History of Michigan, / by Charles Moore. [Vol. 3]

1618

HISTORY OF MICHIGAN

seven years, and during this time carefully saved his earnings, with the
end in view of entering business on his own account, an ambition which
was realized in I880 when he became the proprietor of a modest blacksmith and wagon manufacturing establishment. From that time to the
present his business has steadily advanced in scope and importance, and
today is the leader in its line in the city. From fifteen to twenty practical mechanics are employed and trade is attracted from all over this
part of the state, the product of the factory having met with unqualified
favor because of its honest workmanship and superior quality. Mr.
Caldwell is known all over the county as a man of upright and honorable
business principles, who has won his own way through the exercise of
good judgment, consecutive effort and making the most of his opportunities. He is a director in the Traverse City Electric Light & Power Company, and has other large interests here, owning valuable city realties and
fine farm lands in Grand Traverse county. All that Mr. Caldwell possesses he has earned himself, for when he came to this country he was
possessed only of his ambition and determination to succeed, backed by
inherent business ability and a willingness to start in a humble capacity
and take his chances with others in the opportunities offered by a growing community. He has taken an active part in the upbuilding of Traverse City, which has grown under his eye from a small hamlet to a manufacturing center of importance, and through his activities as a business
man and as a citizen has contributed greatly to this section's prestige. He
is a Republican in his political views, but has never allowed political matters to take him from his business, and has preferred not to accept public
office. As a member of the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic fraternity and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, he is widely
known in fraternal circles, and his religious connection is with the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Caldwell was married in 1871, in his native city, to Miss Mary
MacMillan, a native of Arran, Scotland, who died at Traverse City,
Michigan, April 2, 1903. She was always an active church member. To
Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell there were born seven children, as follows: William, born in Ardrossen, Scotland, who was brought to the United States
as an infant, was educated in the public schools of Traverse City, and
later graduated in civil engineering from the University of Michigan,
now being successfully engaged in the practice of his profession at
Detroit; Robert, born at Traverse City, who died at the age of twentyseven years; Duncan, -now a resident of Chicago, where he is engaged in
business as an engineer and machinist; John, who has spent his life in
Traverse City and is now a mechanic employed by the Traverse City
Chair Company; Florrie, who resides in Traverse City with her father;
Albert C., who died at the age of twenty-seven years; and Jessie, a resident of this city. All the children received good educational advantages,
as the father is a firm believer in the value of schools, and has given
his hearty support to movements along this line. Although he has reached
an age when most men who have gained a well-earned success are willing
to retire, Mr. Caldwell is still actively engaged in looking after his
manifold interests. During his long residence in Traverse City it has
been his fortune to acquire a wide acquaintance, and in it he numbers
many warm and appreciative friends.
CHARLES PATCH. A detroit banker whose name is well known in
financial circles of that city and of Michigan, Mr. Patch is vice-president
of the Security Trust Company, has been identified with Detroit for the
past five years, and for many years was in business and banking in Cleveland, Ohio.
Charles Patch is a native of Illinois, born at Kewanee, August i9,