USA > Ohio > Wood County > Grand Rapids > Grand Rapids, Ohio : a souvenir of the past and present. July, 1897 > Part 3
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For the convenience of his large busi- ness, Mr. Thurston carries a balance with the First National Bank of Toledo. and The National Park Bank of New York, which are respectively, West and East, two of the strongest and best man- aged banking institutions of the United States. He takes advantage of every discount, and is considered good for his wants in every part of the coun- try.
Though raging fever fills the veins, Hot with the flux of impure blood, Until proud reason loose the reins, Resigns her throne and chaos comes- Still, let not hope despondent grow, The antidote may bere be found On careful reading, and the woe No longer fills the heart with fear. 'Seek, it is said, and thou shalt find
Sweet consolation for thy search:
.And health of body, peace of mind, Rewardeth him who seeks and finds Such bahn, so lightly hidden here, As healeth blood impurities,
Purgeth the mind of gloomy fear .And maketh life worth living.
Read elsewhere for the full details, Intently scan each line and word: J.earn that it cures when all else fails; Learn what it cures, then haste to buy,
And nothing else you'll care to try.
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FRED J. HEETER
Was born September 2, 1865, son of Jacob and Katharine ( Fisher) Heeter. He is essentially a Grand Rapids product, born here and educated here; and we can unhesitatingly say that he has developed into as good a citizen as any village can boast of. At the age of sixteen Fred went into the grocery trade, and from a small beginning has built up a business which is second to none in its line in this section. He owns the building which he occupies, and carries a complete line of staple and fine groc- eries, queensware, tobacco, cigars, and confectionery. And he is an acknow- ledged leader in every line handled. He has always carried the best goods that his market would warrant, and his patrous may be sure of getting the best their money will buy any- where. In foreign and domestic fruits he was the first large dealer in the village, and his store has always been headquarters for the best grade of confectionery. His cigar trade
is the largest in town, both in do- mestic and imported brands. Or late years he has been making a specialty of queensware, fine table china and glass ware; and of which he carries the most complete line in town.
On June 12, 1895, Mr. Heeter was un'ted in marriage with Miss Etta Thomas, one of the most attractive young ladies of the village, and who shares with him the high regard of the community. As an example of the esteem in which Fred Heeter is held it is sufficient to say that he is a leading Democrat, but has been re- peatedly elected to office in this village, which is overwhelmingly Re- publican. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and K of P. societies, and a . leader in everything for the good of the town.
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JAMES S. FOOR
Was born June 22, 1851, at Findlay, Ohio, son of Isaiah and Susan (Folk) Foor. He received his education in the public schools. About the year '63 the family moved on to the farm in Henry county, at the point known as Randall Hill. Here our subject grew to manhood. At an early age he learned the trade of carpenter and builder, and within a few years was the leading contractor and builder in that part of the country. In 1875 he married Mary, daughter of Osman and Nancy ( Price) Bucklin. About this time Mr. Foor took up the study of architecture, and was soon able to design and plan as well as execute; which added materially to his success as contractor and builder. In 1882 he removed to the Rapids, and in '88 he leased the Peugh planing mills and opened the business of manufact- urer and jobber in builders' supplies, and which business he is still engag-
ed in.
In 1894, Mrs. Foor died leaving her husband with four children : Ray, who is now occupying a clerical position in Toledo. Pearl, recently united in marriage with Mr. C. L. Laskey, and Lulu and Coy, who are still at home.
In September, 1896 Mr. Foor mar- ried Della M., daughter of Henry and Harriet (Hubbard) Pratt, a young lady of cultivation and refinement, and highly esteemed in the commun- ity.
Persons expecting to build will do well to consult Mr. Foor. He will on application furnish designs, plans and estimates, on very liberal terms. He is prepared at all times to furnish anything in the line of rough or dressed lumber, frames. doors, sash, blinds, shingles, lath, etc., and will, also make proposals for the erection of any class of buildings.
As a citizen, Mr. Foor is held in high estimation ; for many years he has served almost continuously as a member of council or of the school board, and is always active in village matters. He is a leading member of the local lodge of Odd Fellows, and for the past eight years has held the office of permanent secretary.
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W. E. KERR
Was born on the farm in Monclova township, Lucas county, Ohio, March 2,1853; son of Jesse and Eliza (Evans) Kerr. He was educated in the grad- ed schools of Maumee City, which are among the best in the country. While yet a lad he learned telegraphy and at the age of seventeen entered the employ of the Western Union 'Telegraph Co., where he remained about three years. About the year 1873 he entered the employment of Kerr & Bortle, who succeeded Laskey & Bro. in the general store and grain trade in 1866. In 1875, Mr. B. F. Kerr, brother of our subject, purchas-
ed the interest of Mr. Bortle, and Mr. W. E. Kerr continued as book-keeper and salesman, in which commection he remained for a period of ten years. He next engaged with the leading dry goods jobbers of Toledo as a traveling salesman. During this engagement he had erected the west half of the business block which he now occupies.
Mr. Kerr engaged in the general store business in the Rapids about six years ago. With an active ex. perlence of some eighteen years in all the minutia of the trade, both whole- sale and retail, and occupying prem-
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ises specially built to his order, the business has open successful from the day of epening until the present time. About three years ago his business had increased to such an extent that it became necessary to double the capacity of his store room, and the result is the large double store rooms which he now ocenpies, and which for convenience, light and capacity are among the best in the county.
W. E. Kerr is a natural n erchaut ; always courteous and attentive, stock always full and fresh, and displayed in the best manner; constantly ex- amining the markets for anything new and desirable, and maintaining an ample credit east and west, his business moves with the precision of elock work. Courtesy and square dealing, a full stoek, and high grade goods at low prices are the secrets of his success.
September 18th, 1978. Mr. Kerr was united in marriage with Miss Nelly J., the handsome and accomplished daughter of B. F. and Josephine (Perrin) Pratt. Mr B. F., better known as "Foster" Pratt is a member of the great Pratt family referred to in the early history of the village, and which from the opening of the settlements until the present date has been considered one -of the leading families of the Maumee Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr have one child, Jesse Foster, a bright, handsome boy of six They have a very pleasant home. and are among the most high- ly respected citizens of the village. Mr. Kerr is one of the most prominent and active membere of the M. E. church society, of which church he Has been a member since childhood. '
He is a great lover of children, and is never too busy to devote lots of time to the instruction and amusement of the little ones; and it is safe to say that no citizen of the Rapids is more highly regarded by the youth of the village.
He is the present superintendent of the Sabbath School, and has been re- peutedly elected to that office He is a prominent Odd Fellow, being an active member of Lodge, Camp and Canton ; and to him, more than any other member, the local bodies are indebted for their fine, well furnished lodge room and general condition of prosperity. And right here we desire to call attention to a fact which is too often overlooked by the people of a community, and that is that the merchant who invests his profits at home in substantially building up and beautifying the town, is at the same time enhancing the value of every dollars worth of real property in the town or contigious thereto. Mr. Kerr has been in business in the Rapids about six years and hi- profits have been placed upon the tax dupli- cate of the county in the shape of real estate improvements.
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JOHN E. STEVENS
Was born May 29, 1851, at Cook's Corners, Huron county, Ohio, son of John A. and Eathelinda (Heath) Stevens. He received his education in the common schools. At an early age he learned the blacksmith's trade and for a number of years worked at jour work, first with John Hoover, of Weston, then with Seneca Ster- ling. of Weston, and last with T. J. Sterling, of the Rapids. Some years ago he purchased the business, tools and property owned by T. J. Ster- ling, and since that date has been conducting the largest general black- smithing business in the neighbor- hood. Mr. Stevens, while he is a skilled workman in all branches of the trade, is particularly successful as a horseshoer; and for very good reasons. First, he likes the work; next, he has made a study of the
peculiarities of horse's feet for many years; and, lastly, he does all bis work in a careful and painstaking manner.
In 1872 Mr. Stevens was united in marriage with Miss Jane, daughter of William and Mary (Rockwell) Bea- man, and to them were born two of the children now living, Sylvester and Louise. Mrs. Stevens lived but a few years after the birth of her children.
In 1883 he married Miss Emma, daughter of John E and Sarah (Mc- Cabe) Carson, and at this date Mr. and Mrs. Stevens reside in their nice, comforable home at the corner of Main and Second streets. The family consists of five children, three of whom are at home
Referring to their home, we may add that Mr. Stevens owns, also, the residence property adjoining him on the west, and now occupied by his søn Sylvester and family, and which he contemplates joining to the prop- erty he occupies, and thus form one large, and very desirable residence property.
John E. Stevens is one of the most respected citizens of the "Rapids," and is now serving his second term as mayor of the village. He is a prominent member of the Presby- terian church, of which he has been a ruling elder for several years.
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ED. H. HOPKINS
Was born Nov. 12, 1850. at Albion, Michigan, son of William and Mary (Phoenix) Hopkins. He attended the common schools until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to Detroit and learned the trade of machinist. He remained at Detroit eight years, and then began business on his own account, and for several years moved from point to point erecting and repairing engines. He next located in Toledo, where he re- mained nine years. The next move was to Grand Rapids, where he built and equipped one of the most com- plete machine shops to be found out- side the large cities and towns.
As a machinist, Mr. Hopkins has few peers and no superiors in this part of the country, and his shops are so well equipped that the work of many of the neighboring towns is sent here. In addition to regular work, he keeps a full line of bicycle repairs, and also furnishes parts, and
repairs lawnmowers, fire-arms, pumps, etc. Ed, is not only a superior me- chanic, but is an all around good citizen . He is a member of the vil . lage council. and prominent in all movements for public improvements.
Socially, he is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders, and the above cut represents him in his uniform as a Patriarch Militant of the latter order. He is an ardent sports- man, and a crack shot; and, next to his wife, bis affections are centered in an L. C. Smith hammerless, and a fine English pointer.
Eleven years ago Ed. married Cora E., daughter of John and Emily Heller. Mrs. Hopkins is a handsome and intelligent lady and is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. They have no children.
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JEREMIAH E HUFFMAN
Was born August 2, 1844, in York county, Pennsylvania, son of John and Nancy ( Wire) Huffman The family came to Ohio in 1850 and lo- cated on the farm now owned by our subject, being in section 3 of this township J E. Huffman was ed- ucated in the common schools, and worked on the farm until 1863 when he enlisted in the 68th regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the war. After the war he returned to farming, and in October, 1867 married Elsie, daughter of John and Elsie ( Van Voltenberg) Phillips.
In 1888, Mr. Huffman leased his farm and removed to the Rapids, where he opened a jobbing business in Poultry and Eggs, ship- ping direct to New York. In the spring of '94 he opened a retail grocery in his business property on East
Front street, and discontinued, practi- callv, the purchase of eggs from the trade; but his books show that he has not entirely dropped out of the egg trade yet, as he has taken in individually an average of something over 2,000 dozen weekly since then. He still continues to do something in the poultry line, especially during the holiday season when he scatters, $500 to $600 daily among the neigh- boring farmers "Jerry" Huffman is one of the most popular citizens of Grand Rapids township. Years ago it was the custom to elect him an- nually to the office of assessor wheth- er he wanted it or not, but he finally flatly refused to serve. He has serv. ed on the council and school board, and is always among the foremost in contributing to anything for the good of the town, He is a member of Bond Post, G. A. R., and is always ready to serve an old conrade.
In trade he is always pleasant and obliging, and, as he sells good goods at fair prices, bis trade is constantly increasing. He carries a full line of staple and fancy groceries, smoked meats, foreign and domestic fruite, and pays the highest price for pro- duce. If you don't know Jerry Huft- man it will pay you to call and get acquainted.
Mr. and Mrs. Huffman have two children, Verne P., who was recently united in marriage with Miss Edna Peters, and Lillie, a young lady, who is still at home. They have a hand- some home on Second street, and still own the old home farm.
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DR. B. A. MANOR
Was born Oct. 20, 1871 at St. Marys, Ohio, son of John and Cordelia ( Has- kins) Manor. The father of our sub- ject was a son of Frank Manor, who was a son of the Peter Manor here-to- fore referred to as having been given a section of land at the head of the Grand Rapids by his Indian friends, and who was the pioneer of pioneers in the settlement of Providence town- ship, Lucas county .
B. A. Manor received his education in the public schools of Celina and Napoleon, Ohio. While yet in his boyhood he had the great misfortune to lose both of his parents by death. But, if it is possible for the place of parents to be filled, it has certainly been filled in this instance by "Aunt Martha" Manor; a lady who, in this section at least, has few equals in in- telligence, education or refinement, and with whom Bert has had a home for many years.
A few years since Mr. Manor enter- ed the Ohio Medical University, and from which he graduated a short time since with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery.
This is a profession to which he seems singularly adapted, as he is a natural mechanic, and several years prior to taking the regular course he had made sets, and pa.ts of sets of artificial teeth which were accounted by competent authority to be first- class in every respect. His later work has a style and finish peculiarly his own, and is the equal of the best in the country. And not only has he received high praise for his me- chanical work, but his treatment and care of the natural teeth gives the greatest satisfaction. He does every - thing in the line of high grade den- tistry.
The improvement in dental work during the past few years will be a great revelation to those who have not had an opportunity to observe the same. The best talent of the profession have been studying and working for the better protection and prolonged usefulness of the natural teeth, and modern crown work and transplanting is the result. Then, the disagreeable cumbersomeness of the old plate work has been entirely done away with, and the thin, light aluminum plates, and bridge work have come to stay. Call on Dr. Manor and observe the result of scientific study and experiment.
Dr. Manor is a general favorite in the community, and it is to be hoped that he may be induced to remain with us for some time to come.
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C. B COLE, M. D.
Dr. Cole is a native of the adjoining county of Henry, born Oct. 9, 1866, son of Newton S. and Julia A. (Park- er Cole. The father is the well known merchant of Holgate, and one of the leading citizens of Henry county. Heis the father of three sons, all of whom are professional men: Allen Eugene, the second son, and Guy O., the youngest, are each graduates of the Ohio Medical Uni- versity, and each received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. The former is practicing in Leipic, Ohio, and the latter at Holgate. Claude B., our subject, first entered the scientif- ic department of the Ohio State Uni- versity , and next took a course in the
Columbus Medical College. His third school was the Long Island Medical College, of Brooklyn, and the fourth was the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. All of these are standard schools, and the last named ranks with the very highest in Europe or America. When we consider this splendid list of alma maters, and seven years of active practice, Dr. Cole's wonderful success as a physi- cian is readily understood.
On June 14, 1894, Dr. Coie married Miss Flora A. Housley, a most ostim- able young lady, daughter of Richard A. and Anna (Friend) Housley. Helen Marie is the pretty name of their very pretty little daughter.
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This picture represents A. J. Gard- ner, M. D. as he appeared a few years ago. Now, older, and, if not wiser, he has more experience. Is a native Buckeye, born in 1827. He commenced the practice of medicine when 21 years old, and has rounded out over half a century in prescribing and handling medicines as physican and druggist, and the older he grows the more he has to learn to keep up with the procession.
This is an experimental age. Phy- sicans are experimenting on the thousand and one new medicines which are yearly put forth. Nearly every town has its proprietory medi- cine factory, and the people stand ready to swallow every new thing
that comes along, not knowing wheth- er poisonous or not. A statement is made of a sarsaparilla sold in the country that contains 5 parts sarsapa- rilla and 95 parts water. Medicine fakirs are traveling from house to house. Wonderfui that more people are not killed by these nostrum venders. There are now about 7,000 distinct medicines and 15,000 patents sold by jobberg, and this does not include near all. A store room reaching across the river would be required to display all these medicines.
The Grand Rapids Drug Store was established in 1860 and carries a small part of the list, and the proprietor has some knowledge how to handle them.
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R. D. KNAPP.
The above is a remarkably poor por- trait of Ralph DeForest Knapp, or, as he is known by every man, woman and child in the Rapids, as "Fod" Knapp, the jeweler. Mr. Knapp is a native Buckeye, being born in the village of Waterville, Lucas county, May 6, 1862, son of David P. and Ellen (Taylor) Knapp. During the early childhood of our subject the family removed to Haskins, Wood county, where he received his educa- tion in part. Later, the family re- moved to Tontogany, in this county, and here he finished his school days.
Before he was twenty-one years of age Mr. Knapp had learned the trade of watchmaker and jeweler, and in 1882 he came to the Rapids and open- ed a jewelry store and work shop.
On June 10th, 1883 he was united in marriage with Miss Nora J., daugh- ter of John and Emeline ( Fredericks) Kiger and their union has been bless-
ed with four children. Lottie May, Albert Clark, Delbert Porter and Charles Frederick.
Mr. Knapp is a good citizen, attends strictly to his own business, has no bad habits, and is always ready to as-ist in any thing for the good of the community. He owns a comfortable home on Monroe street and also owns his business rooms on Front street. He is a man of remarkable versatility and can turn his hand to all most anything. Some years ago when the jewelry trade became dull he took up photography, in connection with his regular business, and for eight years he made pictures, and good pictures too. Then he sold his picture busi- ness and later put in a barber chair; and at this date it is claimed by good judges that "Fod" can do a shave or hair-cut with the best of them. In watch and clock cleaning and repair- ing he has the reputation of doing first-class work at about one-half the price charged for the same work in city shops. He carries a line of rings, charms, studs, buttons, pins, etc., suited to the trade, and, also, a line of plain, substantial watches, and when something out of the ordinary is wanted he takes orders and supplies the article at a very small margin over wholesale cost. Thus people are able to buy through him the same goods, and at much lower price than charged by city dealers. He does everything in the line of jewelry re- pair work, and will clean and burnish free of charge. If you want to buy a watch, or clock, or wish one cleaned or repaired, or if you want a piece of jewelry, or the same repaired, call on Mr. Knapp, and you will get the best satisfaction for your money.
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JOHN M. ROBERTS.
People at home and abroad will recognize the above as a fair portrait of the widely known Grand Rapids barber, and world-renowned fisherman. What John don't know about a hair cut and shave, or capturing a string of black bass, is hardly worth mentioning. Mr. Roberts makes no preten- tions to style ; don't advertise himself as an "Artist," nor his shop as "Tonsorial Parlors;" and he never slights a job because his customer happens to work for a living, and doesn't wear tan shoes or crease his pants. Very few people are aware that John is a veteran of the war of the Rebellion, because he has never made any particular blow about it. But he served in the 28th Indiana Infantry, just the same. After the war he drifted from point to point, working at his trade in one city or town until he became tired of the place, and then going to another. In Sept. 1885 he came to the "Rapids" to fish, liked the town, and has been here ever since. In August 1888 he married Miss Lorena Fry, daughter of Ambrose Fry, of McComb. At this date he owns a comfortable home on West Front street, where he has three good town lots and gives full sway to his hobby for raising fancy poultry. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have three of the prettiest children in town, Grace, Nancy and Carey.
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E. G. LASKEY.
Edward George Laskey was born at Gilead (Grand Rapids), May 25, 1852, son of George and Anjenette (How- ard) Laskey.
He received his education in the Grand Rapids schools. He show- ed great aptitude for business at an early age, and before he was twenty- one he engaged in the general hard- ware trade at Ottawa, Putnam coun- ty. Oct. 17th, 1872 he married Annie, daughter of Dr. Springer. Shortly afterward he returned to Grand Rap- ids and entered into partnership with Capt. A. H. Gruber in the hardware trade. Later he sold his interest to Mr. Gruber and, afterward, engaged with his brother, Sherman, in a gen- eral støre business. After some years the brothers divided the stock, Ed- ward taking men and women's fur- nishing goods, boots, shoes, hats,caps, etc., and Sherman taking dry goods
ard groceries. Sherman removed to Michigan, and Edward retained the old Laskey stand, where he is now located. Mr. E. G. Laskey has been in business continuously almost from boyhood, and is considered one of the best salesmen in the country. His large store room is stocked with the leading lines of Geut's, Ladies', Youths', and Children's shoes. Every- thing in the line of Men's and Wo- men's Furnishing Goods, Hats and Caps, and a full line of Rubbers of best manufacture. He is sole agent for two of the largest merchant tail - oring establishments of Chicago, and makes a specialty of fine suits to order. He also carries a line of men's pants, overalls, work suits, sweaters, etc., etc. Ea. Laskey is one of the most genial and kind hearted men that ever lived. There is hardly a poor boy in the country to whom Ed. has not extended credit when he most needed it. Hundreds of poor people, without a penny of security, have to thank Ed. for shoes and clothing for themselves and children, when all other doors were closed to them. It goes without saying that he has lost thousands of dollars in this kind of work. But he never lost confidence in humanity, and believes every man is honest until he proves himself otherwise. Mrs. Laskey is fully as kindhearted as her husband, and wherever there is poverty of sickness there she is found with a helping band. Their only child, C. L., now a young man, was recently married to Miss Pearl Foor, the accomplished and handsome daughter of J . S. Foor. The young people are highly es- teemed by the entire community.
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