USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Vol. IV > Part 86
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Andrew Porter Biddle was a pupil in the public schools of Grosse Ile until 1872, after which he studied in Geneva, Switzerland, and from 1874 until 1877 was a pupil in the public schools of Heidelberg, Germany. Following his return to his native land he entered the
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Detroit high school, in which he pursued his studies until 1880, when he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis as a member of the class of 1884. But trouble with his eyes forced him to re- sign from the naval academy in 1883, at which time he returned to Detroit. Later, entering the Detroit College of Medicine, he was graduated in 1886 with the M. D. degree. During his senior college year and in the year following he was an interne at Har- per Hospital and in 1887 entered upon general practice in Detroit with Dr. James Burgess Book. Three years later he pursued postgraduate work in dermatology in Leipzig, Germany, and in 1892 was appointed assist- ant to the chair of dermatology in the Detroit College of Medicine and gradually rose to the head of the department. He has done much important hospital work along the line of his specialty and is recognized as an eminent representative of the medical pro- fession in Michigan. He belongs to the American Medical Association, was general secretary of the Michigan State Medical Society from 1900 until 1906 and during that period served as editor of the journal published by the state organization. In fact he has ever remained a very prominent member of the Mich- igan State Medical Society, having been a councilor for six years and its president from 1916 until 1918. He is likewise a member of the American Dermato- logical Association, the Chicago Dermatological So- ciety, a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the first president of the Detroit Dermatological Society. At all times he keeps in touch with the trend of modern professional thought and progress as exemplified in the work of many of the most dis- tinguished physicians and surgeons of the country. He is a fellow and ex-president of the Detroit Academy of Medicine, a member of the Wayne County Medical Society and a member of the staff of St. Mary's Hos- pital, the Woman's Hospital, the Children's Free Hos- pital and consulting physician on dermatology to the Detroit Board of Health. He served as member of the United States pension examining board under Presi- dent Cleveland from 1893 until 1897 and for many years was a member of the medical department of the Michigan National Guard. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he was appointed by Governor Hazen S. Pingree as major and surgeon of the Thirty- first Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry, with which he served during the war with Spain.
Not only has Dr. Biddle been active in his pro- fession but also in connection with many publie af- fairs. He has done much toward the betterment of public health conditions and has contributed largely to the advancement of educational interests. From 1917 until 1919 he served as a member of the Detroit board of education and during the last year was presi- dent of the board. He was reelected in 1919 on the non-partisan ticket for six years. In 1913 he was appointed by Governor Ferris a member of the State Board of Health and served until 1919. During the
World war he aided in various capacities in the organi- zation of the medical profession of the state for active service.
On the 20th of October, 1892, Dr. Biddle was mar, ried to Miss Grace Wilkins of Boston, Massachusetts. They have one child, Beatrice Bradish, who was born in Detroit, September 6, 1897, and attended the Lig- gett school of Detroit and the Gardner School for Girls of New York city and has recently made her debut in Detroit society, where Dr. and Mrs. Biddle have long been prominently known. He is a member of the Country Club of Grosse Pointe Farms. Dr. Biddle has resided for the last twenty years at 791 Seminole avenue, in the vicinity known as Indian Village.
BROCK CARROLL EBY, president and treasurer of the Detroit Auto Dash Company, manufacturers of auto dashes and wood parts for automobiles, has, in the conduet of this business, developed an establish- ment which has grown apace, keeping abreast with the city's development and with the growth of the automobile industry that has made Detroit the World's center of the trade. Mr. Eby was born in Essex county, Canada, August 27, 1874, a son of William and Sarah (Stafford) Eby. The father was born in Canada and the mother in England. In 1884 they re- moved to Detroit, where the father engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, continuing active in the business circles of the city until his death in 1896. His widow is living in Detroit. Their family numbered five sons and a daughter: W. H .; F. B .; E. F .; Brock C .; C. S .; and Mrs. Etta Gault. All are residents of Detroit.
In his youthful days Brock C. Eby was a pupil in the public schools of Canada, until his tenth year, when his parents came to Detroit and here he entered the public school, continuing his studies through the high school. He then became identified with the auto- mobile business as an employe. He became interested in the manufacture of auto dashes and in 1905 estab- lished the pioneer manufacturing enterprise of this kind in the city. It was started in a small way, but has developed and kept pace with the growing auto- mobile industry of Detroit and the country at large. Today the plant manufactures auto dashes which are shipped to all parts of the country. In 1911 the busi- ness was incorporated under the name of the Detroit Auto Dash Company, which today has two plants, one located in Detroit, and the other in Milford, Michigan, while their employes now number one hundred and sixty. Mr. Eby is the president and treasurer of the company, with S. Deutsch, vice president, and H. E. Githens, secretary. In addition to his prominent con- nection with this business Mr. Eby is president of the Commercial Engraving Company.
On the 18th of December, 1894, Mr. Eby was mar- ried to Miss Jennie M. Hamilton of Detroit, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Hamilton, and to this marriage
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nine children have been born: Allen B., born in De- troit in 1895 and educated in the high school here, was married to Miss Helen Ward of this city, and they have one child, Walter Allan, born December 19, 1919, in Milford, Michigan. Allen B. Eby is now manager of the Milford plant of the Detroit Anto Dash Com- pany; Marjorie, the second of the family, was edu- cated in the schools of Detroit, and is the wife of Joseph F. Ferry of Detroit; William Hamilton died in infancy; Edwin, born in Detroit in 1902 and edu- cated in its public schools, is attending Ferris Insti- tute; Alton, born in Detroit in 1905, is attending Peddie Institute at Hightstown, New Jersey; Grace Evelyn, born in 1908, Brock C., born in 1912, and Jack, born in 1914, are all attending school; and Mary Ellen, born April 8, 1921.
Mr. Eby is a member of the Detroit Board of Commerce, and all matters that effect the general progress and welfare of his city are of deep interest and concern to him. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and cooperates in many plans and measures for the moral development of the community. He is well known and prominent, standing high in public regard, and he deserves much eredit for what he has accomplished. In addition to his business he owns a fine home at No. 2202 La Salle Gardens, North, and an attractive summer home at Orion, on Lake Michigan.
FRED W. CHALMERS, well known in motor circles of Detroit, is a native of London, Ontario, Canada, where his youthful days were passed, during which time he obtained a limited education, but was obliged to start out in the business world when a youth of fourteen. He was first employed as call-boy on a rail- road and so continued for five years. He remained in the railroad service for some time afterward, acting as brakeman on a freight train for three years and then spent five years as brakeman on passenger trains, running between Detroit and Buffalo. At length he withdrew from railroading and established a restaurant in St. Thomas, Ontario. This undertaking proved a success, and was profitably conducted until he sold out. He then established the first auto delivery busi- ness at St. Thomas and was winning prosperity in this connection, but sold out on account of ill health. Subsequently he came to Detroit and entered the Chalmers plant, taking a course in the various de- partments in order to learn the automobile business. He next entered the employ of the Ford Motor Com- pany and had wide experience in that connection in order to equip himself for selling. Later he obtained a Ford agency on the east side of Detroit and within a short time had established the business as a paying business. At length he sold out, and three days later, or on the 1st of April, 1919, he became general man- ager for the Detroit Motor Sales Company at No. 1083 Michigan avenue. The affairs of this company
were in an unsatisfactory condition when he took hold, and later it was closed out.
In June, 1903, Mr. Chalmers was united in mar- riage to Miss Alice Stuart, and they have become parents of two sons: Thomas Frederick and Delmar. Mr. Chalmers is a thirty-second degree Mason. He belongs to Wolverine Lodge, F. & A. M .; to Michigan Sovereign Consistory; and to Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He has also been an Odd Fellow for many years and is a loyal follower of the teachings and purposes of these organizations. Starting out in the business world when a youth of fourteen years he has since been dependent upon his own resources, and steadily has worked his way upward, advancing step by step, each forward step bringing him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. His position is to- day a creditable one and his snecess indicates what can be accomplished when there is a will to dare and to do.
JOHN KAY, jeweler of Detroit, is recognized as one of the few experts on diamonds and precious stones in this country. He is recognized by all the large jewelry houses of America as one thoroughly competent to judge of the value of diamonds and other precious stones, whether in the rough or the finished product, and many times he is called upon to make estimates for the leading jewelry houses of the country. This ability has been acquired through long experience and wide study and there are few so thoroughly informed concerning the diamond market of the world. The story of the life record of Mr. Kay and his steady advancement in business circles contains much that is inspiring. He was born in Stranraier, Scotland, February 17, 1850, a son of John and Margaret (Cavan) Kay, who in 1851 came to the new world, settling at Paris, Canada. In 1857 they removed to Galt, Canada, where Mr. Kay opened a jeweler shop. He continued at Galt until 1887 when he returned and took up his residence in Detroit, where he died in 1901. Mr. Kay's mother died in 1908. In their family were ten children, five of whom are living, those besides John Kay of this review being: David, Robert, William and Grace, the last named being now the wife of Walter McMillen of Brooklyn, New York.
In his youth John Kay was a pupil in the public schools of Galt, Canada, becoming a high school stu- dent there. When thirteen years of age he began learning the jeweler's trade, at which he served an apprenticeship until his twentieth year. He then went to New York city, where he worked at his trade for the firm of Giles, Wales, 13 Maiden Lane, from 1870 until 1874. He then removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, and became manager for Fred M. Herron from 1874 until 1881, specializing in handling diamonds and precious stones. On the expiration of that period he removed to Detroit to become manager for Roehm & Wright and subsequently bought out the interest of Mr. Roehm and organized the firm of Wright, Kay
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and Company, which developed into one of the leading jewelry houses of the United States. He has con- tinued uninterruptedly in the jewelry business since that time. From 1881 to 1907 he was a member of the firm of Wright, Kay and Company, and in the latter year withdrew and organized the firm of John Kay and Company, a close corporation, of which he is president. He handles only fine jewelry, diamonds and precious stones. In 1914 he wrote a book entitled The Diamond, which contained much valuable informa- tion and posesssed also much literary merit. This had a large sale throughout the world and he is now receiv- ing orders for a second edition of this work, orders coming to him from as far as India. Mr. Kay like- wise possesses inventive genius and some years ago invented a watch-making tool known as Kay's roller remover, which today is on practically every jeweler's work bench in the world. Mr. Kay is consulted many times by so-called experts upon the value of certain precious stones and he is often called to adjust the fine points on a diamond bortz and carbon at automo- bile and other plants in Detroit where these diamonds are in use.
On the 5th of August, 1887, at Jackson, Michigan, Mr. Kay was married to Miss Carrie Garlick, a daugh- ter of Thaddeus Garlick, of Cleveland, Ohio. They have three children: Mildred M., Wallace G., and John Wilbur. All were educated in Detroit, attend- ing the public and high schools. The elder son married Miss Ethel Woodworth McArthur of Mt. Clemens, and they have one child, Margaretta Woodworth Kay, born at Mt. Clemens, Michigan, in 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace G. Kay reside in Detroit. Wilbur Kay mar- ried Miss Gertrude Binley of Brookline, Massachusetts.
Mr. John Kay was one of the founders of the Detroit Athletic Club. He belongs to the Detroit Phi- latelists Association and he is noted for his large col- lection of precious stamps. He is connected with the Detroit Board of Commerce and he belongs to the Detroit Curling Club and the Detroit Boat Club. In Masonry he has advanced along both routes and is a Knights Templar and thirty-second degree Mason, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. With a nature that never could be content with mediocrity, he has made steady progress along the line of his chosen life work, long since reaching a point where his opinions carry great authority and weight on all matters connected with the value of diamonds and other precious stones and artistic devel- opment of pieces of jewelry.
PETER M. DITZLER, who passed away on the 6th of January, 1921, was one of the founders of the Detroit Storage Company and served as its president from 1917 until the time of his retirement from busi- ness in 1920. He was born in Milton, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1853, his parents being John Frederick and Mary Ann (Smith) Ditzler. The district school system of his native state provided him with his edu-
eational opportunities and when his texthooks were put aside he learned the trade of coach painting, which he continued to follow for eighteen years. From 1887 until 1891 he was connected with the firm of Cary, Ogden & Company, color grinders of Chicago, and in the latter year he came to Detroit, where he entered into active connection with the Detroit White Lead Company, with which he remained for five years, being superintendent of the color plant of that company, which is engaged in the manufacture of coach, car and automobile colors. He was also with the Murphy Varnish Company of Newark, New Jersey, from 1895 until 1899 and as its representative established the color plant of which he was superintendent until the close of that period. Returning to Detroit, he was again with the Detroit White Lead Works until 1902, when he organized the Ditzler Color Company, of which he became president and general manager, so continuing until the 1st of March, 1913. He was then elected to the presidency of the Advance Machine Company, contracting machinists. In 1913 he assisted in the founding of the Detroit Storage Company and became its manager, and in 1917 was elected to the presidency, serving in that capacity until he retired from active business on May 1, 1920. During his career his various business interests marked a constant for- ward step as he became identified with important enterprises.
On the 24th of September, 1882, at Milton, Penn- sylvania, Mr. Ditzler was married to Miss Malinda Belle Dildine of that place. He was a Presbyterian in his religious faith and in his fraternal relations was a Mason, belonging to Detroit Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M. He was likewise a member of the Board of Commerce of Detroit. Mr. Ditzler was a man of high ideals and most kindly and generous spirit and left behind him not only a goodly competence but the priceless heritage of a name unsullied.
THOMAS W. PALMER. One of Michigan's grand old men who reaped abundantly of honors and riches, was one of the bulwarks of progress and development in the city of Detroit and the state. Endowed with great force of character and business ability, Hon. Thomas W. Palmer early became a leader in the busi- ness world and won an enviable name in connection with commercial affairs and the public life of Mich- igan. In the state's political affairs of thirty years ago he was one of the most striking figures, a man of power and distinction, and in choosing him to a seat in the United States senate Michigan honored itself and contributed to the national government a man whose services were always marked by a high degree of devotedness to the welfare of the people.
Few citizens of the state had a more interesting career, or one more important in its results to his home city and state. Thomas Witherell Palmer was born in the city of Detroit on the 25th of January, 1830. His people were among the fine old pioneer
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families of this city and state, his parents being Thomas and Mary Amy (Witherell) Palmer. His father was born at Ashford, in Windham connty, Con- necticut, February 4, 1789. In 1808, at the age of nineteen, Thomas Palmer, in company with a brother two years his senior, assumed the active responsibility of gaining a livelihood by becoming an itinerant mer- chant, a common vocation in the New England of that time. Setting out with a span of horses and a small stock of general merchandise, the two brothers began the journey toward western Canada. On ar- riving at Malden, Canada, they made that place their headquarters, and there achieved most gratifying suc- cess as merchants until the commencement of the War of 1812. Then every American resident of Malden, some fifteen in all, including the Palmer brothers, was arrested and imprisoned. A number took the oath of allegiance to Great Britain and were then released, but the Palmers and five others, refusing this means of escape, were held in confinement five weeks, and then transported over the Detroit river to Monguagon. From there they proceeded on foot to Detroit, which became a strategie point in the war, as history records.
After Hull's surrender of Detroit the Palmer hroth- ers returned to Malden, on parole, and were there permitted to exchange their stock of merchandise for furs. After their return to Connecticut they estab- lished themselves at Canandaigua, New York, where they conducted a prosperous business until the close of the war, 1814, at which time they had on hand a large stock of goods which had depreciated in value. Thomas Palmer took this stock to Canada, where he disposed of it with a fair profit. From there he came to Detroit. The date of his arrival in this city as a permanent resident was June 16, 1815. Here he and his brother conducted a general merchandise store under the old firm name of F. & T. Palmer. In 1824, panicky conditions forced their liquidation, though in time they paid one hundred cents on every dollar of their indebtedness. In subsequent years Thomas Palmer became interested in a number of financial projects of broad scope and importance. Acquiring considerable valuable land in St. Clair county, he operated a sawmill, and also conducted a store. In 1845 he became interested in mining enterprise in the Lake Superior region, but not realizing a great deal of profit from this venture he subsequently returned to Detroit. Here he lived retired until his death, on the 3d of August, 1868.
In 1821 Thomas Palmer laid the foundation of a happy home life by his marriage to Miss Mary Amy Witherell. She was born in 1795, at Fairhaven, Ver- mont, where her father, Judge James Witherell, was a man of prominence and influence in public affairs. Judge Witherell was circuit judge at Fairhaven for a time, served his district in the state legislature and represented Vermont in congress. When a youth of sixteen he showed his patriotism by enlisting as a soldier in the Continental army, serving with valor
and faithfulness during the entire period of the War of the Revolution. In 1808 he followed the westward tide of migration to Michigan, settling at Detroit, where he was appointed a judge of the territorial su- preme court by President Jefferson. After a long life filled to overflowing with good acts and admirable public service, Judge Witherell was summonded by death in January, 1838.
Thomas W. Palmer hegan his education in private schools at Detroit. At the age of twelve he was sent to the village of Palmer (now the city of St. Clair), named in honor of his father, where he entered the excellent private school conducted by the Rev. O. C. Thompson. When ready for college he chose the Uni- versity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, but after a year's attendance failing health compelled him temporarily to relinquish his studies. During this enforced vacation he spent some time in connection with his father's mining interests in the Lake Superior region. He re- turned to the university, but failing eyesight com- pelled him finally to ahandon the idea of a university training. In the fall of 1848, in company with five others, he set out on a voyage to Spain, where he traveled for a number of months, and then went to South America, passing some three months on that continent. In 1850, a short time after his return, he went to Wisconsin to become agent for a lake transportation company. In the following year he opened a store at Appleton, Wisconsin, where he was one of the successful merchants until the destruction of his place of business by fire.
In 1853 Mr. Palmer returned to Detroit, where he became interested in real estate operations. Two years later he engaged in the lumbering business, and en- tered into a partnership with Charles Merril, who had already become noted as one of the most enter- prising lumbermen of the middle west. Under the firm name of C. Merril, Messrs. Merril, Palmer and J. A. Whittier conducted an extensive lumber business at East Saginaw. After Mr. Merril's death, in 1872, the same firm name was retained, his interests in the concern having been inherited by his only daughter, Mrs. Thomas W. Palmer.
Mr. Palmer's notable success as a business man re- sulted from his native talents, combined with the sys- tematie improvement of every legitimate opportunity. Among his associates he was always known as a man of great resourcefulness, and very direct in the execution of his plans. His career was identified with large business affairs, and through his well directed efforts he accumulated one of the largest estates in Michigan and amassed a large fortune in connection with lumbering and financial enterprises.
In the estimation of the general public his promi- nence in political and philanthropic activities over- shadowed his conspicuous place in business affairs. His political affiliations were with the republican party since the time of its organization, about 1856, and in all matters of public import in this part of the state
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he figured most prominently. In 1873 he was appointed to membership on the first board of estimators of Detroit, and his influence had important results in the work of that board. Five years later, in 1878, he was urged by numerous friends and stanch ad- mirers to become a candidate for congress. This honor he positively declined, but later, after earnest solici- tation, he was persuaded to make the race for state senator. In the ensuing campaign he was elected, and while in the state senate he introduced and was largely instrumental in the passage of the bill creating the State Industrial School for Girls at Adrian. He also took a prominent part in the passage of a bill providing for an elaborate boulevard system in Detroit. As state senator he was chairman of the legislative caucus that nominated Zachariah Chandler for the United States senate.
In 1883 the state of Michigan conferred upon him its highest political honor when he was chosen to the United States senate, to succeed Thomas W. Ferry. His work in the senate had important bearing on state and national questions then pending. He championed the cause of the homesteaders of the northern penin- sula in their fight against the various land and mining companies. It was Senator Palmer who delivered the first set speech in the senate in favor of woman's suf- frage. He also introduced and spoke in favor of a bill to restrict immigration, and he prepared the first complete record for reference with statistics of im- migration. In his speech on the encroachment of the railroads, delivered in the United States senate, he was author of the epigram which has furnished a war- cry for every latter-day reformer, when he said: "Equal rights for all, special privileges to none."
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