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- Notes:
- Joined father's cigar manufacturing company in 1905; they created Dutch Masters brand cigar. Sold out to national company in 1919, but started his own firm in 1921 and prospered making Van Dam cigars. Admirer of FDR, active in Deomcratic politics, he was advocate for public ownership of city bus system. Sold cigar company in 1945 and retired to Florida 5 years later.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Born in Grand Rapids. City employee for 20 years before elected mayor. Head of building inspection department when elected mayor. Resigned full time job to take part time position as mayor. Resigned after 14 months after being involved in several political controversies. Later became chief building inspector in Kentwood.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Born in Poland. Came to US in 1915 (approx.). Family name changed from Dyszkiewicz to Davis in 1924 when father became naturalized citizen. Catholic. Appointed mayor when George Welsh resigned. Lost to Goebel in 1950. Elected mayor in 1958. Elected to four terms. Resigned in 1964 to run as Democrat for State Representative. Elected four times. Selected as Speaker Pro Tem. Grocery store manager, shoe store and flower shop owner.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Doctor, who at the time of his term, having suspended medical practice temporarily, was in charge of the D & M Railroad. Later resumed practice, served as a surgeon in the Civil War. Lived in former H. R. Williams house and co-donor of Crescent Park to the city.
- Date Created:
- 1859-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Beat Captain Belknap by nine votes. Wealthy bachelor who told of youthful pre-Civil War western adventures. With money from Wisconsin lumber baron father he invested lavishly in banking, timber, industry and trade. Published "Grand Rapids Democrat" in early 1890s, but depression ruined them. Left town heavily in debt, died broke in New York.
- Date Created:
- 1888-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Notes:
- Republican. Wealthy flour mill owner. Later operated private bank, then merged it into the first local national bank, an ancestor of Old Kent. Built Sweet's Hotel, invested in railroads, bred prize cattle, active in lumber and furniture manufacture. His home, built in 1860, is now the Women's City Club.
- Date Created:
- 1860-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Originally a farmer near Sparta, involvement in township affairs led to election as county treasurer in 1886, succeeding his brother. Elected Grand Rapids city treasurer 1897-99 and caught embezzling $13,500 but was covered by bondsmen and escaped prosecution. Had manufacturing interests on West Side and was president of 5th National Bank.
- Date Created:
- 1895-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Now serving his third term, Mayor George Heartwell took office on January 1, 2004. During his tenure, City government has implemented a variety of environmental measures, including purchase of renewable resource energy, use of alternative fuels in city vehicles, continued attention to water quality in the Grand River, and widespread implementation of energy conservation measures. In January 2007 the United Nations recognized Grand Rapids as a “Regional Center of Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development.”
Grand Rapids is widely recognized as one of the most sustainable cities in America. In 2010 the US Chamber of Commerce gave Grand Rapids the “Nation’s Most Sustainable City” award, and in 2012 Mayor Heartwell was given the first place Climate Protection Award by the US Conference of Mayors.
With twenty-two colleges or universities in the metropolitan area, Grand Rapids is known as a knowledge center. Human medicine, medical education, and health research is the most rapidly growing economic cluster. Even during times of severe economic downturn, Grand Rapids has shown remarkable economic resiliency.
George Heartwell is married to Susan who directs the Student Advancement Foundation. George and Susan are proud parents of three adult children and six extraordinary grandchildren.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Entrepreneurial lumberman, and wooden ware and furniture manufacturer. He was feisty, vigorous, and strong-minded. Later involved in Greenback Party, elected to Congress in 1884 on Fusion Greenback-Democrat ticket. Developed North Park area and ran a street railway to the West Michigan State Fair grounds, which he had donated.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Portrait Ca. 1865
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Notes:
- Originally Whig, he was elected on a "Free Democrat" ticket and became Republican during his first term. A self-made hardware merchant who came to Grand Rapids as a boy of 17 and eventually founded the Foster-Stevens Company, he was noted as kind-hearted and fair. Later elected to U.S. Congress, died in office.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Nephew of pioneer Lucius Lyon, had business career as grocer. Later headed Board of Public Works during 1860s when city hall and many other municipal developments were constructed. managed street railway enterprises, served as first president of Western Michigan Agricultural Society.
- Date Created:
- 1877-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Republican. Came to Grand Rapids in 1853 as partner of father-in-law W. B. Ledyard in manufacturing fanning mills and milk safes, then in banking. Later was County Superintendent of the Poor, known for benevolence. His daughter married J. B. Pantlind.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Republican. Coming to Grand Rapids as a boy of 8, he grew up to be a young Civil War captain, wagon manufacturer, assistant fire chief, and held other civic offices before becoming mayor. Was defeated for mayor in 1888 but elected to Congress that fall. In old age was noted for a charming series of reminiscences, collected in Yesterdays of Grand Rapids book.
- Date Created:
- 1884-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Partner in the law firm of Warner Norcross and Judd where he practiced law for over thirty years. Specialized in health law, and condemnation and probate litigation. Active in and presided over the Grand Rapids PTA Council, Heritage Hill Association, Grand Rapids/Kent County Sesquicentennial Committee, Grand Rapids Historical Commission, Goodwill Industries, local chapter American Cancer Society. Served as president of the Michigan Society of Hospital Attorneys and the Historical Society of Michigan. Elected to four terms in 1991, 1994, and 1999.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Started with James Bayne Printing Company in 1900 as apprentice engraver and became its president in 1937. Board of Education member first elected 1924 as Progressive to reduce "political influence." Drafted as reform mayoral candidate by Better Government League backed by business, and defeated Karel. Offended organized labor, bucked New Deal. Defeated after "reform" zeal faded.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Whig. Assoicated with Daniel Ball in steamboats running on Grand River from early 1840s. Also bought Ball's interest in local plaster mill, among other business activities. Built stone house at Bostwick and Crescent shown in Sarah Nelson painting.
- Date Created:
- 1850-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. A young pharmacist when he arrived in 1868. Afterward became bookkeeper in a wholesale grocery firm and rose to become partner in 1883. As city treasurer in 1891 was discovered to have embezzled $16,000 but escaped prosecution. As mayor was implicated in notorious water scandal but trial ended in hung jury. Lost as "reform" candidate against George Ellis in 1914.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Republican. First 2-year incumbent under revised charter. Came to Grand Rapids in 1872 and began career in real estate office. Organized Grand Rapids Furniture Company in 1876, owning half-interest until 1893. Became partner in Stow & Davis in 1895, serving as company treasurer. Moved to Colorado in 1907.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Greenback-Democrat. Came from Milwaukee in 1871. Went into wholesale paper and oil business. Was elected state senator in 1884 and resigned when elected mayor. Involved in long court fight over his veto, sustained by the Supreme Court, of Common Council action adopting the arc tower system of street lights.
- Date Created:
- 1885-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Notes:
- Democrat. Came to Grand Rapids as a young cabinet-maker in 1847, became early furniture manufacturer and lumberman. Later was builder of West Side Power canal, Power's Opera House, established first hydro-electric plant, was foundry owner, gypsum entrepreneur, etc., active into the 20th century.
- Date Created:
- 1857-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- From humble beginning as foundry and machine shop worker, rose to become president of Gallmeyer & Livingston, manufacturer of machine tools and woodworking machinery. As one of the honest aldermen helped bring to light water scandals of the early 1900s. Elected to first city commission in 1917, and as mayor dealt with problems arising from World War I.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- A Dutch immigrant boy at 10, once employed in C. C. Comstock's pail factory, he worked himself up from shoe clerk to shoe store owner. Member of first city commission in 1917, served until 1928. Known as "father of the city's retail markets," promoter of opening Lake Michigan Drive through West Side, and for work on finance committee of Kent County Board of Supervisors.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Second Jewish mayor in Grand Rapids history (first was Julius Houseman), parents moved to Grand Rapids from Russia just before his birth. Graduated from Western Michigan State Teachers College. Partner in leather business. Appointed to City Commission in 1972. Elected mayor in 1975. Served two terms and then retired. Strong mayor with dominating personality.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Came in 1891, general manager of Grand Rapids Cigar Company. In 1909 was organizer and president of Tisch-Hine office outfitters. In 1913 founded Tisch Auto Supply Company. Ardent conservationist who strongly advocated reforestation projects, owned farms on which he practiced his ideas. Later moved to Marne.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. In 1864 was city's first exclusively wholesale grocery and liquor merchant. Served three terms as city treasurer in late 1870s, while running private bank that in 1879 was merged into Fourth National. Next year became first president of Kent Furniture Company. Later moved to Chicago.
- Date Created:
- 1871-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Parents born in Netherlands. He was born in Grand Rapids. Moved from Grand Rapids to farm near Zeeland at age 10. Printer. Served on City Commission 1929-1935. Long time friend of George Welsh. Elected mayor 1954 and hired Welsh as City Manager. Buried on his 70th birthday, March 17, 1958. Son Russell later led fight (petition/election) to save the Welsh Auditorium.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Republican. First Dutch-born mayor, a druggist and patent medicine manufacturer. His tonics and nostrums were popular around the Midwest. Tried to enforce Sunday "blue laws" that embroiled him in controversy.
- Date Created:
- 1881-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Son of pioneer jeweler Aaron Dikeman, who arrived in 1837, Ed succeeded to his father's business. Noted as racehorse owner and enthusiast. Moved to Chicago in 1890s. Family home at SE corner of Fulton and Lafayette built in 1849 still stands.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Partner in plaster mills, railroads, real estate, mostly with Amos Rathbone. They built several downtown buildings in the 1870s that are still standing. As he was dying, Rathbone heirs accused him of crooked dealings, but he died before anything was proved.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- This image shows four of Joel Guild's six daughters. Ca. 1865
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Notes:
- Republican. After early years as country school teacher in Gaines Township, he became reporter on the Grand Rapids Eagle in 1871 and moved up to city editor, partner, and vice president of the paper. Helped organize Citizens Telephone Company in 1895 to compete with Bell, and was its president. His 1918 "History of Grand Rapids and Kent County" is still a valued resource.
- Date Created:
- 1894-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Republican. Furniture woodcarver, self-educated. Elected alderman in 1902, became Superior Court clerk in 1906. As city comptroller was leader against Ellis. Defeated him by 295 votes, but was himself deposed by new 1917 charter. Moved to Wyoming Township farm, and during the Depression was township's "colorful, fighting supervisor," helping bring in General Motors plant.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Honest, stalwart Canadian-born Scot, who came in 1880 as a young carpenter, helped build city hall. Worked up to head prestigious construction firm, contractor for many important structures. Elected Republican alderman in 1904 and served 10 years, was early advocate of commission-manager system. Became city commissioner from 1916 to 1923, again from 1932 until death.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Progressive Republican. Reputed to have begun career as a professional gambler, by 1890s the "Deacon" owned Grand Rapids' minor league baseball team. In 1897 began brokerage business which some called a "bucket shop." Popular with common people, often detested by the wealthy. In 1917 opened private bank in which many depositors lost money when he died.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Attended Ottawa Hills High School, Grand Rapids Junior College and Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. Owner of family paint and home improvement business. Active in neighborhood business organizations, and promoted neighborhood business development during tenure in office. Elected in first attempt at public office.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Republican. A pioneer doctor and druggist who arrived in 1835 and eventually grew wealthy from practice and from investments in business and real estate. Noted as a surgeon and early specialist in gynecology. Helped found U.B.A. (Blodgett) Hospital.
- Date Created:
- 1855-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Born in Grand Rapids. University of Michigan All-American football player and team captain in 1922. Operated local sporting goods business. Leader of Citizen's Action, group that opposed Welsh in 1949. Defeated by Veldman in 1954, but re-elected mayor in 1956. Served as UofM Regent and Delegate to Michigan Constitutional Convention 1961-1962.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Republican. Barry County native and University of Michigan graduate who became lawyer and moved here in 1872. Appointed successively assistant prosecuting attorney for Kent County, Grand Rapids city attorney, and county prosecuting attorney. As mayor he contended with problems of the 1893 Panic. In 1905 was elected Superior Court Judge.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Republican. Elected on "Citizen's Ticket" of his party and Democrats united against the Greenbackers. Born in Belgium, educated in France, came to Grand Rapids in 1856. Began as merchant, later went into lumber trade. As president of Board of Public Works in 1890s, worked for street improvements.
- Date Created:
- 1879-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Republican. Drafted to run for mayor two days before election when his party's candidate died suddenly, and still won by city's then-largest recorded margin. For many years was a partner in local bookstores. Appointed Grand Rapids postmaster in 1912, and after leaving office in 1914 was a prominent real estate developer.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Eccentric six-foot-four lawyer known as "Long Tom" who was an early prosecuting attorney and editor of the Grand Rapids Enquirer. A sometimes eloquent speaker and classical scholar, father of the famous artist Frederick Stuart Church.
- Date Created:
- 1853-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Republican. A settler of 1840, known as the wittiest man in town, a popular writer and speaker, intelligent and civic-minded. After leaving mercantile trade he held many public offices, was Grand Rapids Postmaster when he died. As city clerk in the 1850s he allegedly once published the Common Council minutes in rhymed verses.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- First mayor elected for 2-year term by voters after charter amendment. Began law practice in 1887. Active in Methodist Church, Boy Scout Council, other good works. As mayor was interested in city planning and active in development of park system. "Decorum prevailed during his 6 years," says author Z. Z. Lydens, "and there were at least routine achievements and normal progress."
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Paris Township native, rose from bookkeeper at Michigan Chair Company in 1904 to secretary-treasurer and general manager in 1916. Elected alderman 1908-10 and 1914-16, 3rd ward commissioner 1924-28. Worked closely with city manager George Welsh fighting Depression problems. Kent County purchasing agent 1935-1940 and three-term state legislator 1944-1950.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Born in small southern Indiana community of Lyle Station to poor farm family. Attended college and became Minister. Moved to Grand Rapids from Ann Arbor to pastor First Community AME Church in September 1966. Elected first African American member of City Commission in February 1967. Appointed mayor by City Commission when Robert Boelens resigned. Subsequently elected to full term. Lost re-election bid in 1975.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Parents born in Netherlands. He was born in Grand Rapids. Member of Christian Reformed Church. School teacher. Businessman, active in many civic organizations. President of Chamber of Commerce when appointed mayor, by City Commission when Davis resigned. Presided over building of new City Hall and major expansion of city services. Defeated by Robert Boelens in 1970.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Came to Grand Rapids in 1845, nephew of Mrs. Canton Smith of the National Hotel, and did odd jobs at the hotel while studying at Prof. Franklin Everett's Grand Rapids Academy. After working for a stagecoach line, in 1858 he became first express messenger on the now D & M Railroad. From 1859 onward was the local American Express agent.
- Date Created:
- 1883-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat, ex-Greenbacker. Nicknamed "Honest John". Came from Buffalo in 1863, went into grocery business. "Not a man of many words, but always said just what he meant." As alderman he was selected president of Common Council. Served in state legislature, 1887-89. Appointed to Board of Police & Fire Commissioners in 1891.
- Date Created:
- 1889-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Colorful, controversial "master politician." Immigrated from Scotland with family at age eight, orphan at 14, rising young printer and publisher in his mid-20s. Elected alderman opposed to Ellis in 1914, became state legislator in 1916, Speaker of the House in 1923, Lieutenant Governer in 1924. Appointed Grand Rapids city manager 1929-32, longest incumbent mayor in city's history. Resigned July 1949 in face of recall drive accusing him of ties with political "boss" Frank McKay, defeated in 1950 election. Came back as city manager 1954-55.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- First non-partisan mayor under new commission-manager system, chosen yearly by fellow commissioners. Member of wealthy "blueblood" family, Yale '81, brother-in-law of Edwin Sweet. Owner of Fuller & Rice Lumber Company, operated timber lands and local real estate, president of Luce Furniture Company in 1915. Had many philanthropic interests. Home is now Heritage Hill landmark.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Son of an early Grandville settler, arriving there at age 12. By trade a machinist who started a foundry and machine shop that later became Butterworth & Lowe. He sold out as owner, then spent thirty years working as a foreman.
- Date Created:
- 1858-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Lawyer who helped write 1857 city charter, served as city attorney, and was considered expert in municipal government. In 1883 was elected Michigan Supreme Court Justice and served 8 years then became a lecturer in the U. of M. law department.
- Date Created:
- 1867-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Grand Rapids' first Jewish mayor. Immigrant from Germany, came to Grand Rapids in 1852, established clothing store. City water system began during his term. Later elected to Congress, then went into lumber trade and invested in other businesses.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Notes:
- Democrat. Yale graduate, wealthy lawyer, former partner of W. J. Stuart. Active in various business interests for himself and his wife's family, at one time operated the Livingston Hotel. As mayor, devised and advocated plan for non-partisan city government. Served in U.S. Congress 1911-13, then appointed Assistant Secretary of Commerce under President Wilson.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection
- Notes:
- Democrat. Brilliant lawyer who came from Ypsilanti in 1876. Became president of Grand Rapids National Bank in 1881 while continuing practice. As mayor he achieved improved public lighting, more street paving, and an enlarged John Ball Park. In 1893 he was appointed Assistant Secretary of State by President Cleveland, then became U.S. Ambassador to Germany until 1897.
- Data Provider:
- Grand Rapids Public Library (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Collection:
- Mayors of Grand Rapids digital collection