USA > New York > Albany County > Watervliet > History of the city of Watervliet, N.Y., 1630 to 1910 > Part 11
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In 1852 Robert Morrison, proprietor of the Ferry House, foot of Twenty-third street, was the owner of some pet bears. A man one night went to sleep in their den and was hugged to death by one of them. Drowned 1853.
The steam ferry at the foot of Sixteenth street (Upper Ferry) superseded the old horse boat about 1861. Ferry boats for con- veying teams over the river were abandoned, and boats for the exclusive use of foot passengers about 1875.
1870. Steamboats from New York to Troy every month. January 4, 1870, Connecticut, Capt. Teason, first trip.
January 11, 1870, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) lecture; under the auspices of the Roy Steamer Co .; at Union Place Hall. Subject : " Our fellow citizens of the Sandwich Islands."
Rutger Van Den Burgh, whose father settled in North Green- bush, Rensselaer county, in the seventeenth century, was born in 1800, the homestead remaining as yet in possession of the family. Died in 1882. His son, Garrett Van Den Burgh, born in 1830. Farmers manufactured bricks from the clay on the farm, the exca- vations from whence it was taken remaining visible to this date. Died in 1897.
Frederick Van Den Burgh (son), born on the old home farm. Educated in the schools of Troy, business colleges, and a graduate of the Albany Medical College in 1894, locating in Watervliet in 1896, contemporary with its incorporation. Well versed in materia medica, capable of explaining the nature and mode of action of the various substances, natural and artificial, used by the profession, he is a valuable addition to the medical fraternity, said knowledge accruing to the benefit of those that must have the advice of a physician.
1894.
Postmasters of Gibbonsville, West Troy and city of Watervliet (named Watervliet P. O.) and date of appointment: January 1, 1816, Abijah Wheeler; June 23, 1825, James Hills; September 24, 1829, Abijah Wheeler; November 18, 1830, David Wheeler ; July 3, 1838, Myron R. Peak; June 13, 1841, James M. Barnard; August 14, 1843, Edward Learned, Jr .; July 23, 1845, Isaac Hitchcock. Name changed to West Troy: April 28, 1847, Isaac Hitchcock; April 19, 1849, Origen S. Brigham; January 21, 1851, Alexander McAllister; May 4, 1853, Isaac Hitchcock;
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July 6, 1858, Patrick Grattan; May 23, 1861, William H. Vos- burgh; July 12, 1865, William Hollands; April 23, 1878, Wil- liam C. Durant; February 28, 1887, Patrick Reiley ; June 9, 1890, Theodore T. Woodward; January 31, 1894, Patrick Reiley ; February 25, 1898, Edmund S. Hollands; March 21, 1902, Charles McOmber. Name changed to Watervliet: February 1, 1905, Charles McOmber; March 4, 1907, Thos. G. Ross.
Presidents of Gibbonsville: 1825, Julius Hanks; 1827, John Ranney ; 1828, Amos Larcum; 1829, D. T. Wandell; 1830, Jere- miah Dyer; 1831, Isaac Chapman; 1835, Edward Learned.
Trustees : James T. Morrison, Moses Tyler, David Morrison, Charles Learned, Hyram Hopkins, Levi Lyncoln, Ephraim Bald- win, William P. Hall, David Wheeler, Smith Balou, Zachariah Cramer, Abram Myers, Henry Thalimer, John Tuesdell, Learned Hutton, John B. Collar, Eben Jones, Benjamin Brown, Martin Witbeck, J. C. Green.
1895.
Abram Hilton, former resident of the town of Guilderland, where he was engaged in the grocery business, settled in West Troy, and established the same line, locating at No. 1417 Broad- way. The building was built and owned by the first master mechanic of the government post, the third story being occupied in 1840 by Lodge No. 38, I. O. O. F. Building eighty years old. John Hilton (brother), who came at the same time, formed the firm of John Hilton & Co. in 1881. Though comparative strangers in the village, at least as merchants, with a strong com- petition to contend with, having a perfect knowledge of business methods then in vogue, and withal good buyers, with capital suffi- cient to enable them to anticipate the market, they succeeded in advancing to the front in business circles. In 1905, the firm title was changed to that of John Hilton & Co., Incorporated, and with an up-to-date stock, quick service, and prompt delivery, places them in the lead of all competitors. Abram Hilton, though not a politician, has the interest of the city at all times in view. He received the nomination for and was elected to the office of mayor of the city in 1900, performing the duties of same satisfactory to his constituents. Prominent in church work; connected with the Reformed Dutch Church; treasurer of same for years and deacon.
Edward Holmes; settled in West Troy in 1836. Learned the blacksmith business with Henry Kimberly in the old shop, corner Broadway and Twentieth street. Purchased the business of Mr. Kimberly and conducted the same several years. As an apprentice in the early days, supplies for the business bought in Troy were carried on his shoulders over the ferry boat, something those learn- ing a trade do not and would not do in the twentieth century. Mr. Holmes forged the iron girders that were used in the old Twenty-
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third street bridge. Served some time as head blacksmith at the Arsenal. Removed to Cohoes where he now resides, at the age of 82 years. His son Edward, Jr., and grandson John, reside in West Troy.
James Jones; from Scotland in 1857. Entered the employ of James Roy & Co. Later secured position at the Watervliet Arsenal, and in 1866 established the jewelry and watch business, the firm being Jones & Podmore, when in 1882 removed to Troy, opening on River street.
George S. Haswell; son of Ira M. Haswell, who settled in Watervliet in 1829. Graduated from Albany Medical College in 1872. Prominent in the medical profession. Held position of coroner in 1896; successful in locating relatives of the cases com- ing under his supervision. Well known, popular, and up-to-date citizen.
Ira M. Haswell, one of the oldest settlers of the old town of Watervliet (Colonie). Connected with the farming industry many years, also with the business of the village in its infancy. Member of the Washington M. E. Church; largely identified with its interests. One of the most prominent residents in this section. His death created a vacancy in business, social and church circles not easily filled.
1896.
Presidents of the village of West Troy, from its incorporation in 1836, to the erection of the city of Watervliet in 1896: 1836, Edward Learned; 1837, Martin Witbeck; 1838, Myron R. Peak; 1839, Andrew Meneely; 1840, Martin Witbeck; 1841, Samuel Wilgus; 1842, Myron R. Peak; 1843, Andrew Meneely; 1844, A. T. Dunham ; 1845, Albert T. Richards; 1846, Archibald A. Dunlop; 1847, A. T. Dunham; 1848, Daniel C. Stewart; 1849, Herman Mather ; 1850, Daniel C. Stewart; 1851, Samuel Crawford; 1852, Morgan Taylor; 1853, L. D. Collins; 1854, George B. Frazer ; 1855 and 1856, Martin Witbeck; 1857, Samuel Waterman; 1858, James Roy; 1859, James Brady; 1860, George R. Meneely; 1861, William L. Oswald; 1862, Peter A. Rogers; 1863, James Duffy ; 1864, Louis S. Rousseau; 1865, Francis Bebee; 1866 and 1867, James Hamil; 1868, William B. Wil- liams; 1869, Terrence Cummings; 1870 to 1871, Perry Robin- son ; 1872 and 1873, Terrence Cummings ; 1874 and 1875, Michael Reiley; 1876 and 1877, Patrick Lane; 1878, Robert Tunnard ; 1879 and 1880, Joseph McLean; 1881, George B. Mosher ; 1882, J. B. Hulsapple; 1883, Wm. B. Cox; 1884, Patrick Lane; 1885 and 1886, Terrence Cummings ; 1887 and 1888, J. F. Burk; 1889, J. F. Burk; 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, Peter A. Rogers ; 1895, J. C. Wilbur ; 1896, Michael J. Day.
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Those who were selected in early days for office were representa- tive men, taxpayers, men whose business interests outweighed any prestige gained from office holding, therefore, as you read, and especially those of you that knew some of the early persons named, ask yourselves the question, How many of the above list, if living to-day, would stoop to the trickery and scheming of the average politicians of the twentieth century to obtain the office ?
In 1896, an act to incorporate the city of Watervliet became a law May 26 - the last link to the previous ones forged that would lengthen and strengthen the chain of previous commercial enter- prises that had heretofore been established on a sound basis by intelligent and far-seeing business men of the earlier period. The success in continuing the same has been prevented through the ignorance of business methods, and the inability of their suc- cessors, in the business and political arena, to cope with the situa- tion as it existed prior to its incorporation; their first blunder committed when they changed the name from West Troy to that of Watervliet. With no plans formed, nothing tangible in sight that would immediately accrue to the city's interest, to recoup former losses, they railroaded the bill through the Legislature, with the boundary lines of no additional benefit as far as revenue to the city treasury is concerned. The second blunder, taxpayers receiving no relief from heavy burdens, and the failure of the city authorities to take advantage of the opportunity when the Green Island bridge burned to secure their rights - a free bridge across State water (the Mohawk basin), the toll of two cents being an imposition on the general public. Third blunder, on assuming control of municipal affairs as the bill designated, 1897, it was up to them to make good. The aim, plan and scope of the undertaking was far beyond their business training and intellectual capacity to cope with, and with a few spasmodic efforts of self-constituted committees in further attempts to bankrupt the city (but were caught on the hip) and the boom that was expected to mature through and by the noted heralding of the cleaning of the city, instituted by a keen, shrewd newcomer - high officials doffing their hats to the self-appointed hygienic apostle, and skirting the city, taking only a birdseye view of the situation - in autos, results could and would have accrued long ago, under the char- ter, had the officials' been not afraid to perform their duty. Therefore, under the present regime we find the city in 1910 with no additional business within its limits, finances ín no better con- dition, and all the citizen has received during the last ten years from the hands of his servants is the honor accorded him by the act of incorporation - provided there is any honor - to sign his address to all correspondence city of Watervliet.
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1897.
MEDICAL PROFESSION.
Date of Diploma: 1824, N. L. Hungerford (died 1839) ; Dr. J. Van Alstyne (away 1866) ; 1830, Augustus Viele (died 1870) ; 1837, A. Hammond (died 1852) ; 1840, Dr. Fiddler ; 1838, J. R. Buckland; 1836, J. Shankland; 1850, A. Shiland (died 1886) ; 1850, R. H. Sabin (died 1883) ; 1881, C. M. Culver; J. C. Shi- land (died 1908) ; O. F. Cobb (died 1877) ; 1873, A. S. Van Vranken (died 1900) ; 1886, A. McNaughton (died 1893) ; 1881, F. S. Bloss ; 1888, F. D. Cole; J. P. Witbeck (died 1872) ; 1858, J. P. Gregory ; 1859, P. E. Fennelly ; Dr. D. Burrus ; 1872, G. S. Haswell ; 1887, Merlin J. Zeh, Dr. Emmet Flagler, Lansing Van Aukin ; 1894, F. P. Van Denburgh; 1882, Wm. B. Sabin; 1874, C. Buffington, Geo. B. Grady, Eugene Hanratta, Dr. Uline, Dr. Elias Burman ; 1884, L. B. Rulison, Dr. S. N. Daniels, Dr. James Thorn, Rudolph Seabring, Dr. Thos. E. Deveney.
SOME OF THE VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSICIANS OF THE PAST AND PRESENT.
Thomas Gunsalus, Geo. Bennett, C. R. Doolittle, James Duffy, William Daubney, G. Benedick, E. P. Jones, Philip Miller, Chas. Bortle, Chas. Hoxie, A. H. Goddard, William C. Goodrich, Miss Cressey, Culver Tenbrock, Miss Nettie Hipwood, Mrs. Chas. Tucker, Mrs. James Duffy, Mrs. E. L. Pettis, Miss Carrie Durant, Miss Jennie Eggers, Miss Anna Eggers, Miss Ella Durant, Miss Lena Eggers (elocutionist), Henry C. Decker, Guy S. Ball, Miss Annie Duffy, Miss Elizabeth Duffy, C. G. Phillips, Miss Hill, Miss Emma Kisby, Miss Emma Mitchell, Miss Bertha Schilling, Charles Doring, James Hitchcock, J. P. Chalou, A. P. Davis, Ida Alger, Mary Burns, John Forrester, John Hicks, J. Hanley, John J. Fogarty and many others.
Many of those mentioned, though passed beyond, are remem- bered, not only by their associates, but by the general public, who have often listened and heard them in public and private enter- tainments, yet the fact is apparent that there never has been enterprise or liberality exhibited by those who patronize out-of-town musicales, to assist, or in any manner encourage the establishment of a choral club from the material that has been, and does yet reside among us, and thereby recognize home talent. Should some of the very few liberal-minded citizens drop to the situation, take pattern after their neighbor, some of us may live to hear a choral club composed of home talent that will be competent to arrange a few numbers and stage the same within the limits of Watervliet, that would be acceptable to our citizens, and that would add funds to the club that would enable them to extend their reputation by a summer outing among the White mountains.
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The Ghost Club, composed of a coterie of young men of the city, whose professional abilities as actors and vocalists are recognized by the community, their entertainments being of a high order. President, Geo. F. Jamison ; treasurer, Edward B. Shires; secre- tary, Alonzo Roush ; tenor, Edwin H. Billings.
Thos. Cairns came from Ireland in 1897. Educated at the Aughna Cleagh National School, County Antrim. In 1903 established the grocery business at 1700 Broadway, and in 1905 removed to his present location 1701 Broadway. Centrally located, with an attractive display of a choice selection of staple and fancy groceries, it has become the center of attraction of a discriminating public, whereby the magnetic influence that attaches to " popular " prices adds to the volume of business already secured.
1898.
LIST OF STEAMBOATS, FROM 1807 TO 1910, FROM TROY, ALBANY, NEW YORK.
1807, Clermont, New York to Albany; 1808, North River, New York to Albany ; 1809, Car of Neptune; 1811, Hope, Para- gon, Perseverance; 1812, Fire Fly, First, Troy to Albany ; 1813, Richmond; 1814, Fulton; 1815, Olive Branch; 1816, Chancellor Livingston; 1817, Stouginger; 1819, Henry Eckford; 1823, James Kemp; 1824, Hudson; 1825, Sandusky, Bristol, Constitu- tion, Constellation, Chief Justice Marshall, Saratoga; 1826, Sun, Niagara, New London, Philadelphia, Swift Sure; Commerce; 1827, Albany, North America, Victory; 1828, De Witt Clinton; 1829, Ohio; 1830, Novelty; 1831, John Jay; 1832, Champlain, Erie; 1833, Ellen (Burden's Cigar boat) ; 1835, Robert L. Stephens, John Mason ; 1836, Rochester, Jonas C. Heart, Swallow (wrecked in 1845) ; 1837, James Farley, Utica, United States ; 1838, Diamond, Illinois; 1839, Balloon, North America; 1840, South America, Troy ; 1841, Columbia; 1842, Curtis Peck; 1843, Empire, Knickerbocker; 1844, Trojan; 1845, Bell, Express, Niagara, Rip Van Winkle, Hendrick Hudson, Oregon; 1846, Thomas Powell; 1848, Isaac Newton; 1851, Reindeer; 1852, Golden Gate (burned at Troy dock); 1854, Hero; Frances Skiddy, Commodore; 1866, Sunny Side (sunk by Golden Gate), Connecticut, Vanderbilt; 1876, City of Troy; 1877, Saratoga ; 1909, Trojan, Rensselaer.
Boats running to Albany of late years not stated.
John Lorman, his father a pioneer on the upper Mohawk, moved to Gibbonsville in 1811, where John was born. The Lor- man family (Benjamin and William) were connected with the early fisheries of this section. John was also in the employ of the Wiswalls on the old horse boats foot of Sixteenth street, many years. Benjamin was also identified with the old fire department
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and held the office of captain of old Conqueror No. 3, and also chief of the same. John's death occurred in 1883. He was a well- known and respected citizen.
William J. Lorman (son), born in the village of West Troy. Educated in the village schools and La Salle Institute. Connected with the leading papers of this section as reporter for over fifteen years; is popular, an agreeable companion and a bright star among the newspaper fraternity.
1899.
Supervisors of Town of Watervliet from 1818 to 1898: J. C. Schuyler, Jr., Lucas G. Witbeck, J. C. Schuyler, Francis Lansing, Gilbert I. Van Zandt, Archibald A. Dunlop, James H. Brisban, Dillon Bebee, William J. Wheeler, W. G. Caw, Gerrit Van O'Linda, Emmet Flagler, Jessie C. Dayton, David M. Wooster, Nicholas T. Kane, Patrick Reiley, Richard Scully, Ter- rence Cummings, Edwin G. Glass.
Supervisors of City of Watervliet: Thomas E. Coggins, Henry E. Retallick, Cornelius T. Murphy, John J. Shilling, James H. O'Connell.
Chiefs of Fire Department from 1829 to 1910: 1829, David I. Dutcher, William Tucker, S. S. Wandell, Isaac Chapman, Geo. Sturtevant, Michael Savin, Geo. Aldrich, A. W. Richardson, Wil- liam L. Oswald, H. D. Finch, Benjamin Lorman, R. I. Getty, Chas. Du Charme, J. E. Lyons, Wm. Stewart, Jas. O. Wood, M. Leroy, Lewis Smith, M. Kelly, R. I. Getty, J. E. Lyons, (Jas. T. Myers, 1876), Jas. B. McGuire, M. Kelly, Dennis Ryan, (Geo. H. Taylor, 1877), J. McIntyre, (Lewis W. Smith, 1883 to 1906), J. E. Meskell, Jr., 1906, Nelson Sadelmire, 1907, 1908, 1909 and 1910).
John McDonough, resident of the old village. Cooper. After- wards opened a meatmarket. Became a candidate on the Demo- cratic ticket for justice of the peace, and was elected; performed his duty, showing no favoritism; his party not liking his mode of procedure, caused his defeat for renomination. Conducted a large hardware, stove and tinware business for years on Twenty- third street, continuing in the business until he died in 1904. He was a personal friend of James Kennedy, who was once a cooper with Mr. Dann. Later a large real estate owner who died 1910.
1900.
William Ellson in 1860 opened and conducted the boot and shoe business in what is now 2304 Broadway (Lansing estate). Very prominent in politics and an admirer and supporter of Hon. L. D. Collins. Socially inclined and recognized as one of the Fourth ward prominent citizens. Died in 1874.
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P. E. Fennelly, M. D., graduate of St. Kyrans College, Kil- kenny, Ireland. In 1867 he came to this country. Graduating at Medical College, Albany, in 1869. Member of various societies and also health officer some time.
Nicholas T. Kane; born in Ireland in 1846; came here in 1848 ; died on September 14, 1887. Engaged in the manufacture of knit goods. Supervisor in 1882; held the office until death closed his lifework. Prominent member of Post Kane; also vice- president of Gleason Hook and Ladder Company. Prominent in business circles.
Volkert J. Oothout, son of Jonas V. Oothout and Helen M. (Lobdell) Oothout. He was born in 1855; graduated from the Albany Law School in 1881; married Sarah E. Blunn. Descend- ant of Hendrick Oothout one of the old settlers on the Mohawk in 1710.
The Wiswall family: Ebenezer Wiswall, Sr., Eben Wiswall, Jr., and John Parker Wiswall. In 1810 the Wiswalls were, with others, connected in the ownership of farm lands in South Troy, West Troy and Cohoes. J. Parker Wiswall died in 1875. Edward Wiswall married Sarah Marks. Connected with that family, who settled here in early days. The Wiswalls have been very prominent in the business interests of the old villages. They held the ferry rights many years, and also identified with the religious and social features as they existed in days gone by, and are among the few pioneer families that are identified with the business, religious and social features of Watervliet.
William Helm came from Germany in 1856, to West Troy in 1866. Shoemaker. Died in 1898. Member Jermain Lutheran Church, Troy.
William J. Helm (son) established the shoe business in 1876 at his present location, No. 1553 Broadway. Member of Oswald Hose Company, captain in 1901, and treasurer of same at this date. One of our business men that has a pride in the city's fire department, seeking to place it on a higher plane of efficiency. A thorough business man, of large acquaintance and popular through- out the city.
1901.
Charles G. Richenecker, carriage manufacturer; came from Germany to West Saugerties in 1882, and to West Troy in 1888, being employed by Martin Payne and other firms in Troy until 1889, when he established a plant for the manufacturing of car- riages, etc. Affiliated with Laurel Lodge, I. O. O. F., in 1890. Beginning at the first round of the ladder he has steadily advanced step by step through perseverance, and by the employment of the best mechanics in his line that were available he has been in a position to place upon the market a class of goods that are the
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equal if not superior to other firms in the same line. As a citizen he has an interest in the city's improvement. Is an honored mem- ber of the business community and a congenial neighbor.
John Gladding Clute, son of Charles Clute, liveryman. John G. entered the employment of Mr. Charles Moore in the news- paper and stationery business, leaving his service for the position of messenger for the Bank of West Troy, and for years has been a trusted attache thereof. While connected with this corporation he has filled the position of bookkeeper, paymaster and secretary for the noted firm of William E. Martin, contractors and builders, doubling his hours of labor, looking forward to gain a foothold in the business world, and to-day his close attention to business, courteous manner, integrity, together with his loyal fidelity to the interests of his employers, has secured for him the proud position of secretary and treasurer and also member of the firm of the William E. Martin Company. A position well deserved by a popular representative citizen.
Mrs. Charles Clute (mother). Her natural anxiety in the beginning of her son's business career was much relieved at his early success in life, and her declining years are spent in peaceful quiet and happiness.
Post Jones-Kane, G. A. R., an organization of veterans of the Civil War, whose services rendered in times of trouble are, and should be, appreciated by every loyal American citizen. Frank J. McGuirk is commander.
Royal Arcanum, Watervliet Council No. 1267. Fraternal and beneficial organization, whose members have a deep interest in the welfare of each other, and with open-handed generosity when necessity calls they come to the front with the necessary assist- ance. E. H. Perkins, regent.
Arsenal City Glee Club. Walter Miller, president; A. O. Young, treasurer; Fred Rosekrans, secretary. Popular organiza- tion, very much in the limelight.
R. S. Turner came to West Troy in 1891. Established the grocery business in 1893, corner of Fifth avenue and Fourteenth street. To increase his business, in 1901 he seized the opportunity offered and purchased the elegant residence corner of Third avenue and Sixteenth street, remodeled part of same, and to-day one of the finest fancy and staple groceries existing in the very center of the most popular section of the city. That no mistake was made in its selection, and financial interests have been subserved is evi- denced from the large stock of goods carried, denoting a steady increase of patronage. Mr. Turner was at one time alderman from the Fourth ward; also member of the Electric Light Com- mission, is well posted as to former conditions that retarded the city's advancement, and is in accord with any legitimate move- ment tending to retrieve the business losses of the same.
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H. M. Hulsapple, bookseller, stationer and newsdealer. A con- tinuation of the business formerly established by Mr. Charles Moore, a well-known and honored citizen. His ill health forced him to retire, greatly regretted by his many personal friends. The firm as now represented occupies a leading position and are thor- oughly up to date in their line. Being centrally located, 1589 Broadway, near Sixteenth street ferry, strangers and others can find at all times the latest periodicals of the day.
John C. Taylor came to West Troy in 1836. Followed the trade of stove mounting when foundries were many and wages were such that enabled the employee to live as a white man should.
Henry S. Taylor (son), born and educated in the schools of the place. Engaged in the liquor traffic; afterward established the grocery business in 1903 at his present location, corner Third avenue and Twenty-third street. He is well known and popular.
1902.
C. D. Van Dercook; cigar box manufactory. Established in Troy in 1878. Herman A. Wolfram, settling in Troy in 1869, became connected with him, being a woodworker, foot of Federal street, Troy. Soon after the firm burned out, and in 1898 Mr. Wolfram removed the business, locating in Watervliet at 1621 Twenty-first street, just east of Broadway. In 1903, the only cigar box factory, and one of the few industrial plants located in the city that is known through the State, carrying and supplying to the trade a line of goods that both in price and quality outclass many competitors, while the well known standard business methods of the proprietor secures for him the confidence of the business community. At one time a member of the public improvement commission and at present one of the police commissioners of the city, he is not a politician, yet is interested in any movement that will improve conditions as they now exist, realizing that the com- bined efforts of the citizens are necessary to uplift and advance the social, moral and business interests of the city if capitalists and others are attracted to locate within its borders.
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