JAMES HUNTLEY

James Huntley. Each succeeding year witnesses marked improvements in the city of Holland, particularly in the way of fine business blocks, residences, etc., and in all these structures are blended strength, durability and beauty. Among those who have acquired a wide reputation as contractors and builders, there is probably no one more popular and prominent than James Huntley, whose reputation is not merely local, but extends over a wide scope of country. This gentleman is well qualified for executing all work appertaining to his business, displays remarkable good judgment, and in every way well qualified to render satisfaction to all placing orders or special commissions in his hands. He understands thoroughly every detail of his business, is prompt, energetic and active, and thoroughly deserves the success that has crowned his efforts. He is president of the Ottawa Furniture Company at Holland, and is one of the most stirring, wide-awake business men of the place.

Mr. Huntley is a native of England, born in Kent, October 10, 1845, and the son of George Huntley, who was also a native of Kent. The father, who was a contractor and builder in his native town, was a man of more than ordinary prominence. Our subject was educated in England and after leaving the schoolroom he began learning the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he followed for eleven years. In the year 1868 he was married in England to Miss Julia Thorpe, a native of Kent, and a daughter of James Thorpe, who was a builder and contractor. In the year 1870 Mr. Huntley and family crossed the ocean and came direct to Michigan, locating in Holland, where he opened a carpenter shop. Every year he kept rebuilding, and is now one of the foremost men in his business in the city. Many of the residences that have been erected by him are a source of pleasure to the owners and of pride to Holland, a town already rich in possession of tasty and commodious dwellings.

Mr. Huntley is president of the electric light plant in Holland, the same having been organized about eighteen months ago, and he was one of the organizers of the Ottawa Furniture Company in 1890. This company employs about one hundred and ten men and the factory is located on River Street. This vast enterprise does an annual business of $165,000. It has a capital stock of $40,000 and has aided materially the progress and development of the city. Mr. Huntley is a stockholder in the First State Bank. Like many of the best citizens of the county, he started out to fight life’s battles by himself with limited means, but by industry and good management has become one of the substantial men of the city. All the most prominent buildings, both for private use and for business, have been erected by Mr. Huntley and are a credit to his skill and ability as a contractor and builder. In his political view he is a Democrat and has ever advocated the principals of that party. He has been a member of the School Board for some time, has been public spirited and enterprising, contributing liberally of his means to advance all worthy enterprises. Socially, he is a member of the Elks and has held the office of Senior Warden an the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. To his marriage were born the following children: George, Mary, Nellie, Harry, Cecil and Adeline.