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THEO T. JACOBS
The law firm of John R. Dresser and its predecessors was founded on August 1, 1898 by Theo T. Jacobs, farmer’s son who grew up in Sturgis, Michigan. His grandfather, Hiram, build a home which now forms part of the American Legion, and is recognized as the oldest building of its kind in Sturgis.
Upon graduating from the University of Michigan Law School, Jacobs opened his offices in the Masonic Temple building above what was formally known as the Flowers Café, then the Washington Café, and currently, Corner Café. While building his practice, Jacobs also served as Deputy City Clerk, and as the elected City Clerk from 1900 to 1905, and County Prosecuting Attorney from 1913 to 1918.[/ezcol_3quarter_end]In 1931, Jacobs was appointed by Governor Brucker to become a Branch County and St. Joseph County Circuit Judge. He served as a Circuit Judge for 22 years, and retired from the bench in 1953. Jacobs also served his community as Exalted Ruler of the Elks when the lodge was built in 1922, President of the Sturgis Rotary Club, Charter Member of the Klinger Lake Country Club, an Chairman of the St. Joseph County Republican Committee. Judge Jacobs was a consummate politician, and attended every local funeral so that he could pay his respects to the decreased and console families.
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RAYMOND H. DRESSER, SR.
Raymond H. Dresser joined Theo Jacobs in 1927 to form the firm, Jacobs & Dresser. Raymond and his wife, Lola, where living in Lithfield, Michigan when, while visiting family and friends at Rose Lake in Coldwater, he heard that Theo Jacobs in Sturgis was looking for an associate. He contacted Jacobs right away, and arranged for an appointment. Raymond met with Jacobs shortly after, accepted his offer, and moved to Sturgis. The partnership between Jacobs and Raymond only lasted a few years, due to Jacob’s appointment as Circuit Judge in 1931. Dresser became a sole practitioner that year – the same year that his son, Raymond H. Dresser, Jr. (Ray), was born.
Raymond began building his practice by representing a number of businesses. He was counsel for Royal Easy Chair Company, as well as Aulsbrook and Jones Furniture Company, the last home furniture manufacturers in Sturgis. Royal Easy Chair was a forerunner in the manufacture of reclining chars that are popular today.[/ezcol_3quarter][ezcol_1quarter_end]
[/ezcol_1quarter_end]Raymond’s services were also sought by all three banking institutions located in Sturgis: Citizens State Bank, Sturgis Savings and Loan Association, and First National Bank. The Sturgis Savings and Loan Association was originally conducted out of a roll-top desk in Judge John Flanders office, adjacent to Raymond’s office in the Masonic Building. The records were kept in the floor safe between the offices, and the legal work for the Association was performed by Raymond Dresser. The firm served as legal council for its successor, Sturgis Bank and Trust Company, for many decades that followed.
Throughout his career, Raymond organized and advised many new small businesses as well as larger entities. Rayond was serving on the Board of Directors, and was general counsel, whtn the Kirsh Company was first listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Among the firm’s other clients were some companies who have come and gone: Transogram, National Carbon Coated Paper Company, and the Sturgis Register. However, some still live on today: Freeman Manufacturing, Gray Brothers Stamping, and Midwest Tool and Cutlery.
Raymond was a leader in the affairs of the State Bar of Michigan, having served on the Board of Commissioners and as President from 1958-59. After his term as President, Raymond was appointed by Governor Romney as Chairman of a committee to study milk pricing in the State of Michigan, as there were local producers (such as Fairgrove Farms, Inc) that may have been victimized by the controlling of wholesale milk prices.
Raymond H. Dresser, Sr. died in 1968, only one year after the law firm had moved its offices from the Masonic Building to 112 South Monroe Street, where it was located until ___.
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Raymond H. Dresser, Jr.
Raymond H. Dresser, Jr. started practicing law in 1956 after graduating from the University of Michigan Law School. Ray followed in his father’s footsteps as an active participant in the affairs of the State of Michigan Bar. He served on the Board of Commissioners for 12 years and was on the Representative Assembly of the State Bar of Michigan. He was also the Chairman of the Probate and Trust section of the Michigan State Bar, and a recipient of the Robert P. Hudson Award – the highest honor bestowed by the State Bar of Michigan. Ray was a member of both the American College of Trust and Estate Council, and the Society of Trust and Estate Pracitioners (United Kingdom), whose memberships are by invitation only.[/ezcol_3quarter_end]Ray also served in a number of civic capacities. He was City Attorney from 1962 to 1984, and served on the Board of Directors for both the Sturgis Improvement Association and the Sturgis Economic Development Corporation for several years. Regarding the latter, Ray served as President of the Sturgis Economic Development Corporation from 1991 to 2004. He was also instrumental as a co-chairperson of the EDC committee in raising funds and eventually building Sturigs’ recreational facility, The Doyle Center. Ray and his wife, Gretchen Dresser, were recognized as Citizens of the Year and as recipients of the Exchange Club Book of Gold Deeds.
Raymond H. Dresser, Jr. died in his home on January 25, 2013.