 |
|
| C.A.Verity, senior member of the grocery house of C.A.Verity & Co., Big Rapids, was born in Kimball Township, St. Clair Co., Mich., March 3, 1856, and is the son of William B. and Maria L. (Adams) Verity. The Latter was a lineal descendent of John Quincy Adams. His father was a native of New York, of German lineage, and followed the calling of a farmer all his life; he died Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo Co., June 28,1872, at the age of 51 years. His mother was also born in the Empire State, and died in Oshtemo, Oct., 19, 1871, at the age of 49 years. Mr. Verity was taken to Kalamazoo Co., by his parents when he was nine years of age. He found himself an orphan at 16, and went to Kalamazoo, where he attended school for two years, and afterward entered the grocery and crockery store of Barrett & Torrey, where he operated two years, going thence to Sturgis and engaging about six months in the same capacity. His next employ was with L.E.White dry-goods merchant, and he continued to serve in the house as a clerk two years, after which he obtained a situation with L.G.Twitchell. Six months later he opened a business for himself at Kalamazoo, selling groceries and provisions about seven months. He came to Big Rapids, Jan. 1, 1879 where he entered into business connections with W.H.Swift in the sale of groceries. The relation existed about eight months, when Mr. Swift sold his interest to E.R.Keith. Two years later Mr. Verity became sole proprietor, by purchase, changed his location and operated alone until Feb. 20, 1882, when he admitted William Fish, his present associate. The firm carries stock valued at $2,500, and transacts annual business of $30,000. Mr. Verity received the appointment of agent for the U.S.Express Co., Sept. 15,1880, and is still managing in that capacity. He is a member of the M.E. Church, and belongs to Royal Templars of Temperance. |