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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 142 - 143 |
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JOHN S. TORREY
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Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails of success. It carries a man onward and upward, brings out his individual character and acts as a powerful stimulus to the efforts of others. The greatest results in life are often attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary qualities of common sense and perseverance. The every-day life, with its cares, necessities and duties, affords ample opportunities for acquiring experience of the best kind and its most beaten paths provide a true worker with abundant scope for effort and self improvement. John S. Torrey, senior partner of the firm of Torrey Brothers, proprietors of the Cadillac Marble and Granite Works, at Cadillac, Wexford county, Michigan, was born at Fowlerville, Livingston county, Michigan, on the 6th of August, 1868, and is a son of George S. and Abbie D. (Smock) Torrey. The parents, who after their marriage had resided for a time at Fowlerville, later removed to Evart, Osceola county, this state, in 1871, but in 1893 they removed to Cadillac, where they have since resided. They are the parents of six children, John S., Nelson R., Renie M., Neil B., Eugenia and a son who died at the age of three years. The father was a worker in marble and was for a number of years successfully engaged in business at Cadillac. The subject of this sketch was the eldest child of his parents and was but three years old when his parents removed to Evart, Osceola county, where he received his education in the public schools. When he was fourteen years old he commenced working at the trade of marble cutting, working in several shops at Evart and Clare, Michigan, Beardstown, Illinois, and at Flint, Michigan. He was employed in a shop in the latter place about a year and then, in the spring of 1893, he came to Cadillac and entered the employ of the firm of Ostman & Torrey, of which firm the subject's father was the junior partner. He remained with this firm about a year, when Mr. Ostman retired and the firm of George S. Torrey & Sons was formed, consisting of George S. Torrey and two sons, John S. and Nelson R. This partnership arrangement continued until 1896 when Nelson R. sold his interest to the remaining members of the firm, which continued in business, under the name of G. S. Torrey & Son, until 1898. At that time the father sold his interest to Nelson R., since which date the business has been run under the firm style of Torrey Brothers. The members of the firm are both practical marble workers and are therefore able to give an intelligent direction to all work entrusted to them. They give prompt attention to all kinds of cemetery work and some splendid examples of monumental work have been produced by them. They also get out large amounts of building stone and coping and have acquired a much more than local reputation, sending their work to many points throughout northern and central Michigan. By their determined efforts to please their customers and the excellent quality of their workmanship, they have won a large and representative clientele and are now among the leaders in their line in this part of the state. On the 15th of August, 1891, at Evart, Michigan, Mr. Torrey was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Earl, a native of Mt. Clemens, this state, and a daughter of Franklin Earl, of Romeo, Michigan. This union was a most happy and congenial one and was blessed by the birth of one son, Alton. Mrs. Torrey departed this life on June 11, 1903. She had been an active and persistent worker in the Methodist church, and was active in the work of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, of which she was president for seven years, holding the office at the time of her death. In his political predilections Mr. Torrey is a Prohibitionist and takes a keen interest in all movements having for their object the welfare of the community in which he resides. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist church and contributes to all worthy benevolent objects. Socially he belongs to Cadillac Tent, No. 232, Knights of the Maccabees, and to Cadillac Lodge, No. 181, Ancient Order of United Workmen. During all his residence in this county he has borne his full part in all public improvements and his standing as one of the county's progressive and representative citizens is conceded by all. He has an extensive acquaintance throughout the county and the name of his personal friends is legion. |