Driver, Sinclair M.

The following data is extracted from Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement.

Sinclair M. Driver, president of the T. Driver & Sons Manufacturing Company. is closely associated with the industrial interests of Racine. He has long been connected with the business and his enterprise has been a dominant factor in its successful control in late years. Mr. Driver was born in Racine. Wisconsin. June 8, 1856. a son of Thomas and Marian (Mainland) Driver, who, in 1854, came to Racine -from the Orkney Islands of Scotland. Making his way to this city he entered the employ of Lucas Bradley, with whom he remained for several years, and then in 1867 purchased the business, which had been established more than two decades before and which was then located at the corner of Sixth and Campbell streets. He continued at the head of the business throughout his remaining days, engaging in the manufacture of sash, doors and woodenware. As the years went on he admitted his sons to a partnership and the brothers were associated in the conduct of the enterprise for a considerable period. One of his first jobs in the field of building operations was on the Presbyterian Church. He and his wife were long consistent members of the congregation that worshiped in that church and their lives were guided by the highest principles. Mr. Driver died in Racine, July 11, 1899, and his wife, January 17, 1912.

Reared in his native city, Sinclair M. Driver attended the public and high schools or Racine and afterward joined his father in business, acquainting himself with every phase or the trade. He was admitted to a partnership when the business was reorganized under the firm style of Thomas Driver & Sons Manufacturing Company. This was incorporated in 1884 and following the death of the father S. M. Driver became superintendent of the plant, so continuing until June, 1915, when he bought out the interests of his brothers and became president of the company. He now carefully, systematically and wisely directs the business, watchful of all details pointing to success, and putting forth every effort that promises substantial results.

On the 13th of October, 1880, Mr. Driver was married to Miss Ida Davis, a daughter of Thomas H. and Jemima (Morgan) Davis, the former a prominent contractor and pioneer business man of the city. To Mr. and Mrs. Driver have been born seven children: Mabel, now the wife of P. H. Greer, a resident of Los Angeles, California: Edith, the wife of W. H. Somers, living in Seattle, Washington; Gertrude and Clara, both at home; Helen, who is teaching at Venice, California, and Dorothy and Sinclair, both in school.

Mr. Driver is a prominent Mason, now serving as a past master of Belle City Lodge, F. & A. M., and as past high priest of Racine Chapter, R. A. M., and past worthy patron of the Eastern Star. In politics he is an earnest republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party and both he and his wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. For six decades Mr. Driver has been a resident of Racine and through this long period has witnessed much of the growth and development of the city. The family has contributed in no small measure to its progress along industrial lines and Sinclair M. Driver is now at the head of an enterprise which features prominently in industrial interests and the consequent prosperity of this section.

Source: Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement

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