RICHARD HENRY FYFE
Descending from a long line of Scotia sons is found the name
of the noted shoe merchant, Richard Henry Fyfe. His grand-
father, James Fyfe (the name so spelled in his day) came to
America one year previous to the Revolutionary war in which he
served with the colonial forces. He married Elisabeth Strong and
soon after moved to Salisbury, Vt., his wife coming from one of the
most distinguished New England families. Several of his descendants were noted in science and literature.
He died January 1st, 1813, leaving seven children, the youngest being Claudius Lycius
Fyfe, who was born January 3rd, 1798. His early life was devoted to
agricultural pursuits, later in the leather and tanning business.
In 1837 he emigrated to Michigan, soon after he returned to New York from whence he eventually settled in Michigan;
his last days being spent in Hillsdale, at which place he died in 1681. His wife's
death occurred in 1818. Six children survived them, all living girls
excepting the youngest, tbe subject of this sketch, who was born at
Oak Orchard Creek, Orleans County, N. Y., Jannnry 5th 1830.
After his parents had returned to Michigan, Richard Henry Fyfe,
was placed at School at Litchfield but at the early age of eleven
was obliged to begin the battle of life for himself, becoming a clerk
in a drug store in Kalamazoo and subsequently at Hillsdale,
always studiously inclined, he rapidly arose and developed the
sterling business qualifications which have been the foundation of
his success. In 1857 he came to Detroit entering tbe employ of T.
K. Adams, dealing in the shoe trade where he remained about six
years; afterwards serving with Kucker & Morgan in the same line.
In 1865 he purchased the business of C.C. Tyler & Co. who had succeeded T. K. Adams, their establishment being then located at their
present place of business viz: Fyfe & Co's down store at 101 Woodward ave. After several struggles with reverses and strong competition be
has now reached the possession of one of the finest establihment
in the west. In l881 be bought out the shoe trade of A.
R. Morgan successor of Kucker A. Morgan located at 106 Woodward
avenue; from that date to 1885 conducting a branch at that station
and laterly owning a new store at Woodward avenue, where
two years of increasing business forced them to add an extension
of 185 Woodwand avenue. A year and a half later they added the
basement bargain department in tbe north side and again were
obliged to extend the basement to tbe south extremity. They
employ at both establishments over 200 assistants. Mr. Mark H.
Stevens has been a partner in the business with Mr. Fyfe since I873
and under tbe skillful management of these gentlemen and their
staff, they have attained an enviable reputation in the important
branch of their industry and control one of the most extensive custom
and retail establishments in their line of trade and control one of the most extensive
custom and retail establishments in their lino of Trade. Mr. Fyfe
vice president of the Citizens Savings Bank, president of the Wood-
ward Avenue Improvement Association, director of the Brush
Electric Light Co., trustee Detroit College of Medicine and interested
in various other business enterprises.
Detroit in history and commerce: a careful compilation of the history ... By James J. Mitchell 1891
