Barry County, Michigan - The whole text, 1912 (part 4 of 4)

In 1889 Circuit Judge Hooker appointed Judge Smith Prosecuting Attorney to fill the vacancy caused by the death of C. H. Van Arman. On January 3^ 1893, Governor John T. Ricli, then just entering upon his office, made his first appointment, by placing Judge Smith upon the Circuit bencli of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, comprising at that time the Counties of Barry, Eaton and Calhoun, to succeed Judge Hooker, who had been elevated to the Supreme bench of the state. Ever since that time Judge Smith has occupied this responsible position. At the end of his appointive term he was elected by a majority of 1,529, and at each succeeding election his majority has been increased, until in the spring of 1911, his nomination was endorsed by all parties and he was returned to his judicial position without any opposition.

In 1903 President McKinley tendered Judge Smith the Associate Justiceship of the Supreme Court of the Territory of New Mexico. After careful consideration. Judge Smith declined this high honor.

Besides his professional and official duties Judge Smith has found time to form fraternal associations, to attend to other lines of business, to take an active part in his churcli, the Methodist Episcopal, in whose Sunday school he has been a faitliful teacher many years. His services as a speaker are always at tlie command of his friends, and often are availed of, on all manner of public occasions. Fraternally Judge Smith is a Mason, member of Hastings Blue Lodge and Chapter and of Charlotte Commandery. He is President of the Masonic Temple Association of Hastings, Mich. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias.

He is President of the Hastings National Bank and is interested in other business enterprises. For many years he has been Historian of the County Pioneer Society.

He was married May 17, 1871, to Miss Frances M. Wheeler, daughter of Milo T. Wheeler of Woodland. Mrs. Smith has been active in women's club work and is an ex-President of the State Federation of Women's Clubs. They have three children - Shirley W., who holds the responsible position of Secretary of the University of Michigan; Donald D., a civil engineer now connected with the Southern Surety Company at St. Louis, Mo., as consulting engineer; and Gertrude J. Smith of Hastings.

Mr. And Mrs. David W. Smith

This sketch is intended as a memorial to David W. and Leonora Smith, pioneer settlers of Barry County, who labored hard to transform Western Michigan into the fertile and busy territory which it has become.

Born in the State of New York, August 31, 1817, David W. Smith in 1842 came to the then new State of Michigan. He went to Indiana in 1843 and married Leonora McDonald^ who also was born in the Empire State^ her natal day being May 19, 1825. They were married October 12, 1843, and came at once to Michigan, settling on the farm north of Nashville, in Castleton township^ on which they continued to live until the time of their death, Mrs. Smith dying in 1901 and he in 1906.

On the farm in Castleton the two pioneers fought and struggled against the difficulties of those early days, clearing the land and wresting from the soil the means of sustenance.

To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born four children, all of whom are living. They are: Clement Smith, of Hastings; E. V. Smith, of Nashville ; Mrs. Josephine Coulter, of Chicago ; and Mrs. Ida Hartzell, of Battle Creek.

Mr. Smith was a Democrat in politics and from 1860 until 1876 he held the office of supervisor of Castleton township. For many years he was secretary of the Barry and Eaton Insurance Company and helped in a great measure to make the company what it is today.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith were of that company of pioneers whose number is now small, but who in the early days labored and struggled to make possible the conditions which we enjoy today.

William H. And Fred W. Stebbins

William H. Stebbins, an honored resident of Hastings, Barry County, where he is engaged in the undertaking business, is the son of John W. and Eliza (Holland) Stebbins, natives of Chautauqua County, New York. Mr. Stebbins' father came West in 1843 and settled at Hastings, where he worked at his trade of carpenter, helping to build the Barry County court house. Our subject was born in Hastings, June 2, 1845. In 1846 his father moved to Rutland township and purchased a farm of wild land, cleared sixty acres of it, and there lived until 1855, when he

The return of the family to Hastings gave William H. an opportunity to attend the publie school of the village, from which he was duly graduated. At the age of 16, his father being now a ])artner in the firm of Stebbins & Ellis, engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, lie entered their em])loy as a clerk. A short time later the father became sole owner of the business and continued in it, being assisted by William, until 1869, when he retired from active business. Pie died in 1871.

In 1873 Wm. H. Stebbins resumed the business in which he had gained a long and i)rofitable experience with his father, associating himself with Henry Belding under the firm name of Stebbins & Belding. This partnership was maintained for five years, at the end of which time Mr. Stebbins became exclusively engaged in the undertaking profession, in which he has continued ever since, building up a splendid reputation.

Mr. Stebbins was city treasurer in 1873 and for a period of ten years in succession served as alderman of the Third ward. In the fight for the installation of the city water works Mr. Stebbins was especially active and was chairman of the committee which had the building of the system in charge. For a number of years, also, he was a member of the school board. In ])olitics :\Ir. Stebbins is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees, Odd Fellows, and Foresters.

April 25, 1872, he married Miss Julia Hoonan and to :\Ir. and Mrs. Stebbins four children have been born, Maud Eliza (^Nlrs. E. J. Huffman), Fannie Dora (Mrs. J. H. Templeton), Carrie Melissa, and Fred W. All are living and are residents of Hastings with the exception of Mrs. Templeton, whose home is in Seattle, W^ashington.

In continuing this sketch with the biography of Fred W. Stebbins we are presenting the record of a family whose name has always stood in the community for progress and rectitude. We are also presenting the record of a family which for three generations has been engaged in the same profession, that of undertaking. This profession has been handed down in the family from father to son until the name of Stebbins is widely known in this connection.

William H. Stebbins Fred W. Stebbins

Fred W. Stebbins was born in Hastings, July 11, 1879. He has always lived in Hastings, being educated there and making that city the field of his subsequent business endeavors. He graduated from the Hastings High School in the class of 1898 and in the fall of 1899 entered the employ of the City Bank, remaining with that institution for seven years.

After discontinuing his connection with the bank he was engaged in the insurance business for two years. He then formed a partnership with L. R. Glasgow and opened a furniture store. This was sold to Miller & Harris in 1910 and since that time Mr. Stebbins has been associated with his father, W. H. Stebbins, in the undertaking business, the undertaking rooms being located in the modern business block whicli the father has built just east of the Masonic temple on State street and which bears the name of the Stebbins block.

Fred W. Stebbins was married October 18, 1901, to Miss Myrtle Sullivan, daughter of Tliomas Sullivan of Hastings, who is a very estimable and talented young woman, and is at present president of the Hastings Women's Club.

The Stebbins family is one of the old families of Hastings. It has been associated w^ith the city's development from almost the very beginning and its members have always helped in every movement whicli would make for progress and advancement. It has been tlie men and women of this type who liave made the Hastings of today.

William J. Stuart

The greatest crop which any community can produce is men of character. Barry County has been the birthplace of many such men, some of whom have gone forth to wider fields of usefulness and honor. Among these must be counted William James Stuart, Judge of the Superior Court, of Grand Rapids. His parents, Alexander and Martha (Noble) Stuart (many members of the family spell the name Stewart), were of Scotch-Irish descent, a mixture that has produced many strong and famous men. They came to Michigan from Ireland about 1843. John Stuart, a brother of Alexander, had preceded him in coming to this country and had located and settled upon a farm on the road leading from Yankee Springs to Orangeville on Section 37 of Yankee Springs, in 1837.

Alexander joined his brother and lived on his farm in a house near the Orangeville Township line for several years^ till he located his own farm on Section 34, Yankee Springs, in 1849.

Here, on his Uncle John's farm, William J. was born, November 1, 1844, about one mile from the famous Yankee Springs tavern. Let no one think that the place was without its diversion and excitement. For in those days the tavern was known all over Western Michigan. Stage coaches used to pull up at its hospitable doors, drawn by four horses and loaded to the limit. There was a store, a blacksmith shop, a school house and the straggling roofs of the tavern, surrounded by its many barns and outbuildings and bustling with the ever changing stream of travel.

William met his first sad experience in life in the death of his mother when he was but ten years old, her death occurring September 20, 1854. He remained on the farm until 1859, when he entered the public schools at Hastings, supporting himself by working for the family of William Barlow while at Hastings. Two years later he entered the Preparatory Department of Kalamazoo College and the next year the High School at Kalamazoo, under Professor Daniel Putnam, graduating from tliis school in

1863, a member of the first class to graduate from that institution. While at scliool in Kalamazoo he supported himself by working for the family of H. G. Wells.

1864, he entered the University of Michigan, where he pursued the classical course until the middle of his Junior year, March, 1866. After spending several months in Illinois he was employed in the fall as Superintendent of Schools at Hastings, filling the position for one year. He then returned to the university, graduating in 1868 with the degree of A. B.

He again filled the Superintendency of Hastings schools for two years, after which he commenced reading law with Balch, Smiley & Balch of Kalamazoo. In the fall he entered the law department of the university, completing his course in 1872, with the degree of LL. B. The money that he needed to complete the Classical Course at the university, over and above what lie could earn, he borrowed from Hon. H. G. Wells of Kalamazoo, and to complete the law course at the university, he borrowed from the Hon. A. J. Bowne of Hastings, Mich. After teaching in Iowa three months he went back to Kalamazoo and for a short time was connected with the law firm of Balch & Son, the style of the firm being Balch, Stuart & Balch. In November, 1872, Mr. Stuart went to Grand Rapids, as affording him a wider field for his profession, and on January 1st, 1873, entered the office of E. A. Burlingame as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney of Kent County, soon afterwards becoming a partner under the name of Burlingame & Stuart. During this time he tauglit and had charge of the night school then first established in the Public Schools of Grand Rapids. This firm continued until 1876, when Mr. Stuart formed a partnership with Edwin F. Sweet, under the name of Stuart & Sweet. On April 13, 1874, Mr. Stuart married Miss Calista I. Hadley of Hastings. He was appointed City Attorney in the spring of 1880 and held the position two terms.

In 1888, after twelve years with Mr. Sweet, the relationship was discontinued and Mr. Stuart formed a partnership with L. E. Knappen and C. H. Van Arman, under the name of Stuart, Knappen & Van Arman, with offices for some time in both Grand Rapids and Hastings. The Hastings office was closed soon after the death of Mr. Van Arman in 1890, but the Grand Rapids office of Knappen & Stuart continued until 1893. From the latter date Mr. Staurt was in general practice alone until the spring of 1897, when he formed a partnership with Sylvester W. Barker, the arrangement terminating in 1901. In 1902 he formed a partnership with Henry T. Heald under the name of Stuart & Heald. In April, 1905, Mr. Stuart was elected Judge of the Superior Court of Grand Rapids, a position which he has faithfully and ably held ever since. His business connection with Mr. Heald was dissolved when he ascended the bench.

Judge Stuart's interest in educational matters has always been active. For two years he was a member of the Grand Rapids Board of Education, and a member ex-officio of said board during his two terms as Mayor. The degree of M. A. was conferred upon him by his alma mater in 1876. He was president of the Alumni Association of the University in 189i and 1895. He was ]Mayor of the City of Grand Rapids for two terms in 1892 and 1893.

As a business man Judge Stuart helped organize tlie Citizens Telephone Company and has been a member of its board of directors^ and its attorney and counsel ever since, having seen the business develop from a $50,000 to a $5,000,000 corporation. At the organization of The State Bank of Michigan, now the Kent State Bank, he was elected a director, holding the position until he went on the bench as judge.

Judge Stuart has been for many years active in the life of his church. He was long a vestryman and treasurer of St. Mark's Episcopal church and serves in the same capacity for the procathedral. He is a trustee of Akeley Institute, a church school for girls at Grand Haven; a member of the standing committee of the Diocese of Western Michigan, secretary of the Board of Trustees of the same diocese, and has had the lionor of representing the diocese in the general conventions of the church at Richmond and Cincinnati. He is treasurer of the Missionary Council of the Fifth Department, usually attending its business meetings.

He is a member of the Masonic and Pythian orders, and in politics a Republican. He holds membership in the Kent Country Club and the Grand Rapids Historical Society.

Judge Stuart has two brothers living and one sister - John N. Stuart, on the old homestead at Yankee Springs; Mrs. Elizabeth S. Ritchie, who lives near the old home, and Thomas A. Stuart, whose home is in Gaines Township, Kent County.

Both of liis parents are sleeping in the little cemetery at Yankee Springs, the father having died in Kalamazoo, July 31, 1878, 21 years after the death of the mother whose passing has been already chronicled. Mr. Stuart and his wife have no children, but a niece of his, Edith Stuart (now ^Ir.s. Raymond V. Parsons of Detroit) has lived in the family from her cliildhood and has always filled the position of a daughter.

Thomas Sullivan

Foremost among the legal lights of the Barry County bar stands Thomas Sullivan of Hastings. Mr. Sullivan was born in Bloomfield, Prince Edward County, Ontario, August 7th, 1856. His parents were of Irish extraction, Jeremiah Sullivan and Eileen Mahoney, who left their native county, Cork, and settled in Can-

Dr. B. C Swift

Thomas was next to the youngest of eleven children^ six boys and five girls. He attended rural school, worked on the farm and afterwards found employment for two years in a factory at Freeport. Shortly after this he was elected Justice of the Peace of Irving Townsliip and held the office four terms. He was also Townsliip Clerk three times.

During these years of official duties at P'reeport he w%'is devoting every moment not employed in other duties in the study of law. How well he laid tlie foundations for his professional life is evidenced by his successful career as an Attorney-at-law. He was admitted to the bar November 15^ 1890^ and began practice at Freeport. In 1896 lie was nominated by tlie Democratic party for tlie office of Prosecuting Attorney and was elected. He moved to tlie county seat and has constantly practiced his profession in that city to the present time. He has been City iVttorney three terms and holds that position at the present time.

His political convictions have always been with the Democratic party, in whose councils, both locally and in state politics, he has been useful and influential. In 1908 he was a delegate to the National Convention at Denver. At the present time (October, 1912) he is the candidate for Prosecuting Attorney.

Mr. Sullivan, familiarly and affectionately known all over Barry County as "Tom" Sullivan, has by assiduous devotion to his profession, strict honesty and square treatment, built up a lucrative business, to which he devotes his most faithful attention, while his many fine qualities of heart and mind have won for him a host of friends in whose association he finds that enjoyment which comes from the consciousness of work well done.

Birge C Swift

family moved to Harbor Springs, and here Mr. Swift graduated from the local High School in 1894. He attended the Petoskey Normal School in 1895-1896 and was a special student at Alma College, 1897-1899. He graduated from Detroit College of Medicine in 1903, being valedictorian of his class, and moved to Middleville in the same year.

In 1905 he married Marion Grace Mcintosh of Grand Rapids and one child, Birge Carlton, Jr., has been born of this union. Dr. Swift is a descendant of Colonial forefathers.

He is a member and Past Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, and Odd Fellows and K. O. T. M. He also belongs to the Kappa (Detroit) Chapter of the Phi Beta Pi fraternity.

A young man who has achieved much and wlio has at the same time gained a wide circle of friends is W. L. Thorpe, more commonly known as Roy Thorpe.

W. L. Thorpe is the son of James L. and Lucinda Tliorpe. The mother was born in Michigan, but Mr. Thorpe, senior, was born in Canada, coming to Michigan and locating in St. Claire County in 1866. It was here that W. L. Thorpe was born in 1873.

The family lived in St. Claire County until 1881, when they moved to Barry County, Prairieville Township. Young Thorpe lived at home with his parents until he was fourteen years old and then at that early age he began to teacli scliool. Tater lie decided to supplement his education, which had been received principally in country schools, by taking a course in the High Scliool at Richland, where he graduated at the age of sixteen. He then worked as a clerk and salesman in stores at Richland and Kalamazoo.

On October 2, 1895, Mr. Thorpe married Miss Ada Johnson of Milo. To Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe has been born one son, Russell, now a student in the Hastings High School.

After his marriage Mr. Thorpe farmed and shipped stock at Milo until January 1, 1909, when he came to Hastings as County Clerk. In this office Mr. Thorpe has served two terms and his conduct of the office has given universal satisfaction.

Geo. Tomlinson

More tlian tliat^ during the four years he has been in Hastings he lias made a great number of friends, all of whom will regret the fact that he is not to continue in his office another term.

Before his election to the office of County Clerk, Mr. Thorpe liad been entrusted for four years with the office of Supervisor of Prairieville Township, and it was to a great extent due to the excellent record he made in this office that he was later accorded the election to the County Clerkship.

Mr. Thorpe believes in fraternity and brotherhood and is a member of the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Masons. He also believes that success in business or politics is not so much reckoned in dollars as in being able to say that in all deals a man stuck by his word, misrepresented nothing, and was honorable all the time. He believes that the friends a man makes from among tliose who deal with liim are of greater value than money.

Mr. Thorpe is still a young man and so it is probable that he will advance much farther than he has ever yet done, but it is safe to predict that however far he advances and wherever he may be, he will always liave a host of friends who will believe in him and whose confidence he will entirely possess.

George S. Tomlinson

This sketcli is written as a tribute to the memory of George S. Tomlinson, one of the sterling citizens of Hastings, who on September 3, 1902, completed on earth a life full of the honor which comes from upright living and honest dealing with one's fellow men.

Born near Watertown, Connecticut, September 15, 1842, at the age of fourteen he came to Marsliall, Michigan, and there lived until 1866. In April of that year lie was married to Miss Jennie Selleck and in the following month moved to Hastings, where he was foreman of the Prentiss & Dickey, sash, door and blind factory. After remaining in their employ for some time Mr. Tomlinson helped to build and establish the plant of Bentley, Rider & Co., for whom he worked as a foreman until he became a member of the firm.

ness. This business he built up from small beginnings to large and profitable proportions. After his death it was conducted for some time by his daugliter, Mrs. Mae Youngs, who with his widow survived him and are both present residents of this city.

As a business man ^Ir. Tomlinson was strictly square and honorable. His reputation for integrity was never questioned and until failing health prevented^ he was tirelessly active in building up and extending his interests.

He was a progressive and public spirited citizen and took a great interest in all civic affairs. He was alderman for several terms and for many years served as City Treasurer. For twentyone years he was a member of tlie Board of Education^ holding the record in Hastings for length of service on the board. He retired in 1898. For many years during his service on the school board he was president of that body, but wliether serving as president or merely as a member, he always liad a great influence in its deliberations. Mucli of the excellence of our splendid system of schools can be honestly credited to George S. Tomlinson. In politics he was a staunch Democrat.

Mr. Tomlinson was a worthy Kniglit of Pythias and devoted much time to the upbuilding of the Hastings lodge. While physically able he was ever a faithful attendant at its sessions.

Dr. William Upjohn

Dr. William Upjohn was born in Shaftsbury^ England^ ]\Iarch 4fy 1807. His father, whose name lie bore, was a man of great ability and widely known throughout tlie west of England. He was a devoted Christian and was the author of several religious works. In 1795 he married Mary Standard, of Tisbury, and reared a family of twelve children, three boys and nine girls, William being the eldest son. Mr. Upjohn was a wealthy English gentleman and his children all received liberal educations.

It is most fitting here to speak of William's brother Uriah. In fact^ it is impossible to write a sketcli of the life of William Upjohn without touching upon the life of this brother, with whom he was always most closely associated. Together they came, in 1828, to explore the wonders of the new world. They both graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City and together, in 1835, they both came to Michigan where they found vast fields of usefulness. They had no thought of remaining permanently in the then Territory of Michigan, but Uriah met pretty Maria Mills and after that he could not leave. They were married and lived long and useful lives. Their work and influence in Kalamazoo County, where Dr. Uriah had located, can never be forgotten. Not only was the doctor's medical skill widely sought, but he was a deep thinker and a sound adviser on all subjects. He would almost bear a part in the history of Barry County, for many a long ride did he take to Hastings from liis home in Richland, and many a life was saved in Barry County by his wonderful medical skill. When Dr. William Upjohn was in the Civil war it was to his brother, Uriah that the people of Hastings turned. No decisive step was ever taken by one brother without the counsel of the other, and this wonderful brotherly friendship and love is a thing to ever cherish and remember.

Both the brothers settled first in Ricliland, where William spent the first four years farming. But the work of caring for the sick was more than one physician could do and so he joined Uriah in tlie practice of medicine.

Dr. William Upjohn's first trip to Hastings was made by the marked trees to visit Mr. Leach, after whom Leach Lake was named. He left his patient with but a few hours to live and on his way home stopped in Hastings to care for the sick. In a little store building which stood where the white brick barn now stands, at the southeast corner of Creek and State streets, he met Henry A. Goodyear and Alvin Bailey. These gentlemen prevailed upon him to settle in Hastings, inasmuch as there was no physician in the place. This was in 1841. In 1842 he married Affa Cannett, who died in the first year of her married life. In 1847 he married Lydia Amelia, sister of his first wife, who was the mother of his three daughters. Dr. and Mrs. Upjohn spent a long life together, Mrs. Upjohn surviving her husband three years.

Dr. Upjohn's first home in Hastings was on the southwest corner of Creek and Apple streets. He later built the house which is now just east of the C, K. & S. railway where it inter- sects the Michigan Central. This place was laid out in garden beds bordered by English box and planted to shrubs and flowers. State street now passes through what was once the doctor's beautiful garden. He afterwards located on Broadway, where lie made his home until his death. He owned some valuable pieces of property in Hastings.

Dr. William Upjohn was so prominently identified with the history of this county that his name can never pass from its pages. He was one of the best and grandest citizens Barry County ever had. He was loved and honored by all^ not only for his medical skill, but for his work in public and among the poor.

In 1852 he was elected register of deeds and the same year he was elected a member of the first Board of Regents of the University of Michigan. At his death the University authorities paid him a very high tribute.

In 1862 Governor Blair tendered him the position of surgeon of the Seventh Michigan Cavalry, which he accepted. From the position of regimental surgeon he was promoted to Surgeonin-Chief of the First Brigade, First Division of Cavalry, of the Army of the Potomac. The doctor was with Kilpatrick in his raid on Richmond and accompanied General Sherman in his raid up James River. He served throughout the war and at its close went with General Custer to what were then the vast unexplored plains of the West, to put down the Indian trouble. He made as fine a war record as could be desired. The doctor was a great horseback rider and he took into the army with him the horse he had ridden in his practice. This faithful animal carried his master to the Black Hills and back and died in the stable from which he was taken when the doctor entered the service.

It was in 1865 when Dr. Upjohn once more returned to Hastings and resumed his practice, for several years in the '70's having associated with him his nephew. Dr. William E. Upjohn, now of Kalamazoo. He passed many useful years beloved and honored by his fellow citizens and died August 2, 1887, mourned by all.

Christopher H. Van Arman

Born in Falkland, Brant County, Ontario, September 11, 1851, he came, six years later, with liis family, to the township of Rutland, his fatlier, George Van Arman, buying what is now the Gardner farm in that townsliip. Later the father bought a farm about a mile west of tlie Gardner farm and there lived until his death. The family was a large one, consisting of five brothers and ^ve sisters. Of these only five are now living: Joseph Van Arman, of Detroit; Mary, now Mrs. M. W. Hicks, of Hastings; Sarah, Mrs. Thos. Kelley, of Hope; Ruth, Mrs. Orley Peake, of Kansas City, and Harriet, Mrs. Mark Childs, of Fowlerville. The motlier was Elizabetli Harrison Van Arman.

Young Christopher Van Arman attended district school in Rutland until lie was fourteen years of age, when he entered the employ of John M. Nevins of the Hastings Banner, with whom he worked at tlie printer's trade, boarding with the family. Later he taught district school and then was principal of schools at Nashville and Middleville. While teaching he studied law. He pursued his legal studies in the offices of James Sweezey and of L. E. & C. M. Knappen, and in 1881 was admitted to the bar. In 1882 he graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan, and in the following year became a partner in the firm of Knappen & Van Arman. In 1888 William J. Stuart of Grand Rapids allied himself with Mr. Knappen and Mr. Van Arman and the firm of Stuart, Knappen & Van Arman was thus formed. Mr. Knappen removed to Grand Rapids and the firm maintained offices in both that city and Hastings, with Mr. Van Arman in charge of the Hastings office.

In 1888 Mr. Van Arman was elected prosecuting attorney of Barry County on the Republican ticket by a majority of over 700 and this office he held at the time of his death.

He was a member of all the Masonic bodies in Hastings and was closely identified with the K. of P. He was a devoted and earnest churchman and was an active member of Emmanuel parish.

Mr. Van Arman was a striking example of what a young man can do unaided except by his own efforts. A deep and careful student, he made great progress in his chosen profession and at tlie time of his death had reached a position of great promise. He was of a deeply sincere and lionorable nature and pre-eminently merited that highest of all titles^ that of Christian gentleman.

Luke Waters

One of the eminently successful business men of Hastings and a man who has been repeatedly placed by his fellow citizens in offices of trust and honor^ is I.uke Waters.

Mr. Waters was born near Canandaigua, New York^ in Ontario County, May 4th, 1853. His parents were Patrick and Mary Hoonan Waters and with them he came to Michigan in 1855, arriving in the Wolverine State in October of that year and settling in the Township of Irving on Section 29. Here for ten years the family lived the life of pioneers, undergoing experiences which a younger generation can know little of. Often times in order to eke out the family income the father went to work for his neighbors. For sucli work he received the sum of fifty cents a day, payment being made in produce.

In 1865 the family came to the vicinity of Hastings, locating on w^hat is now tlie Wellman farm north of the city. Here tlie land had to be cleared and the ground prepared for cultivation by any but easy processes. It was liard w^ork but it was honest and honorable. Of course money was not over plentiful and luxuries were scarce, but still there was always enough for comfort and poverty was unknown.

In the midst of these circumstances, wliicli were well calculated to bring out the true American qualities of endurance and perseverance, young Waters grew to manhood. Then in 1876, at the age of 22, he left the farm and entered the employment of Barlow & Goodyear in their grain elevator, and it is this business of which Mr. Waters is now today the sole owner.

In 1880 Mr. Waters formed a partnership with F. H. Barlow and bought out Nathan Barlow, who had become the entire owner of the elevator business through the dissolution of the firm of Barlow & Goodyear. The new partnership continued until March, 1912, when on the death of Mr. Barlow, Mr. Waters assumed full ownership.

During the many years which Mr. Waters has been in business he has always enjoyed a well earned reputation for absolute integrity and square dealing. He has always given careful attention to all the details of his business and his success has been of his own making.

October 16, 1878, Mr. Waters married Adella Wickham, daughter of John Wickham of Hastings. From this marriage were born tliree children, James P., Sopliia H. and Mary M., all of whom are still living. After a long illness Mrs. Waters died January 9, 1909.

Mr. Waters has always been a man who has been interested in the affairs of his community and he has held numerous offices in tlie city government. For twenty years he served on the Council as Alderman and for two terms, in 1897 and 1898, he was Mayor of the city. He is also Director in the City Bank, President of tlie Board of Trade, Director of the ^lanufacturers' Club and a member of the Knights of Pytliias.

Besides having always been in the grain and elevator business Mr. Waters has always been interested in farming. He is a practical farmer and thoroughly understands the tilling of the soil.

In February, 1910, Mr. Waters married ^liss Ruth Handy of Hastings, who has always fully entered into his ideas of community and civic betterment.

i\Ir. Waters' ideas on attaining success are interesting and well worth while. Industry, choosing a congenial occupation and then pushing that occupation without vacillation are, he believes, the essential elements of success.

Luke Waters has always been a square, straightforward citizen. He has attained success by his own efforts and by his own zeal. He has been public spirited and has tlie respect and good wishes of his fellow citizens.

John Weissert

John Weissert, one of the first German residents of Hastings, was born in Freudenstadt, Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, on October 11, 1828. Left fatherless while very young, John went to work to help support himself, his mother and a young halfbrother. When 14 years old, he apprenticed himself to a tinsmith for a term of three years. In those days it was the custom in Germany for every graduate apprentice to start out and gain worldly knowledge by working his way from town to town. This was called the "handwerksbusch." As soon as he had learned his trade, John left his native town in the heart of the Black Forest and worked his way through Wurtemberg and Northern Switzerland. He battled with the world until he was 21 years old. Then he enlisted in the German army, for he came from a military family whose members had served under Napoleon in Eastern Europe, his uncle, General von Reichstadt, having won distinction in service in Austria. He gained a good knowledge of drilling and also became a sharpshooter. While stationed at the barracks in Stuttgart, the capital of the kingdom, he met and married Fredericka Handel, of the family of Handel the musician, who resided in the ancient town of Leonberg, romantically located in the hills a few miles west of the city. It was here that their son, Charles G. Weissert, was born on March 26, 1852. Times were turbulent, and tlie young soldier decided to try his fortunes in the United States. He arrived in New York City late in 1853, and worked at his trade until he had saved enough money to bring his family to this country. After working a year in Philadelphia, he took his family to Herkimer, N. Y. Later they joined the tide of westward emigration and arrived in Hastings in 1855. He worked at liis trade until 1859, when he moved to Ohio, but he returned to Hastings six months later. The second son, John Weissert, was born on August 13, 1860.

Wlien tlie war spirit preceding tlie rebellion broke out, some of the residents organized themselves into tlie "Barry County Zouaves," and John Weissert drilled them in the upper story of the old court house and on the lawn. Giving his commands in broken English that often caused amusing mistakes, which he enjoyed as much as any of his men, he drilled the volunteers after the German methods. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted in Company C, First Regiment of Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. A few weeks afterward he was slightly wounded in the battle of Perryville, Ky., a bullet striking him in the hand as he raised his musket. His true soldierly traits, strict adlierence to discipline and faithful performance of duty won the regard of the officers, while his unchanging clieerfulness in the face of extreme hardship made him a great favorite with liis comrades. When Governor Blair visited the camps at Murfreesboro, Tenn., Col. Innes of the First Engineers placed John on sentinel duty one night and had him challenge the party until the password was given, in order to show the governor what a faithful soldier he had. John was a companionable man and was in demand at officers' social gatherings. He was made a corporal, and afterward refused further promotion. In 186i he returned to Hastings and enlisted a number of recruits. He was mustered out of service with his regiment in Washington, D. C, on January 18, 1865. Returning home, he worked at his trade until he established a hardware business of his own in 1870. He taught his trade to his two sons. In 1877, he and liis older son, Charles, went into partnership.

After a brief illness of inflammatory rheumatism which resulted from liis service in tlie army, John Weissert died on September 27, 1883. His son, John, then entered the business now conducted by Weissert Brothers.

Jolm Weissert was known throughout the county as ''Honest Jolm." He was noted for liis kindness, his courtesy, his clean character, his devotion to his friends, his hospitality in his home, his absolute squareness in business dealings, and his spirit of liberality which amounted almost to a fault. He was unceasingly industrious, and thought nothing of walking a dozen or a score of miles to do work. When new arrivals in the county appeared in his store without a cent with which to pay for what they wanted to purchase, John unhesitatingly "trusted" them, for he believed everyone as honest as himself. "Take it along, I know you will pay," he said. Unreliable persons seeing that honesty was unquestioned, seldom failed to pay their debts. Many who afterwards prospered, had him to thank for assistance.

John Weissert was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he believed in that grand principle, "Do right, and fear naught." He became widely acquainted. He served with marked ability on the Board of Education. His popularity was proved by the great attendance at his funeral, which was the largest ever held in Barry County, people coming miles to pay their last respects. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, a charter member of the Hastings Arbeiter Verein and of Fitzgerald Post, Grand Army of the Republic. His widow died on March 6, 1901.

Milo Thatcher Wheeler

]\lilo Thatcher Wheeler was born in tlie township of Wheeler^, Steuben County, New York, February 6th, 1821. He was the third in a family of nine sons and two daughters, children of Asa and Henrietta Wheeler, who were among the first settlers in the township of Woodland, having moved there in the year 18i2. He was elected Supervisor of that township in 1819, which office he held for fifteen of the next twenty years.

In 1 864 he was appointed postmaster at Woodland Center^ which position he retained until December, 1870, when he moved to Hastings to assume the duties of County Treasurer. He was twice re-elected to this office, which he filled with credit to himself and the satisfaction of all. He was a member of the Board of Education for nearly all of the time of his residence in the city.

During the thirty years over which his official record extends not a stain attached to his name. In all his business relations he was characterized by an unswerving honesty and fidelity wliich^ together with his genial good humor and obliging disposition, won him many friends among those who knew him only in this capacity. As friend and neiglibor he was universally loved and respected. He was an official member of the Methodist Episcopal church in Hastings at the time of his death, December 8th, 1878. He was married October 2ith, 1817, to Amanda Haight, daughter of Reuben and Sally Ann Haight, who had brought their young family to the township of Odessa, in Ionia County, in 1840. Mrs. Wheeler was born in Steuben County, New York, December 4th, 1828. After their marriage they went to live on Mr. Wheeler's farm in Woodland township, where their four children were born. The only son, Tlieron P., died at the age of two years.

The three daughters who survived the father and mother are: Frances, wife of Judge Clement Smith of the Fifth Judicial Circuit; Rosella Belle, wife of Marshall E. Cook, editor of the Hastings Banner, and Stella A., wife of Colonel A. D. Kniskern^ at this writing stationed at Manila, P. I.

Her home during the days of the Civil War was the gathering place of those who waited for the mail to come from Hastings on horseback, bearing tidings from the front and for the "war widows" who came to her husband, as supervisor, having the disbursement of the monthly allowance paid toward their support by the township. Her's was the office of comforter to many a lonely wife and mother, and to many a stricken one when the news of a battle arrived.

Mrs. Wheeler was always interested in public affairs and patriotic, as only those can be who have sacrificed much for their country. She had three brothers in the war, two of whom fill unknown graves in the Southland. She was a leader in the Soldiers' Aid Societies in Woodland, and after coming to Hastings, a charter member of the Women's Relief Corps. She came of Revolutionary stock and was a member of the original society organized for the preservation of Mt. Vernon. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for over sixty years, at the time of her death, which occurred in Hastings, August 25th, 1909.

Henry Osgar Young

The oldest resident of Hastings in point of continuous residence is Oscar Young. He has lived in Hastings over 71 years. Born in Battle Creek July 1, 18iO, he was brought to Hastings in October, 18il, when liis father, Vespasian Young, moved to Hastings and engaged in business as a merchant, carrying on his business until his death in 1818 in a store building which he erected west of where the National Bank now stands.

The fatlier was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, April 7, 1807, and came to :\Iicliigan in 1833, settling in Battle Creek. With him came his wife, Agnes Bisliop Smith Young, who had been born in Peebles, Scotland, November 2, 1811, and had come in 1820 with her family to Pennsylvania, where she met Vespasian Young and married him. The trip which the young couple made to Michigan was a slow one. From Pennsylvania they came by wagon to Ithaca, New York. From Ithaca they went by canal to Buffalo and from that city tliey took a steamboat to Detroit. The last part of the journey from Detroit to Battle Creek was by wagon.

Vespasian Young was a blacksmith by trade, but he also made gloves and mittens of buckskin. At times also he would buy up a sheep or a beef critter and kill the animal and sell the meat to his neighbors. This was before he began keeping store. Eventually he became a fur buyer, selling to the two great fur dealers, Godfrey and Campau. It is said that the Thornapple river was at times filled with canoes of Indians carrying furs. Vespasian Young also studied law and would have been admitted to the bar at the term of court immediately following liis decease.

Oscar Young was only a little over a year old when the family came to Hastings^ so he has been a resident of Hastings practically all his life and his earliest recollections are of Hastings scenes. His first teacher was J. W. T. Orr and the school house was located on wliat is now the city market place^ east of Mrs. Hannah Barlow's residence. This same building was later moved to where Emil Tyden's home now is. At the time ^Ir. Young attended school the total number of pu})ils hardly exceeded 30. Bedford and George McLellan were his schoolmates, as was also Jolm Fuller. An interesting side light on early school affairs in Hastings is afforded by the fact that in 1815^ wlien Vespasian Young was school Director, his report stated that tliere were i7 pupils enrolled in the district and that Hugh Jennings^ Phoebe Hays and Mary J. West were the teachers^ to wliom for six months and a half of teaching an aggregate of $18 in wages liad been paid.

In 1860 Oscar Young began to learn the car[)entering trade with W. I. F. HamS;, and worked at that until August^ 1 862^ wlien lie responded to the call to arms and enlisted in the cause of his country in Company C^ First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics^ for three years. He was mustered Sei:)tember 8^ 1862, and on the first day of the following year was made a corporal. February 1^ 1864, he was made a sergeant. He was discharged at Wasliington June 6, 1865, having been in the battles of Perry ville, Ky., Lavergne^ Tenn., Brown's Ferry^ Tenn., and Bentonville, N. C. Mr. Young was with Sherman on his march to the sea and endured with his company the hardships of that long and bloody march.

After the war Mr. Young returned to Hastings and went again to work at his trade, and in 1866 married Miss Annie Elizabeth Hams, daughter of W. I. F. Hams, from wliom he learned his trade.

To Mr. and Mrs. Young were born four children, Agnes^ Clarence, William and Ralph, of whom William and Clarence are still living. Clarence is living at Allegan, and is now serving his third term as Mayor of that city. He is a dentist by profession but is also interested in numerous business and manufacturing interests. William is the proprietor of a grocery store at Bellevue and has one daughter, Dagmar, who is now studying music in Paris. Mrs. William Young was Miss Belle Stanley of Hastings.

In 1867 Mr. Young built his present residence on West Green street, moving in in November. At that time there were no otlier houses near by but those of W. I. F. Hams and James Dunning. In 1869 D. R. Cook built what is now the Stem residence at the west end of Green street.

Mr. Young has always been a man who has merited and received the respect of his fellow citizens. He has been industrious, honest and honorable and has been ever ready to do liis duty as he has seen it.

Mr. Young has one sister and two brothers still living. They are Mrs. Mary Geer of Hastings, Andrew Young of Claremont, Soutli Dakota, and W. R. Young of Grand Rapids. These witli Mr. Young are tlie survivors of a family of nine brothers and sisters, six of wliom lived to maturity. The mother died in 1882.

In concluding this article we wish to call attention to the artick^, by Chas. Weissert, Jr., which has been incorporated into the narrative portion of this volume. Tliis article is entitled, "When the Circus Came to Yankee Springs", and was written from facts furnislied by Mr. Young. Tliis article will give much interesting information tliat a formal biography could not hope to tell.

The Hastings National Bank

The oldest banking institution in Barry County is the Hastings National Bank. It is also the only National Bank in the county and ranks first in point of deposits. The Hastings National Bank has never failed to meet every single demand upon it no matter what may have been the financial conditions in the country at large, and in consequence of this long record of absolute reliability it is universally recognized as a splendid example of what a substantial, conservative bank should be.

The present bank had its origin in 1856 when William H. Skinner, of Battle Creek, opened a private bank in Hastings in the Alvin W. Bailey building, where Herman Bessmer's meat market now is. Soon after, Mr. Skinner sold his bank to Henry

A. Goodyear^ who moved it with his dry goods business, to where the Grigsby shoe store is at present located. Mr. Goodyear utilized the west window of his business place for the bank and employed John S. Van Brunt to help him in the banking business.

In the fall of 1859, J. S. Goodyear bought the dry goods business of Henry A. Goodyear, who then built a one-story wooden store building where Pearson's grocery store is now and started in the hardware business, also continuing in the banking business and installing the bank in a wing running west from his residence, which stood on the site of the present bank building. This wing, which was about 23 feet long, was about 25 feet back from the street and opened by a door into the hardware store. George Goodyear acted as his father's cashier.

In 1867 the bank was purchased by A. J. Bowne and F. N. Galloway, wlio conducted it under the firm name of Bowne & Galloway. For some time previous to this purchase, Bowne and Galloway had conducted a bank in Hastings, their bank Iiaving been started by Mr. Galloway, who was soon after joined in the enterprise by Mr. Bowne. Mr. Galloway had started his bank in the building now occupied by the Bessmer jewelry store, and here Bowne & Galloway continued their banking business after buying Mr. Goodyear's bank. In 1870, Bowne & Galloway erected the present splendid bank building on the northwest corner of Main and Jefferson streets.

It was in this same year that the Bowne & Cialloway bank was organized as a National Bank. At the organization. November 11, 1870, the first stockholders and organizers were A. J. Bowne, R. B. Wightman, George E. Goodyear, L. I). Gardner, Daniel B. Pratt, David R. Cook, Timothy P. Johnson, James A. Sweezey and Fred N. Galloway. The first officers were A, J. Bowne, President; L. D. Gardner, Vice-President; F. N. Galloway, Cashier; George E. Goodyear, Teller. The first Board of Directors was composed as follows: A. J. Bowne, D. R. Cook, James A. Sweezey, D. B. Pratt, R. B. Wightm.an, F. N. Galloway and E. D. Gardner. Not one of the above named gentlemen is now living.

A. J. Bowne served as President of the bank until his death June 7, 1896. Daniel Striker, who had been a Director since March 29, 1873, and Vice-President since January 8, 1878, then succeeded to the Presidency and continued in that position until his death, April 12, 1898. J. T. Lombard was then elected President and served until January, 1911, when he was succeeded by Judge Clement Smith, tlie present incumbent.

There have been certain changes in other of the bank officials which should also be noted. J. F. Goodyear was elected a Director January 12, 1886, and Vice-President, April 20, 1898, both of wliich offices lie still fills. George E. Goodyear was elected Cashier when F. N. Galloway resigned, November 10, 1871, and served until his death August 11, 1881, when W. D. Hayes was elected Director and Cashier to succeed him and has served continuously since. Harry G. Hayes has been in the employ of the bank since 1886 and has been Assistant Cashier since January, 1899.

The first charter, which wa^ issued for twenty years in November, 1870, was renewed for twenty years in November, 1890, and again renewed for twenty years in November, 1910. The bank's capital is $50,000 and it has a surplus of the same amount, with undivided profits of $26,000. The institution has deposits of $565,000 and resources of $750,000.

The present directors are Clement Smith, John F. Goodyear, W. D. Hayes, J. T. Lombard, F. D. Pratt and W. H. Chase. The present officers are Clement Smith, President; John F. Goodyear, Vice-President; W. D. Hayes, Cashier, and Harry G. Hayes, Assistant Cashier.

Besides commercial and savings departments which are patronized widely by a public which gives its entire confidence to this solid institution, the Hastings National Bank is also the United States government depository for postal savings in this city.

The banking offices are handsome, modern and up-to-date in every respect and the bank is in a splendid position to take care of its large and growing business.

The Hastings National Bank is an institution of which not only its officers, directors and stockholders should be proud, but also the entire county should share in this same feeling. Its unbroken record of over 56 years in this community certainly warrants and secures the most implicit confidence.

The Union Block And Loppenthien'S

In 1866 a three-story brick building was erected in Hastings at tlie southwest corner of Main and Jefferson streets. It was the first brick business building in Hastings, if not in the entire county, and was called the Union Block because there was a union of effort to erect it, three different business interests uniting in building the block. Tlie men who were behind the erection of the block were W. S. Goodyear and Nathan Barlow, of the firm of Goodyear & Barlow; D. G. Robinson and R. B. Wightman, of the firm of Robinson & Wightman; and I. A. Holbrook, attorney. The building extended for three fronts along Main street, making three fine store buildings on the ground floor. Goodyear and Barlow owned the east third of tlie building and utilized the store on the ground floor for their stock of dry goods. The middle third fell to Robinson & Wightman, who used it for a hardware store, while the west portion of the block was Mr. Holbrook's share.

The greater part of the second floor was used for offices, while the east two-thirds of the third floor was given up to what was known as Union Hall, and here for many years theatrical entertainments, social gatlierings and dances were held. On the third floor in ^Ir. Holbrook's part of the building was located the Masonic lodge room. January 13, 1893, the scenery on the stage of Union Hall caught fire, and the result was that the building was badly damaged. It was soon rebuilt, but since then the west third has hardly been considered as a part of the Union Block.

Today the first story and the rear half of the second floor of the rebuilt Union Block is occupied by the Loppenthien Company, of wliich Ricliard Loppenthien is president and general manager and James Harrison Race is secretary-treasurer. Mr. Loppentliien came to Hastings in 1910 when his company bought out Wright Brothers, who had previously conducted the same sort of a business at the same location. Mr. Race came to Hastings in February, 1912, associating himself with Mr. Loppenthien at that time.

Tlie Loppentliien Company conduct a general department store, carrying the different lines generally displayed by an up-todate store* of this sort, including a splendid grocery department. Since taking possession of the store the Loppenthien Company have more than doubled their stock and it is no longer necessary to go to larger centers to secure anything desired in the lines handled by this company. Consequently the business has grown steadily and there is every reason to believe that the company's ambitimi to occupy the entire building will eventually be realized. The store as it is today is equipped in a most modern manner. Everything has been done to make it possible to give the very best of service to the company's steadily growing trade and the entire community should be proud to have such an enterprising firm in its midst.

Grand Rapids Bookcase And Chair Company

Located in the City of Hastings are a number of manufacturing enterprises which contribute largely to the city's industrial reputation. Foremost among these is the Grand Rapids Bookcase and Chair Company, which manufactures a very comprehensive

This concern is a consolidation of tlie Grand Rapids Bookcase Company and the Barber Bros.' Chair Company. The Grand Rapids Bookcase Company was organized in 1901 and the first officers were John Sehler of Grand Rapids^ president; A. A. Barber of Grand Rapids^ vice president ; Kellar Stem of Hastings^ secretary; and F. E. Brown of Grand Rapids^ treasurer. The Barber Bros.' Chair Company was organized in 1903, the factory being built just east of the Grand Rapids Bookcase Company's plant. The original officers of this concern were A. A. Barber of Grand Rapids^ president and treasurer; John W. Shank of Grand Rapids^ vice president; and J. C. Barber of Hastings, secretary. The interests of these two concerns were very closely allied and in 1910 it was considered expedient to form a consolidation under the name of Grand Rapids Bookcase and Chair Compan^^ Mr. A. A. Barber of Grand Rapids became president of the new concern; the late Henry J. Heystek of Grand Rapids, vice president; and Kellar Stem of Hastings, secretary and treasurer.

Since its organization in 1901 the Grand Rapids Bookcase and Chair Company has enjoyed a steady growth, increasing from a floor space of seventy-five tliousand square feet and an output of seventy-five thousand dollars per year to a concern having a floor space of four acres and an output of one-half million. Their furniture is recognized all over the United States under the copyrighted trade-mark, "Lifetime Furniture", and the City of Hastings should be proud of the fact that there is no better nor more favorably known line in the country.

The factory is equipped with the most modern and up-to-date woodworking machinery and each machine is run by an individual electric motor. All power used is manufactured by the company's own power plant maintained on the premises, as is also the electric current for lighting. The company also pumps its own water and has installed for its immediate use an improved underwriter's fire pump capable of pumping 90,000 gallons of water per hour, or over 2,000,000 gallons per day.

The plant is equipped with the most improved system of fire protection, namely, a sprinkler system which consists of a network of pipes arranged at the ceiling of each floor in such a man- ner that there is a head or valve every ten feet each way capable of throwing fifteen gallons of water per minute. In other words, every 100 square feet of floor space in the immediate vicinity of a fire w^ould receive sixty gallons of water per minute.

The Grand Rapids Bookcase and Chair Company does a wholesale business only and is under the active management of Kellar Stem. It is on a sound financial basis and credit is due to logical, clean, progressive metliods and the co-operative policy of the management for its success.

The Hastings Table Company

The liistory of the Hastings Table Company as a successful institution is to a great extent involved with the personality of Emil Tyden, its vice-president and manager, although, of course, many others have contributed much toward putting the company in its present enviable position.

Before Mr. Tyden became interested in the manuafcture of extension tables an extension table was an extension table and nothing else. It had no distinctive character. The now very popular pedestal or single leg idea could not be applied, for when a table was extended the pedestal was divided and when tlie table was closed the pedestal sagged and left an unsightly gap. Mr. Tyden invented the Tyden Pedestal Lock and this difficulty was overcome. As a result of this invention the pedestal table became instantly popular.

Mr. Tyden then invented another locking device for locking in three leaves without opening tlie pedestal, although the feature of the pedestal lock w\as still retained and used when it was desired to extend the table to a greater width tlian the three leaves permitted.

Mr. Tyden also invented the steel dowel pin to take the place of the wooden pins which had heretofore been used in table leaves. Together with a sk)ping groove to guide the pin, the steel dowel pin obviated mucli difficulty in fitting leaves together.

A concealed nut and bolt construction, invented by Mr. Tyden, w^as tlie next step in perfecting the mechanical construction of the extension table. But Mr. Tyden w^as not content with this and he has added two new features which should make the extension table almost perfect. These are the steel bearing table slide and the removable table top. By this latter device both halves of a table can be taken off and removed if it is desired;, for the purpose of getting at rugs^ etc., on the floor under the table.

All these inventions have made tlie extension table practically perfect mechanically and now the desire of the factory management is to perfect a selling force which will sell the perfected table *Trom the inside out", a desire which is being rapidly and successfully realized.

Besides the Table Company, Mr. Tyden is also interested in the following Hastings manufacturing institutions: The Hastings Cabinet Company, International Seal and Lock Company and the Consolidated Press and Tool Company.

When Mr. Tyden became identified with the Table Company, it employed about 50 hands. Now it employs about 125 hands and has also trebled as to size of plant in the same period.

Received; Book bound in case-style binding. Cover was of cloth. Binding had been repaired previously. Cover was.. free. Headbands were loose. Book was .Smythe sewn. Sew in was broken. Paper was in good condition. Boards were of solid binder's board. Repairs had been made wit.h gummed hoi land tape.