BIOGRAPHIES - Pages 245-264

     FRANK C. BENNETT. It has often been observed that business capacity is an inherited trait and that to one who has this characteristic opportunities for success seem to come almost unsought. Social and educational advantages of course add to the capability of such a man but he must have these native traits in order to succeed in life in a business way. Such capabilities belong to our subject, who is engaged in steam and hot water heating, plumbing and gas-fitting and who handles besides an extensive stock of general furnishing household goods.

     Mr. Bennett, who is one of the Board of Aldermen of Lansing, Ingham County, was born in Bethlehem, now a part of the city of Albany, N.Y., June 15, 1853. His father, Sanford Bennett, was a native of the same city and his grandfather who bore the same name, came from Connecticut. He took a farm of two hundred acres near Albany which he cultivated until he removed to Penn Yan in Yates County, where he died in 1859. The (246) family is of Scotch descent and boasts the possession of blue blood. The father who was a graduate of the department of law of the University of' New York at Albany, practiced his profession for awhile and was Justice of the Peace and Associate Justice of a lower court and during the war acted as enrolling officer. Later he went into the mercantile business and in 1874 came to Lansing where he located and is living a retired life. He was strong in his convictions, both as to political and religious matters and was identified with the Republican party and Presbyterian Church.

     The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Elizabeth J. Congdon, and she was also a native of Albany. Her father, William T. Congdon, was born near Boston. He carried on a sawmill and a knitting mill on the Norman Skill Creek near Albany. His daughter, the mother of our subject, is now fifty-eight years of age and has three sons--William S., who is bookkeeper with his brother; F. C., and Clinton C., who is a traveling salesman with his headquarters at Cleveland, Ohio.

     He of whom we write was reared and educated in Albany, taking a course in the Albany High School and at the age of about sixteen years he learned engineering, making a specialty of stationary engines. Even before coming to Lansing he was employed by the Walworth Manufacturing Company of Boston. It was in the winter of 1871-72 that he came to this city and engaged in engineering here in the mills and took charge of the steam heating in the Agricultural College. He was still in the employ of the Walworth Manufacturing Company and while the capitol was being finished he became foreman of the steam-heating department, which he held until the close of the job. He then acted in the same capacity for the work on the Ionia Prison and also on the Pontiac Asylum. All of these large contracts gave him the benefit of a broad experience. He remained in the employ of this Boston firm until about the year 1879, when they closed their work in Michigan and our subject ceased his connection with them.

     Mr. Bennett, in 1880, started the furnishing business in which he now is and took as partner Mr. Jacques for a short time and then Mr. White for a few months, since which he has carried on the business alone, gradually increasing it. In 1885 he bought the plumbing establishment of Charles Herrick, and took as his partner in that line of work George T. Gordon. The basement of his establishment is devoted to that branch of the business--general plumbing and water and steam-heating. He keeps from twelve to fifteen men at work and takes contracts for large jobs. In his store he keeps everything in the line of general house furnishing and has a fine storeroom, 22x90 feet. Besides other real estate, he owns a pleasant residence at No. 307 Walnut Street.

     The marriage of Mr. Bennett which took place May 30, 1878, united him with Miss Agnes S. Wiley who was born in Lansing, her parents having been early settlers here. Their three children are Franc, Carrie and Aggie. Besides filling the office of Alderman as he is now doing for the Second Ward, our subject was Supervisor for one term. He was the only Republican Alderman elected this year (1891) and there are only two of that party now in the Council. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being now Noble Grand in Lodge, No. 45. He is also a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of the Knights of Pythias. He is prominently active in the First Presbyterian Church at Lansing and is a very influential man in his party being often made delegate to county conventions.

     JOHN J. TUTTLE. Those of us who have encountered difficulties in life, such as come to men who are striving to better their financial condition, imagine that we know what "hard times" means, but if we could compare our experiences with those of the gentleman whose name give, we would conclude that we could not even spell the beginning of this much-used term. When a man has cut his road through dense forests from the outer world to his farm, has built a log cabin and lived in it five years before any team of either neighbor or traveler passed his door, or before he could see the smoke from any cabin but his own, and had struggled through poverty and scarcity of opportunities to gain a bare subsistence, we may well believe that he knows the full definition of the term, "hard times." This pioneer farmer resides on section 7, of the township of Leslie and was born in Mentz, Cayuga County, N.Y., June 14, 1812, being the son of Jabez and Betsey (Ayres) Tuttle, natives of New Jersey and New York respectively. Jabez Tuttle first saw the light in Elizabethtown, N.J., in 1761, and while still a young man he removed after his marriage to Mentz, N.Y., where he and his good wife made their home for the remainder of their days. He was a pioneer there and followed both carpentering and farming, and also operated a distillery on his farm for many years, for in those days temperance reform had not begun and distilling was considered a very reputable calling. This pioneer was also a Revolutionary soldier for a short time and also served in the War of 1812. He became a Whig and upon the organization of the Republican party joined that body, but never took any part in public service. Notwithstanding his warlike experience, he was ever a faithful member of the Society of Friends, while his wife was an earnest and zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was born on Long Island, N.Y., about the year 1771 and died at the age of seventy-six years.

     These parents were blessed with four sons and three daughters, namely: Phoebe, Sallie, Hannah, Benjamin, James B., John J. and Samuel. James B. and John J. are the only survivors of the family and they were reared upon their father's farm. Our subject remained at home until he reached the age of sixteen years, at which time he was bound out to learn the blacksmith's trade in Auburn, N.Y., but not liking the man to whom he was apprenticed he ran away, and going to Weedsport, N.Y., there served an apprenticeship for three years at the tanner's and currier's trade. He then engaged in the tanning business, using, his father's old still-house on the home farm as a tannery, and carried on this business for two years.

     During the Black Hawk War he took a contract from the Government to butcher and supply the friendly Indians with meat and was located at Chicago, which was then a village of perhaps one thousand inhabitants. He at that time owned a half acre of land on which the Tremont House in that city, and which, if he had held it to the present time, would have made him immensely wealthy; but Chicago corner lots had not seen the advance which they now hold and he disposed of his property.

     In November, 1834, this gentleman returned to New York and followed farming for two years, when he decided to give up his work there and come West. It was in the fall of 1837 that he purchased eighty acres of forest land where he now resides in Leslie, Ingham County, and in the following spring he brought his family to the new homestead. They came from Auburn to Detroit by water and from Detroit to his farm by team through the woods, cutting their way through the heavy timber.

     Nothing was so scarce as money in those days and often when the family received a letter from the East it would be weeks before they could obtain the two shillings which must be paid for its delivery. They struggled along through difficulties which to the modern man would seem insurmountable, but never faltered nor fainted by the way. With his own right arm and his own trusty ax he cleared the timber from one hundred acres of his farm, and with the help of others has cleared another one hundred acres. For several years he was surrounded by Indians and wild beasts, but as he was always friendly and true in his dealings with the red man he had no trouble with him. He has added to his possessions until he now has one thousand and forty acres all in one body, a portion of which he gives to his son.

     Mr. Tuttle is one of the wealthiest men in this county and has made his property by hard labor as he has never speculated. Besides his farm property he also owns farm property in Leslie and is a stockholder in the People's Bank, in which he has been a Director since its organization. He is a man of very decided convictions and is strong in his preference for and belief in the Republican party. During the days of the Civil War he was Township Supervisor and has been Justice of the Peace for fourteen years, besides filling various (248) township offices. He has placed all the improvements which are now to he seen upon his farm and has a large two-story frame house, besides excellent barns, and his land is among the finest tracts to be found in Ingham County.

     The marriage of this pioneer gentleman took place March 12, 1836, and he then took to wife Miss Emma A. Warren, of Palmyra, Wayne County, N.Y., who was born in Camden N.J., April 6, 1812. She was a daughter of William and Mary (Horn) Warren and granddaughter of Gen. Warren of Revolutionary fame. Mrs. Tuttle died September 2, 1887, leaving three children. Her eldest, Sarah J. is now the wife of Daniel Frary, a farmer in this township, and she is the mother of three children, Elizabeth, Emma and Blanche. The next child is Ogden V., a farmer in this township who married Miss Elizabeth McArthur of New York and has two children, Artie J. and Grace. The youngest child, Celestia, died when a beautiful young lady of eighteen years. The magnificent record which this gentleman has made and the honorable character which he sustains, form a bright spot in the annals of Ingham County, for his wealth has not been made out of the necessities and distresses of his fellow man but has been honorably acquired and is his by every right, both human and divine.

     HON. CORNELIUS K. GOWER the Superintendent of the State Reform School at Lansing, Ingham County, was born in Abbott, Me., July 3, 1845. He is a son of Cornelius N. and Abigail (Hawes) Gower, the former of whom was also born in Maine and there made his home until his son and our subject had attained years of manhood. He of whom we write received the fundamental portion of his education in his boyhood's home and took the preparatory course for college at Waterville, after which he attended Colby University in the same city in his native State. He completed his course, however, at the University of Michigan being graduated in1867, at which time the degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred upon him. Prior to his graduation and during the intervals of his college course he taught three winters on the coast of Maine and also in Massachusetts. His early life was spent on a farm.

     After graduating he engaged in teaching for one year, during which time he was employed in the High School at Ann Arbor. At the same time he was a student in the law department of' the University. In 1868 he was invited to become Principal of the public school at Fenton, Mich., and there remained for three years, when he was elected Superintendent for Genesee County. This position he filled for three years during which he discharged the duties incident to the office most satisfactorily. At the expiration of that time he resigned in order to accept the position of Superintendent in the city schools of Saginaw. He entered upon his duties in 1874, and in 1878 while still so engaged he was appointed by Gov. Crosswell as Superintendent of Public Instruction to fill a vacancy made by the resignation of Hon. H. S. Tarbell. The same fall he received a compliment paid to his able discharge of the duties incident to that office by an election to the place, and again in 1880 was re-elected.

     In February, 1881 he was appointed Superintendent of the State Reform School. Here he has remained ever since, and the success of that institution is due in no small degree to his able administration. Mr. Gower was united in marriage at Fenton, September 12, 1871, to Miss Dora L. Walton, of the same city in which their marriage was solemnized. They are the parents of three children who are Helen D., Charles A. and Clara A. They are all young people of whom their parents may well be proud. Naturally bright and surrounded from earliest years, with those influences that would naturally develop the best side of their natures, they early displayed an unusual richness of character. Mrs. Gower is a native of Hartland, Livingston County, this State, and is a daughter of Earl E. and Helen Walton. The father of our subject is still living, residing in Wisconsin.

     Mr. Gower is the President of the Beacon (249) Publishing Company, of which a history may be found under the biographical sketch of the Rev. C. H. Beale in another part of this ALBUM. The last named gentleman is secretary and editor of this paper, which is the State organ of the Congregational Society. It was purchased by the present company in 1887 and has an extensive circulation throughout the State. Our subject has for the past eight years been intimately connected with Messrs. E. Bement & Sons, manufacturers, and when the firm was incorporated, he was elected the first Vice-President and he has ever since held that position. He has ever taken a deep interest in religious matters as may be inferred from his connection with so important a religious organ as the Beacon. For several years he has been a member of the State Committee on Home Missions of the Congregational Church and the work that he has accomplished while in this position has not been inconsiderable. Mr. Gower is a member and generous supporter of the Plymouth Congregational Church of this cit y. He is a Knight Templar, but is not largely interested in secret societies, having all that he can attend to in his own professional line and his church work. He is a man who is held in the highest esteem by all the people of the community. Politically he is a Republican.

     JAMES W. TILLOTSON. Biographies of successful men are most useful as guides and incentives to others and hence a volume of this character, containing the life records of the most prominent and representative citizens of the county, serves to stimulate the young and invite their emulation. Mr. Tillotson is well known throughout Ingham County as in influential farmer and business man of Lansing Township, where he resides on section 8. His fine farm of one hundred and forty-five acres adjoins the city of Lansing and forms a beautiful contrast, with its waving grain and green orchards, to the imposing structures of the capital city.

     The paternal grandfather of Mr. Tillotson bore the name of Zadock Tillotson, and was a native of New York, of English extraction. The immediate progenitors of our subject were Erastus A. and Phidelia (Mather) Tillotson, the former a native of the Empire State and the latter born in Ohio. It was in the latter State that their destinies for life were united in 1841, the ceremony being performed at the bride's home in Medina County. Only two children blessed their happy married life--James W., of this sketch, being the elder, and born August 9, 1843. His brother, Erastus, now engaged in the postal service and a resident of Omaha Neb., was born in 1845, on October 3. His wife bore the maiden name of Laura Williams.

     Our subject was reared on a farm and gained a common-school education by taking advantage of all the opportunities afforded by the district in which he resided. In the meantime he gained a thorough practical knowledge of agriculture in its various departments and became well fitted to take charge of a farm of his own. Naturally when the time came for him to select a calling in life he chose agriculture, and the success which has attended his efforts proves the wisdom of his choice. Until he was nineteen years old he remained with his father, but at that age started out in life for himself.

     In 1864, Mr. Tillotson came West to Michigan, of whose advantages much was said in those days and from whose fertile soil it was predicted fortunes could be gained. After he located here he first worked by the month and careful economy enabled him to soon make a purchase of property for himself. In 1873 he was married to Miss Baldwin, and one daughter was born to them--Nina M., whose natal day was April 20, 1874. She is now attending school in the city of Lansing and is quite proficient in her studies. She brightens the home of her father and is not only the object of his devoted interest, but also that of her grandmother, Mrs. Phidelia Tillotson, who presides with dignity and grace over the household of her son.

     A gravel mine or bank on Mr. Tillotson's farm furnishes thousands of tons of gravel for street purposes in the city of Lansing and is a considerable source of revenue. Mr. Tillotson devotes his attention to mixed farming and finds in the discharge of his varied duties as a citizen and agriculturalist, (250) abundant opportunity for his energy and ability to be utilized. His father bought the farm which is now his property, in 1851, it being then all timber land, and containing few evidences of its present prosperity. But the father survived to see a city grow up from a wilderness. He died July 7, 1887, at the ripe old age of seventy years. The mother, as above stated, is still living in the enjoyment of good health and with faculties unimpaired.

     In politics Mr. Tillotson adheres to the principles of the Republican party and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Socially he belongs to the Lansing Lodge, No. 33, A. F. & A. M. The mother is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

    PROF. ROBERT BARKER. One of the most touching tributes which was given by "the common people" to our Saviour when on earth was that  "He maketh the blind to see." Men of benevolence and scientific research have followed in His sacred steps in working for those to whom sight has been denied, and in alleviating the misfortune which has fallen upon them. Many skillful oculists have brought the sweet light of day to "those who sat in darkness", and where this has been impossible the benevolent and wise have sought out means of mitigating the affliction by giving such instruction as shall bring the unfortunate ones within the circle of human intelligence, thus breaking down some of the bars which had risen up between them and their fellow men. To give a sketch of the life and work of the Superintendent of the Michigan School for the Blind is a task to which we gladly respond.

     This gentleman was born in Berry Township, Orleans County, N.Y., May 13, 1827, and there he grew to manhood. His father, Joseph Barker, was born in Lincolnshire, England, and the grandfather, John, was an English weaver and a farmer after coming to America, which change of residence he made about the year 1812. He was a devout member of the Church of England and died in Orleans County, N.Y., to which he had removed from Ontario County. The father, who came to America at the age of thirteen followed farming, as we have said, in Berry Township, until his death at the age of seventy-seven years. He was a sturdy Jacksonian Democrat in his political views.

     The mother of our subject came of an old New England family, and was early made an orphan by the death of her father. She was born in Bennington, Vt., and bore the maiden name of Submit Cowles. She died in Berry Township at the age of fifty years having been the mother of nine children, of whom our subject was the third in order of age. He attended the common school and after that took a course of study in Melville Academy, and when eighteen years old he began teaching. Having spent two terms at the teacher's desk he entered the New York State Normal School at Albany which was at that time the only normal school in the country and for which he was so well prepared that he was able to enter the junior class. He graduated in 1848 at the age of twenty-one.

     The young man now entered the profession of teaching in earnest and taught one year in Eagle Harbor, one year in Palmyra, and three years at Geneva. In 1853 he went to Tennessee and traveled in that State and Kentucky. At Paducah he had a position tendered him as Professor of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in Paducah College. He accepted this chair and at the end of a year removed to the Paducah Female Seminary, of which he became Principal, but after five years was offered the principalship of Winchester Female Institute which he accepted and, held for four years.

     During Prof. Barker's sojourn in the South he had a varied experience and saw a great deal of guerrilla warfare. He was a member of the Kentucky Home Guards from the time of its organization until it disbanded, and was ever fearless and outspoken in his loyalty to the Union flag. In August, 1864 he came to Lansing and engaged in mercantile pursuits for a short time, and then undertook for about three years the work of a special supervising agent for the Etna Fire Insurance Company in Michigan, and was also bookkeeper for the Ionia & Lansing Railroad for one year. He was engaged (251) in the manufacture of drain tile and brick, which business he carried on from 1871 to 1888, and in January, 1881 he became Steward and bookkeeper in the Michigan School for the Blind. The management of this school was so pleased with this gentleman's intelligence and appreciated so highly the broad experience which he had gained that after six months in the institution in this subordinate position he was tendered the Superinteridency, which he accepted in July, 1881.

     The Michigan School for the Blind was in its early years connected with the Deaf and Dumb Institution at Flint, but in 1879 steps were taken to establish a separate school and there were several places canvassed as proper locations, notably, Detroit and Jonesville. It was finally decided to purchase this place which was the old Odd Fellows Institute. It was purchased in 1878 and, being remodeled, has grown to its present fine proportions. James F. McElroy was its first Superintendent, his successor being acting-Superintendent W. G. Race. Following him was George Barnes and then the present Superintendent, our subject. The school is in a flourishing condition, having eighty-five pupils enrolled and the grounds comprise a tract of forty-five acres, all finely improved, being in meadow and pasture land. A beautiful lawn of ten acres contains the main hall, broom shop, hen house and other buildings necessary for the proper carrying on of the school.

     The manufactory of brick and tile which was started by Prof. Barker at Mason is still in operation under the firm name of Barker & Co. Since coming to Michigan he has taken an active interest in organizing the Lansing schools according to a graded system and after he was elected a member of the School Board he helped to organize the schools on the most advanced plans. For eight years he was a member of the Board and during a portion of that time presided over that body and was most of the time on the committee on schools as well as the one on teachers.

     The marriage of Prof. Barker to Miss Emily Cornell took place in Berry Township, N.Y., May 12, 1850. That lady was born in Steuben County, N.Y., and is a daughter of Stephen and Mary Cornell, her father being well known in that region as a mechanic. She was educated in the Academy at Albion and became a teacher. Her four children are: Mary, Mrs. B. D. Northrup of Lansing; Sallie M., a graduate of the Ypsilanti Normal School and a teacher in the city schools, here, Charles S., who is in the employ of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railway at Port Huron and William C., who resides at Mason where he is carrying on the business established by his father.

     Prof. Barker is an active man in the Republican ranks having been in old-time Free Soiler, and has the high respect of his confreres. He is in every way a prominent, public-spirited and enterprisingly man and his broad and rich education and his unfailing fund of information gives him a controlling influence over many minds. He is a member of the Franklin Street Presbyterian Church in which he has been an Elder for twenty years, and where he superintended the Sunday-school for sixteen years. He is now suffering in health on account of a paralytic stroke which has effected him on the left side and he has asked a release from the heavy responsibilities which lie upon him.

      JOSEPH M. McCOMB. Our subject is a farmer and stock-raiser residing on section16, of Vevay Township, Ingham County, where he is the owner of fifty-three acres under most excellent cultivation. He was born in Genesee County, Mich. October 13, 1845. He is the son of Chester and Fidelia (Lake) McComb, the father a native of Canada and of Scotch origin, the mother a native of New York. Our subject's parents were married in Genesee County where he was born. Chester McComb, his father, was a small farmer in Genesee County, this State, where our subject was reared. He was not an exception to other boys of that day in either the way he was brought up or the advantages that he received, for there is a fashion in rearing children as there is a fashion in clothes and the food that one eats.

     Our subject received a fair common-school education in his boyhood days. He had hardly finished school when the War of the Rebellion broke (252) out and he enlisted in the Fifth Michigan Calvary, Company K, in January, 1864. He was detailed to the Army of the Potomac and joined the regiment about the 1st of June, serving under that veteran soldier who afterward lost his life in the encounter with the Indians. He has the most vivid remembrance and impression of Gen. Custer's dignity and bravery under fire. The young man was in every engagement that occurred from the time he entered the war until its termination, that is, in every engagement in which his regiment took part, and had a number of very close calls, as it was his nature in the ardency and impetuosity of youth to always get into the thickest of the fight, where shells were bursting around about him and the fire of musketry was only subdued by the louder boom of the cannon. After the General Review at Washington, the brigade to which Mr. McComb belonged was transferred to Gen. Stagg, who led his men by the overland stage route from Denver to Salt Lake, and during this period they saw much duty, although not so exposed to danger as in the thick of battle.

     Our subject was mustered, out of service March 10, 1866, having been with the army two years, two months and ten days. After his discharge he spent some time roving around the West and became familiar with the physical and geographical condition of Colorado, Wyoming and Utah, at which time he saw much of frontier life, some of it in its roughest and crudest state. On returning to Michigan he staid at his home place for two years, but the Bohemian spirit was still upon him and at the expiration of that time he went to Kansas and then to Missouri where he carried on the cooper's business. His first marriage occurred while in the last named State. His wife was Miss Lucy E. Battie and their marriage was solemnized Christmas, 1874. By this union there is one child, a daughter, whose name is Mabel L.

     The original of our sketch returned to Michigan and settled in Cheboygan County, where he located land from the Government. He remained here about seven years during which time he was married to Miss Emily B. Hill, their marriage taking place January 1, 1882. By this marriage there have been born three children whose names are as follows: Fred G., who was born July 7,1885; Daniel and Phoebe May, twins, who were born September 20, 1886. From Cheboygan Mr. Comb moved his family to his present home in the fall of 1885.

     He of whom we write affiliates with the Republican party and has held many local offices under its lead. He has been School Moderator both here and in Cheboygan County and was Justice of the Peace two years, also School Director for two years. He was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but has severed his connection with that society. Besides himself two of his brothers served in the War of the Rebellion, and although they were mere boys in age at the time of their enlistment, they did good and honorable service. His brother, Charles, died at Bowling Green, Ky., a victim of black measles. Another brother, Ozro S., was several times refused on volunteering for enlistment on account of his youth, but by a little strategy on the boy's part was finally accepted and enlisted in the Third Michigan Cavalry, seeing much service and in his army experience, gaining a knowledge of men and of the condition and resources of the great land in which he lives, that the ordinary man under ordinary circumstances would have required a lifetime to learn.

     FRANKLIN F. RUSSELL. No man is more truly helpful in building up the best elements of social and intellectual life than he who caters to the literary tastes of the people. It must be a great satisfaction to a right minded man to feel that he is thus helping forward the educational processes by which a city makes real progress out of the commonplace into a higher life.

     The gentleman of whom we write has had the pleasure of supplying the public of Lansing, Ingham County with their literary helps and has carried a full line of books until quite lately. He is now devoting himself more closely to a specialty, and handles nothing except stationery, news and periodicals. He was born in Walpole, N. H., May 6, 1820. His father, Thomas Russell, Jr., was a native of the same place and his grandfather, Thomas, (255) was a Connecticut farmer and blacksmith as well as a rope-maker. At an early day he removed to Walpole where he was very successful in business and became a rich man for those days, although he was a cripple from the age of sixteen, and had to make the journey of life on crutches until he passed to a better world after completing ninety-six years of upright and useful life.

     Thomas Russell Jr., was a shoemaker by trade and a farmer and he also lived to an advanced age, dying when eighty-seven years old. His good wife whose maiden name was Hannah Flint, was a native of Massachusetts and became the mother of five children, her son Franklin being next to the eldest in age. He was reared upon the farm in New Hampshire where he went to school during three months in the winter, but this privilege extended over only three years, and from that time on what education he has received has been gained by his own efforts.

     At the age of ten this boy began to work his own way first on a farm and then learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked for a number of years. In 1838 he went to Schenectady, N.Y., and began to learn the hatter's trade and after two years he went to Rochester and finished learning his trade. After working for others awhile he started in the business for himself, undertaking the finishing of hats and a retail business and in the fall of 1856 he came to Lansing and located here. He formed a partnership with C. Cannell in the retail hat and shoe business, but after one year this partnership was dissolved and our subject continued in the business alone for awhile.

     Somewhat later Mr. Russell engaged as a clerk with A. J. Viele in the news, book and stationery and remained with him for ten years. In 1871 he started in the business for himself at the present stand and has carried it on with good judgment and success. He was married in Rochester, N.Y., in 1845 to Miss Ellen M. Hine who was born in Catskill, N.Y., and died after their removal to Lansing.

     The second marriage of our subject took place in this city in 1876, his bride being Mrs. Sophronia M. Knott, widow of R. B. Knott. She is a native of New York and to her has been granted one child, Frances F. The pleasant home at the corner of Grand and Lenawee Streets is the seat of true domestic happiness. Mrs. Russell is an earnest and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The doctrines of protection and the other principles of Republicanism are dear to Mr. Russell, who is ardent in his attachment to his party. He is prominently identified with the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to Lodge No. 66 at Lansing.

     Mr. Taylor is one of the prominent business men of Lansing, Ingham County, and is the proprietor of Taylor's Bazaar of Confectionery, besides being one of the firm of the Michigan Folding Table Company, which manufactures an invention of his own. This firm is composed of Mr. Taylor and Mr. Barrett. Mr. Taylor was born in Camden, Ray County, Mo., April 30, 1840, and his father, John Taylor, was a native of Yorkshire, England, and a wagon manufacturer. After coming with his family to this country he located at Camden, and established a wagon factory, but later engaged in farming. He was one of the first settlers of Ray County, and was a famous huntsman. During the war he was a strong Union man although residing in a neighborhood full of  Secessionists. Not feeling at home among them he removed to Waukesha County, Wis., where he engaged in farming and still resides. He is a strong Republican in his political convictions. His wife, Elizabeth Briggs, (256) is also a native of Yorkshire, and our subject is their only child.

      John W. Taylor was reared on the farm in Missouri and his school advantages were meager. When the war broke out there were two Rebel camps near their home, Wellington and Lexington, and although the family was anxious to leave that part of the country they could not get through to the Union lines. The Confederacy offered all kinds of inducements to our subject and his father to join their service but the young man was able to escape conscription, and enlisted in July, 1861, in the Union forces, joining Company D, Fifth Missouri Infantry. His three months of service in that body was spent in skirmishing and he was mustered out August 31. The following day he enlisted again in Company K, Eighth Kansas Infantry, being mustered in at St. Louis, and taking a three years' term.

     The military experience of Mr. Taylor brought him into the following general engagements, Chickamauga, Perryville and Stone River as well as other conflicts. On the 19th of September, 1863, he was wounded at Chickamauga, by a shell which struck his left leg, and he was taken prisoner at the same time. An operation became necessary and his leg was amputated by Dr. Seeley of the Twenty-second Illinois Regiment. Three weeks later he was paroled and entered the parole camp at Chattanooga, where he remained until one week previous to the battle of Missionary Ridge, when he was sent to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, and was mustered out of service May 24, 1864.

     This young hero next went to Milwaukee, and took a commercial course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College, studying telegraphy also, under Prof. Spencer. He then entered the employ of the Chicago, & St. Paul Railroad, being station agent first at Columbia, Wis., and then at Fall River, Wis., until 1872, when he came to Michigan in the service of the Detroit, Lansing & Northern Railroad. He was agent at Brighton until 1874, when he took the agency at North Lansing for one year. The 1st of April, 1875, was the day when he entered the general office of the Auditor General of the State as Clerk, and he remained there just sixteen years to a day. During all the time that he was employed in that office he lost no time, but gave himself steadily and faithfully to the work of the office and became the head of the purchasing and paying department. In 1881 he built the block known as the Taylor Block, with dimensions of 25x80 feet, furnishing accommodation for two stores, and here in 1891 he engaged in the confectionery business. He also built in 1878, the Post-office Block in North Lansing, 20x90 feet which is occupied by the post-office and also by Hedges & Reek, druggists, of whom more may be found under their respective names in this volume.

     In May, 1891, Mr. Taylor patented his folding table and went into partnership with Mr. Barrett in its manufacture. There are forty-four different kinds of folding tables on the market, but Mr. Taylor's friends think that his claim is just in calling this the best one offered to the trade on account of its simplicity and durability. This gentleman was married in Milwaukee in 1869, to Miss Joanna M. Ryan, a native of that city. Their three children are, Samuel W., Pierce R., and Marie. The eldest son is a graduate of the Commercial College at Lansing, and is now in the United States mail service at Chicago. The mother of these children is a Roman Catholic in her religious views. The political views of Mr. Taylor are strongly Republican, and he is prominent among the men of his party, being a frequent delegate to county and State conventions and acting as Chairman of the city and ward committees. He is a prominent member of the G. A. R., belonging to Charles T. Foster Post, No. 42.

     ALBERT J. WILSON. The results of industry and unflagging perseverance are shown in the life of the above-named gentleman who owns and occupies one of the most beautiful homes of Leslie, Ingham County. His life, affords a striking example worthy of imitation by young men who are easily discouraged because they have no large capital and therefore (257) content themselves to dawdle on through life on small salaries because they have not the energy requisite to a greater success. A brief outline of the labors in which Mr. Wilson has been engaged and in which for some years past he has been well supported by his better-half will be of interest to our readers.

      In the paternal line Mr. Wilson is descended from English ancestry who made settlement in New Jersey in Colonial days. His immediate progenitors, William S. and Margaret (Shotwell) Wilson, were born and reared Quakers in New Jersey and early in life took up their residence in New York and were married near Waterloo, in that State, February 2, 1842. They subsequently lived in Wayne County, N. Y., until early in the '40s when they removed to Michigan and settled on a piece of wild land in Raisin Township, Lenawee County. A few years later they made a visit to the old home in New Jersey and while on their return to Michigan Mrs. Wilson died, in Elba, N. Y., June 25, 1847, being then only twenty-six years of age.

     William S. Wilson returned to his Michigan homestead soon after this event and in 1848 he was again married, taking to wife Elizabeth Mott, of Jackson County. Mr. Wilson has made his home in Michigan, in the counties of Lenawee and Jackson, following the peaceful pursuit of agriculture. He has always been a money-maker but has met with many reverses and is not a wealthy man, although he has secured a comfortable competence and now having completed threescore and ten years of useful and upright living is spending his later days in quiet retirement in Adrian, Mich. He is a man well read and most interesting in conversation. In politics he was originally a Whig and was very firm in his opposition to slavery. Since the organization of the Republican party be has supported it, although he is now a Prohibitionist. He has never sought office and with the exception of some minor township and village offices has never held any position.

     The father of our subject is one of the chief pillars in the Free Methodist Church of Adrian, having been a Deacon and an active worker there for many years. He is a man of sterling integrity, has a keen sense of right and wrong and is helpful in promoting any enterprise or institution which he believes will upbuild and better the community in which he lives. His parents, Asa and Amy (Shotwell) Wilson, were natives of New Jersey, who spent the greater part of their lives in New York but came to Michigan at an early date and spent their last days in Lenawee County. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Joseph and Margaret (Elston) Shotwell, who were born in New Jersey and there lived and died. Only three of William Wilson's children lived to the age of maturity, namely: Albert J., Joseph S. and Edwin M. The last named was a child of the second marriage who married Emma DeGreen and died in 1889, at the age of forty years, leaving a family four children.

     He of whom we write first opened his eyes to the light of day in Marengo, Wayne County, N.Y., July 22,1842, and came with his parents to Michigan when an infant. His boyhood amusements and school days were such as average farmer boys of that day enjoyed, and he completed his schooling at the Raisin Institute where he acquired a fair, common-sense business education. As he was the eldest child much of the labor and responsibility of subduing the forest and cultivating the farm fell upon him.

     This young man remained with his father, giving him the benefit of his labors until August 11, 1862, when be joined the army as a private in Company A, Seventeenth Michigan Infantry, which was attached to the Ninth Army Corps, then known as Burnside's Corps. Within two weeks of the day he left Washington he was taking part in the battle of South Mountain, and he afterward was engaged in the great conflicts of Antietam and Fredericksburg. Entering upon the Kentucky campaign he joined Grant's army and was present at the siege of Vicksburg and numerous other battles and skirmishes of less importance. At Fredericksburg he was wounded by a piece of shell which struck him in the right hip. After the siege of Vicksburg he was placed on detached duty in the Paymaster's department at Louisville, Ky., and remained there until June, 1865, when he received his final discharge.

     This brave young veteran now returned to (258) Lenawee County and resumed farming, but in 1868 he came to Ingham County and bought sixty acres of land one mile and a half southeast of the village of Leslie. Upon this he settled and here he has by honesty, industry and perseverance accumulated considerable property and established a reputation which entitles him to the distinction of being one of the representative men of Leslie. His landed possessions now consist of one hundred and ninety acres of splendid land, all well improved and in a high state of cultivation. In 1886 he left his farm and removed to the village, where he has since resided as his sons have relieved him of the details of farm work.

     Mr. Wilson is a stockholder in the People's Bank of Leslie and occupies a prominent position in social and financial circles here. He started out in the world with willing hands and heart and a clear head, and his possessions are the result of his own exertions. There is nothing remarkable in his personality or history and he is a plain, unostentatious man, singularly free from any evidence of that grasping, over-reaching spirit by which many men have made themselves rich in a new country. He has never aspired to office, preferring the quiet of home to the strife and turmoil of public life, but moves along quietly, doing much good that the world knows not of. He is not connected with any religious denomination but is a believer in the establishment and maintenance of churches and gives freely of his means to charitable institutions.

     This gentleman is a stanch Republican and an ardent supporter of the principles announced by that party. He cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and his last for Benjamin Harrison. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is one of the organizers and a charter member of the Dewey Post, No. 60, G. A. R of Leslie, and has held the position of Commander of the Post.

     Mr. Wilson was married, November 3, 1864, to Miss Martha A. Wilson, of Raisin, Lenawee County, Mich. The place of her birth is Marengo, Wayne County, N.Y., and she is a daughter of Amos and Anna L. (Wares) Wilson. This lady possesses rare qualities of mind and disposition and has been an able assistant to her husband, taking a just pride in his success and sustaining the standing and reputation of the family, and were this record to fail to perpetuate her good name in connection with her husband's it would fail in one of its chief purposes. The union of this worthy couple has resulted in the birth, of seven children, namely; William A., Edgar J., Bertram E., George B., Frances M., Mary G. and Herbert S. All are living except the youngest who died when eight years of age. William A. is married to Miss Lillian Hill; Edgar J. married Miss Nina Manley and had one child, Harry J., now deceased; and Bertram E. married Miss Jennie Watson. These sons are sustaining most manfully and nobly the high reputation which the family has held in past generations.

     DENNIS F. PATRICK. White Oak Township, Ingham County, is purely an agricultural district and depends for its prosperity not only upon its soil but upon its men, and it is rich in both respects, for the land is arable and productive and its farmers are thoroughgoing, industrious, systematic and enterprising. Such a combination is sure to result in prosperity and no where in Michigan can happier homes and more tidy farms be found than here.

     The gentleman of whom we write was born on the 1st of May, 1829, in County Queen, Ireland, and was a little babe of only three months when his parents brought him to Canada where they remained for some two years before removing to New York. There they made their home for five years so that Dennis had reached the age of seven years when he came to Michigan.

     The father of our subject was Thomas F. Patrick, who was born on the Emerald Isle in 1812 and chose him a wife in his early manhood, being united when only eighteen years old with Bridget McGinnis. To them were born four children, three of them being sons and one a daughter, and our subject was the second in order of age. Their names are as follows: Bridget, who married Mr. William Lemon and is the mother of seven children, and now lives in the far west in Washington; (259) the second is our subject, and the third Thomas, who married Hannah Bullis, to whom have been born two children. The youngest child died in infancy and his name is not known to our subject. The paternal grandfather of our subject bore the name of Thomas and lived and died in his native Ireland.

     Mary Havens is the maiden name of the lady who became the wife of our subject on April 14, 1859. Her father, Stevens Havens, was born in New York and his daughter was born in Michigan. There were ten children in the Havens family. To Mary (Havens) Patrick, were born two daughters and one son, namely; Catherine, who was born in White Oak Township, October 14, 1858, and married George Barnell, by whom she had one child. She has now passed to the other world. The oldest son, William F. Patrick, was born November 1, 1862, and in 1888 was united in marriage to Augusta Miller, who has become the mother of one child. Clay Patrick, deceased, the youngest son was born in 1867.

     The second marriage of Mr. Patrick united him with Mary Craft, a native of New York State, who was born in 1843. Her father, William Craft, was born in the German Fatherland, and he had twelve children in his family. This union which took place in 1879, has been crowned by the birth of one child, Millard Fillmore. With his son William, Mr. Patrick is carrying on a general farming, business, and takes a special interest in fine stock and keeps hogs and sheep of excellent breeds, as well as some fine specimens of the Messenger breed of horses.

     In former years Mr. Patrick has been a radical Republican, but he and his son are now specially interested in promoting the interest of farmers and both belong to the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association in State, county and township organizations. His son is now School Moderator and he has held the office of Highway Commissioner, and great credit is due him for the splendid condition of the roads of this township. Where our subject now lives upon section 2, his property embraces farms which formerly belonged to J. Havens, W. Wightman, J. Bentley and J. Raynor. This large property was acquired partly by trade and partly by purchase. Most of this he has improved and much of it is newly cleared land. Upon it he has erected a handsome home which cost some $3,000 and is one of the prettiest farm houses in White Oak Township. His half brother lives on the old homestead which is situated on section 31, in quite the opposite corner of the township. This family belongs to the Protestant Methodist Church and they are liberal and active in promoting the prosperity of religious institutions in their midst.

     JOHN M. DRESSER. Although in the prime of manhood and vigor,
the gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch has attained the high standing in business and financial life that his unceasing effort, and energy, united with sterling worth and high business qualifications, deserves. He is at present Cashier in the Farmers' Bank in Mason. He is a prime mover here in every measure that is sought to be advanced for the interests and benefit of the community at large, and his pleasant home is the rendezvous for the best people of the place. His wife studies to second the interests of her husband that tend to the elevation and refinement of their social life and the welfare of the community. A lady of striking personal attractions, she adapts herself admirably to the position to which her husband has risen.

     Our subject was born in Rochester, N.Y., January 24, 1851. He is a son of John M. and Susan A. (Pierce) Dresser, the father a native of Pomfret, Windsor County, Conn., and being of English ancestry. He moved with his family to Michigan when our subject was but a small child, only four years of age. Although he was a natural born mechanic, he followed various occupations. Early in his life he devoted himself to farming. Later he owned and operated a boat on the Erie Canal, and after coming to Michigan he followed the carpenter's trade for some years, the service of builders and carpenters being at that time greatly in demand. He afterward acquired (260) land in the vicinity of Mason and here he spent the remainder of his days. Our subject's father seems to have been a very popular man, as he was elected Township Treasurer six or more times, and no matter what majority the opposite political party might have, he was quite sure of election.

     The original of our sketch spent his boyhood days on what was known as the old Pixley farm and had only limited opportunities at that time for acquiring an education. But the boy was ambitious to a degree, and underneath his patience there was a fixed determination that some day he should be looked up to for his mental attainments. At the age of fifteen he began to attend school in the village of Mason and there be studied for two winters, the last one under Prof. Vroman, now of the Normal School. Although his school days ended here, he continued his efforts in self-cultivation. A lover of books and a natural student, the midnight oil was constantly burned that he might keep up with the young men who were his ideals in an intellectual respect.

     At the age of seventeen, the gentleman of whom we write left home and began doing for himself. Prior to that time he had never been away from home and claims to have been very unsophisticated. He started out canvassing and met with very good success, following the business for about one year, spending part of his time in Michigan, part in Illinois, and part in Iowa. In this way he acquired an extended and intimate knowledge of human nature, and also something that was even of greater advantage to himself, for self-control is to a canvasser of all things necessary. At the expiration of his year, he went as far south as New Orleans, expecting to join what was called the filibustering expedition to Cuba. This, as is now well known, fell through. He next sailed for Europe starting out June 17, 1869, on the "St. James" for Havre, France. He was this time about eighteen years of age and went with a full determination of becoming a sailor and seeing as much of the world as possible. He was at that time very thin in flesh, weighing but one hundred and fifteen pounds. Prior to his shipping on the above named vessel he was reduced to almost desperate straits, having spent two days without food, while hunting a place on a vessel, being entirely without money and ashamed to beg. After a few trips he returned to Michigan, not rich in pocket it is true, but having received great physical benefit from his trip, for he returned a perfect athlete in form and strength. He has never regretted his sailor experience though he did not care to repeat it, even after the alluring offer of $25 per month, which was made him if he would continue with the ship's company.

     After returning from his voyage Mr. Dresser attended a select school during the winter and worked eight months on a farm, losing no time whatever. Out of $112 which he earned he saved $90 and in the intervals of his scholastic work during the winter he chopped wood and from those earnings saved $40, which he put out at interest.

     Our subject purchased forty acres of land and then spent some time in the lumber regions, actually pulling a cross-cut saw, and was well known among the denizens of the lumber district as a, first-class workman. Indeed, he has participated in many kinds of hard manual labor. In August, 1875, he of whom we write came to Mason and began the study of law, walking back and forth from his father's farm to the law office. Meantime to meet current expenses, he began collecting and also soliciting insurance. This business increased so rapidly that during the first year he was able to pay his expenses and lay up $400. After the first six weeks in which his success was assured, he quit walking back and forth and added real estate and the lending of money to his other business.

     Our subject never finished his law studies as his other occupation had proved so remunerative and his collecting and insurance business had developed so rapidly. Being in a position to wed, he was married in November, 1876, to Miss Octavia A. Bush, a daughter of A. H. Bush, of Vevay Township. His allegiance had been pledged to the young lady for some little time and they had only awaited the time when the young man could provide a comfortable and suitable home for his bride. By this marriage there are two children whose names are respectively Maud, who is twelve years of age, and Mabel, who is ten years of age. They are bright, (261) attractive children, and are a great comfort to their parents who look forward to the future to their being intelligent and cultured women.

     Mr. Dresser's interest in banking began by his being a stockholder in the First National Bank of Mason, after which he became a Director and filled this position for some time. A man who is never satisfied unless he thoroughly understands whatever he is interested in, the banking business soon became entirely familiar to him, and as there seemed to be an excellent opening for that branch of business, March 1, 1884, he started a private bank. The institution found its first quarters in a rented building. This he carried on by himself, and by fall one-half the deposits of the place were made in the Dresser Bank. He continued in the private banking business until June 8, 1886, and he was in the lead of the National Bank on deposits to an amount of $15,000.

     At the last named date our subject, with others, organized a State Bank, with a paid up capital of $75,000, and thirty of the best men in the town and township appeared as stockholders. The prime mover of this organization was Mr. Dresser, and he still holds the position of Cashier in the institution and has in it a large interest. Our subject in his political relations casts his vote with the Republican party. He has never been an office seeker, feeling that other men who had an inclination in that direction and whose time was more at their own disposal than he felt his to be, were better fitted for it. Mr. and Mrs. Dresser are active members of the Presbyterian Church in which our subject is a Trustee.

     JOHN J. BUSH. To be descended from honorable, talented and representative men is in itself a guarantee of ability and honor which any man who is a true gentleman may well rejoice in. The proprietor of the Bush Road Cart Company it Lansing, Ingham County, is the son and grandson of prominent business men who were early settlers in that city and who helped to make it what it is to-day. His father, John J. Bush, Sr., was born in Tompkins County, N.Y., as was also his father, the Hon. Charles P. Bush, whose natal year was 1809. He was a farmer and a speculator, and after marriage began to think of coming West.

     In 1835 the Hon. Charles P. Bush made his first visit to Michigan and in 1836 he came again and spent the summer, buying Government land in Fowler Township, Livingston County, where he built a log house and the following year brought on his family. In less than a year he sold that property to Mr. Fowler, and located in the township of Genoa, Livingston County, where he owned thirteen hundred acres. He was successful not only as a farmer but also as a speculator and a politician. He served in the State Legislature from 1840 to 1846, and during the year 1847 belonged to the State Senate. While a member of that body he was President of the Senate and acting Lieutenant Governor and administered the oath of office to new officials in the woods of Lansing before the old capitol was built. Some years later he served again as State Senator for several terms. He was greatly interested in the removal of the capital from Detroit to Lansing. He was a born leader, a good orator, and one of the foremost and prominent men of the State.

     In 1847 Senator Bush came to Lansing and went into partnership with Messrs. Thomas & Lee, buying and platting an addition and building the Benton House which is now known as the Everett House. In partnership with Mr. Thomas he engaged in general merchandising under the firm name of Bush & Thomas, and they were successful pioneer merchants. He died July 4, 1858. His wife was Minerva Walker a native of Montgomery County, N.Y., who died in Lansing in 1886 at the age of seventy-six years. She was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

     The father, John J. Bush, Sr., came to Michigan when young and was reared at Long Lake, taking his higher education at the Normal School at Ypsilanti and the Seminary at Northville. Before reaching his majority he began a mercantile business at Howell, where he was married at the age of twenty-one and continued there in merchandising for a few years. He then returned to his native (262) State and at Aurora, N.Y., went into a banking and real-estate business, a business which extended through Tompkins and Cayuga Counties. He had a successful business there involving over $200,000, and in 1869 he came to Lansing and entered into a private bank which was operated for several years under the firm name of Isabelle & Bush, and was finally merged into the Lansing National Bank. This new corporation he organized and was its President for ten years, being also organizer and Director of the Central Michigan Savings Bank.

     Real estate business at the same time absorbed part of the energies of this gentleman and he platted the Bush, Butler & Sparrow addition, which is now an important addition to the city of Lansing. He also engaged in selling farm and pine lands and manufactured shingles and lumber in Oceana County at Pentwater, where he also carried on merchandising. While making money in his general business he lost some in endorsing for friends. He was a member of the firm which was known as the Lansing Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Company and also had a mill and mercantile business in Ottawa County. He was a man of much public spirit and did all within his power to advance the interests of the city. The Butler Block was put up by him and he was a member of the School Board and for years acted as its Treasurer. At one time he was State Librarian. He died in 1886 on the 10th of October, having reached the age of fifty-two years.

     The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Eliza Smith and was born in Kender, Tioga County, N.Y., being a daughter of Hiram Smith, who was a representative of one of the best families of Connecticut. He was a dealer in real estate and lands and had milling interests in Tioga, being one of its most prominent citizens. Mrs. Eliza Bush still resides in Lansing. She is a devout member of the Episcopal Church and the mother of three children, two of whom grew to manhood, but the brother of our subject, Charles E., died at the age of twenty-two, just after his graduation. He was born in Mottville, Tompkins County, N.Y., May 19, 1863.

     The gentleman of whom we write came to Lansing at the age of six years and here attended school and never missed a day until he left the High School which took place when he was sixteen. He then entered the State Agricultural College, where he took his degree of Bachelor of Sciences and the same year received a diploma from the High School here. He had helped his father some in his business up North and after his graduation became Corresponding Clerk in the Central Michigan Savings Bank and was with them four years, being promoted to the responsible position of Teller. At this time he became administrator of his father's estate and in order to attend to that business found it necessary to leave the bank.

     The marriage of Mr. Bush with Miss Minnie F. Day took place in Milwaukee, Wis., October 20, 1887. This lady is a native of that city and a daughter of Dr. F. H. Day, a prominent physician there and the President of the State Board of Health, as well as a well-known geologist. She completed her higher education at the Milwaukee College and the conservatory of music. Mr. Bush formed a, partnership with Mr. L. Anderson, establishing the Road Cart Company, which was first located at the foot of Washington Avenue at North Lansing, and a year later was moved up into the city, soon after which our subject bought out his partner's interest in the business and continued it alone.

     The Bush Road Cart Company manufactures phaetons, speeding and skeleton carts and spindle road wagons. They have an output of two thousand carts and a well established trade in every State in the Union, keeping two men on the road. Their products are also sent to foreign countries where they have an established reputation. The company has a side track leading up from the railroad to the factory and is carrying on a reasonably successful business.

     Mr. Bush has considerable interest in Lansing in the real estate business and has ever been interested in farming. He had at one time the largest herd of registered and imported Galloway cattle in the State and still has a fine herd of these splendid animals. He is now closing them out, but still has in addition to them a number of excellent Jerseys. His father was a lover of fine stock and cattle and owned some of the finest horses in the State, among which were "Rough and Ready" and "Bay Prince."

     Our subject is a member of a number of social orders being identified with the Free and Accepted masons and Commander of the Uniformed Rank of Knights of Pythias and being the leading Knight in the Lodge of Elks. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Grand River Boat Club and Vice-President of Michigan for the Knights of the Grip, in which business organization he was Secretary last year. He is a member and Director in the Bicycle Club. He is now a member of the Aldermanic Board and was the President pro tem. of the Council for two years. In connection with the City Council he is chairman of the committee on city affairs which is considered the most important committee. He is stanch in his adherence to the principles and policy of the Democratic party and is generally sent as a delegate to the city, county and congressional conventions. One child only has blessed his home, Howard Day, who was born October 27, 1888, and gives fair promise of inheriting the fine abilities of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.