lumber trade in Detroit, came to this city from Wales, where his birth occurred in 1869. He was but two and a half years of age when his parents crossed the Atlantic, settling first in Canada, but removing to Detroit in 1882, when he was a youth of thirteen years. He began his education in Canadian schools and continued his studies in De- troit, where he attended the public schools and also night school. No special advantages were his at the outset of his business career. Early he recognized the fact that industry and diligence must constitute the foundation of his success and with these sterling qualities he has developed his fortunes, gradually working his way upward as the years have passed. He first took up contracting and building, which he followed for fifteen years, and in 1910 he organized the wholesale and retail business of the Allan Coal & Lumber Company, his associate in the undertaking being his brother, Albert T. Allan. Their yard is located at 5934 West Warren avenue. Another yard is at St. Jean and Shoemaker streets and is conducted under the firm name of Allan Brothers. They supply everything in the lumber line, and the scope of their business, as someone has expressed it, "includes everything from a toothpick to a telegraph pole." Their specialty, however, is interior finish work and they have won a well deserved reputation in this con- nection. Mr. Allan has always closely applied him- self to the business and the efforts of the one brother ably round out and supplement the labors of the
other, so that the firm is a strong one. Gradually their trade has developed until now they are in control of a large business. Mr. Allan is a member of the board of directors of the Commercial State Savings Bank which he helped to organize.
Alfred E. D. Allan is one of the best known mem- bers of the Masonic fraternity in the city. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, having membership in Oriental Lodge, No. 240, F. & A. M .; King Cyrus Chapter, R. A. M .; Michigan Sovereign Consistory; and Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of which he served as illustrious potentate in 1921. He be- longs to the Masonic Country Club, also to the Caravan Club and to the Royal Order of Jesters, which draws its membership only from among those identified with Masonry. He is likewise a member of the committee having in charge the erection of the magnificent new Masonic Temple. He belongs to the Board of Com- merce and thus manifests his interest in Detroit's progressive development. He has membership in the Detroit Yacht Club, the Detroit Automobile Club and the Ingleside Club, and his social, genial nature makes for popularity in all these organizations.
Mr. Allan was united in marriage to Miss Isa Johnson and they have one daughter, Ruth. They are well known in the best social circles of the city. Mr. Allan has spent the greater part of his life in Detroit and is thoroughly American in spirit and interest, actuated by the progressiveness which has always been a dominant factor in the development of this country. He is truly a self-made man, owing his progress to his earnest efforts and persistency of purpose and his record proves that the acquirement of success is not incompatible with the attainment of an honorable name. Mr. Allan resides at 8942 Dexter boulevard.
CHARLES W. M. WEBB, who for many years figured as a prominent and prosperous business man of Detroit, his enterprise and ability carrying him into important commercial relations, was born in Lon- don, England, in 1859, his parents being Charles W. and Fannie (Cook) Webb. Their family numbered three sons and Charles W. M. Webb also had a step- brother and two step-sisters.
When a lad in his fourth year Charles W. M. Webb was brought to the new world, the family home being established in Detroit. At the usual age he be- came a public school pupil here, passing through con- secutive grades to the high school. In young man- hood he turned his attention to the furniture business and for a quarter of a century was vice president of the Gray Furniture Company of Detroit. In this connection he controlled one of the extensive and important commercial interests of the city. He was a man of sound business judgment, enterprising, pro- gressive, reliable and at all times fully meeting his obligations. Those who knew him recognized the fact that his word could be depended upon and that he
ALFRED E. D. ALLAN
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was to be trusted under any and all circumstances. After entering business cireles he closely studied the furniture trade and the wishes of the public and so directed his efforts as constantly to develop and en- large the business with which he was associated.
In 1880 Mr. Webb was united in marriage to Miss Alvena Knickbein, a daughter of Gottlieb Knickbein, and they became the parents of six children. One son, Charles W. Webb, saw service in the World war, having enlisted in Company F, of the Fifteenth Field Artillery of the Second Division in September, 1917. He served until mustered out in March, 1919. He was gassed while on active duty at the front and has never fully recovered. He is now engaged in the lumber business in Detroit and resides with his mother and the family at No. 670 Prentice avenue. The religious faith of the family is that of the Chris- tian Science church. Fraternally Mr. Webb was con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and loyally followed the high principles of that organ- ization. His political endorsement was given to the republican party and he kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but never sought nor desired political preferment. He passed away April 29, 1919, just about a week after his son's re- turn from service in the World war. He left his family in very comfortable financial circumstances, owing to the success which had attended him as a merchant. He always found his greatest happiness in providing for the members of his own household and while he was a loyal citizen and faithful friend he was above all a devoted husband and father.
EDWIN S. BARBOUR is the treasurer of the Mich- igan Stove Company, conducting the largest business in the world in the manufacture of stoves and ranges. It is true that he entered upon the business already established, but in enlarging and directing the enter- prise he has shown splendid business qualifications and the thoroughness and energy which constitute the qualities out of which success is made. He comes to the middle west from New England, his birth having occurred in Collinsville, Connecticut, May 11, 1870, his parents being George H. and Katherine Barbour, who were married at Collinsville on the 26th of June, 1869. Both were representatives of old New England families, the former being a son of Samuel Thompson and Phoebe (Beckwith) Barbour, while the latter was a daughter of William H. and Susan R. Hawley of Connecticut. Extended reference is made to George Harrison Barbour on another page of this work, for his position is that of one of the most prominent manufacturers of Detroit, as he is now the president of the Michigan Stove Company.
In the acquirement of his education Edwin S. Bar- bour attended the public schools of Detroit and also Hales Preparatory school of Boston, Massachusetts. He thus qualified by liberal educational advantages, for the responsibilities of an active business life.
Returning to Detroit he became identified with his father in the Michigan Stove Company, accepting a minor position in the sales and purchasing department. Gradually, however, he familiarized himself with the business and as his efficiency increased won promotion. He became assistant treasurer and director of the company, and so continued until 1910, when he was elected treasurer and has since occupied this position. He is also a director of the Ireland & Matthews Man- ufacturing Company of Detroit, and has ever dis- played sound judgment and keen discrimination in business affairs. His plans are carefully formulated and promptly executed, and his efficiency has de- veloped with the passing years, so that he is today an important factor in the successful conduct of a busi- ness that is equalled in extent and importance by no other enterprise of the kind in all the world.
On the 15th of October, 1901, Edwin S. Barbour was married to Miss Edith Henry of Detroit, daughter of Mr. A. M. Henry. Her father is a resident of Grosse Pointe Farms. Mrs. Barbour is a member of the Detroit Ladies Civic Club and is interested in all that has to do with the progress and welfare of the city. Mr. Barbour gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Grosse Pointe Pres- byterian church. He is also connected with various social organizations, including the Detroit Club, the Detroit Country Club, the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club, the Detroit Athletic Club, the Detroit Boat Club, and the Yondotega Club, and he finds his recreation in country sports, in golf and riding. He was but two years of age when his parents established the family home in Detroit, and through the intervening period he has resided in this city, covering almost a half century. An eminent statesman has said that the strongest test in American manhood and citizenship is brought out when eastern birth and training are grafted onto western enterprise and opportunity. Such has been the record of Edwin S. Barbour, who is today recognized as a strong and forceful factor in the commercial, financial and manufacturing circles of Detroit, and whose personal qualities make for popularity wherever he is known.
ALBERT J. WILLSON. Death called Albert J. Willson when he was sojourning in St. Petersburg, Florida, for the benefit of his health. He had long been well known in connection with the hardware trade of Detroit and had made for himself a most creditable position in business circles. He was born in Seaforth, Ontario, on the 24th of July, 1866, and was one of a family of six children, whose parents were Oliver C. and Sarah (Sloan) Willson. The father engaged in the hardware business in Canada, where he won prosperity through his wisely directed efforts and unfaltering enterprise. Later he removed to Detroit, where he continued in the hardware busi- ness until his death.
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Albert J. Willson, spending his youthful days in Canada, attended the public and high schools of Sea- forth to the time of his graduation. He was a young man of nineteen years when in 1885 he came to De- troit and entered the employ of the Standard Hardware Company, with whom he remained until 1895. When that decade had passed he accepted a position with the T. B. Rayl Company as a clerk and won sub- sequent promotion until he was made manager of the household furnishing department. He always made his services of value and benefit to his employers and his name was synonymous with the term of fidelity and loyalty.
Mr. Willson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Williams, a danghter of E. S. Williams, and a member of one of the well known families of Detroit. Three children were born to them: Kenneth A., whose birth occurred November 3, 1896; Sidney W., born Febru- ary 2, 1902; and Dorothy M., born Jannary 17, 1903. All are living at home with the mother. Mr. Willson belonged to the Central Methodist Episcopal church, of which his family are members and his life was ever guided by its teachings and its principles. His political support was given to the democratic party and he was a faithful follower of the Masonic order. He had many sterling qualities which won him the confidence and goodwill of all who knew him, so that his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret to his many friends. Passing away in Florida his remains were brought back to Detroit for inter- ment in Roseland cemetery. His family is well known in this city and Mrs. Willson occupies an enviable social position.
GEORGE DAVID BROWN, founder of the Highland Park Creamery and active in that business until a short time ago, when he sold his interests, is now engaged in the development of a forty-three acre tract of land just on the edge of the new town of Marysville, and the sale of this property promises to add materially to his fortunes. In the enterprise he has back of him some of the most substantial mann- facturers and business men of the city, who are erect- ing there million dollar plants for the manufacture of automobiles and for other industrial purposes.
George David Brown was born at Greenfield, Mich- igan, April 1, 1874, and is a son of Alexander and Agnes (Wilson) Brown, both of whom were natives of Ireland and emigrated to America in 1872. They settled on a farm near Greenfield, Michigan, where they continued to make their home until called to their final rest. They had a family of eight children, four of whom have passed away, while those living are: William, residing in Washington, Michigan; James, who makes his home in Hamtramck; Joseph, who is located in Chicago, Illinois; and George D.
The last named on leaving the high school of De- troit started out to learn the lessons in the school of experience by becoming an apprentice to the ma-
chinist's trade. Before completing his term of in- denture, however, he gave up that line of business and turned his attention to the conduct of a creamery on the Ist of September, 1900. This constituted the beginning of the Highland Park Creamery, which con- tinned to grow and prosper under his careful man- agement and direction. He was sole owner thereof until 1912, when he incorporated the business under the name of the Highland Park Creamery, of which he was president until he sold his interests on the 1st of April, 1920. In the meantime he had acquired a large tract of land near the center of the new town of Marysville, and this he is developing and putting into shape for subdivision. He is making thereon all modern improvements, laying ont streets, building side- walks, putting in sewers and installing electric lights, and this district will be put upon the market for home builders. A spirit of progressiveness and enter- prise actnates Mr. Brown in the undertaking and his labors seem destined to win substantial success. He is likewise a director of the Highland Park State Bank and is regarded in the community as a most progressive business man.
Mr. Brown was married June 12, 1901, to Miss Ella May Sloate of Albion, Michigan, a daughter of David Sloate. Aside from his business Mr. Brown has entered upon various pleasant fraternal and social relations, for he is a Mason, belonging to Highland Park Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and he also belongs to the Masonic Country Club, and the Pine Lake Automobile Country Club, and for twenty-two years he was a member of the Highland Park board of education, the public school system finding in him a stalwart champion and one who did effective work in behalf of the schools, his labors being at all times far-reaching and result- ant. Energy has carried him steadily forward and sound judgment has guided his activities, winning him a place among the men of affluence in this section of the state. Mr. Brown's home at No. 30 Grand avenne, West, was erected by him and completed in 1903, being one of the first residences built on that street.
AARON MENDELSON is a native son of this city, born March 29, 1862, in the homestead which stood near the site of the present county building, for De- troit was then a small town giving little indication of its present greatness and marvelons development. At the usual age he became a public school pupil, passing through the consecutive grammar grades to the high school and at length attending the Detroit Business University.
Mr. Mendelson has contributed in a notable measure to Detroit's development through his association with industrial interests. His specific work in the business world has been in connection with the Fisher Body Corporation, which he joined in 1909, shortly after its organization. In the capacity of secretary, he has assisted in directing the affairs of this corpora-
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