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- 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