Horace J. Waters, well known as retail dealer in wood and coal at Grand Rapids, with office and yard at No. 180 Taylor street, is the eldest of the three children born to Oliver and Louise J. (Spalding) Waters, the two others being named Lewis J. and Mamie—the latter the wife of George McMullen—and all residents of Grand Rapids.

Horace J. Waters was born in Grand Rapids June 7, 1868, was educated in the common schools primarily, and then attended the Michigan Military academy at Orchard Lake. His first employment was in a barrel factory in which his father held an interest, and of which subject became foreman of the yards and lumber inspector, and filled the place four years, and then engaged in his present business on his own account. His present yards (the second site he has occupied) are situated very favorably for his purpose, having advantages possessed by none other. At this point the railroad runs on an elevated grade above the yards, thus rendering the unloading of wood and coal into the various receptacles a very easy task. Mr. Waters is full of enterprise and energy and is very obliging in his disposition and genial in manner, is of inflexible integrity, and thus commands the confidence of his patrons. He is favored with a large share of the trade done in his line, and the future evidently has in store for him an increased volume of business. In May, 1899, he purchased the feed store at No. 210 East Bridge street, where he also has a branch office at his Taylor street coal and wood establishment.

Mr. Waters was joined in matrimony in Grand Rapids, in 1891, with Miss Maud E. Quackenbush, daughter of Reynard Quackenbush, but he was bereft of his companion March 29, 1896, who left him one child—Oliver R.—to cheer his home. This lad is now a school boy. February 8, 1899, Mr. Waters, married Alga L. Hemple, of Grand Rapids, and a daughter of John F. Hemple. This lady is highly accomplished, and was educated in Grand Rapids. In politics Mr. Waters is independent and votes for the man of his individual choice, rather than for the nominee of any particular party. In religion he was reared in the Baptist faith, yet he is not a member of any congregation, although he attends divine services punctually with this denomination. Fraternally, he is a Knight of Pythias, and a member of the orders of Foresters and of the Modern Woodmen of America. Being a native born citizen of Grand Rapids, he has hosts of acquaintances, and his happy disposition has made for him many warm friends.