My Genealogy Hound

FRANK W. LYLE. Under various names the City Bank of Dowagiac has existed for many years, and enjoys the distinction of being the oldest established bank of Cass County. The officers are: John Lyle, President; N. F. Choate, Vice-President; Frank W. Lyle, Cashier; and Ira B. Gage, Assistant Cashier. As one of the solid financial institutions of Michigan, the bank possesses to an unusual degree the confidence of the people of Cass County and has an assured position in financial circles. A gratifying fact as revealed by its statements is the increase in its deposits and a corresponding increase in resources, loans and surplus, showing an active banking business and indicating a busy employment of capital.

The Cashier of the bank, F. W. Lyle, was born in the city of Dowagiac, Mich., December 8, 1861, being the son of the late Daniel Lyle (of whom see sketch presented on another page). He was reared in this city and was graduated from the high school here. After taking a course in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College at Chicago, he entered the First National Bank of Dowagiac as Assistant Cashier, his father at that time being President of the bank. He continued to fill that position until 1883, when he became an active partner in the banking firm of D. Lyle & Co., which connection continued until the decease of Daniel Lyle in 1887.

Shortly after the death of Mr. Lyle, Sr., the City Bank of Dowagiac was organized, on the 12th of April, 1887, and our subject was elected Cashier, which position he has filled ever since. He is also the largest individual stockholder in the bank, and its success is largely due to his efforts and ability. He was united in marriage May 19, 1881, with Miss Jennie, daughter of Henry W. Richards, a prominent and extensive farmer of Pokagon Township, Cass County. One child has blessed the union, Leon. Mrs. Lyle is a highly accomplished lady and is especially talented in art. Her paintings have received the first premiums at a number of fairs throughout the State, and their beautiful home is adorned with specimens of her work. She is also identified with many of the local ladies’ circles and is a leader in social affairs.

In his political views, Mr. Lyle is a Democrat and takes an active part in local politics, and is a member of the Democratic State Central Committee. He has served for several terms as Treasurer of the Fair Association and is now President of the Dowagiac Electric Light Company. One of the most important enterprises in which he is interested is the Dowagiac Manufacturing Company, one of the largest establishments of the kind in the West. Two hundred and fifty men are given steady employment in the factory and there are about ten traveling salesmen. The pay-roll amounts to $8,000 per month, and as this amount is distributed among the people of Dowagiac it aids in no small measure the progress of the city and the welfare of the people. The company manufactures grain-drills and has an extensive trade among the farmers in the Northwest. For many years this enterprise did comparatively little business, but the father of our subject became interested in it and through his efforts its sales were soon increased to paying proportions. The company, has a fine exhibit at the World’s Fair in charge of Prof. Samuel Johnson, formerly a Professor of the Michigan Agricultural College, at Lansing.

Socially, Mr. Lyle is identified with the Knights Templar, the Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In financial circles, he possesses great influence and his ability is universally conceded. Notwithstanding his wealth, he is affable and genial with all whom business or social intercourse brings him in contact. He is fond of travel and has visited Mexico, California, Colorado, Yellowstone Park and the Eastern States and expects in the near future to make a tour of Europe.