My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE M. KINGSBURY, an enterprising business man and a leading dry-goods merchant of Cassopolis, Cass County, Mich., is a native of the State and county, and was born in the town of La Grange, April 23, 1862. The father of our subject, Asa Kingsbury, was one of the noted men and representative pioneers of the frontier days. Earnest, energetic and of superior business attainments, he was well fitted to cope successfully with the privations incidental to a new country, and with zeal entered into the advancement of local interests. Asa Kingsbury was a native of Massachusetts and possessed the inflexible will and determination of character inherent in many of the dwellers of New England. He readily discerned the broader opportunities of the new States and Territories, and in 1833 journeyed to the then far off State of Michigan. In 1834 he located in Cassopolis, and from this latter date was constantly identified with the upward progress and rapid development of Cass County. To his encouragement and kindly aid many of the early enterprises of Cassopolis owe their existence. In 1855, answering to the demands of daily business, the father of our subject established in Cassopolis a private bank, and with financial ability conducted the same until the First National Bank of Cassopolis was incorporated, in 1871, Mr. Kingsbury being one of the founders of this moneyed institution. During the remaining years of his life Asa Kingsbury continued the President of the bank. Uniformly prospered in all his business undertakings, he throve steadily, and had acquired a large property at the time of his death. He passed away, his death mourned as a public loss by all who knew him. Upright, manly and intelligent, he fulfilled every duty of life which came in his way and was a true friend, a public-spirited citizen and a financier of a high order of ability. Our subject, George M., enjoyed excellent educational advantages, and for five years attended the Union School at Jackson. When nineteen years of age he engaged in the dry-goods business, the firm name being McIlvaine, Phelps and Kingsbury. Within the past thirteen years numerous changes have taken place, and the business, increasing its proportions annually, is now conducted under the auspices of Kingsbury, Harrington & Smith.

A younger brother of our subject, David L., now has an interest in the firm, of which George M. has been the real head and active financier for many years. Our subject has for the past four years been a Director in the bank over whose board his father was so long the presiding officer. Mr. Kingsbury, always a busy man, never slights any public duty entrusted to his care, and as the President of the School Board has exerted his influence in behalf of as high a grade of instruction and scholarship as is attainable in the schools of Cassopolis. As a member of the Board of Trustees and as Treasurer of Cassopolis for six years, he has given to his fellow-townsmen efficient service in matters of mutual welfare, and is known throughout Cass County as a practical and liberal citizen. Politically, our subject is a strong Democrat, and has ably represented his party on various occasions, and was sent as a delegate to the National Convention which convened in Chicago in 1892.

Fraternally, Mr. Kingsbury is a valued member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and is a Knight Templar. He is High Priest of Kingsbury Chapter, which was named in honor of his revered father. On the 18th of October, 1882, George M. Kingsbury and Miss Estelle Powell were united in marriage. Mrs. Kingsbury is a daughter of Frank and Mary (Haff) Powell, old residents of Dowagiac, Mich. The estimable wife of our subject is one of five sisters, accomplished ladies, who occupy high social positions, and are well known and esteemed by a large circle of friends. The beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury has been blessed by the birth of one daughter, Lottie. Prospered as was his father in earlier days, our subject is numbered among the wealthy residents of Cass County, and has accumulated a handsome competence. Aside from other valuable property, he owns the fine bank building, one of the best business structures in Cassopolis.