My Genealogy Hound

EDMUND B. STORMS. Berrien County in the past has furnished many examples of the success attendant upon persistent industry, fortified by the intelligence that impels to the improvement of opportunities, and to-day, surrounded by all the conveniences of life, it bears witness to the wisdom of those hardy pioneers who, in the days when none of these things were, hewed out homes for themselves in the wilderness. Among the enterprises which have met with a well-merited reward may be mentioned the Earl-Storms Manufacturing Company of Niles.

Since its inception in March of 1891, this company has enjoyed a steady increase of trade and expansion of facilities. It makes a specialty of the manufacture of step-ladders and combination chairs, the quality of which is such as to commend the firm to the patronage of the general public. The Secretary and Treasurer of the ompany, Edmund B. Storms, was born in Niles Township, Berrien County,. Mich., January 24, 1853. His father, Lewis Storms, was a native of New York, whence he emigrated to Michigan in 1838 and made settlement in Berrien County. There he was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Baker, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of Nathan Baker, of Pennsylvania. The mother of our subject is still living, but his father has passed away.

The only members of the parental family were our subject and a sister. He attended the common schools in the home neighborhood, later prosecuted his studies in a select school at Niles, and subsequently entered a business college at Kalamazoo, where he fitted himself for the practical duties of life. At an early age he advocated the principles of the Republican party with enthusiasm and vigor, and he has never had any reason to change his views on political subjects. In 1886 he was elected Treasurer of Berrien County and served with efficiency until the expiration of his term. He also filled the positions of Supervisor and Township Treasurer for a number of years.

Shortly after retiring from the office of Treasurer, Mr. Storms embarked in the manufacturing business, under the title of the Earl-Storms Manufacturing Company, B. F. Earl being the General Manager, and our subject serving as Secretary and Treasurer. From the first the firm enjoyed a steady and prosperous business, and employment is now given to a large force of experienced workmen. Mr. Storms has a pleasant home on Dakota Avenue, where after the day’s duties are ended he finds a delightful release from the cares of business. He was married on the 13th of November, 1888, to Miss Myra Stanley, of Niles, an estimable lady whose position in the social circles of Niles is the highest.