Alfred C. Fassett—The true spirit of progress and enterprise is strikingly displayed in the life of the man to whom this article is devoted-a gentleman whose energetic nature and well-formed determination have enabled him to overcome many adverse circumstances and advance steadily to a respectable position in the commercial life of Grand Rapids.

Mr. Fassett was born in the city of Erie, Pa., April 30, 1860, and is the son of A. P. and Henrietta (Cater) Fassett, both natives of the Keystone state. The elder Fassett, by trade a carpenter and builder, spent his entire life in the east, and his wife died there when his son Alfred C. was but five weeks old.  Being thus bereft of the best earthly friend whom it is possible for any one to know, young Alfred was sent to an uncle, A. J. Fassett, who resided in Watson, Mich., with whom he lived until this gentleman’s death, in 1875, attending meantime the common schools. With a laudable desire to increase his knowledge, he continued his studies until his twenty-first year, and then began working at the mason’s trade, which he learned in the town of Watson, where he continued to reside till 1894. He also followed his trade in various places until the above year, when he came to Grand Rapids and began in a limited way to manufacture ice-cream, a business which has since engaged his time and attention, and which has proved successful far beyond his most sanguine expectations. Mr. Fassett’s first place of business was a barn, and a single hand freezer produced the cream which he delivered to a few customers on a wheelbarrow. The superior quality of the product, however, soon created a large demand, and in order to supply the same, additional apparatus was secured and help hired to make the rounds, which constantly became more extended as the months went by. Mr. Fassell did not wait for people to become acquainted with his cream by mere accident, but with true western thrift personally solicited patronage and liberally used the columns of the daily press of the city to bring his name to the notice of the public. These endeavors in due time brought their reward in a largely increased custom, the extent of which may best be understood by the fact that the first years’ output amounted to but $300, the second year to $900, the third to $2,500, and a conservative estimate of the years’ business is considerably in excess of $9,000. Such growth is truly remarkable and speaks volumes for the energy, thrift and excellent business foresight of the gentlemanly and popular proprietor of the well known and highly appreciated establishment. The daily product at this time is 100 to 400 gallons of cream, besides ices of all kinds, and the manufacture of candies during the winter season, requiring the labor of eight skilled workmen and three delivery wagons, in order to meet the constantly increasing local and general demand. His first location was at No. 135 South Division street, where he continued six months; thence he removed to 273 Stocking street, and in 1896 located in his present commodious quarters, No. 81 West Bridge street. Mr. Fassett is to be congratulated on the signal success of his business venture; if the past is a just criterion by which to judge, it is perfectly safe to predict for him a future of still greater prosperity.

The domestic life of Mr. Fassett is most agreeable, and the pleasant home at No. 407 First street, is gladdened by the presence of three children, namely : Mabel, Ora and Bernice. His wife, to whom he was united in marriage on the 21^st day of October, 1883, was Miss Carrie S. Kent, of Watson, Mich.,. daughter of James E. And Mary (Monroe) Kent. The home was built in the fall of 1899, and is a large commodious structure, which cost in the neighborhood of $4,000. They worship at the Second street M. E. Church.