History of Wexford County, MI. Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 85 - 87

WILLIAM L. SAUNDERS

  

In a history of the prominent and influential citizens of Wexford county, William L. Saunders, of Cadillac, is deserving of specific notice as his well spent life, his fine business acquirements, his loyalty to every trust reposed in him and his ability to manage large and important industrial enterprises, as well as the honorable and straightforward course he has ever pursued, have gained him a high place in the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. Mr. Saunders is a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and the second in a family of six children, whose parents were William and Mary (Ashton) Saunders. He was born in the city of Carlisle on the 5th day of September, 1858, and when quite young was taken to Bloomburg, where he spent his early years, as soon as old enough assisting his father in a planing-mill and at intervals attending the public schools of the town. By reason of circumstances over which he had no control his education was somewhat limited, but he made the most of his opportunities and in time became well informed in the common branches of learning. Like the majority of successful men, however, his training was mostly of a practical nature, obtained in the rugged school of experience, such discipline being of far greater value than much of the knowledge imparted by colleges and universities. Mr. Saunders' father was a lumber dealer, and he was careful to instruct his sons in the fundamental principles of business, the subject coming in for his full share of this severe practical training. In 1877 the family moved to Cadillac, Michigan, where the elder Saunders established a planing-mill, William L. afterwards becoming a partner in the enterprise, which for two years went by the firm name of Saunders & Son. At the expiration of that time the subject withdrew and entered the employ of Cummer & Cummer, as foreman of that firm's large business, subsequently being promoted to the superintendency, in which capacity he served about ten years, becoming during that time familiar with every detail of the lumber industry besides developing great skill and efficiency as a sound, practical business man. The firm was originally known as Cummer & Diggins, and it was with the latter partnership that Mr. Saunders became identified in the year 1900 by purchasing an interest in the business. As at present constituted the firm is known as Cummer, Diggins & Company, Mr. Saunders being the practical superintendent of the enterprise, a position which his natural abilities and previous training peculiarly fit him to fill. Whatever success Mr. Saunders has achieved, and it is by no means inconsiderable, is due entirely to his own industry, intelligence and well-directed efforts. In his young manhood he started out to make his own way in the world, with little aid from outside sources, and he has steadily worked onward and upward to the responsible position he now holds with one of the largest business firms in northern Michigan. Possessing untiring energy, quick perception and sound judgment, he is well qualified for leadership in important undertakings. He forms his plans readily, is determined in their execution, and his close application to the interests of his firm and excellent business management have brought him the high degree of prosperity which today is his. It is true that he became interested in an enterprise already established, but in managing, practically controlling and in no small measure enlarging the same, he has displayed executive abilities of a high order and demonstrated the fact that success in such an undertaking is not the result of genius or fortuitous circumstances, but the outcome of sound sense, mature judgment and the right kind of experience. The domestic chapter of the life of Mr. Saunders bears date of 1879, on November 9th of which year he entered the marriage relation with Miss Mary Graham, a native of Ontario and a daughter of the late Archibald Graham, for many years a prominent and influential business man of Big Rapids, this state. To this union three children have been born, Clyde A. and Marion, living, Blanche, the second in order of birth, dying at the early age of five years. Mr. Saunders has served several times in the common council of Cadillac and as a member of that body labored zealously for the city's advancement, standing for all needed public improvements and bringing about much legislation for the good of the municipality. He has been closely identified with every movement for the general welfare of the community since becoming a resident of the same and no worthy enterprise for the advancement of the city's interests, materially or otherwise, has been inaugurated and carried forward without his hearty co-operation and support. Public spirited in all the term implies, he devotes much of his time and attention to matters outside the province of his business affairs and is ever ready to lend a helping hand when projects for the common weal are under consideration of being pushed to practical conclusion. Politically Mr. Saunders supports the Republican party, but he is not a politician nor has he any aspiration in the way of office holding, preferring the active life he is now leading as a private citizen to any honors or emoluments within the power of his fellow citizens to bestow. Fraternally he is a Mason of high degree, belonging to the lodge, chapter and council at Cadillac, in all of which he is an active member and influential factor, ever striving to exemplify in his daily life the beautiful teachings and sublime precepts of this ancient and honorable order. Mr. Saunders is a well-rounded, symmetrically developed man of recognized ability and unimpeachable integrity, and he may be taken as a splendid example of broadminded, progressive American citizenship. His influence has always been on the right side of every moral question, and under all circumstances he has been true to his convictions of right, both theoretically and practically. Genial in manner, kindly in disposition and cheerful in temperament, he has the warm regard of all with whom he mingles, and his life demonstrates the possibilities that are open to every young man with energy and ambition to rise above mere self so as to be of use to society and to the world.