Warren Antoine Cartier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Warren Antoine Cartier
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| Born | 12 January 1866 |
| Died | 7 November 1934 (aged 68) |
| Resting place | Pere Marquette cemetery, Ludington, Michigan |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Civil Engineer from Notre Dame |
| Occupation | businessman, lumberman |
| Known for | developing Ludington, Michigan |
| Title | General Manager, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President, Mayor, Banker, Manufacturer |
| Spouse(s) | Catherine (Kate) Dempsey |
| Children | three |
| Parent(s) | Antoine E. Cartier Eliza N. Ayers |
Warren Antoine Cartier (born January 12, 1866 – died November 7, 1934) was a successful businessman from northern Michigan. He is well-known for helping to build and develop the city of Ludington, Michigan, during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Contents
Warren Cartier's Early Life
Warren was the third of nine children born to Antoine E. Cartier and his wife, Eliza Ann. He was born in Manistee, Michigan, on January 12, 1866. His family later moved to Ludington, Michigan, in 1877 when he was 11 years old.
Warren's Education Journey
Warren attended both private schools run by a church and public schools as he grew up. After that, he went to a business college in Montreal, Canada, for two years to further his studies.
Studying at Notre Dame University
In 1884, at the age of 18, Warren enrolled at the University of Notre Dame. He graduated in 1887 with a degree in Civil Engineering. While at Notre Dame, he was part of the university's very first football team!
Years later, the university wanted to build a special enclosed field for its sports teams. However, they were having trouble raising enough money for the project. In June 1899, they wrote to Warren, asking for his help. Warren was known for being "respected for his abilities and for his genial character" (meaning he was kind and friendly). He responded by buying 10 acres (40,000 m2) of land and providing all the wood needed for the fence around the new athletic field. He also supplied the wood for a large seating area called a grandstand. Because of his great generosity, the athletics field was named Cartier Field in his honor.
Warren's Marriage and Family Life
After graduating from Notre Dame in 1887, Warren moved back to Ludington. He began working with his father in their family's lumber businesses. On May 22, 1888, he married Catherine (Kate) Dempsey. The city of Ludington celebrated their wedding with many wonderful gifts, showing how much the community liked the new couple. Warren and Kate had three children: Warren Ray, Morgan Edward, and Vincent George.
Warren's Religious Beliefs
Warren was a very dedicated Catholic. He helped start the Catholic Church Extension Society. This group provided help to poor churches and missions across the United States that didn't have many resources. Because of his important work and support, the Pope later gave him a special honor, making him a knight. Both Warren and his wife, Kate, were active members of the Catholic Church. They belonged to the St. Simon church in Ludington, Michigan.
Warren Cartier's Business Ventures
Warren held many important roles in different businesses throughout his life. He was involved in various companies, often serving as a secretary, treasurer, general manager, or vice-president.
Here are some of the businesses he helped lead:
- Cartier-Magmer Company
- Cartier Manufacturing Company
- Cartier Lumber Company
- Star Watch Case Company
- State Bank of Ludington
- Bank of Fountain, Mason County
- Mason County Real Estate Company
- Rath & Cartier (a lumber company he co-owned with William Rath)
- Ludington State Bank (which he helped start)
- Ludington Gas Company (which he helped start)
- United Home Telephone Company (which he helped start)
Warren's Community Involvement
Warren was a member of several important community groups and associations. These included the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of the Maccabees, and the Royal Arcanum. He was also very active in the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, serving as the president of the Michigan state association for nine years and as a member of its board of trustees.
Warren's Role in Politics
Warren was a strong supporter of the Republican political party. For two years, he served as the secretary of the Republican committee for Mason County. In 1908, he represented his state's 26th congressional district as a presidential elector for the Republican party. He also served two years as the city recorder for Ludington, Michigan. Warren was even elected mayor of Ludington twice, serving in 1899 and again in 1903.
Warren's Homes and Neighbors
Warren and his wife's main home was in Ludington, Michigan. When they first got married, Warren's parents gave them a beautiful, fully furnished Victorian style home. This house was right next door and had just been updated.
Later, in 1905, Warren built a new, grand home on the west side of Ludington Avenue. This large, three-story mansion was built in the neoclassical style. It was made of special Roman pressed brick and decorated with Bedford limestone. The house had a modern steam heating system and a clever pulley system to keep it cool. It even had chandeliers that could use both gas and electricity! Inside, the home featured beautiful wood from mahogany, cherry, walnut, white maple, oak, and hickory trees. Today, this historic home is a Bed & Breakfast lodge.
During the winter months, the Cartiers would live in their home in Fort Myers, Florida. They had famous neighbors there, including Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone. Their Florida home was only about a block away from Thomas Edison's house.
Warren's Memories of Thomas Edison
After Thomas Edison passed away, Warren shared some of his memories in a newspaper article. He recalled visiting the Edisons often in Florida. Warren mentioned that Mr. Edison was deaf in his left ear and almost deaf in his right ear. This made conversations "tiring" on the throat for Warren. However, Thomas Edison actually saw his hearing problem as a benefit! He felt it meant he didn't have to worry about social small talk and could focus more on his important projects.
Warren also remembered a special moment when Mr. Edison allowed Warren's grandchild, Morgan Cartier Jr., to be photographed with him. Another picture showed Mr. and Mrs. Edison holding hands with the grandchild, who was only five years old at the time. Warren said these pictures were very precious and would become treasured family heirlooms.
Warren Cartier's Passing
Warren Cartier died in Chicago on November 7, 1934, at the age of 68. He passed away due to kidney failure. He had been hospitalized since October 27 for a kidney problem and had received two blood transfusions. Warren is buried in the Pere Marquette cemetery in Ludington, Michigan, next to his wife, Catherine.
Images for kids
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Warren A. Cartier
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Kate Dempsey around 1888
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Ludington State Bank
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Elks Lodge (B.P.O.E.) of Ludington
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Warren A. Cartier house - Ludington
