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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 93 - 95 |
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HENRY KNOWLTON
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To present in detail the leading facts of the life of one of Cadillac's enterprising men of affairs and throwlight upon some of his more prominent characteristics, is the task in hand in submitting a brief biography of thewell-known gentleman whose name appears above. Though still in the prime of life, Henry Knowlton has won an honorable place in the business world, besides impressing his strong personality upon the community wherefor a number of years he has been a forceful factor in financial circles. Mr. Knowlton is a worthy representativeof one of the oldest and most highly respected pioneer families of Ottawa county, his father, William Knowlton, having settled in that part of the state when it was a wilderness, in due time clearing and developing a fine farm and becoming one of the leading agriculturists and representatives of what is now the township of Chester. On the old homestead in Chester township the subject of this review first saw the light of day, his birth dating fromSeptember 17, 1861. Reared in close touch with nature in the country, he early became familiar with the varied duties of farm life, and grew up with a proper appreciation of the dignity of honest toil, knowing little bypractical experience of the meaning of idleness. In the public schools of Ottawa and Kent counties he obtained a fair educational training, and on attaining his majority he came to Cadillac, entering, in October, 1882, theemploy of H. D. Wallin, Jr., as clerk in the office of the Michigan Iron Works. In his clerical capacity Mr.Knowlton soon developed fine abilities and became one of the useful and trusted men connected with the above enterprise, continuing with the company until 1887, in February of which year he resigned his position for the purpose of accepting a more lucrative post, with the private banking firm of D. A. Blodgett Company. Mr. Knowlton entered the latter concern in a minor capacity, but, by reason of efficiency and conscientious fidelity to duty, gradually rose to more responsible stations, each succeeding year adding to his reputation as anaccomplished accountant and able financier. Since 1887 he has been constantly before the public in positionsrequiring the highest order of business talent, holding at this time the office of cashier in the Cadillac State Bank, in which capacity he has gained worthy prestige in financial circles, being a man of mature judgment, unimpeachable integrity, a hard worker, careful in his methods and conservative as well as eminently successfulin all his dealings. As may be readily inferred from the above, -Mr. Knowlton occupies no second place in theconfidence and esteem of his fellowmen, having won the responsible position he now commands by loyalty to every trust reposed in him as well as by the ability and energy displayed in his peculiar field of endeavor. He is a man of wise foresight, whose enterprising spirit no difficulties can discourage, and, with a tenacity of purpose asrare as it is admirable, he seems to possess the faculty of moulding circumstances to suit his purposes, rather than being affected by them. His sagacity in matters coming within his sphere is most pronounced, being rarely mistaken in his judgment of men and things, and he foresees with remarkable clearness future possibilities relative to his business interests and determines with a high degree of accuracy their probable bearing. He has made a close and careful study of financial questions, is familiar with every detail of banking and much of the success of the popular institution with which he is officially connected is due to his able and judicious business methods. In all his transactions he has ever manifested a disposition to do as he would be done by and by reason of his continued success, unblemished character and just and liberal life he has nobly earned the universal esteem in which he is held by his fellow men. It is not as a business man only that Mr. Knowlton has comeprominently to the notice of the people, as he has long been a potential factor in the domain of politics. Since attaining his majority he has been an uncompromising supporter of the Republican party and as such his influence has had great weight in local. affairs, having for five years represented the third ward in the common council of Cadillac, besides serving one year as mayor of the city. As a member of the council he was instrumental in introducing and bringing about much important municipal legislation, and it was during his incumbency as chief executive that the present beautiful city hall was planned and erected, in addition to which many other improvements were provided, including the system of free mail delivery. While serving in public capacities. Mr. Knowlton was untiring in his efforts to promote the city's material welfare and was active in all matters of municipal reform, looking carefully after the people's interests, using his influence to discouragelavish or injudicious expenditures and by every means at his command guarding the public funds and conserving all available resources. To him as much as to any one individual is Cadillac indebted for the prosperity which has marked the last decade of its history, as he has labored earnestly to beautify the city and make it a desirable place of residence, besides advertising its advantages to the world as a favorable locality for the investment of capital. Mr. Knowlton believes in progress and improvement in all the terms imply, when properly conducted, and he has long been an ardent advocate of all measures looking to the commercial and industrial advancement of both city and county, much of the credit for the present excellent highway system being directly attributable to his efforts and influence. Believing the employment of labor to be among the most judicious and effective means by which a community may become progressive and prosperous, he has been untiring in his efforts to locate industries and other enterprises at Cadillac, using his best endeavors to attract capital and induce investments, with the result that every enterprising citizen has well-grounded confidence in the future prosperity of this section of the state. He was a leading spirit in the Commercial Club of Cadillac, which, in February, 1903, was succeeded by the Cadillac Board of Trade, holding the office of secretary at the present time, and in addition to his interest in city affairs, he is equally active in advancing the agricultural and general prosperity of Wexford county, throughout which his name has become widely and favorably known. Without invidious distinction, it can be truthfully said that Mr. Knowlton is preeminently one of Cadillac's most enterprising and successful men. In every walk of life his chief aim has been to do his duty and his friends feel proud of him as a broadminded, intelligent citizen and useful member of society. While giving personal attention to his private interests and discharging conscientiously all the duties of citizenship, he finds time to devote to the higher claims growing out of man's relations as a social being, hence he is ever ready to assist the poor and unfortunate, not a little of his means being dispensed through the channels of charity and benevolence. On the 20th of January, 1886, Mr. Knowlton was united in marriage with Miss Allie Bishop, of Ottawa county, a union blessed with one child, a daughter by the name of Josephine. The happy home circle was sadly broken, however, by the death of Mrs. Knowlton, which occurred on the 28th of May, 1903. From the foregoing brief outline of a busy career, it is not difficult to arrive at a just estimate of Mr. Knowlton's character or to fix his proper standing in the community. Beginning the struggle of life in moderate circumstances, he has not only removed from his pathway the obstacles calculated to impede his progress and gained an honorable position in the business world, but has also lived to become a power for good in the community where he dwells. Interested in all that tends to benefit his fellows, materially, educationally and morally, his influence has always been exerted in the right direction and from what he has accomplished along the lines to which his talents have been devoted it is easy to see that the world has been blessed and made better by his presence. |