Person:Fredrick Wicks (1)

He lived in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, MI in 1917. He was Vice President,Secretary, and Treasurer of Kalamazoo Spring and Axle Company. Thebusiness was the pioneer in the manufacture of springs in the West,and it is now the largest of its kind in the section of the country. Fred grew to manhood in the county and received his education in itsschools. When he was through school he found employment as a shippingclerk with the Kalamazoo Spring and Axle Company. Here also hisbusiness career was started and here it has been worked out. He beganworking for the Kalamazoo Springs Company in 1879, and he continuedhis association only with establishment and its successors until 1903,when he became secretary and treasurer of the French Garment Company,a stock company engaged in the manufacture of French garments forladies, another business enterprise in which his capacity and geniusfor successful management finds congenial occupation. In 1920 he sold out to the Christian Girl Spring and Bumper Companyand became associated with his brother, E.S. Wicks, in the insurancebusiness. In 1924 he began going to Florida for the winter and for the last tenyears of his life he resided with his daughter Mary in Orlando.Throughout the business world of southern Michigan he is well andfavorable known as a leading business man, and has a firmly fixedreputation for turning everything he touches to success. In sociallife he is also well esteemed and in all undertakings for the generalgood of the community he is everywhere recognized as wise in counseland prompt and energetic in action. Fraternally he is connected withthe Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias. Prior to his death he was the oldest living Past master of the AnchorLodge No 87 of the Masonic Order. He was also a Rotarian. He was aRepublican in political matters and for many years was an activemember of the First Methodist Episcopal church in Kalamazoo. He was interested in playing golf and enjoyed the companionship ofthose with whom he played.

1. ↑ Newspaper Article.
2. ↑ Kalamazoo Library Local History collection.
3. ↑ Kalamazoo Library Local History collection.
4.   Scott Benz. Elba, NY Town Historian, Family group sheets, photos, wills, andnewspaper clippings..
5.   Compendium of History and Biography, 1906.
6.   Kalamazoo Library Local History collection.
7. ↑ The funeral was conducted by Rev. Hugh Morton.