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1437961
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01071 7285
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010 with funding from
Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/historyofnorther03sawy
A HISTORY
OF THE
NORTHERN PENINSULA
OF MICHIGAN
AND ITS PEOPLE
ITS MINING,
LUMBER AND AGRICULTURAL
INDUSTRIES
By
ALVAH L. SAWYER
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME III.
1911
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
CHICAGO
1487961
History of
The Northern Peninsula of Michigan
Lawson C. Holden. — It is the earnest desire of the publishers of
this work to offer in its pages a permanent mark of the appreciation
due from them to Judge Holden, whose able co-operation has been most
courteously accorded in connection with the preparation of the generic
historical manuscript that has entered into this compilation. Few resi-
dents of the state of Michigan have a wider or more accurate knowledge
of its history and its resources, and this fact gives emphasis and value
to his contributions to this record concerning the Northern Peninsula.
A man of high professional and scholastic attainments, he has long
been numbered among the representative members of the bar of the
state, and in his chosen vocation his services have been such as to dignify
and honor his profession. He long maintained his home in the city of
Saginaw and was one of its prominent and influential citizens, there
manifesting the same civic loyalty and insistent public spirit that have
made him in later years so strong and honored a factor. in connection
with social and indvistrial affairs in the Upper Peninsula, with whose
interests he identified himself in the year 1894, when he established his
permanent home in the city of Sault Ste. Marie. Judge Holden has
never posed as a reformer ; but not one who is in the least familiar with
his career can fail to appreciate the great and beneficent work he has
accomplished in the matter of reforms and progressive movements that
have conserved the general welfare. His versatility and broad mental
grasp have led him to exert his energies and infiuence in many lines
extraneous to the work of his profession and he has been especially
prominent in his association with interests that have been potent in
forwarding the agricultural and stock-growing industries of Chippewa
county, in connection mth which promotive work no citizen of the
county has accomplished so much. Within the prescribed limita-
tions of a sketch consonant with the province of this publication it is
impossible to offer more than a succinct epitome of the career of Judge
Holden, but it is believed that even this brief data will bear both
lesson and incentive and offer, without adulation, a tribute to the man
and his worthy and definite accomplishment.
Lawson C. Holden, LL. B., was born in New Hudson township, Alle-
gany county, New York, on the 11th of October, 1819, and is a son of
Thomas C. and Randa D. (Damon) Holden, the former of whom was of
Irish and English lineage, the latter being of Scotch and Welsh ancestry.
1073
1074 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Mi-s. Holdeu was a second cousin of Esther A. Dam'on, who died in
Plymouth Union, Vermont, November 11, 1906, and who was the last
surviving widow of a soldier of the war of the Revolution — Noah Damon,
to whom she was married September 6, 1835. Both the Holden and
Damon families were founded in New England in the colonial days and
both gave loyal soldiers to the Continental line in the war of the Revolu-
tion. Some of the number participated in the historic battle of Bunker
Hill, one of them being Capt. Aaron Holden (then " Serjeant"). At that
historical battle the scabbard and hilt of Captain Holden 's sword was in-
jured by a British bullet, for which a claim for damages was made, al-
lowed and paid. The following autograph order is copied (spelling,
punctuation and all) from the Revolutionary records kept in the State
House at Boston. Its oddity is sufficient excuse for the reproduction.
' ' To Henry Gardner Esq Tres Sir pleas To pay to the Barrer Here of John
' ' Mason the money the Court alowed me for my Loss on Bunker hill and his Eeceit
' ' shall Be your Diseharg from me.
"Watertown June ye 21 — 1776 Aaron Holden"
Captain Holden was one of the very few prisoners taken alive at
the horrible massacre of Cherry Valley. The British were then paying
Indians eight dollars for American scalps, but the distinguished
bravery of Captain Holden caused the Indians to forego the prize
money for scalps and to preserve his life. An appropriately lettered
shaft of granite now marks his last resting place at Barre, Massachu-
setts, showing the soldier's service and that he was born January 26,
1731, and died September 30, 1802.
Irene (Caryl) Holden, the paternal grandmother of Judge Holden,
was born at Chester, Vermont, and was one hundred and three years of
age at the time of her death. It is shown by records extant that the
Holden family, in its various branches has been notable for longevity.
It was founded in i\Iassachusetts in 1627, and tradition in the family
authorizes the statement that seventeen brothers of the name immi-
grated to the new world on one vessel. The thriving little city of
Holden, ^Massachusetts, was founded by their descendants. The par-
ents of Judge Holden were reared and educated in New England and
possessed the sterling traits so typical of the people of that cradle of
American history. They were numbered among the pioneers of Alle-
ganj- county. New York, where the father reclaimed a farm from the
wilderness in New Hudson township, where both he and his wife con-
tinued to reside until their death, when well advanced in years. Their
lives were guided and governed by the highest principles of integrity
and honor and, though characterized by no spectacular or dramatic
incidents, were sincere, true and noble in all relations.
Judge Holden was reared to the sturdy and vitalizing discipline
of the pioneer farm and his imdimentary education was secured in a
district school. He entered the Genesee Valley Seminary, at Belfast,
New York, w'here he continued his higher academic studies and where
he eventually assumed charge of the department of bookkeeping and
penmanship and became assistant professor of mathematics. In 1871
he was matriculated in the law department of the University of IMich-
igan. in which he completed the prescribed technical coui-se and was
graduated as a member of the class of 1873, with the degree of Bachelor
of Laws. He had previously devoted one year to the study of law under
the effective preceptor.ship of Hon. Marshall B. Champlain, who -was
at that time attorney general of the state of New York. Immediately
after his graduation Judge Holden located in the city of East Sagi-
naw, and he has thus been a resident of Michigan for two score of
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1075
years, — a period marked by large and worthy accomplishment as one
of the world's great army of productive workers. At East Saginaw
Judge Holden initiated his professional career by entering the office
of the late William Gillett, who was at the time prosecuting attorney
of Saginaw county. He soon earned and obtained appointment to the
position of assistant prosecuting attornej- — the first to hold that office
there — and of that office he continued incumbent until January, 1877.
Concerning his labors and advancement at this period of his career
the following statements have been written and are worthy of repro-
duction in this sketch :
"During his tenure of the office of assistant prosecutor of Saginaw
county he acted for the people in many important criminal cases, one
of the most notable of which was the Cargin-Smith murder trial. In
1879 he was elected city attorney and in this position he was enabled
to add to his legal reputation by successfully conducting the extensive
and important tax litigations which were then pressing for attention.
He also secured a fair share of general practice, in both the civil and
criminal calendar, and it is worthy of note that during the first
quarter of a century of his practice not one of his clients was sentenced
to the state prison. He has facetiouslj^ reverted to this record by saying
that his success during the period noted was due to the fact that
he defended only innocent men, wrongfully accused of crimes. He was
also identified with a number of hea\'j" chancery suits and this was the
initiation of his pecuniary success. In 1884 he was chosen judge of
probate for Saginaw county, an office of which he continued incumbent
for several years. At that time he was also the owner of an excellent
farm of two hundred acres, located near his home city, and in this
connection he indulged his taste, acciuired in childliood, by breeding
fine standard-bred and carriage horses.
' ' There are but few matters of general interest to his fellow citizens
in which Judge Holden does not take an active part. He is essentially
a busy man, but he has found time to become identified with many
organizations, — social, fraternal, benevolent and political. He was one
of the organizers of the Unitarian church in East Saginaw, was one of
the incorporators of the People's Building & Loan Association of Sagi-
naw county, for which he was attorney, and was a zealous member of
the Saginaw County Farmers' Club, having never lost his interest in
agricultural affairs.
"A dominating characteristic of Judge Holden is his sympathy
for and his belief in the aspirations of the working class, and he has
ever been a stanch supporter of the interest and rights of the wage-
earners. When Thomas B. Barry was arrested, under the so-called
Baker conspiracy act, for inaugurating the strike among the saw-mill
operators in the Saginaw valley, claiming ten hours as a full day's
labor. Judge Holden became his leading defender, having as his asso-
ciates Hon. Frank L. Dodge, of Lansing; Hon, Jerome Turner, of
Owosso ; and Hon. William D. Fuller, of Newago. Their efforts were
successful and the case attracted wide attention on account of the
prominence of ]\Ir. Barry in the councils of the Knights of Labor. Prior
to this trial ]\Ir. Barry had been elected to the state legislature, and
Judge Holden had given him earnest support in his campaign."
While he was a resident of Saginaw Judge Holden 's services were
frequently sought in connection with matters of important legislation.
He drafted the famous Barrj- law, providing that ten hours shall con-
stitute the legal limit for a day's labor, and this law, the first providing
for such regulation, remains on the statute books of the state at the
present time. He also drafted the firet free text book law for public
1076 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
schools in JMiehigan, securing this provision under the East Saginaw
charter. By appointment of the common councils of the cities of Sagi-
naw and East Saginaw, Judge Holden drafted the charter luider which
the two cities were consolidated (Local Acts, No. 455, Laws of 1889),
and thereafter he was chosen attorney of the consolidated city of Sagi-
naw to defend in the covii-ts the work he had done in accomplishing the
consolidation. Sis separate onslaughts were simultaneously made, by
some of ^Michigan's best lawyers, attacking the new charter on consti-
tutional grounds, but the charter has successfully withstood all attacks
upon its validity. The new city was without ordinances, and Judge
Holden not only annotated the new charter that had been drafted by
him hut he also prepared, annotated and indexed a code of new ordi-
nances for the city, publishing the entire work in a volume of four
hundred and sixty-six pages. At this period also Judge Holden con-
ducted the proceedings that resulted in the expulsion from office, on
the score of malfeasance therein, of the city clerk, police judge, and
clerk of the municipal court. At the request of Hon. William B. Baum,
at that time representative of the Saginaw district in the state
legislature. Judge Holden drafted the law which provides that Labor
day shall be a legal holiday in Michigan. For Hon. H. AY. Robinson
he also drafted the existing state law of limitations on execution levies
on real estate. — an enactment that has withstood the constitutional test.
Since establishing his residence at Sault Ste. Marie, Judge Holden su-
per\'ised, for constitutional pui'poses, ]\Iichigan's first and existing law
regulating the practice of medicine, and this import-ant measure has
been sustained in every feature by the supreme court of the state.
Judge Holden attacked and defeated, on constitutional grounds, three
separate legislative acts for good roads in Saginaw county, and this
led to the adoption of a constitutional amendment enabling the pass-
age of Michigan's state-wide referendum "good-roads law," which he
earnestly advocated. j\Iore than fifty streets in the city of Saginaw
bear names suggested by Judge Holden, as many changes in street
nomenelatiu'e were necessary after the consolidation of the two cities,
in order to avoid duplication of names. Few, if any, members of the
bar of JMiehigan are more strongly fortified in knowledge of and
familiarity with constitutional law than is Judge Holden, and few
citizens have exerted greater or more beneficent infiuence in connection
with the legislative affairs from a non-official standpoint. No repre-
sentative of the legal profession has labored more earnestly for the
conservation of the rights and best interests of the people, and thus it
is not .strange that Judge Holden has a secure vantage ground in the
confidence and esteem of all who are familiar with his life and labors
as a true friend of humanity and as a strong, vital and conscientious
man.
On the 20th of JMay, 1893, the city of Saginaw was visited by a
most disastrous fire, through which full twenty-five hundred persons
were made homeless. The beautiful home, as well as other property of
Judge Holden, lay in the wake of the fire, and nearly all of his life's
tangible accumulations were destroyed. Added to these losses at this
time was the burden of impaired health, and under these depressing
circum-stances Judge Holden determined to seek a change of climate
and a new field of endeavor. Thus, in 1894, he established his home in
Sault Ste. ]Marie, — an action that gave to the Upper Peninsula one of
its most able lawyers and most loyal and progressive citizens. He was
appointed a member of a committee to which was assigned the revision
of the city charter of Sault Ste. Marie, and in this connection he made
a propo.sition to cut off a section one mile in width and assign the same
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1077
to Soo township; to appoint a sealer of weights and measures; to estab-
lish a police board and deprive the city council of the direct power of
appointing members of the police force; and to provide for free text
books in the public schools of the city. These propositions created con-
siderable excitement. The first proposition was opposed by city tax-
payers; the second by the city merchants; the third by the politicians;
and the fourth by certain religious bodies. The last two reforms have
since been adopted, to the satisfaction of all, but Sault Ste. Marie still
continues to tax for "city purposes" five thousand acres of farming
land, while every dealer still regulates his own scales and yardstick
without any supervision. Judge Holden was appointed special city
attorney to safeguard the city's interests at the time of the adoption
of the general franchise granted by the city council to the great water-
power corporation, but he declares he is not proud of the lack of in-
fluence he was able to exert in the city's behalf in this connection.
Judge Holden was again appointed special city attorney to conduct
impeachment proceedings, for malfeasance in office, against a certain
mayor, who "resigned luider fire" and thus ended the impeachment.
Judge Holden was aligned as a supporter of the cause of the Demo-
cratic party until the organization of the Greenback party, with which
he was actively identified during the period of its existence, and he has
since been aligned in the ranks of the Democratic party, of whose basic
principles he has ever been a stanch advocate. He has served as dele-
gate to the various conventions of his party, one of them being the
National Convention at St. Louis which re-nominated President Cleve-
land, Judge Holden serving as a delegate-at-large. He has found the
demands and exactions of his profession such as to require his entire
time and attention and he has never appeared as a candidate for any
public office save those in direct line with professional work. He was
made the Democratic candidate for the office of prosecuting attorney
of Chippewa county, but took no active part in the campaign. His
attitude in accepting nomination is clearly shown in the following
extracts from an open letter written by him at the time and it should
be stated that in no particular did he deviate in the least from the
stipulations therein made by him. The letter was addressed to the
Democratic county committee and its context was substantially as
follows :
' ' Gentlemen : I have abstained entirely from polities since residing in the Soo.
I have not attended caucuses or conventions of any party here, nor tried in any
way to influence any person 's political opinion ; yet the Democratic county con-
vention, recently held, nominated me, without my consent or knowledge, as its
candidate for prosecuting attorney, and has since refused to permit me to with-
draw from such candidacy. I am fully determined to let politics alone now and
in the future. Many business men of both parties — Democrats and Republicans
alike — learning of my intention not to consent to such candidacy, have urged me
to withdraw my objections and permit my name to remain on the ticket. Under
these conditions I have concluded to state my position in the matter, and if you,
as a committee, after considering it, still wish me to be your candidate, you may
so consider me; otherwise you will please leave my name off the ticket. I will not
mix in partisan polities or contribute either time or money to any campaign. I
will not make political speeches or try to influence any person 's political opinion,
but still remain, as heretofore, free from political entanglements or partisan pol-
itics. I will, however, whether or not I have a place upon the ticket, contribute
now or at any future time to a fund to be used exclusively in the detection and
punishment of vote-buyers and other political eorruptionists, whether of our own
party or any other party. I am quite familiar with the duties of prosecuting
attorney, and if elected shall devote my personal attention to such duties and dis-
charge the same to the best of my ability. I will not, however, consent to treat
the position as a political one if I shall occupy it, but rather as a business em-
ployment in behalf of the people, regardless of their party affiliations, and no
1078 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
man shall have occasion to know from any ofEeial or political action of mine,
upon which ticket I ran for the oflBce. If my name is to remain on the ticket I
advise all persons to vote against me who want the prosecuting attorney 's office
as a part of a political machine or as a protection to vote-buying and other political
debauchery. If I am to run for the office I would prefer to be defeated while con-
tending for these principles than to be elected on any other conditions. ' '
It should be noted in this connection that the county committee
fully endorsed the action of the nominating convention and manifested
approval of the manly and courageous stand taken by Judge Holden.
If the subject of this review has any special hobby it is that of pro-
moting agricultural and stock-growing in the section of the state in
which he has elected to establish his home, and, as already stated, no
man has done more to forward these important interests in Chippewa
county. He has urged with all of fervor and insistency the demand
for "better live-stock and more of it," and has made a careful and
exhaustive study of conditions pertaining to this line of enterprise, —
one of great moment at the present time, in view of the greatly in-
creased cost of living. He has served as president of the Chippewa
County Agricultural Society ; the Twin Soos Poultry and Pet Stock
Association ; the Upper Peninsula Agricultural Association ; vice-presi-
dent of a National Poultry Breeders ' Association ; a director of the
Michigan State Fair Association, where he was superintendent of the
horse department; superintendent of the poultry department, and su-
perintendent of the eclucational department in different years. He is a
sixth degree member of the Grange and has been active and influential
in its affairs for many years. It was through the efforts of Judge
Holden that the famous "Brimley cheese," manufact^^red at Brimley,
Chippewa county, was exhibited at the state fair where it won the big
score of ninety-eight and one-fourth perfect points — the ^Michigan state
record. He has been indefatigable in his efforts to raise the live-stock
and agricultural standard in Chippewa county, and through his direct
influence a wonderful progress has been made, including the utiliza-
tion of the finest breeds of horses, cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry. He
secured at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, held in 190-4, in the city
of St. Louis, the bronze medal for the best peas there exhibited. He is
the owner of a farm in Chippewa county and finds great pleasure in
super-\dsing its improvement and in the breeding of the best grades
of live-stock.
Judge Holden is affiliated with the jMasonic fraternity, the Order of
the Eastern Star, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and holds membership in the
Unitarian church. He has honored this state of j\Iichigan through his
life and labors, and well merits the high regard in which he is held by
all who know him. On September 3, 1877, was solemnized the mar-
riage of Judge Holden to Miss Anna I. Stage, of East Saginaw, who
was bom at North Newbury, Geauga county, Ohio. ]\Irs. Holden is of
artLstic culture and in 1903 won the state sweepstakes prize for hand-
decorated china. She is a member of the Episcopal church. Judge
and ]Mrs. Holden became the parents of four children, three of whom
died in infancy at Saginaw. Their first born was Elsie, and the great
loss and bereavement of their lives came when this daughter, a young
woman of most beautiful character, was summoned to the life eternal,
at the city of Sault Ste. Marie, on the 6th of October, 1896, when but
sixteen years of age.
Eleazer S. Ingalus was a prominent character in Upper Peninsula
historv^ from the time he came to Menominee river, in 1859, vmtil his
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1079
death in 1879, and he is still remembered and familiarly spoken of as
"Judge Ingalls, " or "The Judge." He was born in Nashua, New
Hampshire, June 10, 1820. His father was an edge-tool maker, and the
son, as a boy, learned much of his father's trade, which stood him in
good service in his subsequent life of almost continuous pioneering. In
January, 1838, he left his New Hampshire home, then a boy of eighteen,
and started for Illinois, whither he went with an ox-team, reaching An-
tioch in ]\Iareh, and passing through Chicago, then an luisettled swamp,
on this way. His father came west by the water route about the same
time, and they located upon and cultivated land at Antioch, and, while
so doing, the subject of our sketch read law, and finally entered the prac-
tice at that place. He was married, in 1844, to Martha ]\Iaria Peai*son,
who was also a native of Nashua, New Hampshire.
In the spring of 1850, j\Ir. Ingalls organized a caravan, of which he
was the captain, and went overland from Illinois to the newly discovered
gold fields of California, traveling most of the way himself on horseback,
and directing the caravan of four-hoi-se prairie schooners. Many inter-
esting and thrilling experiences of that joiarney are recorded in his daily
Journal, which, in his own handwriting (written at the time) is now in
the possession of his daughter, ]\Irs. A. L. Sawyer. He reached Cali-
fornia in 1850, and thus, at that early day in the history of our coun-
try, he completed the crossing of the entire continent by team. He re-
mained in California eighteen months where he was profitably engaged
in merchandising, and then returned to Antioch, and at that place and
at Waukegan, he practiced law until 1859, except that during that time
he made a trip to Pike's Peak at the time of the gold excitement there.
In 1859 he came to the Menominee river, driving as far as Pensaukee
with a horse and buggy, and coming from there by boat. He first located
on the beach, just below the site of Oakwood, on the Wisconsin side,
where he built a cabin and was joined by his family in the fall of that
year.
In 1862 Judge Ingalls moved to Menominee where he became im-
mediately active in public affairs and began the practice of law. His
first public act of importance is found in the organization of I\Ienominee
county, and from that time on his name is found connected with most
of the matters that have gone to make up our county history, and with
many that extended beyond and concerned the state. He was very active
in securing the construction of the two State Roads from IMenominee
north, and himself built the Green Bay and Bay du Noc State Road from
Menominee to the Delta county line. He established the Menominee
Herald in 1863, and published it for a number of years, placing it upon
the firm basis that was the foundation of the present prosperous Me-
nominee Herald-Leader. He was active in the establishment of the first
church, and also in educational matters. He acquired large holdings of
timber lands and built and operated two saw-mills, which mills, together
with a large part of his timber, were destroyed in the great forest fire
of 1871. He was one of the earliest advocates of the mineral wealth of
the Menominee Iron range, and organized the first corporation, the Breen
IMining Company, to begin the work of developing. To hasten the build-
ing of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway to the Iron range, he organ-
ized a railroad company, called the Deer Creek and IMarble Quarry Rail-
road Company, and proposed to construct a railroad from the mining re-
gions to the Bay shore, at the mouth of Deer ci'eek. This project he
abandoned, on being satisfied of the coming of the Northwestern line.
One of the mines, in which he was interested, the Breen, shipped ore the
first season that the railroad was built. The Judge was engaged in the
1080 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
development of the Emmett mine during the last year of his business
life. In 1879. having always lived the life of a pioneer and endured
many hardships, he sickened and died when only fifty-nine years of age,
but with the appearance of an old man.
Notwithstanding the various interests fostered by liim, Judge In-
galls' principal occupation was the practice of law, in which he was
very successful, but he was especially strong in chancery cases and in
juiy trials, in the latter of which he seemed to impress his earnest per-
sonality upon the minds of the jury. On the organization of the county,
being the only lawyer here, he was elected to the three offices of judge of
probate, prosecuting attorney, and circuit court conmiissioner. He was
the only attorney present at the opening and holding of the first term of
the ]\Ienominee county circuit court by Judge Daniel Goodwin. Aside
from being a lawyer of ability, he was a man of high character and was
generous to a fault. His home was a stopping place for many a weary
traveler, and he had nothing too good to divide with his family and
friends. He commanded the respect and confidence of the entire com-
munity and when he died there was universal mourning, and his funeral
rites were presided over by the IMasonic Order, the first lodge of which,
in Menominee, he was instrumental in founding. Of his children there
are now livng Josephine S. I. Sawyer, of ^Menominee ; ^Martha M. Beaser,
of Chicago Park, California ; and Arthur J. Ingalls of Los Angeles, Cal-
ifornia. Those deceased are Abbie R. Easton, Mary A. Milberry, Susan
J. Cole, Charles L. Ingalls and Fred Ingalls.
William H. Jobe. — Possessing sound judgment and good executive
ability, William H. Jobe, superintendent of the Verona IMining Company
Properties at Palatka is actively identified with the development and
promotion of industrial resources of the LTpper Peninsula, which is
rich in mineral ores and timber. He was born, March 21, 1871, at Ham-
ilton, Province of Ontario, but his father, Elisha Jobe, was a native of
Michigan. His grandfather, John Jobe, was born and bred in Corn-
wall, England, and, as far as known, was the only member of his father's
family to emigrate to this country. Coming directly from his English
home to Michigan, he located in Keweenaw county, and from that time
until his death, at a good old age, was there actively employed in min-
ing pursuits.
Bom in Keweenaw county, Michigan, Elisha Jobe there began as a
boy to work in the mines, and later was similarly employed for a while
in Ontonagon county. Venturesome and daring, and ambitious to im-
prove his financial condition, he went when a young man to the Pacific
coast, and for two years worked in the mines of California and Nevada.
Not making his fortune, he then returned to Michigan and resumed
work as a miner in Negaunee, Marquette county. Forced to leave the
place on account of the ill health of his wife, he went to Hamilton,
Ontario, where he resided twelve years. Coming back to Michigan in
1881, he located at Republic, where he continued work in the mines until
his death, in 1898. His wife, whose maiden name was Helen Mellon,
was born in Cornwall, England, and as a child came with her parents,
John and Martha Mellon, to Hamilton, Ontario, where she grew to
womanhood. She is now living in ^Marquette, and has two children, as
follows: William H., the subject of this sketch; and Carrie.
Obtaining a practical education in the public schools of Hamilton,
Ontario, and at Republic, Michigan, William H. Jobe, at the age of
fourteen years, began his active career as an office boy in the mines at
THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1081
Republic. From that position he was promoted to supply clerk, and
when nineteen years of age became time keeper at the mines in Swanzy.
A year later Mr. Jobe returned to Republic, and the ensuing two years
was clerk for the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway Company.
He then entered the employ of the Hemlock River IMining Company,
becoming time keeper at Amasa, where he remained until 1901, when
he assumed Ms present position as superintendent of the company's
mining properties at Palatka.
Mr. Jobe married, in 1900, Sarah Beyer, who was born in Appleton,
Wisconsin, a daughter of Charles and Anna Beyer, natives of Germany.
A steadfast Republican in politics, Mr. Jobe is chairman of the Repub-
lican County .Committee and a member of the County Board of Super-
visors, representing Stambaugh township. Fraternally he is a member
of Crystal Falls Lodge, F. & A. ]\I. ; of Crystal Falls Chapter, R. A. M. ;
of Crystal Falls Commandery, K. T. ; and of Ahmed Temple, Mystic
Shrine, of Marquette.
John Merton, master mechanic of the Hecla and South Hecla branch
of the Calumet & Hecla IMining Company of Calumet, Michigan, is a
man who enjoys no small prominence in this part of INIichigan. He is
recognized as an unusually skilled representative of his calling, and his
high standing in Masonic circles has given him a wide acquaintanceship
in the Northem Peninsula. Although i\Ir. IMerton has been a resident
of the Wolverine state for many yeai-s. he is a native of Scotland, his
birth having occurred in Lanarkshire, that covmtry, July 27, 1858. His
parents were James and Marion (Millar) Merton who emigrated to
America in 1858. The voyage which can now be made in as many daj'^s
required six weeks and there was no regret at bidding farewell to old
Neptune when a landing was finally made at ^Montreal, Canada. After
remaining in this romantically situated city for two years, the father
being employed in the Bruce Copper mines, they came to the United
States, their first residence under the stars and stripes being in Oil City,
Pennsylvania, in 1868. After staying here for a short time they removed
to the Lake Superior district where the father was engaged as superin-
tendent and master mechanic of the Michipocation Copper Mines. In
1868 he came with his family to Calumet where he assumed the position
of master mechanic in the copper mines of the Calumet IMining Company,
until 1870 and then accepted position as master mechanic with Phoenix
Mining Company. He spent three years in the west for health, then
returned to Calumet and was again in the employ wdth Calumet &
Hecla Company till his death in IMay, 1900. His wife, who sui-vived
him, died in 1906.
John IMerton received his education in the common schools of Calu-
met, and graduated from its high school at the early age of thirteen
Until his twenty-fii*st year he was engaged in different departments of
the Calumet I\Iining Companj^ serving a three years' apprenticeship as
a machinist. After completing the learning of his trade, he was placed
in charge of different departments and proved faithful and efficient. In
1900 he was promoted to the position of foreman of the Hecla and South
Hecla branch of the Calmnet & Hecla IMining Company. Thus in the
matter of vocation as well as in the stanch Scotch characteristics which
distinguish him, Mr. Merton received a heritage from his father, who is
still vividly remembered in the locality.
Mr. Merton gives his support to the men and measures of Republic-
anism, but he has never sought office. As before mentioned he is a
10S2 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
prominent ]\Iason. holding membership in Cahnnet lodge, A. F. & A. ]M. ;
in Calumet Chapter, R. A. ]\I. ; in ^Montrose Commandery, No. 38, K. T. ;
and in Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine, in Detroit, Michigan. He
is unmarried.
Although very young at the time Mr. Merton calls out of the mists of
childhood the memory of an unusual adventure which occurred to the
family not long after they came to America. In 1865 they were frozen
in for six months on ]\Iichipocation Island, without any communication
with the outside world and with supplies running very short. The father
was at that time working in the copper mines of jNIichipocation. The
other members of the Merton family are : ^Ire. ]\Iargaret Anderson,
wife of W. B. Anderson; Mrs. Mary Killmar, wife of L. W. Killmar;
Mrs. Caroline Shields, wife of R. H. Shields ; Mrs. ]Marion Argall, wife
of Wm. M. Argall. The brother, James M. Merton, died in 1906.
Frederick N. Bosson. electrical engineer for the Calumet & Hecla
Mining Company, is widely recognized as an authority in the scientific
department in which he has specialized and enjoys prominence and popu-
larity in the community, his geniality having won for him many friends.
Mr. Bosson is a New Englander, having been born in Boston, ]\Iassachu-
setts, in December, 1860. His parents were George C. and Mary Jane
(Hood) Bosson. The father was an enterprising man and enjoyed a
good deal of prominence, being one of the principal manufacturei's of
cotton and woolen goods. He was also largely interested in flre insur-
ance. The death of this gentleman occurred in 1904. His mother was
a native of historic old Salem. ^Massachusetts, her father being Jacob
Hood. Mr. Bosson is a descendant of old and distinguished New Eng-
land families.
Frederick N. Bosson received his early education in the Boston
schools and finished in the ^Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His
first position after leaving college was A^ith Amos Lawrence & Company
of Boston, in which his father was a partner, this being the cotton and
woolen goods concern before referred to. He went to Chicago somewhat
later and was employed in the construction of electric railroads. He had
had some valuable preliminary training in this in the east, ha^ang been
employed for several years in the building of bridges on the ^Massachu-
setts Central Railroad between Northampton and Boston, and the Bos-
ton & Albany Railroad, and later becoming associated with the Thom-
son-Houston Electrical Company of Boston who sent him to Chicago as
engineer in their offices in that city. In recognition of his unusual
abilit}- in 1887 he was appointed engineer of the railroad department
of the Thomson-Houston Electrical Company throughout the middle-
western states, from Illinois and Ohio to the Pacific Coast. Mr. Bosson
then became electrical experimental mining engineer for the Cliicago
office, under Charles Van Der Poole, as his assistant.
Mr. Bosson 's activities in the Upper Peninsula date from the year
1887 when he acted as electrical engineer for different installations in
that district. He continued in this capacity for a few years, and in
1890 was appointed to his present position, electrical engineer for the
Calumet & Hecla ^Mining Co. Mr. Bosson has been consulting engineer
for a large number of important electrical and hydro-electrical works.
He is a fluent and convincing talker and the possessor of an agreeable
personality.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1083
George Blank. — Within the pages of this publication will be found
specific mention of a number of the native sons of the Northern Pen-
insula, who have here attained success and prominence along normal
lines of business enterprise and who stand representative of the best
type of citizenship. Of this number is George Blank, avIio is one of
the leading business men and progressive citizens of his native city,
Sault Ste. Marie, wdiere he is engaged in the general insurance busi-
ness, in which he conducts a large and prosperous enterprise. He is
the oldest son of Andrew Blank, one of the best known and honored
pioneers of the city and to whom a special sketch is dedicated else-
where in this volume.
George Blank was born in Sault Ste. IMarie, on the 2-lth of June,
1861, and his early educational advantages were those afforded in the
public schools. As a youth he became associated with the milk and ice
business conducted by bis father and upon the retirement of the lat-
ter in 1888 he engaged in the ice business upon his ow^n responsibility.
With this line of enterprise he continued to be active until 1891, when
he purchased an interest in the insurance business of Johnston & AVil-
liams, in which he succeeded I\Ir. Williams. The enterprise was there-
after conducted and under the firm name of Johnston & Blank until
1892 when Mr. Blank purchased the interest of his partner, Hosia D.
Johnston, and he has since conducted the business individually. He
represents about twenty-five of the leading fire insurance companies
and is also an underwriter for a number of most substantial and popu-
lar life insurance companies doing business in this city.
Like his honored father, Mr. Blank has shown a most loyal interest
in all that touches the general welfare of his home city and he had the
distinction of being elected as a member of the first city council after
the incorporation of Sault Ste. Marie as a city. He received the unan-
imous nomination on the Republican ticket for the office of mayor in
March, 1895, but was defeated after one of the most spirited municipal
contests in the history of the city, — a campaign into which local mat-
ters were interjected to the utter submersion of party fealty and to
the subordination of all individual merit of the responsible candidates.
While he has maintained a lively interest in local affairs Mr. Blank
has not appeared as a candidate for public office since that time. He
and his wife are members of the oNIethodist church and his fraternal
associations are here noted, — Bethel Lodge, No. 358, Free & Accepted
Masons, of w^hich he is past master ; Sault Ste. Marie Chapter, No. 126,
Royal Arch Masons, of which he is past high priest ; Sault Ste. Marie
Council, No. 69, Royal & Select ]\Iasters, past thrice illustrious; Sault
Ste. Marie Commandery, No. 45, Knights Templar, of which he is past
eminent commander; Queen of the North Chapter, No. 82, Order of
the Eastern Star, of Avhich he is past worthy patron and of which his
wife is also a member ; Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Marquette, Michigan; and Red Cross
Lodge, No. 51, Knights of Pythias.
On the 8th of December, 1886, in Sault Ste. Marie, were pronounced
the words that united the life destinies of Mr. Blank and Miss Char-
lotte G. Ferris, who w^as born in Meaford, province of Ontario, Canada,
and W'ho was a daughter of John G. and Mary J. (Boucher) Ferris,
both natives of Ontario, Avhere the former was born in 1828 and the
latter in 1827. Concerning the children of I\Ir. and Mrs. Ferris the
following record is given, — Cecelia is the wife of David Bell of Sault
Ste. Marie; William F. is a resident of Bufl'alo, Ncav York; Willeth
resides in Chilliwack, British Columbia ; Wallace H. is a resident of
1084 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Sault Ste. ^larie ; Emeline is the wife of "William Ruble of Los An-
geles, California ; Mrs. Blank was the next in order of birth ; Maud is
the wife of Gerard Warick of Florence, Michigan ; and Charles E. is
a resident of Flint, Michigan. Mr. Ferris was engaged in the mer-
chandise business at Meaford, Ontario, for a number of years and
later he turned his attention to farming in that province. In 1877 he
came to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and located in Sault Ste.
Marie, where he conducted a meat-market for a time, after which he
located on a farm in Sault Ste. Marie township. He purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he took up his residence
in 1885 and there he continued to reside until his death, which oc-
curred on the 5th of February, 1893. His wife was summoned to eter-
nal rest on the 5th of January, 1903. Both were zealous members of
the Methodist Episcopal church and were folk whose sterling attri-
butes of character gained to them the vmequivocal esteem of all who
knew them.
Mr. and Mrs. Blank have one son and three daughters. Earl F.,
who was graduated in the high school, has since been his father's
assistant in the insurance business, but is now a student in the Bilti-
more Forest School of North Carolina; Mary Margaret is a member
of the class of 1910, at Roekford College, in the city of Rockford, Il-
linois; and Edith Ruth and Jewel Louise remain at the parental home.
Frank E. Keese. — Occupying a place of prominence and influence
in the mining circles of the Upper Peninsula, Frank E. Keese is one of
the leading citizens of Ishpeming, where he has just closed his second
term as mayor of the city. He was born August 25, 1866, in Clinton
eouuty. New York, a son of William Keese, coming from New England
Quaker stock.
William Keese, a life-long resident of Clinton county, New York,
was born at Peru, 1825, on the homestead farm where his parents.
New England Quakers, settled on migrating to New York state. In-
heriting the home estate, he was there engaged in agricultural pursuits
until his death, in 1869, in the very house in which his birth occurred.
His wife, whose maiden name was Carrie Patterson, was born in 1834, in
Scotland, and died in Clinton county. New York, in 1908, leaving two
children, Frank E. and William. He departed from the religious faith
of his ancestors, and united with the Presbyterian church.
Educated in the common schools, Frank E. Keese began as a boy to
assist his father on the farm and in the woods. At the age of seventeen
years he entered the employ of the Wilson Iron Company, at Redford,
New York, where he remained three years. The following eighteen
months he worked for the Caledonia Iron Company, in St. Lawrence
county. New York. Coming westward in 1888, Mr. Keese located in
Florence, Wisconsin, where he was underground foreman for the Flor-
ence Iron River Mining Company until the spring of 1892, when he re-
moved to the Cascade Range, where he was underground captain for the
Pratt Mining Company until July, 1894. Going then to the Minnesota
Iron Company, he was there captain for the company three years, when,
continuing with the same company, he was transferred to the Mesaba
Range, where he was mining captain for a year, and subsequently gen-
eral manager until the fall of 1901. Returning then to the Cascade
Range, Mr. Keese was superintendent, for the Denera Mining Company,
of the Vulcan mine, until it was taken over by the Steel Corporation in
1903, and continued with the new organization until 1905. Locating
then at Ishpeming, Mr. Keese entered the employ of the Oliver Iron
^.^.yrC.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1085
Company as superintendeut of the Marquette Range, under William H.
Johnston, and has since retained this important position, for the duties
of which he is in every way qualified.
On June 1, 1891, J\Ir. Keese married Martha Watson, who was born
in Clinton county, New York, a daughter of John and Hai-riet (Ham-
mer) Watson, being the fifth child in a family of seven children. Her
father, a life-long farmer in New York state, died in 1906, but her
mother still lives in Clinton county. She is a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church, to which her husband also belonged. Nine
children have been born of the union of the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Keese, namely: William, Mildred, Alice, Gertrude, Cassie, Frank, Har-
riet, Genevieve, and Martha.
In his political views JNIr. Keese is a decided Republican, and has
been active in public affairs since coming to this part of the state.
He has served as township supervisor of Richmond township, Mar-
quette county, and as president of the Richmond township school
board. Elected alderman from the Second ward of Ishpeming in 1906,
and in the spring of 1908 was elected mayor, and in 1909 had the
honor of being re-elected to the same high position. Fraternally he is
a member of Florence Lodge No. 222, F. & A. M., of Florence, Wis-
consin ; of Negaunee Chapter, R. A. ]\I. ; of Marquette Commandery,
K. T. ; of Ahmed Temple, Mystic Shrine, of ]\Iarquette ; of the Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks; and of other secret societies.
Robert N. Adams. — It may be said without fear of contradiction
that no citizen of Sault Ste. Marie has contributed in more generous
measure to its material and civic development and upbuilding than
the honored pioneer to whom this brief sketch is dedicated. Mr.
Adams has here maintained his home for a period of more than thirty
j-ears and the farm which he secured upon taking up his residence
here is now included within the city limits and is solidly built lap with
attractive residences and handsome business structures, including his
own modern bank and office building, which is considered one of the
best in the entire Northern Peninsula. Realty is the basis of all se-
curity and through his operations in connection with the same Mr.
Adams has secured noteworthy success in an individual sense, the
while he has proved a dominating factor in furthering the advance-
ment of the city, Avhich he has seen grow from a mere village to one
of metropolitan facilities and appearance. Besides owning a large
amount of valuable real estate in the American city of Sault Ste.
Marie, he also has valuable holdings in the twin Canadian city of the
same name.
Robert N. Adams was born in Hastings county, province of On-
tario, Canada, on the 13th of May, 1844, and is a son of John and Ann
(Newton) Adams, the former of whom was born in Chestershire, Eng-
land, in 1798, and the latter in county Sligo, Ireland, in 1808. The
mother died in 1852 and the father passed away in 1872. Their mar-
riage Avas solemnized in Hastings county, Ontario, and of their nine
children, seven are noAV living, the subject of this revicAv liaA'ing been
the sixth in order of birth. John Adams Avas reared to maturity in
his native land Avhence he immigrated to America AA^hen a young man,
making the A^oyage on a sailing A'essel and disembarking in the city
of Quebec. lie passed four years in Prince EdAvard county, Ontario,
and then remoA^ed to Hastings county, Avhere he became a prominent
pioneer farmer and an influential citizen. He reclaimed a A'aluable
landed estate from the Avilderness and in that county he continued to
1086 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
reside until his death, secui'e in the high regard of all knew him. Both
he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
The early experiences of Robert N. Adams were those secured in
connection with the work of the home farm and in the meanwhile he
eontiniied to attend the common schools during the winter terms until
he had attained to the age of seventeen years. At the age of twenty-
three years he initiated his independent career as a farmer remaining
in his native county for a period of six years, at the expiration of
which he removed to Huron county, Ontario, where he continued to
be identified with the great basic industry of agriculture until 1879,
when he removed to Chippewa county, Michigan, and here purchased
one hundred and tifty acres of land from Thomas Ryan. For this
property he paid $3,500 and its appreciation in value may be readily
understood when it is stated that practically all of the land is now
within the corporate limits of the city of Sault Ste. Marie. Mr. Adams
cleared the land of underbrush and with the growth of the city he
finally subdivided the same into city lots, upon which have been
erected many of the finest residences and most substantial business
blocks that now add to the advantages and attractions of the thriving
city of Sault Ste. Marie. Mr. Adams devoted seven years to the re-
claiming of his land and at the time he took up his residence here, the
"Soo" was an insignificant village, giving slight promise of the splen-
did position it was later to attain as a commercial center and wonder-
ful vantage point in connection with the lake marine navigation.
From Mr. Adams' office on the sixth floor of his fine seven-story stone
and brick building, at the corner of Ashmun and Spruce streets, may
be gained a fine view of his former farm, now constituting one of the
most atti'active sections of the city. Within the past decade the de-
velopment of this subdivision has been almost marvelous and it has
been a source of unusual gratification to Mr. Adams that through his
handling of his original property he has been enabled to so greatly
further the upbuilding of his home city. The Adams building was
erected in 1903 and is conceived to be one of the most modern and
architecturally attractive bank and office buildings in the Northern
Peninsula. A portion of the first floor is utilized by the splendid
offices of the Central Savings Bank and all the other offices in the
building are essentially metropolitan in their equipment and facili-
ties. For a number of years Mr. Adams was engaged in the grocery
business in Sault Ste. Marie as a member of the firm of Eccles &
Adams. His aid and influence have been freely given in behalf of
all measures and enterprises tending to conserve the best interests of
the community and through his well directed endeavors he has gained
prestige as one of the most substantial capitalists and as an essentially
representative business man of this section of the Upper Peninsula.
He was one of the ten men who effected the organization of the Lake
Superior Company, which attained the right of way for the canal,
affording the magnificent water power now utilized in his own city.
He was also one of the organizers of the W. F. Ferguson Merchandise
Company of which he has been president for the past two years. He
was also one of the promoters and organizers of the City Savings Bank
and was its president until its consolidation with the Chippewa County
Savings Company, but he still is a large stock holder of the bank and a
member of its board of directors. He has likewise been a stock
holder of the First National Bank of Sault Ste. Marie, from the time
of its organization. He has at all times maintained a liberal and pro-
gre.ssive attitude as a citizen and has not denied his services in behalf
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1087
of causes tending to advance the general welfare. He served for a
number of years as a member of the board of education and within
his incumbency of this position a number of the principal ward school
buildings were erected. For a number of years he was a member of
the board of public works and in 1902 he was chosen representative of
Chippewa county in the state legislature, in which he served two
terms, during which he did effective work in securing needed legisla-
tion for his constituency and for the Upper Peninsula as a Avhole. He
is vice-president of the Sault Ste. IMarie Hospital and takes a deep
interest in the affairs of this noble institution. In politics JMr. Adams
is a stanch adherent of the Republican pai-ty and both he and his wife
hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He has been
an extensive traveler and has found both recreation and satisfaction
from his journeys in different sections of the Avorld. In 1907, in com-
pany with his wife, he made a trip and toured the Mediterranean and
Europe, visiting the most important points of interest, and in 1909 he
made an extended trip throughout the Southern States and Cuba,
besides which he has visited the most diverse sections of the United
States. In the Masonic fraternity the affiliations of IMr. Adams are
here briefly noted, — Bethel Lodge, No. 358, Free & Accepted Masons ;
Sault Ste. Marie Chapter, No. 126, Royal Arch Masons ; the Sault Ste.
Marie Council, No. 69, Royal and Select Masters ; Sault Ste. Marie
Commandery, No. 45, Knights Templars ; and Ahmed Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in the city of Isinr-
quette. Mr. Adams has been actively identified with the real estate
business since 1886 and has been one of the most extensive and success-
ful representatives of this important line of enterprise in this section
of the state. In this business he is now associated with his sons,
George H. and John N.
On the 18th of June, 1877, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Adams to Miss Elizabeth N. Carr, Avho was born in Prince Edward
county, Ontario, Canada, and who is a daughter of Rev. George and
Mary (Gilpin) Carr, the former of whom Avas born in Yorkshire, Eng-
land, and the latter in Cornwall. The father was a clergyman of the
Methodist Episcopal church and was long engaged in the work of his
church in the province of Ontario, where he continued to reside until
his death and where his wife also lived until the close of her life. Of
their seven children ]\Irs. Adams is the eldest. Concerning the children
of Mr. and Mrs. Adams the following brief data are given, — George
H., who is associated with his brother John in the insurance business,
served as a member of the Thirty-fourth ^Michigan Volunteer Infantry
in the Spanish-American war ; Augusta A. is the widow of William
F. Ferguson, to whom a memoir is dedicated in this work ; John N. is
associated Avith his father and brother in the real estate and insurance
business and he likeAvise Avas a member of the Thirty-fourth ^Michigan
Volunteer Infantry in the Spanish-American war ; Gertrude E. is the
Avife of Dr. HarA'cy Miller, a representative physician and surgeon of
Gladstone, ]Michigan ; Clement L. is a mining engineer and is noAV re-
siding in Houghton county, this state ; and Lillian remains at the
parental home.
Capt. Charles D. ^Iason, a prominent citizen of Gladstone, assistant
auditor of the Furnace department of the Cleveland Cliffs & Pioneer
Iron Companies, Avas born in Chicago, Illinois, June 12. 1874, son of
former Senator Richard Mason, mentioned at length elscAvhere in this
work. Captain Mason received his education in the public schools
1088 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
of Escauaba and the Michigan and Northwestern Universities, after
which he became a captain on the lakes for eight years ; he and his
brother owned three tugs which they operated about ten years. In
1902 Captain Mason became chief clerk for the company where he is
now employed, and one year later became assistant auditor, which
position he now holds. He is likewise interested in real estate in
Gladstone, and actively interested in the progress and development
of the city. Captain Mason is an enterprising, wide-awake business
man, and has attained success through his industry and energy.
Politically Captain Mason is a strong Republican, and has served
two terms as alderman, two terms as mayor of Gladstone, several terms
as supervisor and as chairman of the board of supervisors; he is a
public-spirited, useful citizen, and highly esteemed. He is a member
of the chapter of the Masonic Order, Knights Templar, of the Knights
of Pythias, being one of the Grand Lodge officers, and of Lodge, No.
354, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Escauaba, the
Knights of the Maccabees and Eagles of Gladstone, and the Licensed
Tug jMen's Protective Association. He is a lieutenant in the ]Mich-
igau Naval Brigade.
In 1898 Captain Mason married Grace D., daughter of John S.
Craig, an old settler of Gladstone, mentioned at length elsewhere in
this volume ; to this union has been born one daughter, Ellen N.
Alexander Agassiz. — From the testimony of Dr. Charles "W. Eliot,
foi'mer president of Harvard University, and of others who best knew
the late Alexander Agassiz, the statement is well borne out by the
facts of his life that few men of history have been so completely mas-
ters of themselves — both of their weakness and power — as the great
son of the great Louis Agassiz. He knew that his nature was that of
a slumbering volcano, and that he might not injure his associates, or
retard his own high purposes, he habitually banked his fires. Vibrat-
ing with intellectual and physical life, as well as throbbing with deep-
rooted affections, he was habitually reticent and calm. He was a
Stanton in temper, with a Samson in control, and it is doubtless that
this constant curb upon himself made it necessary for him to find an
outlet in the tremenduous labors of mind and body which he so piti-
lessly imposed upon himself.
The grandest results of Agassiz' life were the splendid broaden-
ing and completion of his father's conception of the Harvard ]Museum
of Comparative Zoology, and his scientific, industrial and socialogical
development of the Calumet and Hecla copper mines. In these fields
he gave an exhibition of vast business enterprises conducted scien-
tifically, but on principles of the broadest humanity, and brought to
the standard of practical success, that the wide-sweeping interests
of science might also be advanced and an absorbing sense of filial
love be satisfied. Agassiz' purposes were single and high, easily dis-
cerned through all the complexity of his fine performances, and he
pursued them with the spirit of a stoic and the veiled tenderness and
modesty of a woman. In his person and his soul were combined a
great executive, a great scholar, and a great, modest humanitarian ;
a Christ-like type of the rare man who is of the world, and yet above
it by no posing or low ambition. But the depth and height of this
remarkable character are best sketched by his appreciative, learned
and venerable intimate. Dr. Charles W. Eliot ('53), president of Har-
vard University for nearly foi'ty years. The following sketch is as
it appeared in "The Harvard Graduates' Magazine" for June. 1910:
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1089
I first knew Alexander Agassiz * intimately in the spring of 1858,
when he was bow oar and captain in the six-oared Harvard crew of
that year, a crew in which I rowed at number three. Agassiz had
graduated from Harvard College in 1855, and from the Lawrence
Scientific School in 1857. He was then twenty-two and a half years
old, and had been in this country nearly nine years. He was of me-
dium height and light weight, but muscular and enduring, quick of
eye and limb, ordinarily gentle, and reserved in speech and manner,
and quiet even when stirred, but nevertheless capable of strong spas-
modic efifort and vivid outbursts of wrath or indignation. The Har-
vard boat of that year carried no coxswain, and was steered by the
bow oar by means of a yoke convenient to his feet. The bow oar had
not only to pull his share and steer the boat so far as possible with his
oar, but also to direct the general course of the boat, looking forward
over his shoulder and aft down the medial line of the boat. Agassiz
had, therefore, two distinct functions in the boat, a curious prophecy
of the two diiferent kinds of work he carried on simultaneously through
all his mature life.
He was a successful student during his connection with Harvard
College and the Lawrence Scientific School, although hampered by
his habit of thinking in French, and stood 24th in the Class of 1855,
which graduated 82 men. In 1855 to 1857 he devoted himself to en-
gineering and zoology, and took his first degree in the Scientific
School in those subjects. In 1857-58 he Avas again in the Scientific
School studj'iug chemistry; and in 1860 he entered the School for a
third time and pursued studies in zoology and geology, taking a fresh
degree of Bachelor of Science in those subjects in 1862. Being stili
not content with hi.s attainments in zoology, he reentered the School
as a student in 1862, and then pursued the subject of comparative
zoology. He was led to these studies by natural taste and capacity,
and by all the influences of his environment and his inheritances com-
bined. For his mature projects and achievements he subsequently
needed accurate knowledge in every one of these departments; and
his case illustrates admirably the desirable connection between the
intellectual labors of youth and those of the life-career. At that time
the partial elective system introduced by President Quincy had been
well nigh extinguished in Harvard College ; and Agassiz was obliged
to follow his natural bent by means of labors quite outside the pre-
scribed college course. In the Scientific School he was, of course,
free to devote himself to the subjects of his choice. During his first
period of study in the Scientific School (1855-58) he taught mathe-
matics and some science in his father's school for girls, which was
conducted in Professor Agassiz 's house at the corner of Broadway
and Quincy Street, where Alexander Agassiz also lived. It was a
somewhat embarrassing position for a handsome but rather shy young
fellow who Avas decidedly susceptible to feminine charms ; but he
conducted himself Avith great prudence and dignity, and Avas not
often obliged to call Mrs. Agassiz to his assistance in the schoolroom.
His second period of connection Avith the Scientific School Avas after
his marriage.
His inclination in 1857 Avas toAvard the occupation of a railroad
engineer; but his father needed his aid as a collector and Museum as-
* Alexander Agassiz, the son of Louis and C^cile Braun Agassiz, was born at
Neuchatel, Switzerland, Dec. 17, 1835. He died of heart disease, March 27, 1910, on
the steamship Adriatic bound from Liverpool to New York — Ed.
1090 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF IMICHIGAN
sistaut, and his advice in all pecuniary transactions; and he therefore
obtained a situation on the United States Coast Survey, and in that
capacity had many opportunities of collecting specimens for the
Museum, on the Atlantic coast- and also on the Pacific. He returned
from California in 1860, and married Miss Anna Russell, one of the
pupils in Professor Agassiz's school for girls, and a sister of the wife
of his classmate and intimate friend, Theodore Lyman. The young
married pair lived in Professor Agassiz 's house ; and Theodore Ly-
man, who was much interested in natural history and the IMuseum,
pi'ovided a small salary for Alexander Agassiz as assistant in the
JMuseum, in order that he might pursue his studies in zoology and
geology, and work on the Museum collections. This was the only in-
stance in his whole career in which Agassiz received payment for
scientific services. His scientific productiveness had already begun;
but he found it well-nigh impossible to procure the publication of his
papers with suitable illustrations. He had no money to pay for the
lithographic reprodiictions of his own drawings. His education dur-
ing his boyhood in Switzerland included an admirable training of eye
and hand in dra^ving, received largely from his mother, Ceeile Braun,
who was herself an excellent natural history artist. It is remembered
that as a young boy he drew butterflies and other natural history ob-
jects with accuracy and enjoyment. He doubtless had a natural gift
in this direction, and that inborn faculty was carefully cultivated;
so that he became very skilful in all sorts of drawing which could
illustrate his observ-ations in the field or the laboratory. During his
boyhood in Switzerland he acquired another difficult art, that of play-
ing the violin with accuracy and verve ; but this skill in music had no
eflfect on his after-life. He did not care for music, and he objected
to his teacher's method of enforcing attention and sustained effort
by rapping Alexander's fingers. In June, 1849, the boy left Xeucha-
tel for Paris quite alone on his way to America, carrying in his hand,
by advice of his careful relatives, his excellent violin in its case.
When he passed the Swiss frontier, he descended from the train with
his violin-case, put it down on the stone platform, jumped on it,
mounted the train again, and left the wreck behind. Thereafter he
had nothing to do with music. He would very rarely go to the opera,
or to a concert, not even when his brother-in-law, Henry L. Higgin-
son, organized and maintained the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Avhich
among its other duties gave every year a series of admirable concerts
in Cambridge, within a few steps of Agassiz's house. At last when
Mr. Higginson gave in Sanders Theater a superb concert in honor of
Mrs. Louis Agassiz's eightieth birthday, Alexander Agassiz attended
the concert, but solely, as he protested, to stand by his mother during
a public oi'deal which she somewhat dreaded, enjoyable as it proved
to be. Here was an early illustration of the concentration of purpose
and singleness of aim which characterized Agassiz's voluntary actions
throughout life.
In 1865-66, his brother-in-law, Mr. Quincy A. Shaw, a principal
owner in copper-mines of probable but unproved value at Calumet,
Michigan, found himself unable to organize and conduct with profit
the mines in which he had a controlling interest. He interested
Alexander Agassiz in the enterprise, and all Agassiz's keen powers
of observation and all his knowledge of geology and engineering were
soon applied to the practical problem of making a great mining prop-
erty profitable, although he was in charge of the Museum for the
year ending October 1, 1865, and also in 1866. For two years and a
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF IMICHIGAN 1091
half, 1866-68, his whole strenoth was devoted to developing and
superintending the Calumet and Heela copper-mines at Lake Superior.
One day near the beginning of 1866 I met Agassiz in the street in
Boston, and he said to me to my great surprise, — I was a low-salaried
but contented professor in the new Institute of Technology, — "Eliot,
[ am going to Calumet, iMichigau, for some years as superintendent
of the Calumet and Hecla mines. / want to make money. It is im-
possible to be a productive naturalist in this country without money.
I am going to get some money first, if I can; and then I will be a
naturalist. If I succeed, I can then get my own papers and draw-
ings printed, and help father in the Museum." This program, laid
down when he was thirty years old, was perfectly carried out in the
subsequent career of Alexander Agassiz. He went to Calumet at first
alone, but later his wife and their two little boys lived there with him.
It was a life of considerable hardship for all the family, for the town
was a mere mining-camp, and there were no well-built houses in it.
The winter temperatures were often very low, and the winds were
high. It was impossible for the baby to creep about the floor, so wide
were the cracks and so cold the wind that came through them ; so
that he had to spend most of his time on the bed. Vegetables were
very scarce, and the canning industry was hardly developed. A visitor
at the Agassiz home in Calumet remembers what a welcome delicacy
a dish of watercress was, which the wife of an English miner had
picked. The miners Avere of several races and religions, and many
of them could speak no English. It was no small advantage to the
young superintendent that he could speak both French and German,
not only freely, but with all the needed varieties of expressiveness.
In this isolated place, far from any possible support from public
authorities, and under the strain of intense financial anxiety, Agas-
siz worked for two j^ears before the organization was made effective
and his plans for the development of the mine began to be carried
out. His brother-in-law, Mr. Henry L. Higginson, has lately stated
that "the first dividend came after five years of hard labor, during
which period he often Avorked fourteen hours a day." He was then
capable of a very unusual amount of physical and mental labor. He
would spend the entire working-day going about the mines, inspect-
ing, deciding, and inventing, and would tire out the hardy mining
captains or foremen who accompanied him; and then after his late
dinner he would sit down to make plans, study accounts, or calculate
the cost of pro.jected work all the evening. He retained this ex-
traordinary industry and capacity to turn from one kind of work to
another all through life. For many years he and I lived near each
other on Quincy Street, and I would, often go to his house about ten
o'clock in the evening. He was generaly sitting at his desk hard at
work, after having already spent an active day either at the Museum
or at the office of the Calumet and Heela mines in Boston, or half the
day at one place and half at the other. He was extraordinarily pa-
tient of details in his own department and of routine work, even of
manual work, if that were necessary for the advancement of his pro-
jects or processes. Indeed he really enjoyed manual labor like doing
up bundles, and packing specimens. Although he maintained all his
life a very active correspondence, he wrote his letters with his own
hand, unless he could state the substance of a note or letter to his sec-
retary. Miss Clark, and depend on her to express his meaning. He
never learned to dictate letters or compositions of any sort except, of
late years, a few business letters in his Boston office, so that every
1092 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
narrative or essay of any length cost him much time in the manual
labor of writing. He thought in French quite as often as in English, a
fact which undoubtedly made it difficult for him to learn to dictate.
In December, 1873, Louis Agassiz died, leaving the great Museum
which he had planned and fol^nded still in an inchoate state. A few
days later Alexander Agassiz' young wife died suddenly of pneumonia,
probably contracted at the deathbed of Louis Agassiz, leaving three
young boys to the care of the desolate father and Mrs. Louis Agassiz,
who was always called "mother" by Alexander Agassiz, and was now
to prove herself a wise and tender grandmother to his children. He had
become President of the Calumet and Hecla mine, and its real manager ;
but the mine was well organized and developed and highly profitable,
and he could direct its affairs from a Boston office, although he made
semi-annual trips to Calumet. He was therefore able to accept the
office of Curator of the Museum of Comparative Zoology shortly after
the death of his father, and from that time till his own death he was
really at the head of the Museum under three successive titles, although
as time went on he procured the assistance of several competent and
interested experts. In 1904 Samuel Henshaw was appointed Curator,
an appointment which brought great relief to Agassiz.
Louis Agassiz a year before his death had undertaken to establish
a summer school for naturalists at Nantucket, but in the spring of 1873
had changed the site of the proposed school to Penikese Island in Buz-
zard's Bay, because the owner of that island, Mr. John Anderson of New
York, offered to give ]\Ir. Agassiz the island and a considerable sum of
money for buildings and equipment. The school was started there in
1873 with a good body of students, but under considerable difficulties
because of the inaccessibility of the island. The students were nearly
all teachers, both men and women, and its first season was remarkable
because of the strong influence exerted by Mr. and ]\Irs. Louis Agassiz
on a group of men and women many of whom later themselves reached
posts of influence and honor. The death of Louis Agassiz imperiled
the life of this summer school. Alexander Agassiz became Director of
it for 187-4 ; but his experience on the island convinced him that it would
be impossible to maintain the school there without making large annual
expenditures. These expenditures he did not think it wise to undertake
himself, and he therefore took the responsibility of closing the school
after the summer of 1874. In his scientific as in his business career he
would abandon, or throw away without hesitation or remorse, any tool,
machine, or specimen which did not serve its purpose, or which could
be replaced by a better.
Agassiz 's services to Harvard University were by no means confined
to the Museum of Comparative Zoology. He was elected by the alumni
a member of the Board of Overseers in 1873, and served on that Board
till 1878, when he became a Fellow of the Corporation, a function he
enjoyed but from which he withdrew in 1884. In 1885 he was re-
elected to the Board of Overseers by the alumni — a reelection which
gave him great pleasure — but again his term of service there was cut
short, because he was for a second time chosen a member of the Cor-
poration, where he served from 1886 to 1890, Avhen he insisted upon
retiring. He was an active friend and supporter of the Observatory,
the Jefferson Physical Laboratory, the Botanical Museum, the Miner-
alogical Cabinet, and the Peabody Museum of American Archaeology
and Ethnology. To the Observatory and the Physical Laboratory he
gave hearty support when on several occasions money was to be
raised for these departments by subscription. To the museums he
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1093
contributed many objects of interest collected by him on his frequent
expeditious to remote parts of the world. When he built the north-
west corner of the University IMuseura, which was a large extension
of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, he provided in it laboratories
and lecture-rooms for the departments of zoology, geology, and bot-
any, adopting as part of the IMuseum's work provision for teaching
both elementary and advanceti natural history, in spite of his avowed
lack of interest in elementary teaching. He maintained, therefore, all
through his mature life the same large range of scientific interests
which the studies of his youth foretold. By successive additions the
University Museum came to contain collections and laboratoi'ies for
fossil botany, phanerogamic and cryptogamic botany, and economic
botany, the mineralogical cabinet and laboratories, and lastly, a geolog-
ical museum and laboratories. Paleontology, however, remained con-
nected as to its collections and laboratories with zoology, in accord-
ance with the classification made by Louis Agassiz when his original
Museum received the title of the Museum of Comparative Zoology.
It was a great satisfaction to Alexander Agassiz that the geolog-
ical section of the University Museum, which forms the southwestern
corner of the entire building, was erected in 1900-01 by all three chil-
dren of Louis Agassiz.
By the year 1900 Alexander Agassiz had spent on behalf of the
Museum at least one million dollars from his private resources in
enlargements of the building, in the purchase of collections, in col-
lecting expeditions, in printing the bulletins and memoirs of the Mu-
seum, and in salaries and running expenses. After the zoological lab-
oratories were in full operation the President and Fellows made a
moderate annual contribution to the cost of heating, lighting, and
cleaning the building. The endowment of the Museum being alto-
gether inadecjuate, Agassiz bore the expense not only of additions to
the furniture and the collections, but also a large proportion of the
ordinary expenses and salaries. He habitually said nothing whatever
about all these gifts and charges, and it was only Avith considerable
difficulty that a summarized account of his expenditures for the Mu-
seum was obtained from him in 1898 for the records of the Corpo-
ration.
Through all these years Agassiz was developing the Museum on
the lines which his father laid down. Thus he maintained the original
unit for rooms in the Museum, which was a peculiar one. In the new
parts of the Museum, as in the old, the unit room was 40 feet long by
30 feet wide. In each room a partial second floor or gallery was pro-
vided for the reception of cases, just as Louis Agassiz had contrived.
There were no departures from this rule except near entrances, where
rooms of varying size were sometimes inevitable. He adhered to his
father's method of dividing the areas of the Museum between the
storage of collections provided for investigation by advanced students
and the exhibition of selected specimens for the public. Both needs
were recognized, but the preference was always given to pi'ovision
for research. Over the interior quadrangle door in the northwestern
corner of the Museum, which was built and furnished by Alexander
Agassiz, there stands this inscription : LUDOVICI AGASSIZ PATRI
FILIUS ALEXANDER MDCCCLXXX. That might be said
of a great part of Alexander Agassiz 's work for the IMuseum.
Agassiz 's distant expeditions for scientific purposes began in 1875,
when he went to South America, studying copper-mines in Peru and
Chili, surveying Lake Titicaca, and collecting many objects for the
1094 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Museum of Comparative Zoology and other departments of the Uni-
versity Museum, especially the Peabody Museum. From 1877 to 1880
he was engaged during the -winter in deep-sea dredging, mostly in the
West Indies. For this purpose the United States Coast Survey steamer
Blake was lent to him three times — whence the title of his book, "The
Three Cruises of the Blake." Eveiy winter he made considerable col-
lections as a result of assiduous dredging, and he also added very
much to the then existing knowledge of the floor of the ocean in those
parts. Thus he began those contributions to oceanography which
justified Major Leonard Darwin in saying of him, "He has done more
for oceanographic research than any other single individual." In
the Fish Commission steamer Albatross he visited in other winters
Panama and the Galapagos Islands, and made extensive soundings
in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. Then came a series of expe-
ditions to the Fiji Islands, Australia, and the Indian Ocean in vessels
which he hired and equipped himself. In all his later expeditions he
was especially studying coral reefs, and in this pursuit he visited all
the principal coral formations of the world. When he began in 1877
these independent oceanographic studies — he had done some previous
work on the Coast Survey steamer Bibb in 1867 — he was a very bad
sailor, but in his later years he was comparatively comfortable at sea,
unless the A-essel Avas small or the sea exceptionally rough. In all his
earlier dredging expeditions he would lie on deck in misery until the
dredge came up, when he would rally all his strength to inspect and
sort the contents of the dredge. So soon as this trapper's or hunter's
instinct was gratified, he would relapse into utter feebleness ; yet year
after year he set forth on these prolonged voyages.
Through all these years Agassiz was steadily issuing a series of
scientific researches which covered a large field of invertebrate zool-
ogy and oceanography. His special subjects were sea-urchins, star-
fishes, coral reefs, and the ocean floor, but he also did important work
on Corals, Acalephs, and fishes. Since his annual explorations
brought him much new material in the subjects which specially inter-
ested him, he became a prolific writer — the list of his published writ-
ings now (1910) contains 248 titles; and since all his zoological pub-
lications were admirably illustrated and Avere widely distributed
among learned societies, museums, and professors of his own or kin-
dred subjects, his reputation as a man of science extended to all parts
of the earth, and he received the highest honors of many universities
and learned societies both in America and in Europe. The list of these
decorations in the Harvard Quinquennial is highly interesting, both
from its length and from the variety of the honors bestowed upon him.
He never sought for any of these honors, or even put himself in the
Avay to receive them. They were all spontaneous recognitions of his
great serviceableness to natural science.
He had a broad and generous conception of the way in which scien-
tific collections should be used. They were to be put at the disposi-
tion of experts for examination and description, each expert receiving
the material in which he was most interested. He therefore distrib-
uted the costly material he had collected among many specialists, and
printed their reports with the best possible illustrations in the Me-
moirs and Bulletins of the Museum. Ninety-eight specialists, living in
many difl'erent parts of the world, have been engaged upon the material
collected during the several explorations conducted by Alexander Agas-
siz, and seven others have published their results in the "Contribu-
tions" issued from his Newport laboratory. At the time of his death
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF :\nCHIGAN 1C95
forty specialists had in their possession material collected dnring the
explorations under his charge ; and it was his intention to publish their
results. In his will he provided for carrying out this intention. The
nationality of the expei'ts to whom he entrusted his collections was a
matter of entire indiiference to him. He simply tried to discover in
each case the one expert who could make the best use of the material
to be placed at his disposition.
This scientific career would have occupied all the time and strength
of most men; but beside it from 1865 Avas going on a very different
and equally productive career. He was conducting a great business ;
he was developing the most successful copper-mine in the Avorld, build-
ing up a large city where but recently there had been nothing but
bari'en wilderness, and setting an admirable example of justice, hu-
manity, and success from every point of view in dealing with thou-
sands of workman in a rough and hazardous occupation. He paid
good wages to men of every class in the mines, looked after the safety
and the welfare of their families in every possible way, knew their
wants and iniderstood their feelings, provided carefully for prompt
and fair attention to all complaints, and defended the humblest work-
man against oppression, while insisting throughout the corps on the
strict discipline which is the only safety in a dangerous occupation.
The Company on his suggestion provided a pension fund for old men,
and an aid fund to which the Company and the workmen contributed
alike, and these funds were invested in shares of the Calumet and
Heela mines. The Company contributed the ground and a svim of
money towards every one of the churches on the Company's estate,
which are thirty in number. It built hundreds of houses for its em-
ployees. It built a high school, a library, a bathhouse, a hospital, a
hotel, and a clubhouse, and promoted in many ways entertainments
and amusements for the Avorkmen and their families. I once asked
Agassiz to what he attributed the good order which had prevailed at
the Calumet and Heela mines from the beginning, and the absence of
industrial strife. He immediately replied, "To the Company's method
of dealing with complaints." The abundant "'welfare work" done
there undoubtedly contributed to the good feeling Avhich prevailed
between the employer and the employed; but in Agassiz 's opinion it
was habitual justice which had secured the admirable results. The
confidence of the Avorkmen in the President of the Company Avas sol-
idly grounded. He made the mines successful at the beginning, and
he made the business prosperous continuously, so that Avork Avas abun-
dant and payment sure. Intelligent men ahvays like to Avork for an
employer Avho makes the business profitable Avithout any breaks or
setbacks Avhich affect the employees, meets emergencies promptly and
courageously, and AA'hen serious disasters come in spite of foresight,
prudence, and sagacity, shares the losses Avith the men, or bears them
all himself. The Calumet and Heela mines illustrate the enormous
industrial adA^antage Avhich can be deriA'ed from good Avill betAveen
employers and employed ; but behind all other advantages there lie
the keen intelligence and business sagacity with AAiiich their opera-
tions have been conducted. Agassiz Avas often accused of extrava-
gance in the conduct of the mines, particularly in regard to the ma-
chinery used in hoisting, pumping, and stamping ; and an example of
his extravagance Avas cited in the purchase of some machinery Avhieh
had cost over $100,000, and had been delivered at the mines, but Avas
ncA'er set up. Being reproached Avith this Avaste, Agassiz replied, "It
took a long time to constnact and deliA-er that machinery, and before
1096 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
it could be set up, better had been invented." It was true economy
not to permit the inferior machinery, though new, to be set up. With
some insignificant exceptions Agassiz worked himself with real econ-
omy of effort, and he carried on the great mines on the same principle.
There were some curious contradictions, however, in his habitual deal-
ings with employees. In general he wanted and obtained a good day's
work for a day's good pay; but Avith old employees under his own
observation he was extraordinarily lenient, if they became habitually,
or from time to time, unfaithful or otherwise unsatisfactory. He had
the keenest sympathy with persons of narrow income, whether edu-
cated or uneducated, who had worked hard and long, and had reached
the inevitable period of reduced efficiency. The immediate interest of
the mines or the Museum would not prevail in such cases over his
tender consideration for the individual.
It remains to describe the personal qualities of this remarkable
man. His nature was tender and affectionate, and in all his family
relations and his intercourse with his friends these cpialities were con-
tinually manifested. Nothing could exceed the love he bore his wife
and his stepmother. His wife died when he was thirty-eight years
old, and from that moment his domestic life was maimed and broken.
He found consolation, however, in the affectionate relations he main-
tained with all his kindred and with his brothers and sisters of the
Russell family, and in intimate companionship with his "mother,"
Mrs. Louis Agassiz. This aft'ectionate disposition was the more touch-
ing, because all his friends and relatives knew that underneath lay
a ciuick and fiery temper. He was himself well aware of this internal
fire, and though he could not always control its temporary outbursts,
he took precautions against serious results from it. When he felt
compelled to express himself warmly to some one who had injured or
offended him but could not be spoken to at the moment, he would
sit down at his desk in the evening and write a hot and comprehen-
sive letter to the oft'ender; but he had acquired the habit of not mail-
ing a fierce letter the same evening, and in many cases he would tear
it up or re-write it the next morning. He gave me occasional illus-
trations of this habit when his ire had been roused against some per-
son whom we both knew well and favorably; and his smile was always
delightful when he said in answer to my inquiry, what he did with
that letter, "Oh, I tore it up the next morning." Even with persons
whose services or friendship he highly valued he Avould sometimes
break out Avith sudden reproof or criticism ; but the next day he Avould
.have forgotten the outbreak, or would allege that it had never hap-
pened. Against a few persons he harbored rather persistent resent-
ments, but seldom missed a good opportunity to serve them or con-
tribute to their happiness — if possible, without their knowing it.
He became a rich man, but was never in the least luxurious or self-
indulgent. His sons and some of his friends iised to laugh at him
because his horses and carriages were never "smart;" but he accepted
their criticism with good-natured indift'erence. For science or in hos-
pitality he never hesitated to spend money freely, but on the whole
his life was very simple, as well as very laborious. He was reserved
and reticent : but this was in part because his feelings were cpiickly
stirred, and he found it impossible to control his emotion if he spoke
of anything touching or pathetic. He had a keen appreciation and
love for things beautiful; so that his houses at Cambridge and New-
port were filled with beautiful objects brought from all parts of the
world. A few years ago during one of his frequent passages through
14879G1
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1097
London, he bought at a high price a magnificent Manchurian tiger,
which was superbly mounted and proved to be far the handsomest
animal in the Museum. He advised me to go and see it as soon as it
was set up, remarking that it was the most beautiful animal he had
ever seen in its manifest power, its grace, and its coloring.
Although he was clear-headed and resolute in pursuing and pub-
lishing his own researches and the results of his own explorations,
he seldom said anything about them even with friends and intimates.
He was as silent about his scientific plans as he was about his pro-
jects and purposes for the mines. No man ever more completely exe-
' cuted his own plan for his intellectual life, or showed greater single-
ness of mind or constancy of aim in spite of the variety of his
occupations, or worked more incessantly and systematically. So he
found in all his studies and administrative work profound satisfac-
tions, though not content. He was too eager to do more to be thor-
oughly contented with what he had accomplished. As life drew to-
wards its close, he could look back on its course with quiet satisfac-
tion, notwithstanding some occasional disappointments and misgiv-
ings. He saw the results of his own scientific labors set forth in a
long series of printed volumes. Pie saw developed the great Museum
which his father had planned on paper and started, and he knew that
he could endow it effectively. He saw a great mining industry built
up successfully, through which he had enriched many relatives and
friends, and brought comfort and content to thousands of humble
homes. He knew that he had set a high example of the way to eon-
duct humanely and successfully a great business enterprise. He knew
that he had also set an example of the comprehensive, generous, effec-
tive way of conducting scientific research on a large scale. He won
the joy of doing great work, the respect and admiration of many fel-
low-men, and the love of all who were in any way near to him.
Herman Heinrichs. — The sterling character and distinctive ability
of Herman Heinrichs have gained to him a secure place as one of the
representative business men of the LTpper Peninsula of Michigan, and
in the city of Menominee he conducts an extensive and prosperous en-
terprise as a broker of Herring-Hall-Marvin safes and vaults, and a
dealer in heavy hardware, mill and mining supplies, typewriters and
numerous specialties which will be duly noted in another paragraph
of this sketch.
Mr. Heinrichs was born at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on the 16th of
July, 1864, and is a son of Peter and Rosalie (Eckhardt) Heinrichs,
both of whom were born in the kingdom of Saxony, Germany. The
father died at the age of forty-one years, at Colorado Springs, Colo-
rado, and the mother was forty-four years of age at the time of her
death, which occurred in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Of the seven chil-
dren only two are now living, — Bertha, who is the wife of Charles
Smalley, a successful manufacturer in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and
Herman, who is the immediate subject of this sketch. Peter Hein-
richs was a mere boy at the time of his parents' immigration to Amer-
ica and here he was reared and educated. He became a successful
farmer in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, and later was engaged in
the insurance and agricultural implement business at Manitowoc. He
went to Colorado at the time of the gold excitement in that state and
there his death occurred, as has already been noted. He was the first
to operate a stage line at Manitowoc and was one of the honored pio-
neers of Wisconsin, where he was held in high esteem by all who knew
1093 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
him. He was a Republican in his political proclivities and was a com-
muuicaut of the Catholic church ; his wife held membership in the
German Lutheran church.
Herman Heinrichs was afforded the advantages of the public
schools of his native county, and at the age of thirteen years he ini-
tiated his business career by securing a clerkship in a general mer-
chandise store at Manitowoc. Later he was employed as a salesman
in the extensive hardware establishment of ]\Iorley Brothers, at Sagi-
naw, jMichigan, where he remained luitil 1887, when he came to Me-
nominee, where he became one of the interested principals in the
Menominee Hardware Company, which he organized and of which he
was manager and a director for a period of eighteen years. In 1905
he removed to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he organized the Morley-
Llurphy Hardware Company, of which he became treasurer and gen-
eral manager. In the following year, on account of impaired health,
he resigned the active management of the business and made a trip
to California, and in July, 1906, he organized the Dudley Tool Com-
pany, of Menominee, Michigan, of which he became president and
general manager. He resigned his dual office at the expiration of one
year, but retained an interest in the business until August, 1907, when
he sold out and removed to Duluth, Minnesota, where he became presi-
dent and manager of the Duluth Corrugating & Roofing Company,
manufacturers of corrugated iron and steel for roofing and ceiling
purposes. In November of 1908 he disposed of his interest in this en-
terprise and returned to Menominee, where he established his present
business enterprise, as a broker of heavy hardware, mill and mining
supplies and other specialties. In the handling of safes and bvirglar
and fire-proof vaults he has built up an extensive business, under the
title of the Heinrichs Safe & Vault Company. He handles typewriters,
vacuum cleaners, electric washing machines, fire-proof specialties for
buildings, steel filing devices and office furniture, metal window frames
and metal lath, ceilings, roofing, sidings, awnings and tents, leather
and rubber belting, fire and mill hose, lubricating oils, iron lawn furni-
ture and vases, spray brushes, etc. Mr. Heinrichs is known as a man
of splendid initiative and executive ability and his career has been
one of consecutive endeavor along normal lines of business enterprise,
through which he has achieved a worthy success. His course has ever
been such as to retain to him the confidence and respect of all with
whom he has come in contact in the varied relations of life.
Liberal and progressive as a citizen, Mr. Heinrichs takes a loyal
interest in public affairs, and while he has never been a seeker of politi-
cal office he accords an unwavering allegiance to the Republican party.
He is affiliated with Green Bay Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Or-
der of Elks, and holds membership in the Travelers' Protective Asso-
ciation and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He and his wife
are zealous members of the First Presbyterian church of Menominee,
in which he is serving as a trustee.
On the 16th of JMarch, 1886, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Heinrichs to Miss Margaret Waessner, of Wausau, Wisconsin, where
she was born and reared. She is a daughter of Carl and Julia (Zim-
mer) Waessner, the former of whom Avas born in Prussia, Germany,
on the 31st of May, 1833, and the latter of whom was born in Hessen-
Darmstadt, Germany, on the 21st of April, 1842. The father died on
the 7th of July, 1908, and the mother now resides in Menominee, Michi-
gan. Of the nine children eight are yet living. Mr. Waessner came
to America when a young man and located at Stevens Point, Wiscon-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1099
sin, whence he later removed to Wausau, that state, where he engaged
in the clothing and merchant tailoring business and where he later
conducted a general merchandise store. He there continued in busi-
ness for many years and after his retirement he removed to Menomi-
nee, where he passed the closing years of his life.
Dr. George Bjorkman, one of the leading physicians of Gladstone,
Michigan, is a native of Sweden, born ]\farch 5, 1867, a son of Hampus
and Maria (Liedholm) Bjorkman, who still reside in Sweden. Dr.
Bjorkman spent his youth in liis native country, where he attended
Kalmar College, and graduated from same, with degree of B. S. He
decided to try his fortunes in America, and came in 1884, locating first
in the city of Washington, working at such employment as he could
find. He removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he graduated in phar-
macy at the hospital and medical college, in 1888 ; he engaged in the
drug business at Ottumwa, Iowa, and later in Lincoln, Nebraska, being
very successful in this line. He studied medicine at the University of
Nebraska, from which he graduated in 1895, afterward serving one year
in Emanuel Hospital at Omaha. He entered upon the practice of his
profession first at Ottumwa, Iowa, where he remained a number of
years, and in 1902 located in the city of Gladstone, where he has since
resided. He has been successful in building up a fine practice and a
good reputation for medical skill, and is the official physician and sur-
geon for the Cleveland Cliff Iron Company, also for the Soo Railway.
He is well known in the community and takes an active interest in public
affairs. Dr. Bjorkman is a member of the County and State Medical
Associations, and the American Medical Association. He stands high
in his profession and is well liked for his many fine qualities.
In 1888 Dr. Bjorkman married Emma Kendall, of Ottumwa, Iowa,
and to this union have been born four children, namely : Carroll, Con-
rad, Maria and Elizabeth, the two last-named being twins.
F. W. Foley. — One of the very important industries of the Northern
Peninsula is the Tamarack & Osceola Copper Company of Dollar Bay,
for the manufacture of copper ware, and acting as superintendent of
this enterprise is F. AV. Foley, sole proprietor and lessee of the plant.
By Ms own efforts has this large and prosperous business been built up
and he must be accounted a public benefactor, furnishing as he does em-
ployment to some fifty or sixty men. The bvisiness was started in 1889
by the Tamarack & Osceola Mining Company, which continued under
that name until 1905, when the business was closed up. In the same
year Mr. Foley leased the plant and engaged in the manufacture of cop-
per wire. The mills produce a very .superior variety of copper wire,
varying from the coarsest to that of fine wire, which is shipped to every
part of the United States and is already making the name of its manu-
facturer celebrated among those to whom his commodity is necessary.
Mr. Foley was bom in County Leitrim, Ireland, in 1859, his parents
being Francis and Mary Foley. In 1861 when he was about three years
of age his parents emigrated to the "Land of Promise" as someone has
pertinently called this republic. The family located in Massachusetts
and Mr. Foley attended school in AVorcester and Middlesex comities. At
an early age he left school and found it expedient to join the grand army
of wage earnere, his first position being like Andrew Carnegie's in the
woollen mills. This was in Alaynard, Massachusetts, and at this work
Mr. Foley continued for five years. At the end of this time he removed
1100 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
to Lester, that state, and was employed in the woollen mills there for
three years, or until the great flood which swept the mills from their
foundations. For the next two years he served as foreman for James
Smith, the proprietor of the ruined mills. Mr. Foley then returned to
Littleton, Massachusetts, stayed there three years, and then went to the
Worcester, where he was again engaged in the work in which he had
had no small amount of experience.
Some time thereafter he found employment with Washburn, Moen
& Co., at Worcester, manufacturers of steel and copper wire, and this
turned his thoughts in another direction. He remained in this associa-
tion for five years and made the first telegraph and telephone wire as
well as the first trolley wire installed in Massachusetts. He removed to
Michigan and was emploj^ed by the Tamarack and Osceola Manufactur-
ing Company, and acted for a time as superintendent. In August, 1905,
he leased the wire mills and has experienced a remarkable success, hav-
ing the advantage of being a practical wiremaker and being in every
other way master of the situation.
In 1892 Mr. Foley took as his wife Miss Mary A. Slattery, daughter
of Joseph and Winuifred Slattery, of Hancock, Michigan. To them have
been born seven children : Mary, Francis, John, Agnes, Margaret, Iraline
and James. Mr. Foley is a Republican in politics, takes a lively interest
in the election of his friends and is a loyal worker in their behalf, but
he has never sought office himself. Although he left school when very,
young, he has himself remedied any deficiency in his education, being
a lover of good books and possessing a retentive memory. He is an
excellent conversationalist, expressing himself brilliantly.
Thomas Walters. — For a period of nearly forty years has Captain
Thomas Walters been identified with the great mining industry in the
Upper Peninsula of ]\Iichigan, and in connection with the same few have
held more responsible positions or gained so distinctive popular esteem
and confidence. He is one of the essentially representative citizens of
this section of the state, has long maintained his home in the city of
Ishpeming and is now superintendent of the Pittsburg Lake Angeline
Iron Company and general manager of the Jones & Laughlin Ore Com-
pany. He has fought the battle of life for himself since his boyhood
days, and through worthy means has gained a place of independence and
prosperity, the while he has so ordered his course as to eminently merit
the high regard in which he has at all times been held by his fellow men.
He is familiarly known as Captain Walters, by reason of his service as
mine captain for many years.
Captain Walters is a native of beautiful old Devonshire, England,
where he was born on the 21st of June, 1847, and he was reared to ma-
turity in his native land, where he received very limited educational
advantages, as he has been dependent upon his own resources from the
time he was a boy of seven years. At that early age he secured a posi-
tion as errand boy in a store and received in compensation for his services
the princely sum of six cents a day, the while he had to walk a distance
of four miles each day to his work. Later he covered eight miles dis-
tance each day in working for a recompense of eight cents a day, having
been eight years of age at the time. Finally he made his way gradually
upward on the ladder of success, and through his association with men
and affairs, as well as through effective self-discipline, he has become a
man of broad infomiation and marked maturity of judgment. He finally
identified himself with mining interests in England, where he was thus
~7V^^ j^^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1101
employed the greater part of the time until he had attained to the age
of twenty-five years, when, in 1872, confident that he could find better
opportunities and advantages in America, he emigrated thither. For a
time he was employed in the coal mines at Jeddo, Pennsylvania, and
later he became a contractor in connection with coal-mining operations at
Wilkes-Barre, that state. In 1873 he made his appearance in the Lake
Superior mining districts of Michigan, and here he has since found am-
ple scope for his indefatigable and productive efforts as a representative
of mining interests, Avhose development he has done much to promote
diu'ing his long and conspicuous association therewith. He first found
employment in the Saginaw mine, near Ishpeming, and he was soon
promoted to the position of pit boss, showing the estimate placed upon
his ability and fidelity by his employers. Later he engaged in inde-
pendent mine-contract work, in connection with which he gave employ-
ment to an average of about fifty men. Finally he was chosen superin-
tendent of the Mitchell mine, and in 1883 he was given the office of
mining captain.
In 1885 Captain Walters became superintendent for the Pittsburg
Lake Angeline Mining Company, which was organized in 1862 and
which has developed large and valuable mines in the vicinity of Ishpe-
ming. The Captain has continued in the office of superintendent for this
company during the long period of more than a quarter of a century,
and the success of the enterprise has been forwarded largely through his
able efforts as an executive and as a practical workman, familiar with
all details of the industry with which he has been connected during the
major part of his life thus far. The company with which he is con-
nected in the responsible capacity mentioned is one of the strongest in
the iron region of this Northern Peninsula, and its officers at the present
time are as here noted : James Laughlin, Jr., of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
president ; William G. Pollock, of Cleveland, Ohio, secretary and treas-
urer; C. T. Kruse, of Ishpeming, cashier; Captain Thomas AValters, su-
perintendent ; and Rulof Erickson, of Ishpeming. mining engineer and
chemist. The agent for the mine for many years was Alfred Kidder, of
Marquette, and this position has now been held by Captain Walters for
the past ten years. Concerning the operations of this important indus-
trial corporation the following statements have been made : ' ' The com-
pany owns two hundred acres of land and the mine extends nearly a
mile in length, with a depth of seven hundred and fifty feet. Soft,
hematite and hard-specular ores are secured, and since 1883 the output
of the mine has been a quarter to a third of a million tons per annum,
though the mine has not been worked to its full capacity. Employment
is now given to a force of fully four hundred miners and other workmen ;
the products of the mine are shipped principally to Cleveland, Ohio ; and
the mine is now paying good dividends to its stockholders. All of the
present fine improvements have been placed in the mine under the super-
vision of the efficient superintendent, Captain AValters, in association
with the agent of the property, and in the advancement of the company 's
interests the superintendent has exercised a potent influence. He has
also been interested in other mines and was formei-ly superintendent of
the Volunteer mine, which is now closed." Since 1899 Captain AValters
has been general manager of the Jones & Laughlin Ore Company, an-
other of the important industrial corporations of the LTpper Peninsula.
Through his well directed and indefatigable efforts he has achieved a
large measure of success and he has various capitalistic and real-estate
interests in his home city of Ishpeming, where he is president of the
Peninsula Bank, a solid and popular financial institution. He is also
1102 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
general manager of the Inter State Iron Company, of IMinnesota, which
has fourteen mines in operation.
In polities Captain Walters accords an unswerving allegiance to the
Republican party, and as a loyal and progressive citizen he has given his
aid and influence in the support of good government and the promotion
of enterprises and measures that have tended to conserve the general
welfare of the community. In the time-honored JMasonic fraternity he
has attained to the thirty-second degree of the Ancient Accepted Scot-
tish Rite, in which his affiliation is with Grand Rapids Sovereign Con-
sistoiy. Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, in the city of Grand
Rapids ; and he also holds membership in ]\Iarquette Temple. He is a
member of the Ishpeming lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, and is identified with other civic organizations of representative
character. Though he has never sought or desired public office he has
not denied his services in such capacity, and for a period of eight or ten
years he was a valued member of the board of public works of Ishpe-
ming. His wife and their children are communicants of the Protestant
Episcopal church, and Mrs. Waltera has been a most devoted worker in
the local parish of her church. The attractive family home is known
for its gracious hospitality and is a center of social activity in Ishpeming.
Concerning Captain Walters the following well merited and appre-
ciative words have been written by one familiar with his career : ' ' He
has a wide circle of friends, who freely give him their high regard in
recognition of his many admirable traits of character. As a citizen he
is devoted to Ishpeming and has identified himself with all movements
that have tended to advance the best interests of the city. Educational,
social and moral work finds in him a friend, and the communitj" numbers
him among its valued citizens. ' '
In the city of Ishpeming, in 1874, was solemnized the marriage of
Captain Walters to Miss IMaiy Pellow, who like himself was born in
England, and concerning the five children of this union the following
brief record is entered : Nellie N., who was graduated in the University
of ^Michigan as a member of the class of 1898, is now the widow of Her-
man Krogman; Kate is the wife of Albert HoUey, and they reside in
Virginia. ^Minnesota ; Ann is the wife of Howard F. Heyn, of Ishpeming;
Thomas P. is local superintendent of the Rolling Mill mine at Negau-
nee, IMiehigan, and AVilliam J. is with his father's company as a pros-
pector. Captain Walters was selected as delegate at large to the con-
vention which nominated Roosevelt for his last term as president.
Harry Tuell Emerson is numbered among the i*epresentative men
and popular citizens of IMenominee, where he was for eighteen years
manager of the S. 31. Stephenson Hotel and where he is now engaged
in the plumbing business, in connection with which he handles all kinds
of mining and heating supplies. He is a scion in both the paternal and
maternal line of families founded in New England in the colonial epoch
of our national history, and he finds no small degree of satisfaction in
reverting to the great metropolis of the west as the place of his nativity.
He was bom in the city of Chicago on the 2Sth of February, 1861, is
the son of Ozias P. and Waty B. (Keen) Emerson, the former of whom
was born in Hebron, New Hampshire, on the 13th of September, 1825,
and the latter near South Paris, Maine, on the 3d of September, 1823 }
their marriage was solemnized at Lowell, ^Massachusetts, in 1852, and
they became the parents of three children : Florence, who is the widow
of C. 0. Owen and resides in Chicago ; Frank, who is also a resident of
Chicago; and Harry T., the immediate subject of this sketch.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1103
Ozias Pettengill Emerson was reared and educated in his native
state and when fifteen years of age he found employment in a cotton
mill at Lynn, Llassachusetts. He was one of the venturesome spirits who
joined the memorable exodus to the gold fields of California in 1849.
He went by sailing vessel to Point Isabel, Texas, from which point he
made his way overland to California, where he remained about four
years, engaged in mining. lie then returned to his home in Massachu-
setts, where his marriage was solemnized in 1852. Soon afterward he
removed with his bride to Boone county, Illinois, where he turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits. Later on he engaged in the general
merchandise business at Belvidere, that state, where he remained until
1860, when he removed with his family to Chicago and established him-
self in the produce commission business. He became one of the most
prominent and successful representatives of this line of enterprise in the
western metropolis and continued to be identified therewith luitil 1897,
since which time he lived virtually retired in Chicago. He was a mem-
ber of the California Pioneers' Association of that state, and a stanch
Republican in his political proclivities. He died June 4, 1910, in Chi-
cago and was buried in Forest Home Cemetery on June 6, the anniver-
sary of his wedding daj'.
Harry T. Emerson was afforded the advantages of the public schools
of the city of Chicago, and after the completion of the curriculum of
the high school he secured a position as timekeeper and assistant book-
keeper in the establishment of the Union Brass Manufacturing Com-
pany, in that city. Later he became associated with his father in the
produce commission business, with which he was thus identified about
two years, at the expiration of which he became credit man and book-
keeper for the firm of H. W. Austin & Company of Chicago. About two
years later he again associated himself with his father in the produce
commission business, in which he continued until 1890, when he came
to ]\Ienominee, ^Michigan, as manager of the S. M. Stephenson Hotel,
w^iieh was erected and owned by his father-in-law, the late Samuel M.
Stephenson, of whom specific mention is made on other pages of this
work. He remained incumbent of this position until August 1, 1908,
when he engaged in the plumbing and heating supply business and also
in the handling of all kinds of mining supplies. AA^ithin the short in-
tervening period, he has brought this enterprise to unmistakable priority
as the most extensive of its kind on the Menominee river.
j\Ir. Emerson has thoroughly identified himself with the civic and
business interests of Menominee and as a citizen is essentially loyal, pro-
gressive and public-spirited. He maintains a secure place in popular
confidence and regard, and he and his wife are prominent figiires in
the best social life of the connnunity. In politics he accords allegiance
to the Republican party. He was a member of the city council for six
years, 1902-1908, and in April, 1910, was elected mayor of Menominee.
l\Ir. Emerson is an appreciated member of the time-honored Masonic
fraternity, in which his affiliations are briefly noted: Menominee Lodge,
No. 269, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is master at the time
of this writing, in 1910 ; Menominee Chapter, No. 107, Royal Arch Ma-
sons, of which he is past high priest; Menominee Commandery, No. 35,
Knights Templar, of which he is past commander, an office of which he
was incumbent for three terms ; Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of
the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Marquette, Michigan, of which he is
potentate; DeWitt Clinton Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite,
in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
1104 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
On the 9th of November, 1886, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Emerson to ]\Iiss Elizabeth W. Stephenson, the daughter of Hon. Samuel
M. Stephenson, one of the most distinguished men of the Upper Penin-
sula, and one to whom a meinoir is dedicated on other pages of this
work. The only child of this marriage is a daughter, Glenne S.
Egerton B. AVilliams. — Noteworthy as the pioneer hardware mer-
chant of Ironwood. and as one of its valued and highly respected citizens,
Egerton B. Williams is well entitled to special mention in a work of
this character. He was born, March 8, 1853, in Burton, England, of
excellent English ancestry.
His father. Joseph Williams, a native of England, emigrated with
his viife and four children to the United States in 1854, being several
weeks crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel. He located first in Palmyra,
Wisconsin, from there going to Waterford, Wisconsin, and from Water-
ford to Alenominee, where, instead of following his trade of a tailor, he
was for a number of seasons clerk in a mercantile establishment. Sub-
sequently taking up his residence in I\Iarinette, Wisconsin, he lived there
until his death, in 1885. His ^nfe, whose name before marriage was
Sarah Ann Cavil, was born in England, and died, in 1882, in ^Menominee,
Wisconsin.
One of a family of seven children, four of whom were bom in Eng-
land, Egerton B. Williams acquired his early education in the district
schools of the different towns in which the family resided, and began life
for himself as a clerk, being employed in various places, and by different
people and firms. Settling in Ironwood in 1886, Mr. Williams opened
the first hardware establishment in the place, and has since built up and
maintained a substantial business, his patronage being extensive and
lucrative.
Mr. Williams married, in 1878, Carrie F. Sherman, a daughter of
Dr. J. J. and Emma (Porter) Sherman, early settlers of Marinette, Wis-
consin, where her father was a pioneer physician. ^Ir. and Mrs. Wil-
liams are the parents of five children, namely: Ethel, Percival, Lucille,
Marian, and Egerton B., Jr. A loyal supporter of the principles of the
Republican party, INIr. Williams has served as a member of the city
council of Ironwood, and also as a member of the city board of education.
C. E. Kelso is one of the best known business men of the Northern
Peninsula of ^Michigan, and he is the secretary of both the Chicago Lum-
bering Company and the AYestem Lumber Company, two of the large
business corporations of northern jMichigan. He was bom in Morgan
county, Indiana, October 3, 1859, and his father, Stephen B. Kelso, was
also from that state, a farmer there. The Kelso family are of Scotch
descent, and coming from Scotland to the United States in 1750 they
located in Virginia. The mother of C. E. Kelso was before marriage
Sarah J. Thompson, born at Dayton, Ohio, and she survives her husband
and is living at the age of seventy years, a resident of Hastings, Ne-
braska. There were six sons and three daughters in their family.
The first born of those children was C. E. Kelso, and he was but
a child when his parents moved to Illinois in 1863. In addition to his
public school training, he also pursued a course at the St. Louis Com-
mercial College, and he lived in that city for eighteen years, being as-
sociated for three years with j\Ia,jor J. B. IMerwin, proprietor and editor
of the American Journal of Education, and for ten j^ears was with the
branch house of D. ]\I. Osborn and Company, and for about four years
^^^^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1105
with the heavy hardware and pliunbing firm of Ramsey & Sickerman.
In 1897 Mr. Kelso came to Manistique, Michigan, to assume the position
of assistant secretary of the Chicago Lumbering Company and secretary
and treasurer of the Manistique and North Western Railroad Company.
He was made the secretary of the Chicago Lmnbering Company in 1898.
Pie is a member of the Chapter and Council of the ]\Iasonic fraternity,
the I. 0. O. F., and the B. P. 0. E. He is also a member and the fore-
man of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, a member and the chief
ranger of the Independent Order of Foresters, a member of the National
Union of St. Louis, and a member of the National Society of the Sons
of the American Revolution. A stanch Republican in his political affilia-
tions, Mr. Kelso during the past three years has served as the city
engineer.
In 1889 Mr. Kelso was married to Abbie A. Starr, a daughter of
Joseph J. Starr of St. Louis, JMissouri. They have two daughters, Clara-
nelle and Ellen H.
William Pettit Raley. — To be numbered among the most interest-
ing elements of American life is the nation's pioneer stock, those stanch
frontiersmen, who dauntlessly met and conquered the difficulties of the
wild country and began its preparation as the home of countless thou-
sands. A descendant of this stock and at the same time a member and
repiesentative is William P. Raley, a retired merchant of Eagle Harbor,
Michigan, and a citizen who enjoys the respect and esteem of all those
with whom he is associated. He was born at Hanover, Columbiana
county, Ohio, August 16, 1825, and is now approaching his eighty-sixth
birthday in the possession of good health and all his faculties. His
parents were James and Elizabeth (Pettit) Raley, Quakers by religious
faith. They were among the earliest settlers in Columbiana county, and
the father, a cabinet maker by trade, made furniture by hand for many
of his neighbors. He also operated a small farm which he cleared from
the forest primeval and here resided until his death in 1882, his wife
having passed on to her reward many years previously in 18-15. Both
the father and mother were strong anti-slavery people.
LTp to his sevententh year William P. Raley attended the Quaker
school situated nearby, and after this took upon himself the character
of pedagogue in the country schools which were carried on in the winter
seasons. He later entered Oberliu College, Ohio, a famous educational
institution of the Buckeye state, then in its early days, and pursued his
studies there for two years. IMeanwhile he took a course in penmanship
under the direction of Professor Platte R. Spencer, the originator of the
Spencerian system of penmanship, and afterward completed his educa-
tion with a couree in a business college at Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1849 he
came to the Lake Superior region and for a year was employed in the
Siskowit jMining Company, on Isle Royal, and then for five years in the
Northwest mine, at that time known as the Northwest Mining Company,
Keweenaw, as book-keeper and paymaster. He subsequently went to
Copper Harbor where he was employed for a short time and then formed
a partnership with AVilliam H. Stevens, under the firm name of Stevens
& Raley in the general commission business, the largest boats afloat then
stopping at the Copper Harbor dock. Later Mr. Raley became asso-
ciated in the commission business with W. A. Northrup, the firm being
changed to Raley & Northrup, at Copper Harbor. Then going to Eagle
Harbor, in 1859, Justin Shapley took Mr. Northrnp's interest in the
business. This firm established several branches, one at Eagle Harbor,
1106 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
one at Copper Falls, and one at Lac la Belle, and thrived exceedingly,
becoming one of the leading firms of Keweenaw county, and taking the
name of Ealey & Shapley. November 10, 1860, their warehouse and all
contents were lost by fire. Though winter was at hand and their supplies
had been destroyecl, Judge William P. Raley immediately started for
Detroit, chartered the steamer "Planet," purchased and loaded his sup-
plies and started for Eagle Harbor. On the voyage they encountered
such a terrific storm that all the cargo on deck had to be thrown over-
board to save the vessel. Arriving at ]\Iarciuette the 2-4th day of No-
vember, the thermometer stood 12° below zero, and snow two feet deep.
After a tedious struggle with the elements, the remaining cargo was
finalh' landed at Copper Harbor and the vessel safely returned to the
Sault. J\Ir. Raley hauled the freight sixteen miles by teams to Eagle
Harbor. Then the firm, Raley & Shapley, bought the small warehouse
of ^Ir. King on the west side of the bay, which later was burned. Noth-
ing daunted hy their fire losses, thej' built the large warehouse and also
increased the doclvs. which are still standing. In 1879, ]Mr. Raley bought
Mr. Shapley 's interest and operated alone. In 1904:, he removed to Lau-
rium, to spend the rest of his days, having been engaged actively in busi-
ness for a period of fiftj^-eight years, or from the year 18-19.
Politically ]Mr. Raley is an old line Whig, and upon the organization
of the Republican party he identified himself with it, and has voted for
every Republican presidential candidate since put up by the party, his
first vote being cast for Zachary Taylor in 1818, the first candidate for
the office of chief executive after the attainment of his majority. This
maiden vote was cast when Mr. Raley was still living in Ohio. The fol-
lowing is a list of the presidential candidates who have received the
vote of AVilliam P. Raley: Zachary Taylor— 1848; Winfield Scott—
1852; John C. Fremont — 1856; Abraham Lincoln — 1860 and 1864; U.
S. Grant— 1868 and 1872 ; Rutherford B. Hayes— 1876 ; James A. Gar-
field— 1880; James G. Blaine — 1884; Benjamin Harrison — 1888 and
1892; William McKinlev— 1896 and 1900; Theodore Roosevelt— 1904;
William Taft— 1908.
Mr. Raley is ever interested in public affairs and for several years
served as a member of the board of reviews of Copper Falls. He also
served for many years as justice of the peace and judge of probate in
Keweenaw covmty, with office at Eagle River. He does not belong to any
secret order. His residence is a good substantial one and he owns con-
siderable valuable property.
!Mr. Raley has been twice married. His first wife, whose maiden
name was Lydia H. Grubb, lived only six weeks after the solemnization
of their union. His second wife was previous to her marriage ]Miss
Rosie Belle Stoddard of New York, a daughter of Hiram S. and Polly
(Burroughs) Stoddard, both natives of New York. To ]\Ir. and Mrs.
Raley the following named children were born : William T. ; Franklin
A. ; Hiram S. ; Edwin M. ; ]\Iary Belle ; James Garfield ; Charles P. ; and
Austin C, all of whom are living. ]\Ir. Raley has the happy distinction
to be several times a grandfather. His son William married ]\Iiss Flora
Yendow. and is the father of three bo,ys, having also buried a son;
Franklin married Minnie ]McKinzie and has no children. Miss Helen
Batten became the wife of Hiram S. Raley and they have a son and a
daughter.
James Stewart Royce. — Numbered among the substantial and
highly esteemed citizens of Sault Ste. Marie is James Stewart Royce, who
is carrying on an extensive mercantile business, everything in the lino
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1107
of footwear being foimd in his well stocked store at No. 317 Ashmun
street, his aim being to please all classes of people, from the working
man to the most fastidious belle. A son of Josiah Royce, he was bom,
June 2, 1862. in Eramosa township, Wellington county, Ontario, of Eng-
lish and Scotch ancestry.
His paternal grandfather, Robert Royce, was born in England, and
came to New York state when ten years of age. He subsequently married
Eliza Cawthrop, and settled in Ontario. He cleared and improved a
farm in Wellington county, and was there engaged in agricultural pur-
suits until his death, at the age of seventy-eight years. His ^vife sur-
vived him, attaining the age of eighty-six yeare. They became the par-
ents of seven children, of whom four survive, as follows : Josiah, father
of James Stewart; Llary, ^vidow of Henry Orr; Mrs. Lydia Morton, a
widow; and Mrs. Bertha Tough.
Josiah Royce was born on the old Royce homestead, in Wellington
county, Canada, February 18, 1834, and was there brought up and edu-
cated. Choosing for his life work the independent occupation to which
he was reared, he took up a tract of heavily timbered land when young,
and with true pioneer courage and gi-it began the arduous task of re-
deeming a homestead from the forest. Laboring with indomitable per-
severance, he succeeded even beyond his most sanguine expectations, his
farm of one hundred acres, known as Cedar Brook Fanu, being one of
the most highly improved and richly productive of any in Eramosa town-
ship, Wellington county, Ontario. He is a venerable and highly es-
teemed citizen, bearing with ease his burden of years, and is a member
of the Christian church.
Josiah Royce married, September 12, 1854, Jeannette Stewart, who
was bom in Little Dundee, Scotland, April 1, 1835. Her father, David
Stewart, located in Eramosa township, Ontario, where he cleared and
improved a valuable homestead. On September 12, 1904, IMr. and ]Mrs.
Josiah Royce celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding at their
old home, their children, grandchildren, and a host of friends gathering
in large numbers to assist in the festivities, the occasion being a mem-
orable one. Thirteen children were born of their union, namely : Rob-
ert A. ; David S. ; John C. ; Lizzie ]\I. ; James Stewart; Edwin S. ; Henry
L. ; William A., died in infancy; Jessie E.; Mary, lived but nine years;
Josiah C; Ida May; and Jennie Kate.
At the age of sixteen yeare, having completed his education in the
public schools. James Stewart Royce began working with his uncle. James
Hunter, a manufacturer of flour barrels, for his work as a chore boj^ and
in the shop receiving his board and ten cents a day. At the end of
the first year he had saved twenty dollai-s of his wages. The following
year he Avas similarly employed, his wages being increased, his accumu-
lations at the end of the second year amounting to $250. AVhen nine-
teen years old, ]\Ir. Royce bought out his uncle, and was engaged in the
manufacture of barrels two and one-half yeai-s. Selling out at that time,
Mr. Royce went to Paisley, Ontario, where for ten months he was in
the employ of Robert Scott, a dealer in flour, feed, and general mer-
chandise. Removing then to Harrison. Wellington county, he was there
engaged in the flour and feed business on his o\Ma account for two years.
In 1888, having disposed of that business, Mr. Royce came to the
Upper Peninsula, and until 1902 was engaged in the grocery business at
Sault Ste. Marie. Selling out, he spent two years at Ypsilanti, Michi-
gan. Returning to Sault Ste. j\Iarie, IMr. Royce opened his present shoe
store in ^lay, 1905, and has here built up a large and remunerative busi-
1108 THE NORTHEKN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
ness, being one of the most successful and popular boot and shoe men in
the city.
Mr. Royce has been twice married. He married first, February 28,
1883, Emma Callahan, who was born in Simcoe county, Canada, a daugh-
ter of William and Alice (Strong) Callahan, the former of whom was a
native of Canada, and the latter of Ireland. She died February 10,
1888, having borne him two children, Mabel I. and Cecil, who died in
infancy. Mabel I. was graduated from the Sault Ste. Marie high school
with the class of 1901. She attended the Ypsilanti State Normal and
after her graduation returned to the "Soo" and took up the profes-
sion of teacher, her first experience being in the country schools. She has
been a remarkably successful teacher. She is a member of the Christian
church, a teacher in the Bible school and president of the Christian En-
deavor Society. Fraternally she is a Pythian Sister.
Mr. Roj^ce married, second, August 5, 1889, Lizzie Callahan, a sister
of his first wife. She was also born in Simcoe county and was educated
in the common schools. She was a student in the Wellington (Ontario)
Model High School, and after securing her teacher's certificate, taught
for three years in Canada, being only sixteen when she began teach-
ing. She has also taught in the schools of Chippewa county. IMi-s. Royce
is a devout member of the Christian church and teacher of a boys class
in the Bible school. She is a Pythian Sister and a member of the Re-
bekahs and has passed through the chairs in both societies.
Politically Mr. Royce invariably supports the principles of the Re-
publican party by voice and vote. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights
of Pythias ; to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; and to the
Knights of the Maccabees, which he joined eighteen years ago. He is
a trustworthy member of the Christian church, which his grandfathers
served as elders, and in which his mother was baptized in Scotland when
twelve years of age. At the present time Mr. Royce of this review is
elder in the Christian, or Disciples of Christ church in Sault Ste. Marie,
and he is one of the faithful teachers in the Bible school.
Jeremiah T. Finnegan. — Bringing to the practice of his profession
a well trained mind, a keen intellect, with a good capacity for concen-
trated work, Jeremiah T. Finnegan is numbered among the honored and
successful lawyers of Hancock, where he has built up a large and lucra-
tive practice. A son of Michael Finnegan, he was born March 10, 1850,
at the Cliff Mine, in Keweenaw county, of Irish stock.
His paternal grandfather, Jeremiah Finnegan, was a lifelong farmer
in County Kerry, Ireland, where he married Catherine Sullivan, who
was born, lived and died in the same county. Of the children that they
reared, three sons came to America, Michael, Jeremiah and John. Jere-
miah located in Houghton county, and here spent his remaining days.
John located at Eagle River, Michigan, and there, on August 3, 1861,
enlisted in Company D, Sixteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. Going
south with his regiment, he lost his life, June 27, 1862, at the battle of
Gaines's Mills.
Born in the parish of Killarnej^, County Kerry, Ireland, Michael
Finnegan lived there until after his marriage. In 1846 he came with
his family to America, crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel, at the end
of a six weeks' voyage, landing at Quebec. Coming from there directly
to Northern Michigan, he arrived at Copper Harbor in season to assist
in the very first Fourth of July celebration ever held in the Upper Penin-
sula. He subsequently went to Lac La Belle, from there proceeding to
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1109
Ontonagon county, where lie helped open the Ohio Trap Rock Miine. He
afterward spent a while at the Cliff Mine, from there going to Eagle
Harbor, where he erected a building, and was afterward engaged in
mercantile business until he was burned out. Erecting a hotel, he then
kept a house of public entertainment for a time, and in 1856 located at
Houghton, where he became a contractor in public works, and between
1865 and 1867 built the road from Houghton to the Ontonagon coimty
line, cutting the way through the wilderness. He was enterprising and
far-sighted, and having purchased land at different times, superintended
the clearing of a farm, and continued his residence at Houghton until
his death, in December, 1897, at the age of seventy-eight years. He
married Margaret Tracy, who was born in the city of Cork, Ireland, a
daughter of George Tracy, a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, and a
lifelong miner in the Emerald isle. She died in ]\Iay, 1898, aged seventy-
seven years, leaving eight children, namely : Mary, Jeremiah T., Cather-
ine, Bridget, Margaret A., Nellie E., Annie, and Michael J. A stanch
Democrat in politics, Michael Finnegan served as a delegate to many
district and county conventions, and in 1876 was a presidential elector.
Obtaining his primars^ education in the schools of Houghton, Jere-
miah T. Finnegan subsequently attended a private school in Detroit
three years, and in 1869 was graduated from the Houghton high school,
being a member of the first class to graduate from that institution. He
afterward assisted his father in business until 1871, when he went to
Ann Arbor to enter the University of IMichigan, becoming a pupil in the
law department, from which he was graduated with the class of 1873.
Becoming then clerk in a law office in Detroit, he remained on that po-
sition until the fall of 1876, when he returned to Houghton. In 1875,
when Baraga county was detached from Houghton county, and organ-
ized as a separate county, ]\Ir. Finnegan was elected its prosecuting at-
torney, and took up his residence at L'Anse. Opening a law office in
Hancock in 1876, he has remained here since, in the meantime building
up an excellent patronage, being very successful in his particular branch
of legal work, which includes searching and perfecting titles, his clientage
in this line including individuals and great corporations alike.
jMr. Finnegan married, in 1888, IMargaret Hennessey, who was born
at St. Thomas, province of Ontario, Canada, a daughter of Henry and
Julia (Barry) Hennessey, natives of Ireland. Hennessey M. Finnegan,
the only child of ]\Ir. and Mrs. Finnegan, is now a student at Marquette
College, in ^Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Mr. Finnegan is a man of good business qualifications and judgment,
and has been an extensive and successful dealer in real estate. He owned
and platted "Copper City," which sprung up as by magic in the year
1909. Politically he is a Cleveland Democrat, true to the principles of
his party. He served as callage and city attorney in Hancock for up-
ward of twenty years, and has been a delegate to numerous district and
county conventions.
David J. Sliney. — In the development and advancement of the ex-
tensive and valuable mining interests of the Upper Peninsula David J.
Sliney, of Lshpeming. has played an active anci important part, having
been continuously associated with the Michigan mines since his early
boj'hood. Beginning his career as water boy, he has gradually worked
his way upward through his own painstaking exertions, and now holds
the honored position of assistant to the general superintendent of the
Oliver Iron ^Mining Company, of which "William H. Johnston is the
1110 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
manager. He is known as a public-spirited and useful member of the
community, paving careful attention to the interests of others and to
those things that contribute toward the welfare and progress of society,
being ever read}' to endorse all beneficial enterprises. A son of Jere-
miah Sliney, he was born, September 22, 1869, in Oakville, Ontario,
Canada.
Jeremiah Sliney was born in coimty Cork, Ireland, in 1836, and there
spent the days of his boyhood and youth. Emigrating to this country- in
his early manhood, he found work at Oakville, Ontario. About 1869 he
came to Ishpeming, ^Michigan, where he was engaged in surface work
at the iron mines for many years. In 1873 he went back to Ontario to
get his wife and children, and subsequently spent the remainder of his
life in Ishpeming, dying here in 1898. He was an industrious, honest
man, faithful in his loyalty to the Roman Catholic church, of which he
was a member, and an earnest supporter of the principles of the Repub-
lican party. He married Ellen ^Icilenamin, who was born in county
Mayo, Ireland, and is now living in Ishpeming, their union having been
solemnized in Oakville, Ontario, Eight children were born to them,
seven of whom are living, David J. being the fifth child in succession
of birth.
Coming with his parents to Ishpeming in 18/3, David J. Sliney ac-
quired his education in the public schools, which he attended winters
for several years. His first work as a wage-earner was during the sum-
mer of 1881, when he secured a position as water boy at the Lake Su-
perior mine. Three years later, on May 13, 1885, he proudly accepted
the position of office boy for the same company, and performed his duties
so faithfully that on 31ay 1, 1887, he was made shipping clerk. On
August 1, 1889, he was promoted to office clerk, and the following year,
October 1, 1890, he was given the position of assistant bookkeeper, and
continued as such until January 1, 1902, when he became assistant
chief clerk of the company, a capacity in which he served most ably and
acceptably until April 1, 1905. At that time ^Ir. Sliney accepted his
present responsible position as assistant to William H. Johnston, general
superintendent of the Oliver Iron ^Mining Company, and is here dis-
charging his duties with the same ability, fidelity and punctuality that
characterized his previous eft'orts.
True to the political faith in which he was reared, Mr. Sliney is
identified with the Republican party. During ten or more years he
represented the Second ward of the city of Ishpeming as alderman, hav-
ing been first elected to the office in the spring of 1900.
Peter C. Servatius. — Possessing in a large measure the habits of in-
dustry, enterprise and activity characteristic of his German ancestors,
Peter C. Servatius, of ^Menominee, has won well deserved success in his
undertakings, and is an important factor in advancing the business in-
terests of the community in which he resides. A son of Peter Servatius,
he was born, September 6, 1865, at Fond du Lac, "Wisconsin, where his
early life was spent.
Bom in 1813 in Germany. Peter Servatius was reared and educated
in the fatherland. His prospects there for earning a livelihood not be-
ing particularly bright he emigrated, in 1832, to America, crossing the
ocean in a sailing vessel. From New York city he made his way to
Buffalo, New York, where he followed his trade of a shoemaker for
awhile, from there going subsequently to Grand Rapids, ^lichigan. A
few years later he removed to Fond du Lac, "Wisconsin, and was there
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGxVN 1111
engaged in the boot and shoe business imtil 1883. Having by good man-
agement acquired a competency, he afterward lived retired from active
pui-suits until his death, in 1894. He married Gertrude Hall, who was
born, in 1831. in Cologne, Germany, and is now li\dng at Wausau, Wis-
consin. Of the twelve children born of their ainion, ten are now living,
Peter C, the special subject of this sketch, being the eighth child in
succession of birth. Both parents were lifelong members of the Ger-
man Roman Catholic church.
Having accpiired a practical education in the public schools of Fond
du Lac, Peter C. Sei-vatius followed the painter's trade for five yeare.
Desirous then of establishing himself in business on his own accoimt, he
went to St. Paul, ^Minnesota, where he conducted a meat market from
1883 until 1881, the following two years being similarly employed in
Brooklyn, New York. In 1886 Mr. Servatius located in ]\Ienominee, and
has here been exceedingly prosperous in his ventures, being now one of
the leading business men of the city.
]Mr. Servatius married, October 3, 1888, ]\Iarie J. Garon, who was
born in IMenekaunee, AVisconsin, being the eldest of a large family of
children born to Joseph and Marie (Le Claire) Garon. Joseph Garon
was born at Three Rivers, Canada, and in early manhood located at
Green Bay, Wisconsin, which was the birthplace of his wife. He sub-
sequently entered the employ of the Kirby Carpenter Lumber Company,
haAdng charge of their lathe mill as long as they continued in business
in Green Bay, but is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his many
years of toil. He is a man of deep religious convictions, and a faithful
member of St. John's Baptist Society.
Politically llr. Servatius is independent in his views, voting for the
best men and measures regardless of partj^ restrictions. Fraternally he
is a member of the Alodern Woodmen of America; of the Ivnights of
Columbus; the Catholic Order of Foresters. St. Mary's Court, No. 281;
of Goodtown Tent. No. 711, K. O. T. ^I. ; and of the Yeomen of America.
Walter W. Case. — As assistant treasurer of the Northwestern
Leather Company Walter W. Case is numbered among the represen-
tative business men of Sault Ste. Alarie. He Avas born in Tremout,
Tazewell county, Illinois, on the 20th of November, 1862, and is a son
of ]\Iilton W. and Ella (Loomis) Case, the former of whom Avas born
in the state of Ncav York and the latter in Pennsylvania. ^Ir. Case
was a child at the time of his parents' removal to Pennsylvania and
in the public schools of that state he secured his early educational
discipline. This Avas supplemented by a course in Allegheny College,
at i\Ieadville, Pennsylvania, in Avhich institution he Avas graduated as
a member of the class of 1884, Avith the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
After graduating he assumed a clerical position in the First National
Bank of Greenville, Pennsyh^ania, and finally he located in the city
of Boston, ^Massachusetts, Avhere he Avas engaged in the insiirance
business until the year 1900, AA'hen he came to Sault Ste. ]Marie and
assumed his present position of assistant treasurer of the NortliAvestern
Leather Company.
In politics Mr. Case gives his allegiance to the Republican party
and his ]\lasonic affiliations are here briefly noted : Mount Horeb
Lodge, Free & Accepted Alasous of Wohurn, Massachusetts; Woburn
Chapter, Royal Arch ]Masons: and Hugh de Payens Commaudery No.
20, Knights Templar of Alelrose, Massachusetts; besides AAdiich he is
identified AA'ith Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles
1112 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
of the Mystic Shrine, in the city of Marquette, and is a member of
Crystal Fount Lodge No. 9, I. O. 0. F. of Woburn, Massachusetts.
He is a member of the Phi Delta Theta College fraternity.
AViLLiAM S. LaLonde. — Particular interest attaches to the career of
this well known citizen and representative business man of Sault Ste.
JMai'ie, IMichigan, from the fact that he is a scion of a family that
was founded at this place nearly eighty-five years ago, his paternal
grandfather having here settled when the present thriving city had
but three white families as residents.
Mr. LaLonde was born in Koshkawong, on St. Joseph Island, prov-
ince of Ontario, Canada, on the 27th of May, 1848, at which time his
mother Avas there visiting her old home, though the family residence
was in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He is a son of Seraphine and Char-
lotte (Rousseau) LaLonde, the former of whom was born at St. Bon-
iface, opposite Winnipeg, in the Red River of the North country, of
Manitoba, on the 12th of May, 1822, and whose death occurred at
Sault Ste. IMarie on the 2-4th day of July, 1907, and the latter was born
in Penetanguishene, province of Ontario, on the 4th of November,
1827. Iler marriage to Seraphine LaLonde was solemnized in 1847,
and she still retains her home in Sault Ste. Marie, being one of the
most venerable pioneer women of this section of the state. Of the
eight children born to them, five are still living and of this number,
William S., the subject of this sketch, is the eldest; John E. is a resi-
dent of Sault Ste. Marie ; Sophia A. is the widow of Charles H. Pease,
to whom a memoir is dedicated on other pages of this work ; Henry J.
is a representative business man of Sault Ste. Marie, and Charlotte
Louisa is a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Seraphine LaLonde was about four years of age at the time his
parents, Francis and Josette (Marlow) LaLonde took up their resi-
dence in Sault Ste. Marie, in 1826, and at the time of his death he was
the oldest continuous resident of this city, whose development he wit-
nessed from the status of a mere hamlet in the midst of the forest to
one of the thriving industrial and business centers of the Upper Pen-
insula. His father, prior to the removal of the family to Sault Ste.
Marie, had for ten years been employed as a voyageur for the Hud-
son's Bay Company in Manitoba and was a native of the province of
Quebec, where he was born in 1767, a son of French parents. Sera-
phine LaLonde was reared to maturity in Sault Ste. Marie, and be-
came one of its prominent and highly honored business men. He
served for seven years as inspector of customs at this point and upon
retiring from this office he turned his attention to farming in Chippewa
county. He became the owner of considerable property in Sault Ste.
Marie, and through its appreciation in value he gained a substantial
fortune. He was an influential citizen and ever showed a loyal in-
terest in all that touched the general welfare of the community which
so long represented his home. He was the first white child christened
in the first Catholic church established in Sault Ste. Marie. He was
the seventeenth child of a family of eighteen children born of the
same father and mother, and there was no twins. His wife who still
resides in Sault Ste. Marie, is a daughter of John B. and Julia (De
Lamerondier) Rousseau. The latter was born in Kalamazoo, Michi-
gan, and died in Sault Ste. Marie, on the 19th of May, 1903, at the
remarkable age of one hundred years and four days.
William S. LaLonde was reared to adult age in Sault Ste. Marie,
where he gained his early educational training and as a youth he
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1113
entered upon an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade in Detroit.
Michigan, to which lae devoted his attention for some time. In 1868
he became identified in railroading-, first, on the i\Iarquette & Ontonagon
Railroad, now a part of the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic R. R. as
assistant yard master at Marquette, Michigan. In 1871 he entered the
service of the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad, now a branch of
the Northern Pacific R. R., at Duluth, Minnesota, as yard master, and
later as a conductor from Duluth to St. Paul. In 1873 he removed to
St. Louis, Missouri, and entered the service of the St. Louis, Iron
Mountain & Southern Railroad, as a locomotive fireman and later was
promoted to the position of locomotive engineer, in Avhieh he contin-
ued to serve until 1877, when he became afflicted with malarial fever
and found it necessary to make a change of' location. Under these
conditions he returned to Sault Ste. Marie, and here he was identified
with the construction of the Weitzel Lock, on the St. Mary's river.
He continued thus engaged until the lock was completed, in 1881, and
in the smnmer of that year he had the pleasure of seeing the first ves-
sel pass through the new lock. Soon afterward he removed to Duluth,
Minnesota, where he was engaged in business until 1887, Avhen he re-
turned to Sault Ste. Marie, where he was engaged in the laundry bus-
iness until 1892. Since that time he has devoted his attention to the
real estate business, in connection with which he has also built up a
successful insurance business, which he made an adjunct of his enter-
prise in 1902. He is known as a progressive and reliable business man
and as a worthy representative of one of the sterling pioneer families
of the Upper Peninsula. In politics he is a stanch Republican, having
cast his first presidential vote for General Ulysses S. Grant and he is
a communicant of the St. Mary's Catholic church. He is affiliated
with the Knights of Columbus, the St. Jean Baptiste Society and the
Knights of the Maccabees.
On the 27th of December, 1885, was solemnized the marriage of
Mr. LaLonde to Miss Emily Heck, who was born at Iron Mountain,
Missouri, in 1864, and whose death occurred on the 23d of October,
1892. She was a daughter of David and Catherine Heck, the former
of whom was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, and the latter in Ger-
many. The father died in 1879, and the mother now resides in Bis-
marck, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. LaLonde became the parents of three
children, William J., E. Barbara and Noletta K. All of the children
have received excellent educational advantages, both William J. and
Noletta K. having been graduated in the high school of their city. The
former has taken up mining engineering as a vocation, and the latter
is teaching school, and Barbara has attended the Oberlin Conservatory
of Music in Ohio for two years, and here she will attend another year
to fit herself as a music teacher in high schools.
Michael B. ]\IcGee. — A man of imdoubted ability, worth and integ-
rity, Michael B. McGee occupies a place of prominence among the sub-
stantial citizens of Cry.stal Falls, which has been his home for nearly a
quarter of a century. He was born, January 29, 1852, in county Antrim,
Ireland, a son of James IMcGee, of Scotch ancestry.
James McGee was born, either in Scotland, or in Ireland of Scotch
parents. He was brought up and married in Ireland, living there until
February, 1852, when he emigrated to this country. Accompanied by
his wife and two children, he embarked on a sailing vessel, and after
seven weeks on the water landed at Quebec. Proceeding to the pro"\dnce
of Ontario, he bought land in the vicinity of Goderieh, and was there
1116 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
1816, in the parish of Koppie, county Tyrone, Ireland. In 1830 he
came to the United States in a sailing vessel, after a voyage of seven
weeks landing in Philadelphia. After spending a short time in Wash-
ington eonnty, Pennsylvania, he went to West Virginia, settling near
Wellsburg. On January 21, 1837, he located in Ohio, and nine years
later, in 1846, he bought one hundred and twenty acres of wooded land
in Coshocton county, and having cleared a space in the forest erected the
log cabin in which his son James was born, and which still stands on the
old homestead. Working with energy and skill, he redeemed a good
farm from the wilderness, from time to time adding by purchase to his
original acreage, at the time of his death, in September, 1895, being
owner of two himdred and eighty acres of rich and valuable land. He
was a man of strict integrity, upright in his daily life, and was one of
the first members of the Methodist Episcopal church of his vicinity, of
which he was one of the organizers. A Whig in politics, he was a strong
supporter of the Abolitionist party, at the presidential election casting
his vote for John C. Fremont. He was very enterprising as a farmer,
and in company with his brother shipped the products of his farm to
Vicksburg and New Orleans, the leading ports of the Mississippi.
Robert IMoore married, in Coshocton county, Ohio, Rebecca Thomp-
son, who was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, in 1818, and died in
Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1894. Seven children were born of their
union, of whom six are living, as follows : Belle, wife of J. Perry Dar-
ling, of Ohio; John Q., of Canton, Kansas; James Thompson; Rebecca,
wife of John J. Parrish; Effie M., ^\^fe of Rev. M. B. Mead, of Ohio;
and Elizabeth S., wife of Rev. W. B. Taggart.
Brought up on the parental homestead, James T. Moore received his
elementary eclucation in the district schools, which he attended regu-
larly during the winter terms, in the meantime becoming familiar with
the various branches of husbandry. A diligent scholar and an ambitious
student, he subsequently continued his studies at the Ohio Wesleyan
University, at Delaware, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the
class of 1874. The ensuing two years Mr. Moore taught school, after-
ward reading law in the office of Kent, Newton & Pugsley, at Toledo,
Ohio. Being admitted to the Ohio bar, he was engaged in the practice
of his profession in Toledo until 1883.
In June, 1882, Mr. Moore came to Sault Ste. ]\Iarie on legal business,
and was so impressed with the advantages and possibilities of the place
that a year and a quarter later, in September, 1883, he returned to this
city, and took charge of the clerical department of the office of the regis-
ter of deeds, serving under George W. Brown, registrar of deeds and
abstracter. In 1885 Mr. Moore was admitted to the Michigan bar and
prepared a set of abstract books of Chippewa county, and has since
carried on an extensive business as an abstracter of titles, at the present
time being the treasurer of the Soo Miitual Savings and Loan Asso-
ciation.
Mr. Moore is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Republi-
can party, and is influential in public matters, having served as secretary
of the Sault Ste. Marie school board for the past seventeen years, while
for three years he represented the Third ward as alderman. Fraternally
he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and is a member, re-
ligiously, of the Central Methodist Episcopal church.
On June 19, 1889, Mr. Moore was united in marriage with Elizabeth
Donaldson, who was born near Windsor, Ontario, being the second child
in succession of birth of the four children of John and Sophia L. (La-
z^'^Gct^^^i^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1117
mond) Donaldson. Both of her parents were born in Canada, her father
being of piire Scotch stock, while her mother was of French ancestry.
Mr. and Mrs. Moore have three children, namely: Beulah R., Robert S.
and James D.
Arthur A. Juttner. — It is a matter of gratification to find num-
bered among the representative business men of the city of ^Menominee
a definite quota of those who claim this city as the place of their nativity
and who have here found ample scope for effective effort along normal
and legitimate lines of business. Of tJiis number is he whose name
initiates this review. Mr. Juttner, who is the present incumbent of the
office of county road commissioner, has also served as a valued member
of the city council, has been a prominent figure in local affairs of a public
order, and he is the proprietor of the National hotel, one of the most
popular hostelries of the Upper Peninsula. He is also engaged in the
real estate business, in which his operations have been of wide scope and
importance.
Arthur Albert Juttner was bora in Menominee, Michigan, on the 2d
of December, 1865, and is the son of Joseph and Wilhelmina Juttner.
both natives of Germany, where the fonner was born on the 6th of
December, 1833. Their marriage was solemnized in ^Menominee, and of
their five children three are living : Hugo, the first-born, was drowned in
Green Bay, Wisconsin, when twelve years of age ; the subject of this
sketch was the next in order of birth ; Emma is the wife of Nicholas
Burr, of Green Bay, Wisconsin ; Otto J. is a resident of Milwaukee, of
that state ; and the fifth child died in infancy. The mother of these chil-
dren died in 1868, and the father subsequently married I\iiss Mary
Marshalek, who survives him, as do also seven of their children.
Joseph Juttner was reared and educated in his native land, from
whence he came to America in 1853, making the voyage in a sailing vessel,
and landing in New York City. From the national metropolis he made
his way to Chicago, and after remaining a short time in that city he re-
moved to I\luskegon, ^Michigan, where he was employed in a saw mill for
a considerable time. From that place he removed to Flat Rock. Delta
county, ^Michigan, where he continued to be similarly engaged until 1855,
when he took up his residence in I\Ienominee, where he continued to be
identified with lumbering operations until the early sixties, when he
turned his attention to the fishing business, in Avhich he was interested
until 1871. He then engaged in the hotel business, and in the spring of
1872 he opened the National Hotel, which at the time was the best hotel
in the city. In 1881 he rented the hotel property and made a visit to his
native land. Upon his return to INlenominee he erected what is known
as the National hotel, and this was one of the first brick buildings con-
structed in ]\lenominee. The hotel constitutes a portion of the Juttner
Block, which was completed in 1883. He became an extensive dealer
in real estate, and through his connection therewith did much to further
the upbuilding and progress of the city and country. In 1884 he again
actively identified himself with the hotel business, in which he continued
to be engaged until the time of his death, which occurred on the 13th of
October, 1890. He was a man of strong individuality, sterling integrity
and marked business ability, and was one of the well known and highly
honored pioneer citizens of this section of the state. He served for a
number of years as a member of the board of county supervisors, and
for several terms was a valued member of the board of education of
Menominee, having held this position at the time when the first high-
1118 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
school building was erected. Before the incorporation of Menominee as
a city he had been called upon to serve in various offices. He concerned
himself actively in connection with the development of the iron industry
and his capitalistic and business interests eventually placed him among
the most substantial men of the county. In polities he was a staunch
Democrat, and in a fraternal way he was identified with the Indeoendenf
Order of Odd Fellows.
Arthur A. Juttner, the immediate subject of this review, was reared
to maturity in Menominee, to whose public schools he is indebted for his
early education. He early became associated with his father's hotel and
real-estate interests, and since the death of his father he has continued
in the real estate business and is also proprietor of the National Hotel,
which received a large and appreciative patronage from the traveling
public and which has ever maintained a high reputation. In connection
with his real-estate operations, he added a general insurance department
in 1906, and in the autumn of 1908 he admitted to partnership C. Wein-
hart, since which time the real estate and insurance business had been
continued under the firm name of Juttner & AVeinhart. As a business
man and loyal public citizen, I\Ir. Juttner has well upheld the prestige
of the honored name which he bears and is essentially progressive and
public spirited. In 1899 he was elected to represent the Second ward
in the city council, through which body he was re-elected in 1901 and
1903. He had the distinction of serving two terms as president of the
council, and as a member of this municipal body he put forth his best
efforts to conserA'e good government and to promote the best interests
of the commiuiity. In 1898 ]\lr. Juttner was elected county road com-
missioner for a term of six years, and in ]\Iareh, 1909, he was again
elected to this office for a term of the same duration. He has been recog-
nized as one of the leaders in the ranks of the Democratic party in this
section of the .state, and in 1900 he was a delegate to the national Demo-
cratic convention at Kansas City. He was again elected to the city
council in 1910. He is affiliatecl with the ^Marinette Lodge, No. 442,
Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks ; Menominee Lodge. No. 107,
Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor; ^Menominee Aerie,
No. 517, Fraternal Order of Eagles; and the Menominee Turn Verein.
On the 15th of Febmary, 1905, was solemnized the marriage of Mr,
Juttner and ]\liss Anna C. Sieger of Detroit, Michigan, and of the two
children of this union the elder died in infancy, Mary E,, the surviving
child, was born on the 1st of July, 1907.
The Negaunee Printing Company. — Among the noteworthy enter-
prises that have been largely instrumental in px'omoting and advancing
the business, industrial, educational and political interests of Negaiuiee,
too much praise cannot be given the Negaunee Printing Company, which
was established in 1903, with Thomas J. Flyun president, and Fred
Dougherty treasurer, men of ability and enthusiastic zeal.
This company is doing an extensive and lucrative business in its
special line of industry, among its other regular work printing the
Negaunee Iron Herald, of which j\Ir. Dougherty is the managing editor.
The paper was founded in Negaunee in 1873, by Clinton G, Griffey, who
came here from Ohio, bringing with him his press and type, which
Thomas J. Flynn, then a youth of sixteen yeai-s, and now president of
the Negaunee Printing Company, helped to unpack and set up. "When
everything was in readiness for work, Mr, Griffey started the Xegaunce
Iron Herald, which was at first a small sheet, but was soon numbered
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1119
among the influential papers of northern Michigan, becoming well known
as its subscription list was increased. The paper has been Republican in
sentiment from the first, and has exerted a healthful intiueuee in party
ranks, and has been an important factor in the upbuilding of Negaunee.
Under the active and efficient management given it for the past seven
years, the Negaunee Iron Herald, the only newspaper published in
Negaunee, has a very wade circulation, and a long list of regular ad-
vertisers. It is an eight-page quarto, issued weekly, and is in every re-
spect a clean, up-to-date newspaper, a ci'edit to the ability, enterprise
and judgment of its proprietors and manager, and an honor to the city
in which it is published.
Thomas J. Flynn. — Among the live, wide-awake and respected citi-
zens of Negaunee, Michigan, is Thomas J. Flynn, president of the Negau-
nee Printing Companj^ who stands high not only among those of posi-
tion and influence, but among those in the common walks of life, his
integrity and sterling traits of character being widely known and higlily
appreciated. A son of J. P. FhTin, he was born, November 22, 1856, in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Prior to 1860, J. P. Flynn removed with his family to Ohio, opening
a tailoring establishment at Ravenna. After the breaking out of the
Civil war. he sold his shop, and enlisted in a Home Guard, as a member
of this band of soldiers pursuing and assisting in the capture of Mor-
gan, the noted raider, but not doing duty at the front. At the close of
the conflict, J. P. Flynn came with his wife and children to the Upper
Peninsula, and after following his trade for a time in jMarquette em-
barked in the tailoring business at Negaunee, being in partnership for
some time with Carl Rohl. He subsequently opened a shop of his own
in Negaunee, and there resided until his death, in the early '70s. Of
the children bom to him and his wife, whose maiden name was Isabella
Bullock, but three are living, as follows : Mrs. Isabella Roessler, of Jeffer-
son, Wisconsin; Thomas J., the subject of this sketch; and Winnifred,
one of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and an instructor in music in St. Joseph's
Academy at Sedalia, Missouri.
Brought up principally in Negaunee, Thomas J. was educated in the
public schools. He began to be self-supporting in early life, and at the
age of sixteen years began learning the printer's trade under Clinton
G. Griffey, who came here at that time from Ohio, becoming printer's
devil in the office of the Negaunee Iron Herald, with wdiich he has since
been identified. An apt pupil, Mr. Flynn soon became familiar with
the duties of the office, being rapidly promoted from one position to
another until made foreman of the office. In 1885 he bought a half in-
terest in the business, continuing with J\lr. Griffey until 1901, when a
third partner was admitted. In April, 1903, the finn was reorganized,
Mr. FljTin being made president of the Negaunee Printing Company,
and Fred Dougherty the treasurer.
During his active career, Mr. Flynn has taken great interest in
public matters, and has served as school inspector, and for many years
was city librarian. For a long time he belonged to the volunteer fire
department, serving as its secretary for many years, and is now secre-
tary of the Upper Peninsula's Firemen's Association. He is an active
member of the Ancient Order of Plibernians ; is a member of the Cath-
olic Order of Foresters, helping organize the ]\Iiehigan jurisdiction of
this order, and serving as state secretary several years ; and is like-
wise a member of the Knights of Columbus, and of the Modern Wood-
men of America.
1120 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Flynn was united in marriage, November 22, 1877, the twenty-
first anniA'ersary of his birth, with Katherine Dee, of Ishpeming, Mich-
igan, and they have one son, Gerald Flynn, seventeen years of age, who
was graduated from the Negaunee High School with the class of 1910.
Fred Dougherty. — A bright, brainy man, energetic and enterpris-
ing, Fred Dougherty, managing editor of the Negaunee Iron Herald,
is one of the most vigorous and successful journalists of the Upper
Peninsula, and as treasurer of the Negaunee Printing Company, is
connected with one of its most successful enterprises. A native of
Michigan, he was born January 23, 1869, in Escanaba.
James C. Dougherty, his father, was born in Massachusetts, on
Nantucket Island, July 5, 1841. Coming in early manhood to North-
ern Michigan, he was a resident of Escanaba until 1879, when he
removed with his family to Negaunee, where for ten years he was
station agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company. He
is now living in Munising, and is there connected with the Munising
Railroad. He married, in Escanaba, Michigan, Emily Dunbar, who
was the first school teacher in that place. She was born in Ohio, Sep-
tember 12, 1842, and died in Munising, Michigan, May 22, 1907, leav-
ing two children, namely: Fred, the special subject of this sketch;
and Mary J., of Negaunee.
In 1886, having obtained a practical education in the public schools
of Escanaba and Negaunee. Fred Dougherty secured a position as re-
porter for the Marquette Daily Mining Journal, at first having charge
of the Negaunee department of the paper, later superintending
both the Negaunee and the Ishpeming departments. Going to INIil-
waukee, Wisconsin, in 1890, Mr. Dougherty was connected with the
Evening Wisconsin for twelve years, beginning as a reporter and for
more than one-half the period named acting as telegraph editor. Re-
turning to Negaunee, his former home, in 1903, he purchased the in-
terest of Clinton G. Griffey in the Negaunee Iron Herald, and as its
managing editor has met with eminent success, increasing the circu-
lation of the paper, and making it one of the leading journals of the
Upper Peninsula. After the retirement of Mr. Griffey from the paper,
the Negaunee Printing Company was organized, in April, 1903, with
Thomas J. Flynn as president, and Mr. Dougherty as treasurer, a po-
sition which he is filling most ably.
[
John H. Parks. — Conspicuous among the foremost citizens of Crystal
Falls, Iron county, is John H. Parks, head of the John H. Parks Mer-
cantile Company, a clear-headed, progressive business man, who has
met well merited success throiighout his career. He was born June 4,
1845, at Standing Stone township, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, a
son of John Parks, Jr. His grandfather, John Parks, Sr., a native of
Scotland, learned the trade of a rug and carpet weaver in his own
country, and became an expert designer. In 1830, accompanied by his
family, he came to America, crossing the sea in a sailing vessel, the
voyage covering a period of three months. Locating in Thompson-
ville. New York, he secured a position as weaver and designer, and there
spent the remainder of his life.
Bom in Glasgow, Scotland, John Parks, Jr. was but a boy when
he crossed the ocean with his parents. Learning the trade of a weaver
when young he followed it for a time in Thompsonville, New York,
then moved to a farm in Standing Stone township, Pennsylvania. He
was much given to trade and traffic, and on one occasion, leaving his
^.^^ , ^,U~^c^r-fi:^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1121
family on the Pennsylvania farm, spent two years in the south, a part
of the time being employed to superintend the slaves who were load-
ing merchandise at the wharves in Charleston, South Carolina. That
was a time when the slave trade flourished, vessels coming to port
loaded with slaves, who were herded in the hold, and when landed
were taken to the pen, and later put on the auction block. Visiting
Wisconsin in 1854, he prospected successfully, and in 1855 took his
family to that state, traveling by the lakes from Erie, Pennsylvania,
to Milwaukee, from there going by train to Fond du Lac, the railway
terminus at that time, thence with team to Outagamie county. That
part of Wisconsin was then in its primitive wildness, with here and
there a white man's cabin. Buying a tract of land in Bovina town-
ship, he cut trees to make room for the log cabin, which was the home
of the family for some time. A part of each year he engaged in log-
ging, teaming the huge logs to the river and rafting them to Oshkosh,
the remainder of the year being employed in clearing his land and till-
ing the soil. He met with excellent success in his labors, in course of
time having a valuable farm, well equipped with substantial frame
buildings, and there lived until his death in 1884. He married i\Iary
Hunter, who was born in Scotland, and came to the United States with
her parents when yoimg. Her father, George Hunter, settled in
Thompsonville, New York, and there spent his remaining years. Mrs.
Mary (Hunter) Parks survived her husband, at her death, in 1899,
leaving five children, as follows : Jane, John H., William, Elizabeth
and Nathaniel.
About ten years of age when his parents settled in Wisconsin, John
H. Parks continued his studies in the log sehoolhouse, with its rude,
home-made furniture, acquiring a practical education. He began when
quite young to work in the woods, and became an expert in the logging
and lumber business. In June, 1864, his spirit of patriotism being
aroused, Mr. Parks enlisted in Company E, Fifth Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry, and with his regiment took part in many engagements of
note. The first important battle in which he participated was against
Early's army, in the Shenandoah valley, at the time Avhen Sheridan
made his famous ride on hearing, at Winchester, thirteen miles away,
"The terrible grumble and rumble and roar.
Telling the battle Avas on once more."
Mr. Parks was likewise present at the siege and capture of Peters-
burg, as color bearer placing his colors on the fort while twenty-one
Rebel flags were still flying from the ramparts. He witnessed Lee's
surrender at Appomattox, standing within fifty feet of Generals Lee
and Grant when the former passed his sword to General Grant, who
passed it back to General Lee. In September, 1865, Mr. Parks was
honorably discharged from the service, and returned to his Wisconsin
home.
Soon after attaining his majority, Mr. Parks bought a tract of
timbered land in Bovina township, Wisconsin, and while not employed
in logging and devoted his energies to the improvement of his land. For-
tune smiled on his efforts, and his land was in a comparatively short
time transformed from a forest into a rich and productive farm. He
was very successful as a lumberman, being a pioneer in that business
in some parts of Wisconsin. In 1877 he entered the employ of P.
Sawyer & Son, and subsequently continued with their successors, the
Sawyer Goodwin Company, with whom he came to the Upper Penin-
1122 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
sula. Iron county was then a vast wilderness, the larger proportion of its
broad acres being covered with a heavy growth of timber, while Quin-
nesec was the nearest railway station. He continued his operations in
lumber for a nmnber of years; during which time he took out over
three hundred million feet of lumber.
Locating at Crystal Falls in 1884, Mr. Parks, in company with his
uncle, George S. Parks, embarked in the mercantile business, putting
in a stock of general merchandise, and at one time did a business
amounting to more than forty thousand dollars a month. At the pres-
ent time the John H. Parks Company carries a line of hardware and
its accessories, only, having a complete stock, and is doing a sub-
stantial business, its patronage being extensive and remunerative.
Brought up on a farm, Mr. Parks has never lost his love for agri-
culture and horticulture, and now has a fine estate, nine miles from
the city, bordering on Lake Chicago, where he has ample barn and
stable room for his valuable stock, houses for his employes, and a com-
modious, artistically constructed log cabin, situated on the lake shore,
in which he and his family enjoy life seven months of every year.
Mr. Parks married, April 13, 1876, Eva A. Jewett, who was bom
in Wautoma, Waushara county, Wisconsin, a daughter of Eben and
Mary (Parks) Jewett, natives, respectively, of Maine and Vermont,
and pioneer settlers of that part of Wisconsin. Two children have
blessed the luiion of INIr. and Mrs. Parks, Ulmer and Edna A. Edna
A., wife of William JoUilfe, has three children, namely: Helen M. and
Margaret J., twins : and John Parks. ]Mr. Parks has the distinction of
having served as the first mayor of Crystal Falls, while previous to
that time he had been president of the village board. Fraternally he
is a member of Crystal Falls Lodge No. 385, F. & A. M. ; of Crystal
Falls Chapter No. 129, R. A. M. ; of Crystal Falls Commandery No. 43,
K. T. ; is a charter member of Ahmed Temple, J\Iystic Shrine, of IMar-
quette; and a member of De Witt Clinton Consistory, at Grand Rapids.
John N. Forshab is the present treasurer of Schoolcraft county, and
he is a life-long resident of the Northern Peninsula of Michigan, born
at Eseanaba on the 16th of February, 1875. His father, Joseph For-
shar, came from his native state of New York to northern IMiehigan in
the early sixties and settled among the early pioneers of this part of
the state. He was associated with the Chicago and Northwestern Rail-
road as an engineer, his home being at Eseanaba, and he is now an
engineer on the Manistique & Northern Railroad and a resident of
Manistique. His wife, nee Mary Fagan, was born at Stevens Point,
Wisconsin, and is also living. John N. is their only son, but they have a
daughter, Agnes, the wife of the Hon. George P. McCallura, collector
of customs at the Soo, also an attorney there and a former representa-
tive to the legislature.
John N. Forshar spent the first fifteen years of his life in his native
city of Eseanaba, attending school there and also at the Northern In-
diana Normal College at Valparaiso, Indiana. At the age of about
seventeen years he began railroad work as a fireman, thus continuing
for fourteen years for the Delta Liimber Company, and he also ran an
engine and was for two and a half years on the Soo road as a fireman.
He finally left the railroad to become the locomotive engineer for the
Manistique Iron Company, with whom he remained for six years, and
then for some time he was engaged in the insurance business in this city.
In the spring of 1907 Mr. Forshar was made the supervisor of the
Third ward of Manistique, and re-elected to that office in 1908, and in
[CI
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1123
the same year he was elected the treasurer of Schoolcraft couuty. He
made the race for that office with four other candidates, all prominent
men, and he won the election by ninety-four votes. He is a stanch and
true Republican, a prominent and iutluential local worker, and he has
proved an efficient public officer.
On the 28th of October, 1909, I\Ir. Forshar was married to Winifred
Linderman. He is a member of the Masonic order, also of the i\Ianis-
tique Lodge of Elks, No. 632, and he is a member and the vice president
of the local order of Knights of Pythias. He is also the secretary and
treasurer of the Upper Peninsula lodge of that order, which met at
Manistique in June, 1910. He is one of the active and influential
residents of this city, prominent in its official, business and social life.
Iden G. Champion, the enterprising editor and proprietor of the
Delta County Reporter, was born in England, October 13, 1863. This
paper is the only one in the LTpper Peninsula which espouses the cause
of Democracy, and through its readers Mr. Champion has become
widely known. He was reared in his native country, received his
education at Dulwich College, in London, and in 1883, emigrated to
the United States, locating in Chicago, where he became bookkeeper
and clerk, having worl^^ed in a London bank previous to coming to
this country. Later he spent some time in Antigo, Wisconsin, where
he was employed as bookkeeper, and from there removed to Crandon,
Wisconsin, where he engaged in real estate and newspaper business.
He became editor of the North Crandon Be porter, and in 189-1 located
in Gladstone, Michigan, v/here he began dealing in real estate. Mr.
Champion established the Delta County Reporter in 1902, and four
years later sold his interests to Mr. Barr, but in 1907 he repurchased
the paper, and has successfully conducted it ever since. He publishes
a bright, newsy paper, with able editorials, and has a circulation of
some eight hundred. He has a good advertising section in his paper,
and still deals in real estate, in which he is very successful. The
paper is issued weekly, and takes a prominent place among the peri-
odicals of the Northern Peninsula of the state. Mr. Champion has
been a resident of the section some fifteen years, has taken an active
interest in public affairs, and for several years served as a member of
the city council, and is the present city treasurer. He is a prominent
member of the Masonic order, and also belongs to tlie Knighted Or-
der of Tented Maccabees.
Besides i\lr. Champion's newspaper interest in Delta county, he is
a practical farmer, having eight years ago purchased eigiity acres of
timber land, four miles from Gladstone, since which time he has put
in all of his spare hours in clearing up and improving this piece of
land, until today it is one of tlie best small farms in Delta county.
Mr. Champion married in 1889, Annie Masbaum, and they have
two children, Charles I. and Estella.
[Michael E. O'Brien. — It is speaking with all due conservatism to
say that'^Iichael E. O'Brien is one of the strongest and most influential
men to be encountered in all the extent of the LTpper Peninsula. His
identification with the life insurance world alone would entitle him to
this distinction, his general agency standing third in the United States
in the amount of life insurance secured in proportion to the population,
among almost one hundred general agents of the Northwest. He is like-
wise a banker of wide repute, holding the high and responsible office of
president of the First National Bank of Lauriu u, established in April,
1124 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
1907, a substantial institution having a capital stock of $100,000, and
a surplus of $40,000, and he is a director of the First National Bank of
Hubbell, ^lichigan. Several lesser institutions and concerns receive the
inestimable benefit of his excellent judgment, executive capacity and
ability.
Michael E. O'Brien is a life-long resident of Houghton county, his
birth having occurred within its limits on the 21st day of September,
1877. As his name indicates his ancestral record soon takes one to Erin's
Isle, whose clever, resourceful, and agreeable sons have assuredly given
to their adopted America a great measure of her progress and prosperity.
His parents were P. J. and Mary (Harrington) O'Brien, both of whom
were natives of county Cork, Ireland. Like so many of their neighbors
and associates they answered the beckoning finger of opportunity and
emigrated to America in 1856. They soon came on to the northern coun-
try and lived in both Keweenaw and Houghton counties, the father
earning the livelihood for his family as a miner, and it was in the C.
and H. mine that he lost his life in the year 1890, being regretted by
many who had known him as an honest man, and an intelligent and pub-
lie-spirited citizen.
Yoiuig Michael pursued his studies in the public and parochial
schools, and after graduation from the Sacred Heart High School at
Laurium, at the age of sixteen years, he started out to face the serious
problems of life. Of no one can it more tn^ly be said that he is a self-
made man, for he started with the ' ' fair field, ' ' which is the heritage of
every American youth, and with "no favors" in the way of financial
backing or infiuential friends. He received his first employment in the
office of the Calumet News in the capacity of an all around office boy,
which some one has said is in itself equal to a liberal education. During
the second Cleveland administration, when the late P. W. Grierson, a
Democrat, held the office of postmaster, Mr. O'Brien was proffered a
position in the post office, which he filled with marked efficiency for the
ensuing five years. It was after the termination of this office that ]\Ir.
O'Brien first engaged in the insurance business, and while one is at fii-st
sight prompted to dwell on the good fortune of his having been directed
to a field in which he has achieved such marked success, yet it doubtless
is triier that no matter to what field his energies might have been
directed he would have won therein a name for himself, as well as mate-
rial advancement. He became associated with the firm of Friederichs.
Stringer & Harris, and a short time thereafter became a partner in this
agency, a branch being established over the Firet National Bank of
Calumet. He later on formed a partnership under the firm name of
Webb & 0 'Brien, the nature of the business being general insurance and
real estate. In 1903 Mr. O'Brien retired from this association, within
whose satisfactory duration he had effectually established himself in the
world of affairs, and took up life insurance, becoming the Calumet rep-
resentative of the Northwestern ]\Iutual Life Insurance Company, ^ath
headquarters at Laurium. In the following year he was appointed dis-
trict manager luider W. H. Surles, General Agent of the Wisconsin and
Northern INIichigan, and held this position until 1907, when ]\Ir. Surles
died and J\Ir. O'Brien succeeded to a General Agency. At the present
time his jurisdiction extends over the northwest half of northern Michi-
gan, and his production of about $1,000,000 of life insurance annually
has given him a reputation in the insurance world which extends far
beyond its boundaries. Among the official capacities in which he ser%'es
is that of secretary of the Montana Clinton Copper Company, his knowl-
edge of mining matters being extensive, partly from his close association
with them in early youth.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 112S
By no means his least important connection has been with banking
interests, and three of the safe and well-founded banks of the county
owe their inception directly to him. These are the Calumet State Bank
of Calumet, the First National Bank of Laurium, of which latter insti-
tution he is president, and the First National Bank of Hubbell.
The social and fraternal side of Mr. O'Brien's nature is by no means
in abeyance, and he takes great pleasure in his affiliations, which extend
to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of
Hibernians and the various clubs of Laurium and Calumet. Politically
he is independent and gives his support to men and measures which ap-
peal to him. He and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic church.
Mr. O'Brien's wife was before her marriage Miss Nellie V. Harrington,
their union having been celebrated in 1903. To them have been bom
the following children : Eleanor, Anna, Catherine, John H. and Margaret.
In short Mr. O'Brien is one of the big self-made men of the Upper
Peninsula of ^Michigan, a man genial and courteous, but of strong char-
acter. Whatever he does he does with a vim and he inserts his j^erson-
ality into every undertaking. Even his subordinates bear the impress
of his individualitj^ and selection, like himself being courteous, but clean
cut and firm. Every institution with which he has had to do is and has
been a success, and the Upper Peninsula is indeed fortunate not only to
have given nativity to, but to have retained in its midst a man of such
distinguished ability and one who has so effectually contributed to its
progress.
Since the above was written Mr. O'Brien has resigned his position
as general agent with the Northwestern Mutual Life, has helped to
organize the Detroit Life Insurance Company of Detroit, Michigan,
and has been elected its first Vice-President and General Manager.
Dr. James Mitchell, one of the leading physicians of Gladstone,
Michigan, was born in Canada, February 10, 1870, and is a son of
John and Isabella (Brown) Mitchell. John Mitchell and his wife
were both born in Ireland, and were reared in their native country;
they there received their educations and were married. John Mitchell
died when sixty-six years of age. and his widow still survives. Of
their thirteen children eleven still survive, and Dr. ]\Iitchell is the
eleventh child. His twin brother, Thomas, now lives in North Battle-
ford, in northwestern Canada.
The boyhood days of Dr. Mitchell were spent in his native place,
and there he received a common school education. Later he at-
tended Queens University, and graduated from the medical depart-
ment in 1899. He began at once upon the practice of his profession,
and the same year came to Gladstone, where he has since resided. He
stands well in the community, and by his medical skill and many fine
qualities has built up a good practice. He is a member of the county,
state and American Medical Associations, and is a member of the
Masonic order.
Dr. IMitchell is a well known and prominent citizen of Gladstone,
where his entire professional career has been spent, and is actively
interested in public affairs. He is not bound to any political party,
but votes usually for the man he considers best fitted to fulfill the
duties of any given office. In 1907 j\Ir. IMitchell married Eva jMaud,
daughter of P. E. R. Miller, of Ontario, and they are parents of one
daughter, Margaret.
Rev. Lucas Klopcic. — A man of earnest convictions, strong charac-
ter and deep consecration, Rev. Lucas Klopcic, rector of St. Joseph's
1126 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Church, at Calumet, Houghton county, is widely known as a strong
and willing worker in all religious and charitable undertakings.
A native of Austria, he was born, in 1880, in the village of Eisnern,
province of Krain, where he acquired his rudimentary education, as
a child attending the primary schools, afterwards continuing his stud-
ies for eight years at the Laibach Gymnasium, being graduated from
that institution with the class of 1900. Three years later he was grad-
uated from the Laibach Theological Seminary, and in the same year,
1903, crossed the ocean to America. Disembarking in New York City,
he came directly to the Northwest, and spent some time in St. Paul,
Minnesota, familiarizing himself with the English language. Accept-
ing the charge of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church, at Calumet, Michi-
gan, in 1904, Rev. Father Klopcic has been especially successful in his
efforts towards the building tip of the denomination, and is held in
high esteem not only by his many parishioners but by a wide circle
of acquaintances.
St. Joseph's Church, located on the corner of Oak and Eighth
streets, was erected in 1908 at a cost of $90,000, it being one of the
most beautiful and costly of any in the city. It is built of red sand-
stone, modern in architecture, its pulpits and seats being of the latest
approved designs, and its ornaments being unique. The membership
of the church, which previous to the completion of the present attract-
ive edifice, was very small, has been largely increased under the influ-
ence of the present rector, now numbering three thousand souls, while
the names of one hundred and fifty children appear on the list of
Sunday school scholars.
Plummer S. Walker. — Noteworthy not only as a veteran of the
Civil war, but as a pioneer settler of Gogebic county, Plummer S.
Walker was actiA^ely identified with the best interests of Ironwood
for ui3Avards of a quarter of a century, having settled here when the
site of the present city was heavily timbered, and neighbors were few
and far between, and his death on September 22, 1910, marks another
break in the ranks of Ironwood 's old settlers. Of New England birth
and breeding, he was born, June 26, 1834, in AVhitefield, New Hamp-
shire, whei'e he grew to a sturdy manhood, gaining health and
strength from the invigorating breezes of the White IMountains.
. His father, Jesse Walker, a native of the Granite state, owned and
operated a farm in Whitefield, where he spent the greater part of his
life. His wife, whose maiden name was Polly White, was also a life-
long resident of New Hampshire, which was the birthplace of their ten
children.
Acquiring his education in the district schools of Whitefield, Plum-
mer S. Walker lived with his parents until 1854, when, impelled by
the restless spirit characteristic of the American race, he migrated to
the wilds of Wisconsin. Locating in Outagamie county, he bought a
tract of timber land in IMaple Creek township, and began the ardvaous
task of redeeming a farm from the wilderness, being thus employed
when the Civil war broke out. In August, 1864, responding to a call
for volunteers, Mr. Walker enlisted in Company K, First "Wisconsin
Heavy Artillery, went South, and was with his regiment until the
close of the conflict, doing guard and defense duty in and around
Washington the greater part of the time. In June, 1865, after taking
a part in the Grand Review, at Washington, he was honorably dis-
charged from the service.
Returning to his Wisconsin home, Mr. Walker resumed work on
.^^2^^i^.-pi
\
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 11-27
his farm, aud in due course of time had a well-improved estate, -with
substantial buildings, and everything necessary for carrying on his
chosen work. In 1884 Mr. AValker came to the present site of Iron-
wood to take charge of a boarding camp for Bingham & Perrin, who
had contracted to board the laborers employed in the building of the
railroad then in process of construction, opening his boarding hall in
a log building with a canvas roof. When the town was platted 'Sir.
"Walker bought two lots on Aurora street, between Svift'olk and Nor-
folk streets, and there, in the spring of 1886, erected a hotel. This
hotel was burned in the big fire of 1887, and he then purchased a hotel
on the corner of Lowell and Ayer streets. This hotel, which Avas the
first one built on the town site, has since been the home of ]\Ir. AValker,
who added improvements to the building soon after buying it, doubling
its former capacity, and otherwise enhancing its usefulness and value.
Mr. AYalker married, June 17, 186-1:, Caroline Klann, who was
born on a farm near Saldfeld, East Prussia. Her father, Christian
Klauu, spent his brief earthly life in East Prussia, dying when Airs.
AValker Avas but a year old. His widow. Airs. Alary Klauu, married
for her second husband John Rienert, came to America Avith her
family in 1852, aud settled in AVinchester, AVisconsin, near Oshkosh,
and there spent her remaining days. Six children have been born
to Air. and Airs. AValker, namely: Jesse, Alary, Emma, Dora. Charles
and Calvin, Avho is familiarly knoAvn as "Sam."' Air. AValker Avas a
Democrat of the old Ncav England type. Socially he Avas a member
of Pleasanton Post, G. A. R. since its organization in 1887, and they
had charge of his funeral arrangements. He Avas prominent in the
business life of the community until his health compelled him to retire.
Peter AI. Peterson. — One of the most important business houses of
the city of Alenominee is that of the People's Scpiare House Furnish-
ing Company, of AA-hieh Peter AI. Peterson is president and manager,
the large and finely equipped establishment of the company being
located at 355-40-1 Grand avenue. Air. Peterson has shoAvn marked
energy and initiatiA^e ability, and through Avell directed employment
of the same has achieved distinctiA^e success, being a self-made man
in the best sense of the term, and haA'ing gained recog-nition as one of
the thoroughly representative business men and loyal and public-
spirited citizens of Alenominee. The company of AA^hich he is the
executive head, has facilities for furnishing homes complete, and in
addition to handling the manifold lines demanded for this serA^ce, the
concern also keeps Avell ordered stocks of hardAvare. Avatches, jeAvelry,
scAving machines, musical instruments, bicycles, notions, guns, revoh'-
ers. ammunition, etc., and conducts, at 903 Alain street, in the Odd Fel-
loAvs block, a Avell ordered undertaking establishment.
Peter AI. Peterson Avas born near Christiana, NorAvay, on the 12tli
of NoA'cmber, 1857, and is a son of Peter and Lena Peterson. aa'Iio
passed their entire liA^es in their natiA'e land, Avhere the father Avas a
farmer by Avocation. Air. Peterson received limited educational ad-
A'antages in his native land and AA'as but tAvelve years of age Avhen. in
1869, he embarked Avith his mother and three children on a sailing a'cs-
sel and set forth to fight the battle of life for himself in America. The
valorous lad Avho thus faced many difficulties and problems he Avotted
not of, landed in the city of Quebec, Canada, Avhence he made his way
to AVisconsin. and located at a point about tAventy-two miles south of
the city of Alihvaukee, Avhere he found employment on a farm, re-
ceiving at first only one dollar a month and his board in compensation
1128 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
for his services. He continued to be identified with agricultural pur-
suits in Wisconsin until 1873, when he came to Menominee, Michigan,
and the first summer he was employed in a saw mill of the well-known
firm of Ludington & Wells. In- the autumn of the same year he went
to Manistee, Michigan, where he was employed during the winter, and
upon his return to Menominee in the following spring, he secured em-
ployment in a shingle mill. For eighteen yeai-s he was connected with
this line of industry, and at the expiration of that time, in 1890, he en-
gaged in buying and selling new and second-hand goods. In establish-
ing this enterprise he became associated with R. H. Smith, under the
firm name of Smith & Peterson. After a lapse of about nine years he
purchased Mr. Smith's interest, since which time he has been the sole
owner of the great business house which he has built up and which is
the largest of its kind in this section. His undertaking business was
established in 1906.
Mr. Peterson is a citizen Avho shows the utmost loyalty in all that
touches the advancement of the material and civic welfare of his home
city. In politics he maintains an independent attitude, giving his sup-
port to men and measures meeting the approval of his judgment. He
is affiliated with Menominee Lodge, No. 269, Free & Accepted Masons,
and with Lodge No. 107, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In the year 1883 Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Mary
E. Smith, who was born in the city of Albany, New York, and who is
a daughter of AVilliam Smith.
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have seven children : Ida, Clarence, Alice,
Florence, Pearl, Frederic, and Beryl.
William Alfred Holmes.— Holding high rank among the keen,
progressive, and enterprising business men who are so ably conduct-
ing the extensive lumber interests of the Upper Peninsula is William
A. Holmes, of Crystal Falls, who is one of the oldest native-born cit-
izens of the Peninsula residing in Iron county, his birth having
occurred, March 12, 1860, in Menominee. His father, William
Holmes, still resides in Menominee. His grandfather, James Holmes,
a native of Scotland, emigrated to America when j^oung, settling in
New BrunsAvick, where he was afterwards employed in lumbering
until his death, in 1858.
The birth of William Holmes occurred, April 16, 1830, in New
Brunswick, where he was brought up and educated. Starting in life
for himself in 1847, when a youth of seventeen years, he crossed the
line into ]\Iaine, where he was employed in a lumber camp for several
seasons. Starting for the frontier in 1854, he located first at Green
Bay, Wisconsin, from there going to Escanaba, j\Iichigan, entering
there the employ of the N. Ludington Company. In 1858 he settled
in the frontier town of Menominee, and after working for awhile
for A. Kirby, selling lands and timber, he embarked in business on
his own aceoimt, becoming an independent dealer in lumber. He also
became financially interested in a paper mill, and a director in the
Lumbermen's National Bank, and is still a resident of that city, being
now a venerable and respected man of four score years. He married
Augusta Jane Chandler, Avho was born in JNIaine. Her father, Alden
Chandler, came from INIaine to ]\Iichigan in 1849, and was one of the
pioneer settlers of Escanaba, where for many years he owned and
operated a saw mill. Five children were born to William and
Augusta J. Holmes, namely: William Alfred, Guy W., Arthur K.,
Raymond W., and Charlotte L. The father stands high in Masonic
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1129
circles, belonging to the Blue Lodge, the Chapter, Commandery, and
to the Mystic Shrine.
Acquiring his early education in the Menominee schools, William
Alfred Holmes began steaniboating on the Lakes when sixteen years
old, and was thus employed summers a number of seasons, the re-
mainder of the time being engaged in lumbering. In 1883, while the
entire surface of Iron cou^nty was covered with a heavy grow^th of
timber, he located at Crystal Falls, and has since been here actively
and profitably engaged in the lumber business, being an extensive
dealer. During his residence here Mr. Holmes has witnessed the
entire development and growth of this section of the Upper Peninsula,
and, it is needless to say, has lent his aid and influence to promote
the interests of the community in which he lives.
Mr. Holmes married, in 1884, Caroline Saekerson, a native of
Sweden, and to them three children have been born, namely: Flora
J., Leslie L., and Muriel M. Fraternally Mr. Holmes is a member of
Crystal Falls Lodge, No. 385, F. & A. M. ; of Crystal Falls Chapter,
No. 129, R. A. M. ; and of Hugh McCurdy Commandery, No. 143, K.
T. ; Ahmed Temple, Mystic Shrine of Marquette.
Robert Burke Waddell is the manager of the Weston Manufactur-
ing Company of Manistique. He was born at Webertown in Warren
county, New York, April 10, 1859, a son of Robert and a grandson of
Hugh Waddell, both of whom were born at Johnsburg in Warren
county, New York, the father on the 29th of July, 1833, and the grand-
father on the 6th of May, 1805. Hugh Waddell married Eveline AVal-
dron, bom at Johnsburg on the 10th of April, 1807, and she died on
the 10th of October, 1849, but Mr. Waddell survived until the 26th
of July, 1884. He was of English descent, while his wife was de-
scended from a Holland family.
Robert Waddell was reared and educated in his native town of
Johnsburg, and he was there married to Mary E. Bradshaw, born in
the same place, and Robert Burke was their only son and child. After
the death of his first wife Robert Waddell married Electa J. Roblee,
and there were two sons and two daughters born of that union. Rob-
ert Waddell was a lumberman and a general merchant, and he was
very prominent and active in the affairs of his community, at one time
representing his district in the state legislature. He died on the 4th
of January, 1877, when he had attained the age of forty-four years.
Robert B. Waddell spent the first eighteen years of his life in his
native state of New York, attending meanwhile the public schools and
Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie. He came to Manistique,
Michigan, in the year of 1878, accepting a position in the general mer-
cantile department of the Chicago Lumber Company, but after two
years he returned to New York and spent a year there. Coming again
to Manistique at the close of that period he resumed his connection with
the Chicago Lumber Company, but in 1888 he left that corporation to
become the manager of the Weston Lumber Company, a position he has
ever since held. He has been for thirty-one years a resident of the
Northern Peninsula of Michigan, and in that time he has acquired a
splendid reputation in business circles. He has served his town as
village assessor, and he is identified politically Avith the Republican
party.
In 1883 Mr. Waddell was married to Julia Quick, a daughter of
Hiram Quick, and the only child of that union, a son. died in infancy.
The mother is also deceased, dying on the 16th of April, 1904. On the
1130 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
15th of July, 1908, Mr. Waddell married Maud INI. Aiken, a daughter
of Hugh Aiken. Mr. Waddell has attained high rank in the ]\Iasonic
order, affiliating with the Blue Lodge No. 371, Manistique Chapter
No. 127, Hiawatha Council No.- 65, Escanaba Commandery No. 47, Ida
Chapter No. 54, Order of Eastern Star.
Hon. James JMercer. — Dr. Newell Dwight Hillis, of Brooklyn, New
York, very recently said, "Men rise to greatness by their opportuni-
ties, but there are thousands of opportunities and only a few men who
are ready to take advantage of them." It is quite apparent that Hon.
James ]\Iercer of Ontonagon is one of the few who have made good use
of their natural talents, and through well-directed effort and persis-
tency of purpose have won success in life. For upwards of half a cen-
tury he has been identified with the industrial and financial growth of
this section of the L^pper Peninsula, and having acquired a competency,
is now living retired at his beautiful country seat, near Ontonagon. A
native of England, he was born in the city of London, September 9,
1830, a son of Robert Mercer.
Robert Mercer was born in Sussex, England. December 15, 1785,
coming from a family that traced its ancestry back to the time of Wil-
liam the Conqueror. He was graduated from Oxford University, but
chose a business career rather than a professional life, becoming a
member of a firm that imported timber from Norway, and sold it in
Great Britain. He afterwards invested almost his entire fortune in
anthracite coal mines and their development. People not having at that
time learned to use that kind of coal for fuel there was no demand
for it after it was put on the market, and his fortune of more than
three-fourths of a million of dollars was swept away. Nothing
daunted, however, he started, in 1833, for America, where he hoped to
retrieve his losses. Accompanied by his wife and ten children, he
crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel, after a voyage of thirteen weeks
landing in New York City. Proceeding westw^ard to the territory of
^lichigan, he spent a short time in Detroit, from there going to Wind-
sor, province of Ontario, Canada, where he located permanently. Be-
ing soon admitted to the bar. he was there successfully engaged in the
practice of laAV until his death, June 29, 1849. He married Sarah
Hathaway Treacher, who was born in London in 1787, and died in
Windsor, Canada, in 1867. To them ten children were born, as fol-
lows : Robert T., Eliza, Rebecca, John, Samuel, Joseph, Sarah, Mary,
Ann and James.
Receiving an excellent education in the public and private schools
of Windsor and Toronto, James Mercer began his business career when
sixteen years old as clerk in a store in Detroit, INIichigan, the first
years receiving his board, and having his laundry bill paid, the follow^-
ing two years receiving in addition one hundred and fifty dollars per
annum. In 1850 j\Ir. IMercer became clerk on a steamer plying be-
tween Cleveland and Sault Ste ]\Iarie. at the end of three seasons
accepting the position of bookkeeper at the Sault Ste. Marie docks for
the Chippewa Portage Company, with which he Avas associated a year
and a half. Going then to Portage Lake, ]Mr. ]\Iercer was clerk for the
Albion & i\Iontezuma ]\Iining Company until 1857, when he located in
Ontonagon. Establishing immediately a partnership with William
Willard to do a general commission and forwarding business, the
partnership continued iintil the death of IMr. Willard, in 1874. ]Mr.
Mercer then continued the business alone until 1896, when the dock
and warehouse was burned, and he gave up the business.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1131
In 1897 Mr. ]\Iercer was one of the organizers of the Ontonagon
State Bank, and served as its president luitil 1903, when it was closed.
He then assisted in organizing the First National Bank, of which he
was president nntil 1909, when he resigned the otfice, and has since
lived retired from the cares of business at his pleasant rural home,
which he established in 1869. In that year INIr. jMercer bought this es-
tate, which consisted of one hundred and fifty-three acres of wild land,
one hundred and thirty acres of which are now cleared and improved.
In the care of his property, Mr. IMercer has spared neither time nor
expense, each year adding to its beauty and its value. He planted a
large variety of fruit trees, and has also set out over seven hundred
evergreen and other forest trees. This beautiful home Mr. Mercer pre-
sented to his daughter, Mrs. Parker, with whom he resides.
]\Ir. Mercer married, June 7, 1857, Grace M. Hill, who was born in
1838, in Le\\'iston, New York, and died in October, 1903, in Ontonagon,
Michigan. Her father. Dr. Odanthus Hill, removed from Lewiston
to Detroit about 1810, and was there engaged in the practice of medi-
cine until 1815, when he went to Buffalo, New York, to assist in car-
ing for the cholera patients, and being stricken with the same dreaded
disease there died. His wife had preceded him to the life beyond, and
their daughter Grace and her sister, their only children, Avere brought
up by their uncle, Dr. J. L. Whiting. Four children blessed the imion
of ]\Ir. and Mrs. Mercer, namely : i\Iary W., Robert Guy, John W.,
and Harry T. Mary W., wife of John G. Parker, has two children,
Kate and Rees. Robert Guy. living in Tampico, Mexico, married
Bessie M. Parker. John W., a mining engineer in Denver, is married
and has one child, Alice. Harry T., of Painesdale, Michigan, also a
mining engineer, married Bessie Osborne.
Fraternally Mr. Mercer is a member of Ontonagon Lodge No. 67,
F. & A. M. ; of Ontonagon Chapter, No. 26, R. A. M. ; of Palestine Com-
mandery. No. 18, K. T., of Houghton; and of De Witt Clinton Con-
sistory, and the Saladin Shrine of Grand Rapids. In his youthful days
his political sympathies were with the Whig party, but on the forma-
tion of the Republican party he became one of its stanchest adherents,
easting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, and has since
been an earnest supporter of the principles of that party. Upon the
organization of the village of Ontonagon IMr. Mercer was elected
president, and was tmce re-elected to the same position. In 1880 he
was elected to the state legislature, and two years later, in 1882, had
the honor of being chosen state senator, in the Senate serving on the
Committee on Mines and ]\Iining, and on the Committee on Railroads.
He affiliates with the Unitarian church, but the family with the mother
are Episcopalians.
Theodore W. Edw^^rds. — LTtilizing his natural talents in a practical
manner, Theodore W. Edwards early mastered the art that has proved
the most direct and effectual method of reaching the public mind,
and as foreman of the Baraga County Publishing Company is offi-
cially associated with one of the most important industrial organiz-
ations of L'Anse. A son of William L. Edwards, he was born. April
27, 1889, in Fewsville, Baraga county, ^lichigan, of English lineage.
His grandfather, Thomas William Edwards, was born, reared and
mai'ried in England. Immigrating with his family to America, he set-
tled in the "copper country" of Northern Michigan, and here spent
his remaining days.
William Edwards was born in England, came with his parents to
1132 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
the Upper Peninsula, and is now an esteemed and respected resident
of Baraga. He married Elizabeth St. Arnold, a daughter of Edward
St. Arnold, a pioneer settler of Baraga county, Michigan.
Going at the age of nine years to Oklahoma to attend an Indian
school, Theodore W. Edwards spent several years in that locality,
while there obtaining an excellent education, and learning the trade
of a printer. In 1906 he returned to Michigan to accept a position
with the Keweenaw Printing Company. At the end of a year he
entered the employ of the Baraga County Publishing Company, and
proved himself so efficient and capable as a printer that he was sub-
sequently made foreman of the establishment, a position for which,
in spite of his youthfulness, he is amply qualified.
John A. Falk. — Prominent among the business men of Manistique
is numbered John A. Falk, a general merchant. He was born at
Hede Grinstad, Sweden, February 6, 1864, and his boyhood days
were spent in his native place on his father's farm until he attained
his fifteenth year. He then began the battle of life for himself,
working at farm labor until he was eighteen, and he then set sail for
the United States and landed in the harbor of New York City, April
1, 1882. Going at once to Corning, New York, he secured employ-
ment on one of the Vanderbilt railroads, and from there after a
short time went to Stokesdale, Pennsylvania, resuming his railroad
work. On the 28th of September, 1882, he came to Manistique,
Michigan, and entered the employ of the Chicago Lumber Company
in their old mill. During his two seasons there he worked in the
mill during the summer months and in camp No. 7 during the winters.
In 1885 he was transferred to the genei'al store of that company as
chore boy, thus working for about a year and a half, and he was
then made the second clerk in that department. But after five years
Mr. Falk resigned his clerkship to go to Chicago to attend a business
college there one winter, and then returning to Manistique he re-
sumed his connection with the Chicago Lumber Company as a scaler
in their mill. But after one season there he was again made the
second clerk in the stoi-e, and he remained in that capacity until the
1st of July, 1895, when he resigned his position to engage in business
for himself in Manistique. As a member of the firm of Falk and
Anderson he established a grocery store on the east side of the river
in the building formerly occupied bj^ Frank Clark and Company.
After three years and a half on February 6. 1899, Mr. Falk sold his
interest in that business, and a short time afterward, on the 20th of
February, 1899, he bought an interest in the firm of E. "W. ^Miller
and Company, grocery merchants located in the store formerly
occupied by the Weston Lumber Company. On July 19th of the
same year he bought the entire business, and he has since continued
under the firm name of John A. Falk. After a time he added hard-
ware, paints, oils, etc., to his grocery department, and he first con-
ducted business in a rented building, but later on was able to pur-
chase the store in which he is now located, and to which he has made
many additions and improvements. He now carries a large stock of
general hardware, groceries, paints and oils, queensware, feed, grain,
hay, etc., and he is also one of the directors in the First National
Bank and the owner of a farm near town. He is one of the present
members of the board of public works, as he has formerly served as
village clerk, as treasurer of Manistique township and as a member
of the city school board. Throughout the period of his residence in
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1133
Manistique he has taken an active part in all movements for its up-
building and advancement. He is a member of the Knights of the
Maccabees, and a stanch supporter of Republican principles.
In 1904 Mr. Falk was married to Elvira A. Blackwell, and a son,
Paul Adolphus and a daughter, Elizabeth Pauline, have been born
to them. Mr. Falk is a member of the Swedish Baptist church, and
he is one of the trustees of the Upper Michigan Conference of that
denomination.
Frank Scadden. — Talented, well educated and industrious, Frank
Scadden has for many years been actively identified with the develop-
ment and promotion of the mining interests of the Upper Peninsula,
and is now a respected and valued resident of Crystal Pialls, his home,
Cedar Castle, being one of the most picturesque residences in the city.
It is a commodious structure, built of whip-sawed cedar logs, bark side
out, with a fine interior finish, surrounded by fine grounds, and, being
situated on an eminence, commands a fine view of the city and of the
surrounding country. Mr. Scadden was born in parish Gwinear, county
Cornwall, England, which was also the birthplace of his father, Thomas
Scadden, Jr., of his grandfather, Thomas Scadden, Sr., and the parish
in which his great-grandfather, Henry Scadden, spent his entire life
of one hundred and four years.
Thomas Scadden, Sr., was born, reared and married in county Corn-
wall, until seventy-six years of age, when he sailed for Australia. While
on the voyage he was taken ill with pneumonia, and died twelve hours
before the vessel reached port.
Receiving excellent educational advantages, Thomas Scadden, Jr.,
began work at the mines after completing his studies, and was captain
or superintendent the remainder of his life. He was, with the excep-
tion of a few months spent, in 1893, in this country, a life-long resident
of county Cornwall, his death occurring, in 1908, at the venerable age
of eighty-seven years, while he was still a hale and hearty man, with
unimpaired mental and physical strength. He married Caroline Clark,
who was born in Cornwall, England, where her father, Samuel Clark,
spent his entire life, being employed as a mining engineer. She passed
away in 1882, leaving three children, Elizabeth, Frank, and Thomas.
Frank Scadden was brought up and educated in Gwinear. Emigrat-
ing to the United States in 1878, he lived for a year and a half in Vir-
ginia City, Nevada, being engaged in mining and stock dealing. Going
from there to San Francisco, he sold pianos for a year, and was then
just on the point of sailing for Australia when he received word that
his sister, Mrs. William Medlin, of Negaunee, Michigan, was danger-
ously ill, and he hastened to her bedside. Mr. Scadden subsequently
remained at Negaunee as a music teacher until 1882, when he located
at Crystal Falls, which had just been started. All of the country
roundabout was heavily wooded, and any person buying a lot in the
city limits was forced to chop down some of the giant progeny of the
forest to make room for a house. Here Mr. Scadden began his career
as a clerk for the Paint River Iron Company. In 1885 he taught school
one term at the "Blazing Stump," just across the river from the toAvn.
Occasionally a heavy rain would cause the river to overflow its banks
and the bridge, and then he would have to carry the smaller scholars
across the bridge. At the close of the term, he resumed his former
employment as a clerk at the mine, continuing until 1888, when he
crossed the ocean, visited his old home, and toured Europe.
After an absence of seven months, Mr. Scadden returned to Crystal
1134 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Falls, and was made assistant superintendent of the Paint River Mine,
and served in that capacity until 1890, when he was promoted to su-
perintendent. He has since served as superintendent of different mines,
at one time superintending the Paint River, the Lamont, and the Co-
lumbian. In 1896 J\lr. Scadden superintended the changing of the
course of the ]\Iichigamme river, pumping the water from the mine at
Mansfield, and subsequently recovering the bodies of several men that
were drowned when the mine was flooded. ]\Ir. Scadden is now super-
intendent of the Hollister ^Nline.
On February 28, 1897, ]\Ir. Scadden married Ethel Vivian, who was
born at Gwinear, county Cornwall, England, where her parents, Al-
bertus D. and Caroline Vivian, were life-long residents. The maternal
grandfather of Mrs. Scadden, Andrew Vivian, is mentioned in a His-
tory of Camborne and its People, Avhich says "Richard Trevithick was
the first to make high pressure steam. He was assisted by Arthur Viv-
ian, the first Camborne banker, who assisted him throughout all of his
experiments." Mrs. Scadden \s great uncle, William Bickford, invented
the first safety fuse.
]\Ir. and ^Irs. Scadden have three children, namely: Vivian, Clive,
and Frank Ethelbert. Fraternallv ]Mr. Scadden is a member of Crys-
tal Falls Lodge. No. 385, F. & A. M. ; of Crvstal Falls Chapter, No.
129, R. A. mT; of Hugh McCurdy Commandery, No. 1-43, K. T. ; of
Ahmed Temple, Mystic Shrine; and of the Grand Rapids Consistory.
Politically he is identified with the Republican party.
George AV. Orr, i\I. D. — In no other light than as a benefactor to
humanity can be viewed Dr. George W. Orr, for the state is indebted
to his efforts for the beautiful and commodious Lake Superior General
Hospital, which was built by him in 1895 at Lake Linden. He now acts
as resident physician and surgeon of this institution and employs an
experienced corps of physicians and nurses. His judgment, executive
ability and general efficiency make him an ornament to the profession.
Dr. Orr's ancestry is very interesting and has a record on American
soil of three generations. The Orr family was foimded in this country
by Dr. Orr's grandfather, who came from the north of Ireland in 1770
and located in Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania, where the father was
born. The mother, Sarah Sweetland, was a descendant of William
Sweetland who came to this country from England in 1703 and resided
in Salem, New London coiuity, Connecticut. Luke Sweetland, the moth-
er's grandfather, during the massacre of Wyoming, when Pennsylvania
was invaded by Tories and Indians imder Butler, was captured by the
redskins and kept prisoner with them for fourteen months. Dr. Orr's
father, Charles M. Orr, was an early settler in ^lichigan, arriving at
Walled Lake, Oakland county, about 1835.
George W. On- was born February 18, 1847, at Walled Lake, Michi-
gan, and attended the district school in company with Joseph B. ^Nloore,
now judge of the Supreme court. He worked on the farm during the
spring and summer and attended school wintere until the fifteenth year
of his age, when he was sent to the Wyoming Seminaiy at Kingston,
Pennsylvania, where he remained until the spring of 1864. He there-
upon returned to his native state and attended a select school at Com-
merce, Oakland county, as usual employing his summer months in farm
work. In the fall of 1870 he entered the University of ^Michigan and
took his degree in medicine in 1877. He was especially well equipped
for the practice of his profession, both by natural inclination and by the
thoi-oughness of his education. He opened an ofifice at Pontiac, Miclii-
Am^ Vr <Slx>^ "Yw ji-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1135
gan, and practiced for two years, at the same time holding the office of
city physician. In the summer of 1879 he received the compliment of
appointment as physician and surgeon for the Central iMining Company
of Lake Superior. He remained with the company until June, 1885, when
he removed to Lake Linden and established an independent practice. In
1889 he received an appointment as physician and surgeon for the Tama-
rack and Osceola Mills, and in 1895 he built the Lake Superior General
Hospital and established the Lake Superior Training School for Nurses,
truly a great achievement.
Dr. Orr stands high in Masonic circles, holding membership in the
Knights Templar and Moslem Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Detroit.
He is supervisor of Schoolcraft township, having served in this capacity
for a number of years.
The marriage of Dr. Orr took place in 1876, Miss Sarah Park, daugh-
ter of John H. Park of Pontiac, Michigan, becoming his wife. They have
two daughters. Hazel and Ruth.
Dr. David N. Kee, a prominent physician and surgeon of Gladstone,
Michigan, was born near Toronto, Canada, November 26, 1860. His
father, David Kee, a native of Ireland, came to America with his
parents when a small boy and was reared and educated in Ontario,
Canada, and there married Margaret Clifton, wdio w^as born in Ire-
land and who was brought to America when an infant. They lived
in Canada and there reared their family, and here j\Ir. Kee died at
the age of sixty years; his widow died in Fayette, Michigan, at the
age of eight-one years. Their seven children all reached maturity,
and the first of them who died was a son who had reached the age of
fifty years; the youngest child now living is forty-two. David N. is
the third son and fifth child.
The boyhood days of Dr. Kee were spent on a farm in Canada;
he received his early education in the common schools of Huron
county, Michigan. He attended high school at Goderich, Ontario, also
Normal School at Toronto. He received his medical education in
McGill University at Montreal, from which he was graduated in 1890.
He began his professional career at Garden, Delta county, Michigan,
where he remained three years. After spending one year at Esca-
naba, he located at Gladstone, where he has successfully practised
his profession the past sixteen years. He has w^on the confidence
and esteem of the community, and built up a large practice. Dr.
Kee is an influential citizen of Gladstone, and has always taken an
active interest in public affairs; politically he is a Republican and he
served about five years as a member of the school board. He belongs
to Delta County, State, Upper Peninsula Asociation, Ameri(3an As-
sociation of Railway Surgeons and American Medical Association,
and stands well in his profession. He is local surgeon for M. St. P.
& S. S. M. Ry. Co. He belongs to the Masonic order and to tho Knights
of the Maccabees.
Dr. Kee married in 1898, Elizabeth, daughter of William Smith,
of Ontario, Canada. She died in 1908, leaving one son, David N., ten
years of age.
Edward Carroll.— Distinguished as a native born citizen of On-
tonagon, Edward Carroll is actively identified with the business inter-
ests of this part of the Upper Peninsula, being an insurance agent, and
a dealer in real estate. He was born in this city, Augnst 10, 1868, of
pure Irish stock, his grandparents on both sides of the house having
been life-long residents of Ireland.
1136 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Peter Carroll, his father, was born in Tipperary, Ireland. When a
young man, about 1855, he emigrated to this country, being the only
member of the parental househpld to leave the Emerald Isle. He first
located at Fond du Lac, in the Territory of Minnesota, where, taking
up a tract of government land, he built a log cabin in the wilderness,
and began the improvement of a homestead. Selling out in 1864, he
removed to Hancock, Houghton count}-, Michigan, and the following
year, in 1865, located in Ontonagon, where he was subsequently vari-
ously employed until his death, in 1868, while yet in manhood's prime.
He married Anna Bannon, who was born in county "Waterford, Ire-
land, and was the only member of her father's family to cross the
Atlantic. She died in 1876, leaving six children, namely : Peter,
James M., Mary, Patrick, John, and Edward.
Leaving school at the age of sixteen years, Edward Carroll was de-
livery clerk for a grocer the following three years, after which he was
salesman in a general store three years. Starting then in business for
himself, he has since been actively and profitably engaged in the insurance
business, representing some of the standard companies of the United
States, and is also engaged to a considei-able extent in the real estate
business.
^Ir. Carroll married, in 1895, Mary E. Sullivan, who was born in
Greenland, Ontonagon county, Michigan, a daughter of Michael and
Helen (Power) Sullivan, natives of Ireland. Religiously Mr. and Mrs.
Carroll are valued members of the Holy Family Catholic church. A
Democrat in politics, ]\Ir. Carroll has served as village assessor for four-
teen years, and is now serving his thirteenth year as township clerk.
Fraternally he belongs to Hancock Council, No. 692, Knights of Col-
umbus.
PhUjIp B. T. Kirkwood. — No more worthy representative of the
native-born citizens of Negaunee, ]\Iarquette county, can be found than
Philip B. T. Kirkwood, who has succeeded to the business of his father,
the late Philip Boys Kirkwood, and is now one of the leading druggists
of Northern Michigan. He was born January 19, 1877, of honored Irish
ancestry. His grandfather. Dr. Kirkwood, an Irishman by birth and
breeding, studied medicine in the old country, and there began the prac-
tice of his profession. Leaving a part of his family in Ireland, he emi-
grated with his wife to America, settling first in Canada, later locating
in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he was for several years an active and
successful physician. On retiring from practice, he went back to Can-
ada, and there spent his last days.
Philip Boys 'Kirkwood was born in Dublin, Ireland, November 26,
1842, and was there educated. In 1857 he and his brother Arthur joined
their parents in Canada, afterward moAdng with the family to Oshkosh,
Wisconsin. There entering the employ of W. L. Williams, a druggist,
he remained with him until 1866, when he made his way to Negaunee,
and for four years worked in the drug store belonging to Dr. L. D. Cyr.
In 1871 Mr. Kirkwood formed a partnership with Dr. Cyr under the
firm name of Cyr & Kirkwood. Later in the year, still retaining his
interest in the Negaunee store, he went to California looking for a favor-
able location. He made up his mind to settle permanently on the Pacific
coast, but the location proved unfavorable and he returned east and
bought about $6,000.00 worth of stock for a Negaunee drug store, in
the meantime stopping at the old Tremont House, in Chicago. There,
on that memorable night, October 9, 1871, during the great conflagration
that destroyed so much of the city, his stock of drugs, his money, and his
PHILIP B. KIRKWOOD
i
THE NOETIIERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1137
trunks were burned. Returning to Negaunee, he subsequently bought
Dr. Cyr's interest in the drug store, and was here actively engaged in
business until 1907, when he was forced to retire from active pursuits
on account of ill health. With his wife he subsequently made a brief
visit in California, but passed away soon after his return to Michigan,
dying at his home July 27, 1907.
Philip Boys Kirkwood was quite active in public affairs, being one
of the leading members of the Republican party. He was township su-
pervisor before the incorporation of the city of Negaunee, and was after-
wards mayor of the city eight terms. He was identified with the estab-
lishment of various public enterprises, and was the father of the City
"Water Works and of the City Lighting plant. Fraternally he belonged
to Negaunee Lodge, No. 202, F. & A. M. ; to Negaunee Chapter, R. A. M. ;
to the Independent Order Of Odd Fellows; and to the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. He married, in Negaunee, Michigan, in 1871,
Marion E. O'Donoghue, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, June 21, 1844,
and is now a resiclent of Negaunee. Of her five children but two are
living, namely: John R., of Nebraska, and Philip B. T.
After completing the course of study in the public schools of Ne-
gaunee, Philip B. T. Kirkwood attended the Military Academy at Dela-
field, Wisconsin. He began his active career as a clerk in his father's
drug store, to the ownership of which he succeeded on the death of his
father, having been sole proprietor of the establishment since April 2,
1909. Here he is carrying on a substantial business, having one of the
cleanest, best-stocked and most up-to-date drug stores in the Upper Pen-
insula. Mr. Kirkwood is a Republican in his political affiliations, and
is a member of Negaunee Lodge, No. 202, F. & A. M. ; of the Knights of
the Maccabees ; of the Royal Arcanum ; and of Negaimee Lodge, No.
1106, B. P. 0. E.
Mr. Kirkwood married, February 2, 1904, Agnes M. Goodrich, who
was born in New York state, of French descent. Her father, Moses
Goodrich, was bom in France. Coming to Negaunee, Michigan, in the
spring of 1882, he secured work at the Pioneer Iron Furnace, and was
there accidentally killed a few weeks later. He married Aurilla Saint
Nee, who was born in Canada, and of their six children Ml-s. Kirkwood
was the youngest. Her mother died in December, 1908. Mr. and Mrs.
Kirkwood are the parents of two children, Marion Aurilla and Philip
Boys.
John Senter, one of the oldest of the pioneers of the Lake Superior
copper region, can look in retrospect over a long, active and useful
life; and now at the age of eighty-seven years is clear-minded and
alert, has at his command an almost inexhaustible fund of early
history, and is in short one of the most interesting men to be en-
countered in the Northern Peninsula. He was born at Peterboro,
New Hampshire, December 15, 1823, when James Monroe was pres-
ident of the United States, his parents being George W. and Mary
Steel Senter. Peterboro is a manufacturing town about sixty miles
distant from "the hub of the univ^erse," and there Mr. Senter Avas
reared and educated. When a little under twenty he came west and
accepted a position in the office of Gen. James Wilson, Surveyor Gen-
eral of Iowa and Wisconsin, this distinguished gentleman being a
relative of Mr. Senter. General Wilson belonged to the legal profes-
sion and at one time was a member of the lower house of the United
States Congress, representing New Hampshire. For three years,
from 1842 to 1845, Mr. Senter acted as one of General Wilson's clerks
1138 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
and made his residence for the greater pai't of the time at Dubuque,
although his duties required a good deal of travel over Iowa. In the
fall of 1845 he returned to New Hampshire and spent the winter at
General Wilson's home, and tlie following summer he and his patron
returned to Iowa. Their stay there, however, was of short duration
for the General had become interested in the first copper company,
The Lake Superior, which was under the captaincy of Martin Coryell
of Pennsylvania, and the young mau and the elder came on to the
Northern Peninsula of ^Michigan, locating at Eagle River. They made
the trip on the first trip of the "Julia Palmer," a side-wheeler and
the second steamer that ever traversed the waters of Lake Superior.
The first steamer, the propeller, Independence, had made one trip
the year previous.
General Wilson had an interest in three leases covering three
square miles each in what is now included in Keweenaw county, and
in Eagle River J\Ir. Senter located and there made his home for forty
years. In the first year Mr. Senter worked in the office of the Lake
Superior Copper Company and also did some engineering and survey-
ing. In the spring of 1847 he went back to New Hampshire for a
visit. Upon his return to Eagle Ri\rer he engaged in the mercantile
business for a time, and also served as deputy to Postmaster Coryell.
On September 28, 1847, Mr. Senter himself received the appointment
as postmaster, which position he held until 1855. Life in the newly
opened district was fraught with difficulties and at the close of nav-
igation in the fall, the copper district became entirely cut off from
the outside world, except for an occasional messenger on snow shoes
who penetrated the isolation, bringing news and even more substan-
tial comfort. Mr. Senter remembers the first steamer, the side-
wheeler "Illinois," which came through the canal on July 17, 1855.
Mr. Senter carried on his mercantile business until 1856 and in the
meantime, in 1848, had accepted the agency for E. I. DuPont, deNe-
mours & Company, the largest powder manufacturers in the world.
He at one time on account of the extensive mining operations found
it profitable to carry on four stores in the Northern Peninsula. He
retained his connection with E. I. DuPont until 1900. He also bought
and sold mining stocks and is still interested in them. He is very
well-to-do, owning real estate in Houghton and adjoining counties
and having various other financial interests.
In the good old days of "gallant Henry Clay," j\Ir. Senter was a
Whig and when that party passed out of existence he gave his alle-
giance to Republicanism. For eight years previous to the Civil war
he served as treasurer of Houghton county, Keweenaw, Baraga, and
Ontonagon counties being then included under that caption. He was
also a member of the Mining School Board until his resignation. Mr.
Senter is a valued member of Ontonagon Lodge, No. 67, A. F. & A. M.
Mr. Senter was married at Detroit October 17, 1867, the lady to
become his wife being Miss Lizzie T. Porter, a resident of Ypsilanti,
Michigan. Her parents were David and Naneie Jane Porter. Mr.
and Mrs. Senter have two sons and a daughter. Albert Wilson is
assistant in the assay office of the Calumet & Hecla Smelting Works;
Henry IMortimer owns and conducts saw and planing mills in
Colombia, South America; and Mrs. James B. Cooper is a resident of
Hubbell, her husband having charge of the Calumet & Hecla Smelting
Works. Mr. Senter makes his home in Houghton, his residence being
situated in the eastern part of town. He has only Avithin the last
few years abandoned an active business life and is now enjoying the
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1189
pleasures of an honored retirement. He is somewhat handicapped
by poor eyesight, the sight being gone from one of his eyes.
W. J. Bloy, a resident of Calumet, where he is engaged in the furni-
ture and undertaking business, is regarded as one of the most reliable
men in his line in this part of the country. He has been in the under-
taking business longer than any other man in Calumet and he is the
second oldest furniture dealer in the place. Although Mr. Bloy was
born in Devonshire, England, March 3, 1859, he has lived in America
almost all his life and is to all intents and purposes an American, his
parents having emigrated in the year of his birth. The father, Will-
iam Bloy (born 1836), and the mother, Mary Jane (Burn) Bloy, were
both natives of Devonshire, where they were married. The father had
previously visited America, and returned home after a six weeks' voy-
age with favorable reports of the new country. So well had he been
impressed with America resources that he brought over his family and
located in the Upper Peninsula in Ontonagon county, where he went to
work with the National Mining Company. After remaining in their
employ for ten years, he became associated with the Bohemian JNIining
Company and was with them for nine months, or until his removal to
Calumet, Michigan. Here he entered the employ of the Calumet &
Hecla ]\Iining Company in the capacity of shift boss at Red Jacket.
He was with them at the time that he met with the accident which
ended his life, falling from the bucket a distance of one hundred and
fifty feet and being instantly killed. He Avas well-known and had the
respect of his numerous friends and acquaintances. His wife still sur-
vives him and at the age of seventy years, resides at the corner of
Scott and Eighth streets. She is the mother of eleven children, five of
whom lived to maturity, W. J. being the eldest. The others are Henry ;
Lena, wife of Alfred J. Giles ; John F. ; and Annie, Avif e of Fred
Tamblyn.
When W. J. Bloy had finished his education in the public schools
of Calumet he went to work in the Centennial Stamp ]\Iills and was
afterwards employed in the company's store. His next position with
Ruppe & Sons continued for nine years and at the end of that time, in
1889, he embarked in business on his own account, establishing furni-
ture and undertaking concerns in Calumet and Red Jacket. He has
built up an excellent business, having a large and well selected stock
in the furniture department, and being imusually well equipped as a
mortuarian, with three hearses and a full line of funeral supplies. In
1908 he arranged with florists in different cities so that in connection
he is able to supply friends with fresh cut flowers. In 1895 he built
the fine and commodious structure in which his building is located.
This is of brick, 42 by 145, three stories in height and all floors being
used for business.
In 1885 ]\Ir. Bloy was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Pearce,
daughter of Richard Pearce, for many years a resident of Red Jacket.
He was a native of England, but came here at an early date and was
widely known in this locality. After the death of his wife he returned
to England. Mr. and Mrs. Bloy are the parents of five children : Wil-
bur A., associated with his father in the furniture business ; Blanche ;
Ruth; Irma; and Lydia. Mr. Bloy is possessed of considerable valu-
able property and has a fine residence in Laurium. He is a member
of Heela Lodge, No. 90, I. 0. 0. F.
Ephraim W. Allen.— The present treasurer of the Duluth, South
Shore & Atlantic Railway Company has been identified with this road,
1140 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
under its various changes, from the time it was established to the pres-
ent, and he is one of the well known ciiizens and representative busi-
ness men of the city of Marquette, where he maintains his official
headquarters and which has bjeen his place of abode since 1880.
Mr. Allen traces his lineage back to English extraction and the
family was founded in America in the seventeenth century. His
grandfather, Ephraim W. Allen, in whose honor he was named, was
a prominent newspaper man in Massachusetts, where he founded the
Newhuryport Herald. It is Avorthy of note that 'he had as an apprentice
in his newspaper office and as a member of his family for a number
of years William Lloyd Garrison, whose name is well known in his-
tory in connection with anti-slavery agitation.
Ephraim "W. Allen was bom in the historic old town of Salem,
Massachusetts, on the 18th of September, 1853, and is a son of Rev.
Ephraim AV. and Anne (Ham) Allen, the former of whom was born
in Newburyport, that state, in 1813, and the latter in Portsmouth,
New Hampshire, in 1818. The father died in 1896, and the mother
passed away in 1909, at the venerable age of ninety-one years. Of
their six children four are now living, — Mary, Martha, Ephraim "W.
and AVilliam S. Rev. Ephraim W. Allen an able and honored clergy-
man of the Congregational church, was educated at Amherst College
and at Andover and Yale Theological Seminaries, and was actively
engaged in the work of the ministry for more than half a century.
He passed the closing years of his life in New York city, as did also
his wife.
Ephraim "W. Allen passed his boyhood and youth in the states of
Massachusetts and Maine and after availing himself of the advan-
tages of Berwick Academy, at South Berwick, INIaine, he continued his
studies in the public schools at Haverhill, Massachusetts. In the
latter place he initiated his independent career as a proofreader in a
newspaper office. In 1876 he came to Alichigan and located in the
city of Detroit, where he was employed for several years on the
Detroit Free Press. Prior to this he had learned the moulder's trade,
at Providence, Rhode Island, with a company in which relatives were
interested, and early in 1880 he went to Kansas City, Missouri, where
he was bookkeeper in a banking institution for a few months, at the
expiration of which, in the autimm of the same year, he came to Mar-
quette, where he assumed the responsibility of opening the books in
connection with the construction work of the Detroit, Alackinae &
Marc|uette Railroad. He later was retained as auditor of the com-
pany after it had instituted the active operation of its line, and under
the various changes that have since occurred in the control and man-
agement of this railroad he has served either as auditor or treasurer
of the operating company. He is the present treasurer of the Duluth,
South Shore & Atlantic Railway Company, whose system represents
the outgrowth of the original line mentioned, and his long retention
of office offers the best evidence of the estimate placed upon his
services. In politics Mr. Allen gives his allegiance to the Republican
party and both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian
church.
On the 23d of March, 1881, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Allen to Miss Susan Dyar. who was born at Romeo. Macomb county.
Michigan; a daughter of John "W. and Sarah (Beekman) Dyar, the
former of whom was born in A^rmont and the latter in New Jersey.
Mrs. Allen was the seventh in order of birth in a family of eight chil-
dren, and of the number five are now living. Mr. Dyar was a rep-
C^ 6. (Z^^^^.
yf^ Co. KyyUr^- ^<
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1141
resentative merchant of Romeo for many years and there both he
and his wife continued to reside until their death. To. Mr. and Mrs.
Allen have been born four children,— Hug-h McM., Philip T., Win-
throp D., and Margery,— all of whom are living except the eldest son,
who died at the age of eighteen years.
Regin^uijD C. Pryor is one of ]\Iichigan 's native sons, and as an enter-
prising citizen is a credit to his nativity. He was born in the village
of Eagle Harbor, in Keweenaw county, July 27, 1867, his parents being
James and Isabella J. (Chappell) Pryor, both natives of England. A
sketch of the life of the father who emigrated to America about the
middle of the nineteenth century, settled in Houghton, and became a
man of property and prominence, appears elsewhere in this volume.
In his boyhood Mr. Pryor attended the village schools of Houghton
and graduated from the high school in his sixteenth year. After leav-
ing school he assisted his father for a year, and then taught country
school for a year after when he entered the Michigan College of Mines
at Houghton where he pursued a three years course. He also served
successfully as instructor in mathematics, drawing and mineralogy in
the Michigan College of Mines, his connection with the faculty of that
institution being of one year's duration, after which he took a special
course at Harvard college for a year. After leaving Harvard College
he was employed as assistant engineer by an English Corporation doing
exploratory work at Isle Royale Island and remained ^nth them until
they closed operations. He then opened a mining engineering office at
Houghton and continued in this line until 1901. During this time he
was engaged as mining engineer for the Franklin, Huron. Centennial
and Arcadian mines, was also engaged in examining and reporting on
mines of this region, also had charge of exploratory work at JMich-
ipocation and at the old Belt Property in Ontonagon county for Eastern
capitalists. In addition to mining work he acted as village engineer
for different villages in Houghton county, as well as carrying on a
general land surveying business.
In the fall of 1898 and the early winter of 1899 he secured options
on lands which were sold to a representative of the Standard Oil Co.
and which later formed the Miners Copper Co. These holdings
now form the principal producing portion of the Isle Royale Copper
Companies property.
In 1901 ]Mr. Pryor interested some friends and organized the AVheal-
kate Mining Co. upon property which has the underlay of the Baltic
Lode and adjoins the Baltic Mine. He cleared a portion of the surface
of this property and platted the town of South Range which has since
become a mining town of some commercial importance. He was also
one of the organizers and the first president of the Citizens National
Bank of Houghton, and the promoter and organizer of the South Range
Bank of South Range.
In 1903 Mr. Pryor secured options on lands in section 15, town 54
north of range 34 west, near Houghton and located the Baltic lode.
Later he organized the Superior Copper Co. and took over this prop-
erty. Mr. Pryor become president and manager of the Superior and
remained so until its sale to the Calumet & Hecla ]\Iining Co.
In 1905 he was instrumental in the organization of the Lake Copper
Co. which took over the lands of the old Belt Mining Co. situated in
Ontonagon county, of which property he was chosen president and
manager. It was due to his initiative that the diamond drill was used
in exploring the eastern lodes of the copper bearing series at this prop-
1142 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
erty and findiDg what is now kuoAATi as the Lake lode near the eastern
sand stone, a portion of the copper bearing range which has given some
of the jirincipal producers of this region.
He interested ^Messrs J. H. Rice, and R. ]\I. Edwards with himself
in acquiring lands adjacent to the Lake Property from which were
formed the Algomah. North Lake, Indiana, Fire Steel and Bohemia
Mining Companies. In 1902 he became interested with his father and
his brother John C. Pryor and Avith them organized the Houghton
Lumber Co., John C. Prj'or becoming manager of the property.
]\Ir. Pryor was married June 29, 1893, to Miss Annie J. Weir,
daughter of Andrew Weir, a resident of Houghton. In 1904 a fine
residence was erected by them on College Avenue, this being one of the
most elegant dwellings in the best residence portion of the town. Mr.
Pry^or is the possessor of much other valuable property, most of which
is in Houghton county. He gives his support to the Republican party,
but has never been an office seeker.
Charles D. Blanchard.— During the many years that Charles D.
Blanchard has been a resident of ^larquette, he has taken a warm in-
terest in local progress and improvements, winning for himself an en-
viable reputation as an honest man and a desirable citizen. He has ably
filled many public offices, since 1889 having served as justice of the
peace. Coming from substantial New England stock, he Avas born,
Februaiy 3, 1839, in Hampden county, ^Massachusetts, being the young-
est of the five children born to Eleazer and Eliza (Dorchester) Blanch-
ard. His parents were natives of New England, his father having
been born in Rhode Island, and his mother in Connecticut.
Losing his father when a small child, Charles D. Blanchard had
few school advantages, obtaining his education largely through read-
ing, observation, and contact with the world and the world's people.
At the age of ten years he began life as a sailor boy, going to sea A^ath
his uncle, Captain Lorenzo Blanchard. In 1852, when but thirteen
years old, he went around the Horn on a whaling ship to California,
thence to Honolulu, Hawaii. There deserting the vessel, he went on a
sailing vessel to San Francisco, where he shipped on the clipper "Fly-
ing Squall" for New York City. The clipper, an unusually fast boat,
broke all records on that voyage, making the run between the Golden
Gate and Sandy Hook, off Highland Light, in a little more than eighty-
two days. Leaving the ocean service in 1855, 'Sir. Blanchard began
sailing the Great Lakes, in 1856 coming to the LTpper Peninsula with
a two hundred and seventy-five ton vessel, which he loaded at ]\Iar-
quette, ]\Iichig-an, with iron ore, the process of loading taking twenty-
one days.
In May, 1861, 'Mr. Blanchard enlisted in the United States Navy,
and on November 7, 1861, took part in the expedition that captured the
earthworks at Port Royal entrance, and there raised the L^nion flag.
He served in the Navy until September, 1862, and in 1863 enlisted in
the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, later being transferred to the
One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which
he served until September, 1865.
Returning home, ^Ir. Blanchard sailed the lakes, as owner and cap-
tain of steam and sailing vessels, until 1877. On September 12, 1878,
he was appointed inspector of hulls at Marquette by John Sherman,
secretary of the treasury, and held the office until 1888, when he was
displaced by Grover Cleveland, president, for partisan reasons. In
1888 Mr. Blanchard was elected superintendent of the poor of Mar-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1143
quette, at the same time being appointed coimty agent of the Board of
Correction and- Charities. In September, 1889, he was elected justice of
the peace, and these offices he has since held, succeeding himself each
term.
]Mr. Blanchard is a prominent member and past grand commander, of
Albert Jackson Post, No. 300, 6. A. R., of jMarquette. An active member
of the Masonic Order, he has held all the offices in the Grand Chapter
of the Royal Arch Masons of Michigan, in 1895 serving as grand high
priest.
In 1867, Mr. Blanchard married Mary Waring, and of the five
children born of their union, four are living, namely : Edna, wife of
Charles R. Hilton, of Boston, Massachusetts ; Fred C, of Salt Lake
City, Utah ; Olive, wife of Harry L. Gray, of Lewiston, Idaho ; and
Chester A., who is in San Francisco. Mrs. Gray was graduated from the
University of Michigan, and previous to her marriage was a teacher
in the State Normal schools of Missouri and Idaho.
Frank Haun. — The demise of Frank Haun of Dollar Bay on March
2, 1910, removed from the locality an old resident and one who had
enjoyed a good deal of prominence and the esteem of his associates.
Up to within a few weeks of his death he was president of the Cit-
izens' National Bank of Houghton and was serving as postmaster at
Dollar Bay, having first been appointed to the latter position in
Cleveland's first term and again during McKinley's administration
and continuing from that time on. ]\Ir. Haun was a German in
nationality, having been born at Kromminthal, Bavaria, Germany,
July 13, 1840. He came to America with his parents who located
at Eagle River, August 14, 1853. They subsequently removed to the
old Phoenix mine where the father was engaged to do the carpentry
work. They made several changes, stopping for awhile at the Bay
State Mine and then at the Eagle River ]\Iine. Young Frank's first
emplojTnent was in the North American Stamp Mill, of which Cap-
tain Paul was then the agent.
In 1858 the parents left the Lake Superior region and went to
Iowa where the father bought a farm and engaged in farming.
Frank Haun had received a rudimentary education in the Fatherland
and went to school in Iowa that winter, this being the only school he
attended in the new country. As he remarks in a sketch of his life
which he wrote shortly before he died, and from which these notes
are in part taken, "It was a small country school, but it was better
than the Lake Superior place for there was no school there at all."
In the following spring he found work upon a neighboring farm
and the next year the family went back to Lake Superior. He and
his brother found work upon the farm of one Charles York, whose
estate lay just north of the Phoenix Stamp i\Iill, the occupation of
the tw^o young men consisting in chopping w^ood and clearing land
in which they persisted for a year. They then went to Portage Lake
and found employment in the Grand Portage Lake Stamp Mill, ]\Ir.
William Harris of the firm of William & Harris being the stamp, boss.
Following this Frank worked in the Quincy ]\Iine with the carpenters
and then as a blacksmith, and although he had tried so many lines
of work he was then but twenty years of age.
About this time Mr. Haun engaged his services in the Isle Royale
Mine, helping to put in the skip-road in No. 5 shaft and to sink two
lifts of two hundred feet. Then the family moved back to Iowa to
their farm, but did not stay long for the father's heatlh failed and they
1144 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
returned to Lake Superior where he died not long after. Frank
Haun resumed his association with the Isle Royale, but quitted it to
drive a wagon for R. Sheldon & Company, and later accepted a posi-
tion in the store of their successors, Smith & Harris.
The record of the next few succeeding years is varied. In 1871
he removed to L'Anse to work for J. B. Smith & Company and a
short time afterward went into business with Christopher Miller at
the Keystone Mine near Champion Station, but the mines soon closed
and he went back to Houghton where he worked for Smith, Harris
& Company, of Calumet. After a short residence at Schoolcraft he
went to Franklin where he worked for Harris, Seager & Company,
and then for James H. Seager, his employment with the latter lasting
for four years. He then went into business with Johnson Vivian at
the Osceola Mine, but sold his interest in the store to work for the
Osceola Mining Company, taking charge for one year of the Surface
work and the warehouse at the mills.
It was at the termination of his employment that Mr. Haun took
up his residence at Dollar Bay where he was to remain for the rest
of his life. He started in mercantile business for himself, but in 1888,
took a partner in the person of A. M. Schulte and conducted business
under the firm name of Haun & Schulte. As said previously, Mr. Haun
was appointed postmaster under Cleveland's first administration, and
his partner was appointed to the same office under Cleveland's sec-
ond administration. When McKinley was elected Mr. Haun was ap-
pointed again and continued to serve until the time of his death. He
retired from his business connections in 1906.
On May 4, 1864, Mr. Haun was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Wieber and fourteen children were born to them, eight of whom sur-
vive. All of these are married and have established homes with the
exception of two blind sons, Frank and Edward, who remain be-
neath the home roof. The names of the daughters are Mrs. Anton
Wendell of Hancock, Michigan; Mrs. R. H. MacDonald of Dollar
Bay ; Mrs. John Langdon, of Globe, Arizona ; Mrs. Dan Harrington of
Calumet; Mrs. John M. Vivian of Houghton; and Mrs. C. L. Adams
of Baker Hill, Mich. Mrs. Haun survives her husband and makes her
home at the Pleasant Home in Dollar Bay. Mr. and Mrs. Haun were
prominent in the work of the Catholic church.
Andrew Nelson. — The Swedish citizens of the Upper Peninsula have
no more worthy representative than Andrew Nelson, an energetic, wide-
awake business man of Crystal Falls, wbo has been prominent for many
years in developing and promoting the lumber interests of Iron county.
A native of Central Sweden, he was born June 1, 1859. His father, a
carpenter by trade, spent his entire life in Sweden. Three of his sons,
Charles, Gust and Andrew, came to America, and the younger and older
one remained here, but Charles returned to his native laud.
An honest, industrious, and ambitious lad, Andrew Nelson acquired
a substantial common school education in the Fatherland, and while
working with his father became familiar with the carpenter's trade.
Coming to Michigan in 1878, he located at Republic among strangei-s,
unable to speak or understand a word of English. Anning himself
with a pick and a shovel, he began work in the mines, and on every occa-
sion improved his opportunities of acquiring the English language. Sub-
sequently giving up mining, Mr. Nelson followed the carpenter's trade
in Republic until 1891, meeting with good success. Locating then at
Crystal Falls, he embarked in business as a contractor and builder, but
0^^--i.^-'t^^O-t^'€^<i^--p-- /fy /Le-^^'--cr>'.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1145
gradually changed his operations, becoming a lumber dealer. He estab-
lished a yard at the St. Paul Railway Station, and not only deals in
dressed lumber of all kinds, but buys standing timber, which he converts
into logs, and sells to the manufacturers. Very successful in his opera-
tions, Mr. Nelson is now deservedly rated among the solid and substan-
tial business men of the Upper Peninsula.
On September 22, 1908, Mr. Nelson married Abba Olson, who was
bom in Michigan, of Swedish parents. They have one child, Ellen F.,
who was born June 5, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are faithful members
of the Swedish Lutheran church. Politically IVIr. Nelson is identified
with the Republican party, and has served as a member of the City Coun-
cil, and as city treasurer. Fraternally he belongs to the Mystic Work-
ers of the World, and to the Swedish Society.
Nicholas F. Kaiser.— Although comparatively a young man, Nich-
olas F. Kaiser has succeeded in full measure in gaining the confidence
of the community in which he makes his home, and holds the three-
fold office of village clerk, secretary of the board of water commissions,
and notary public, his headquarters being located in the Calumet town
hall. Mr. Kaiser belongs particularly to Houghton county, having
been born in the village of Red Jacket, May 29, 1879, and having ever
since with the exception of a short period of time, made his home within
its borders. His parents, both of whom are now living in Red Jacket,
are by mame Jacob D. and Susan (Hetz) Kaiser. The father was a
native of Germany who emigrated to America in his fourteenth year.
He subsequently found his way to Wisconsin, the mother's native state,
married, and earned his livelihood as a wagon and carriage maker.
Nicholas F. Kaiser pursued his studies in Calumet's excellent
schools and was graduated from the high school in 1896. He spent
the year following working for his father in his wagon shop and for
the next five years his services were employed as assistant in the co-
operative company. He spent one year in Sault Ste. Marie and re-
turned to Calumet where he found, employment with E. R. Godfrey.
In 1902 he was appointed secretary of the water board, the following
year was elected to the office of village clerk of Red Jacket and in
1906 was re-elected to his present position, his services having proved
faithful as well as efficient. In politics Mr. Kaiser is a supporter of
the "Grand Old Partj." as its adherents term it, and in his fraternal
relations he is a member of the Eagles and also of the B. P. 0. E.
No. 404.
In 1906 Mr. Kaiser was united in marriage to Miss Flora McNabb
of Red Jacket, daughter of Laughlin McNabb, well-known in the vi-
cinity. They have one son, Nicholas J.
M. H. Quick.— Manistique has been the home of M. H. Quick for
thirty-seven years and more, and he is too well known in Northern
Michigan to need introduction to the readers of this volume. As a
business man and as a citizen he is honored and respected, and the
years of his life have brought to him the confidence and respect of
his fellow-citizens. He was born in Steuben county. New York, Feb-
ruary 17, 1840, a son of Hiram Quick, from the same place, and a
grandson of John Quick, who was born in New Jersey and became
one of the pioneers of Hammondsport, New York. He was of Dutch
descent. Hiram Quick was a contractor and lumberman, and he spent
his entire life in New York, dying at the age of sixty-five years. He
married Catherine Chapman, from the same coiumonwealth, born near
1146 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
the city of Dundee, and she died when about forty years of age. She
too was of English descent.
M. H. Quick was the first born of their sixteen children, of whom
ten grew to manhood and womanhood, and his boyhood's days were
spent at Cooper's Plains in Steuben county, attending the common
schools there. His father owned a saw mill, and the young lad learned
the business there, and after reaching the age of maturity he was for
four years in charge of the Cooper Mills. He was then for six years
with the milling firm of Fox, Weston and Bronson at Painted Post, and
coming to Manistique in 1872 he took charge of the manufacture of
lumber for the Chicago Lumber Company, holding that position until
1897. He was then made the superintendent of the company, an of-
fice he has since held, and he is also one of the stockholders of
the corporation and one of its directors. He is also a charter mem-
ber of the Western Lumber Company and its superintendent. He is
one of the directors and the treasurer of the White Marble Lime Com-
pany, was one of the organizers and was a director of the AVestern
Furnace Company and was for a time its treasurer, was one of the
organizers and is a stockholder in and a director and vice-president
of the Manistiqvie Bank and he is a stockholder in the First National
Bank of Manistique. In polities he is a Republican, and he has served
his community as a supervisor and for thirty-three years was a mem-
ber of the school board. He is one of the present trustees of Kalama-
zoo College at Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Mr. Quick was married in 1862 to iMartha J. Gifford, and they have
two children, Alice and Oren G. The daughter is the wife of W. E.
Miller and the son is one of the business men of jNIanistique. The
family are members of the Baptist church, and Mr. Quick has served
his church as a deacon since its organization in 1882 and since 1884
he has held the office of church treasurer.
Oscar V. Linden, of Escanaba, Michigan, has been identified with
this place for three decades and has figured prominently in its busi-
ness and political affairs. He is a native of Sweden and was bom
June 26, 1860, and in 1881, on reaching his majority, emigrated to
America. He had received the usual common school education in his
native place and previous to his coming to this country had spent two
years as clerk in a store at Gottland. Upon his arrival in this coun-
try he took up his residence in Escanaba, Michigan, where he at once
accepted a position as clerk in a store. After clerking one year, he
formed a partnership with P. M. Peterson, and under the firm name of
Peterson & Linden they opened a general merchandise store, which
they conducted successfully for three years. At the end of this time
the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Linden carried on the busi-
ness independently until 1891, when he sold out.
In the mean time he became interested in politics. For years he
has been active in county and state conventions, and as a reward for
his loyalty to the best interests of his locality he has been honored by
his fellow citizens 'v^dth official preferment. In 1887 he was elected
supervisor of the Third ward, and in 1890 he was made chairman of
the Board of Supervisors. Then followed, in 1891, his election to the
office of county clerk, which he filled eight years, or four terms, hav-
ing been re-elected three times. At the first election he received a
majority of sixty votes. The second time his majority was 700; the
third, 12 ; and the fourth, 1800, this last being the highest majority
received by any candidate on the ticket. In 1903 he was elected a
justice of the peace, which position he now holds.
THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1147
After his retiremeut from the clerk's office, Mr. Linden turned his
attention to fire insurance, in whicli business he was engaged until
1908, when he sold out. In 1902, he helped to organize the North
Star Clothing Company, of which he has since been secretary. Also
he is agent for John A. Toleman & Company, of Chicago.
In 1885 Mr. Linden married Miss Laura Frodell, who, like him-
self, is a native of Sweden, her people having been residents of Lin-
desberg. Five children have blessed this union — Arthur, Jennie, Ed-
win, Elmer and Louis.
Fraternally, Mr. Linden is identified with a number of organiza-
tions in Escanaba. He was a member of the I. 0. 0. F. here, and for
several years was district deputy. He has membership in the Mod-
ern "Woodmen of America, the B. P. O. E., the K. of P. and the F. &
A. M., in the last named having received the Royal Arch degree. Also
he is a member of the Escanaba Business Men's Association.
J. Charles Guay. — It is ever pleasing to note the salient points in
the career of a man who has forged his way to the goal of success through
his own energies and powers and who has accomplished this along nor-
mal and legitimate lines of endeavor. This is significantly true in the
case of this well known and highly esteemed citizen of Menominee. He
has been a resident of the Upper Peninsula for forty-two years, and
thus may well be entitled one of its pioneer citizens, the while he has
here found the opportunities through the medium of which he has accu-
mulated a competency and become one of the substantial citizens of
Menominee county.
Joseph Charles Guay was born at St. Marris, near Three Rivers,
province of Quebec, Canada, on the 6th of January, 1847, and is a son
of Joseph and Matilda (Marrieau) Guay, both of whom were of French
lineage. The father was born at Riviere du Loup, province of Quebec,
Canada, in 1802, and died in 1863 ; the mother was bom at St. Leon, that
province, in 1804, and died in 1888. Of the ten children only two are
now living, — Matilda, who resides in Massachusetts, and J. Charles, who
is the immediate subject of this sketch. Joseph Guay learned the car-
penter's trade in his youth, but the major portion of his life was devoted
to agricultural pursuits. Both he and his wife continued to reside in the
province of Quebec until their death and both were devout communi-
cants of the Catholic church. After receiving rudimentary education in
the parochial schools of his native place the subject of this sketch en-
tered, at the age of twelve years, the Christian Brothers ' school in Three
Rivers, Canada, where he was a student about two years. He then en-
tered St. Joseph's College, in Three Rivers, where he completed his
educational discipline under effective conditions. For some time he was
employed as clerk in a general store in his home province and thereafter
he assisted in the work and management of liis father's farm until 1866,
when, at the age of nineteen years, he came west. He remained in
Chicago for a brief interval and then made his way to Green Bay, "Wis-
consin, where he was identified with lumbering operations for the ensu-
ing eighteen months, working in the lumber woods during the winter
and in a saw mill for the remainder of the time. He made his advent
in Menominee, Michigan, on the 9th of June, 1868, and recalls this thriv-
ing city as having been a mere lumbering camp at that time. Here he
was first employed in a saw mill and for nine winters thereafter he
worked as cook in a lumber camp in the woods. During the intervening
summers he conducted a boarding house for the employes in the saw
mills at Menominee. In 1875 he made his first independent venture by
1148 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
opening a bakery in this city, but in the winter seasons he continued to
be employed in the lumber camps, as a cook, luitil 1878. On the 2d of
April, of that year, after disposing of his bakery, he removed to Stephen-
son, Menominee county, where he had charge of a boarding house for the
employes of the shingle and saw mill of H. Bird, in whose employ he
continued for three years. In the meanwhile he had purchased a tract
of land near Stephenson and hired men to reclaim the same and initiate
the work of cultivation. In 1881 he became clerk in a general store at
Stephenson, ^Michigan, and he eventually became bookkeeper and general
manager of the establislunent, which was owned by Felix Beaudoin for
a portion of the time and later by the firm of Anderson & Churchill.
In 1883 he resigned his position with this firm and became bookkeeper
for 0. Letro, but the following year he re-entered the employ of Ander-
son & Churchill, at an increased salary, continuing thus engaged until
July, 1885, when the plant was destroyed by fire. Mr. Guay now re-
moved to his farm, and thereafter he continued to be engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits and in contracting in connection with the real estate busi-
ness until 1892, when he erected a comfortable dwelling in Stephenson
and there took up his residence.
In 1880 ]\Ir. Guay was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and
of this position he continued incumbent for many years. He served as
clerk of Stephenson township for a period of six years, and in December,
1893, there came further evidence of his eligibility and of popular confi-
dence and esteem, when he entered upon the duties of the office of post-
master at Stephenson, under the administration of President Cleveland.
He retained this incumbency for four years, and in the fall of 1898 he
was elected county clerk of ]\Ienominee county, in which responsible
office he initiated his administration on the 1st of the following January.
In this, as in all other positions of public trust to which he has been
called, Mr. Guay showed not only marked administrative and executive
ability but also the utmost fidelity and honor in the discharging of his
assigned functions. At the time of his election he removed from Ste-
phenson to ^Menominee, and he served two years as county clerk. In
the autumn of 1904 there came to this able and honored citizen another
call to public service, since he was then elected to the office of county
treasurer. He gave a most careful administration of the fiscal affairs of
the county and the popular estimate placed upon his services was shown
by his re-election in 1906. He retired from office in the autumn of 190S
and then engaged in the insurance and real-estate business, in which he
has since continued with ever increasing success. He is personally the
owner of much valuable real estate in this county, including his fine
farm of forty acres in Stephenson township.
In politics ]Mr. Guay accords a staunch support to the cause of the
Democratic party, and he has long been an influential figure in its coun-
cils in Menominee county. His aspirations have never been narrow in
their bounds and have included a zealous desire to do well his part as
a loyal citizen. He has thiLs given his support to all measures projected
for the general welfare of the community. He and his wife are commu-
nicants of St. Anne's Catholic church, and he has been secretary and
treasurer of this parish since 1901.
On the 3d of July, 1873, was solemnized the marriage of ]\Ir. Guay
to Miss Elizabeth ]\IcGuire, who was bom at Hartford, Wisconsin, on
the 27tli of ]\Iarch, 1852, and who is a daughter of Thomas and Catherine
McGuire, both of whom were born and reared in Ireland, where their
marriage was solemnized. Of their seven children four are now living,
— Charles, Thomas, Delia and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. McGuire came
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1149
to America soon after their marriage and took up their residence six
miles distant from Hartford, Washington county, Wisconsin, where Mr.
McGuire became a prosperous farmer. He was a Democrat in politics
and heki various township offices, and both he and his wife were com-
municants of the Catholic church. They continued to reside in Wash-
ington county until their death and were numbered among the sterling
pioneers of that section of the Badger state. Mr. and Mrs. Guay became
the parents of six children, all of whom are living except Florence, the
first-born, who died in infancy, and Charles J., who died in 1905, at the
age of twenty-nine years, and who is survived by his wife and four chil-
dren. Laura is the wife of Hugh McGuire, of Menominee ; Edward J.
is bookkeeper for the firm of Wiedeman & Linder, of IMarinette, Wis-
consin ; Henry T. is night telegraph operator at the Menominee station
of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad; and Elizabeth, who remains
at the parental home, is a stenographer by vocation.
Peter W. Pasco has proved one of the noble army of workers and
has gained success through his own well directed efforts, being now
captain of mines for the Republic Iron Mining Company and retain-
ing his residence in the village of Republic, Marquette county. He
has served for the past seven years as clerk of Republic township and
for two terms held the office of township treasurer, — incumbencies
that well indicate the esteem in which he is held in the community,
Peter W. Pasco was born in Porkellis, Wendron parish, Cornwall,
England, on the 13th of June, 1854. He is a son of William and
Elizabeth (Jeffries) Pasco, both of whom were natives of that same
parish, where the former was born in 1801 and the latter in 1814.
The father was identified with the great mining industry of Corn-
wall throughout his active career and his death, which occurred in
1862, was the result of injuries received while at work in the mines.
Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Of their eight children five are now living, and the subject
of this sketch is the youngest of the number.
Peter W. Pasco gained his rudimentary education in the schools
of his native place and when but nine years of age he began to work
on the stamp floors of a tin mine, where he received six cents a day
in compensation for his services. He was thus employed until he had
attained the age of fourteen years, when, in 1868, he came Avith his
widowed mother, two sisters and one brother to America, the family
landing in New York City on the 28th of AugTist, of that year. They
located at Mount Hope, Morris county, New Jersey, where the subject
of this sketch attended school for six months, after which he was
there identified with iron mining until 1875, his devoted mother hav-
ing passed away in the preceding year. On the 5th of October, 1875,
Mr. Pasco arrived in the village of Republic, Llichigan, where he became
first assistant superintendent for the Republic Iron Mining Company.
He retained this position until 1884, when he was appointed under-
ground captain, serving as such until 1892, since which time he has held
the office of captain for this large and important corporation, being one
of its popular and triisted employes.
Mr. Pasco is a stanch Republican in his political adherency, and
as previously noted, he served two terms as toAvnship treasurer, while
he has served continuously as township clerk since 1903. He attends
and assists in the support of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which
his wife is a member and he is affiliated with Ishpeming Lodge No.
314, Free & Accepted Masons; Ishpeming Chapter No. 152, Roya^
1150 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Arch Masons; and with the local organization of the Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows ; and the Modern Woodmen of America.
In the year 1880 Mr. Paseo was united in marriage to Miss Emma
Williams, of Tavistock, Devonshire, England, who is a daughter of
Collin and Jane Williams, the latter of whom died at the age of forty-
nine years, and the former passed the closing years of his life at Re-
public, Michigan, where he died in 1894, having come to America in
the early '60s and having been long identified Avith mining enter-
prises in the Upper Peninsula. Both he and his wife hold member-
ship in the Methodist Episcopal church. J\Ir. and Mrs. Pasco became
the parents of seven children, of whom six are living, namely, —
Peter W., Jr., William, Clara E., Frank D., Beulah and Bessie. Earl
died in infancy.
Rev. Owen J. Bennett, pastor of All Saints' Roman Catholic
church at Gladstone, ]\Iichigan, Avas born May 7, 1880, at ^Marquette,
Michigan. His father, James Bennett, is a native of Ireland, who
came to America when a young man, and Avas married in ^Marquette
by Father Fox, to Margaret Shea, also a native of Ireland. Mr. Ben-
nett became a prominent citizen of Marquette, Avhere he reared his
family.
The early education of Father Bennett was acquired in St. Jo-
seph's Academy at Marquette, and later on he took up a classical
course at Calvary, Wisconsin. He then attended St. ]\Iary's Semi-
nary at Cincinnati, Ohio, and completed his course in theology at the
Laval University of Quebec. He Avas ordained to the priesthood in
the Cathedral at Marquette, Michigan, June 17, 1905. He served nine
months as assistant to ReA^ Father Alfield at St. Patrick's church,
Hancock, Michigan, and March 15, 1906, Avas transferred to St. Au-
gustine's parish. Republic, Michigan, Avhere he erected a fine neAV
modern parsonage. He remained in charge of this parish imtil No-
vember 21, 1907.
Rev. Father Bennett came to Gladstone November 21, 1907, and
has made a number of improvements in the buildings, etc. In 1909
the church held a veiy successful fair, the proceeds of which, over
$2,000, will be used in the erection of a parochial school on the three
lots adjoining the parsonage ; Avhich lots were purchased in the spring
of 1908. The affairs of the congregation are in a prosperous condi-
tion, and there are some two hundred families in the parish. Father
Bennett is an earnest, eloquent speaker, greatly interested in the Avel-
fare of his people, and has their full confidence and esteem. He is a
well knoAATi and useful member of society and highly respected by all.
Louis C. Vasseur. — A A^enerable and respected resident of Ontonagon,
Louis C. Yasseur has lived in this section of the Upper Peninsula for
more than forty consecutive years, during AA'hich time he has been an
interested obserA^er of the many wonderful changes that liaA^e taken place
in the face of the country, watching Avath pride and satisfaction its
groAvdng prosperity. A son of the late Charles Vasseur, Jr., he was bom,
October 19, 1829, in the Adllagre of Pentanguishine, Simcoe county, proA^-
ince of Ontario, Canada, of French descent.
His grandfather, Charles Yasseur. Sr., was born, bred, educated and
married in Paris, France. Emigrating to this country, he followed his
trade of a silversmith in New York City for a time, but subsequently
followed the pioneer's trail to the northwestern territory, locating at
Green Bay, Wis., when there were but few white settlers west of the
of^^tyxA-A^^^
& ^
'.^O^^^.-'^XAAA^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1151
Ohio river. Establishing a trade with the Indians, he continued his resi-
dence there until his death. His oldest son remained in France, but
two daughters came to this country with him and his wife, and their
other son, Charles, Jr., was born at Green Bay, Wis.
Charles Vasseur, Jr., grew up among the Indians at Green Bay, and
when a young man went to jMaekinac, and when the British soldiers
withdrew from there he went with them to Drummond's Island, Lake
Huron, where he married. He afterwards followed the soldiers to
Canada, and settled permanently in Simcoe county, province of Ontario,
purchasing three hundred and eighty acres of timberland, from which
he cleared a good farm. He continued there a tiller of the soil until his
death, which was accidental, he having been drowned, at the age of sev-
enty-five years, in the Georgian Bay. He married, on Drummond's
Island, Margaret MacAllister, who was born on jNIackinac Island, in Lake
Michigan. Her father, Mr. MacAllister, a native of Scotland, was then
serving there as an officer in the British Army. He died soon after the
War of 1812, and his body was taken back to Glasgow, Scotland, for
burial. Mrs. ]\Iargaret Vasseur died at the age of seventy-seven years.
She bore her husband fourteen children, twelve sons and two daughters.
Louis C. Vasseur grew to manhood in Pentanguishine, living there
until twenty-four years of age. Coming then to Michigan, he sailed the
Lakes a number of years. In 1863 he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-
ninth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, at Marquette, and served with his
regiment in all of its campaigns and engagements. In the battle before
Petersburg, when the fort was blown up, he was dangerously wounded,
and was thereafter confined in the hospital at St. David's Island until
receiving his honorable discharge, on account of physical disability, in
February, 1865. Llr. Vasseur immediately came to Ontonagon, Michi-
gan, to visit a brother, and, with the exception of the following year,
which he spent at Green Bay, Wisconsin, he has since resided in this
place.
Mr. Vasseur married, in 1867, Harriet Benjamin, who was born in
Ontonagon county, Michigan, a daughter of Joseph and Catherine Ben-
jamin, and they have one child living, Joseph Vasseur. Four daughters
were also born to them, Josephine, Pauline, Margaret, and Louisa, and
all grew to womanhood, but have since passed to the life beyond.
Rt. Rev. G. Mott AVilliams.— A distinguished representative of the
priesthood of the Protestant Episcopal church is Rev. Gershon Mott
Williams, of Marquette, who holds the distinguished office of Bishop of
the diocese of Marciuette, and who has labored with all of consecrated
zeal and devotion in his noble field. The bishop is a scion of one of the
honored pioneer families of Michigan and is the grandson of General
John R. Williams, who was the first mayor of the city of Detroit, to
which position he was elected six times, and who was the president of the
Constitutional Convention of Assent, under which IMichigan was ad-
mitted to the Union. He organized the militia of the state and was
its first major general. Judge Thomas Williams, great-grandfather
of Bishop Williams, became a resident of Detroit about the middle of
the eighteenth century, and he served as judge under appointment
from the British government.
Bishop Williams was born at Fort Hamilton, New York, on the
nth of February, 1857, and is a son of General Thomas Williams, who
served as major of the Fifth United States Artillery, commanded the
Second Brigade of the Army of the Gulf in the Civil war, and who
was killed in the battle of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on the 5th of
1152 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN
August, 1862. He was born at Albany, New York, on the 16th of
January, 1815. Mary N. (Bailey) Williams, mother of Bishop Wil-
liams, was born at Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, in 1835.
Bishop Williams received his early educational training in the
schools of Newburg, New York, where he was graduated in the Free
Academy, in 1871. Later he attended a classical school and in 1874
he went to Europe where he made an extended tour. He returned
to America in the spring of 1875 and assumed the position of book-
keeper in an agricultural implement manufactory in Newburg, New
York. He won a competitive examination that entitled him to a
course in Cornell University, where he remained a student until 1877,
when he came to Detroit, Michigan, to attend to the interests of his
father's estate in that city. There he began reading law in the office
of Robert P. Toms and he was admitted to the bar on the 29th of De-
cember, 1879. He had in the meanwhile determined to prepare him-
self for the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal church and he pur-
sued his divinity course under effective preceptorship until the 26th
of December, 1880, when he received the orders of the diaconate in
St. John's church, Detroit. He was ordained to the priesthood June
29, 1882. His first pastoral work was as curate to Rev. George Worth-
ington, who was at the time rector of St. John's church in Detroit, and
who was afterward bishop of the diocese of Nebraska. Bishop Wil-
liams developed St. Matthew's church for colored people in Detroit, and
for two years was also rector of the Church of the Messiah at Ham-
tramck, now an integral portion of the city of Detroit. Thereafter he
was in charge of St. George's church in Detroit until the spring of
1889, when he resigned the rectorship and went to Buffalo, New
York, where he assumed a position in the diocesan cathedral. In the
fall of the same year he became dean of the All Saints Cathedral in
the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in October, 1891, he was made
archdeacon of the diocese of Michigan, and assigned to duty in the
Upper Peninsula. At this time he established his home at Marquette,
where he has since remained. In the office noted he took charge of
the work of the church in the Upper Peninsula, as deputy to Rt. Rev.
Thomas F. Davies, the reverend and honored bishop of the diocese of
Michigan. On the 1st of May, 1896, at Grace church in the city of
Detroit, Bishop Williams was raised to the Episcopate and became
the first bishop of the new diocese of Marquette. He has given a most
forceful and able administration of the affairs of his diocese and has
greatly furthered the temporal and spiritual prosperity of the church
in his jurisdiction. Bishop Williams is a man of high intellectuality
and of marked executive ability so that he is admirably fitted for the
high office to which he has been called in his church. In 1889 Hobart
College at Geneva, New York, conferred upon him the degree of
Master of Arts, and in 1904 the same degree was conferred upon him
by the University of Michigan. He was made D. D. in 1895, also by
Hobart College. In 1896 he represented the Episcopal church in the
convention held at Winnipeg, Canada, and in 1909 he represented the
church as delegate to the religious conference held in Sweden, this
appointment having been conferred upon him by the distinguished
Arch-bishop of Canterbury, of England. The Bishop is Republican in
his political allegiance and is identified with various patriotic and
literary organizations. He was chaplain of the Wisconsin Comman-
dery of the Loyal Legion at the time of his residence in IMilwaukee;
in 1889 he was editor of the "American Church Times" and from 1884
to 1886 he served as chaplain of the Fourth Regiment of the Michi-
gan National Guard.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN llo3
On the 20th of February, 1879, was solemnized the marriage of
Bishop Williams to Miss Eliza Bradish Biddle, of Detroit. She is a
daughter of William S. Biddle and granddaughter of Major John
Biddle, who was a distinguished pioneer of Michigan. Bishop and
Mrs. Williams have seven children, — Susan D., Thomas Victor, Day-
ton Ogden, Cecil H., Rhoda, John B. and Ma.ry Josepha. Thomas Vic-
tor is engaged in the practice of law in the city of Detroit; Dayton
0. is engaged in the lumber business in the state of Oregon; and
Cecil H. is an instructor in the University of Michigan.
Joseph HerM/USTN. — Germany has sent many of her stanchest sons
across the Atlantic to become American citizens, and belonging to
that class whose emigration must be accounted a loss to the Father-
land is Joseph Hermann, a prominent jeweler and vice-president of
the First National Bank of Calumet. Mr. Herman was born in Baden,
Germany, January 4, 1842. His parents were John and Jresengia
(Willman) Hermann, both of whom lived and died in the old coun-
try. The father was a miller and followed this vocation throughout
the best years of his life.
Joseph Hermann was educated in those excellent public schools
which are the pride of his native country. He left his desk and school
books at the age of fourteen and became an apprentice to a jeweler,
serving faithfully for three years on a diminiitive salary. Having
completed the training for his trade he traveled for a time as a jour-
neyman, visiting many cities and constantly acquiring new skill in
his vocation. In 1864 he answered the beckon of Opportunity from
the New World and came to the United States, landing at Castle
Garden, New York. He went directly to Lake Superior and located
on Eagle River at a place called Eagle Harbor where he was employed
as cutter on a certain kind of jewelry. At the end of a year he em-
barked in business on his own account, locating at Phoenix, Kewee-
naw county, where he remained until 1868. He then removed to
Calumet where he opened a jewelry store and was soon in the enjoy-
ment of a profitable business, increasing his stock as his means accu-
mulated. He also invested in real estate and erected a three-story
brick building which is known as the Hermann block. His own store
is located therein and the other rooms he rents to other businesses. He
has other interests, being a director of the First National Bank of
Calumet and vice-president of the same, which office he has held since
1905. He was at one time director of the Merchants & Miners Bank
of Calumet.
In 1867 Miss Mary Miller, a resident of Keweenaw county, be-
came the wife of Mr. Hermann. She is a native of Switzerland, who
came to this country when a little girl. This union has been blessed
by the birth of twelve children. John is associated with his father in
the jewelry business ; Lucas is also associated with his father ; Ed-
ward L. is a mining engineer; Adolph and Amandus are students in
school; Bertha is at home, and the other daughters all are married
and presiding over households of their own.
Mr. Hermann adheres to the principles of the Republican party
and is well-informed as to public matters, having been for several
years a member of the city council. He is retiring in his habits, has
been industrious and frugal and has accumulated a substantial compe-
tency for his old age. Both he and his wife are devout members of
the Catholic church.
1154 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Hugh B. Laing, present postmaster cf Gladstone, ^lichigan, was
born in Buckingham, Canada, April 22. 1859. He was reared on a
farm in his native place, and attended Buckingham high school, after
which he -worked on the farin with his father until twenty-one years
old; he came to the Northern Peninsula in 1880, spending a short time
at Norway, and then locating at Iron ^Mountain. In the latter town
he spent six years as bookkeeper for Laing Brothers, after which he
removed to Gladstone and engaged in the grocery business with his
brother Peter, which they still continue as P. & H. B. Laing. He is
one of the oldest merchants in Gladstone, having been in business
there tw^enty-two years, or since the town was founded. He is well
know^n in the city and vicinity, and one of the most prominent and
influential citizens. Besides his grocery biisiness he is connected with
many other enterprises, is secretary and treasurer of Gleason Explor-
ation & Mining Company, of Gladstone, and secretary of the Glad-
stone Land & Timber Company.
Mr. Laing has been a lifelong Republican, and has always taken
an active interest in the advancement of the party's principles. He
was appointed postmaster in 1898. was re-appointed by Roosevelt in
1902 and again re-appointed by him in 1906, having now^ held the
office eleven years. He previously served three years as city treasurer.
In 1887 Mr. Laing married Carrie Kent, of Iron Mountain. Michi-
gan, and to this union have been born two children, Edmund Leslie
and Hazel Dean.
Thomas M. "VVells. — A man of keen powers of discernment and dis-
crimination, possessing undoubted executive and financial ability,
Thomas Moses Wells holds a position of prominence among the sub-
stantial and valued citizens of Negaunee, Marquette county, where he
has been associated with interests of great importance, at the present
time, in 1910, acting as administrator of the estate of Nicholas Laugli-
lin. Of English lineage, and a descendant on both sides of the house
of very early settlers of New England, he was born April 17, 1848, in
Salisbury, Connecticut, the birthplace of both his parents, Silas and
Jane (Lee) Wells.
Born in 1812, Silas Wells succeeded to the independent occupation
of his ancestors, and was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits
during his entire life, passing away on his Connecticut farm, in 1890.
He was an honest, upright man, and a firm supporter of the principles
of the Republican party. His first wife, Jane Lee, died in 1848, on the
home farm, in Salisbury, Connecticut. She bore him five children. —
four sons and one daughter, two of whom are living, Ruth Wells Brew-
ster living in Willimantic. Connecticut, and Thomas INloses, the sub-
ject of this memoir, who is the youngest child. Silas Wells married
for his second wife Emily Ball, also a native of Connecticut, and to
them five children w^ere born, one of whom died in infancy. Lois, who
married Henry Gaylord, of Lakeville, Connecticut, died in 1904; and
Emma, Sarah and Julia are now residents respectively of Boston, Mas-
sachusetts, Peekskill, Ncav York, and Wichita, Kansas.
The immigrant ancestor of Thomas INIoses Wells was one Thomas
Wells, who came from England to New^ England in the early colonial
days, and who. as a man of strong individuality and resolute purpose,
soon became a leader among his fellow men and served as the first
provincial governor of Connecticut. Inheriting in some measure the
forceful characteristics of his immigrant ancestor, Thomas Moses Wells
has met with much success in life, his courage and spirit of determina-
^. COUJ^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1155
tion overcoming all obstacles. Brought up on the home farm until
nineteen years of age, he received a good academic education. He
subsequently worked in a woolen mill for three years, when, as a re-
sult of its sudden failure, he lost his first deposited earnings. He then
became a clerk in a store and at the end of two years, in 1873, was in-
duced by the late senator AVilliam H. Barnum to come to Negaunee,
Michigan, where for the ensuing eight years he was employed in the
large mercantile store of the Iron Clitt's Mining Company, of which
Senator Barnum was president. During that period Mr. Wells served
for four years as a member of the county board of supervisors. From
1881 until 1884 he was deputy United States collector of internal reve-
nue for the Upper Peninsula district, retiring from this position upon
the incoming of President Cleveland's administration.
In 1887 Mr. Wells purchased the mercantile business of the Iron
Cliffs Mining Company and conducted it until 1904. In 1894 he had
the misfortune to be completely burned out, and he reopened a new
store just in time to be caught in the three months' labor strike of Ne-
gaunee, the most serious that ever occurred in northern Michigan. At
that time Mr. Wells operated a branch store at what was then known
as "Swanzy Location," but which is now Princeton. The Escanaba
Land & Iron Company was there working a mine and ]\Ir. Wells be-
came a very heavy creditor by the company paying their employes
through his store. Owing to grave dissensions in the company, a re-
organization was made, J. B. Mass being made president of the com-
pany, and Mr. Wells was elected secretary and treasurer, the treasury
containing at that time but seventy-two dollars, while the outstanding
bills amounted to over fifty thousand dollars. Being appointed re-
ceiver for said company at the end of three months, Mr. Wells per-
sonally operated the mine to the extent of keeping it free from water,
and after three years he sold about one half of the acreage to Todd,
Stambaugh & Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, for eighty-five thousand
dollars, a sum that paid up all debts and the accumulated interest in
full. Previous to that time, and while Mr. Wells was receiver for the
Escanaba Land & Iron Company, the company's property was ex-
amined under options by eight very heavy iron interests of the United
States, each of which surrendered their options of purchase at seventy-
five thousand dollars. After a few years Todd, Stambaugh & Company
sold their holdings to the Cleveland Cliff Iron Mining Company, which
concern also leased the remaining holdings of the Escanaba Land &
Iron Company and which now has control of one of the most wonder-
ful ore deposits of the Upper Peninsula. The Cleveland Cliff Iron Min-
ing Company was one of the eight iron companies that examined, under
an option of fifty thousand dollars, the property lying on section 18,
while Mr. Wells was receiver, and this company was the only one that
explored with a drill. Although then declining to give fifty thousand
dollars, the company later, according to report, paid several hundred
thousand dollars for the same property.
In 1902 Mr. Wells was employed by the state tax commission in the
reassessment of the values throughout the state, his work being con-
fined to the lower part of Michigan. He is now administering on the
estate of the late Nicholas Laughlin, for many years one of the largest
and most extensive mercantile dealers in the Upper Peninsula. In
politics Mr. Wells is a stanch adherent of the Republican party. In
1902 he was elected to the state legislature and there served during the
session of 1903-1904. He was defrauded from his second term on ac-
count of a factional fight in county offices for which he was entirely
iinprepared.
1156 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Wells was made a Mason in 1878 and is prominent in the order,
having attained to the thirty-second degree. He is a member of Ne-
gaunee Lodge No. 202, Free and Accepted Masons ; of Negaunee Chap-
ter, No. 108, Royal Arch Masons, of which bodies he has been secretary
and treasurer respectively for several years; of Lake Superior Com-
mandery. No. 30, Knights Templar in the city of IMarquette ; of Ahmed
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also
of Marquette ; and of De Witt Clinton Consistory, in the city of Grand
Rapids.
On the 15th of October, 1884, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Wells to Miss Cora Snow, who was born at Greenfield, Massachusetts,
and who is a daughter of Newell and Sarah (Hale) Snow, both natives
of the old Bay state. Newell Snow was one of the men who were suc-
cessfully engaged in mining for gold in Nova Scotia, acquiring wealth
in his ventures. He was a prominent factor in the Republican party
and served two terms in the state legislature of Massachusetts. Mr.
and Mrs. Snow became the parents of four children, — F. E., Ella, Cora,
who is now Mrs. Wells, and Waiter. Mr. and Mrs. Wells have three
daughters, namely, — Ruth Snow, Florence Hale, and Cora Lee.
J. Wells Church, M. D.— At Drummond, on Harbor Island, which
Constitutes a portion of Chippewa county. Dr. Church has maintained
his home for more than forty years and he is now one of the venerable
pioneer citizens of the Upper Peninsula, where his career has abounded
in interesting features and where he has ever held a secure place in
the esteem of the people of this section of the state. In the early
days he was familiar with the conditions and influences of the pioneer
epoch as his father was engaged in trading with the Indians and he
has contributed in large measure to the development of the great re-
sources of the Upper Peninsula, to which his loyalty has been of the
most insistent order. He is familiarly known by the title of captain,
as well as that of doctor, and it is a matter of special gratification to
the publishers of this work to be able to offer within its pages even a
brief review of his interesting career.
Dr. J. Wells Church, oldest son of Philetus Swift and Elizabeth
(Wells) Church, was born at Byron, Genesee county. New York, on
the 8th of September, 1838, and he was a mere child at the time of his
parents' removal to Detroit, Michigan, whence they removed to Mack-
inac Island, about the spring of 1845. In the ensuing fall they went
to Sault Ste. Marie, where they remained throughout the winter, at
the expiration of which they established their home on Sugar Island,
twelve miles down the St. Mary's river, at a point that was known as
Church's Landing. This place is now on the "Old Channel," at the
head of "Big" Lake George. At this primitive settlement, named in
honor of his father. Dr. Church was reared to maturity and there he
continued to reside until he had attained to the age of thirty years
when, in September, 1868, in company with his wife and their little
son, he removed to Traverse City in the lower peninsula of the state,
where he remained a few months. Within this time his health became
much impaired, as shown in the fact that he had frequent pulmonary
hemorrhages. Under these conditions he decided to return to the
St. Mary's river, and the return voyage was accomplished in a twenty-
two foot Mackinac boat. With his wife and little son he arrived at
Detour, at the mouth of St. Mary's river, on the 28th of November,
1868. Before the opening of the new year he established his resi-
dence on Harbor Island, in the township of Drummond, this being one
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1157
of the group of islands constituting the eastern end of the present
county of Chippewa. In this picturesque spot the Doctor has main-
tained his home during the long intervening years, within which he
has witnessed the development of this section from a primitive wilder-
ness into one of the attractive and prosperous divisions of a great
commonwealth. His early education was largely gained through self-
discipline and he has become a man of broad and exact information,
as well as of excellent ability as a physician. As a boy he became
actively identified with his father's operations as Indian trader, in
connection with which were handled furs, timber and other products
of Indian labor, and having only Indian playmates he acquired a
knowledge of the Ojibway language while still a youth. Partly owing
to this fact and partly to the demands placed upon the few white set-
tlers in the early days he was virtually forced into the practice of
medicine, in which he became proficient. After his return to the
Upper Peninsula his business soon became divided between marine
architecture and the medical profession and with these widely dif-
fering lines of occupation he has since been actively identified. Dur-
ing his entire career his work has been mainly of educational order,
as he has taught the natives, both Indians and mixed bloods, the
arts of boat-building, steam-engineering, carpentry and blacksmith
work, as well as instructing them in all kinds of lumbering and raft-
ing. On the 9th of June, 1864, Dr. Church launched a tug, which was
the first steam craft originated and constructed entirely in Chippewa
county. Prior to this time a number of boats propelled by steam had
been designed and framed in Detroit and thence shipped to the Upper
Peninsula, where they were put together and where the machinery
was installed, such boats being placed in commission on Lake Supe-
rior. The tug thus constructed by Dr. Church was named the "Pio-
neer," after the Pioneer line of steamboats previously established.
Sheldon McKnight, Tolman Whiting and H. D. Walbridge of Detroit,
were the promoters of the line which was more familiarly known as
the McKnight line. The captain and doctor who figures as the sub-
ject of this review, had previously constructed many boats and he
still continues in the boat-building business, his last boat, built in 1910,
being No. 105. For many years he and the late Dr. Oren B. Lyon,
of Sault Ste. Marie, were the only medical practitioners of Chippewa
county and in latter years Dr. Church has practiced only as a matter
of charity, — mostly among the Indians. For nearly six years he
served as deputy collector of customs, at Detour, and his commission
bore date of November 1, 1881. Since his retirement from this office
he has been more or less constantly engaged as official measurer of
floating crafts of all kinds for government tonnage.
In 1869 or 1870 Dr. Church initiated his identification with the
school work of the eastern end of Chippewa county, including Detour
and Drummond townships, and for many years he was at the head of
the educational work in this section, his earnest and well directed ef-
forts resulting in the organization of a well equipped system, which
was placed upon a self-sustaining basis. For nearly a decade and a
half the Doctor has been a valued newspaper correspondent and he
has made many contributions of Indian legends and other literary ma-
terial. He has of late years made fewer contributions of this order,
though he occasionally offers "copy" to various papers. His nom de
plume is "Socrates" and under this name he has become well-known.
Recently the Soo Times published his French dialect poem entitled
"De Saut Long, Long Hago," and an article reminiscent of those
1158 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
times. It is to be regretted that full details of his earlier experiences
in connection with the pioneer days have not already been placed on
record in book form and it is the hope of his many friends and admir-
ers that he will consent to fojmulate his reminiscences in such order.
In March, 1910, the Doctor was appointed census enumerator for the
township of Drummond, of the Twelfth district, and in this impor-
tant government work he covered his assignment to the entire satis-
faction of the department. He received the appointment chiefly by
reason of his having taken the census of Chippewa county in 1870,
besides which he was enumerator for two townships in the census in
1880 and for one township in 1890. In 1874, 1884 and 1894 he was
employed by the state in the securing of the state census. In Novem-
ber, 1895, Dr. Church established a small saw mill and he success-
fully operated the same until the mill was destroyed by fire, — on the
16th of June, 1902. He built up a successful local business in custom
sawings and in the manufacturing of boat materials, besides which
he installed a shingle mill and manufactured large amounts of cedar
shingles. Notwithstanding his venerable age and strenuous life Dr.
Church still retains remarkable physical and mental vigor and the
years rest lightly upon his shoulders. This is the direct result of
clean, normal and sane living and in appearance and action he gives
slight evidence of the fact that more than three score years and ten
have been marked by the mile posts of his journey through life. In
politics he gives a stanch allegiance to the Republican party and he
takes an intelligent and active interest in questions and issues of the
day.
On the 30th of June, 1865, was solemnized the marriage of Dr.
Church to Miss Rosalie La Sage, who was born in Escanaba, Michi-
gan, of mixed French and Indian descent. Dr. and Mrs. Church be-
came the parents of four sons and four daughters and three of the
daughters are deceased. The other children are well established in
homes of their own, and the Doctor and his wife have eight grand-
children,— four boys and four girls.
William L. Middlebrook.— During the many years of his residence
in the Northern Peninsula, William L. Middlebrook has been conspic-
uously identified with its public life, and he is now serving as the mayor
of IManistique. He was born in Steuben county, New York, July 22,
1864, and his father, James H. Middlebrook, was also born in that state,
and he was a merchant at Lindsley for many years. He was a son of
Hiram Middlebrook, a merchant at Syracuse and later at Lindsle3% both
a lumbei-man and general merchant. James H. Middlebrook was of
English and Scotch descent, and he died in New York at about the age
of seventy-three years. He married in his early life Margaret Lindsley,
born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of William Lindsley, who was born
in the east and the town of Lindsley, New York, was named in honor of
his family, and land was granted them there for services rendered in the
Revolutionary war.
AVilliam L. Middlebrook was the third of the four children born to
James H. and Margaret Middlebrook, and his boyhood days were spent
at his native place in Steuben county, New York, and he attended the
common schools there and the business college at Elmira. On coming
to Manistique in 1885 he was made the head clerk in the Western Lum-
ber Company's store, and held that position for about three years. He
then became associated with George Chantler in the grocery business,
the firm name becoming George Chantler & Company, and after a time
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1159
he bought his partner's interest in that business and has since conducted
it alone. During- the twenty-four years of his residence in this com-
munity ]\Ir. ]\Iiddlebrook has served in many public positions, including
his fourteen years as supervisor of the township and city, township
treasurer, township clerk, city alderman, member of the board of health,
a member of the board of public works, a member of the board of edu-
cation, and in 1908 he was elected the mayor of ]\Ianistique, and in 1909
and 1910 was returned to that office, the highest honor within the power
of his fellow townsmen to bestow. He is a stanch Republican and an
influential party worker. He is a Chapter Mason and an Elk, Odd
Fellow, Maccabee, Eagle and K. of P.
In 1886 ]\Ir. I\Iiddlebrook was married to Dora Rees James, and they
have two children, Harold Rees and Dorothy Katherine. He is well
and prominently known in the Northern Peninsula, and he is esteemed
for his honorable public career.
J. Arthur ^Iinnear, engaged in the general brokerage business in
Laurium and Calumet, with residence in Laurium, is one of the most
successful of the younger generation of business men. The business
with w^hich he is identified was inaugurated in February 1903, and he
pays especial attention to copper stuff. It has eastern exchanges and
connections with direct private wires communicating with Boston, New
York City and Chicago.
Mr. Minnear was born in Houghton, Michigan, September 16, 1886,
his parents being Joseph H. and Mary E. (Burgess) Minnear, both of
whom w^ere English by birth. The father and the grandfather, George
Minnear, emigrated from St. Austell, England, to America in 1867.
Shortly after landing upon American shores they located in Houghton,
Michigan, where both of them secured employment in the foundery
then operated by Sheldon, Wanser & Cleaves. The mother, wdio was
born in London, England, came to this countiy with her parents in
early childhood and the first nine years of their residence here was
spent in Niagara county. New Yoi'k. The married life of Mr. Minnear 's
father and mother, -with the exception of six years in Lockport, New
York, Avas spent in Houghton. The father was Avell known and re-
spected in the community in Avhich he made his home, part of his Avide
circle of acquaintances having been acquired through his prominence in
Masonry. He died November 20, 1909. at the age of fifty-nine years,
the AAnfe having preceded him to her heavenly home on September 17,
1907, her age at the time being fifty-seven years.
]\Ir. Minnear 's early schooling Avas secured in the Aallage of Ripley
and in Houghton, and this he supplemented AA-ith a commercial course
in Detroit, Michigan. He Avas first connected Avitli the Postal Telegraph
Company at Hancock and from that time his progress in the Avorld of
affairs has been steady. He later accepted a position AAnth the firm of
Fuller & Co., of Hancock, AA'hich he held for tAvo years and Avas sub-
sequently employed by "William Carr & Company, brokers doing an ex-
tensive business which later on Avas closed out. In 1903 Mr. Minnear
opened an office on the second floor of the State Savings Bank building
at Laurium, which he occupied for three years, and in the meantime
built up a large and prosperous business. The requirements of the same
made it necessary for him to moA-e doAAm to more commodious apart-
ments on the first floor of the same building. He noAV employs fifteen
people in his tAVO offices at Laurium and at Calumet.
Mr. Minnear finds recreation and social benefit in his lodge affilia-
tions, these extending to Calumet lodge, A. F. & A. M., and to the
1160 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 404. In regard to his
church association, he and his wife are members of the Episcopal church
of Houghton.
In 1906 Mr. Minnear was united in marriage to Miss Pearl G. Berry-
man, of Laurium, whose father, Captain P. E. Berryman was killed in
the mines of Montana. To this union, one son, named Robert A., has
been born. Mr. Minnear has two sisters and a brother as follows:
Gertrude M., now ]\Irs. Butler of California ; AV. H. jMinnear, who is
associated with him in business; and Edith, who is the wife of F. J.
Zerbel of California. W. H. Minnear also belongs to Calumet lodge A.
F. & A. M. and to the B. P. O. E., No. 404.
Thomas Bailey. — This well known citizen and representative busi-
ness man of Sault Ste. Marie, where he is secretary and treasurer of the
IMichigan Pulp Wood Company, has been identified with business inter-
ests in the Upper Peninsula for nearly a quarter of a century and
within this time he has won definite success through his own well
directed efiPorts.
Thomas Bailey was born in the province of Quebec, Canada, on the
25th of November, 1849, and is a son of Samuel D. and Ellen (Robin-
son) Bailey, both of whom were natives of Ireland, the former being
born in 1817 and the latter in 1820. Their marriage was solemnized
in their native land and there the first two of their six children were
born. The father died in 1857 and his devoted wife survived him by
a score of years, as she was summoned to the life eternal in 1877. Of
the children only three are now living, — James, who is a resident of
Montreal; Thomas, who is the immediate subject of this review, and
Eliza Jane, who resides in "Soo." The family immigration to
America occurred in 1846 and location was first made in the province
of Quebec, where the parents maintained their home until 1855, when
they removed to the city of Toronto, Avhere the father became purser
on a line of steamboats running between Chicago and Montreal. He
died in Toronto in the year 1857, as already stated. The preliminary
education of Thomas Bailey was secured in the public schools of Quebec
and he was about six years of age at the time of the family removal
to Toronto, where he continued his studies in the parochial and public
schools. At the early age of fourteen years he began to depend some-
what upon his own resources as he then secured a position in a retail
grocery establishment in Toronto, where later he clerked for a time in
connection wath the lumber business. Later he became secretary and
treasurer for the Canada Car Company and Lumber Product Com-
pany, being thus engaged about three years, and in the meanwhile he
had learned the art of telegraphy. Thereafter he was bookkeeper for
a wholesale grocery house in Toronto until 1886, when he came to the
Upper Peninsula of ]\Iichigan and located in the city of Marquette,
where he assumed the position of bookkeeper for a large lumber com-
pany. In 1886 he removed to Bay ]\tills, Chippewa county, where he
entered the employ of the lumbering firm of Hall & Buell. The business
was later reorganized as the Hall & IMunson Company and he continued
as secretary and treasurer of this corporation, as well as telegraph
operator over their lines between St. Ignaee, Sault Ste. INIarie and Bay
Mills until August, 1904, when he removed to Sault Ste. IMarie, and be-
came incumbent of his present position, that of secretary and treasurer
of the Michigan Pulp Wood Company, of which he was one of the
organizers and which represents one of the important industrial
enterprises of this section of the state. It is interesting to record in
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1161
this connection that the telegraph lines, to which reference has just
been made, were the first placed in service in Chippewa county. While
a resident of Bay jMills Mr. Bailey served as supervisor of Bay Mills
township, as well as township treasurer, postmaster, notary public and
telegraph operator. His career has been marked by indefatigable in-
dustry and through the medium of the same he has achieved success
worthy of the name. He is a stalwart Republican in his political ad-
herency and both lie and his wife are communicants of the St. James
Parish at "Soo."
On the 13th of June, 1877, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Bailey, in Toronto, Canada, to Miss Sarah Augusta Gwatkin, who was
born at Green Bay, Wisconsin, and who is a daughter of Robert C. and
Mary (Todd) Gwatkin, both natives of the city of Toronto, where the
father was long engaged in business as a dealer in printer's supplies.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Gwatkin were residents of Toronto at the time of
their death and of their children five are now living. Mr. and Mrs.
Bailey became the parents of nine children, all of whom are living
except one daughter, who died in infancy ; Arthur G., who married
Miss Hattie Campbell, is a resident of the "Soo;" Charles E., the maiden
name of whose wife was Opal Horton, is a resident of Seattle, Washing-
ton ; Alfred is a resident of New Liskeard, N. Ont., and superintendent
of Casey ]\Iining Co. -, Emily IMay is the wife of Rev. Bates G. Burt,
rector of the St. Paul's cathedral, and a resident of the city of i\Iar-
quette, Michigan ; and Thomas G., Herbert A., Percival and Louis re-
main at the parental home.
Richard E. Edwards. — One of the important industrial enterprises
that contributes materially to the commercial prestige of the city of
Sault Ste. Marie is the Wolverine Cedar & Lumber Company, which
there maintains its business headquarters. The company manufactures
lumber and lath and draws its supplies from ample reserve sources
in the Georgian Bay district, Province of Ontario, Canada, and has
other holdings in upper Michigan. Of this well-kno^\^l concern, Richard
E. Edwards is vice-president and general manager and he now main-
tains his home in the citj^ of Sault Ste. Marie, though he still retains
close association with the business and civic interests of ^Menominee,
which was long his place of residence. He is one of the aggressive and
enterprising business men who are aiding in the upbuilding of the new
industrial Upper Peninsula and is especially well entitled to considera-
tion in this volume, as one of the younger generation of representative
citizens.
Richard E. Edwards was born in the city of Galesburg, Illinois,
on the 10th of October, 1880, and is a son of Richard A. and Alice
(Shirk) Edwards. The father was born in the historic old city of
Salem, ^Massachusetts, and is a representative of one of the old honored
families of New England, with whose annals the name has been identi-
fied since the Colonial era. He was born in the year 1852 and now
maintains his home at Peru, Indiana. He is president of the Wolverine
Cedar & Lumber Company, of which his son, the subject of this sketch,
is vice-president. The mother was born in Peru, Indiana, and finds
satisfaction in retaining her home in her native city. Of the five
children, the subject of "this review is the eldest. The father is one of
the substantial capitalists and leading bankers of his city, being an
officer and director of the Peru Trust Company and the First National
Bank of that place. He is a director in several public-utility corpora-
tions and also in various manufacturing concerns, and has had much to
1162 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
do with the growth of his city's prosperity. In politics he is a stanch
advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and both he and his
wife holds membership in the Baptist church.
Richard E. Edwards received his early educational training in the
public schools of Indiana and supplemented this by college preparatory
work in the "Worcester Academy, at Worcester, Massachusetts. In 1898
he was matriculated in Harvard University, in which he completed the
academic course and was graduated as a member of the class of 1902.
He received from this historic institution the degrees of Bachelor of
Arts and Master of Arts. Soon after his graduation ]\Ir. Edwards as-
sumed a cl(;rical position in the office of the First National Bank, of
Peru, Indiana, in which he was later promoted to the office of teller,
a position which he resigned in 1903, when he became manager of the
Peru Heating Company, with the handling of whose business he con-
tinued to be thus actively identified until the spring of 1904, when he
came to ]\Ienominee, ^Michigan, and assumed the duties of the office of
secretary of the "Wolverine Cedar & Lumber Company. In 1905 he
removed to Chicago, having charge of the company's office in that city
until July, 1907, when the Chicago office was closed and he returned
to Menominee. He succeeded to the general management of the com-
pany in the summer of 1909, when his father purchased the interests of
J. M. Thompson in the corporation. On the 23d of September, 1909,
the general offices in Menominee were closed and the headquarters of the
company were removed to Sault Ste. jNIarie, ilichigan, where ^Mr. Ed-
wards has since continued in active charge of the business which is one
of broad scope and importance. He is a member of the directorate of
the Peru Heating Company and the Peru IMercantile Company, both of
Peru, Indiana, and also is a director of the Citizens' Electric Light
Company, of Lebanon, that state. ]\Ir. Edwards is identified with the
University Club of Chicago and also with the University Club 6t In-
dianapolis, besides which he is a valued member of the Harvard Clubs
of Chicago and Michigan. In politics he gives his allegiance to the
Republican party. He and his wife have established a pleasant home
in Sault Ste. INIarie and have taken a prominent part in the leading
social activities of this attractive city of the Upper Peninsula.
On the 11th of October, 1904, was solemnized the marriage of
Mr. Edwards to ]\Iiss ]\Iarie Stuart, who was born in the city of La-
fayette, Indiana, and who is a daughter of Thomas A. and Ada (Ells-
worth) Stuart, the former of Avhom died in 1895 and the latter resides
in Lafayette. 'Mr. Stuart was a representative member of the bar of
Indiana and was a prominent factor in connection with public aft'airs in
that state, having been a stanch Democrat in his politcal proclivities.
Mr. and ]Mrs. Edwards have one son, Richard A., II.
Herbert L. Parsille. — The able and popular incumbent of the of-
fice of clei'k of Chippewa county is Herbert L. Parsille, who is like-
w'ise a member of the bar of the county and who has here maintained
his residence during the greater portion of the time since his boyhood
days. Mr. Parsille was born at ]\Iildmay, Bi'uce county, Ontario,
Canada, on the 3rd of January, 1870, and is a son of James D. and
Eliza (Kennedy) Parsille. the former of whom was born in Rochester,
New York, in 1820, and the latter in the province of Ontario, being a
daughter of "William Kennedy, whose ancestors came to America from
the north of Ireland and settled in IMaryland in the early part of the
seventeenth century. They were loyal to the crown at the time of the
Revolutionary Avar and Avhen the Declaration of Independence was
THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1163
made they left ]\Iaryland and sought a home in New Brunswick,
Canada, whence they removed to York county, province of Ontario,
about the opening of the nineteenth century. The Parsille family is
of stanch English descent and was early founded in New Jersey.
After the termination of the War of 1812 the paternal grandfather of
the subject of this review removed to York county, Ontario, Canada,
where he was for several years engaged in lumbering operations but
later returned to the United States and was employed for several
years as a surveyor for the United States Government. About 1853
James D. Parsille, who was reared and educated in York county, re-
moved to Bruce county, Ontario, where he became a pioneer farmer
and reclaimed a large tract of land from the wilderness. He was a
blacksmith by trade and for a number of years he there operated a
blacksmith shop and saw mill in connection with his agricultural pur-
suits. He retired from active labor in 1893 and passed the closing
days of his life at INIildmay, Ontario, where he died in 1903, and where
his venerable wife still resides. Of their nine children six are now
living.
Herbert L. Pareille gained his early educational training in the
schools of his native town, where he continued his studies until he was
thirteen yeare of age. after which he completed a course in a business
college in the city of Toronto. He then initiated his active business
career by assuming the position of stenographer in the employ of
David IMaxwell, who was engaged in the agricultural implement busi-
ness at Paris, Ontario, in which connection he earned his first money.
In the spring of 1887 Mr. Paraille came to Bay ]Mills, Chippewa
county, IMichigan, where he became a clerk in the general store of
Hall & Buell, who were conducting extensive lumber operations in
this count,v. Later he was employed as bookkeeper in the general
office of this concern and was thus engaged until the autumn of 1892,
when he went to the city of Chicago, and entered Kent College of
Law in which excellent institution he was graduated as a member of
the class of 1897, and from which he received the degree of Bachelor
of Laws. He was admitted to the bar of Illinois, and followed the
work of his profession in Chicago until 1899. when he returned to
Chippewa county and located in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, was ad-
mitted to the bar of ]Michigan and to the district and circuit courts of
the United States and continued the practice of law until January 1.
1901, when he became deputy to his brother John E., who was at that
time county clerk. He served continuously as deputy county clerk until
the autumn of 1906, Avhen he was elected county clerk for which office
he had proved himself specially eligible, both by reason of his legal
knowledge, his executive ability and his practical experience in con-
nection with affairs of the office. Public appreciation of his seiwice
has been shown in a most significant way by his retention in the of-
fice by successive re-elections to the present time, and the records of
his department have been models of exactitude and neatness luider his
administration. He is a stanch supporter of the cause of the Repub-
lican party and has been an active factor in its local councils. Mr.
Parsille has identified himself with various fraternal and local organi-
zations of a representative character, including the Benevolent & Pro-
tective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows : and his ]\Iasonic affiliations are here briefly
noted, — Bethel Lodge No. 358, Free & Accepted IMasons ; Lafayette
Chapter No. 2, Royal Arch Masons, in the city of Chicago: Palestine
Council No. 56, Royal & Select Masters: Sault Ste. Marie Command-
1164 THE NOETHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
ery No. 45, Knights Templar; Queen of the North Chapter, Order of
the Eastern Star, of which his wife also is a member ; and Medina
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in
Chicago.
On the 27th of February, 1902, Mr. Parsille was united in mar-
riage to Miss May Sterling, who was born in the city of Edinburgh,
Scotland, and who is a daughter of John and Jeanette (Eoss) Sterl-
ing, the former of whom died when Mrs. Parsille was a child, and the
latter in 1907. Of the three children Mrs. Parsille was the second in
order of birth and her sisters, Bessie and Margaret, are residents re-
spectively of Chicago, Illinois, and Beloit, Wisconsin. The family
came to America in the early '80s and located in New York City,
where the death of the father occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Parsille have
three children, — Helen L., Sterling K. and Dorothy J.
Charles Kahle. — Of the sterling citizens that the city of Menominee
has gained from the great empire of Germany is Charles Kahle, a
representative of that old and honored family of the province of
Saxony, whither he emigrated more than thirty-eight years ago. Dur-
ing the greater portion of the intervening period he has maintained his
residence in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or in northern Wiscon-
sin, and he was for a number of years actively identified with the
great lumber industry when the same was the principal line of enter-
prise in this section. He is now engaged in the hotel business in
Menominee, Michigan, where he owns and conducts a popular hostelry
known as the Charles House. He is held in high esteem in Menominee
and has served as a member of its board of aldermen.
Charles Kahle was born in the province of Saxony, on the 1st of
October, 1847, and is a son of Charles and Teresa (Kummer) Kahle,
both of whom were likewise born in Saxony, where they continued to
reside until their death, and where the father was engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits through his entire active career, having been a man of
sterling integrity and much business ability and having become the
oviTier of one of the valuable farms of that section of the German
empire. Of the four children, the subject of this sketch is the eldest;
Frederick is a resident of Leipsic, Germany ; Frank is with the govern-
ment at this time in Germany, and Henrietta died in infancy.
To the excellent public schools of his native land Charles Kahle is
indebted for his early educational training, and in accordance with the
laws of the country, he served for three years in the German army, in
which connection he had the distinction of being a member of the body-
guard of the Emperor of Germany. In 1872, at the age of twenty-five
years, he emigrated to America, landing in the city of Baltimore, Mary-
land, on the 21st of May, of that year. He thence made his way to
Chicago, and from the western metropolis came to Marinette, Wiscon-
sin, the twin city of ]\Ienominee, Alichigan. His arrival here was on
the 9th of June, 1872, and he forthwith secured emplojonent in connec-
tion with the lumbering business, being engaged as a saw mill opera-
tive during the summer months and working in the lumber woods dur-
ing the winter season. In the winter of 1873-4, in order to gain a bet-
ter knowledge of the English language, he attended a private school
in the city of Chicago, and his ambition in this connection may be un-
derstood when it is stated that he was present at three sessions each
day. In paying for such instructions he practically utilized all of the
money which he had previously earned through his arduous labors in
the northern country. In the spring of 1874 Mr. Kahle went to New
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1165
Orleans, Louisiana, and thereafter he was someAvhat of a wanderer
for seven years, having been employed in many of the principal cities
in the south, from the national metropolis to Galveston, Texas. In 1879
he made a visit to the fatherland, where he renewed the associations of
his boyhood days. Upon his return, he located in Chicago and from
there came to Menominee again and on the 4th of May, 1880, he pur-
chased a ticket that afforded him railroad transportation from Galves-
ton, Texas, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in which latter city he tarried for
two weeks, at the expiration of which he returned to Marinette, Wis-
consin, where he continued to be employed in connection with lum-
bering operations until 1882, when he again made a visit to his vener-
able parents in Germany. On his return to New York City he was
there united in marriage on the 17th of August, 1882, to Miss INlar-
garet Habermann. He then came with his bride to Marinette, Wiscon-
sin, and here he was employed as a clerk in the National Hotel con-
ducted by Joseph Juttner, until the 1st of May, 1886, when he was en-
gaged in the same line of enterprise on his own responsibility. In 1888
was completed the erection of his present hotel building, a substantial
brick structure, three stories in height, and this hotel he has since eon-
ducted Avith unqualified success. The building has accommodations
for the entertainment of about twenty-five guests, and its services in
all departments is such as to gain and retain to it a large and appre-
ciative patronage. Mr. Kahle is a wdde-awake business man and a loyal
and public-spirited citizen. He has taken a deep interest in local af-
affairs, and in 1891-2 he represented the Third Avard on the board of
aldermen.
In politics he accords a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party.
He is popular in the social circles of Menominee, especially among
those of German birth or extraction, and he is identified with the local
organization of the Sons of Hermann and the Deutscher Krieger Ver-
ein, in which latter he holds the office of orderly sergeant. The mem-
bership in this latter organization is confined to those who have seen
active service in the German army.
As above stated, Mr. Kahle was united in marriage to Miss Mar-
garet Habermann, on the 17tli of August, 1882. She Avas born in one of
the Rhenish provinces of Germany, on the 18th of December, 1862, and
is a daughter of John Philip and Margaret (Zell) Habermann, both of
whom Avere likcAvise natives of the beautiful Rhine section of Ger-
many, where the father was born in 1816 and the mother on the 4th
of April, 1831. The parents continued to reside in their native land
until their death, the father having passed aAvay on the 18th of August,
1876, and the mother in July, 1887. Of the four children of Mr. and
Mrs. Habermann, two are noAv living, Mrs. Kahle being the younger;
Charlotte is the wife of Adam Sauerzapf, of Chicago. The father Avas
a man of high intellectual attainments and a member of a Avealthy
and infiuential family. He Avas graduated in one of the leading Ger-
man universities and the major portion of his active career Avas de-
voted to forestry.
In conclusion of this sketch is entered a brief record of the chil-
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Kahle. Of the eight children born to them, only
three are now living: Frederick Charles, AAdio Avas graduated in the
department of electrical engineering in the University of Michigan, as
a member of the class of 1906, is noAV a successful and valued teacher
in the Hackley Manual Training School at Muskegon, Michigan ; IMae,
who was graduated in the Menominee high school, is a telegraph ope-
rator, and noAv occupies the responsible position of manager of the
1166 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Postal Telegraph-Cable Company in ^larinette, Wisconsin, and Ed-
ward Otto, who is a graduate of the Menominee high school and also
of a business college in Marinette, is likewise a telegraph operator and
is employed in the oi!ice with his sister.
Hon. "William F. ^Miller.— A man of intelligence, integrity, and
undoubted ability. Hon. William F. ^Miller, of Houghton, has tilled
many public offices of town and county, performing the duties de-
volving upon him ahly and wisely, and is now seiwiug most accept-
ably as president of the Houghton Village Board. He was born Janu-
ary 1, 1865, in Hancock. Houghton county, coming from substantial
German stock, his paternal grandparents having been life-long resi-
dents of Prussia.
William F. ^Miller, Sr., whose surname was always spelled as it is
now rather than the usual German fonu, "]»Iueller." was born in
Prussia, and was there reared and educated. On coming to America
his first home Avas in Ohio. From there he emigrated, in 1853, to
Houghton county, ^Michigan, where he was soon busy at work in the
Quincy mine. Later removing to Calumet, he was one of the original
workers at the Calumet and Hecla mines. On giving up mining he
located at Red Jacket, and having erected the first frame house ever
put up in that village, opened it as a hotel, and was thereafter em-
ployed as an inn keeper until his death, in 1876, at the age of fifty-five
years. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine ]\Iartin, was born
in Germany, and died in 1891, in ^Michigan. She reared ten children,
a goodly family.
Completing the course of study in the public schools of Calumet,
William F. ]\Iiller advanced his education by an attendance at the
Indiana State Normal School, in Valparaiso, Indiana. The ensuing
ten years, from 1881 until 1891, he was bookkeeper for L. Hennes &
Co. at Calumet. Being then elected county treasurer, he served four
years in that capacity, afterwards being deputy county treasurer for
a while. Embarking in mercantile p^^i's^^its. he was then engaged for
three years in the provision business, after which he was deputy
county treasurer and deputy county clerk for one or more terms.
]\Ir. ]\Iiller became chief accountant for the Peninsula Electric Light
Company, holding the position until October. 1902. when he became
secretary and treasurer of the Haas Brewing Company, an office which
he is filling acceptably at the present time. He is likewise auditor and
land agent for Houghton county, and is president of the village board.
Mr. ^Miller married in 1890, Pomela Duguette, and they have two
children, Harrison W. and William L. Fraternally ^Mr. ^Miller belong's
to Houghton Lodge, K. of P.: to Hancock Lodge No. 381, B. P. 0. E.;
and to Houghton Lodge, I. 0. 0. F.
Richard J. Clark.— Among those who have materially aided in ac-
celerating the business and civic development and progress of Sault
Ste. IMarie is Richard James Clark, who is here president of the Pen-
insula Bark & Lumber Company, and who is thus identified with a
line of industry which has enlisted his attention from practically the
initiation of his independent career. He is a reliable and progressive
business man and a loyal citizen and well merits the high regard in
which he is held in his home community.
Mr. Clark is a native of Sullivan county. New York, where he was
born on the 23rd of July, 1861. and is a son of Luke and Julia
(Keough) Clark, both of whom were ]>orn in Ireland, but their mar-
'^^-^^^-tz-Atf^^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1167
riage was solemnized in the city of New York, where the mother died
when the subject of this sketch was a mere child ; he is the eldest of
the two children and his brother, Matthew J., is now a resident of
Jefferson county, Pennsylvania. Luke Clark had first married Helen
King, and the two children of this union were Lucy and Daniel H.,
Lucy being now deceased. For his third wife the father married
Catherine Regan, and they became the parents of five children, all of
whom are living, namely : Michael H., Delia, Elizabeth, Frank and
Lawrence. Luke Clark came to America in the early '40s, making
the voyage on a sailing vessel and landing in the city of New York.
From the national metropolis he made his way to Sullivan county.
New York, where he developed a productive farm and became a citi-
zen of prominence and infliience in his community. He served in va-
rious township offices and his political support was given to the Demo-
cratic party. He was a communicant of the Catholic church, as was
also each of his wives. He died in Sullivan county, New York, in
1895, after having passed the psalmist's span of three score years
and ten.
Richard J. Clark, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared to
the invigorating discipline of the home farm and there waxed strong
in physical and mental powers by working on the farm in the sum-
mer seasons and attending the local schools during the winter terms
until he had attained to the age of eighteen years. He then assumed
a contract for the getting-out of logs from the woods in his native
town, and he has been since that time more or less closely identified
with lumbering operations, being familiar with all details of the busi-
ness from the felling of the timber to the manufacturing of the prod-
uct. In 1898 Mr. Clark came to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
and located at Munising, Alger county, where he was identified with
the lumber business until 1901, when he removed to Sault Ste. Marie,
where he became one of the organizers of the Peninsula Bark & Lum-
ber Company, of which prosperous corporation he has since been
president. Mr. Clark is Republican in his political allegiance and is
prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity. In 1889 he be-
came a member of Evergreen Lodge No. 163, Free & Accepted Ma-
sons, at Monroeton, Pennsylvania, with which he is still affiliated.
He also holds membership in Union Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, at
Towanda, Pennsylvania, and Northern Commandery No. 16, Knights
Templar of the same place. At Erie, Pennsylvania, he is affiliated with
Zen Zen Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine.
On the 19th of November, 1882, Mr. Clark was united in marriage
to ]\Iiss Julia E. McDonald, who was born in Pennsylvania, and who
is a daughter of John and Julia (Sheridan) McDonald, the former of
whom Avas born in Ireland, and the latter in Pennsylvania ; both are
now deceased. Mr. McDonald came to this country when a young
man and for a number of years was engaged in farming in Pennsyl-
vania, after which he was identified with the hotel business and coal-
mining operations. He was a prominent citizen of his section of the
state, was a Democrat in politics and both he and his wife were com-
municants of the Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have five
children, — Julia, Mae, John, Agnes and Leo Edmond. All the chil-
dren remain at the parental home except Julia, who is now the wife
of John E. McCarthy of Duluth, Minnesota.
Webster L. Marble has acquired a national reputation as a business
man, is kno^vn to business men throughout the country as the foun-
1168 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
der and leading member of the Marble Safety Axe Company and as the
president of the Exchange Bank of Gladstone. He was born in Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin, ]March 23, 1S5-1, a son of Lansing ]\Iarble and a
grandson of Jason ]\Iarble, the latter from Vermont and of English
descent. Lansing ^Marble was born in ^Madison coimty, New York, and
he was also reared there and early in his life became a farmer. Moving
to Wisconsin in 1840, he located first at or near what is now JanesviUe,
taking up land from the government there and becoming a famous
woodsman, hunter and trapper. In 1858 he located in Yassar, Mich-
igan, and he achieved prominence there as the inventor of the com-
mon stave bushel basket and the wire patched bullet that has become
so popidar with sportsmen. He continued the manufacture of his
baskets there until 1863, moving then to ^Milwaukee, Y'isconsin, and
establishing a basket factory there.
Up to the time of Mr. ]\Iarble's invention of the stave basket, the
willow and splint baskets Avere the only ones in use, and it took an
active man a full day to make tAvo baskets. Avhile in Mr. Marble's
factory one hundred baskets of staves could be made in a single day.
On selling his interests in ^Milwaukee he returned to agricultural pur-
suits and to his hunting and trapping, and subsequently he returned to
Yassar and in 1868 he moved to Frankfort, this state. In 1889 he
came to Gladstone, and he spent his last days in the home of his son,
dying in his eighty-sixth year. He had married in his early life ^Nlary
Chipman, a native of Erie, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Hiram
and Lavonia Chipman, early settlers in Erie County, Pennsylvania.
Her grandparents lived to the age of ninety-nine years and more, and
enjoyed the unusual privilege of celebrating their diamond Avedding,
representing scA-euty-flA-e years of happy married life. !Mrs. Marble
is yet li\-ing, a lady of seventy-eight years. Of the six children born
to her and her husband only tAvo are uoav living, Webster L. and his
sister, IMrs. Nettie Hetrick, also of Gladstone.
Webster L. ^Marble Avas the third born of these six children, and his
life's history is a story of wonderful success. Born in Milwaukee. Wis-
consin, Avhile yet a small boA* his parents moA'ed to Yassar, ^Michigan,
and there his youth AA'as spent. His father AA-as a Avoodsman, hunter
and trapper, and the son became a "chip of the old block," for noth-
ing pleased him better than a tramp in the Avoods for game or iish. and
he soon became an expert trapper, hunter and fisherman. His natural
loA'e of the Avoods and all field sports led him to take up the occupation
of surveyor and timber cruiser, and he followed that work for tAventy-
fiA'e years, first around his home at Frankfort, ^Michigan, where his
parents had moved AAiien he Avas fifteen years of age, and later in the
LTpper Peninsula of ^Michigan, Avith headquarters at Gladstone.
During these years in the Avoods he came more and more to feel the
need of an axe light enough to be carried in his pocket Avhile cruising,
yet of practical utility. MoreoA-er he realized the necessity of a water-
proof match box, and setting himself to the task of supplying these
articles the Safety Pocket Axe and the Water-proof Match Box Avere
the result. Circumstances and a natin-al iuA^entive mind haA*e com-
bined to lead up to the tAventy or more patents AA-hich Avere secured and
AA'hich are noAV the foundation of this large enterprise. !Mr. ]\Iarble
built a little shop back of his home AAdiere he set up a small engine and
some light machinery. At odd houx's, betAA'een his trips in the woods,
he thought and planned, dcA-eloping his patents and Avorking out his
ideas, for he did not giA^e up his regular employment. Thus he con-
tinued on for scA'eral years, and in August of 1898 enlarged his shop
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1169
to six hundred and forty square feet of floor space and began the
manufacture of one style of safety axe. In the next year Mr. F. H.
Van Cleve of Escanaba, Michigan, became a partner in the business
and a new factory covering nine thousand square feet was built. It
has since been enlarged to thirteen thousand square feet. The amount
of the business of the Marble Safety Axe Company has nearly doubled
each year since its organization, and the word "Marble" has become
a synonym for extra quality in sporting equipment.
In 1890 Webster L. Marble ahso became connected with the banking
business, being made in that year the president of the Exchange Bank
at Gladstone, one of the strongest banking houses of this section of the
state. He has ever since filled that important position. He married
in 1878 Rosa M. Derry, a resident at that time of Frankfort, Michigan,
but born in Fulton, New York, a daughter of William T. and Harriet
Derry. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Marble, William L.
and Floyd W., the elder the manager of the Marble Saf,ety Axe Com-
pany, and the younger assistant cashier in the Exchange Bank. j\Ir.
Marble is a member of the Republican party, of the Gladstone school
board and of the Masonic order. He is also a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, and is one of the trustees and the present
treasurer of his church. The place he was won in business circles is
accorded him in recognition of his skill and ability and as a tribute to
true and genuine worth.
Guy Haines Carleton, who at the time of his death was incumbent
of the offices of city engineer of Sault Ste. Marie and county surveyor
of Chippewa county, was one of the best known and most highly honored
of the pioneer citizens of the Upper Peninsula, to whose material and
civic development and upbuilding he contributed in generous measure
and here he continued to maintain his home for many years prior to his
death, which occurred on the 1st of May, 1895, as the result of heart
failure.
Mr. Carleton was born at Bath, Grafton county, New Hampshire,
on the 1st of November, 1819, and was a son of Edmund and Olive
(Barron) Carleton, both of whom were natives of New England, where
the respective families were founded in the early colonial epoch of our
national history. Edmund Carleton 's father, who likewise bore the
name of Edmund, was born at Haverhill, Massachusetts, in 1734 and he
was a gallant soldier in the Continental line of the war of the Revolu-
tion, in which he served in the regiment commanded by ]Major Gage.
The father of the subject of this memoir immigrated with his family
to the territory of Michigan, in 1830, and two months were demanded
in making the trip that can now be compassed in twenty hours. He pur-
chased a tract of wild land in St. Clair county, and wth the assistance
of his sons, he here reclaimed a farm from the wilderness. After the
children had left the old homestead the parents disjjosed of the same
and they passed the closing years of their lives with their daughter
Alice, wife of Jesse Shilling, of Troy, Ohio, Avhere the father died in
1872, at the paternal age of ninety years and where the mother died
two years previously, at the age of eighty-six years. Concerning their
children the following brief record is entered,— INIaria became the wife
of Ira Eldridge and died at Marine City, Michigan ; Olive, who became
the wife of George Kimball, died in Portland, Maine, at the age of
seventy-two years; Edmund Jr. died in St. Clair county, Michigan, in
1867 ; Mary, who became the wife of Joseph Cox, of Shiawassee county,
Michigan; Guy H. is the immediate subject of this memoir; Eliza be-
1170 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
came the wife of "William Eldridge, and they reside in the state of
Iowa; Alice, who was the wife of Jesse Shilling, died at Troy, Ohio,
in 1892 ; Augusta became the wife of Dr. William Marshall, of Hills-
boro, Michigan, where she died in 1873 ; and Henry.
Guy H. Carleton was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and
was eleven years of age at the time of the family removal to ^Michigan.
He was reared to maturity in St. Clair county and was afforded the
advantages of the best schools of the locality and period. In his youth
he learned the surveying business, in which he became an expert, as did
he also become a skilled chartographer. As early as 18-15 Mr. Carleton
came to Northern Michigan to fulfill a government contract in lajdng
off township lines and subdivisions. This work occupied two years and
on its completion he returned to St. Clair county, his former home,
and from there went to Iowa on a government surveying contract, and
laid off and made a map of the state of Iowa. In 1853 he returned to
the Sault, and, going to the southern part of the county, near where
Raber now is, founded the village of Carleton, now extinct, and built
and operated a large sawmill there. This venture proved unsuccessful,
and he returned to Sault Ste. jMarie, where he engaged in keeping a
subscription school, winter and summer, from 1856 to 1860.
In 1862 Mr. Carleton enlisted in the regiment of "Lancers" at
Detroit, and was captain of a company, and Colonel Rankin commanded
the regiment. The regiment, not being called to the front was mustered
out, and Mr. Carleton returned to the "Soo, " where he was appointed
toll receiver under George W. Brown, on the old state ship canal, suc-
ceeding to the superintendeney in 1864, which position he resigned at
the end of nine years, at his own solicitation. At one time he was
county clerk and register of deeds, and was also a member of the early
boards of supervisors at different periods. After I'esigning his position
upon the canal he gave his attention to engineering, establishing corners
on subdivisions and relocating government corners. In 1875 he was ap-
pointed deputy collector of customs under William Chandler, of Mar-
quette, and remained in office until 1885, when his retirement was a
necessary result of the change of administration by the election of
Cleveland to the presidency the preceding year, and he was reappointed
to the office in 1889, by the Republican official, C. Y. Osburn, who had
been chosen to supplant the Democratic incumbent of the collector's
position. In November, 1893, the collector and his deputy were again
retired, at the instance of ^Ir. Cleveland, who had again been made the
executive head of the nation. In May, 1894, Mr. Carleton was appointed
city engineer, having been elected county surveyor in the fall of the
preceding year. He cast his first presidential vote for William Henry
Harrison, in 1840, and voted the Republican ticket at every election
thereafter until his death.
Mr. Carleton identified himself with the ]\Iasonic fraternitj^ in 1845
when he was raised to the degree of Master ]\Iason in Evergreen Lodge,
at St. Clair, this state. Later he became charter member of Bethel
Lodge, No. 358, at Sault Ste. J\Iarie, IMichigan. He was long a most
zealous and devout member of the Presbyterian church, in which he
served as elder from 1858 until his death. His political support was
ever given, without qualification, to the Republican party. His life
was one of generous impulses and kindly deeds and the intrinsic nobility
of his character could not fail to win him the unqualified confidence
and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. He left an indelible
impression upon the history of the Upper Peninsula and his name
merits an enduring place on the roll of its honored pioneers. His
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1171
daughter, Miss Grace H. Carleton, has traced the family lineage, with
much care and ability, back through many generations and this record
indicates that the family name has been identified with American his-
tory since the year 1611. The lineage is of staunch English origin.
On the 6th of October, 1846, in St. Clair county, Michigan, Mr.
Carleton was united in marriage to Miss Frances Clark Hogue, who
died at Sault Ste. Marie, on the 19th of February, 1859, leaving two
children,— Robert, who is a resident of 'Neosho, Newton county, Mis-
souri, where he is a citizen of prominence and influence; and Alice,
who become the wife of Herbert Gallery and who died August 19, 1879,
in Chicago. On the 1st of December, 1862, Mr. Carleton contracted a
second marriage, being then united to Miss Christine Kemp, who was
born in Lyme township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 4th of June, 1841,
and who died in Sault Ste. Marie on the 20th of October, 1904. She
was a daughter of Joseph Kemp, who took up his abode in Sault Ste.
Marie in 1845 and who was long one of the venerated and influential
citizens of this place, where he died on the 19th of August, 1901, at the
age of 86 years. Concerning the children of the second marriage the
following data are given, — Miss Grace Haines Carleton resides on the
old homestead in Sault Ste. Marie; Harriet Belle is the wife of Charles
W. Gwen, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan ; Ella Joanna is the wife of
John C. Barnhisel, of Sault Ste. Marie, and Louis Kemp Carleton died
on the 27th of April, 1883, at the age of 10 years.
John C. Barnhisel is numbered among the representative citizens
of the Upper Peninsula and has been identified with important busi-
ness interests in Sault Ste. Marie and Chippewa county for a number
of years past. Mr. Barnhisel was born in the city of Cleveland, Ohio,
on the 14th of July, 1870, and is a son of David and Martha (Camp-
bell) Barnhisel, the former of whom was boi"n in the state of Penn-
sylvania and the latter in England. The father now maintains his
home at Willoughby, Lake county, Ohio, and the mother, who was
born in 1848, died in 1888, the subject of this sketch being the only
child. John C. Barnhisel was reared to maturity in his native city
and after completing the curriculum of the public schools he con-
tinued his educational training in Brooks Academy, at Cleveland,
Ohio. For many years he was identified with the coal mining and
shipping industry. When twenty-two years of age he entered the
employ of the Sterling Coal Mining Company, of Cleveland, with
which he remained for a number of years, after which he was actively
concerned in the management of the affairs of the Interocean Coal &
Coke Company, in which he was a stockholder. In 1897 Mr. Barnhisel
came to Sault Ste. Marie, where he became one of the organizers of
the corporation just mentioned. Later the same was merged with
the Port Royal Dock Company, which was organized in 1899, with
headquarters in the city of Pittsburg. This company also secured the
property and business of the Port Royal Dock. Mr. Barnhisel is es-
sentially progressive and public-spirited as a citizen and is distinct-
ively popular in the city and county in which he maintains his home.
He is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Club and the Country Club,
and in politics he maintains an independent attitude.
On the 5th of February, 1902, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Barnhisel to Ella Joanna, daughter of the late Guy H. Carleton, of
Sault Ste. Marie, to whom a memoir is dedicated on other pages of
this work, so that further reference to the family history is not de-
manded in this connection.
1172 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
John C. Stephens. — The present efficient and honored treasurer of
Luce county has well merited the high mark of popular esteem given
him in his election to this office and is one of the thoroughly repre-
sentative citizens of this county, where he has been successfully iden-
tified with agricultural pursuits and is the owner of a valuable farm,
in Pentland township.
John C. Stephens was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, on
the 9th of October, 1871, and is a son of Alexander and Jessie (Walker)
Stephens, both of whom were born in Scotland. The father died in
1886, at the age of fiftj'-six years, and the mother is now residing on
the homestead farm in Luce county, Michigan. Of the five children
three are living, — ^Margaret, who is. the widow of William Walker,
and is a resident of Luce county; George, who is engaged in agricul-
ture in Luce county; and John C, who is the immediate subject of
this sketch. Alexander Stephens was a lad of nine years at the time
of his parents' immigration to America and the family located in the
province of Ontario, Canada, where he was reared to maturity under
the discipline of the farm and where he received a good common-
school education. He became one of the prosperous farmers of On-
tario, and there continued to reside until 1881, when he came to the
Upper Peninsula of Michigan and secured a tract of wild land in
Luce county, where he instituted the arduous work of reclamation
and where he continued to reside until 1885. He then removed to
Tower, ]\Iinnesota, Avhere he Avas employed as stationary engineer up
to the time of his death, which was the result of injuries received in
an accident. In politics he gave his support to the Republican party
and his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church, of which
his widow also is a member.
John C. Stephens gained his nidimentary education in his native
county and was ten years of age at the time of the family removal
to Luce county, Michigan, where he was reared to maturity on the
home farm and where he duly availed himself of the advantages of
the public schools. At the age of thirteen years he secured a clerk-
ship in a general store at Newberry, ^Michigan, and he continued to
be thus employed until his marriage. He then turned his attention
to agricultural pursuits and his well-improved farm in Pentland town-
ship is eligibly located three miles south of the village of Newberry,
where he has maintained his residence since assuming his present of-
fice, though he still gives a general supervision to his farm. Mr.
Stephens is a stanch advocate of the principles and policies of the
Republican party and he has been an active worker in its local ranks.
The first official position to which he was called was that of member
of the school board of Pentland township. Later he served as town-
ship clerk for two terms and for four years he represented his town-
ship on the county board of supervisors. In the spring of 1908 he
was elected township treasurer and he was incumbent of this position
at the time of his election to the office of county treasurer in the fall
of 1908. He has given a most able and satisfactory administration
of the fiscal affairs of the county and is known as a careful and con-
scientious official, — one Avell worthy of the official trust conferred
upon him. He is identified with Luce Lodge No. 89, Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows, and is identified with other civic organizations.
He attends and gives his support to the Union church in Newberry,
of which ]\rrs. Stephens is a member.
On the 10th of October, 1892, IMr. Stephens was miited in mar-
riage to Miss Frances Smith, who was born in the province of On-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1173
tario, Canada, and who is a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Bates)
Smith, the former of whom was born in Lockport, New York, and
the latter in the province of Ontario. The father now resides in Luce
county, ]\Iichigan, where he is a successful farmer and where he has
maintained his home since 1881. He is one of the prominent and in-
fluential citizens of Pentland township, is a stanch Republican in
politics, and has served several terms as justice of the peace. The
mother of Mrs. Stephens died about twenty years ago and is survived
by three children. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens have eight children, whose
names are here entered in order of birth, — Marguerite, Geoffrey, Wal-
lace, Lyle, Eleanor, Ruth, John C. Jr., and Elsie.
ViNCiNso Vairo. — Few citizens of Laurium have had a more interest-
ing and eventful life than Vincinso Vairo, a representative of the
Italian nation, whose interweaving into America's social fabric has
doubtless added materially to its vitality. Although only in middle
life Mr. Vairo has passed through many scenes and has accepted Avith
sound philosophy the ups and downs of fortune. He has achieved
prominence in the land of his adoption and now holds the offices of
postmaster of Laurium, president of the Italian Mutual Insurance
Company, and director of the First National Bank. Vincinso Vairo
was born in the village of Locana, July 22, 1866. He is a son of
Dominick and Mary Vairo and is of excellent family. The father
was for many years in the service of the Italian government as vet-
erinary surgeon, and he lived and died in his native land.
The early boyhood and school days of Vincinso Vairo were passed
in Italy. After leaving school he assisted his father for a time, and
then went to South Africa, where he joined the army and saw service
in the Boer war. He was engaged in the three campaigns of 1887,
1888 and 1889. He received an honorable discharge and returned
home, being then in his twenty-second year. In 1889 he emigrated to
America, and went immediately from New York city to Calumet,
Michigan, where he speedily secured employment as a stone mason and
carpenter, with which trades he had become familiar while in Europe.
He invested his means in copper stocks and in a short time realized
handsomely. He thereupon went west, settled in the state of AVash-
ington, and while working at his trade made some investments which
were so thoroughly unfortunate that he returned to Calumet with but
seventy-five cents. He was soon upon his feet again, for he entered
the employ of the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company and remained
with them for twenty-two months, after Avhich he became contractor
in the erection of dwellings, his specialty being stone work and car-
pentering. He built many of the dwellings in Calumet and Laurium
and did a considerable amount of work for the Wolverine and Mohawk
Copper Companies in many of the villages and the mining camps
of Houghton county. He also erected buildings for hoisting in Frank-
lin, Boston and other hamlets in this county.
In 1910 Mr. Vairo Avas appointed postmaster at Laurium for a
term of four years. He is a loyal supporter of the Republican party,
possessing a strong conviction of the infallibility of its policy. He
served as a member of the village council for a short time, being
elected in the spring of 1910, but resigned this to become postmaster.
He is identified with numerous important societies and concerns, being
president of the Italian IMutual Insurance Company at Laurium ; pres-
ident of the Upper Peninsula Society; president of the Alpino Soci-
ety; director of the First National Bank; vice-president of the Cit-
1174 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
izens' League Society; and associated with several other organiza-
tions whose object is. benefit to Laurium.
Mr. Vairo laid the foundations of a happy home life in 1890, in
which year he was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Julia Camllone, of Cal-
umet, Michigan. ]\Irs. Vairo is, like her husband, a native of Italy,
having crossed the Atlantic to America in early childhood. To this
marriage four children have been born. Dominick G. is a student at
Valparaiso, Indiana; John B. attends the Calumet high school; and
Elena and Jennie are both in attendance at the public schools.
William H. Roberts.— Having by industry, thrift, wise manage-
ment and good financial ability accumulated a competency, William
H. Roberts is now living retired from the active cares of business in
Hancock, Houghton county, an esteemed and respected citizen. He
has had a varied experience in his industrial career, working at va-
rious occupations, chiefly, however, as a miner, in early life visiting
many countries, and coming in contact yvith people of all nations. A
son of Richard R. Roberts, he was born, August 17, 1834, in the par-
ish of Kea, England. His grandparents. Captain Richard and Eliza-
beth (Blamey) Roberts, Avere life-long residents of county Cornwall,
England, and w^ere both of Welsh ancestry.
Richard R. Roberts spent his sixty-two years of life in county
Cornwall, England, where he follow^ed mining, the principal occupa-
tion of the people in that section. He married Eliza Solomon, who
was born in the parish of Kea, also, being a daughter of Thomas and
Elizabeth (Gray) Solomon. She died at the age of seventy-nine years,
leaving six children, as follows : Matthew and Elizabeth now living
in England: Eliza Jane, residing in Marjdand; William H., the sub-
ject of this sketch; Richard, of Kansas; and John, who spent his en-
tire life in Cornwall, England.
As a child William H. Roberts learned to read in the Sabbath
School but otherwise he is self-educated. Beginning to work in the
mines when but ten years old, he remained in Cornwall until 1854,
when he put into execution his long-desired plan to come to America,
being thirty-one days in making the trip to New York City, crossing
the water in a sailing vessel. He came directly to Ontonagon, ]\Iichi-
gan, arriving here when the greater part of the Upper Peninsula w-as
unexplored, the Cliff ]Mine, in Keweenaw county, and the ^linnesota
Mine, at Rockland, being then the only active paying mines, although
explorations were being made, and mines opened. Beginning work
at the National Mine, in Rockland, Mr. Roberts remained there until
August, 1854, when there occurred a panic, and all work ceased ex-
cepting at the Cliff' and Minnesota mines.
Starting then for the lead regions of Wisconsin, ]\Ir. Roberts
traveled on foot through the trackless woods, with a compass for a
guide, to Big Bull Falls, now Wausau, Wisconsin, thence going bv
team to Milwaukee, which was a small hamlet, from there going to
Mineral Point. At that time all the productions of the lead mines
were taken by team to Warren. Illinois, from there being sent by
railway and boat to the East, and thence to England, where the lead
was sold and the money returned to the United States, English money,
in eonseciuence, being circulated in the lead districts. Not finding
work in that locality, Mr. Roberts returned to England, married in
his nativ'e parish, and there resided about two years.
Leaving his wife in Cornwall, Mr. Roberts returned, in 1S57. to
Michigan, and for four months worked at the National ]\Iine, in Rock-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1175
land. He then went by way of New York and the Isthmus of Panama
to California, landing at San Francisco. After mining for a year, he
made another venture, going to Valparaiso, Chili, in a sailing vessel,
to accept the position of captain of a mine and remained there three
years. He then went to England in a sailing vessel, being one hun-
dred and four days en route. At the end of six months, accompanied
by his wife, he came back to the United States, and for a year and a
half was engaged in mining in Carroll county, Maryland. In 1863 he
located in the new village of Hancock, Houghton county, Michigan,
and after working in the Pewabic Mine two years opened a grocery
store which he managed successfully until 1895, when he retired from
active business. In 1901 Mr. Roberts erected his present residence, a
commodious house, of modern construction, beautifully located on
Harris avenue, and here he and his good wife are spending their days
in comfox't and pleasure. Both were reared in the "Wesleyan ]\Ietho-
dist church, but now attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which
Mrs. Roberts is a member.
Mr. Roberts married, August 23, 1855, in the parish of Kea, Eng-
land, May Ann Dinis, who was born in that parish, a daughter of
William and Ann Dinis. Five children have been born of their union,
namely: Samuel Henry, Thomas D., William H., Jr., John R. and
Maria.
Samuel Henry married Eliza A. RoAve, and they have eight chil-
dren, Burdette, Harry, Nettie, John, William H., Grace, Eliza J., and
Bertha. Thomas D. married Emma Bennett, and they have one
daughter, Mary. William H. Jr., married Catherine Foss, and they
have one son, also named William H. Maria, wife of Donald Mc-
Donald, has three children, William H., Ninea and Donald, Jr. Two
of the grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are married, Burdette
Roberts having married Gertrude Ferney, and Nettie Roberts being
the wife of Ernest Daniel. In 1905 Mr. and Mrs. Roberts celebrated
their golden wedding, the occasion being very pleasant, and one long
to be remembered, and on August 22, 1910, celebrated the fifty-fifth
anniversary of their wedding.
Beverley Drake Harison, ISl. A., ]\I. D. — It is uniformly conceded
that no member of the profession has done so much in a practical
way to elevate its standard in the state of jMichigan as has this dis-
tinguished physician and surgeon, who was long engaged in the
practice of his profession in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, but who
now maintains his home in Detroit, the metropolis of the state, but
who still maintains a summer home in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
To his initiative and resourceful efforts is largely due the establish-
ing of the State Board of Medical Registration before which must
appear every person who seeks to practice in the state. None can
doubt the great value of this provision, which proscribes charlatanism,
inefficiency and all irregularities in the work of a profession whose
responsibilities transcend those of all others to which man may de-
vote his attention, and in proper recognition of his earnest services
in behalf of the higher professional standard Dr. Harison was ap-
pointed secretary of the medical board of registration at the time of
its organization. This incumbency he has since retained and in the
same he has continued his effective labors in a worthy cause. His
long identification with the interests of the Upper Peninsula render
most consistent a review of his career in this publication.
Dr. Harison was born at Canton, St. Lawrence county. New York,
1176 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
on the 8tli of May, 1855, and is a son of Minturn and Susan (Drake)
Harison, the former of whom was born at the City of New York, and
the latter at Ithaca, NeAv York, being a daughter of Judge Beverley
Drake, Avho served with distinction on the bench of the Ithaca (N. Y.)
court for over 40 years. The lineage of Dr. Harison is of most
patrician order and the family was founded in America in the colonial
days. He is a direct descendant of Francis Harison, Avho came from
England and established his residence in the state of New York in
1708, and was a member of the Colonial Council for over twenty
j^ears. This worthy ancestor was a younger son of Sir Richard Hari-
son, Bart., of Hurst House, at Hurst, Berkshire, England, who was a
member of the privy chamber in ordinaiy to King Charles II. of Eng-
land, an intimate friend of Archbishop Laud, and whose eldest daugh-
ter married Sir Henry Wincombe, Bart., knoAvn as "Jack of New-
berry" in history, and whose granddaughter married Thomas How-
ard, third Earl of Berkshire. Sir Richard Harison was in direct de-
scent from Sir James Harison of Cumberland, born in 1447, who mar-
ried ^Margaret, daughter of Sir John Bourclair, Bart. George Hari-
son, son of Francis Harison of New York, married the heiress of Gen-
eral Richard Nichols, Colonial Governor of New York under the
English, and his son, Richard Nichols, who was born in New York in
1747 and was First District Attorney of New York under "Washing-
ton, and a member of the First Court of Chancery of the United States,
married Dr. Harison 's great-grandmother, Finances, daughter of Sir
George Duncan Ludlow, Chief-Justice of New Brunswick, in direct
descent from Edwai'd I. of England. 1272 (the greatest of constitu-
tional monarchs and who established the English Parliament), and his
wife, ^Margaret, daughter of Philip III. of France. (Burke) Lamb's
History of New York.
When Dr. Harison was about twelve years of age his parents re-
moved to Toronto, Province of Ontario, Canada, and in the Dominion
he was afforded most excellent educational advantages, having at-
tended Bishop's College School, at Lennoxville, Quebec, and Trinity
College School, at Port Hope, Ontario, known respectively as the
Rugby and Eton of Canada. In these excellent institutions he was
prepared for college,- and at the age of eighteen years he was matricu-
lated in historic old University of Trinity College, in the city of To-
ronto, where he completed his studies of a literary or academic order.
In preparation for the work of his chosen profession. Dr. Harison
then entered the medical department of Toronto University, from
which he received his degree of Bachelor of Medicine in 1882 after a
four years' course and subsequently the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
Shortly afterward he became assistant to Dr. James Thornburn, one
of the eminent physicians and surgeons of Toronto, and a member of
the Faculty of Toronto. From 1885 to 1888 he was surgeon to the
Spanish River Lumber Companj', at Spanish River, Ontario, and in
1888 he came to the Upper Peninsula of jNIichigau and established him-
self in the practice of his profession at Sault Ste. ]Marie, where he
continued to maintain his home until January, 1906, when he re-
moved to Detroit. In the fair metropolis of Michigan he has since
continued in the active work of his profession, as medical legal expert
besides giving scrupulous attention to the duties of his office as sec-
retary of the Michigan State Board of Registration in Medicine. His
high standing in his profession renders it unnecessai'y to state that
his success as a practitioner in the L^pper Peninsula was of the most
unequivocal order, and that here he was one of the most prominent,
honored and influential membei's of his profession.
I
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1177
A most noteworthy and commendable work and one that will ever
redound to his honor, is that accomplished by Dr. Harison in connec-
tion with raising the standards and methods for admission to the
practice of medicine in Michigan to a standard higher than can be
claimed in an official sense by any other state of the Union. His ef-
forts have met with the hearty approval of the worthy representa-
tives of the various schools of practice and all commend the regula-
tions prescribed by legislative enactment. Prior to 1889 various ef-
forts had been made at successive sessions of the legislature to pro-
cure proper legislation in regulation of medical practice in the state,
but nothing definite had been accomplished. In 1889, however, the
Michigan State Medical Society decided upon vigorous measures for
improvement, Avith the result that a committee on medical legislation
was appointed, with Dr. Harison as chaii-man. He prepared the bill
that was finally brought to enactment, after consultation with lead-
ing representatives of the regular, the Homeopathic and the Eclectic
schools of practice. The bill was introduced in the house by Hon.
William Chandler, representative from Chippewa county, and thus
was designated as the "Chandler Bill," but Dr. Harison, in a personal
and official capacity ably championed the measure, giving it careful
attention at every stage and, as representative of the Michigan State
Medical Society, he paid all incidental expenses in connection Avith
forAvarding the bill to enactment. This admirable laAv provides for
the State Board of Registration in Medicine, before AA^hich body every
person must pass an examination before being permitted to practice
medicine in the state. The primary object of the laAV is to eliminate
charlatans and so-called "quacks," as Avell as those imperfectly edu-
cated along both professional and academic lines. As already stated,
Dr. Harison has served as a member and secretary of this board from
the time of its organization and in this office he has had much to do
with defining administrative policies and making the Avork efficient
in every particular.
Dr. Harison still retains membership in the Upper Peninsula Medi-
cal Society, of which he was one of the organizers and of which he
served as the second secretary and the third president. He is one
of the influential and valued members of the ]\Iichigan State Medical
Society, of which he was president in 1904-5, and he is also actively
identified with the American Medical Association. While a resident
of S'ault Ste. Marie he served six years as a member of the Board of
Trustees of the Upper Peninsula Hospital for the Insane, at New-
berry, of which board he Avas president. His professional and civic
loyalty brought to his local preferment also, as he was called upon to
serve as health officer of Sault Ste. Marie, coroner of Chippewa county,
medical superintendent of the Sault Ste. Marie general hospital, and
chief surgeon to the Michigan & Lake Superior PoAA'cr Company, be-
sides which he was local surgeon for several railroads and has been
consulting surgeon for many of the larger charitable and benevolent
institutions of the state. Dr. Harison Avas the founder of the Ameri-
can Confederation of Reciprocating, Examining and Licensing Medi-
cal Boards of the United States, an organization instituting medical
reciprocity in some forty states and promoting uniformity of pre-
liminary and medical requirements of the several states. Of this
valuable body he was the first secretary and still holds this office
(1910). It is Avorthy of special note in this connection that ]\Iichigan
is the only state in the Union that is recognized by foreign countries,
and that this reciprocity arrangement was made largely through the
1178 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
efforts of Dr. Harison since 1892. He is a member of the American
Geographical Society, American Academy of Science, is identified with
various fraternal and social .organizations of representative character,
is Repubhcan in his political allegiance, and both he and his wife are
communicants of the Episcopal church. In recognition of his ability
and distinguished services, Dr. Harison received from the University
of Michigan, in June, 1910, the degree of Master of Arts.
On the 9th of October, 1889, was solemnized the marriage of Dr.
Harison to Miss Josephine Lister, who was bom and reared in Sarnia,
Province of Ontario, Canada, and who is a daughter of Hon. James
F. Lister, K. C, a distinguished justice of the Court of Appeals of the
Province of Ontario, and a relative of Lord Lister, the famous Eng-
lish surgeon. Dr. and Mrs. Harison have one daughter, Frances Lister.
Dr. Harison 's genealogy is interesting in its relation to hereditary
influences from the fact that his professional activities have been
along legal lines and without the foundation of a legal (professional)
education. For this reason his genealogy has been especially empha-
sized and recorded in this biographical sketch.
Historical References^
A Few Words About Hurst by Its Late Vicar. 1882.
Antiquities of Berkshire (Ashmole) 1719.
"History of New York." M. J. Lamb.
History of Yorkshire by General G. H. de S. N. Plantagenet Harison.
Emil Nyberg. — Prominent among the successful and well-to-do mer-
chants of Gogebic county is Emil Nyberg, proprietor of a general
store at Ironwood, where he is conducting an extensive business.
Like many others of the more enterprising and progressive citizens of
the Upper Peninsula, he is of foreign birth and breeding, having been
born, December 1, 1866, in Liljidahl, Wermland, Sweden. His father,
John Nyberg, a native of the same place, was for many years employed
in the iron works of Wermland. Emigrating to tliis country about
1890, he came directly to Michigan, and spent the remainder of his
life at Ironwood, passing away in 1909. His wife, whose maiden
name was Anna Nystrom, spent her entire life in Sweden. She reared
eleven children, six of whom are living in America, namely : Gust,
Charlie, William, Henry, John and Emil.
At the age of nineteen years, having acquired a good business ed-
ucation in the public schools of his native land, Emil Nyberg decided
to try his fortune in the United States. Coming directly to the Upper
Peninsula, he mined for a month at Iron Mountain, from there com-
ing to Ironwood, a new town just started in the wilderness, the greater
part of the town site being at that time covered with a heavy growth
of timber. Mr. Nyberg began work at the Chapin Mine with a pick
and shovel, but after laboring for eighteen months concluded to try
some other occupation, and the following ten years was clerk in a
store, being in the employ first of Peter Johnson and later in that of his
successor. Forming then a partnership with Aleck Larson, he opened
a general store under the firm name of Larson & Nyberg, continuing
as such until his brother, William Nyberg, bought out Mr. Larson's
interest in the business, the firm name being changed to Nyberg &
Nyberg. In 1907, buying out his brother's share, Mr. Nyberg became
sole proprietor of the business, which he is conducting on a sound
financial basis, having a large and remunerative trade in general mer-
chandise, his stock embracing a complete assortment of goods of all
kinds.
c
>^_
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1179
Mr. Nyberg married, in 1889, Susanna Seaverson, who was born,
reared and educated in Norway, and into their home three children
have been born, namely : Alice, Ina and Lloyd. ]\Ir. Nyberg is a
loyal Republican in polities, and represents the Fourth ward on the
County Board of Supervisors. Religiously he and his family are
members of the Swedish Mission church.
Nelson J. Robbins, M. D., is a native son of the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan, and is one of its representative physicians and surgeons.
His popularity and his marked success in connection with the work of
his profession in his native city sets at naught all application of the
scriptural statement that, "The prophet is not without honor save in
his own country."
Dr. Robbins was born at Negaunee, Marquette county, on the 23d
of August, 1870, and is a son of Edward and Mary (Robbins) Rob-
bins, both natives of England, Avhere the former was born in 1842.
The parents were reared and educated in their native land and there
their marriage was solemnized. They came to America in 1867 and
in the same year took up their residence in the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan, passing about one year at Hancock and then removing to
Negaunee. A number of years later they removed to Ishpeming,
where the father died in 1898, and where the mother still retains her
home. They became the parents of seven children, of whom three
were born in England, and of whom four are now living. Edward
Robbins was a mineralogist and a mining expert and he did much im-
portant work in connection with the great mining industry in the
Upper Peninsula, where he ever commanded unqualified confidence
and esteem.
Dr. Nelson J. Robbins received his early educational training in
the public schools of Ishpeming. He later attended the medical de-
partment of the University of Michigan and finally entered the Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, now the college of medicine of the
University of Illinois, in the city of Chicago, in which he was gradu-
ated as a member of the class of 1893, and from which he received his
well earned degree of Doctor of Medicine. In initiating the work
of his profession Dr. Robbins became associated in practice with Dr.
Wilfred S. Pieotte, in Ishpeming, where he remained until 1895, when
he removed to Negaunee, where he now controls a large and repre-
sentative practice. He is medical examiner of the United States Ma-
rine Corps and is examining physican for a number of fraternal or-
ganizations and insurance companies. Dr. Robbins holds member-
ship in the American Medical Association, the Michigan State Medi-
cal Society and the Marquette County Medical Society. He is affili-
ated with Negaunee Lodge No. 202, Free & Accepted Masons ; Ne-
gaunee Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Lake Superior Commandery No.
30, Knights Templar, in the city of Marquette, where he also holds
membership in Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine. In politics the doctor gives his allegiance to the
Republican party. He is a bachelor.
Abraham H. Eddy. — One of the representative business men of
Sault Ste. Marie is Mr. Eddy, who has been identified with the indus-
trial and business interests of Chippewa county for nearly a quarter
of a century and who is now engaged in the grocery, flour, and feed
business at 524-6 Ashmun street. Mr. Eddy was born in Northumber-
land county, province of Ontario, Canada, on the 6th of August, 1864,
1180 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
and is the son of Alfred j\I. and Elvira (Bradley) Eddy, both of whom
were likewise natives of Northumberland, where the former was born in
1825 and the latter in 1829. The father died in 1885 and the mother
was summoned to the life eternal in 1909. Of their eleven children,
seven are now living. Harden Eddy, grandfather of the subject of
this review, was born in England, whence he emigrated to the province
of Ontario, Canada, when a young man. He became one of the suc-
cessful farmers of the northern county, w'here he and his wife,
whose maiden name was Ruth Tucker, resided until their death. They
became the parents of nine sons and one daughter, all of whom are
deceased with the exception of one son. Alfred M. Eddy was reared
and educated in his native county, where he devoted his active ca-
reers to agricultural pursuits. He passed the closing years of his
life in Woodstock, Ontario. Both he and his wife Avere members of
the Baptist church.
Abraham H. Eddy secured his early educational training in the
public schools of his native county, and he continued to be associated
in the w^ork of the farm until he attained to the age of twenty-two
years, when he engaged in the same line of industry on his own re-
sponsibility in his native county. Two years later he engaged in the
agricultural implements business at Woodstock, Ontario, where he
remained until June 16, 1888, when he came to Sault Ste. Marie, and
secui'ed a position as watchman on the International bridge. He was
thus engaged until 1891, after which he held a position of brakeman
on the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railroad until 1897,
when he became salesman in the flour and feed business, besides Avhich
he instituted operations as a market gardener. Later he added a
grocery department to his business, in Avhich he was associated Avith
D. F. Reynolds, under the firm name of Eddy & Reynolds, from Feb-
ruary 1, 1900, until September 1, 1909, when he purchased his part-
ner's interest. Since that time he has individually continued in busi-
ness. In April, -1908, Mr. Eddy purchased the Nordj^cke building at
524-6 Ashmun street, where he has since maintained his business head-
quarters. This structure is one of the finest business blocks in the
entire LTpper Peninsula and is very modern in its architectural design
and equipment. Mr. Eddy was showai the utmost progressiveness
and public spirit and has at all times stood ready to give his influence
and co-operation in support of all enterprises tending to advance the
general Avelfare of the community. He developed one of the valuable
farms of Chippewa county and there made a specialty of breeding
high grade Durham cattle, in which connection he did much to ad-
vance the standard of this line of live stock in this section of the state.
In politics Mr. Eddy gives his allegiance to the Republican party
and both he and his Avife belong to the Baptist church. IMr. Eddy is
affiliated Avith Bethel Lodge No. 358, Free & Accepted ]\Iasons, of
Avhicli he is past master; Sault Ste. Marie Chapter No. 126. Royal
Arch Masons, of Avhich he is past high priest ; Sault Ste. ]\Iarie Coun-
cil No. 69, Royal & Select Masters. Both he and his Avife are affiliated
with the auxiliary organizations, the Queen of the North Chapter
No. 82, Order of the Eastern Star, of Avhich IMr. Eddy is past Avorthy
patron. He is past commander of Sault Ste. ]\Iarie Commandery No.
45, Knights Templar; and holds membership in Alimed Temple, An-
cient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the IMystic Shrine in the City of
Marquette and is also a 32nd degree j\Iason, being a member of De
Witt Clinton Consistory of Grajid Rapids, IMichigan.
On November 24th, 1886, Avas solemnized the marriage of ]\Ir. Eddy
(yu>u:XyJ
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1181
to Miss Sarah Jane Cutlibert, who was born in Oxford county, On-
tario, and who iKS a daughter of John Cuthbert, who was born in Scot-
land, and who is still residing on his old homestead farm in Oxford
county, Ontario, being ninety years of age. His wife died in 1904 and
all their twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, are now living.
Mr. and Mi-s. Eddy have one daughter, Doris Marie.
Robert H. Taylor.— A man of honest integrity and solid worth,
Robert H. Taylor holds a position of note among the esteemed and
respected citizens of Sault Ste. Marie, where he is prominent in busi-
ness and social circles. A native of England, he was born, February
10, 1861, in Oldham, Lancastershire, which was likewise the birth-
place of his parents, Robert and Mary (Hague) Taylor. His father,
a cotton spinner by trade, spent his entire life in England, his birth
occurring in 1825, and his death in 1889. His mother, also a life-long
resident of her native land, was born in 1827, and died in 1867. Of
their six children, three are living, as follows : j\Iiriam, Mary, and
Robert H.
Availing himself when young of every offered opportunity for
advancing his education, Robert H. Taylor completed the full course
of literature, mining engineering and metallurgy at the Fairfield
College, being graduated from that institution when but eighteen
years of age. Emigrating to this country in 1879, he located in Ne-
gaunee, Marquette county, Michigan, finding employment with the
Jackson IMining Company, the Negaunee Concentrating Works, and in
the exploration department of the Fetch IMining Company. From 1882
until 1884 Mr. Taylor was engaged in exploring, after which he opened
an office in Negaunee, and was there busily engaged in experimental
work for ten or more years. In 1894 he came to Sault Ste. IMarie as
deputy collector for the United States Government, and as acting ap-
praiser for the United States Custom House, positions for which he Avas
well qualified, and Avhich he filled ably and satisfactorily. He is still
interested in mining, and has been actively engaged in developing im-
portant mines in Canada.
Politically IMr. Taylor is a firm supporter of the prineii^les of the
Republican party. Fraternally he stands prominent as a ]\Iason, heing
a member of Bethel Lodge, No. 358, A. F. & A. ]\I. ; of Sault Ste. Marie
Chapter, No. 126, R. A. M. ; of Sault Ste. :\Iarie Council, No. 69, R. &
S. M. ; of Sault Ste. Marie Commandery, No. 45, K. T. ; and of Ahmed
Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., of Marquette.
Captain Thomas J. Stevens. — A man of practical ability and sound
sense, Captain Thomas J. Stevens, of Ironwood, Gogebic county, is emi-
nentl.y qualified for the responsible position he is now filling as captain
of the Pabst Mine, being thoroughly acquainted with mining as it is con-
ducted both in England and in the United States. A son of John Ste-
vens, Jr., he was born, February 25, 1850, at Leedstown, parish of Cro-
wan, county Cornwall, England. His grandparents, John Stevens, Sr.,
and Avis (Harry) Stevens, were life-long residents of county Cornwall,
England, living on a farm in the parish of INInllion.
John Stevens, Jr., the only cliild of his parents, was born on a farm
in the parish of Mullion, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. For a
number of years after his marriage he was employed as a farm superin-
tendent, and when he gave up that work, settled in the village of Godol-
phin, parish of Breage, county Cornwall, where he was a surface employe
at the mines, living there until his death, at the age of sixty-three years.
1182 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
The maiden name of his wife was Matilda Grace Hosking, who was bom
in the village of Godolphin, and died there at the age of fifty-one years.
Her father, Thomas Hosking, a native of county Cornwall, began mining
when very young, and worked his way up to timber fireman. Going to
Cuba to accept a i^osition as timber fireman, he lost his life shortly after-
ward in a mine accident. He married Grace Simmons, a life-long resident
of county Cornwall. John Stevens, Jr., and his wife were Non-Coti-
formists in their religious belief. They reared five children, as follows:
Thomas J., the .subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, wife of William H.
Griggs, living at Johannesburg, South Africa ; Joseph Henry, residing in
Saint Louis, IMissouri ; Albert S., living at New Tredegar, South Wales,
England; and William Henry, of New York city.
Beginning to work at the mines when but eight and one-half years
old, Thomas J. Stevens had but little opportunity to attend to his books.
He was employed on the surface for six years and then went into the
mine, working with hammer and drill and pick and shovel for five years.
When nineteen years old he went to Abercarn, Monmouthshire, Wales,
finding employment in a coal mine. Realizing that while thus employed
he was in constant danger, he left there at the end of a few months and
came to America. Three years later an explosion in that same mine
killed two hundred and eighty-two miners, the entire working force,
among the number being two of Captain Stevens' uncles and two of his
cousins. In America IMr. Stevens first worked at Arnold Hill, Essex
county. New York, going from there at the end of six months to Scranton,
Pennsylvania, where he was employed in sinking shafts for a year. Re-
turning then to England, he worked in the mines at Cleator Moor for
eleven years, but he was not at all contented to stay there permanently.
He accordingly came back to the United States, and after mining a year
in Jefi'erson county, Alabama, went to Sheldon, IMassachusetts, where for
a few months he was employed in a sulphur mine. Going thence to Pilot
Knob, ^Missouri, he resided there until 1888, when he came to Ironwood,
then a new but a rapidly growing town. For thii'teen years and four
months he worked at the Norrie Mine in a minor capacity, and was then
promoted to shift boss, later becoming timber foreman. In 1902 he was
assigned to the Pabst ]\Iine as captain, and has since filled the position
most ably and faithfully.
Captain Stevens married, in 1876, i\Iary 0. Phillips, who was born in
the parish of Sancreed, county Cornwall, England, where her parents,
Joseph and Sarah (Olds) Phillips, spent their entire lives. Mr. and Mrs.
Stevens are the parents of seven children, namely : Joseph Henry, Sarah
Jane. William H., Mary Elizabeth, Edward, Albert John and Eunice
Lucile. Joseph H. married Nettie Guess, and they have three children,
Glen, Dorothy and Alice. Sarah J., wife of Herbert B. Prout, has three
children, Lois, Gordon and Elizabeth. William H. married Pearl Lucia,
and they both died, leaving two children, Russell and Liicile. ]\Iary E.,
deceased, married Edwin J. Collick. Captain and ]\Irs. Stevens are faith-
ful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and have reared their
children in the same religious belief. In politics the Captain is independ-
ent, voting for the best men and measures without regard to party affilia-
tions. He is now serving as president of the City Board of Aldermen,
and is a meitiber of the Board of Supervisors. Fraternally Captain Ste-
vens is a member of Ironwood Lodge, No. 386, F. & A. M^ ; of Minerva
Chapter, R. A. IM. ; of Gogebic Commandery, K. T. ; of Ahmed Temple,
Order of the Mystic Shrine, of George Washington Lodge, Order of the
Sons of Saint George; of the Foresters of America; and of the Temple
of Honor.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1183
Milton E. Beubmann.— Through judicious investments in real
estate and through his well ordered business operations Mr. Beurmann
has become one of the largest landholders in the Upper Peninsula of
his native state and here he has made valuable contribution to social
and industrial progress, the while he has marked his way by such in-
vincible integrity and honor as to retain at all stages the unqualified
esteem of his fellow naen. He resides in the village of Newberry,
where he is the owner of a large amount of valuable realty and in Luce
county he has secured many hundreds of acres of timber and farm-
ing land. • He has been actively concerned in the development of the
agricultural interests of this section of the northern peninsula and has
also been an extensive dealer in real estate. Such is his status in the
community that he is well deserving of consideration in this publication
as one of the representative citizens of the section to which the history
is devoted.
Mr. Beurmann was bom in Greenbush township, Clinton county,
Michigan, on the 11th of March, 1867, and is a son of William and
Elizabeth (Pierce) Beurmann, the former of whom was born in Ham-
burg, Germany, and the latter in Oneida county. New York ; their mar-
riage was solemnized in Livingston county, Michigan, and the father
passed the closing years of his life in Luce county, this state, where
he died at the venerable age of eighty-six years, his cherished and de-
voted wife having been summoned to eternal rest at the age of seventy-
five years. Of the ten children five are now living, — Emma, who is
the wife of Jerred L. Holbrook, of Greenbush township ; Agnes, who is
the wife of George Parker, a resident of Newberry, Michigan; and
Misses Carrie and Eva, who reside with their brother Milton E., subject
of this sketch.
The career of William Beurmann was varied and eventful and was
marked by many interesting experiences. In his native land he secured
an excellent education and there he was employed for some time as
bookkeeper for his uncle, who was engaged in the agricultural business.
William Beurmann was but twelve years of age at the time of his
father's death. In 1837, when nineteen years of age, he came to Amer-
ica, where he felt assured of better opportunities for gaining independ-
ence and success through personal endeavor. He made the voyage on
a sailing vessel and six weeks were consumed in making the trip across
the Atlantic. From New York City he made his way to Buffalo and
thence by the canal and Great Lakes to Michigan, where he joined
friends in Livingston county. He thus took up his residence in the
state in the year that marked its admission to the Union and his name
merits a place on the roster of its honored pioneers. He secured a tract
of heavily timbered land in Livingston county and there reclaimed a
productive farm from the wilderness. Later his mother and two
brothers joined him in America and established their residence on this
original homestead. He himself finally removed to Kent county, where
he secured another tract of land and began its reclamation. In 1849
he disposed of this property and set forth with the throng of gold-
seekers making their way across the plains and by water routes to the
new Eldorado in California. Owing to the fact that fever was then
prevalent on the plains and caused great hardships to the straggling
trains of gold-seekers, Mr. Beurmann went to the city of New Orleans,
from which point he embarked on a sailing ship and proceeded to the
Isthmus of Panama, where he waited for a steamer that had made the
trip around Cape Horn. On this vessel he embarked and the same was
the first steamer to arrive in San Francisco by way of Cape Horn. He
1184 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN
devoted four years and six months to mining for gold and met with ex-
cellent success. At the expiration of the period noted, as a member of
a party of twenty-two persons, he started on the long and hazardous
trip across the plains to the east. In Utah the party was waylaid by
Indians and Mormons and all were left for dead. Of the entire number
only two survived. Mr. Beurmann and one companion were rescued
by a tribe of friendly Indians and were held as captives until they were
released by government surveyors, who gave the Indians blankets and
other articles in exchange for the captives. Mr. Beurmann was
stripped of his gold by the Indians and Mormons and after gaining his
liberty he returned to California, where he resumed his quest of gold.
He was soon attacked with mountain fever, and after his recovery he
worked on a ranch for a short interval. He then returned to the east,
by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and from New York City he made
his way back to his home in Michigan, after an absence of six years.
In 1856 he located in Clinton county, where he secured land and
developed a valuable farm. On this homestead he continued to reside
until 1897, when, venerable in years, he removed to the upper peninsula
and located in Luce county, where he lived retired until his death.
Milton E. Beurmann was reared on the homestead farm which was
the place of his birth and is indebted to the public schools of Clinton
county for his early educational training. He continued to be identi-
fied with agricultural pursuits in that county until 1897, when he had
the good judgment to transfer his operations to the LTpper Peninsula,
where he has found ample scope for Avide and successful business enter-
prise. LTpon coming to Luce county he assumed the position of super-
intendent of the interests of the Newberry Farming Company, and later
he was identified with the lumber industry for a period of two years,
at the expiration of which he engaged in farming and in the real estate
business, with Avhich important lines of enterprise he has since con-
tinued to be prominently concerned. He secured one thousand acres
of land in this county and with characteristic energy and discrimina-
tion he has given his attention to the improving of this property, Avhich
has greatly appreciated in value, four hundred acres of the tract being
now available for effective cultivation, while the remainder is timber
and pasture land. In 1905 Mr. Beurmann purchased the holdings of
the Palms estate in Luce, county and thus came into possession of thir-
teen thousand acres of land, together with practically all the vacant
lots in the village of Newberry. He is known as one of the substantial
capitalists of the Upper Peninsula and also as one of its representative
business men. His loyalty to his native state is of the most insistent
type and he is fully appreciative of the advantages and attractions of
the "upper country," where he has found ample scope for effective and
productive endeavor, through which he has won large and Avell merited
success. He has guided his course according to the highest principles
of integrity and honor and thus has not been denied the full measure
of popular confidence and esteem. In politics he is found arrayed as a
stanch supporter of the cause of the Re]nibliean party, and while he
has never been a seeker of public office his civic lo.yalty has been such
as to cause him to give careful attention to such positions as have been
given him through popular election. He served two terms as super-
visor of ]\IcMillan township and for the past five years he has been one
of the most progressive and valued members of the village council of
Newberry. Mr. Beurmann is a bachelor, and his attractive home is
presided over by his two sisters, to whom reference has already been
made in this context.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1185
John Robert Moore, M. D.-In the death of John Robert Moore
M. D., which occurred in November, 1909, Ironwood lost not only one
of her most skilful and prominent physicians and surgeons, but one of
its most honored, respected and valued citizens. He was very success-
ful in his treatment of medical and surgical cases, while his genial man-
ner and pleasant words of cheer made him a welcome visitor to the
strong and hearty, as well as to those sufEering ills and pains. A son
of Robert Moore, Jr., he was born, July 12, 1850, in Sullivan township,
Jefferson county, Wisconsin.
His paternal grandfather, Robert Moore, Sr., was born, in 1788,
in New Hampshire, coming, it is said, of Scotch ancestry. As a young
man he migrated to Vermont, from there going into Canada, where he
made a brief stay. Going onward to Ohio, he became a pioneer settler
of Ashtabula county, and there spent his last years. His wife, whose
maiden name was Hannah Bean, was born in Vermont in 1798. She
survived him many years, passing away at the home of her son Robert,
in Wisconsin.
One of a family of ten children, Robert Moore, Jr., was born in
Canada, but was brought up in Ohio. In early manhood he followed
the march of civilization westward to Wisconsin. Locating in Sullivan
township, Jefferson county, he bought a partially improved farm, and
was there engaged in agricultural pursuits many years. He subse-
quently removed to the village of Rome, where he lived retired until
his death, in 1896, at the good old age of seventy-two years. His wife,
whose maiden name was Lois Henry, was born in Pennsylvania, and
died, in 1902, in Wisconsin, at the age of sixty-eight years. She reared
ten children, as follows : Welcome, John Robert, Henry, Henrietta,
Edwin, George E., Fi-ank, Arthiir, Oscar, and Minnie.
Receiving his preliminary education in the district schools of his
native township, John Robert Moore was subsecpiently graduated from
the Milton High School. His resolution to enter the medical profession
having become fixed in his mind, he then began the study of medicine
with Dr. Pattie, of Concord, Wisconsin, and in 1872 was graduated
from the Chicago Medical College with the degree of M. D. Dr. Moore
immediately began the practice of his profession at Stoughton, Wis-
consin, from there going to New London. Coming to Ironwood in 1888,
he was here actively and successfully employed as mine surgeon until
his death, which was caused by the accidental discharge of a gun, in
November, 1909.
Dr. Moore was twice married. He married first Julia McFarlane, who
died in 1880, leaving one daughter, Mabel Moore. The doctor married
for his second wife Nellie W. Dickinson, who survives him, and has two
children, Alice D., and John R. Alice D. is the wife of Burt C. Hayes.
John R. married Maude , and they have one son, Robert.
Dr. Moore was a member of the American Medical Society, of the
Michigan State Medical Society, and of the Gogebic County Medical
Society.
William B. Thomas has resided in Manistique for twenty-three yeai*s
and more, and these have been years of purposes Avell directed, of plans
carefully formed, an era of splendid achievements, and at the same
time his far reaching influence has affected the substantial growth and
advancement of his city. He Avas born at Sheldrake in Seneca county,
New York, November 17, 1866. His father. Waterman Thomas, was
born in Connecticut, but moved from there to New York in 1846 and
was a merchant at Sheldrake until coming to Ann Arbor, ^Michigan, in
1186 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
1876, where he resumed mercantile affairs, and he died in that city at
the age of eighty-one years. He was a son of Jonathan Thomas, also
born in Connecticut and of English descent. The mother of William
B. Thomas was before marriage Mary Craven Schenck, a native of New
Jersey, and a daughter of Jacob Schenck, of Holland descent. She
died at the age of eighty-three years, and of the seven children that
blessed the marriage union of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas five grew to years
of matiirity.
William B. Thomas, the youngest born of these seven children, was
ten years of age when he moved with his parents to Ann Arbor, and
he received his education in the high school of that city. From there
he came to Manistique in 1886, and his first employment here was as
bookkeeper for the Chicago Lumber Company, thus continuing for three
years. In 1889 he entered upon his connection with the White Marble
Lime Company, first in the capacity of bookkeeper, and in 1897 he was
elected the secretary of the company and in 1906 became its manager.
He is one of the stockholders of this large corporation. The White
Marble Lime Company gives employment to about two hundred and
fifty men, and it is one of the important and influential business corpo-
rations of this part of the state. Mr. Thomas is also the treasurer of
the Freeman Lumber Company at Engadine, this state, is the vice
president of the First National Bank of his home city and interested
in the Manistique Bank and he is the vice president of the Manistique
Realty Company. He has also served as the township and village
treasurer, and is now a member of the school board, a true and firm
friend of the cause of education. He is a Knight Templar and Shrine
Mason, a member of the Manistique Order of Elks and of the Sons of
the American Revolution.
Mr. Thomas married in 1891 Nettie Tucker, who died in 1902, the
mother of four children. He subsequently married Fern I. Nicholson.
Mr. Thomas' children are Harrie, Glenn, Marion and Edith.
Capt. John Duncan, deceased, who was for many years assistant
superintendent of the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company, was a man
of mi;eh prominence and enjoyed universal esteem. One thing which
had contributed to his prominence was his high rank in Masonry, he
having attained to the thirty-third degree. He figured in the affairs of
the Republican party and had enjoyed some political preferment. His
was the distinction to be one of the oldest continuous county eonunis-
sioners in the state, having served as chairman of the board in Hough-
ton county from 1866 until the time of his death in 1904.
Captain Duncan was born in Canada, near St. Thomas, his parents
being John and Mary Duncan, natives of Scotland. In his early man-
hood he secured employment on the Great Western Railway of Canada
and subsequently found his way into Michigan where the most of his
life was spent. It was in 1858 that he first located in Houghton county,
after a short employment on the Detroit & Mackinac Railway. He
made the journey to his new home on the steamer "Montgomery,"
which was commanded by the late Captain Wilkinson, ex-superin-
tendent of the Detroit House of Correction, the trip being the first one
both for the vessel and its captain. He was ten years associated with
the Quincy mine and only left to accept the superintendency of the
Calumet & Hecla Mining Company. The year in which he made this
change was 1869 and his relations with this important concern con-
tinued for more than thirty years. He was an astute business man and
accumulated large means, and was interested in many enterprises, being
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1187
among other things an extensive stock-holder in the Calumet & Hecla
Mining Company. His residence, situated at 1025 Mine street, is one
of the handsomest in Calumet.
Captain Duncan had large political influence and in addition to his
record as commissioner, was identified with both village and township
organizations, his good judgment and broad-minded justice being gen-
erally recognized. Captain Duncan was a member of the Masonic lodge
at Quincy until its transferral to Calumet. He was affiliated with the
Montrose Commandery, Knights Templar, and with the Marquette Con-
sistory.
June 18, 1862, Captain Duncan laid the foundation of a home by
his marriage to Miss Mary A. Moon, daughter of William Moon, for-
merly of Kalamazoo, Michigan. This union was blessed by the birth of
three children. AA'^illiam, resides with his family in Calumet and is
engaged in the hardware business. Fannie, wife of William Holman,
an insurance man, makes her home in Calumet. Helen married Fred
E. Woodbury, and resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The death of Cap-
tain Duncan occurred June 6, 1904, and his loss is still felt not merely
by his widow and children, but by numerous fellow citizens who real-
ized his sterling worth.
William R. Adams.— Conscientious, earnest and persistent, with a
great natural aptitude for his chosen vocation, William R. Adams
ranks well among the foremost attorneys of Ontonagon, where he has
built up a large and lucrative clientele. He was born, October 25, 1863,
at Lapeer, Michigan, a son of Eli Adams. His paternal grandfather.
Rev. Mr. Adams, a native of New York state, was ordained as a minister
in the Methodist Episcopal church, and was for many years a mis-
sionary on the western frontier.
Eli Adams was born and reared in the Empire state, where he
learned the trade of a moulder. Coming as a young man to Michigan,
he lived a number of years in Lapeer, removing from there to Vassar,
Tuscola county, where, establishing a machine shop, foundry, and pump
manufactory, was actively engaged in business until his death, in 1886.
After completing his studies in the public schools, William R.
Adams began the study of law under the preceptorship of John H.
Hickok, of Flint, Michigan, afterwards studying with Durand & Car-
ten, of the same city. In 1890 he was admitted to the Michigan bar,
and since that time has been successfully engaged in the practice of
his profession at Ontonagon. Mr. Adams has taken an active part in
the management of town and county affairs, and has served wisely and
acceptably in vai'ious public offices. He was deputy county clerk in
Genesee county, and since coming to Ontonagon has served as president
of the Village Board; as a member of the Ontonagon Board of Educa-
tion ; as justice of the peace ; as circuit court commissioner ; and for
the past fourteen years he has been prosecuting attorney for Ontonagon
county.
Mr. Adams married, August 22, 1887, Lydia N. Jones, who was born
in Fentonville, Michigan, a daughter of Lafayette N. Jones. Her grand-
father, Austin Jones, was born and bred in Wales. On coming to the
United States, he settled as a pioneer in Oakland county, Michigan,
where he carried on a good business as a contractor and builder for
many years, living there until his death, at the remarkable age of
ninety-six years. His wife attained the age of ninety years. They
trod life's pathway hand in hand for sixty-four consecutive years, in
the meantime celebrating both the fiftieth and the sixtieth anniversaries
1188 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
of their wedding day in an appropriate manner. Lafayette N. Jonesi
was born in Oakland county, ]\Iichigan, and is now employed as a con-
tractor and builder in Oakland. His wife, whose maiden name was
Victoria Andrews, Avas born in Tuscola county, Michigan, of English
ancestry. Her father, George Andrews, the maternal grandfather of
Mrs. Adams, was born in Syracuse, New York, and came to ^Michigan
in early life, settling in Tuscola county in pioneer times. Purchasing
a tract of timber land, he erected a log house in the midst of the forest,
and by dint of sturdy industiy cleared and improved a valuable farm,
which, with its substantial frame buildings and its equipments, became
one of the most desirable estates in the community.
Politically ^Ir. Adams is a loyal supporter of the principles of the
Republican partv. and fraternally he is a member of Ontonagon Lodge,
I. 0. 0. F., and'of Lodge. No. 381. B. P. 0. E.
William B. Hatfield.— The pioneer merchant of Ewen, Ontonagon
county, William B. Hatfield has, mayhap, been more actively identified
with advancement of the material interests of this section of the Upper
Peninsula than any other one person, having been a continuous resi-
dent of this place for upward of a score of years, during which time
he has contributed his full share towards advancing the public wel-
fare. A son of George Hatfield, he was born, July 12. 1858, in Martin
township, Allegan county, ^Michigan. He is of English descent, the
emigrant ancestor of the family to which he belongs having been one
Thomas Hatfield, who was born in England, and in 1680 came to
America, settling in Massachusetts. The line was continued through
Peter Hatfield, Sr., Peter Hatfield, Jr., Absalom Hatfield, Stephen Hat-
field, George Hatfield, to William B., the subject of this brief sketch.
Absalom Hatfield, for many years a resident of New York state,
married Ruth Hieks. who was a lineal descendant of Robert Hicks of
London, who came to America in the good ship "Fortune," landing at
Plymouth, ^Massachusetts, November 11, 1621. On board that same ves-
sel came parts of several families that were left behind by the May-
flower passengers the pi-evious year. He was a leather dresser, in
London having been located on Bermondsey street, Southwiek. and was
a son of James Hicks, and a lineal descendant of Sir Ellis Hicks, who
was knighted by Edward, the Black Prince, for braveiy on the battle-
field of ^Poitiers, September 9, 1356, when he captured a set of colors
from the French.
Born in New York state. Stephen Hatfield became a pioneer settler
of Wayne county. New York, where he bought heavily timbered land,
from which he cleared and improved a good fai-m. He subsequently
came to IMichigan, and here spent his last years.
George Hatfield was born in Farmington, Wayne county, Ne-sv York,
and after completing his studies in the public schools attended the State
Normal School at Albany. He subsequently taught school in his native
state until 1856. when he settled in Allegan county, Michigan, where he
continued as a teacher during the winter seasons for a number of years,
the remainder of the time being engaged in tilling the soil. Removing
to Oshtemo in 1860, he purchased a farm in that township, and was
there employed in teaching and farming for nine years. Returning
then to Allegan county, he bought laud in Plainwell township and there
continued both his professional and his agricultural labors for nina
yeai-s. He is now living retired from active pursuits in ^lecosta county,
being a venerable man of four score years.
The maiden name of the wife of George Hatfield was Lois Jane
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1189
Lapham. She was born in Maeedon, New York, and died, in 1887, in
Michigan. She was a daughter of Orrin Lapham, and a direct descen-
dant of John Lapham, who was born in Devonshire, England, in 1635.
After learning the weaver's trade, he emigrated to America, settling
in Providence, Rhode Island, where he married Mary ]Mann, a daughter
of William ]Mann. His house was subsequently burned by the Indians,
and he removed with his family to Dartmouth, Massachusetts. His son,
John H. Lapham, the next in line of descent, married Mary Russell,
a daughter of Joseph Ri;ssell, of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and after-
wards located in Rhode Island, where he served as a member of the
Assembly. The line was continued through John L. Lapham, who was
born October 3, 1703, and married Desire Howland, a daughter of
Benjamin J. Howland, of Dartmouth, JMassachusetts. He subsequently
moved to Dutchess county, New York, settling at Nine Partners. The
succeeding ancestor was their son, Abraham Lapham, who was born in
Massachusetts in 17-49, and died in 1836. His son, John L. Lapham, of
whom but little is known, was !Mr. Hatfield's maternal great-grand-
father. Orrin Lapham, his maternal grandfather, a life-long farmer,
spent his last years in IMaeedon, New York. The parents of J\lr. Hat-
field reared nine children, namely: Mary E., Carrie, AVilliam B., Helen
Louise, Ira, Justin, Cora, Julia, and Charlie.
Obtaining his elementary education in the district schools, William
B. Hatfield subsequently attended the Union High School. Beginning
his career as a teacher at the age of seventeen years, he taught five win-
ter terms, in the meantime assisting on the farm. On attaining his ma-
jority he secured a position as clerk in a general store at Millbrook,
Mecosta county, from there going to Remus, J\Iichigan, where he had
charge of the general store belonging to L. T. Wilmouth for a time. In
1889 Mr. Hatfield became a member of the firm of Clark, Farnham &
Co., and came to Ewen, Ontonagon county, to engage in business. An
engine house and a water tank were the only buildings to be seen on
the village site, which, with the surrounding country, was then cov-
ered with timber. With his customary enterprise and keen forethought.
Mr. Hatfield at once erected a building, and having put in a stock of
general merchandise subsequently put up a saw and shingle mill, an.!
for many years was successfully engaged in business as a general mer-
chant and as a lumber manufacturer and dealer. ]\Iaking,' wise invest-
ments, he had, in the meantime, acquired possession of large tracts of
valuable land, and is now devoting his time and energies to agricul-
tural pursuits, having a well improved farm adjoining the village.
On November 5, 1885, JNIr. Hatfield was united in marriage with
Maud I. Decker, who was born in Oshowa, province of Ontario, Canada,
a daughter of Edward S. Decker. Her grandfather. John Gilbert
Decker, was born in Greene county, New York, of English ancestry. In
early life he removed to Canada, where he followed his trade of a cab-
inet maker for many years, subsequently coming to Michigan, and
spending his last days in ]\Iecosta county. His wife, whose maiden
name was ]\Iary Stanley, died in Canada. Born in Hope township. Dur-
ham county, province "of Ontario. Edward S. Decker located in Mill-
brook, Mecosta county. Michigan, in 1868. and there followed the trade
of a cabinet maker and a carpenter for many years, his death, however,
occurring in Maywood. He married Rosetta Fitch, who was born at
Reach, province "of Ontario, Canada, a daughter of John and Orvilla
(Barber) Fitch, farmers in Reach. :\Irs. Decker spent her last years
in Maywood, also. To her and her husband six children were born and
reared, as follows: John Gilbert: Hiram Edward: :\raud L.. now IMrs.
1190 THE NOKTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Hatfield ; Lulu, who was the first teacher in the public schools of Ewen ;
Frank R. ; and Jessie. Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield are the parents of six
children, namely: Carl J., Donald D., George E., James Maxwell, Wil-
liam B., and Isabella Maud. ■ Mr. Hatfield is a stanch Republican in
politics, and he and his family are regular attendants at the Methodist
Episcopal church.
Captain William H. Knight. — Noteworthy not only for his activity
in developing and promoting the mining interests of Michigan, but as
the representative of a pioneer family of the Upper Peninsula, Captain
William H. Knight, of Bessemer, is especially deserving of mention in
a work of this character. He was born, January 26, 1855, at Rockiana,
Ontonagon county, ^Michigan, of English ancestry.
William H. Knight, Sr., his father, was born and bred in London,
England, and there learned the trades of a blacksmith and iron worker.
Emigrating to America soon after his marriage, he was for tw^o years
employed as a boiler maker in North Carolina. Coming to the Upper
Peninsula about 1850, he located in Rockland. All of this section of
the state was then, comparatively speaking, unexplored, the sites of the
present flourishing towns, villages and populous cities being a dense
wilderness. For about eighteen years he lived in Rockland, being em-
ployed as a blacksmith at the Minnesota mine. Going then to Mar-
quette county, he worked for a time at the Republic mines, after w^hich
he worked a few months in Tower, ]\Iinnesota. Locating then in Iron-
wood, Michigan, he was employed at the Gogebic Mine for a number
of years, continuing his residence in that place until his death, at the
age of three score and ten years. His wife, whose maiden name was
Martha Brooks, was born in England and died in ^Michigan, surviving
him a few years. She reared four sons and one daughter, as follows:
James B. S., William H., Ralph C, Ernest A. and Josephine.
Having taken advantage of the limited opportunities afl^orded him
in the pioneer schools to obtain an education, William H. Knight began
his active career when quite young, learning the trade of a blacksmith.
But not caring to follow his trade, he worked for a time in the copper
mines at Houghton, Michigan, being afterwards similarly employed in
dift'erent parts of this state. Going to Nevada City, Nevada, in 1878,
Mr. Knight w^orked in the silver mines a year, after which he returned
to Michigan and w-as employed in different capacities in the mines at
Norway and at Iron Mountain. Going from the latter place to Tower,
Minnesota, he was shipping clerk at the mines a year, and the follow-
ing nine years was connected with the Nora Mine at Ironwood,
Michigan. Wishing then to know more of the world, Mr. Knight
journeyed to South Africa and there visited the principal places in
Cape Colony, the Orange Free states and the Transvaal, being in the
latter place at the time of the Jameson raid. After this event he re-
turned to Michigan, and for five years was employed at the Adams
Mine, in the Mesaba range. In 1900 he came to Bessemer to captain
the Tilden Mine, and has since continued his residence in this city.
Here the Captain has a very pleasant home, attractively situated at
the top of the hill, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country.
Captain Knight has been three times married. He married first, at
the age of twenty-five years, jMary Carroll, of Chicago. She died four
years later, leaving two sons, Ralph A. and Frederick W. Captain
Knight afterward married j\Irs. Margaret (Rice) Carroll, a native of
Michigan. She died in 1906, leaving one daughter, Josephine Irene.
The Captain married for his third wife, in 1908, Mrs. Mary Nelleson.
^W ^-f*4^^/c^;&-
THE NORTHERiN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1191
Captain Kiight is prominent in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to
Ironwood Lodge, No. 390, F. & A. M. ; to Minerva Cliapter, No. 122,
R. A. M. ; and to the Mystic Shrine of Marquette.
Marcellus J. Lindsay. — One of the first permanent settlers of
Crystal Falls, Marcellus J. Lindsay has taken an intelligent interest
in the development and promotion of its industrial prosperity, in the
meantime having by wise management and judicious investment ac-
quired large real estate holdings in this section of the Upper Peninsula.
A son of George J. Lindsay, he was born, December 19, 18J:7, in Aurora,
Dearborn county, Indiana.
His grandfather, Vachtell Lindsay, a native of Virginia, was an early
pioneer of the territory of Indiana. Settling in Dearborn county, he
resided there a few years, when he again followed the tide of emi-
gration, making an overland journey to Iowa. Securing a tract of raw
prairie land in Jackson county, he improved a homestead, and there
spent his remaining days. About 1856, his wife selling her farm, joined
a little colony of her neighbors, and, with a pair of cows and a pair of
oxen hitched to a wagon, the other members of the company being
similarly equipped, she journeyed across the plains and desert, and
over the huge mountains, to California, being accompanied by some of
her daughters. She settled near Stockton, where many of her descend-
ants are still living, and there resided until her death.
A native of Indiana, George J. Lindsay there grew to manhood,
while yoimg learning the carpenter's trade. Going to Cincinnati in
1853, he remained there two years, and then went to Iowa, locating in
Jackson county, where he had previously purchased land. He did not
settle on his farm, however, but took up his residence in Bellevue,
where he worked as a carpenter and millwright until 1892. Coming
in that year to Crystal Falls, Michigan, he was here a resident until
his death, at the age of seventy-four years. He married Charlotte
Miller, who was born in England, and they reared four children, as fol-
lows : Marcellus J., Charles, Nellie, and Emma J.
Receiving a good education in the public schools of Bellevue, Iowa,
Marcellus. J. Lindsay began his active career at the age of sixteen years
as clerk in a general store, in Bellevue. In connection with the store
was a bank, and the firm was also agent for a flour mill, so as clerk he
was likewise bookkeeper in the bank, and salesman in the flour depart-
ment, as well as general clerk. During the four years that he Avas thus
employed, Mr. Lindsay obtained an insight into various kinds of busi-
ness propositions, the knowledge thus obtained proving of much value
to him in after years. He afterwards spent two years as clerk in a
clothing store at Marshalltown, Iowa, and then returned to Bellevue.
Becoming bookkeeper for George Runkle, who owned a saw mill, and
also had taken a railroad contract, he remained with him until the con-
tract was completed, and then accompanied him to Florence, Wiscon-
sin, where Mr. Runkle had taken a contract to build a section of the
Northwestern Railroad, which was to be extended to the Upper Penin-
sula. In partnership with Mr. Bishop, Mr. Runkle, junior member of
the firm of Bishop & Runkle, in the fall of 1880, built a shanty in the
Brule river country, several miles from any white settlers, and the
following spring pushed on to the present site of Crystal Falls. Mr.
Lindsay as bookkeeper and paymaster for Bishop & Runkle, came with
the firm to the Upper Peninsula, and remained at Crystal Falls until
1884.
Going then to Iowa, he spent a short time in that state, and then
1192 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
went South. Returning to Crystal Falls in the spring of 1886, Mr.
Lindsay, with David Ross, took a contract to get ore from the Shaffer
Mine, with Avhich he was connected until 1893. Since that time he has
devoted his time and energies to the management of his private affairs,
and the looking after of his extensive real estate interests in Crystal
Falls. Mr. Lindsay is unmarried, making his home with his sister. He
is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Crystal Falls Lodge,
No. 385, F. & A. M. ; of Crystal Falls Chapter, No. 129, R. A. M. ; of
Hugh McCurdy Commandery, No. 43, K. T. ; and of Ahmed Temple,
Mystic Shrine, of Marquette.
Nelson E. Fisher.— A man of undoubted business ability and
judgment, far-sighted and progressive. Nelson E. Fisher holds a place
of prominence among the leading merchants of Iron River, and is offi-
cially and financially associated with the development and advance-
ment of various enterprises conducive to the prosperity of the Upper
Peninsula. A son of Willet R. Fisher, he was born, February 3, 1865,
at Palmyra, Lenawee county, jlichigan, of colonial stock.
His great-grandfather, Joel Fisher, was born, ]\Iay 20, 1780, in New
York state, and, as far as known, he spent his entire life in that state.
He was descended, so sayetli tradition, from an officer in the German
Army, who, after a falling out with his brother-officers, emigrated to
America, and here reared his family. Joel Fisher married Charlotte
Ransher, who was born November 16, 1775, and among their children
was a sou named Nelson, Avho was the grandfather of Nelson E., the
subject of this sketch.
Nelson Fisher, born in New York state, was there reared and edu-
cated. In 1837, accompanied by his wife and children, he started for
Michigan Avith ox-teams. Driving through to Ohio, he traded his oxen
for horses, and continued on his journey. Arriving in Lenawee county,
he purchased a tract of land in Palmyra township, and was there en-
gaged in general farming and stock raising the remainder of his long
life, passing away, November 10, 1885, at a venerable age. In the
meantime he had witnessed wonderful changes in the face of Lenawee
county, and had watched with genuine pride and satisfaction its de-
velopment from a wilderness to a well-settled and wealthy agricultural
county. He married Eliza Spaulding, who was born February 12, 1811,
in New York state, a daughter of Jonathan and Susanna (Potter)
Spaulding. She, too, lived to a ripe old age, and they had the pleasure
of celebrating the fifty-fifth anniversary of their wedding day.
"Willet R. Fisher Avas born, March 6, 1834. in Chautauqua county,
NeAV York, and Avas but three years old Avhen taken by his parents to
Michigan. He Avas brought up and educated in LenaAvee county, and
when ready to begin life for himself bought land near the parental
homestead, a part of Avhich he subsequently inherited, and Avas there
engaged in agricultural pursuits luitil his death, September 25, 1898.
He married Mary Hopkins, Avho Avas born in Virginia. IMay 16, 1839,
being a descendant in the eighth generation of John Hopkins, the em-
igrant ancestor, A\dio came to the United States in colonial days, the line
of descent being through John, the emigrant; Stephen, his son; John,
of the third generation; his son Timothy; Samuel, the fifth in line of
descent; Levi, her grandfather; and Sanmel, her father. Samuel Hop-
kins, the seventh in line from the emigrant, married Susanna Loar. and
subsequently removed from Virginia to LenaAvee county, iMiehigan,
purchasing a farm in Ogden toAvnship, Avhere both he and his good Avife
spent their remaining days. Both lived far beyond the allotted three
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1193
score and ten years of life, celebrating' five or six years before their
deaths the sixty-fifth anniversary of their marriage. Airs. Willet R.
Fisher survived her husband, and still resides on the homestead. She
reared five children, namely: Lida ; Nelson E., the subject of this
sketch ; George H. ; Ernest ; and Leroy L.
Receiving his early education in the public schools of Palmyra,
Michigan, Nelson E. Fisher subsequently took a business course at the
Adrian Business College. Leaving home in 1888, he came to Iron
River, and having taken up a homestead near by clerked in a grocery
store while holding his claim. In February, 1889, he accepted a posi-
tion as clerk in the grocery and provision store of P. N. jMinkler, and
the following May, in partnership with Peter Erickson, bought out Mr.
Minkler, and continued the business under the firm name of Erickson
& Fisher until the death of Mr. Erickson, five years later. Since that
time Mr. Fisher has been sole proprietor of the business, which he has
managed with great success until the present time. In addition to con-
ducting successfully his large grocery and provision trade, Mr. Fisher
is connected with manj^ enterprises of note. He is president of the
Fisher-Morrison Lumber and Fuel Company; president of the Electric
Light and Power Company; a director in the Caspian Realty Com-
pany; in the IMenominee Range Power and Development Company; in
the Citizens' Land and Development Company; in the Michigan Iron
and Mining Company ; and is a member of the Iron River Business
Men's Association. Fraternallv Mr. Fisher belongs to Iron River
Lodge, No. 162, K. of P. '
Mr. Fisher married, in 1904, Lucia ]\Iilker, who was born at Bur-
lington, Iowa, and into their home two children have been born, Leslie
Paul and Aileen L.
Herbert jMitchell Norris. — A talented, able and earnest member
of the Michigan bar, Herbert Mitchell Norris has achieved success in
his chosen profession, his legal skill and knowledge placing him among
the leading lawyers of Iron wood. A native of Fenton, ^Michigan, he
was born, October seventeenth, 1852, in Fenton township, Oalvland
county, being a son of the late IMeshach Norris, Jr. His paternal
grandfather, Meshach Norris, Sr., was born in Vermont, where his
father. Rev. David Norris, was for several years pastor of a Presby-
terian church. Moving to Canada when a young man, he resided
there for a time, and then located in New York state. From there,
he came in 1835 in territorial days, to Michigan, becoming a pioneer
of Rose township, Oakland coimty, where he improved a farm and was
thereafter engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age
of seventy-two years. His wife, Avhose maiden name Avas Hannah
Young, Avas born in New York state and died, a few years after he
did, in Holly, Michigan, passing away at the advanced age of eighty-
two years. She reared seven children, as follows : Moses, Laurin.
Willard, Meshach, William I., Elsena and Carrie.
Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1824, IMeshach Norris, Jr., began life
for himself Avhen young, at the age of fifteen years, becoming camp
foreman. He subsequently sailed the lakes for a time, and then
learned the Avagon maker's trade, Avhich he folloAved in Genesee coun-
ty, Michigan, both in Fenton and at Pine Run. Settling in Holly,
Michigan, in 1855, he first engaged in the real estate business, after-
Avard becoming an extensive dealer in horses and cattle, and during
the Civil war he sold many horses to the United States for use in the
Cavalry service. He passed away at his home in Holly in April, 1909,
1194 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
at the venerable age of eighty-five years. His first wife, whose maiden
name was Mary J. Young, was born in New York state, a daughter
of William and Lucy (Gilman) Young. She died at the age of sev-
enty-five years, leaving two children. Alma, wife of Hollister Hubbel,
of Rose township, Oakland county ; and Herbert M., her first-born
child. The father married for his second wife Mrs. Aurelia Wendell,
widow of Ahasuerus Wendell, and she still resides in Holly.
Having laid an excellent foundation for his future education in the
public schools of Holly, Herbert M. Norris went, in 1871, to Midland
county, where he staid a few months, working first in a saw mill and
later in the woods. The following spring he returned to Holly, and in
the fall of 1872 entered the law department of the University of Mich-
igan, at Ann Arbor, and w^as there graduated with the class of 1874,
in June of that year being admitted to the bar. Locating in Caro,
Tuscola county, Mr. Norris remained there until 1876, when he re-
turned to Holly, where he remained two years. The following two
yeai's he was engaged in the practice of his profession at Clarkston,
Oakland county, and the ensuing year was similarly employed in
Detroit. Going to Wyandotte, Wayne county, in 1881, Mr. Norris
w'as there until 1886, when he accepted a position in the Custom House
at Detroit, retaining it five years. From that time until 1905 he was
actively and successfully engaged in the practice of law at Bessemer,
Michigan, but since that time has been a resident of Ironwood, where
he has an extensive and remunerative law practice, making a spe-
cialty of corporation law, with which he is very familiar. Mr. Norris
is attorney for the Newport and the Cleveland Cliff IMining Compa-
nies ; for the Scott and Hale and the Gogebic Mining Companies ; and
for the First National Bank of Bessemer, and the Ironwood Bank.
Mr. Norris married, in 1880, Mrs. Elizabeth (McCartney) Young, a
daughter of Thomas McCartney and w^idow^ of Jeremiah B. Young.
Mr. and Mrs. Norris have no children of their own, but they have
tenderly cared for an adopted daughter, Lucile Hortense Norris, since
she was an infant of fifteen months. She is now a pupil in the Iron-
wood High School. For many years Mr. Norris was identified with
the Democratic party, but in 1904 he cast his presidential vote for
Theodore Roosevelt, and hopes to have the opportunity to again vote
for the same presidential candidate.
Michael Frank McC^vbe, M. D.— Actively engaged in the practice
of his profession at Ironwood for a full quarter of a century. Dr. ]\Iichael
Frank McCabe was one of the few physicians of the Upper Peninsula
who have remained so long a time in one place, never having forsaken
his original location. A man of wide experience, giving much thought
to the study of disease and the most enlightened methods of alleviating
suffering, he met with genuine success as a practitioner, winning a
large and lucrative patronage. A native of Wisconsin, he was born,
August 26, 1860, on a farm near Taycheedah, Fond du Lac county, of
Irish parentage. Cut oft' in the prime of his life and the full fruition
of his powers, his loss is deeply deplored and regretted both by his lay-
men friends and his professional brethren, among whom he was a con-
spicuous representative.
Clarence McCabe, father of Dr. McCabe, was born in the north of
Ireland where his parents were life-long residents. He came to America
as a young man, two of his brothers, Michael and Peter, also emigrat-
ing, and the latter who lived in various places in the Badger State,
finally settling near Taycheedah, where he improved a farm. Clarence
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1195
MeCabe was a carpenter by vocation and followed this trade in several
different states of the Union. When he finally desired to settle down,
his choice was the state of Wisconsin and in Fond du Lac county, he,
joining the pioneers, purchased a tract of heavily timbered land lying
two miles from the present site of Taycheedah, and with true pioneer
grit and courage, began hewing a farm from the forest. Getting no re-
turns from his land for a number of years, he worked at his trade a
portion of the time, and devoted the remainder to the clearing of the
land, a process in which he was forced to burn huge piles of timber
that would now be of great financial value. He was master of the situ-
ation and on the farm which he improved he spent the remainder of
his days in peace and plenty, both he and his wife, whose maiden name
was Calhoun, enjoying in their last years the fruits of their earlier
years of toil. To them seven children were born, six of whom grew to
years of maturity as follows: Bridget, Mary, Michael Frank, Hannah,
Peter and Catherine.
Receiving an excellent education in the public schools, Michael
Frank MeCabe began teaching school when but eighteen years of age.
He was afterward graduated from the Fond du Lac Business College,,
and subsequently resumed his professional work, and while still a
teacher began reading medicine. After a careful preparation, he en-
tered the Rush Medical College in Chicago, where he was graduated
with the degree of M. D. in the spring of 1885. Then entering the em-
ploy of the Milwaukee, Lake Shore, & Western Railroad Company as
assistant surgeon. Dr. MeCabe made his advent in Ironwood on ]\Iay 18,
1885, previous to the completion of the railroad to that place. A half
dozen houses or so stood on the present town site and a railroad supply
store had been erected, while the surrounding country was an almost
pathless forest. The railway was so far completed by July 5th of that
year, that passenger service was inaugurated, and on that date the
Doctor was a passenger on the first train going to Odanah, Wisconsin,
where he witnessed the driving of the golden spike that united the two
roads connecting the Gogebic and Mesaba ranges. Forming a partner-
ship with Dr. Thomas in 1887, Dr. MeCabe purchased a drug business,
and, having a few years later bought out his partner, he continued
alone, having at the time of his death a well-established and lucrative
trade in drugs. He was at the same time actively and successfully en-
gaged in the practice of medicine, his professional knowledge and skill
winning him the confidence and esteem of his numerous patients.
The Doctor married in 1890, Catherine Hartigan, who was born in
the county of Lambton, province of Ontario, a daughter of Thomas and
Mary Hartigan, of whom a brief personal record may be found on
another pag:e of this work. Dr. MeCabe is survived by his widow and
five children, namely: Frank, Jerome, Marion, Ruth and Gertrude.
Fernando D. Petermann. — The Upper Peninsula of jNIichigan has
every reason to take pride in her native sons, who have remained within
her borders and identified themselves with her civic and business inter-
ests, and among this number is Fernando D. Petermann, who is one of
the essentially representative business men and most popular citizens
of the village of Kearsarge, where he is serving as post-master and where
he is the junior member of the firm of J. P. Petermann & Company, who
here conduct a prosperous mercantile business.
Fernando D. Petermann was born in the village of Evergreen,
Ontonagon county, Michigan, on the 4th of July, 1869, and is the second
son of Fernando D. and Caroline S. (Bosst) Petermann, who were
1196 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
numbered among the pioneers of the Upper Peninsula, where the father
took up his residence more than half a century ago, having located in
Ontonagon county and having been for many years actively identified
with the great mining industry in this section of the state, where he
served as mining captain in the Ontonagon and the Calumet & Hecla
mines. He was prominently concerned with this important line of en-
terprise until about the year 1888, when he removed to the city of
Buffalo, New York, where he passed the residue of his life, as did also
his wife. Concerning their children the following brief record is pre-
sented,— George H., who died in 1904, had charge of the store con-
ducted by his brother at Mohawk, Keweenaw county, Michigan;
Colonel John P. Petermann, who now resides at Laurium, Houghton
county, and who is one of the prominent and influential citizens of the
Upper Peninsula, is individually inentioned elsewhere in this volume;
Albert E. is junior member of the well known law firm of Kerr & Peter-
mann; Mrs. F. B. Arnold is the wife of Rev. F. B. Arnold, who is a
clergyman of the Lutheran church and who was formerly pastor of the
church of Calumet; and the youngest daughter who resided with her
parents till their death. Fernando D. Petermann, Sr., and his wife are
well remembered in the LTpper Peninsula and both were zealous members
of the Lutheran church, Avhile he was a stanch Republican in his political
■ adherency and ever took an intelligent and lively interest in all that
touched the welfare of the community.
Fernando D. Petermann, Jr., the immediate subject of this sketch,
passed his boyhood days at Calumet, Houghton county, where he was
afforded the advantages of the public schools, including the high school.
He supplemented this training by a course of four years in Concordia
College, in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in which excellent in-
stitution he was graduated, and from which he received the degree of
Bachelor of Arts. Soon afterward he went to Buffalo, New York,
where he assumed a position of bookkeeper. In the meanwhile he con-
tinued his reading and studies at night and during other leisure hours
and he has ever shown a deep appreciation of the best in literature,
besides which he keeps in touch with the questions and issues of the
day. After remaining in Buffalo for a time Mr. Petermann returned
to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and located at Allouez, Keweenaw
county, where he became interested with his brothers, George H. and
Colonel John P., in the conducting of a general store, which Avas known
as the Petermann Store. In 1903 he and his elder brother. Colonel
John P., established the Wolverine store, at Kearsarge, Houghton
county, and with this enterprise he has since been actively identified,
the store being ably managed and well equipped and having retained
from the beginning a large and representative patronage. In 1902 Mr.
Petermann was appointed postmaster of the village of Kearsarge and
of this office he has since remained incumbent, having given a most
effective and satisfactory administration of the same. From the time
of attaining to his legal majority Mr. Petermann has given an unqual-
ified allegiance to the Republican party and he has shown a zealous
interest in the promotion of its interests in a local way. He has been
called upon to serve in various offices of trust aside from that of post-
master and is at the present time a valued member of the board of
education at Kearsarge. In addition to his commercial interests in this
village he is also a partner in the store conducted by his brother at
Mohawk, Keweenaw county. Both he and his wife are members of the
Lutheran church and they are valued factors in connection with the
best social life in their home community.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1197
In 1898 Mr. Petermann was united in marriage to Miss Anna M.
Bartli, a daughter of Charles H. Barth, of Buffalo, New York, and they
have one son, Fernando Barth Petermann, who is the third generation
of the family to bear the name of Fernando.
Albert Galby. — There are not many young men whose years are
as few as those of Albert Galby, train dispatcher of the Mineral Range
Railway, who hold as responsible a position as he. His knowledge of
railroading is not confined to his present capacity but is of a thorough
and practical sort, for he commenced at the bottom rung of the ladder
and is working his way up. He was born in South Dakota, in 1889,
and is of Teutonic origin, his parents, G. 0. and Arabella (Bernette)
Galby, both being natives of Germany. Early in their married life
they severed old associations and came to the land of the stars and
stripes, taking up a farm in South Dakota upon which they still make
their home.
Mr. Galby attended the common schools and was graduated from the
high school at Calumet. Soon after he matriculated at the Wisconsin
University and took up the study of telegraphy. After completing his
training in this line, he was stationed at diilerent points in Wisconsin
and early evidenced that efficiency and faithfulness which have in-
sured his rapid advancement. In 1909 he came to Calumet, having
been appointed train dispatcher with the Mineral Range Railway with
headquarters at this place. Mr. Galby is a single man. He loves books
and study and is particularly fond of history. Fraternally he holds
membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge
No. 404.
Rev. George C. Empson, pastor of the Congregational church at Glad-
stone, Michigan, was born in Howden, Yorkshire, England, October
25, 1842. His father, Charles Empson, was a farmer in Yorkshire ;
by his Avife Ann he had sixteen children, fourteen of whom grew to
maturity, and four of whom still survive. Reverend George C. is the
fifth son and eleventh child and most of the family lived to a good age.
The boyhood days of Reverend ]\Ir. Empson were spent in his native
place ; he was educated at Springhill College, now IMansfield College, at
Birmingham, and at Oxford College, graduating in 1868 from a lit-
erary and theological course. He has been a minister forty-two
years, twenty-six of which he has spent in America. He became pastor
of the Congregational church at Bilston, South Stifone, England, Jan-
uary 1, 1868, and remained there four years ; after serving twelve
years as pastor of a church at Stratford, Manchester, England, he re-
moved to the United States, which has since been his field of labor.
His first pastorate in this country was at Wayne, iMiehigan, Avhere he
remained thi'ee 'years, then served nearly three years at Sault Ste.
Marie, and in September, 1890, became pastor of the Congregational
church at Gladstone, Michigan, where he has since remained. He
has won the high esteem and full affection of his parishioners, and
stands Avell in the opinion of the entire community. His eloquence
and scholarly address, combined with his sincere earnestness have en-
deared him to all.
In May, 1866, Reverend Empson married Sarah Freeman, horn in
England, where she was reared and educated, and to this union were
born nine children, tw'o of wdiom died in infancy and one at the age
of twenty-five years. The others are : Mary E., a public school
teacher ; Gullieland, wife of J. D. Landreth, of Salt Lake City ; Alhvyn,
1198 THE NORTHEKN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
also a public school teacher ; G. R., given mention at length elsewhere
in this work; Hilda, wife of A. P. Smith, an attorney of Escanaba;
and Ethelwyn, also a public school teacher.
G. R. Empson, city attorney of Gladstone, Michigan, and a successful
lawyer, was born in Manchester, England, March 6. 1872, son of Rev.
George C. Empson, pastor of the Congregational church of Gladstone,
mentioned at length elsewhere. George C. Empson married Sarah Free-
man, also a native of England, and they became the parents of nine chil-
dren, two having died in infancy and one at the age of twenty-five. Five
daughters and one son are living, G. R. Empson being the fourth child
and older son.
The early years of G. R. Empson were spent in his native country and
he was eleven years of age at the time his parents brought him to Amer-
ica, the family locating first at Wayne, I\Iichigan. He was graduated
from Sault Ste. Marie high school, and later attended Detroit College of
Law, graduating in 1893. Mr. Empson was admitted to the bar in 1893.
and spent two years in the office of I\Ioore & Goff. at Detroit. He entered
upon the practice of his profession at Gladstone, in 1895. and has built
up a large clientele. He has held the office of city attorney ever since
locating in Gladstone, with the exception of two years. He also has other
business interests outside of his profession.
I\Ir. Empson is a stanch Republican and active in the interests of the
party. He takes a prominent part in public affairs and has served seven
years as a member of the board of education. He is well known and im-
mensely popular, having a host of friends, and stands well in the estima-
tion of his fellows. He married Eda R., daughter of Louis and Barbara
Nicholas, and they have three sons, Lewis, George R. Jr., and Freeman.
Lewis D. Eastman. — A representative member of the bar of the
Upper Peninsula is Lewis D. Eastman, who is engaged in the success-
ful practice of his profession in the city of Menominee and who has
given effective service as city attorney and has served as circuit-court
commissioner. He is known as a man of high professional attainments,
and his success in his chosen calling has been on a parity with his un-
mistakable ability. As a citizen he is essentially progressive and public
spirited and he has unlimited faith in the still further advancement of
Menominee as a commercial and manufacturing center.
Lewis D. Eastman was born at Lisbon, St. Lawrence county, New
York, on the 18th of October, 1851, and is a son of R€v. Morgan L. and
Hester (Thorpe) Eastman. Rev. Morgan Lewis Eastman was born at
Fairfield, Herkimer county. New York, in 1813, and was a son of one
of the sterling pioneer families of that section of the old Empire state.
The family is of English origin and the American branch was founded
in New England in the colonial epoch of our national history. Mrs.
Evaline H. Thorpe Eastman was born at Ogdensburg, New York, in
1818, and there was solemnized her marriage to Mr. Eastman. They
became the parents of nine children, of whom six are now living,
namely : Maiy, who is the wife of James H. Leonard ; Marian L., who
is the wife of George A. Clark; Rev. Samuel E., who is a clergyman of
the Congregational church and resides in Elmira, New York; Luna E.,
who is the wife of Wiliam Edmidson of the state of Florida ; Lewis D.,
who is the immediate subject of this sketch ; and ]\Iarcia, who is the
wife of M. H. Phillips, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The father gained his
education almost entirely through self-discipline and became a man of
good scholarship and of marked ability as a public speaker. For fully
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1199
forty years he was engaged in the active work of the ministry as a
clergyman of the Congregational church. For twenty-one years he was
pastor of one church in Lisbon, New York, and he then came to Royal-
ston, Wisconsin, about 1868, where he again held a single pastorate for
fully twenty years. His life was one of signal devotion and consecra-
tion to the uplifting of his fellow men, and he was especially successful
in his evangelistic work in both New York and Wisconsin. He passed
the closing years of his life at Royalston, Wisconsin, where he died in
October, 1890.
To the public schools of Lisbon, New York, Lewis D. Eastman is
indebted for his early rudimentary education, and he later continued
his studies in the public schools of Wisconsin, having been about ten
years of age at the time of the family removal to that state. He was
matriculated in the law department of the Northwestern University, at
Evanston, Illinois, in which he was graduated as a member of the class
of 1888 and from which he received his well-earned degree of Bachelor
of Laws. Soon after his graduation he secured admission to the bar of
the state of Wisconsin and located at Wasseon, where he was engaged
in the practice of his profession until the autumn of 1889, when he
removed to Menominee, Michigan, where his success in the work of his
profession has since been emphatic and cumulative. He served four
successive terms as city attorney. In 1890 he was appointed to fill an
unexpired term as circuit-court commissioner, and at the expiration of
the term he was chosen as his own successor in the office, as was he also
at the close of his second term. He has gained a high reputation as a
trial lawyer and as a counsellor well fortified in the minutiae of the
science of jurisprudence. In politics Mr. Eastman has ever accorded
an unfaltering allegiance to the Republican party and he has been
an active worker in its local ranks. He and his wife are prominent
members of the First Presbyterian church of Menominee, in which he
is an elder. He is affiliated with Menominee Lodge No. 269, Free & Ac-
cepted Masons.
Mr. Eastman married Miss Clara Baker, who was born in Trumbull
county, Ohio, and they have three children,— Evelyne, Sidney L., and
Alice May.
George Allen Royce.— As secretary of the Portage Lake Foundry
and Machine Company, George Allen Royce is officially associated with
one of the leading industries of Hancock, Houghton county, and as a
man of ability, integrity and stability is one of Hancock's most worthy
and valued citizens. A son of the late John F. Royce, he was born,
March 28, 1856, at Sing Sing, New York, of substantial English an-
cestry.
His paternar grandfather, Allen Royce, was born in County Kent,
England, where his parents spent their entire lives. Coming to America
in early manhood, he resided a few years in Philadelphia, from there
removing to New York City, where he spent the closing years of his
life. To him and his wife, three sons were bom, as follows : George,
Allen, and John F. George was a pioneer settler of Saint Johns, Michi-
gan, but spent his last years of life in Hamburg, Michigan. Allen
lived in New York City, being quite prominent as a citizen, and at one
time being master of one of the pioneer Masonic Lodges of that city.
John F. Royce was born in Philadelphia, but was brought up and
educated in New York City, where he served an apprenticeship at the
carpenter's trade. He settled in Sing Sing, New York, as a contractor
and builder, from there removing, in 1856, to Sturgis, St. Joseph
Vol. Ill— 9
1200 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
county, Michigan, where he was similarly employed for twenty years,
when he removed to Lansing. After the death of his wife he made his
home with his son, George Allen, living in the Upper Peninsula, and at
Hammond, Indiana, where his death occurred, at the venerable age
of four score and three years. His wife, whose maiden name was
Catherine Schriber, was born at Catskill, New York, of early Dutch
ancestry, and died in Michigan at the age of seventy-six years. She
reared three children, namely: John, George Allen, and Willie, of
whom only George survives.
Brought up in Sturgis, Michigan, and receiving his rudimentary
education in its public schools, George Allen Royce began as a bo}^ to
work at farming during the summer seasons. In 1872, when but sixteen
years old, he entered the Michigan Agricultural College at Lansing,
Michigan, and maintained himself during a four year course by teach-
ing during the winter months in the district schools near Sturgis. He
was graduated with the class of 1875. Accepting then a position in the
office of the auditor general, he retained it until 1882, when he went to
Baraga, where he was book-keeper for Thomas Nester for five years.
In 1887 Mr. Royce was appointed register in the United States I^and
Office at INIarquette, and remained there throughout President Har-
rison's administration. Being then appointed city comptroller by
Mayor N. M. Kaufman, he continued his residence in that city two years
longer, and then went to Hammond, Indiana, where until 1899 he had
charge of the office for a street railway extending from Haromond to
South Chicago, the road being owned by Mr. Kaufman. Returnini?
then to the Upper Peninsula, Mr. Royce was a clerk in the office of the
Arcadian IMine a few months, when he resigned to accept his present
position as secretary of the Portage Lake Foundry and Machinery
Company.
Mr. Royce married, in 1881, Kate F. Ely, a native of Alma, Michi-
gan. Her father. General Ralph Ely, was born, reared and educated
in Chautauqua county. New York. Emigrating to Michigan, he became
a pioneer settler of Gratiot county, and one of its best and most re-
spected citizens. Soon after the breaking out of the Civil war, he
enlisted in Company C, Eight ]\Iiehigan Volunteer Infantry, and was
commissioned captain of his company. He was subsequently promoted
through the different grades until breveted major-general, and after
the close of the conflict had charge for awhile of the Preedman's
Bureau, at Columbia, South Carolina. Returning to Gratiot county,
he made his home in Alma until his death, at the age of sixty-three
years. General Ely married Mary Halstead, who was born in Cincin-
nati, Ohio, and died in Alma, Michigan.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Royce, namely:
Ward, Fredric, Ralph, and Donald. Mrs. Royce and her sons are mem-
bers of the Episcopal church. Mr. Royce is true blue Republican, and
has been his party's candidate as a representative to the State Legis-
lature. Fraternally he is a member of Marquette Lodge, No. 101, F.
& A. M. ; of Marquette Chapter, No. 43, R. A. M. ; and of David L.
Kendall Council, No. 72, R. & S. M., of which he is now recorder.
William D. Chambers reverts with a due measure of pride to the
fact that he can claim as the place of his nativity one of the most
beautiful islands in North America and it is a source of satisfaction
to him that in connection with his business, which is that of real estate
and landscape gardening, he has done much to improve and further
beautify the natural attractions of the island. He was bom on Mac-
THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1201
kinae Island, Mackinac county, Michigan, on the 5th of April, 1867,
and is a son of Frank and Mary (Murray) Chambers, both of 'whom
were born in county Mayo, Ireland, the former in the year 1833 and the
latter in 1836. Frank Chambers emigrated from his native land to
America in 1848, making the voyage on a sailing craft and landing in
New York City. From the national metropolis he came to Mackinac
Island, where he engaged in the fishing business and he became one
of the honored and influential pioneers of the Upper Peninsula.
Later he spent the summers in fishing on Beaver Island and continued
to be identified with this line of enterprise until 1885, when he engaged
in the transfer business, to which he has devoted his attention for the
last twenty-five years. He is now living, virtually retired, with his
wife, at Iron Mountain. In polities he gives his unswerving allegi-
ance to the Democratic party and both he and his wife are devout com-
municants of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers
became the parents of fourteen children, eight of whom are now liv-
ing and whose names are here entered in order of birth, — Patrick,
John, Katherine, William D., (the subject of this sketch), George,
Barney, Stella and Gertrude.
William D. Chambers was afi'orded the advantages of the public
schools of Mackinac Island and in 1888 he initiated his independent
career by engaging in the real estate and landscape buiness, to which
he has since devoted his entire attention. He has laid out the grounds
for many of the beautiful homes on the island, among them being
those of Mrs. Tob Hert, J. L. Cochran, of Chicago, Meredith Nicholson,
the author, Charles T. Kountze, a prominent banker of New York
city, and many others, who have established summer homes in this
beautiful vicinity.
In politics Mr. Chambers is an uncompromising Democrat and his
popularity and ability have been shown appreciation by his fellow
citizens through his election as councilman, in 1908, of which posi-
tion he remained incumbent for one term, and also by his election as
mayor of the city in 1909, to which office he was re-elected in 1910.
He has proved himself an able executive and has done much in the way
of developing the industrial and civic aff'airs of Mackinac Island. No
citizen holds a more secure place in the confidence and esteem of his
friends and acquaintances. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with
the Knights of Columbus and he is a devout communicant of the
Catholic church, in which he holds membership in the parish of St.
Ann in his home city.
August Menge.— Standing prominent among the active and valued
citizens of L'Anse is August Menge, who has served town, village and
county in various official positions, and as proprietor of a dispensary
was for thirty-five years associated with its mercantile interests. A
self-made man, he has achieved success in business, and having ac-
cumulated a fair share of this world's goods is now enjoying a reward
of his many years of toil. A son of Karl Menge, he was born, ]May 4,
1845, in Saxe-Weimar, Germany.
Karl Menge was a native of Saxony, Germany, where his parents
were life-long residents. Learning the trades of a miller and of a mill-
wright, he followed them in the Fatherland until 1850, when, with his
wife and three sons, he embarked on the sailing vessel "Adelheit," and
after a tempestuous voyage of thirteen weeks landed in New York City.
Starting westward, he went by rail to Dunkirk, New York, thence by
boat to Chicago, from there proceeding to Manitowoc, AA^isconsin. He
1202 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
found work in a saw mill, later becoming a sawyer, and continued thus
employed until he had the misfortune to lose his right hand in 1856.
He afterwards worked at various kinds of labor, continuing a resident
of that place until 1882. Coming then to L'Anse, he resided here until
his death, in 1893, at the age of eighty-three years. He married
Theresa Fleisher. She was also born in Saxony, Germany, where her
parents spent their entire lives. She died in 1876, aged seventy-five
years, leaving three children, as follows : August, with whom this brief
sketch is chiefly concerned ; Charles, a resident of Chicago, Illinois ;
and William, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
A little lad of five years when his parents located at Manitwoc,
Wisconsin, August I\Ienge was there brought up and educated. At the
age of eleven years he began to learn the trade of a printer in the office
of the North West en, a weekly German newspaper published in Mani-
towoc, beginning as printer's devil, and working his way up to fore-
man in the office. Leaving that office in 1864, Mr. Menge went to
Houghton, Michigan, where for four months he was employed in the
rock house of the Hancock Mine. He subsequently tended bar at
Houghton until 1871, when he entered the employment of Francis May-
worn, with whom he remained six years. On August 1, 1871, just as
the new town of L'Anse, Baraga county, was being platted, and the
railroad was in process of construction, Mr. Menge arrived in the vil-
lage. Immediately buying a lot, he erected a building, and opened a
dispensary, which he conducted successfully until IMay 1, 1906, when
he retired from active pursuits, being succeeded in business by his son
Charles. Since that date, with the exception of looking well after his
private interests, he has lived retired from business cares.
Mr. Menge married, in 1870, Theresa Sibilskey. She was born in
Schwartzburg-Rudolstadt, Germany, on July 22, 1851, a daughter of
Nicholaus Sibilskey. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Menge, namely : August H. ; William T., who married Katherine Wahl,
and has five children, Raishe W., Gage T., Ellis Richard, Lola H. T., and
Karl W. ; Charles H. married Daisy M. Bowers, and they have two
children, Gladys and Carl ; Selma M., wife of A. G. Sehlaak, has one
child, Margaret M. ; Emma D. ; and Theresa M.
In his political affiliations a decided Democrat, Mr. Menge has ably
filled public positions of importance. For seventeen years he was a
member of the village council, serving as its president seven years. He
has served on the L'Anse school board twenty-four years, and is now
its secretary. He also held the office of Village Treasurer, Supervisor
of L'Anse township for several years. County Treasurer for four years
from January 1, 1878, to December 31, 1882, Superintendent of the
Poor for three years and is Village Assessor at the present time.
Otto Supe.— At 304 Ashmun street, in the city of Sault Ste.
Marie, is located the handsomely appointed and well stocked jewelry
establishment conducted by Otto Supe, who is numbered among the
popular and influential business men of the city and is thus well en-
titled to consideration in this publication.
Otto Supe is a native son of the state of Michigan, having been born
in Blumfield, Saginaw county, on the 3d of September, 1864, and being
a son of Charles and Caroline (Rademacher) Supe, both natives of
Germany, where the former was born in 1836 and the latter in 1841,
and where their marriage was solemnized. They became the parents
of five children and four of these are now living, — Charles Jr., Otto,
Gustavus and Caroline A.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1203
Charles S'upe Sr., was about fourteen years of age at the time of
the family immigration to America, in 1850. He is a son of Theodore
and Mary Supe and upon their arrival in the new world they first
located in the city of Buffalo, New York, where Theodore Supe secured
employment in a machine shop. He later removed with his family
to Saginaw county, Michigan, where he reclaimed a farm from the
untrammeled forest, being ably assisted in this work by his son, Charles.
The latter gained his early educational training in his native land and
effectually supplemented this by self discipline and association with
practical affairs after coming to America. After leaving the home farm
he secured a position as clerk in a store in Bay City and when about
twenty-two years of age he went to Australia, making the long voyage
on a sailing vessel and being employed for some time as a bookkeeper
for a shipping butcher in that country. On his return to the United
States, he engaged in business in the town of Blumfield, Saginaw
county, and later he returned to Germany, where he married. In com-
pany with his young bride he took up his residence in Bay City, ]\Iich-
igan, where he engaged in the retail grocery business, which enter-
prise he eventually expanded into one of wholesale order. He erected
the first grain elevator in the Saginaw valley and he continued to ope-
rate the same as well as to conduct successfully the wholesale grocery
business until 1886, when he disposed of his interests in Bay City, and
removed to Sault Ste. Marie, where he took up his residence in the
spring of 1887. Here he engaged in the retail and wholesale grocery
business through the able conducting of which he added materially to
the commercial prestige of the city and he was actively identified with
this line of enterprise until 1902, when he disposed of his interests and
retired from active business. While a resident of Bay county, Mich-
igan, he served as county treasurer and city treasurer as well as a mem-
ber of the board of aldermen and board of education in Bay City. In
politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are held in high esteem
in their home city, where their circle of friends is coincident with that
of their acquaintances.
Otto Supe gained his early educational discipline in the public
schools of Bay City, where he completed the curriculum of the high
school. When sixteen years of age he began work in his father's grain
elevator at a stipend of one dollar a week and he was thus employed
until 1882, when he entered upon a three years' apprenticeship to the
jewelry trade. His maximum recompense within this time was four
dollars per week, which he received during the last year of his ap-
prenticeship but out of his earnings he saved enough to buy his clothes
and to buy a set of jeweler's tools. After becoming skilled in his
trade he was employed at the same in Baraboo, Wisconsin, for eight
months, at the expiration of which he went to Evansville, Indiana,
where he was similarly engaged until 1887. In that year he established
his home in Sault Ste. Marie, where he engaged in the jewelry business
in the building owned by his father, at the corner of Portage and
Ferris streets. There he continued the enterprise, with ever increasing
success, until 1894, when he located in the Hoyt block, on Ashmun
street, from which location, in the spring of 1898, he removed to his
present eligible location and most attractive quarters, at 304 Ashmun
street. His establishment is metropolitan in its appointments and in
the same are handled a select line of diamonds, jewelry, watches, clocks,
silver ware, cut glass, etc. The patronage accorded the establishment
is of representative and appreciative order and the enterprise is one
of the most successful of its kind in this section of the state. Mr. Supe
1204 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
was formerly president of the Sault Ste. Marie Merchants' Building &
Loan Association and is still a member of its directorate.
Mr. Supe is a Republican in his political adherency. He also holds
membership in the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias and in Bethel
Lodge, No. 358, Free & Accepted Masons. He identified himself with
the Michigan National Guard in 1897 and was the first captain of Com-
pany G, Fifth Regiment, in Sault Ste. Marie.
On the 20th of September, 1892, Mr. Supe was united in marriage
to Miss Hadie W. Ellis, who Avas born at Orangeville, province of On-
tario, Canada, and who is a daughter of David J. and Sarah (Wiggens)
Ellis, both natives of Ontario, where both were born in 1841. The
mother died in 1895 and of the two surviving children Mrs. Supe is
the younger; Albert is a resident of Duluth. David A. Ellis was iden-
tified Avith business interests at Orangeville, Ontario, until the time of
his removal to Sault Ste. Marie, where he secured employment in con-
nection with government-surveying Avork. From 1887 to 1895 he Avas
a member of the police force of this city, after AA'hieh he Avas engaged
in the cigar business in connection Avith the operation of a pool and
billiard room until 1905, since AAdiich he has lived retired. j\Ir. and
Mrs. Supe have three daughters, — Margaret, Ottilee and Hadie.
James C. Foster is numbered among the progressive business men
and public spirited citizens AA'ho have contributed materially to the civic
advancement and material upbuilding of the Upper Peninsula and is
numbered among the leading business men of the village of NcAvberry,
the judicial center of Luce county. He has been called upon to serve in
various positions of distinctive public trust and ability, including that
of county treasurer, and in all relations of life he has so ordered his
course as Avell to justify the unqualified confidence and esteem accorded
him in the community that has long represented his home. Mr. Foster
was born at BrcAver's Mills, Lanark county, province of Ontario,
Canada, on the 21st of December, 1869, and is a son of Thomas and
Mary (Manhard) Foster. The ancestry is ti'aced back to stanch Scot-
tish stock and the family was founded in the province of Ontario,
Canada, many years ago. Thomas Foster Avas a miller at BrcAver's
Mills, Ontario, at the time of his death, Avhich occurred in 1871, at
which time he Avas but thirty-five years of age. His AvidoAV noAv re-
sides in NcAvberry, Michigan, and makes her home AAath the subject of
this revicAV, Avho is her only living child, the other son, William, having
died in infancy. She is a devout member of the Baptist church, and
her husband Avas a Presbyterian.
James C. Foster gained his early educational training in the public
schools at Smith's Falls, Ontario, and at the age of fifteen years he
there entered upon an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade. After
fifteen months of close confinement in the shop he determined that some
other field of endeavor Avould prove more to his liking. Accordingly
he Avas sent to Newberry, ]\Iichigan, Avhere he eventually became man-
ager of the hardware store conducted by his maternal uncle, I\I. R. ]\Ian-
hard. He continued incumbent of this position until 1895, Avhen the
business Avas reorganized by the incorporation of a stock companj% of
which he became secretary. The title Avas then changed to the M. R.
Manhard Company and Mr. Foster continued in charge of the busi-
ness as secretary until 1903, Avhen he assumed full control of the large
and important enterprise, Avhich is conducted imder the title J. C.
Foster. He also OAA'ns and conducts a general stoi-e at McMillan, Luce
county, having established the same in 1905. His judgment and pro-
^^jn^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1205
gressive ideas have prompted him to make investments in local realty
and he is now the owner of a valuable farm of about four hundred
acres in Lakefield township. He has given much attention to the recla-
mation and improving of this farm,- one hundred acres of which are
now available for successful cultivation. He is now devoting special
attention to the raising of full blood Holstein cattle.
In polities Mr. Foster accords an uncompromising allegiance to the
Republican partj^ and he has long taken an active interest in public af-
fairs of a local order. In 1892 he was elected a member of the board
of village trustees of Newberry and it is worthy of note that at this
election he cast his first ballot. He served as trustee of the village for
fully twelve years and in his official capacity did much to further
needed improvements in the village. In the autumn of 1892 further
recognition of the eligibility and personal popularity of Mr. Foster was
given by his election to the responsible office of county treasurer, the
duties of which he assumed on the 1st of January, 1893. His admin-
istration of the fiscal affairs of the county met with marked approva.
as was shown by his re-election as his own successor. In the fall of
1900 he was again elected to this office, in which he gave service for
two consecutive terms. He is president of the village of Newberry at
the present time and has been incmnbent of this position for three
terms, during which he has given a thoroughly businesslike and pro-
gressive administration. He also held the office of under-sheriff at the
time of the regime of Adam G. Louks as sheriff of the county. In the
Masonic fraternity the affiliations of Mr. Foster are here briefly noted,
—McMillan Lodge, No. 400, Free & Accepted Masons; Manistique
Chapter, No. 127, Royal Arch Masons; Lake Superior Commandery,
No. 30, Knights Templars, in the city of Marquette; and Ahmed Tem-
ple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in the
same city. He also holds membership in Luce Lodge, No. 89, Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife holds membership in the
Presbyterian church.
On the 3d of August, 1896, was solemnized the marriage of Islr. Fos-
ter to Miss Tena May Campbell, who was born at Au Sable, Michigan,
where her father, A. D. Campbell, was a representative business man.
Mr. and ]\Irs. Foster have eight children, Evelyn, Sidney, Harold,
Jaipes C, Jr., Florence, Lola, Mary and Thomas M.
Levi Sampson Rice. — With a personal endowment of mental and ex-
ecutive ability and much strength of character, Levi Sampson Rice of
Bessemer has attained a position of note among the prominent attor-
neys of the Upper Peninsula, as a member of the firm of Riley & Rice
being widely and favorably known. A son of Micajah Rice, Jr., he
was born November 5, 1855, in Lapeer county, Michigan, coming from
patriotic New England stock.
Micajah Rice, Sr., Mr. Rice's grandfather, was born of English an-
cestry in Concord, Massachusetts, wdiere he spent his life of eighty-
six years. He was a soldier in the Mexican war, and the first battle
of the Revolutionary war, the battle of Concord, wdiieh occurred on
April 19, 1775, was fought in front of his farm on the road between
Concord and Lexington. His wife survived him, attaining the vener-
able age of ninety-six years.
Micajah Rice, Jr., was born in April, 1821, in Concord, Massachu-
setts, and there received a common school education. Going to Boston
when a young man, he established a retail milk route in that city and
conducted a good business for a fe-w years. Selling out in 1850 for
1206 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
one thousand dollars he started westward, accompanied by his wife
and one child, making his way from Buffalo by the lakes to Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, and thence to Waupaca county, where he was a pioneer
settler. With a land warrant given him by his father, who had re-
ceived it for his services in the Mexican war. he secured a tract of land
in Dayton township, eight miles from Waupaca, and the small log
cabin that he there erected was the family's first home in Wisconsin.
The country roundabout was then in its primeval wildness, deer and
other kinds of game being plentiful, and furnishing supplies for the
table ere the advent of railways. He cleared a good farm from the
forest and there resided until about a year prior to his death, which
occurred in 1897. He married Olive Lilly, who was born in Pulaski,
Oswego county. New York, a daughter of Alfred Lilly, who was born
in the same state, of Scotch-English ancestry. She died in 1896, leav-
ing five sons, as follows : Arthur D., Adelbert W., Walter, Levi
Sampson and Byron. Arthur D., the eldest son, served in the Civil
war, enlisting in Company B, Thirty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteer In-
fantry, and in a battle before Petersburg was severely wounded and
suffered the amputation of a leg.
Levi S. Rice was, as previously mentioned, born in Lapeer county,
Michigan, but it was while his mother was there on a visit. He re-
ceived his early education in the district schools of Waupaca county,
Wisconsin, and at the age of thirteen years began to earn his own liv-
ing by working in the lumber regions. Taking up a homestead claim in
Marathon county, Wisconsin, in 1876, Mr. Rice redeemed a farm from
the forest and was there engaged in tilling the soil until 1885. Lo-
cating then in the new town of Bessemer, Michigan, he built a hotel
which he operated a year. Much interested in advancing the growth
of this section of the LTpper Peninsula, he assisted in getting the bill
passed for the construction of the Black River Road, and in 1891
built it. Mr. Rice, in the meantime, had devoted all of his leisure
time to the study of law, and in 1891 was admitted to the bar and im-
mediately began the practice of his profession.
In 1897 Mr. Rice went to the Klondike regions, and traveled exten-
sively throughout the Alaska and Yukon territories as a prospector
and miner, reaching points seldom, if ever before, visited by white men.
After spending nearly four years in that vicinity, he returned to Bes-
semer to resume his law practice, in which he has met with marked
success. In 1909 he formed a partnership with M. M. Riley, under
the firm name of Riley & Rice, and in addition to their office in Bes-
semer these enterprising gentlemen have two offices in Saint Louis
county, Minnesota, one at Duluth and one at Virginia.
Mr. Rice married, September 5, 1875, Lillie J. Hull, who was born
in Boltonville, Washington county, Wisconsin, a daughter of Nelson
Hull and granddaughter of Jesse Hull, a native of Vermont. Jesse
Hull, who came from English ancestry, was reared among the hills
of the Green Mountain state and there learned the carpenter's trade.
He subsequently migrated to New York state, becoming a pioneer of
Genesee county, where he spent the remainder of his days. His wife,
whose maiden name was Rhoda Reed, was also born in Vermont. She
survived him, and after the death of her husband came west and made
her home with her children. She was a bright, active woman, and an
interesting talker, and she used to entertain her grandchildren with
stories of her early life, when stoves were unknown, and she did all
of her cooking by the fireplace. Taught by her mother to card, spin
and weave, she manufactured the homespun in which she clothed her
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1207
family, and with her own hands fashioned their gannents. After liv-
ing a few years in Wisconsin she went to Iowa and lived near Waterloo
with a son, passing away at his home at the age of seventy-five years.
Nelson Hull was born and bred in Genesee county. New York,
and there learned the trade of a blacksmith. Settling in Boltonville,
Wisconsin, when a young man, he followed his trade in that vicinity
until after the breaking out of the Civil war, when he enlisted as an
artificer in a Wisconsin regiment and served until the close of the
conflict, when he was honorably discharged. A few years later Mr.
Hull removed to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and having continued there
for a time as a blacksmith took up a homestead claim in Clark county,
Wisconsin, and having erected a log cabin, began to clear and improve
a farm. At the end of eight years he sold at an advance and removed
to Waushara county, Wisconsin, where he resided until his death at
the age of sixty-four years. He married Jane BuUen, who was born
in Genesee county. New York, a daughter of David Bullen, who was
•born in the same county. Mr. Bullen was a cousin of Abraham Lin-
coln and closely related to several families of prominence, including
those of Stanton, Doolittle and Quarles. He moved from York state
to Wisconsin, crossing the lakes from Buffalo to Milwaukee in a sail-
ing vessel and being six weeks on the water. Milwaukee was then a
mere hamlet and he proceeded to Boltonville, where he took up gov-
ernment land, cleared a farm, and was there a resident until after the
death of his wife, when he went to live with his children, dying at
the home of a son in Columbia county, Wisconsin, at the age of eighty-
seven years. His wife, whose maiden name was Jane Murdy, was born
in New York state of Scotch ancestry. Mrs. Nelson Hull, mother of
Mrs. Rice, is now a resident of Abbottsford, Wisconsin.
Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rice two, Myrtle and
Guy, have passed to the life beyond and four are living, namely : Ar-
thur, Calla, Lulu and Olive. Arthur married Augusta Ostermeyer and
they have one son, Arthur. Calla, wife of William Sincock, has three
children, Llewellyn, Clybourne and Gerald. Lulu, who married Rich-
ard Hasbrook, has four children. Myrtle, Ruth, Freeman and Earl.
Prominent in public affairs Mr. Rice has never shirked the responsi-
bilities of office, but served as supervisor of Ironwood when it included
the whole of what is now Gogebic county; has been justice of the
peace ; and was deputy United States marshal during the first admin-
istration of President Cleveland. In 1893 he was appointed postmas-
ter at Bessemer and served acceptably to all concerned. Fraternally
Mr. Rice belongs to Gogebic lodge. No. 389, I. 0. O. F., and is a char-
ter member of the fraternal order of Eagles of Bessemer.
William J. Tully.— A man of great energy and extreme earnest-
ness of purpose, practical and progressive in the management of his
affairs, William J. Tully has attained a position of prominence among
the leading citizens of Iron River, and the Menominee Range with
whose interests he has been identified for nearly three decades. He
was born, May 8, 1857, in McKillop township, Huron county, Province
of Ontario, a son of Michael Tully.
Born and reared in county Galway, Ireland, Michael Tully remained
in the old country until 1847. Then accompanied by his wife and
three children, he started for America, after a long and tedious voyage
of thirteen weeks in a sailing vessel, landing in Quebec. Going from
there to Peel county, Ontario, he lived there about five years. In 1852
he settled as a pioneer in Huron county, making the journey of fifty
1208 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN
miles with ox teams. Securing a tract of land that was still in its
primeval wildness, he cut down trees to make room for the modest
log cabin in which he installed his family, and in which his son, William
J. Tully, was bom. There we're no railways in that locality for many
years after he located there, the people living principally on the pro-
ductions of the land and the fruits of the chase. With the assistance
of his children, he cleared a large portion of his purchase, and in due
course of time had a highly improved and richly productive farm, with
a substantial set of frame buildings. There he resided, a happy and
contented farmer, until his death. May 1, 1880. He married Margaret
Evans, who was born in county Galway, Ireland, a daughter of Joseph
Evans. Her grandfather, Mr. Evans, a native of Wales, was an officer
in the English Army, and for his military service received a grant of
land in county Tipperary, Ireland, and there spent the remainder of
his life. One of his grandsons, Michael Evans, a brother of Margaret,
emigrated to America, and during the Civil war served in the Union
Army. The wife of Michael Tully died April 23, 1900. She and her
husband reared eleven children, as follows: Thomas, Mary, Margaret,
John, Peter, Catherine, Michael, William J., Hannah, Lizzie and Joseph.
The three older children were born in Ireland, and Thomas, who came
to America when a boy, enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil
war, and after obtaining an honorable discharge from the army lost his
life while in the railroad service.
Obtaining his early education in the log schoolhouse of his native
district, William J. Tully began at the age of sixteen years to learn
the blacksmith's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years at Sea-
forth, Ontario. He subsequently worked in the same shop the follow-
ing three and one-half years, after which he was similarly employed
in Ashfield to^\Tiship until 1880. Emigrating then to the "States," he
located in Ishpeming, Michigan, where he found employment at a mine,
wielding pick and shovel for $1.40 per day. A very few weeks at that
labor proved sufficient, and in June, of that same year, Mr. Tully made
his way to Quinnesee, then the railway terminus, and was there foreman
in a smithy for a year and a half. Going then to Wisconsin, he spent
a short time in Florence and Commonwealth, and in February, 1882,
located in what is now Iron county, in the Upper Peninsula, taking up
a homestead claim aboiit two miles from the site of the present city of
Iron River, which was then a wilderness, although it had been platted,
and building had commenced. Mr. Tully soon came to town, put up a
frame building on Genesee street, after which he began blacksmithing
in a logging camp.
In 1888 Mr. Tully was elected county supervisor, and was re-elected
to the same office without opposition, in 1889 and 1890. in the latter
year being made chairman of the county board. Being elected sheriff
of Iron county in the fall of 1890, Mr. Tiilly removed to Crystal Falls
in 1891 and lived there eight years, where he was subsequently ap-
pointed, by President Cleveland, postmaster. Resigning the latter
position at the end of four years, Mr. Tully returned to Iron River in
1899, and for eight years was here extensively and profitably engaged
in the sale of groceries, hay and feed. In the meanwhile he had ex-
plored extensively for iron in the surrounding country to good pur-
pose, and at the present time is interested in the Baker, Swanson and
Tully mines, and is also a large landholder in this vicinity. Since re-
tiring from mercantile pursuits, Mr. Tully has traveled much and has
been in most every state in the union. In 1909 he erected the beauti-
ful home now occupied by himself and family, believing the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan to be one of the best spots on earth.
I
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1209
On November 16, 1886, Mr. Tully married Margaret Webb, who was
born in County Cork, Ireland, and when a child came to Fond du Lar ,
Wisconsin. She is a daughter of Hugh and Nora Webb. Although
Mr. Tully has always been a loyal Democrat in polities, he is an ardent
admirer of Theodore Roosevelt, and, should he ever again become the
presidential candidate, it is believed Avill cast his vote in favor of
Roosevelt, in preference to any other man. Fraternally i\Ir. Tully is a
member of Iron River Camp No. 3273, M. W. A., and of Menominee
Council, No. 646, K. of C. Wliile very liberal in his views he is an
active supporter of the Roman Catholic church.
Fabian J. Trudell. — This popular citizen and representative mem-
ber of the bar of Menominee well exemplifies the progressive spirit
and initiative power that have been such dynamic forces in connection
with the progress and upbuilding of the Upper Peninsula within later
years, and he has been a prominent factor in public affairs in this sec-
tion of Michigan for a number of years. He is well known and held
in unqualified esteem, both as a laAvyer and as a loyal and enterprising
citizen.
Fabian J. Trudell was bom in the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin,
on the 29th of December, 1859, and is a son of Theodulph and Olive
Trudell. His father was born at Nicolett, province of Quebec, Canada,
in the year 1822, and he is now living in the city of Tacoma, Washing-
ton; his wife was likewise born in Canada and she was sixty-eight years
of age at the time of her death. They became the parents of ten chil-
dren, of whom Fabian J. is the youngest. The father came to noi'thern
Wisconsin in the pioneer days and for many years was a successful
merchant and real estate operator in that state and in the Upper Penin-
sula of Michigan. He established his home in Menominee about 1869
and here continued to maintain the same until 1888, when he retired
from active business and removed to Tacoma, Washington, where he
has since maintained his residence.
Fabian J. Trudell removed with his parents from Green Bay, Wis-
consin, to DePere, that state, when a mere child, and was nine years of
age at the time of the family removal to j\Ienominee, where he -was
reared to maturity and in whose public schools he gained his early edu-
cational training. From 1875 to 1878 he was employed at the printer's
trade in the office of the Menominee Herald, but impaired health led
him to devote about one year to traveling through Minnesota, where
he combined business Avith recreation by acting as a salesman for agri-
cultural implements, with headquarters at Ortonville, that state. He
thence removed to Vulcan, Michigan, where he remained about one
year in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company.
In the meauAvhile he had taken up the study of law and had fully
formulated plans for the adoption of the legal profession as his perma-
nent vocation. Upon leaving Vulcan, he returned to the parental home
in Menominee and here entered the law office of William H. Phillips,
under whose able preeeptorship he continued his technical studies for
some time, after which he passed some years in the office of R. C.
Flannigan, of Norway, Michigan, now one of the leading attorneys of
the Michigan bar. He was matriculated in the University of :\Iichigan,
at Ann Arbor, where he entered both the literature and law depart-
ments, in the former of Avhich he continued his studies for a time, and
in the latter he was graduated as a member of the class of 1884, having
received his degree of Bachelor of Laws in that celebrated institution,
on the 20th of June of that vear. He was forthwith admitted to the
1210 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
bar of the state and took up his residence in Iron Mountain, one of the
progressive towns of the Upper Peninsula, where he engaged in the
active practice of his profession. The village of Iron i\Iountain was
incorporated in 18S8, and Mr. Trudell became its first attorney. In
the following year it secured incorporation as a city, and under the
new charter Mr. Trudell continued his work as city attorney until 1890.
He had taken a prominent part in secimng the incorporation of both
the village and the city, and was one of the most popular and in-
fluential citizens of the place. At that time Iron ]Mountain was in-
cluded in Menominee county, but upon the organization of the new
county of Dickinson, in the autumn of 1890, the flourishing little city
was included in its limits. I\Ir. Trudell was elected the first prosecut-
ing attorney of Dickinson county, and at the expiration of his first
term he was chosen as his own successor. In 1891 he was elected
mayor of Iron ^Mountain, giving a most effective administration and
being again elected to this office in 1894, thus serving two consecutive
terms as the chief executive of the municipal government. He con-
tinued in the practice of his profession in Iron Mountain until the 1st
of May, 1898, when he returned to Menominee and formed a profes-
sional partnership with Hon. Benjamin J. Brown, one of the veteran
principals of the bar of Menominee county. This grateful alliance con-
tinued i;nder the firm name of Brown & Trudell until the death of ]\Ir.
Brown, since which time Mr. Trudell has continued an individual prac-
tice of a general order. He is known as an especially versatile and well
equipped trial lawyer, and as one so admirably fortified in the minutiae
of the science of jurisprudence as to make him a safe and duly conserv-
ative counsellor. He controls a large and representative practice and
is distinctively one of the leading members of the bar of this section
of the state. He was appointed city attorney of ^Menominee in 1907,
and he retained this office for one term.
In politics Mr. Trudell is aligned as a stalwart advocate of the
principles and policies of the Republican party, and he has rendered
most efi'ective service in behalf of the party cause. He is one of the
leaders in its ranks in the Upper Peninsula, and in the summer of 1892
he was elected as alternate delegate at large to the Republican national
convention, which was held at Minneapolis. ]\Ir. Trudell is one of the
most zealous and enthusiastic members of the Menominee Commercial
Club and is most appreciative of its high civic ideals, in the promotion
of which he has given effective aid.
On the 20th of June, 1889, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Trudell to Miss j\Iary J. Foster, who was born at Jamestown, Pennsyl-
vania, on the 20th of June, 1860, and who is a daughter of Edward P.
and Mary (Phillips) Foster, the former of whom was born in Palmyra,
New Tork, in 1839, and the latter in Sharon, Pennsylvania, in 1842.
They passed the closing years of their lives at Iron Mountain, Mich-
igan, where the father died in 1891 and the mother in 1909. They are
survived by three children, of whom ]\Irs. Trudell was the second in
order of birth. Mr. Foster came to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
in 1879, and for many years he was the valued superintendent of the
business of one of the largest iron companies at that place. Mr. and
Mrs. Trudell have two daughters, — Olive, who is now a student in
Vassar College; and ^largaret, who is attending the ^Menominee high
school. The family is prominent in the best social life of the com-
munity and its members here enjoy unalloyed popularity.
Benjamin Bjornson. — An excellent representative of the active and
well-to-do business men of Ramsay, Gogebic county, Benjamin Bjornson
(jl^ ^;^^'^^-^'^—-^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1211
has here built up a substantial trade as a dealer in groceries and pro-
visions, and is ably contributing his share in promoting the mercantile
interests of this section of the Upper Peninsula. A son of the late John
Bjornson, he was born, December 18, 1872, near Red Wing, Goodhue
county, Minnesota, where his very early years were spent.
A native of Norway, John Bjornson lived there until twenty years
of age, when, in company with three of his brothers and a sister he
emigrated to this country, locating first in Goodhue county, Minnesota,
where he resided until 1876. ]\loving then to Polk county, Wisconsin, he
invested his money in land, buying a tract of timber, from which he com-
menced the arduous labor of clearing a homestead. Selling at an advance
in 1883, he spent the ensuing two years in Ashland, Wisconsin, and then,
in 1885, came to the new town of Bessemer, making the journey with
a team himself, while his family, preferring a quicker and more com-
fortable mode of traveling, came on one of the first railway trains that
entered the place. Here he was subsequently employed at various kinds
of work, continuing his residence here until his death, in 1892. He left
four children, namely : Benjamin, the special subject of this brief sketch ;
Charles ; Carrie ; and Annie.
Acquiring a good common school education in his youthful days,
Benjamin Bjornson began life as a wage-earner soon after coming to
Bessemer, for two years being in the employ of the Lake Shore Railway
Company. He afterwards drove a delivery wagon for Peter Homes for
a while, but later accepted a position with L. H. Truettner, with whom
he remained until 1908. Resigning in that year, Mr. Bjornson em-
barked in mercantile pursuits in Ramsay, opening a grocery and pro-
vision store and establishing a trade which has since rapidly increased,
his straight-forward, upright dealings winning for him the confidence
and respect of the community. Religiously Mr. Bjornson was brought
up in the Presbyterian faith. Fraternally he belongs to Bessemer Lodge,
No. 389, I. O. O. F., and to Bessemer Tent, No. 11, K. 0. T. M.
George T. Arnold.— As executive head of the Arnold Transit
Company, this well known citizen of Mackinac Island is prominently
identified with navigation interests and he is also the owner of the
Chippewa Hotel, one of the well equipped hotels of this beautiful sum-
mer resort. His interests also include the operation of the car ferry
between St. Ignaee, Mackinac Island, and Mackinaw City, and this
enterprise is conducted under the title of the Island Transportation
company. He is essentially one of the most progressive and influential
business men of this section of the LTpper Peninsula and his course has
been such as to gain and retain to him unqualified confidence and es-
teem. He has maintained his home on Mackinac Island for nearly
thirty years and here has won definite success through his own well
directed efforts.
George T. Arnold takes pride in the fact that he can claim the old
Wolverine state as the place of his nativity and that he is a scion of
one of its sterling pioneer families. He was born in Gunplaine, Allegan
county, Michigan, on the 2nd of July, 1846, and is a son of Dan
and Betsy (Foster) Arnold, the former of whom was born in Vermont
and the latter in Massachusetts. Both families were founded in New
Eingland in the colonial epoch of our national history. The parents
of Mr. Arnold passed the closing years of their lives in Allegan county,
Michigan, where the father established his home in 1831, about six
years prior to the admission of Michigan to the LTnion. There he se-
cured a tract of land and reclaimed the same to cultivation, becoming
1212 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
one of the substantial farmers and highly honored citizens of that
county. He served in various township offices and also "was for a
number of years a member of the school-board of his district. In
politics he was originally a ^^hig but upon the organization of the
Republican party he aligned himself therewith and he ever afterward
continued a stanch supporter of its principles and policies. Of the five
children the subject of this sketch is the youngest and of the number
one other is now living.
George T. Arnold was reared amid the scenes and influences of the
pioneer days in Allegan county, where he assisted in the reclamation
and development of the home farm and where his educational privileges
were those aft'orded in the common schools of the locality and period.
He continued to be associated in the work of the home farm until he
was twenty years of age, when he secured a position as clerk in a mer-
cantile establishment at Saugatuck, Michigan. Eventually he engaged
in the same line of business for himself at Saugatuck, Allegan county,
where he also became the owner of a farm. For a number of years he
operated a fishing fleet and was a tug owner, continuing to be iden-
tified with this line of enterprise at Saugatuck lantil 1881, when he es-
tablished his home on Mackinac Island, where he entered into partner-
ship with L. B. Coates, with whom he was associated in the same line
of business under the title of Coates & Arnold, until 1887, when he pur-
chased his partner's interest. In 1891 he established the Arnold Transit
Company and in this connection he is the owner of five steamboats, as
well as well equipped docks on IMackinac Island. Here also he owns
the Chippewa Hotel, one of the largest and most modern on the island,
and also the Palmer House. The hotel first mentioned was erected in the
year 1900 and it has since secured a large and appreciative patronage
during each successive resort season. J\Ir. Arnold is a stockholder of the
First National Bank of St. Ignace and is known as one of the substan-
tial capitalists and sterling citizens of the Upper Peninsula. He has
ever been a stanch supporter of the policies and principles for which
the Republican party stands sponsor and he served as postmaster of
Mackinac Island under Presidents Gai-field and Harrison. For eight
years he held the office of United States deputy revenue collector for
the port of Saugatuck. He is identified with various fraternal and
social organizations.
On the 16th of November, 1887, ]\Ir. Arnold was united in marriage
to Miss Susan Brenckman, who was born at Holland, Michigan, and
who is a daughter of Henry and iNIarj^ (Beffel) Brenckman, both of
whom were born in the city of Berlin, Germany, and both of whom
passed the closing years of their lives in ]\Iichigan. Mr. Brenckman
immigrated to America when a young man and for a number of years
he followed the trade of tanner.
Charles R. Neugebauer. — A man of culture and marked ability,
Charles R. Neugebauer, of Crystal Falls, possesses far more than aver-
age business tact and judgment, and as manager of the financial aft'airs
of the Finnish-Swedish ^Mercantile Association is meeting with great
success. A native of Austria, he was born, April 30, 1861, in Bohemia,
where his parents were life-long residents, his father, an extensive
property holder, having been a dealer in real estate.
Charles R. Neugebauer, the only member of his family to come to
the United States, acquired a substantial education in his native land,
and there began his active career as a teacher. Emigrating to America
in 1885, he located at Austin, Texas, and there taught in a German
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1213
school for a year and a half. Desirous of becoming more familiar with
his adopted country, J\Ir. Neugebauer travelled through various states
of the Union, and spent three years in Idaho and Washington. Coming
then to Crystal Falls, Michigan, he was variously employed until 1899,
when he accepted his present position as business manager for the Fin-
nish-Swedish Mercantile Association. This organization has a thriving
trade, its business being conducted in the commodious and handsome
brick building which it erected at the corner of Superior avenue and
Fourth streets. The upper part of this building is used largely for
office purposes, the remainder of it being occupied by the association.
The store is equipped with modern fixtures, ancl modern improvements,
and has always on hand a bountiful supply of grocei'ies, provisions,
fruits, vegetables, confectionery and cigars, and also carries a full
line of china and glass ware, and of kitchen utensils and furnishings,
the aim of ]Mr. Neugebauer being to supply the demand for anything of
value or use in any department of the household. All goods are attrac-
tively arranged, and the display maintained in this establishment
would be a credit to a city of much larger proportions.
Mr. Neugebauer married, in 1899, Anna Ripka, who was bom in
Bohemia, and into their attractive home two children have been born,
Emily and Charles. Mr. Neugebauer is independent in his political
views, and in religion he and his family are members of the Roman
Catholic church.
William F. Ferguson.— For a score of years Mr. Ferguson held
prestige as one of the representative business men and honored and
influential citizens of Sault Ste. Marie, in which city he continued to
reside until his death, which occurred on the 14th of August, 1908.
His career as a business man and as a citizen is without spot or other
blemish and his fine energies and excellent administrative ability en-
abled him to gain a large and worthy success in connection wath the
practical activities of life. His home city had none who took a deeper
interest in its welfare and progress and he ever exemplified high
civic ideals and unqualified loyalty. He gave his influence and co-
operation in connection with all measures tending to advance the best
interests of the community, and such was his standing as a citizen that
he is specially entitled to a memorial tribute in this publication.
William F. Ferguson was born in the province of Ontario, Canada,
on the 10th of November, 1866, and the place of his nativity was in
the city of Brampton, Peel county. When he was a child his father,
Adam Ferguson, removed from Ontario to St. Joseph, Missouri, where
the family took up their residence in 1871. There he was afl'orded
the advantages of the public schools and when fifteen years of age he
came to Michigan with his parents, who established their home in
Bay City. There he initiated his business career as clerk in a mer-
cantile establishment in which were handled dry goods and boots and
shoes. He gained practical experience in the latter branch of the busi-
ness and upon the failure of his employer he was made manager of the
business though a mere youth at the time. In 1887 at the age of twenty-
one years, Mr. Ferguson came to Sault Ste. Marie, where he held a
clerical position until the following year, when he engaged in the boot
and shoe business for himself, at 80 Ashmun street. In 1893 he erected
a substantial brick building at 406 Ashmun street and there amplified
his enterprise by the addition of a dry goods department. At this
time was formed the firm of W. F. Ferguson & Company, and later
the business was incorporated under the same title, Mr. Ferguson be-
12U THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
coining president of the company and retaining this oiBee until his
death. The demands placed upon the establishment by its large and
constantly expanding business eventually rendered expedient the se-
curing of additional store accommodations, to provide for the same.
The P. C. Keleher building on the opposite side of the street, — 405
Ashmun street. — was taken, where the stock of boots and shoes was
installed, together with a well equipped department devoted to men's
furnishing goods. The business, under the able and careful super-
vision of Mr. Ferguson, became one of the largest and most
prosperous in the city and he continued in active charge of the same
until 1906, when impaired health rendered it absolutely necessary for
him to secure complete release from business cares and responsibili-
ties. In search of rest and recuperation Mr. Fergiison, in company
with his devoted wife, went to California, and the last two years of his
life were largely spent in that state and in travel, but he was unable
to recoup his wasted physical energies and finally passed to the life eter-
nal, secure in the high regard of all who had known him and mourned
by a wide circle of devoted friends in his home city. He was a stock-
holder and director of the First National Bank of Sault Ste. Marie,
and was interested in other local enterprises of an important order,
being also a stockholder of the Soo Hardware Company, in which his
brothers were interested with him. He was a charter member of the
Curling Club, was a valued member of the Sault Ste. Marie Club and
other representative organizations, including the local lodge of the
Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks of which he was a charter mem-
ber. Though never a seeker of political preferment he was a stanch
supporter of the cause of the Republican party and was essentially
loyal and public-spirited as a citizen. He was a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church, as is also Mrs. Ferguson, and his was the faith
that makes faithful in all the relations of life.
On the 15th of March, 1892, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Ferguson to Miss Augusta A. Adams, who is a daughter of Robert N.
Adams, one of the influential and representative citizens and substan-
tial capitalists of Sault Ste. Marie. A sketch of Mr. Adam's career
appears on other pages of this volume, so that further reference to the
family liistory is not demanded in the present connection. Mr. and
Mrs. Ferguson became the parents of four children, — Clarence New-
ton, born July 24, 1893, William Herbert Gordon, born May 5, 1895,
Lillian Margaret, born January 9, 1897, and Willa, all of whom are
living except the last mentioned, who died in infancy, in 1906.
Charles E. Walton.— As manager of two important mining proper-
ties in the vicinity of Wakefield, Gogebic county, Charles E. Walton is
actively identified with the development and advancement of the indus-
trial interests of this part of the Upper Peninsula, and meanwhile is
faithfully performing his obligations as a man and a citizen. A son of
Captain John Walton, he was born. May 15, 1865, at Port Henry, Essex
county. New York. His paternal grandfather, Mathew Walton, was a
native of England. Born and bred in New York state, Captain John
Walton began his career as a sailor when a boy, and when but nineteen
years old was made captain of a lake steamer. He subsequently sailed
the lakes and the Hudson river as commander of his vessel for many
years, after which he was engaged in lumbering in the Adirondaeks for
some time. Locating in Ishpeming, Michigan, in 1881, he entered the
employ of his brother, who was extensively engaged in lumbering, remain-
ing there a few years. Going then to Marquette county, he spent his last
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1215
days at Negaunee, dj-ing in 1904. Captain Walton married Eliza Cham-
pion, who was born in New York state. She now resides with a daughter
in Birmingham, Alabama. She reared five children, as follows : Jennie ;
William; Charles E., the subject of this sketch; Bertha; and Hervey,
who is engaged in mining at Goldfield, Nevada.
Obtaining his rudimentary education in the public schools of his
native place, Charles E. Walton completed his early studies at the Sher-
man Academy, in Moriah, New York. Then, after spending one summer
in the hay-fields, he came with his parents to Michigan, and while living
at Ishpeming gained his initial experience in mining while assisting in
operating a drilling machine at one of the mines near by. After a while
he began exploring in the Gogebic range, and continued the work about
two years. Subsequently, after spending a short time at Bessemer, Mr.
Walton was captain of mines at Negaunee, in the IMarquette range, for
two years. Going from there to the Western Mesaba range, he assisted
in opening the Hawkins and LaRue mines, which were owned by the
Deering Harvesting Company, Joseph Sellwood being manager. In
1902 Mr. Walton came to Wakefield as manager of the Brotherton and
Sunday Lake mines, and of the Mikado mine, all located in this vicinity,
and he has retained the position until the present time, being a most able
and popular superintendent.
Mr. Walton married, in 1888, Hattie Adelle Richards, who was born
in Greenland, Ontonagon count3% IMichigan, a daughter of John and Sarah
Richards, natives of England and pioneer settlers of the Upper Peninsula.
Eight children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Walton, namely :
Elmer, Elsie, Louis, John, Jennie, Hazel, Earl and Gordon. Mr. and
]\frs. Walton are held in high esteem throughout the community, and are
valued members of the iMethodist Episcopal church. Politically Mr. Wal-
ton is a trustworthy Republican, and has served ably as a member of the
County Board of Supervisors ; of the County Board of Road Commis-
sioners ; and as a member of the Wakefield Board of Education. Frater-
nally he belongs to Bessemer Lodge, No. 390, F. & A. ]M. ; to Minerva
Chapter, No. 122, R. A. M. ; to Gogebic Commandery, No. 46, K. T. ; to
Ahmed Temple, IMystie Shrine, of Marquette; to Ishpeming Tent, No.
490, K. 0. T. M. ; and to Rock Island Tent, No. 26, M. W. A.
Joseph T. Berry, M. D.— Actively identified with one of the more
important of the various professions and pursuits to which men de-
vote their time and energies, Joseph T. Berry, M. D., of Houghton, is
widely known as one of the successful physicians of this section of
Northern Michigan, his practice in the city and its suburbs being large
and remunerative. A son of Edwin T. Berry, he was bom, March 15,
1873, in Otisco, Ionia county.
The Doctor's grandfather was born, reared and married in New
York state. Subsequently lured to the wilds of Michigan, he became
a pioneer settler of Montcalm county, where he purchased a tract of
land, from which he began the improvement of a homestead. Intensely
patriotic, he responded to the call for volunteers when the Civil war
broke out, enlisted in a Michigan regiment, and with his comrades
went to the front, and like many another brave soldier, never returned
to his home. He died while in the service, his remains being buried
in the South.
Born in the Empire state, Edwin T. Berry was a small lad when
he came with the family to Michigan. He assisted in the pioneer labor
of redeeming a farm from the heavily-timbered land, and when the
tocsin of the Civil war rang throughout the land his enthusiasm was
Vol. Ill— 10
1216 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
aroused, and he enlisted, in 1861, in Company B, Twenty-fifth Michi-
gan Volunteer Infantry. With his comrades he went South, and ere
the expiration of his term of enlistment had expired, re-enlisted, and
served gallently until the close of the conflict, when he was honorably
discharged. Returning to Michigan, he botight land in Otisco, Ionia
county, and was there engaged in agricultiiral pursuits until his death,
in 1903. He married Frances E. Tower, who was born in Ionia county,
Michigan, where her father, Joseph Tower, settled on coming to Michi-
gan from New York state, being numbered among its pioneer fann-
ers. Mrs. Berry survived her husband, passing away in January, 1909. ■
They were the parents of two children, namely: Joseph T., the sub-
ject of this brief sketch ; and Lena, wife of Fred A. Thompson, of
Belding, Michigan.
Gleaning his first knowledge of books in the village schools of
Belding, Michigan, Joseph T. Berry was graduated from the Belding
high school with the class of 1896. He subsequently served as clerk
in the postoffice for five years, during which time he studied medicine,
for which he had a strong predilection. In 1902 Mr. Berry entered the
Medical Department of the L^niversity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and
was there graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1906. Coming imme-
diately to Houghton, Dr. Berry has given proof of his professional
skill and ability by his successfi^l treatment of the many patients to
whom he has been called, and has gained the esteem and confidence
of the community.
The doctor is a member of the Houghton County Medical Society;
of two college fraternities, the Phi Rho Sigma and the Nu Phi Alpha
societies ; of Fortuna Lodge No. 120, K. of P. ; and of Houghton Lodge
No. 218, F. & A. M.
Garrett Gilbert, a man well known in railroad circles in this part
of the state, was born in Dakota county, INIinnesota, November 1, 1863.
His parents were John and Katherine (Hanley) Gilbert, both of them
natives of Ireland. The father was born in county Kerry, in 1826, and
died November 2, 1877, and the mother, who was born in Roscommon,
survives and makes her home with her sons. John Gilbert came to
America in 1847, his ship landing at New York sixty-seven days after
its departure. It was not long before he secured employment on the
York & Erie Railroad, making his headquarters at Binghamton, New
York. Like many other foreigners, as soon as he got his bearings in
the new country, he decided to come w^est and took up his residence in
Peoria, Illinois. His next move took him to Columbus, Wisconsin,
where he contracted in the building of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railway, the firm being known as Gilbert and Graham. They
were also concerned in the building of the old Milwaukee & Prairie
du Chien Railway, whose way led from Milwaukee through to Craw-
ford county, Wisconsin, touching the IMississippi, and going thence
up the Mississippi on the steamer Milwaukee to St. Paul, ]Minnesota.
The father later abandoned railroad building and entered the hotel
business at Farmington, ]\Iinnesota, where he spent his last days. He
and his family were members of the Catholic faith, and he subscribed
to the policies of the Democratic party. Of the five children, two are
living, Mr. Gilbert and George, who makes his home in Carlton. IMin-
nesota.
Garrett Gilbert spent his boyhood days in his native state and until
the age of fourteen attended school. At this early age he engaged as
track hand on the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at Farminaton, Min-
I
THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1217
nesota, receiving one dollar per day for his services. He later became
wiper in the round house at St. Paul, then freight brakeman, and then
conductor. He resigned and secured employment vrith the Northern
Pacific at St. Paul as yard master, following this with a similar posi-
tion with the Chicago, St. Paul & Omaha Railroad. He made a radical
change by giving up railroading and engaging in farming, securing
land in Traverse county, Minnesota, which he operated up to 1890, in
which year he sold his farm and went to live in St. Paul. After a
short residence in that city he removed to Marquette, Michigan, and
assumed charge of the construction work in the building of the Lake
Superior & Ishpeming Railroad. He later became agent and general
yard master at Ishpeming, remaining in this capacity for five years
and four months, when he resigned to become superintendent of ter-
minals at Sault Ste. Marie for the Canadian Pacific Railroad, the Du-
luth South Shore & Atlantic Railroad and the Minneapolis, St. Paul &
Sault Ste. Marie Railway. He ultimately became joint freight agent
for the above named roads, the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste.
Marie and the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic. He at present holds
these offices and in addition that of superintendent of the Sault Ste.
Marie Bridge Company and finds time to conduct his farming in Tra-
verse county, Minnesota. He has held several public offices and rendered
able service as deputy sheriff and township trustee of Traverse county,
Minnesota. He gives allegiance to Republicanism and is a member of
the Knights of Columbus, Order of Railway Conductors and other or-
ganizations.
Mr. Gilbert's wife before her marriage was Miss Mary Sullivan,
and their union was celebrated July 15, 1885. She was born at Wi-
nona, Minnesota, her parents being John King and Mary (Alton) Sul-
livan. They were both natives of county Kerry, Ireland, the father
being born in 1824, and his demise occurred in July, 1902. The mother
is now living at Sault Ste. Marie. They were married after coming
to this country, in Peoria, Illinois, and fourteen children were born
to them, Mrs. Gilbert being the third of these. The father came to
the United States in 1848, the sailing ship which carried him and his
relatives landing at New Orleans. He and his brothers, Daniel and
Patrick, drifted north, Daniel buying a farm near Mason City, Iowa,
where he lived the rest of his life. John located in Winona county,
Minnesota, and was one of the contractors in the building of the Wi-
nona and St. Peter Railroad, now known as the Chicago & North-
western. He spent the last thirty years of his life farming in Winona
county, Minnesota. He held several township offices among them those
of school director and supervisor. He was Democratic in politics and
a communicant of the Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert are the
parents of two sons, John L., who was graduated from St. Thomas
college at St. Paul, Minnesota, and is now associated with his father
as yard master; and George H., who completed the eighth grade of the
public schools of "The Soo," and was graduated in the commercial
course at St. Boniface College, in Manitoba, and is also associated
with his father in the railway service.
Paul Schkeller. — Preserving in. purpose, enterprising and ener-
getic, Paul Schneller has gained an assured position among the fore-
most business men of Calumet, where he is an extensive dealer in real
estate, and the representative of various insurance companies of high
standing. He was born, December 13, 1871, in Austria, a son of John
and Maria (Barich) Schneller. His father spent his entire life in
1218 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Austria, his widow, however, coming to America after his death, and
being at this time a resident of Butte, Montana.
Emigrating to the United. States in 1887, a boy of fifteen years,
Paul Schneller attended the public schools of Calumet, Michigaia, for
a time, and while still a student was an employe of the Tamarack ]\Iining
Company. He was afterwards for five years, from 1893 until 1898,
a clerk in the department store owned and operated by Edward Ryan.
Entering then the employment of John B. Wertin, he remained with
him until his death, eighteen months later, when the business was sold
to Redding & Son. Mr. Schneller was subsequently in business on
his own account for a short time as head of the firm of Schneller &
Plantz, his partner having been John Plantz. He subsequently ac-
cepted a position with Peter Ruppe, a general merchant, with whom
he was associated as clerk until 1905.
Forming in that year a partnership with Webb & Van Orden, Mr.
Schneller purchased a half interest in the insurance business of the
Van Orden Brothers and on January 11, 1907, bought out the entire
share of the Van Orden Brothers' interests, and a little later, having
bought out W. J. Webb, became sole owner of the business, which he
conducted successfully for' a time. In January, 1909, wishing to
broaden his field of action, Mr. Schneller formed a partnership with
Leonard F. Lawrence, and the firm name was Schneller & Lawrence
until January, 1910, when John Malnar w^as admitted to the firm, the
name being changed to its present form, Schneller, Lawrence & Mal-
nar. This firm is one of the best known in the insurance circles of
Houghton county, representing twenty-one of the most reliable insur-
ance companies of the United States, and in addition to its insuring
deals extensively in real estate, many of its transactions being of much
importance. Mr. Schneller is a notary public, and in making out
papers, transferring and corresponding, has communications for dif-
ferent patrons in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Mr. Schneller married, in 1896, Annie Wertin, a daughter of Mat-
thew B. and Agnes Wertin, old residents of Calumet, and to them five
children have been born, namely : Agnes, Genevieve, Paul, Jr., Mar-
garet and Frederick. Mr. Schneller is a most loyal and valued citi-
zen, faithful in the performance of his civic duties, and for two years
was treasurer of the village of Red Jacket. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of Calumet Lodge, No. 404, B. P. O. E. ; of the Knights of Colum-
bus; of the Independent Order of Foresters; and also of St. Peter's
Austrian Society.
George Frederick Brown. — Prominent among the best known citi-
zens of the Upper Peninsula is George Frederick Brown, of Crystal
Falls, who, as the genial, accommodating, and popular host of the
Loekwood Hotel, has gained an enviable reputation among the travel-
ing public, his house being one of the best patronized of any in Iron
county. A native of New Brunswick, he was born, August 9, 1842,
near Frederiekton, the capital of the province, a son of Samuel Brown.
His paternal grandfather, Mr. Brown, was born and reared in Ire-
land, and on emigrating to America, located near Frederiekton,
New Brunswick, where he was engaged in farming and lumbering the
remainder of his life.
Samuel Brown was born in New Brimswick, and was there brought
up and educated as a farmer's son, and chose for his life work the oc-
cupation of his immediate ancestors, engaging in farming and lum-
bering. Removing to Aroostook county, Maine, in 1851, he bought
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1219
land at Portage Lake, and was successfully employed as a general
farmer and lumberman until his death, at the age of seventy-two
years. He married Statira McNeil, and she survived him, passing
away on the home farm, in Maine, at the venerable age of eighty-five
years. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lyman McNeil, were born in the
United States, of Scotch parents, who were loyal to the Crown during
the Revolutionary war, and subsequently settled in New Brunswick,
near Frederickton, where Statira McNeil was bom. Ten children were
born of the union of Samuel and Statira Brown, namely; George
Frederick, William, Lavina, Julia, Rachel, Mary, Harriet, Eunice, Lud-
low and Woodford.
Nine years old when his parents settled in Aroostook county, Maine,
George Frederick Brown there grew to manhood, obtaining his early
education in the district schools, and being thoroughly drilled in agri-
cultural pursuits under his father's tutelage. Following the march of
civilization westward, he came, in 1877, to the Upper Peninsula, which
was then practically in its virgin wildness, the settlements being few
and far between. Entering the employ of Kirby & Carpenter, pioneer
lumber dealers, he worked in the woods of Dickinson and Iron coun-
ties, ere the sites of Iron Mountain, Iron River or Crystal Falls had
been laid out, the present site of the latter named city having then
been covered with a dense growth of timber. Mr. Brown made his
headquarters at Menominee for a few years, and then located at Crys-
tal Falls, where he operated a lumber yard for five years. Selling out,
he then bought a farm at Fortune Lake, about three miles out, where
he was profitably employed in agricultural pursuits until 1904. In
that year Mr. Brown disposed of his farm, and bought the Lockwood
Hotel, with which he has since been actively identified.
Mr. Brown married first, in 1884, Carrie Metcalf, who passed to the
life beyond in 1896. He married second Mary Lallie. Politically Mr.
Brown is a Republican, and fraternally he belongs to Crystal Falls
Lodge No. 385, F. & A. M. ; to Crystal Falls Chapter No. 129, R. A. M. ;
and to Hugh McCurdy Commandery No. 43, K. T.
Ed. Stevens is acting manager of the Musselman Grocer Co.
Branch of the National Grocer Company at Sault Ste. Marie. He is a
member of the different branches of the Masonic fraternity represented
in his home city, serving as Eminent Commander of Sault Ste. Marie
Commandery, High Priest of Sault Ste. Marie Chapter and Worthy
Patron of "Queen of the North" Chapter, O. E. S. ; is also a member
of Ahmed Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S. of Marquette.
Donald W. McDougall.— Under the title of the McDougall Mer-
cantile Company the subject of this review conducts and is the OAvner
of a fine department store in the city of Munising, Alger county, and
his establishment is recognized as the most important of its kind in
this county, controlling a large and representative patronage. He is
known as a reliable and enterprising btisiness man and as a loyal and
progressive citizen, well exemplifying the sterling traits of the sturdy
race from which he is descended as he is of Scottish ancestry.
Donald William McDougall was born in Bruce county, pi'ovinee of
Ontario, Canada, on the 29th of June, 1867, and is a son of Hugh
and Mary (Walker) McDougall, both of whom were likewise born in
that province. The father died in 1900, at the age of sixty-four years,
and the mother now resides at JMunising, ]\Iiehigan. Of the three
children the subject of this sketch is the eldest: Jlatilda is the wifa
1220 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
of George M. Evans, of Mimising, Michigan; and Ellen is the Avife of
Dr. Charles C. Stone, of Romeo, this state. Hugh McDougall was a
successful merchant at AUanford, Ontario, for nearly a quarter of a
century, and was one of the -honored and influential citizens of his
community. He Avas a consistent member of the Presbyterian church,
of which his AvidoAv also is a member.
Donald W. ^NIcDougall is indebted to the public schools of his
native county for his early educational discipline and as a boy he be-
gan to assist in the Avork of his father's store. Later he was employed
as a clerk in a mercantile establishment at Owen Sound, Ontario, for
a period of tAvo years, at the expiration of AA'hich he removed to Eddy's
Mills, Ontario, where he was engaged in the general merchandise busi-
ness from 1890 until 1896, in Avhich latter year he removed to the
Upper Peninsula of ^Michigan and established his home at Munising,
Avhere he erected the first stone business block and where he estab-
lished himself in the general merchandise business under the firm name
of McDougall, Smith & Company. His associates were S. M. Smith,
G. ]M. Smith, H. Smith, and this alliance continued until 1901, Avhen
he purchased his partners' interest in the enterprise. AA'hich he has
since successfully conducted under the title of the ^McDougall 'Mer-
cantile Company. In the large and well equipped establishment are
handled the foUoAving lines of dry-goods, groceries and boots and
shoes, and a meat market is also conducted in connection Avith the
enterprise. Mr. ^McDougall is recognized as the leading merchant of
his city and his genial personality and sterling integrity haA-e given
him a secure hold upon the confidence and esteem of the commimity.
He is at the present time president of the local business men's organi-
zation and is president of the board of education. He is a stanch R-e-
publican in his political proclivities and both he and his wife hold
membership in the Presbyterian church.
On the 15th of February, 1893, Avas solemnized the marriage of
Mr. ]McDougall to ]Miss Rebeccah Logan, aa^io was born at Oavcu Sound,
province of Ontario, and AA'ho is a daughter of James and Lucinda
Logan, both of Avhom are noAv deceased. ]\Ir. and Mrs. McDougaU have
three children, — Gladys, Russell and Hugh.
John P. Petermann. — Through his OAvn Avell directed eft'orts it has
been given Colonel John P. Petermann to achieA'e a place of distinctiA-e
prominence and influence in connection AA-ith the industrial and ciA-ic
afi:'airs of the Upper Peninsula, Avhieh section of ^Michigan has repre-
sented his home from the time of his natiA'ity, and he stands, to-day,
as one of the leading business men of Houghton and KeweenaAv counties.
He is the senior member of the firm of J. P. Petermann Company, which
conducts well equipped general merchandise stores at Allouez, Kear-
sarge, Phoenix, Mohawk, Gay and Mandan, and he giA'es a general
superAasion to these interests, in addition to which he has identified him-
self Avith other industrial enterprises of marked importance. The
colonel has the distinction of being a A'eteran of the Spanish- American
Avar and Avas long and prominently identified Avith the I\Iichigan National
Guard, through his serA-ices in Avhich he gained his present military title.
He maintains his home in the attractive little A-illage of Laurium,
Houghton county, though he diAndes his lime betAveen the A^arioiis tOAvns
in Avhich he has business interests.
Colonel John P. Petermann Avas born in Ontonagon county, ^liehigan,
in the year 1863, and is a son of Ferdinand D. and Caroline S. (Bast)
Petermann. The father established his home in the Upper Peninsula of
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1221
Michigan more than half a century ago and here was long and prom-
inently identified with the great copper-mining industry, in connection
with which he held positions of marked trust and responsibility, includ-
ing that of mining captain with the famous Calumet & Hecla Mining
Company. He retired from active business associations about the year
1888 and removed to the city of Buffalo, New York, returning to the
copper country in 1905. He and his wife are zealous members of the
Lutheran church and he is an uncompromising Republican in his polit-
ical proclivities. He is one of the sterling pioneers of the Upper Penin-
sula and his name merits an enduring place on the roll of the worthy
citizens who have contributed to the development and upbuilding of this
favored section of the Wolverine state. Concerning his children the fol-
lowing brief data are given : George H., who died in 1904, was associated
with his brother, John P., in mercantile business and at the time of his
death had charge of one of the stores of the firm ; John P., the subject
of this review, is the oldest of family ; Fernando D. is individually men-
tioned on other pages of this work; Albert E. a member of the well
known law firm of Kerr & Petermann, of Calumet, is recognized as one
of the representative members of the bar of the Upper Peninsiila and is
now serving as prosecuting attorney of his countj' ; Caroline is the wife
of Rev. Frederick B. Arnold, who is a clergyman of the Lutheran
church, and they now reside at Laurium, Michigan ; and the youngest
daughter, Emma, is with her parents at Kearsarge, Michigan.
Colonel Petermann was five years of age at the time of his parents'
removal from Ontonagon county to Calumet, Houghton county, in which
thriving little mining city he was reared to adult age, there receiving
the advantages of the public schools. For a number of yeai's after
leaving school he was in the employ of the Calumet & Hecla Mining
Company and during a considerable portion of this period he held the
position of locomotive engineer. He finally severed his connection with
the company and showed his initiative poAver and ambition by establish-
ing a general store at Allouez, where he began his independent business
career in the year 1891. He brought to bear distinctive energy and
executive ability and his success in his first venture soon warranted his
establishing stores at ]\Iohawk, Kearsarge, Phoenix, Gay and Mandan.
He has thus become one of the representative business men of the Upper
Peninsula and the various mercantile enterprises are conducted under
the firm name of J. P. Petermann. The colonel has found other lines
along which to direct his splendid energies. He is president of the Lake
Superior Produce and Cold Storage Company, which was organized in
April, 1899, and which has built up a large and renumerative business
with offices and general headquarters in the city of Houghton. He is
also a director of the State Savings Bank of Laurium ; is president of the
Keweenaw Savings Bank, at ]\Iohawk ; president of the KcAveenaw Print-
ing Company, and he has given his encouragement and aid in the pro-
motion of other enterprises of distinctive value to this section of the
country. He is known as a business man of marked acumen and his
careful methods and sterling integrity, as combined with his genial per-
sonality, have gained him unqualified popularity in the Upper Peninsula,
which has represented his home from the time of his birth and in which
he has pressed forward to the goal of large and worthy success.
In politics Colonel Petermann is foiuid aligned as a stalwart in the
camp of the Republican party and he has given effective service in be-
half of its cause in a local way. He has been called iipon to serve in
minor offices of local trust, including that of supervisor of xVllouez town-
ship, Keweenaw county. Both he and his wife are members and zealous
supporters of the Lutheran church.
1222 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
For fully a score of years Colonel Petermann was actively identified
with the Michigan National Guard and, in 1898, at the inception of the
Spanish- American war, he volunteered with his command for services in
the same. He was chosen colonel of the Fifth regiment of the Michigan
National Guard and he was mustered into the United States service as
a member of the Thirty-fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, in which
he likewise held the office of colonel and with which he served in the
Cuban campaign. His regiment passed fifty-two days in Cuba and took
an active part in the first engagement at San Juan. He was mustered
out with his regiment in September, 1898, but the colonel did not receive
his final discharge until the 1st of January, 1899, having continued his
identification with the ^Michigan National Guard for the intervening year
and having then resigned his commission as colonel. He was kno\vn as
a most capable tactician and conunandiug officer and had the unqualified
esteem of all the members of his regiment.
In 1890 was solemnized the marriage of Colonel Petermann to Miss
Ida Bollmann, the adopted daughter of Ernest Bollmann, who was one
of the representative business men of the village of Laurium, of which
he formerly served as president, and of this union were born eight chil-
dren, namely : Philip, Paul, Karl, Lydia, George, Ida, Daniel and Martha.
All of the children are living except Lydia, who died in 1908.
Hon. Lewis T. Sterling. — Prominent and active in public affairs,
possessing marked business ability and judgment, Hon. Lewis T. Ster-
ling, of Iron Mountain, ranks high among the more valued citizens of
his community, which he is now representing in the state legislature.
He is associated with many of the leading enterprises of the city, and
is an extensive dealer in real estate, and an authority on insurance
matters. A native of New York, he was born, October 7, 1851, in
Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county, and is a lineal descendant of one of
the early Scotch settlers of IMassachusetts. A family genealogy, pub-
lished by Albert M. Sterling, says that the branch of the family from
which the American Sterlings sprung was living in Scotland in the
year 830, from there moving to England, where William Sterling, the
emigrant ancestor, was born, his birth occurring in 1637.
On coming to America William Sterling settled in Bradford, Es-
sex county, Massachusetts, and the pioneer records of that town show
thatdie was a mariner, and a ship carpenter, and also a miller. He
became owner of land in different towns in Essex county, acquiring
considerable property. He subsequently removed to Connecticut, and
spent his last years at Lyme, in whose ancient burying ground his
tombstone is still standing. He was four times married and reared
several children. His son Daniel, who spelled the name "Starling,"
was the next in line of descent.
Daniel Starling was twenty-four years old when the family re-
moved to Lyme, Connecticut. He became an extensive landholder,
and was prominent in military and public affairs, serving as an officer
in the militia, and was a deacon in the Third Church of Christ. An in-
ventory of his property shows that he was a slave holder. He married
Mrs. IMary Ely, and their son, Joseph, was the succeeding ancestor.
Born June 30, 1707, Joseph Starling married Sarah ]\Iack, a daughter
of John j\Iack, a life-long resident of Lyme, Connecticut, and the line
was continued through their son, Capt. William Sterling, who re-
sumed the original spelling of the family name.
Captain William Sterling was born, May 28, 1743, in L.yme, and
died July 22, 1805. He was influential in the management of public
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1223
affairs, and served as captain of the Sixth Company, Train Band,
Third Regiment State I\Iilitia. He married Jemima Sill, a daughter
of Thomas and Jemima (Dudley) Sill. The next in line of descent was
their son. Col. William Sterling, who was born ]\Iay 16, 1768, and be-
came a resident of Sterling City, town of Lyme, Connecticut, where
his death occurred on May 10, 1827. Like his father and grandfather,
he, too, was an officer in the state militia, serving as colonel. He mar-
ried Jerusha Ely, a daughter of Robert and Jerusha Ely. She sur-
vived him, and spent her last days with a son and daughter in Gouver-
neur, New York, passing away j\Iay 27, 1839.
Their son, William Erastus Sterling, Mr. Sterling's father, was
born in Lyme, Connecticut, June 4, 1801, and was there brought up
and educated. Removing to Gouverneur, New York, about 1830, he
engaged in mercantile pursuits, and was also interested in iron mines.
A man of decided opinions, he wielded much influence in public af-
fairs, and was held in high regard as a man and as a citizen. He died
March 5, 1861, aged three score years. His wife, whose maiden name
was Oclavia Parsons, was born at Scipio, New York, a daughter of
Lewis B. and Lucretia (Hobart) Parsons. She passed to the higher
life December 25, 1881, leaving six children, namely: Maria E., Emily
P., Francis J., William E., Anna L., and Lewis T.
Receiving his common school and academical education in Gouver-
neur, New York, Lewis T.. Sterling subsequently attended Olis^et Col-
lege, in Olivet, Michigan, completing his studies at Washington Uni-
versity, in St. Louis, Missouri. Embarking then in commercial pur-
suits, he resided for a while in Rochester, New York, from there go-
ing to New York City, where he remained a short time. Returning to
Gouverneur, he was there engaged in the insurance, real estate and
loan business for a number of years. Coming to Iron Mountain, Michi-
gan, in 1891, Mr. Sterling accepted a position as manager of the in-
surance department of the First National Bank, with which he was
connected for some time. When the United States Steel Corporation
was formed, Mr. Sterling was selected as an expert to make rates for
its insurance department in the mining districts, his knowledge of
such matters rendering him an authority on the subject. At the pres-
ent time he is successfully conducting a real estate and insurance busi-
ness which was established sixteen years ago, and is also serving as
secretary and treasurer of the Iron Mountain Electric Light and Power
Company, and is active in all public matters.
Mr. Sterling married, June 26, 1882, Elizabeth Borden Nichols, a
daughter of Rev. James and Sarah Jane Nichols. A life-long Re-
publican in politics, Mr. Sterling was elected to the state legislature
in 1908, and is serving with credit to himself, and to the honor of his
constituents.
Archibald McEachern has been a resident of the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan for thirty years, and has been prominently identified with
the industrial and social development and upbuilding of Mackinac
county. Here he reclaimed a fine farm from the wilderness and he is
now the owner of fully fifteen hundred acres of valuable land in the
Upper Peninsula. He has also been actively concerned with the lum-
ber industry and has won a large and worthy success through his own
well directed efforts, having so ordered his course as to merit and re-
tain the confidence and high regard of his fellow men.
Archibald McEachern was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, on the
10lh of January, 1844, and is a son of Duncan and Ann (Keith) jMc-
12-24 THE XORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Eachern, both of Avliom were likewise born in Argyleshire. Duncan
]\IeEaehern was a blacksmith by trade and in 1852 he immigrated with
his family to America and established his home in the province of On-
tario, Canada. In 1859 he secured a tract of wild land in Lambton
county, Ontario, opposite the present city of Port Huron, Michigan,
on the St. Clair river. There he developed a valuable farm and there
both he and his wife continued to reside until their death. He was
more than eighty years of age when he was summoned from the scene
of his mortal activities and his wife attained to the age of eighty-six
years. They became the parents of four sons and five daughters, of
Avhom four sons and one daughter are now living, the subject of this
sketch being the eldest child. The father was made a member of the
Masonic fraternity in his native land and both he and his wife were
devout members of the Baptist church.
Archibald McEachern gained his rudimentary education in the
schools of his native land and was eight years of age at the time of the
family removal to America. He continued to attend school in the
province of Ontario until he was fifteen years of age and he gave
zealous aid to his father in the reclaiming and improving of the home
farm, with whose work and management he continued to be associated
until he had attained the age of tAventy-six years, when he identified
himself with lumber operations in Lambton county, Ontario. He
finally erected a stave factory in the village of Waterford, Ontario,
and in 1870 the property was destroyed by fire with no insurance in-
demnity. Shortly afterward j\Ir. ^IcEachern purchased a saw mill at
Button, Ontario, where he became a member of the firm of ]\Iiller &
jMcEachem, which there continued operations until 1874, when Mr.
McEachern erected a flouring mill in the same town. He operated the
mill until 1876 and thereafter was engaged in the hotel business at
Dutton until 1879, when he went to Kentucky and engaged in buying
black Avalnut timber. In the autumn of 1880 he came to the Upper
Peninsula and turned his attention to the getting out of cedar ties
and pine logs on St. Joseph Island, in the St. Marj^'s River. In the
spring of the following year he established his home in Ozark, where
for three years he held the position of woods foreman in the plant of
the Martell Furnace Company. In the autumn of 1881 he secured a
homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres of ^nld land in New-
ton township and in the autumn of 1884 he and his family established
their home on this land. Their re.sidence was a log house of the type
common to the pioneer days and Mr. McEachern states that some of
the happiest years of his life Avere passed in this domicile, though he
and his family necessarily endured the vissicitudes and hardships in-
cidental to the reclaiming of new land in a sparsely settled section.
]\Ir. McEachern has dcA^eloped one of the valuable farms of the county
and on his original homestead, Avliere he still resides, he has erected
substantial modern buildings, including a large and attractive resi-
dence. To his original holdings he has added until he now has fif-
teen hundred acres of land all located in ]\lackinac county. He has
labored zealously to raise the standard of agriculture and stock-groAv-
ing in this section of the state and he shipped the first carload of cat-
tle from Corinne on the line of the Sault Ste. Marie & ^Minneapolis
Railroad. He has giA^en special attention to the raising of standard-
bred short-horn cattle and he has been continuously identified Avith the
lumber industry during the entire period of his residence in the Upper
Peninsula.
Mr. McEachern has sIioaa'u a loyal and public-spirited interest in
I
THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1225
all that touches the welfare of his home county and state and he has
been given distinctive mark of public confidence and esteem. In 1886
he was elected clerk of Newton township, an office in which he served
two terms, after which he served two terms as to'wnship treasurer, re-
signing this office at the time of his election to the state legislature,
in 1902. He well represented the interests of his home county and of
the entire Upper Peninsula during his one term of service in the state
legislature and he has also given service in the office of justice of the
peace. He is a stalwart adherent of the Republican party and is well
fortified in his views as to matters of public polity. At the primaries
held September 6, 1910, Mr. McEaehern received the nomination for
state representative, Schoolcraft district.
In the Masonic fraternity he is affiliated with the Lakeside Lodge
No. 371, Free & Accepted Masons, at Manistique, where he also holds
membership in Manistique Chapter No. 127, Royal Arch Masons; and
Hiawatha Council, Royal and Select Masters. He also holds member-
ship in Escanaba Commandery No. 47, Knights Templar, and De Witt
Clinton Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, in the city of
Grand Rapids, in which body he has attained to the thirty-second de-
gree ; in the same city he is also identified with Saladin Temple, An-
cient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a mem-
ber of the Manistique Lodge No. 632, Benevolent & Protective Order
of Elks, and is identified with other social organizations of represen-
tative character.
On the 1st' of May, 1873, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Mc-
Eaehern to Miss Mary Love, who was born in Elgin county, province
of Ontario, Canada, and who died at the old homestead in Mackinac
county, Michigan, on the 7th of September, 1906. She was a daughter
of Archibald and Margaret (Thompson) Love, both of whom were
natives of Argyleshire, Scotland, where the father's family has occu-
pied one farm for more than three centuries. Archibald Love came
to America in 1849 and located in Elgin county, Ontario, where he con-
tinued to be identified with agricultural pursuits until his death, which
occurred in 1872. His widow long survived him and was summoned
to the life eternal in 1898. Mr. and Mrs. McEaehern became the
parents of eight children, concerning whom the following brief record
is given, — Archibald L. is engaged in lumbering at Hunt Spur; Chris-
tina A. is the wife of Donald McLean and they reside at Gould City ;
Duncan S. is engaged in farming at home; Margaret died in infancy;
Neil P. is engaged in farming in Alberta, northwestern Canada, where
he has a farm of six hundred acres ; Donald K. is associated with his
father in the work of the farm ; Catherine is a member of the class of
1912 in the high school at Manistique; and Alexander J. remains at
the paternal home.
Joseph J. O'Connor. — A man of marked ability and talent, Joseph
J. O'Connor has won for himself a firm position among the successful
attorneys of the Upper Peninsula, having built up a remunerative prac-
tice at L 'Anse. A native of this thriving village, he was born ]Marcli 29,
1880, a son of John 0 'Connor.
John O'Connor was born in 1841 in Ireland, and he spent his
early life in the Emerald Isle. At an early age he came to Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, where his sister resided, and attended school there for a
number of years. Having completed his education he went to Boston,
New York and St. John, New Brunswick, to visit relatives, returning to
Boston on November 6, 1861, and on November 13th he shipped on
1226 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
board the gun boat "Sagamore" in the United States navy for three
years, during which time his ship was engaged in the gulf squadron in
blockade service on the coast of Florida. He was honorably discharged
from the navy at Philadelphia on December 15, 1864, after having
served three years and six months.
In 1865 he came directly to the Upper Peninsula, locating in Hough-
ton where he was for some time a mine contractor, later being a con-
tractor in the building of the Lake Superior ship canal, likewise in the
building of the M. H. & 0. Railway from Marquette to L'Anse.
Settling as a pioneer in L'Anse, he became influential as a public
official, and served not only as register of deeds, but for twelve years
was county clerk of Baraga county. He died at L'Anse in 1898. John
0 'Connor married Maria Dillon, who was born in Ireland, a daughter of
Patrick and Mary (O'Brien) Dillon. Mrs. O'Connor is still living in
L'Anse. She reared six children, as follows: Elizabeth, deceased, mar-
ried Alfred Gorsbeek, also now deceased, and he was a lumberman of
Ashland, Wisconsin ; Rebecca, deceased ; Molly, Helen, Rose and
Joseph J.
Laying a substantial foundation for his future education in the
schools of L'Anse, Joseph J. O'Connor entered the law department of
the University of IMichigan in the fall of 1900, and was graduated from
there with the Class of 1903, and has since been actively and prosper-
ously engaged in the practice of his profession in L'Anse. In the spring
of 1908 he formed a partnership with AVilliam L. Mason, becoming
junior member of the firm of Mason & O'Connor, which is very well
known in this section of the state.
Mr. O'Connor is a straightforward Republican in politics, and is
every ready to perform his part in official life. Immediately after com-
mencing the practice of law in L'Anse, he was elected circuit court com-
missioner, which office he held for four years. He is now serving his
fourth year as a member of the village council. For several years he
has been village attorney for both Baraga and L'Anse, and in 1908 was
elected prosecuting attorney for Baraga county, which office he now
holds. Although Mr. O'Connor was one of the youngest men who was
ever elected to the office of prosecuting attorney in this county, yet he
has been so attentive to his duties and painstaking in the preparation of
his cases that his success has been marked.
As a citizen Joseph J. O'Connor is devoted to the best interests of the
community ; as an official is most faithful and conscientious in the dis-
charge of the duties devolving upon him ; and as a friend is loyal and
true.
August Wallen. — Enterprising, progressive, and eminently capable,
August AVallen is a fine representative of the prosperous citizens of
the Upper Peninsula that are of foreign birth, and since coming to
this country have made such diligent use of their time and opportuni-
ties that they have won success in their chosen vocations. Since a
boy of fifteen years he has been a resident of Michigan, and in that time
has witnessed many wonderful transformations in the county, the path-
less forests giving way before the axe of the explorer, thriving villages
and populous cities springing up almost as if by magic. He was born,
May 22, 1870, in the village of Umea, Westerbotten laen, Sweden, a
son of August Wallen, Sr., who was born in the same locality.
August Wallen, Sr., learned the shoemaker's trade when j'ouug,
and has followed it in his native laen until the present time, residing
in Umea. He married Charlotta Christine Ericksou, also a native of
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1227
Sweden, and to them nine children have been born, as follows : Au-
gusta, August, Marie ; Annie, deceased ; Hilda, Karl ; Erick, deceased ;
Alfred, deceased ; and Alma. Augusta, Hilda and August emigrated
to the United States, August remaining in this country, but the two
daughters returned to their native land. One of their uncles, John
Wallen, came to this country in 1870, and now lives in Duluth, Min-
nesota.
Attending the public schools of Umea very regularly during his
youthful days, August Wallen acquired a good business education,
and subsequently worked with his father at the shoemaker's bench,
becoming quite familiar with the trade. At the age of fifteen years
he came to America, and the ensuing two years worked as a farm hand
in Edmore, Montcalm county, Michigan, afterwards being there em-
ployed for a while in a shingle mill. In 1889 he made his first appear-
ance in Ewen, which was then a very small place, the village site and
the surrounding country being covered with a dense growth of virgin
timber. Mr. Wallen at once perceived the future possibilities of the
little hamlet in the woods, and worked in the woods and shingle mills
until 1900, then he embarked in the real estate business and in farm-
ing, and from the very first met with such excellent success that he has
continued thus employed ever since. He not only sells on commis-
sion, but is an extensive land owner, having large tracts in his pos-
session, and a farm of one hundred acres situated near the village,
where he is carrying on general farming with profit.
Mr. Wallen has been twice married. He married first, October 23,
1901, Ina May Simpson, who was born at Sand Lake, Michigan, a
daughter of Sidney Simpson. Her grandfather, Henry Simpson, was
born in Oakland county, Michigan, where his parents were early set-
tlers. A sawyer and an engineer, he worked in various places, spend-
ing his last years in Janesfield, Saginaw county, Michigan. He mar-
ried Addie Halliday, who was born in Centerton, Huron county, Ohio,
a daughter of Benjamin and Catherine (States) Halliday, who re-
moved to that place from Tioga county. New York, in pioneer days.
She survived him, and is now living in Ewen, ^Michigan, being the wife
of C. J. T. Smith. Sidney Simpson, who was a natural mechanic, was
employed as a sawyer in a shingle mill for a number of years, but is
now* living near Ewen on a farm. The maiden name of his wife was
Mittie Ward. Mrs. Ina May Wallen passed to the higher life October
25, 1905, leaving one son, Lester S. Wallen.
Mr. Wallen married second, June 11, 1907, Henrietta E. Kliver,
who was born in Denmark, and came to this country with her parents,
Magnus and Caroline (Hendricks) Kliver, now residents of Republic,
Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Wallen have two children, Kliver A. and Carl
A. In polities Mr. Wallen affiliates with the Republican party, and,
although no aspirant for official honors, has served as jiastice of the
peace. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Wallen are conscientious members
of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally Mr. Wallen belongs
to Rockland Lodge No. 108, F. & A. M. ; to Ewen Lodge No. 518, I. O.
0. F.; to Ewen Camp No. 7822, M. W. A.; to Kenton Tent No. 899,
K. 0. T. M. ; and to the Modern Brotherhood of America, Lodge No.
1545. In 1910 Mr. Wallen joined Palestine Commandery No. 48, K. T.,
Houghton, Michigan, and Ahmed Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S. of Mar-
quette, and the Ontonagon Chapter No. 20 of Ontonagon, Michigan in
1909.
John F. Moloney, Sr., has maintained his residence in Sault Ste.
Marie for more than a quarter of a century and is numbered among
1228 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
its representative business men and influential citizens. He has held
various public offices of distinctive public trust and has ever shown
a loyal interest in all that has tended to enhance the progress and wel-
fare of his home city. Here' he is the executive head of the firm of
John P. Moloney & Company, engaged in the wholesale and retail
liquor trade. He was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, on the 4th
of December, 1845, and is a son of James L. and Ellen (O'Neil) Mo-
loney, both of whom were likewise natives of that county, where the
former was born in 1817 and the latter in 1821. The father died in
Cheboygan, Michigan, in 1892, and the mother passed the declining
years of her life in the city of Detroit. She died on the 29th of April,
1910, at the venerable age of eighty-nine years. Her remains were
laid to rest at the side of her husband, in the cemetery at Cheboygan.
They became the parents of five sons and four daughters, concerning
whom the following brief data are given, — James F., an influential
citizen of Cheboygan, Michigan, is president of the Cheboygan County
Savings Bank; John F., subject of this review, was next in order of
birth; William E. is a resident of the city of Detroit; Mary is en-
gaged in the millinery business in that city; Patrick is a resident of
Cheboygan, Avhere he is engaged in the manufacturing of carbonated
waters ; Ellen is the wife of Thomas Schamadan, of Detroit ; IMargaret
is the wife of Dennis Leuahan, of St. Ignace, Michigan; Bridget is
the wife of William Elair, of Detroit ; and David H. is engaged in the
clothing business in Sault Ste. Marie. James L. Moloney w^as master
of a poor-house in his native county in Ireland, where he remained
until 1855, when he emigrated with his family to America, making the
voyage on a sailing vessel, which consumed seven weeks in crossing
the Atlantic. The family landed in the city of Quebec and thence
made their way to Amherstburg, province of Ontario, from which place
they later removed to the city of Detroit, on the 12th of March, 1868.
There the father was engaged in the grocery business, in which he
continued until 1884, when he removed to Cheboygan, this state, where
he passed the residue of his life. He was a Democrat in his political
proclivities although on one occasion he exercised his franchise in sup-
port of a Republican candidate for president, the Honorable James G.
Blaine. Both he and his wife were devout communicants of the Catho-
lic church.
John F. Moloney, the subject of this review, was a lad of twelve
years at the time of the family removal to America. He had gained
a rudimentary education in his native land, and he is a self-educated
man. In Ireland he had learned the Aveaver's trade, under the direc-
tion of his father, who was an expert hand workman in this line. Dur-
ing the period of the family residence in Ontario he assisted his father
in both his farming and Aveaving operations and after the remoA^al to
Detroit he Avas engaged in the grocery business AAnth his father, con-
tinuing to be identified Avith this line of enterprise in the Michigan
metropolis for a number of years. In 1875 Mr. Moloney Avas elected
school inspector of the TAvelfth Avard of Detroit, receiving a majority
of seven votes over his opponent, and later he Avas appointed assistant
tax collector. He AA'as the first collector appointed under the present
state laAV Avhereby personal property can be IcA'ied upon for taxes and
he made the first seizure under the pro\nsions of this law. The case
Avas carried to the courts and finally reached the supreme court of the
state, Avhere the validity of the laAV Avas upheld. Under its provisions
no other ease has since been appealed to the supreme court. In 1881
Mr. Moloney removed to Cheboygan, Michigan, Avhere he continued in
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1229
the grocery business until 1883, in which year he established his home
in Sault Ste. Marie. Here he became associated with his brother,
James F., in the wholesale and retail liquor business and one year
later his brother retired from the firm, after which he himself, indi-
vidually, continued the enterprise, with ever increasing success, until
1905, when he admitted his sons to partnership and thereafter the en-
terprise was continued under the firm name of John F. Moloney &
Sons, until 1909, when the son, John F., Jr., withdrew to engage in the
manufacture of cigars. The firm name Avas then changed to John F.
Moloney & Son, and thus continued until 1910, when the business was
reorganized under the title of John F. Moloney & Company. A large
and prosperous business is controlled and the jobbing trade of the
concern extends throughout the wide territory normally tributary to
Sault Ste. Marie.
In politics Mr. Moloney has ever given an unqualified allegiance to
the Democratic party and he has been one of the influential factors in
in its local councils. In 1885 he was elected alderman from the Third
ward, by a majority of seven votes, the ward being strongly Repub-
lican, and his name appearing on the ticket of the Democratic party.
While a member of the board of aldermen he served as chairman of
the committee on streets and sidewalks and he proved a progressive
and valued member of the municipal council. In 1897 he was elected
a member of the city board of public works, and he held this office for
one year, during a portion of which time he was president of the board.
He and his family are communicants of St. Mary's Catholic church
and he is affiliated with the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, the
Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Knights of Equity.
Mr. Moloney has been twice married. In 1872 was solemnized his
marriage to Miss Bridget Schamadan, who was born in the city of
Detroit, Michigan, and who Avas a daughter of Thomas and Margaret
Schamadan, both of A\^hom Avere natives of Ireland. Mr. Schamadan
died at the age of eighty years and his venerable Avidow still lives in
Detroit. Of their seven children three are noAV living. Mr. and Mrs.
Moloney became the parents of ten children, and of the number six
are now living, namely : Agnes, noAV Mrs. Joseph Steffers ; John F.
Jr., James J., Mary, Margaret and Leo. In 1890 Mr. Moloney was
united in marriage to Miss Mary Hanberry, of Cold Water, Michigan,
and the only child of this marriage is Kathleen.
Frank P. Bohn, M. D.— For fully twenty years has Dr. Bohn been
engaged in the practice of his profession in the Upper Peninsula and
his success has been on a parity with his Avell recognized ability, giv-
ing him prestige as one of the essentially representative physicians
and surgeons of this section of the state. He is indefatigable and self-
abnegating in administering to suffering humanity and no citizen of
Luce county commands a higher degree of popular confidence and
esteem.
Dr. Bohn reverts to the fine old Hoosier state as the place of his
nativity. He was born in Hancock county, Indiana, on the 14th of
July, 1866, and is a son of Daniel and Mary (Probasco) Bohn, the
former of whom was born in the state of Pennsylvania, of stanch Ger-
man lineage, and the latter of whom was born in Henry county, In-
diana, where her parents established their home in the pioneer days.
The parents of the doctor now reside in the attractive little city of
Greenfield, the judicial center of Hancock county, Indiana, where the
father is living virtually retired after many years of identification
1230 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
with the work of his trade, — that of blacksmith. The Bohn family was
founded in Indiana in the year 1840, and Daniel Bohn, grandfather of
the Doctor, passed the closing years of his life in Cass county, that
state, where he had been engaged in the hotel business for a number
of years. Daniel and Mary (Probasco) Bohn became the parents of
one son and three daughters and besides the son one daughter is now
living, — Alma. The father finally turned his attention to agricultural
pursuits and became the owner of one of the valuable farms of Cass
county. He continued to reside on this homestead until 1907, when he
removed to the city of Greenfield, where he has since lived retired.
He is a stanch Democrat in his political proclivities and is affiliated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife
have long been members of the Methodist church.
Dr. Bohn gained his early educational discipline in the public
schools of his native county and supplemented this by a course in the
American Normal College, at Danville, Indiana. At the age of nine-
teen years he began the study of medicine under the able preceptor-
ship of Dr. G. Dallas Lind, and after due preliminary training of
this order, he entered the Medical College of Indiana," in which he was
graduated on the 1st of March, 1890, and from which he received his
well-earned degree of Doctor of Medicine. In the previous year he
had served as city physician of Indianapolis. In the autumn of 1890
Dr. Bohn came to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and located
at Seney, Schoolcraft county, where he was engaged in the practice
of his professional work until the autumn of 1896, when he removed to
Giand Marais, IMichigan, and in 1898 he established his permanent home
in the village of Newberry, Luce county, where his professional labors
have been attended with all of success and where he has long con-
trolled a large and representative practice. In April, 1901, he was
appointed a member of the board of trustees of the Upper Peninsula
Hospital for the Insane, which is located in Newberry, and of this
position he thus continued incumbent for six years, being re-appointed
for six years, and at the present time is president of the board. He
served two years as township clerk of Seney township, and two terms
as township treasurer. He was president of the village of Newberry
for two years, and is at the present time treasurer of the board of
education of this village. He is local surgeon for the Duluth, South
Shore & Atlantic Railroad Company. He is identified with the Amer-
ican Medical Association, the Michigan State Medical Society and
other professional organizations of localized order. In January, 1895,
Dr. Bohn engaged in the banking business in Newberry as a member
of the firm of S. N. Dutcher & Company. In the following May he
purchased Mr. Dutcher 's interest, after which the enterprise was con-
ducted under the title of F. P. Bohn & Company, until January, 1908,
when a reorganization was made by Dr. Bohn and the Newberry State
Bank was established and incorporated as a successor of the private
banking house. Of this solid and well conducted institution he has
been president from the time of its incorporation. He is also a mem-
ber of the firm of Bohn & Perry, which conducts a drug store in New-
berry, as well as a member of the firm of A. M. Lewis & Co., at Gray-
ling, also conducting a similar enterprise at East Jordan, Michigan.
In politics Dr. Bohn accords a stanch allegiance to the cause of the
Republican party, and he is an appreciative member of the time-hon-
ored Masonic fraternity, in which his affiliations are here briefly noted,
—McMillan Lodge No. 400, Free & Accepted Masons ; Manistique Chap-
ter No. 127, Royal Arch Masons; Lake Superior Commandery No. 30,
Knights Templar, at Marquette ; and Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic
^
I
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1231
Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in the same city. He also
holds membership in the lodge of the Benevolent & Protective Order
of Elks, at Manistique.
Julius H. Eddy, M. D.— A man of scholarly attainments, talented
and cultured, Julius H. Eddy, M. D., of Wakefield, Gogebic county,
well desem^es the success which he has achieved in the practice of his
chosen profession and the esteem and respect so universally accorded
him by his fellow-citizens. A son of Rev. William H. Eddy, he was
born on a farm in the town of Rock, Rock county, Wisconsin, Septem-
ber 19, 1855.
Rev. William H. Eddy was born in Utica, New York, September
12, 1812, while his father, Oded Eddy, was a native of New York state,
his birth having occurred in Deerfield, and a lineal descendant of
William Eddy, who was born in England and came to Massachusetts
with the early Pilgrims, locating in the Plymouth Colony. Lieuten-
ant Oded Eddy, the great-grandfather of Dr. Eddy, served in the
Revolutionary war as an officer, being second lieutenant of Caleb
Hill's Company in 1776, and first lieutenant of the Second Company,
First Regiment, in 1778. Oded Eddy, the Doctor's grandfather,
moved from York state to Illinois, locating as a pioneer in Waukegan,
Lake county, where he took up prairie land, from which he improved
the farm on which he spent his remaining years, as did his wife, whose
maiden name was Lucy Ann Northrup.
Converted in his youth, William H. Eddy united with the Baptist
church, and having chosen the ministry as his profession subsequent-
ly entered the Theological department of Hamilton College, at Clin-
ton, New York, and was there graduated. Being ordained to the
ministry at Fulton, Rock county, Wisconsin, Rev. Eddy subsequently
filled various pastorates most acceptably, in the meantime superin-
tending, in addition to his ministerial labors, the management of the
farm which he had previously purchased and on which he spent his
last days, passing away October 12, 1885. His wife, whose maiden
name was Jane Grossman, was born in Deerfield, New York, and was
there brought up and educated. Her parents, Warren and Susie
(Pratt) Grossman, were life-long residents of the Empire state, Mr.
Grossman dying at the age of four score and four years, while his
wife attained the remarkable age of one hundred and four years.
Mrs. William Eddy died in April, 1888. To her and her husband nine
children were born, namely : Helen M., William H., Jane A., John G,
Frank C., Julius H., Clarence, Elmer W., and Robert J.
Dr. Eddy married, in 188S, Ida Groner, who was born in Janes-
ville, Wisconsin, a daughter of George Groner. Fraternally the
Doctor is a member of Janesville Lodge, No. 55, F. & A. M. ; of
Minerva Chapter, No. 122, R. A. M. ; of Gogebic Commandery, No. 46,
K. T. ; of Ahmed Temple, Mvstic Shrine, of Marquette ; and of Wakefield
Tent, No. 793, K. 0. T. M."
Hon. Orrin W. Robinson. — The strong personality of Hon. Orrin
W. Robinson, of Chassell, has made itself felt in social, business and
political circles, and in the material advancement of Houghton county's
prosperity he has for many years been a potent force. He has been ac-
tively associated with the upbuilding and growth of Chassell from its
earliest existence, being both prominent and influential in developing
its varied interests. AA^ith some of the best blood of New England flow-
ing through his veins, he was born, August* 12, 1834, in Claremont, Sul-
livan county. New Hampshire, a son of Williams D. Robinson.
Vol. in— 1.)
1232 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Coming from one of the oldest Massachusetts families, he is a lineal
descendant of one George Robinson, who settled in Rehoboth, Bristol
county, Massachusetts, in early colonial days. The line was continued
thiough his son George, who married Elizabeth Guild. Their son Na-
thaniel Robinson married Zilpha Daggett, and of their children George,
who married Abigail Everett, and settled in Attleboro, Massachusetts,
was the next in line of descent. Their son. Captain David Robinson, the
fifth in line of descent from the emigrant ancestor, was the great-grand-
father of Mr. Robinson. He married Ann "Whittaker, and served in
the Revolutionai-y war. He subsequently settled in Cornish, N. H.,
where he resided until his death, at the venerable age of ninety-two
years.
Everett Robinson, the grandfather of Orrin W., was born in Corn-
ish, New Hampshire, and there spent his entire life, being engaged dur-
ing his active career in general farming. He married Julia Williams,
whose ancestors were people of prominence in New England, both on the
paternal and maternal sides of the house. Her father, William Wil-
liams, was a son of Theophilus and Ruth (Brown) AVilliams; a grand-
son of Thomas and Hannah (Douglas) Williams; a great-grandson of
Thomas and Sarali (Foster) Williams, of Rhode Island, and a great-
great-grandson of Thomas Foster, the founder of the Foster family of
Rhode Island. The maiden name of the wife of AVilliam Williams,
father of Julia Williams, Mr. Robinson's grandmother, was Susanna
Pond. She was a daughter of Oliver and Ann (Metcalf) Pond; a
granddaughter of Samuel and Judith (George) Metcalf; a great
granddaughter of Eleazer and Meltiah (Fisher) Metcalf; and great-
great-granddaughter of Michael and Mary (Fairbanks) ]\Ietcalf; while
Mary Fairbanks was a daughter of Jonathan and Grace (Lee) Fair-
banks, very early settlers of Dedham, Massachusetts.
Williams D. Robinson was born on the ancestral farm in Cornish,
New Hampshire, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until
forty-eight years old. Moving then to Lowell, Masachusetts, he re-
sided there until his death, just a few months later. His wife, whose
maiden name was Zilpha Clement, was born in Plainfield, Sullivau
county. New Hampshire, a daughter of George Clement, a life-long
resident of the Granite state. She sui'vived him, passing away at the
home of a daughter, in Jamaica Plain, IMassachusetts, at the advanced
age of four score and foi;r .years. She reared seven children, as fol-
lows: Mary Zilpha; George C; Orrin AV., the special subject of this
brief biographical sketch; Julia T. ; Oscar D. ; Frances R., deceased;
and Orsimus B.
When a little fellow of ten years, Orrin W. Robinson went to live
with a neighboring fanner in Cornish, New Hamjishire, for five years
there working for his board and clothes, in the meantime attending the
winter terms of the district school. He then worked a year for another
farmer. At the age of sixteen years, his father gi^nng him his time, he
began the battle of life on his own account, starting out even with the
world, the call of ambition urging him to carve his own way through
the world. He worked for wages about three-fourths of the time, in the
winter working for his board as a chore boy, and attending school.
In the twentieth year of his age, borrowing fifty dollars from a friend
who had faith in his phick and integrity, Mr. Robinson came westward
to the Lake Superior region, joining his uncle, S. S. Robinson, who had
come here in 1853, and Avas then manager of the Dei'by IMine. He jour-
neyed by rail to Buffalo, New York, thence by boat to Detroit, where
he waited five days for a bf)at going North. Taking passage then on
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1233
the "Northerner," he went to the Soo, making the portage before the
canal was completed, although a tram railway, made of wooden rails
with strap iron on top, went around the Falls, the small cars being
drawn by mules. Mr. Robinson embarlxcd on board the "Baltimore,"
one of four small vessels plying Lake Superior, the boat stopping at
Marquette, where there was a small dock, at Eagle Harbor, and at Eagle
River, then the county-seat of Houghton county. Arriving at Ontona-
gon, the boat anchored oft" shore, and passengers were conveyed in a
smaller boat to the sandy beach, while all freight was taken ashore on
lighters poled by Indians. The horses and cattle in the meantime were
dumped from the gang plank, and had to swim ashore. Having landed,
the men in the party followed a trail up the river to the old American
Landing, Mr. Robinson's uncle, wife, child, and sister, going up the
river in a birch bark canoe paddled by Indians. The trail on which the
men started crossed the river three miles above Ontonagon, and as the
water was high the men waited for the coming of the canoe, and when
it arrived hitched a long rope to the horns of an ox, made him swim
across the river, going through the same process until all of the cattle
and horses were across, the rope being put around the neck of the horses.
At the American Landing, the women and children boarded a wagon,
and were taken to the Derby Mine, three miles east of Gogebic Lake.
There Mr. Robinson remained from June, 1854, until March, 1856, being
employed at different mines. In January, 1856, there was a general
suspension of work at these mines, and in February of that year he
started for Wisconsin, striking the trail at the Minnesota ]\Iine, and
after two weeks travel, camping in the woods at night, he arrived at
Green Bay. From there he went by stage to Fond du Lac, thence by
rail, through Chicago and Galena, Illinois, to Dubuque, Iowa. Starting
then with his pack on his back, he walked across the desolate stretch of
prairie to Fort Dodge, two hundred miles away. From there he went
to Kossuth county, Iowa, arriving about the middle of ^March. Iowa
was then but sparsely settled, much of the land being on sale by the
Government at $1.25 an acre.
Finding employment at Irvington, Mr. Robinson worked in a saw
mill until the following spring, when, on account of the Indian Massa-
cre at Spirit Lake, immigration practically ceased in that region. Soon
after he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of school land, and an-
other one hundred and sixty acres of Government laud, and there re-
sided until the spring of 1862. Coming back then to Michigan, he lo-
cated in the new village of Hancock, where for the next eleven years he
was shipping clerk at the Quincy Mine. In 1873 Mr. Robinson organ-
ized the Sturgeon River Lumber Company, which took over large tracts
of timber lands which he had previously purchased, mostly in Baraga
county, and built a mill in Hancock. In 1887 the business of this en-
terprising company had increased to such a magnitude that an enlarge-
ment of the plan was imperative, and it was removed to Chassell. This
locality, then known as Pike's Bay, had but one building within its
limits, that being a log cabin. The company erected a mill with a capac-
ity of twenty million feet a year. In 1888 a new township was organ-
ized, and a village, named by Governor Robinson in honor of Mr. Chas-
sell, was platted, IMr. Chassell having been the cashier of the first bank
established in Houghton. Governor Robinson continued in business in
Chassell until 1902, when he disposed of his interests, and has since
lived retired from business cares, enjoying a well deserved leisure.
Governor Robinson married, August 20, 1865. in Cleveland, Ohio,
Cornelia Lombard, a daughter of Nathan G. Lombard, of Vermont. Mrs.
1234 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Robinson died September 6, 1907, leaving two children, namely : Deen
and Ethel. Deen Robinson is a man of scholarly attainments and broad
culture. After finishing the course of study at Smith Academy, in St.
Louis, he entered the Phillips 'Exeter Academy, at Exeter, New Hamp-
shire, where he was graduated with the class of 1895. Continuing his
studies at Harvard University, he was graduated from its Literary De-
partment in 1899, and two years later, in 1901, was graduated from its
Law Department. Thus finely equipped for a professional career, Deen
Robinson was engaged in the practice of law in Detroit one year, and in
New York city two years. Returning then to Michigan, he is now one
of the more successful laA\'yers of Houghton, being junior member of
the well-known firm of Rees & Robinson. He married in 1904, Marion
Goodnow, of Boston, Massachusetts, a daughter of Joseph and Helen
(Coleman) Goodnow. Miss Ethel Robinson has presided over her fath-
er's household since the death of her mother.
Since casting his first presidential vote, in 1856, for John C. Fre-
mont, Governor Robinson has been a firm believer in the principles of
the Republican party. Never swerving from the path of duty, he has
served his fellow citizens in offices of trust and responsibility. For a
number of years he was superintendent of the poor for Houghton
county, and was deputy United States Custom Officer. He represented
his district in the State Legislature in 1894, and in 1896 was elected
state senator. In 1898 he was elected lieutenant governor of the state
of Michigan, and in 1900 was honored with a re-election to the same
high position.
Henry L. Baer. — A man of rare ability and enterprise, far-sighted
and clear-headed, Henry L. Baer, of Hancock, is a commanding figure
in the financial, mercantile and social circles of Houghton county, his
business interests embracing soine of the more important organizations
and industries of this section of the Upper Peninsula. He is a fine rep-
resentative of the native-born citizens of Hancock, his birth having oc-
curred here March 4, 1865.
His father, Kaufman Baer, was born in the village of Stebbaeh,
Baden, Germany, where his father, a butcher by trade, spent all of his
days. Acquiring his early education in his native land, he, following in
the footsteps of his ancestors, learned the trade of a butcher. Not con-
tent with his prospects for obtaining wealth in his own country, he came
as a young man to the United States, and after working for a time in
New York City, made his way to Northern Michigan, locating during the
'50s in Houghton county, at the Quincy Mine, which was then the only
settlement in this neighborhood, the present site of Hancock being an
unbroken wilderness. Subsequently returning to Germany, he married
Bertha Baer, whom he brought to Michigan as a bride. He engaged in
the butchering business at Hancock, with his brothers, under the firm
name of Baer Brothers, with which firm he was actively identified until
his death, in 1888. His wife died in 1885, leaving three children, as
follows : Henry L., the special subject of this sketch ; and Herbert S.
and Clarence A., both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
After his graduation from the Milwaukee high school, Henry L. Baer
entered Baer Brothers' meat market as a clerk, and continued in that
capacity until the death of his father, when he succeeded to his interest
in the business. Since that time, Mr. Baer has been an important factor
in the domain of business in Houghton county. The fii-m of Baer
Brothers, composed of Mr. Baer and his uncle, Jacob Baer, operates four
markets, one at Hancock, one in Calumet, one at Dollar Bay, and an-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1235
other at Houghton, which is conducted under the name of the Houghton
Pure Food Company, of which Mr. Baer is secretary and treasurer.
In addition to his mercantile interests, Mr. Baer is actively asso-
ciated with various financial institutions, being a director in the Supe-
rior National Bank, the Superior Trust Company, and in the Northern
Michigan Building and Loan Association. He is a lieutenant, and the
paymaster, in the Michigan Naval Brigade; a vice-president of Hancock
Land and Improvement Company, and president of the Dacotah Heights
Company ; a director of the Keweenaw Central Railroad Company, and
to all of these varied enterprises he gives his personal attention. He is
also president of the Board of Public Works of Hancock, and is among
the foremost to forward all enterprises conducive to the general welfare
and advancement, using the same good judgment in the management of
public affairs as he does in caring for his own individual interests.
Fraternally Mr. Baer is a member of Quincy Lodge, No. 135, F. & A.
M. ; of Gate of the Temple Chapter, No. 35, R. A. M. ; of the Michigan
Sovereign Consistory of Detroit ; of Ahmed Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S. ;
of Hancock Lodge, No. 381, B. P. 0. E., and Hancock Lodge, No. 109,
K. of P. and a member of the U. C. T.
Mr. Baer married, in 1895, Clara Schroder, who was born in
Chicago, a daughter of Jacob and Cecilia Schroder. She died in 1892,
leaving two children, Cecil and Bertha Clara. Mr. Baer Avas married a
second time, in Chicago, in 1907, to Hattie Schroder, a sister of his
first wife.
Harry H. Marks, the able superintendent of the Michigan State Fish
Hatchery on Government Island, No. 3, at Sault Ste. Marie, has accom-
plished a valuable work in connection with this department of public
service and concerning the same further mention will be made in a later
paragraph.
Mr. Marks was born at Dexter, Jefferson county. New York, on the
8th of November, 1872, and is a son of Aaron W. and Mina (Penny)
Marks, the former of whom was born at Chaixmont, Jefferson county. New
York, in 1841, and the latter was also a native of the same place. The
mother died at the age of forty-eight years and the father now lives at
Munising, ]\Iichigan, where he is manager of the private fish hatchery of
the C. C. I. Iron Company. They became the parents of five sons and one
daughter and of these children four of the sons are living, — Jesse, Harry
H., AValter and Jay. The only daughter died in infancy and the other
son, Frank, died at the age of four years. Aaron Wheat IMarks is a son
of Lathrop, who likewise was born in the old Empire state, where the
family was founded in the pioneer days, the ancestry being traced back
to English and Irish stock. Aaron W. Marks early became associated with
his father in the fishing business on Lake Ontario and they were the first
to utilize the pound-net. In 1861 the father of the subject of this sketch
tendered his services in defense of the Union by enlisting in the One
Hundred and Twelfth New York Heavy Artiller}% and after the expira-
tion of his six-months' term of enlistment he re-enlisted in the same com-
pany and regiment, with which he continued in active service until the
close of the war, his command having been assigned to the army of the
Potomac. He participated in many of the most notable battles of the war
and proved a gallant and faithful soldier. After the war he became a
sailor on the Great Lakes and finally gained the position of captain of
which he continued incumbent until 1875, when he removed from his
native county to Caledonia, New York, where he was in the employ of
the New York State Fish Commission, as superintendent of the fish hatch-
1236 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
ery. A few years later he was placed in charge of the state fish hatcheries
in the Catskill Mountains and in 1881 when the state failed to make
proper appropriations for its hatcheries, Mr. Marks came to Michigan and
entered the employ of the Fish Commission of this state, being stationed
at Petoskey, where he remained until 1885, when he became manager of
the Detroit hatchery, a position which he retained until 1900. After the
death of his wife he returned to New York, where he became identified
with a fish hatchery in the Adirondack mountains. Later he was em-
ployed in connection with the same industry in Wisconsin and in 1906
took up his residence in Munising, Michigan, where he has since been em-
ployed in the private fish hatchery mentioned. He is recognized as an ex-
pert in the propagating of fish and in this connection his efforts have been
attended by pronounced success. In his younger days he was an expert
sailor and in a yachting race on Lake St. Clair, on one occasion, he won
the queen 's cup, a valuable trophy.
Harry H. Marks, whose name initiates this article, gained his early
education in the public schools of New York and Michigan and when but
fourteen years of age he began the study of fish culture under the direc-
tion of his father. He was identified with his father's work at the hatch-
eries in Petoskey and Detroit, ]\Iichigan, and when twenty years of age
was transferred from the latter city to Paris, where he was engaged in
brook-trout propagating for the ensuing two years. Thereafter he was
engaged for two seasons as messenger in charge of the distribution of fish
throughout the various sections of the state, finally being made manager
of a car identified with this branch of state service. He was thus em-
ployed for eleven seasons, within which he also passed intermediate
periods in the fish hatcheries at Sault Ste. Marie. In 1894 he supervised
the building of the station and the introduction of the stock for the hatch-
ery at Soo, after which he passed two years in Sault Ste. Marie. At the
expiration of this period he assumed his present responsible position as
superintendent at Sault Ste. Marie, IMichigan. Concerning his valuable
efforts in this place the following article is taken from the "Iron Ore,"
published at Ishpeming, imder date of February 5th, 1910, and it is well
worthy of perpetuation in this connection :
"In these days of high-priced meats the value of our fish products
appeals strongly to us. Our whitefish and trout, our pike, pickerel, perch,
herring, bass, lawyers and other kinds of fish have been a great help.
In the work of keeping the lakes and streams stocked with fish the State
of Michigan has performed a great public service at a very small cost.
We believe no department in Michigan has done so much good on so
small a capital, and the wonder is how far the money goes. At the hatch-
ery at the Soo Superintendent Harry Marks has met wdth wonderful suc-
cess in his propagation of the finny tribes. He has given this hatchery his
complete attention, and he has secured results of a highly satisfactory
character. We believe for the good he has accomplished he is the poorest
paid officer in IMichigan. We have kept in touch with his efl^oits for many
years and have always found him attending strictly to business, of which
none knows more.
"There is a lack of hatcheries to supply all portions of Michigan as
they should be recognized. There are many calls that cannot be filled be-
cause of the inadequacy of the few hatcheries, and it is hoped the state
will vote an appropriation for additional sei"viee in this respect.
"The Michigan fish commission deserves great praise for the good
work it has done, a work probably not kno^^^l in anything like its true im-
portance to the people, and it should have the advantage of greater capac-
ity of hatching plants that it may still further add to its effectiveness.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1237
This could be done with a reasonable outlay, for surely this commission
knows how to make the most of funds placed at its disposal."
In 1904 the capacity of the white-fish battery at the hatchery, of which
Mr. IMiarks has charge, was about thirty million and he has increased its
capacity to more than forty million. In 1894 the battery for the propaga-
tion of brook trout was in its infancy, about four hundred thousand of
this kind of fish being planted. ]\Ir. Marks has increased the capacity to
over a million and a half and he has been planting the lake trout in the
inland lakes, as well as in the Great Lakes. The Rainbow trout, a native
of the streams debouching into the Pacific Ocean, was first planted in the
"Soo" hatchery in 1897 and from the original planting in the St. Mary's
river within recent years have been taken out specimens ranging
in weight from five to seventeen and a half poimds. Mr. Marks has also
introduced land-lock salmon, known as the Ouananiche. The eggs of
tins variety were secured from the United States hatchery at Green
Lake, IMaine, and the largest captured from the planting, under the
direction of Mr. I\Iarks, up to the present time weighed four and a half
pounds. To him is due in large part the successful stocking of many of
the streams and lakes of upper Michigan and he has been closely asso-
ciated with George A. Newett, editor of the "Iron Ore," in restocking
streams in Marquette county, this state. He and ]\Ir. Newett have been
indefatigible in their work in this connection, having made trips on snow
shoes in the early spring in order to plant fish in the streams that were
not otherwise accessible. Mr. Marks is to be considered as the pioneer
in exploiting the fish culture in the Upper Peninsula and he gives a
tribute of much credit and appreciation to Mr. Newett and others, who
have ably assisted him in his woi'k. He is a member of the American
Fishery Society and is an indefatigible student of all matters pertain-
ing to the business with which he has been so prominently identified,
having a valuable library touching upon the species and habits of fish in
all sections of the world, besides which he has a general library, ad-
mirably selected and containing about four hundred volumes.
Mr. IMarks is a Republican in his political proclivities and in the
Masonic fraternity is identified with Bethel Lodge, No. 358, Free &
Accepted Masons; Saiilt Ste. IMarie Chapter, No. 126, Royal Arch Ma-
sons; Sault Ste Marie Commandery, No. 45, Knights Templars; and
Ahmed Temple of the Mystic Shrine, in the city of Marquette.
On the 15th of September, 1902, Mr. Marks was united in marriage
to Miss Marjorie Brown, who was born at Laingsburg, Shiawassee county,
Michigan, and who is a daughter of Arthur T. and Nora (Griswold)
Brown, the former of whom was born in England, in 1856, and the
latter in Ohio, in 1860. Of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Brown four
are now living. Mr. Brown came to America with his parents when
twelve years of age and his father, James Brown, sacrificed his life by
serving as a Union soldier in the Civil war, having been a member of a
Michigan regiment. Mr. and Mrs. Marks have four sons, — Ralph,
Harry, Theodore and George.
Charles E. Rouleau.— The extensive forests of the Upper Pen-
insula, standing ready to be transformed into a marketable product, led
to the establishment many years ago of an important industry, in the
development of which Charles E. Rouleau, a well-known timber con-
tractor of Hancock, has long been a prominent factor. A native of
Canada, he was born in Saint Cuthbert, Berthier county, province of
Ontario, on the very same farm on which occurred the birth of his
father, Norbert Rouleau, and of his grandfather, Antoine Rouleau, Jr.
1238 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Antoine Rouleau, Sr., his great-grandfather, was born and reared in
Arcadia, France, where his parents lived and died. Emigrating in early
manhood to America, he became a pioneer settler of St. Cuthbert, Ber-
tliier county, Canada. Taking' up a tract of heavily timbered land, he
erected a log cabin in the midst of the forest, and subsequently devoted
his time and energies to the clearing and improving of a homestead,
living there until his death, at the good old age of eighty-one years. He
married Sylvestre de Comartin, also a native of Arcadia, France. She
died in the prime of life, leaving three children, as follows : Francois
Xavier, who spent his entire life in Canada, where he served many years
as notary public ; Antoine, Jr. ; and Mary.
Antoine Rouleau, Jr., was reared to agricultural pursuits, as soon
as old enough helping his father in the labors of general farming. In-
heriting the parental acres, he spent his entire life on the old home-
stead, passing away, like his father, at the venerable age of eighty-one
years. The maiden name of his wife was j\Iary Giguere. She was born
at St. Cuthbert, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Giguere, the former of
whom was born in France, while the latter was born in Canada, of
French ancestors. She died at the age of sixty-six years. To her and
her husband eleven children were born and reared, namely : Rose,
Xavier, Matilda, Norbert, Felix, Isaac, Ovela, Aloire, Denise, Henry,
and Dieudonne. Felix, the fifth child in order of birth, came to Han-
cock, Michigan, in 1860, and has since been here profitably employed
as a timber contractor, and, though now well advanced in years, is hale
and hearty, his intellect as keen as in the days of yore.
Succeeding to the ownership of the ancestral homestead, Norbert
Rouleau there spent his sixty-seven years of earthly life, being success-
fully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married for his second wife
Eliza ]\Iarchand, who was born in St. Cuthbert, Ontario, a daughter of
Edward and Genevieve (La Ferriere) Marchand, both of whom were
born in Berthier county, Canada, of French ancestry. She died at the
age of forty-eight years, leaving five children, namely: Charles E., the
special subject of this brief sketch; Octave, who inherited the home
farm in St. Cuthbert, which he still occiapies; Wilfried; Edwidg; and
Ernest. By his first marriage the father had three children, Eutiqui-
enne, Cuthbert, and Eloise.
Coming to Hancock, Michigan, when a lad of ten years, Charles E.
Rouleau spent three years with his Uncle Felix, and then returned to
the old home in Canada, where he completed his education at Berthier
College. Coming back to Hancock at the age of eighteen years, he en-
gaged in business with his Uncle Felix, and has since continued here,
being now one of the leading timber contractors of Houghton county.
Mr. Rouleau married, in 1883, ]\Iarie Rocheleau, who was born in
Hancock. Her parents, Joseph and Amelia Rocheleau, were born in the
province of Quebec, of French ancestry. Religiously Mr. and IMrs.
Rouleau are valued members of St. Joseph's church. Socially Mr. Rou-
leau belongs to the United States Canadian French Society. In polities
he is an adherent of the Democratic party, and has sei-A^ed as clerk and
treasurer of Hancock township, and is now a member of the Hanccck
Board of Public Works.
George Watson has served as postmaster in the village of Piekford,
Chippewa county, Michigan, since 1903 and is also a member of the
county board of supervisors. He is one of the enterprising and sub-
stantial citizens of his county where he has maintained his home for
more than a quarter of a century and where he is held in unqualified
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1239
confidence and esteem. He is at present incumbent of the office of
deputy sheriff.
Mr. Watson was born in Simeoe county, province of Ontario, Can-
ada, on June 2d, 1868, and is the son of Joseph and Jeannette (Smith)
Watson, the former of whom was born in Yorkshire, England, and the
latter in Scotland. The father died in 1895 at the age of seventy-six
years and the mother is now a resident of Pickford, Chippewa county.
Of the seven children, six are now living and of this number the sub-
ject of this sketch is the eldest. Joseph Watson was twelve years of age
at the time of his parents' immigration to America, and he was reared
to maturity in the province of Ontario, Canada, where he continued to
be identified with the agricultural pursuits until 1884, when he removed
with his family to Chippewa county, and located in Pickford township,
where he claimed a farm from the wilderness and continued to reside
until his death, being one of the honored and popular citizens of this
county.
George Watson secured his early education and training in the pub-
lic schools of his native county and was a lad of sixteen years when the
family removed to Chippewa county, IMiehigan, where he has since main-
tained his home. He was associated in work the management of his
father's farm until he attained the age of twenty-two years when he
engaged in farming on liis OA^m responsibility. He was identified with
the agricultural industry in Pickford township until 1895, after which
he was manager of the agricultural business of Lipsett in the village of
Pickford until 1898, after which he was a traveling salesman for the
International Harvester Company until 1903 when he was appointed
postmaster at Pickford. The position which he has retained to the pres-
ent time. In 1904 Islv. Watson was appointed clerk of Pickford town-
ship, and he held this office until 1908 when he became representative of
his township in the county board of supervisors, of which he is still a
member. He served two years as justice of the peace and he has been a
member of the board of education of his village since 1901. He is di-
rector of the Chippewa & IMackinac District Agricultural Society, and
since 1908 he has held the office of deputy sheritf under the administra-
tion of Joseph E. Bayliss. As a breeder of fine poultry, Mr. AA^atson
has been very successful and his operations in this line are of extensive
orders. He is affiliated with the Republican party, is a charter mem-
ber of the Local Option Society of Pickford township, and is a member
of the lodge and chapter of the ]\Iasonic Fraternity in Sault Ste. Alarie.
On the 7th of December, 1902, Air. AVatson was united in marriage
to Aliss Grace Adams, who was born and reared in Chippewa county,
Alichigan, and who is a daughter of Authony and Edith (Rains) Adams
who are residents of the Upper Peninsula.
AA'iLLiAM A. BuRRiTT. — An experienced attorney-at-law, AA^illiam Al-
onzo Burritt of Hancock, is a hard and failhful worker, and enjoys a
fine reputation as a siiceessful lawyer, being widely known through-
out Alichigan. He has a broad and liberal mind and is an acute and
logical reasoner, his arguments being specimens of sound logic ex-
pressed in terse and forcible language. A native of Alichigan, he was
born July 10, 1853, in Riley township, Clinton county, a son of Wil-
liam B. Burritt.
His paternal grandfather, Talcott Burritt, a native of Great Brit-
ain, was born in either England, Ireland, or Scotland, and as a mere
boy came with his parents to the United States. He was brought up
in New York City, and having fitted himself for a professional life was
1240 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
subsequently a successful teacher in the schools of that city until his
death. He married a school teacher, who survived him, the lady
marrying for her second husbajad a Mr. AVhitlock. Coming with him
to Michigan she settled in Oakland county, Avhere a few years later
Mr. Whitlock died. She then moved with her family to Clinton county,
becoming a pioneer settler of Riley township, where she spent her last
days. She reared three children, all by her first marriage, namely :
Philip Burritt, William B. Burritt, and Susan Burritt. Philip Burritt
was educated under the wise tuition of his mother. Becoming con-
verted in early youth he studied for the ministry, and was first a
preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, afterward being identi-
fied with the United Brethren church. He Avas an effective and pleas-
ant speaker, gaining distinction as an orator and as a minister, and
became very px'ominent in religioias circles.
William B. Burritt Avas born in New York City, but was brought
up in Michigan, coming here with his mother. Becoming a farmer
from choice, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Riley town-
ship, Clinton county, until his death, in 1856. His wife, whose maiden
name was Charlotte B. Deming, Avas born in the north of Ireland, and
A\dien an infant was brought by her parents to Ncav York City. Her
father, BeneA'olent Deming, was a tailor by trade. He emigrated to
this country, accompanied by his wife and four children, settling in
New York City, Avhere the death of his wife occurred but a fcAv
months after their arrival, and his own but a year later. The chil-
dren Avere cared for by strangers, Charlotte B., the baby, being taken
by a Mr. and ]\Irs. IMadison, and carried to Vermont, AAdiere she grew
to AA'omanhood. She there married for her first husband Ephraim
Phillips, Avho had previously visited Michigan, and had settled as a
pioneer in Riley township, taking up land. Returning then to Ver-
mont, Mr. Phillips married Charlotte B. Deming, and Avith his bride
started for Michigan, their ncAv home. There were no railroads in
Michigan at that early day, and the trip from Detroit to Clinton county
was taken in a cart drawn by a pair of cows. Mr. Phillips became
quite active in the affairs of the community in Avhich he settled, the
recoi'ds showing that he was one of the first clerks of Riley toAvnship.
He began the improvement of a farm, but his earthly career was cut
short by death three years later. His widoAV, Mrs. Charlotte B. (Dem-
ing) Phillips, subsequently married William B. Burritt, and after his
death, AA'hich occurred in 1856, became the Avife of Josiah D. Wick-
ham, a former resident of Barry county, JNIichigan. They removed to
Riley toAvnship, thence to Dewitt village, Avhere the death of I\Ir.
Wickham occurred in 1875, Avhile Mrs. Wickham lived until 1890.
Her children, eight in number, Avere : Benevolent B. Phillips, by her
first union, aa'Iio died at the age of thirteen years; by her second union,
William and Talcott Burritt, AAdio died in infancy; Casendiane, Avho
died at the age of eleven years, and William Alonzo Burritt, the spe-
cial subject of this brief sketch ; by her third union, Josiah D. Wick-
ham, who died in infancy; Frank Wickham, Avho lived but seventeen
years, and Henry K. Wickham, Avho died at the age of thirty-two
years.
The education of William Alonzo Bui'ritt Avas A'ery meagre, in fact
he had l)ut little Avhen he began reading laAV. He Avas engaged in
agricultural pursuits in his early manhood, but Avas scarcely satisfied
to continue a farmer, his natural inclinations turning toAvard a pro-
fessional career. He therefore spent his leisure minutes in studying
the writing of such eminent jurists as Blackstone, Kent and Coke, and
THE NOKTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1241
at the age of twenty-nine years entered the office of H. J. Patterson,
a well-known la\vyer of Clinton county, and in February, 1884, was
admitted to the Michigan bar. Beginning the practice of his profes-
sion in Clinton count}', wdiere he remained until the following spring,
when he settled in Harrison, Clare county. Moving thence to Sagi-
naw he was siiccessfully employed as an attorney from 1893 until
1896, when he removed to Hammond, Indiana, wdiere he continued his
professional labors two years. Returning then to Michigan, Mr. Bur-
ritt has been actively engaged in the practice of laAv at Hancock
ever since, his son, Barney H. T. Burritt, being associated with him
under the firm name of Burritt and Burritt, which is one of the strong-
est legal firms in this part of the Upper Peninsula.
On May 3, 1873, Mr. Burritt married Ella J. Jones, Avho w'as born
in Riley township, Clinton county, ]\Iiehigan, a daughter of Henry and
Mary (Frost) Jones. Four children have been born to ]\Ir. and j\Irs.
Burritt, namely: Tina May, avIio died in infancy, Fred W., Barney
and Eva May. Fred W. married and has one son, William A. Eva
May, wife of James F. Geddes, has one son, Lonna Burritt Geddes.
Barney, the second son, Avas admitted into partnership with his father
in 1904.
Fraternally Mr. Burritt is a member of the Calumet lodge No. 345,
I. 0. 0. F., of Hammond, Indiana; of Hancock Encampment; of Chas-
sell Lodge, No. 886, K. 0. T. i\I. M. Politically he is a decided sup-
porter of the principles of the Democratic party.
Walter F. Truettner. — A young man of push and energy, AValter F.
Truettner, vice-president and cashier of the First National Bank of
Bessemer, is making diligent use of his faculties and opportunities, and
is rapidly nearing the top rung of the ladder of successful attainments.
A son of the late Louis H. Truettner, he was born, July 24, 1880, in Dun-
das, Wisconsin, of German lineage. His paternal grandfather, Fred-
erick Truettner, was born at Vesstal, in the province of Hanover,
Germany, coming, it is said, of French ancestry. Having served an
apprenticeship at the cabinet maker's trade, he traveled as a journey-
man through various parts of the Fatherland, from each of his em-
ployers securing a certificate of good character and good workman-
ship. About 1844 he came with his wife and two children to America,
being the only member of his family to leave his native country.
Crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel, he landed in New York City,
and fi'om there proceeded to ManitoAvoc county, Wisconsin. He
secured a tract of government land in Newton township, of which he
was one of the first settlers, and in the log house Avhich he built in the
timber his son Louis H. was born, his birth being that of the first white
child born in that locality. In addition to clearing a farm, Frederick
Truettner worked a part of the time at his trade of a carpenter, kept
a small store, and for many years served as postmaster. He cleared
and improved a productive farm, erected substantial buildings, and
there spent his remaining days, dying at the age of seventy-eight years.
His homestead is now owned by one of his sons. His wife, whose
maiden name was Margaret Bier, was born in Hanover, Germany, and
died in Wisconsin in the ninetieth year of her age. To her and her
husband nine children were born, namely : Margaret, Frederick, Mary,
Louis H., Mary, Louisa, Ernest. Lucy and William.
Born October 19, 1848, in Nelson township, Manitowoc county, Wis-
consin, Louis H. Truettner received his elementary education in the
public schools, completing his studies at Berea College, in Berea, Ohio.
1242 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
After teaching school two years, he went to Chicago, where he was
employed for two years as bookkeeper in a mercantile house, remain-
ing there until the great fire -of 1871. The following two years he
taught school in Wisconsin, and then established himself at Two
Creeks, Wisconsin, where he kept a hotel for four years. Locating
then in Dundas, Wisconsin, he opened a general store, and also carried
on an extensive business as a dealer in lumber and grain, remaining
there until 1885. Selling out his interests in that year, he moved to
Manitowoc, from there coming, in 1886, to Bessemer, where he again
established himself in the mercantile business, and the following year
removed his family to this city. Here Mr. Louis H. Truettner was
very successful, building up a very extensive and remimerative trade,
not only in groceries and provisions, but carrying in his large stock
almost everything created for household use. Here he continued as
one of the foremost citizens until his death, July 18, 1909. He was
very prominent in public affairs, serving from 1902 as a director of the
First National Bank, was the first alderman elected from the First
ward, and served on the Board of Public Works and on the Board of
Education. Since his death his heii*s have incorporated his business
under the name of the L. H. Truettner Company.
Louis H. Truettner married, January 30, 187-1, Mary Dora Hess,
who was born in Berkshire county, ^Massachusetts, ]\Iarch 21, 1854.
Her father, William Hess, born at Scliwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Germany,
and having received a military education, entered the German Army
and served in the war between that country and Denmark. Subse-
quently coming to the United States, he located at Lee, Massachusetts,
where he found employment in the mills. During the "fifties' he
migrated to Wisconsin, settling at Nashotah, but three years later went
to Two Rivers, where he was employed as head sawyer in a mill.
Early in 1861, Mr. Hess enlisted in Compan.y F, Twenty-sixth Wiscon-
sin Volunteer Infantry, being the first volunteer from Nashotah, and
was commissioned sergeant-major. He went with his command to the
front, fought at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and at Gettysburg,
where in the first day's battle he lost his life, being then but thirty-
six years of age. jMr. Hess married, June 1, 1853, in Lee, Massachus-
etts, Anna Heilman, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, and came to
this country with her brother, John Heilman. Four children were
born of their union, namely: Mary Dora, who married Louis H.
Truettner; William J.; Albert H. ; and Oscar H. Mrs. Hess married
for her second husband George Lucker, and died in 1893, aged three
score and ten years. Of the union of Mr. and j\Irs. L. H. Truettner,
there were born three sons and one daughter, Irving, Grace, Walter F.
and Chester. Irving Truettner, president of the L. H. Truettner Com-
pany, married Celestia Harkins, and they have three children. Grace
Truettner married Hiram Olson, who is manager of the L. H. Truettner
Company. Chester died in 1891, aged seven years. Louis H. Triiett-
ner was brought up in the Lutheran faith, but later became identified
with the Presbyterian church, and reared his family in that denomina-
tion. He was a Republican in politics and a member of Bessemer
Lodge No. 390, F. & A. U.. and of IMinerva Chapter, No. 122. R. A. M.
After leaving the public schools of Bessemer, Walter F. Truettner
attended Oberliu Colllege, in Oberlin. Ohio, one term. He sub-
sequently assisted his father in the store until 1900, when he entered
the First National Bank of Bessemer, with which he has since been
officially associated.
oNIr. Truettner married September 17, 1902. Laura ]\I. Cudlip, who
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1243
was born April 20, 1880, a daughter of James and Anna Cudlip, of
Iron Mountain, Michigan, and they are the parents of two children,
Walter James and Dorothy Cudlip. Fraternally Mr. Truettner is a
member of Bessemer Lodge No. 390, F. & A. M., and of JNIinerva Chap-
ter No. 122, R. A. M.
Sherman T. Handy. — Since 1892 Hon. Sherman T. Handy has been
engaged in the practice of law in the Northern Peninsula of Michigan
and he has gained recognition as one of the strong and versatile, as
well as distinguished, members of the bar of this division of the Wol-
verine state. He has served as a member of the legislature of the state
and in other offices of distinctive public trust, the while he has ever
been an exponent of the most loyal and public-spirited citizenship. He
has been a dominating factor in political affairs in the Upper Peninsula
and at the present time he is city attorney of Sault Ste. JMarie, where
he has been established in the successful practice of his profession
since 1901. His high reputation as an attorney and counselor as well
as prominence as a citizen entitle him to recognition in this compila-
tion.
Sherman T. Handy was born at Morpeth, Howard toAATiship, Kent
county, in the province of Ontario, Canada, on the 3rd of April, 1867.
He was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm and while
assisting in this work during the summer months he duly availed him-
self of such privileges as were afforded in the public schools of the
locality, which he attended during the winter months. His ambition
to secure a higher educational training was quickened to definite ac-
tion and in 1880, he entered the Ridgetown Collegiate Institute, in
which institution he continued his studies during the winter months,
while he paid the expenses of his college course and his maintenance
in the meantime by the fruits of his labors in the intervening sununers.
He bravely faced the deprivations entailed by his limited financial re-
sources and his economy while attending college was of the most rigid
order, as is evident when it is noted that he rented a small room and
boarded himself. The sterling qualities of the young man showed
themselves during this period and by the exercise of such frugality
and the closest of application to his college work he made excellent
progress in his studies, finally being able to complete the prescribed
course in Stratford University, Stratford, Ontario, in which institu-
tion he was graduated as a member of the class of 1889.
During the summer following his graduation he was employed at
farm work and in the autumn, with some assistance given by his father,
he was enabled to enter the law department of the celebrated Univer-
sity of ]\Iichigan, at Ann Arbor, in which he was graduated as a member
of the class of 1891, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was forth-
with admitted to the bar of Michigan and in February of the following
year he came to the northern peninsula of Michigan and located at
Crystal Falls, the pioneer center of Iron county, where he initiated the
active work of his profession in partnership with William F. Cairns,
with w^hom he was associated, under the firm name of Caii-ns & Handy,
until the following July, when he purchased his partner's interest in
the business. His professional novitiate was of brief duration, as he
brought to bear not only his fine technical ability, but his splendid en-
ergy and sterling integrity, w^hich elements combined to establish him
a secure place in the confidence and esteem of the community and which
secured him a clientage of important and representative character.
After the dissolution of the partnership noted Mr. Handy conducted an
1244 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
individual practice until the 1st of July, 1895, when he entered into
partnership with Frederick H. Abbott, under the firm name of Handy
& Abbott, and this effective alliance was continued until October, 1897,
when it was dissolved by mutual consent.
Mr. Handy soon made his influence emphatically felt in the local
circles of this section and gained a position of prominence in connection
with public affairs. In 1894 he was elected circuit court commissioner
and in 1896 the exercise of public franchise elected him to the office of
prosecuting attorney of Iron county. In this office he added materially
to his prestige as a versatile and effective trial lawyer and his ability
was noted more by reason of the fact that he was at the time one of the
youngest prosecuting attorneys in the state of IMichigan. While incum-
bent of this office he appeared in connection with a cause celebre in the
criminal division. He represented the state in the prosecution of Peter
Bonds, who is now serving a life sentence in the state penitentiary at
Marquette, for the murder of Miss Pearl Morrison of Crystal Falls, on
the 26th of July, 1897. This crime was considered one of the most hei-
nous ever committed in Michigan and recently a writer has referred to
Bonds as being one of the most hardened criminals in America. His
prosecutor, Mr. Handy, vigorously arraigned this notorious criminal and
the latter 's conviction indicates the concrete results of the prosecutor's
able efforts. In 1898 Mr. Handy was again nominated for prosecuting
attorney but at the legislative convention of the Dickinson District it
had been found impossible to agree upon a satisfactory candidate for
nomination for the legislature and after deliberations extending over
some days the members of the convention reached an agreement and
unanimously tendered to Mr. Handy the nomination for representative
of the district in the lower house of the legislature. Under these condi-
tions he declined the nomination for prosecuting attorney, and, as can-
didate on the Republican ticket he was elected to the legislature by a
gratifying majority. He served during the session of 1899-1900 and
proved a most valuable worker both on the floor of the house and as
counselor of the committee room. The district which he thus repre-
sented included Dickinson, Iron and Baraga counties. While a resident
of Crystal Falls he also served as city attorney for a number of years.
In 1902, his name was prominently brought forward by members of his
party in connection -with the nomination for lieutenant governor, but he
declined to allow his name to be used as he preferred to devote his time
to his chosen profession. While a member of the legislature Mr. Handy
made a most staunch and convincing argument in opposition to a tax of
two cents per ton on iron ore, realizing the ill effect this would have
upon one of the principal industrial lines in the Northern Peninsula. In
the face of the utmost opposition he marshalled the facts and logic with
such eloquence and convincing power as to gain the indorsement of all
the members of the legislature except those who were irrevocably pledged
to the passage of the bill. In the session of 1900 he served as speaker
pro tern, of the house.
In 1901 ]Mr. Handy removed to Sault Ste. Marie, where he has since
been actively engaged in the practice of his profession and where in a
wider and more productive field he has materially augmented his high
professional reputation. He was elected city attorney in 1907 and by
continuous re-elections has continued in tenure of this office to the pres-
ent time. He is a man of engaging personality and this fact has added
materially to his popularity in the city in which he has elected to estab-
lish his home. In polities, as already intimated, Mr. Handy is a staunch
adherent of the principles and policies of the Republican party and he
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1215
has rendered yeoman service in behalf of the party cause. His religious
faith is that of the Presbyterian church, of which his wife is also a
member.
In the Masonic fraternity Mr. Handy is afaiiated with Bethel Lodge
No. 358, Free & Accepted IMasons, and he is at the present time chairman
of the committee of appeals of the Michigan Grand Lodge of Free &
Accepted ]\Iasons. He also holds membership in the Sault Ste. Marie
Chapter, No. 129, Royal Arch Masons; Crystal Falls Council, No. 26,
Royal & Selected Masters ; Sault Ste. Marie Commandery, No. 47, Knights
Templars, at Sault Ste. Marie, and Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in the city of Marquette. He also
holds membership in the lodge of Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks,
in Sault Ste. Marie.
In conclusion of this article is entered brief data concerning the par-
ents of Mr. Handy. He is a son of Collins and Elizabeth (Watson)
Handy, the former of whom was born in Kent county, Ontario, Canada,
in 1838, and the latter of whom was born at Port Hope, Ontario, in 1843.
The mother Avas sunnnoned to the life eternal in 1895 and the father
passed away in 1908. Of the seven children the subject of this sketch
was the second in order of birth and of the number four are now living.
Collins Handy passed his entire life on the farm which was the place
of his birth and he was numbered among the most honored citizens of
Kent county. He served in various local offices of trust, was affiliated
with the Ancient Order of United AVorkmen, and both he and his wife
held membership in the Universalist church. His father, who likewise
bore the name of Collins Handy, was born in Wallingford, Canada, on
the 7th of April, 1811, and died at Highgate, Ontario, on the 7th of Jan-
uary, 1908, at which time he was the oldest pioneer in Kent county, On-
tario. This revered patriarch was ninety-eight years and nine months
of age at the time of his death. He was a descendant of the Baltic mar-
iners, who entered England at the time of William the Conqueror. In
1704 a family of the name of Moss emigrated from England to the state
of Connecticut and a large descendency resulted from the intermingling
of this family in marriages with several others of the representative fam-
ilies of that section. Lois, the daughter of Ebenezer Moss, maiTied Henry
Handy on the 7th of November, 1785, and the third of their five children
was Collins Handy, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. The
family removed finally to Salisbury, New York, and thence, Collins
Handy and his brother removed to Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada, in
1831, making the trip from Buffalo, New York, in a small sailing craft.
From Port Stanley the brothers finally made their way westward and
they erected the first houses in the Oxford township, Kent county, Onta-
rio, besides building many other of the early dwellings and other build-
ings in that county. Collins Hand}^ married Rebecca Baldwin on the
22d of April, 1833 and he entered into partnership with his father-in-law.
Captain David Baldwin, with whom he was associated in the buying and
selling of grain and in other commercial enterprises, besides Avhich, in
1832, they held mail delivery from St. Thomas to Madden, near Amherst-
burg. At that time the only postoffice on the route was at Port Burwell.
In 1835 Mr. Handy purchased of his father-in-law a lot in Howard town-
ship, Kent county, Ontario, and there he erected a fine residence. Of
this property he disposed in 1907, after having there maintained his home
for more than seventy years. Collins and Rebecca (Baldv\dn) Handy
reared a family of eleven children, of whom Collins, Jr., father of the
subject of this review, was the third in order of birth. The latter devoted
the greater portion of his active career to agricultural pursuits and both
1246 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
be and his wife passed the closing years of their lives at Highgate,
Ontario.
On the 31st of December, 1895, Sherman T. Handy, to whom this
sketch is dedicated, was united' in marriage to Miss Leora A. Anderson,
who was born at Dowagiac, ^Michigan, and who is the eldest of the three
children of Rev. D. R. and IMary (Averill) Anderson, who now reside in
Two Rivers. Wisconsin. Mr. Anderson was born at Paw Paw, ^Michigan,
and is a prominent clergyman of the Congregational church. In the ei\il
war he served as chaplain of the Nineteenth ]Michigan Volunteer Infan-
try. He was captured by the enemy and for some time was held in duress
in Libby prison. Mr. and i\Irs. Handy have one son, Theodore Ander-
son Handy, who was bom on the 19th of December, 1896.
Charles J. Huebel. — Long and prominently identified with busi-
ness interests in ^Menominee county, Charles J. Huebel is now num-
bered among the essentially representative business men of the city
of Menominee, where he is secretary and general manager of the ex-
tensive business conducted by the C. J. Huebel Company, producers
and wholesalers of white cedar post and poles and western poles and
large dealers in other cedar products. This company, of which he
was the organizer, is one of the largest of the kind in the northwest,
and from its extensive yards in Menominee and Peshtigo shipments
are made into the most diverse sections of the Union. Aggressive,
broad-minded and enterprising as a business m.an, Mr. Huebel has
also shown a deep interest in all that concerns the welfare and prog-
ress of his home city and county, and he is one of the well known and
highly honored citizens of the Upper Peninsula.
Mr. Huebel was born in Jeiferson county, Wisconsin, on the 4th
of August, 1858, and is a son of Joseph and Johanna (Graw) Huebel,
both of whom were born and reared in Germany; their marriage was
solemnized in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, and there the father met
his death by drowning in the Rock river. His ^yiie survived him by
many years and she died on the 6th of August, 1909, at the venerable
age of eighty-six years. Of the five children four are now living.
Joseph Huebel immigrated to America when a young man, and the
sailing vessel on which he made the voyage consumed two months in
making the trip. He landed in New York City and soon afterward
made his way to Wisconsin. He secured a tract of Avild land on the
banks of the Rock river, in Jefferson county, and had effected the
reclamation of about forty acres of the property before his tragic
death. He was a man of sterling character and his earnest applica-
tion and indefatigable indiistry had borne him along the road to
definite success and independence before he was summoned from the
scene of life's activities. He was a Democrat in his political procliv-
ities and both he and his wife were zealous communicants of the Cath-
olic church.
Charles J. Huebel was a child at the time of his father's death,
and he was reared to maturity on the old homestead farm which was
the place of his birth. He remained with his widowed mother and
continued to be associated with the work and management of the
farm until he had attained to the age of twenty-three years, and in
the meanwhile had been called upon to serve in the office of treasurer
of his native township of Aztalan, Jefferson county, AVisconsin, a
position of which he was incumbent for two terms. He gained his
early educational discipline in the public schools and later supple-
mented this by a ten months' coui^e in the Brvant & Stratton Busi-
I
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1247
ness College in the city of Chicago, in 1884. After leaving this insti-
tution Mr. Huebel secured the position of bookkeeper in the exten-
sive department store of Charles Gossage & Company, long one of the
leading retail houses of Chicago, and he held this position until June,
1886, when he responded to the request of Louis Nanton, who had
been a fellow-student in the business college, and joined the latter
in Nadeau, Menominee county, Michigan, where the firm of Nanton
Brothers had established a general store. Mr. Huebel remained with
this firm about one year and then formed a partnership with ]\Ir.
Thompson and engaged in the same line of business at Nadeau.
About a year later Mr. Huebel purchased his partner's interest and
thereafter he conducted the enterprise individually until the autumn
of 1890. when he sold a one-half interest to Samuel Pike, of Chicago.
He continued in active charge of the business and built up a large
and prosperous enterprise. The firm of Huebel & Pike purchased a
saw mill at Talbot, ]\Ienominee county, and later they also bought a
tract of timber land in this county, for a consideration of $12,000.
They began the manufacturing of lumber and a son of Mr. Pike
secured a small interest in the business, which Avas successfully con-
ducted under the original firm name. In connection with the lumber-
ing operations the firm also established a store at Talbot, to which
place they removed their stock of general merchandise from Nadeau.
With this varied enterprise Mr. Huebel continued to be actively iden-
tified until 1892, when his partners sold their interest to James Little,
of Kankakee, Illinois. Mr. Huebel retained an interest and had active
management of the same under the new partnership alliance until 1898,
on the 15th of November of which year he removed to the city of Me-
nominee, where he engaged in the manufacturing and wholesaling of
cedar products, with which line of enterprise he has since been suc-
cessfully identified. In 1902, to meet the demands of the constantly
expanding business, he organized the C. J. Huebel Company, of which
he has since been secretary and general manager. This concern has
been very successful in the handling of cedar products of all kinds,
and especially posts, poles and railroad ties. The company has exten-
sive yards both in Menominee, and in the village of Peshtigo, from
which is supplied a substantial trade in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois,
Wisconsin, and other states in the central west. From an appreciat-
ive newspaper article is taken the following statement: "Mr. Huebel 's
extensive acquaintance throughout the surrounding country has been
of value to him in putting in high-grade cedar, and his company to-
day has business relations with some of the largest metropolitan con-
cerns buying cedar posts and poles. Mr. Huebel is personally active
in every movement for the Avelfare of Menominee and a firm believer
in the future of the new northwest. ' '
In politics Mr. Huebel gives a stanch support to the cause of the
Democratic party, though he has never been a seeker of public office.
Both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church, in whose
faith they were reared.
On the 15th of January, 1889, was solemnized the marriage of ^Ir.
Huebel to Miss Lelia Faille, who was born in the proA'ince of Ontario,
Canada, and who is a daughter of Francis and Lelia Faille, the former
of whom is now a resident of Nadeau, Menominee count}', i\Iichigan.
and the latter of whom died in February, 1909, both having been born
in Canada, of French descent. Mr. Faille came to Menominee county
in the early '80s, and here his principal vocation has been that of
farming. He is a Republican in politics and is a communicant of the
Vol. Ill— 12
1248 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Catholic church, as was also his wife. They became the parents of
three sons and three daughters, all of whom are living. ]\Ir. and IMrs.
Huebel have six children, namely: Herbert, Archibald, Robert, Norman,
Stella and Dorothy, all of whom remain at the parental home except
Herbert, who was graduated in the IMenominee high school in 1908 and
who is now a student in the University of Michigan.
Fred S. Eaton, chief clerk of the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company
of Calumet, Michigan, has for a long time held his present situation and
is exceptionaly well versed in the various duties which devolve upon him,
having long brought an intelligent interest to their solution. ]\Ir. Eaton
is a native of Ohio, born in Peru, near Norway, October 8, 1859, his
parents being Alvin and IMary (Sears) Eaton. The father was a native
of New York, and an early settler of Peru, Ohio.
Fred S. Eaton passed his early boyhood in Peru, Ohio, attending
the village school, and in course of time entering the preparatory depart-
ment of Oberlin College. Upon leaving college in 1880, he came to
Lake Superior and was almost immediately placed upon the pay roll
of the Calumet & Hecla IMining Company with which important con-
cern he has remained to the present day. He proved his capability and
advanced step by step to his appointment as chief clerk of the Calumet
& Hecla Mining Company which position he assumed in March, 1907.
]\rr. Eaton, who is modest in bearing and couser\'-ative in his views
enjoys the confidence and affection of a wide circle of friends. He en-
joys numerous lodge affiliations, belonging to Calumet Lodge, A. F. &
A. M., Calumet Chapter, Montrose Commandery, No. 38, K. T., and also
holding membership in the ]\Iarquette (]\Iichigan) Shrine.
]\Ir. Eaton, has been married twice, his first wife being Miss Grace
Hoatson, of Calumet, Michigan. Two children were born to this union,
Lorimer A., who is a student at the University of Michigan in Ann
Arbor, and Mary S., who attended and graduated from Dana Hall,
Wellesley, Massachusetts. Mr. Eaton's second union was contracted
with i\Iiss Sarah Nickel originally of the state of Massachusetts. She
was before her marriage a teacher in the Calumet schools. Her father,
Daniel Nickel, was a prominent citizen of Waupaca, "Wisconsin. This
second marriage has likewise been blessed by the birth of two children,
Frederick N. and Catherine G.
CoBYDON E. AiNSwoRTH. — For more than a quarter of a century
Mr. Ainsworth has maintained his home in Sault Ste. Marie, where he
has been a prominent factor in connection with industrial enterprises
of wide scope and importance and where he has conmianded at all times
the unqualified confidence and esteem of his fellow men. He is now a
director of the corporation of A. Booth & Company of Chicago and
has charge of its business in the Upper Peninsula.
Corydon Everett Ainsworth was born at Cape Vincent, Jefferson
county. New York, on the 30th of September, 1861, and is a son of
Willard and ]\Iary (Herrick) Ainsworth, the former of whom was born
in the state of New York, in 1830, and the latter in Vermont, in 1835.
The father died in 1895 and the mother was summoned to the life
eternal in 1907. Of the five children, four are living, namely : Nellie,
who is the wife of Frank jMcGraw of Biiffalo, New York ; C. Everett, who
is the immediate subject of this sketch ; Emma, who is the wife of Wil-
liam Gray of Elizabeth, New Jersey; and Elton E., who resides in Seattle,
Washington. Willard Ainsworth was identified with agricultural pur-
suits in his earlier life and later was engaged in the merchandise busi-
(Mt^c^o/.S^^^-.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1249
ness at Cape Vincent, where he served for a number of years as super-
intendent of the United States custom house. He was one of the prom-
inent and influential citizens of Jefferson county, New York, where both
he and his wife continued to reside until their death. They were mem-
bers of the Presbyterian church and he was Republican in politics.
C. Everett Ainsworth gained his early education in the public schools
of his native county and at the age of seventeen years he entered a
collegiate institute at Adams, New York. Thereafter he was employed
for eighteen months in a drug store and in 1883 he came to the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan and located in Sault Ste. Marie, where his
father had an interest in a company engaged in the fish business. In
the same year he borrowed two thousand dollars from his father and
associated himself with Joseph Ganley, under the firm name of Ains-
worth and Ganley. They built up a successful fish business, in which
they continued until 1898, when they sold the business to A. Booth &
Company of Chicago, of which well-known corporation Mr. Ainsworth
has since been a director, as well as manager of the business of the con-
cern in Michigan. Mr. Ainsworth is also manager of the Georgian
Bay-Lake Superior division of the Dominion Transportation Company,
of which he is president and this company operates a fine line of pas-
senger and freight steamers on the upper lakes. For a number of years
Mr. Ainsworth has engaged in the lumber business, in which he con-
trolled a large and prosperous enterprise, but he disposed of his interest
in this business in 1899. He was one of the organizei-s of the Edison
Electric Light Company in Sault Ste. Marie, of which he was president
for four years. He is a stockholder and director of the Sault Ste. Marie
Savings Bank and is vice-president of the Central Savings Bank of
this city. In politics Mr. Ainsworth gives his allegiance to the Repub-
lican party and he has been a member of the Board of Education since
1904. He has been president of the Soo Club and the Country Club
and the Sault Ste. Marie Boat Club. He is affiliated with Bethel Lodge,
No. 358, Free & Accepted Masons; Sault Ste. Marie Chapter, No. 126,
Royal Arch Masons; Sault Ste. Marie Commandery, No. 45, Knights
Templars; and Ahmed Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Marquette. Both he and his wife are
attendants of the Episcopal church.
On the 14th of December, 1892, Mr. Ainsworth was united in mar-
riage to Miss Florence Mead, who was born in the city of Hillsdale,
Michig-an, and who is a daughter of Edward H. and Hattie A. (Millis)
Mead, the former of whom was born in the state of New York on the
7th of October, 1847, and the latter of whom was born at Pontiac,
Michigan, on the 14th of December, 1849. Mrs. Mead died in 1901 and
of the two children Mrs. Ainsworth is the eldest ; Elmore Roy is a
resident of Chicago. Mr. Mead took up his residence in Sault Ste.
I Marie in 1883 and he has been cashier of the First National Bank of
this city since its organization in 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Ainsworth have
two daughters, Margaret, who is attending the Franklin school for
young ladies in the city of Buffalo, New York, and Frances, who is in
the public schools of Sault Ste. Marie.
Robert A. Walker, M. D.— Controlling a large practice in the city
of Menominee, Dr. Walker is numbered among the representative phys-
icians and surgeons of the Upper Peninsula, and both in a social and pro-
fessional way enjoys distinctive popularity.
Dr. Robert Alexander Walker claims the beautiful city of JMontreal,
Canada, as the place of his nativity, and there he was bom on the 19th
1250 THE XORTHEKX PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
of August, 1871. He is a son of John S. and ]\Iarg-aret (Brown) "Walker,
the former of •sYhom was born in Ireland in 1851, and the latter in the
Dominion of Canada, where their marriage was solemnized. Of the thir-
teen children of this union, the Doctor is the eldest. The father died in
1903 and the mother is now a resident of Canada. John S. Walker was
a child at the time of his parents' emigration to America and he was
reared and educated in Canada. For a number of years he was engaged
in the livery business in ^lontreal, and he was a man who ever com-
manded unequivocal confidence and esteem.
To the public schools of his native city Dr. Walker is indebted for
Ms early educational discipline, which included a course in the high
school. After lea^nng school he secured a position in a paint and dye-
stuff establishment in IMontreal, and while thus engaged he also became a
student in chemistry in the University of Bishop's College, where he
found so much satisfaction in his work that he was finally led to take up
the study of medicine. In 1880 he entered the medical department of
the same institution, where he completed the prescribed technical course
and was graduated as a member of the class of 1895, duly receiving his
degree of Doctor of ^Medicine. After a competitive examination he was
soon afterward appointed hospital surgeon in the Western General
Women's Hospital, through his connection with which he gained espe-
cially valuable clinical experience, and thus more fully fortified himself
for the private work of his profession.
In 1896 Dr. Walker came to ^Menominee, where he soon gained a po-
sition in the front rank of his profession, as here represented. Soon after
establishing his home in this city he became associated with the late Dr.
Patrick O'Keefe as a member of the medical staff of the ]\Ienominee River
Hospital, in the city of Marinette, and later he came, with Dr. O'Keefe,
to St. Joseph's Hospital, in ^Menominee. After the death of Dr. O'Keefe,
he became associated with Doctors J. R. ^linahan and H. A. Vennema,
in the same hospital, and upon retirement of the former he and Dr. Ven-
nema continued the work of the hospital, bringing it up to an especially
high standard. Dr. Walker has been particularly successful in the sur-
gical department of his profession, and also in the treatment of the
different diseases of women, and to these branches he is now giving his
attention, to the major extent, making a specialty of the same. He is
still identified with the work of St. Joseph's Hospital, one of the noble
institutions of ^Menominee, and he also has a verv extensive private
practice. He is an appreciative member of the American ^Medical As-
sociation, the Michigan State ^Medical Society, the Upper Peninsula ]\Ied-
ical Society, the Fox River jMedical Society, and the Wisconsin State
Medical Society, besides which he is at the present time, 1910, president
of the i\Ienominee County iledical Society. From 1907 to 1909, both
dates inclusive, he was secretary and treasurer of the Fox River Medical
Society of Wisconsin, although he is medical examiner for a large num-
ber of the life insurance companies, and also for the Independent Order
of Forestera, the Royal Neighbors, the IModem Brotherhood, and the
Royal Arcanum, with each of which fraternities he is identified. He is
a stanch Republican in generic politics, but in local affairs he maintains
an independent attitude, giving his support to the men and measures
meeting the approval of his judginent.
On the 5th of October, 1899, at ^Manitowoc. Wisconsin. Dr. AValker
was united in marriage to ^liss Lillian W. Schuette. who was bom and
reared in that place, and they have two children. Katherine R. and Rob-
ert J. Dr. and IMi-s. Walker are prominent in the best social life of
their home city, where their circle of friends is limited only by that of
their acquaintances.
i
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1251
G. Sherman Collins is vice-president and cashier of the First Na-
tional Bank of AJger county, at Mnnising, in which attractive and thriv-
ing city, claiming one of the finest harbors on Lake Superior, he is
known as a loyal and public-spirited citizen and as an essentially rep-
resentative business man. bringing to bear vital energy and progressive
ideas of the typical American business man of the younger generation.
Mr. Collins adverts with a due measure of satisfaction to the fact
that he can claim the fine old state of Michigan as the place of his na-
tivity. He w'as born in the city of ]\tanistee on the 19th of June, 1877,
and is a son of Thomas B. and Frances (Burr) Collins, the former of
whom was born in the city of Buffalo, New York, in 1842, and the
latter of whom was born in New York City. The father died in Manis-
tee, in January, 1905, and there the mother still retains her home.
Thomas Collins was long and prominently identified with the great
lumber industry in ^Michigan and in this connection conducted opera-
tions at Manistee for fully thirty-five years. He was a stanch Demo-
crat in politics and ever showed a loyal interest in public affairs, being
one of the honored and influential citizens of his county. He was
identified with the ]\Iasonic fraternity and was a member of the Presby-
terian church.
G. Shennan Collins gained his early educational discipline in the
public schools of his native city, in whose high school he was graduated
as a member of the class of 189-1. Thereafter he completed an effective
course in the Northern Indiana Normal School & Business LTniversity,
at Valparaiso, Indiana, an institution that is now known as Valparaiso
University. After leaving school he secured employment as a stenogra-
pher in a la:iv office in Manistee. In 1896 he located at Newberry, Luce
county, ]\Iichigan, and there held the position of storekeeper in the
Upper Peninsula Hospital for the Insane for two years, at the expira-
tion of which, in 1898, he removed to Munising, where he became col-
lector and stenographer for the ]\Iunising State Bank. In this insti-
tution he was appointed teller in 1899 and he served in this capacity
until January, 1901, when he was made assistant cashier. In 1905 he
was elected cashier of the institution and in January, 1908, Avhen the
bank was reorganized as the First National Bank of Alger County, he
became its cashier, an office of which he has since remained incumbent,
while he has also been vice-president of the institution since January,
1910. The First National Bank of Alger County is recognized as one
of the strong and substantial financial institutions of the LTpper Penin-
siila and its operations are based upon a capital stock of sixty thou-
sand dollars, while its surplus and profits are in excess of eighteen
thousand dollars, as shown in the official report of its business on the
30th of June, 1910. The board of directors is comprised of William G.
]\Iather, President of the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company; Charles V.
R. Townsend, land agent for the same company; George J. Forster,
manager of the Forsler Brothers Company; Marcus A. Doty, vice-
president of the Superior Veneer & Cooperage Company ; and G. Sher-
man Collins, who is the immediate subject of this sketch.
In polities "Sir. Collins gives his allegiance to the Republican party
and he has served as a member of the board of education of ]\Iunising,
as well as a member of the village council, of Avhieh position he is a
valued incumbent at the present time. He has also served as deputy
United States Collector of customs at this port since 1903. He is af-
filiated with Grand Island Lodge, No. 422, Free & Accepted Masons;
and jMarquette Chapter, No. 43, Royal Arch Masons.
On the 1st of July, 1906, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Col-
1252 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
lins to ]\Iiss Rouie A. White, who was bom in the province of New
Brunswick, Canada, and who is the daughter of Gilbert N. White, who
was a prominent lumberman at West Branch, Ogemaw county, Michi-
gan, for a period of about ten years, at the expiration of which he
removed to the state of Oregon, whence he later went to Tacoma, Wash-
ington, in which city he now maintains his home. Mr. and j\Irs. Col-
lins have one son. Burr White Collins, and a daughter, Priscilla.
Edvfin R. Bayliss. — Possessing excellent business qualifications and
judgment. Edwin R. Bayliss is an able assistant in developing and ad-
vancing the industrial interests of Bessemer, where he is held in high
estimation as a man and as a citizen. A son of the late Edwin Bayliss,
he was born January 17, 1870, in ^lassillon. Stark county, Ohio, coming
from English lineage. He is a descendant in the fifth generation of
Thomas Bayliss, a life-long resident of England, who reared four sons,
as follows : Benjamin, the next in line of descent ; Thomas, AYilliam,
and Samuel.
Benjamin Baj'liss, great-grandfather of Ed\\in R., was born, in
1777, at Stratford-on-Avon. England, where he was reared and married.
About 1818, accompanied by his family, he came on the good ship "Is-
lington" to America, lauding at Philadelphia. Settling at Germantown,
Pennsjdvania, he followed the trade of a tailor and clothier, which he
had learned in the old countrj', for seven years. He subsequently lived
for two years in New York city, from there going to Rochester, New
York, where he resided until his death, at the age of four score years.
He married ]\Iary Timbell, who was born in Warwickshire, England, a
daughter of Thomas Timbell. and they became parents of nine children,
among whom was James Bayliss, grandfather of Ed^nn R.
A native of England, born at Stratford-on-Avon, James Bayliss,
whose birth occurred November 7, 1808, remained with his parents until
nineteen years old, after which he spent two j'ears learning the tailor's
trade. He was but ten years old when he crossed the ocean with the
family, locating in Pennsylvania, where he completed his education.
About 1827 he started westward, locating at the Kendall settlement
in Stark county, Ohio, where a short time later he formed a partnership
Anth the trustees of the "Charity School," which was named for Mi-s.
Charity Rotch, and had charge of the school four years. Purchasing
land in Tuscarawas coiuity in 1832, he remained there four years, and
then returned to the Kendall settlement, where he resumed his trade.
Being seized with a violent attack of the gold fever in 1849, he went by
way of the Isthmus to California, being thirteen weeks battling \vith the
waves on the Pacific ocean. After mining and trading on the coast for
two years he returned to Ohio and engaged in mercantile business at
Massillon, for several yeai-s buying wool for a certain large firm of wool
dealers. In 186-4 he bought six hundred and forty acres of land in sec-
tion ten, Tuscarawas township. Stark county, and, still residing in
Massillou, carried on his large farm for several years. In 1877 he re-
moved to the farm, and after a few years there returned to ]\ra.ssillon,
and there lived retired until his death, in 1896.
James Bayliss married. January 1, 1831, Eliza J. Fox, who was born
in Tuscarawas township, Ohio, ]Mareh 10, 1814, a daughter of Jehiel
and Anna (Doxsee) Fox, natives of Vermont and pioneer settlers of
that to\\TQship. She passed to the life beyond Jiily 4, 1891, after a
happy married life of sixty years. Five children were born of their
union, Edwin, Edward Benjamin. INIary Ann., Carrie and James ]\I.,
and of these children Carrie is the only survivor. IMr. James Bayliss
THE NOKTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1253
was active in the Republican ranks from the formation of the party,
and filled many offices of responsibility and trust in Massillon, serving
as a member of the City Council, as president of and treasurer of the
School Board, and was likewise president of the State Wool Buyers'
Association and of the Massillon Coal and Iron Company.
Edwin Bayliss was born on the home farm, near Trenton, Tuscara-
was county, Ohio, March 29, 1833. He attended the Union School in
Massillon, taking a special course in surveying, and subsequently did
the surveying when the ]\Iassillon Cemetery was laid out. He began his
mercantile career as a clerk in his father's store, and was afterwards
bookkeeper for the firm of Stitt & Brown, wool buyers of Philadelphia.
In 1863 he raised and organized the Forty-fifth Ohio Battalion, which
was, according to the Adjutant General's report, the first company or-
ganized imder the act of April 14, 1863. On May 20, 1864, this com-
pany' was mustered into service at Camp Chase for one hundred days
and attached to the One Hundred and Sixty-second Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry', Edwin Bayliss being commissioned captain of the company.
The company was detailed for duty at Camp Todd, and at the end of
one hundred and twenty-three days was honorably discharged from the
service. In the fall of 1864, in company with Messrs. Brown and
AA^yndt, Captain Bayliss engaged in the manufacture of mowers and
reapers, J. F. Sieberling being afterward admitted to the firm. In 1867,
the two elder partners having died, the Captain bought Mr. Sieberling 's
interest in the business, becoming sole proprietor of the Massillon Ex-
celsior AVorks. The mower and reaper, with the Sieberling dropper,
was then the most advanced harvesting machine on the market and for
some time was the principal product of the works, but later Captain
Bayliss invented and manufactured the disc harrow, for which he drew
a medal at the Centennial Exposition in 1876. Giving up manufacturing
in 1878, he devoted the next few years to settling the business. Coming to
Bessemer in 1887, he invested in mining properties and engaged in the
lumber business and also in the fire insurance business, being a pioneer
in the latter. He continued actively employed until his death, October
23, 1908, and his remains were interred at Massillon, Ohio. He married,
November 10, 1864, Cordelia E. Zerbe, who was born, Jiuie 29, 1839, in
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jonathan and Christiana
(Gorgas) Zerbe. Her death occurred at Massillon, Ohio, Jime 20, 1882.
Five children were born of their union, as follows : Charles, who became
an expert electrician and died at the age of thirty-one yeai-s ; Jerome Z.,
of Bessemer; Edwin R., the subject of this sketch; AVillard, and Lillian,
wife of Albert R. Greene, of Columbus, Ohio, secretary of the State
Board of Commerce of Ohio.
Having graduated from the high school at jMassillon, Ohio, in 1888,
Edwin R. Bayliss came to Bessemer in July of the same year, entering
the employ of his father and remained with him as long as he lived. He
then purchased the lumber business established by his father, and has
since continued it on a more extensive scale, in addition to handling
lumber carrying a full supply of house building materials. A stanch
Republican in politics, he has served one term as county supervisor and
for three years as a member of the Bessemer Board of Education. Since
1889 Mr. Bayliss has belonged to the Bessemer Fire Department, of
which he was chief for two years. He has been officially connected for
many years with the Upper Peninsula Fire Association, having served
as second vice-president, vice-president and as president. Fraternally
he is a member of Bessemer Lodge, No. 132, K. of P., and of Bessemer
Camp, No. 2862, M. AV. A.
1254 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN
Mr. Bayliss was united in marriage, in 1893, ^vitll Josephine
Pazdemik, who was born in ::Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1871, a daughter
of James and Anna (Schrummel) Pazdemik, who emigrated when
young from Bohemia, their native land, to America, locating in :Milwau-
kee, where they were married. In 1879 Mr. and :\Ii-s. Pazdemik moved
to Dorchester," Clark county, Wisconsin, where they bought land and
were engaged in farming until 1908. Selling their farm in that year
they have since lived with their children, of whom they had eight in
number, namely: Josephine, now Mrs. Bayliss ; John; Mary; Emma;
Anna; Frank, "who died at the age of twenty-two years; Edward; and
George, who died ^lay 20, 1910. JMr. and ^Irs. Bayliss are the parents
of three daughters, Cordelia Miriam, Irene and Marguerite.
Luther E. Sherman. — Performing the duties devolving upon him
as postmaster at Bessemer with acceptance to the patrons of the office,
Luther E. Sherman, as may be seen by the official position in Avhich he
has been placed, is held by the people of the village to be a most able
and valued worker in their interests, while his integrity, fidelity and
good sense have won for him the respect and esteem of the entire
community. A son of Edward Sherman, he was bom, October 2, 186^,
in Gibson county, Indiana, on a farm, coming from a long line of good
old New England ancestry. His grandfather, Lemuel Sherman, was
bom in New York state, the emigrant ancestor from which he was
descended having come from England to the United States in Colonial
times, locating in New England, from whence his descendants have
scattered throughout the Union, a few, at least, being now found in
every state and territory. Following the march of civilization west-
ward, Lemuel Sherman moved from Ohio to Indiana, becoming a pio-
neer of Gibson county, where he resided many years. In 1867 he made
a second migration, coming from Indiana to "Wisconsin, making an
overland journey through the states of Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota to
Chippewa county, Wisconsin, where he was also a pioneer. He was
accompanied on the trip by his wife, a son, and the widow of his son
Edward and her four children. Purchasing a tract of timbered land,
he erected a log cabin, into which he moved with his family, and
thenceforth devoted his energies to the clearing of his land and tilling
the soil, living there until 1880. Selling then at an advance, he bought
another farm in the same county, and there continued his chosen work
until his death, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, whose
maiden name was Mary Ryan, lived until eighty-two years of age.
She reared eight sons and one daughter, and three of the sons served
in the Civil war.
Edward Sherman Avas born and reared in Ohio, and while yet in
his "teens" moved with his parents to Indiana. Following in the foot-
steps of his ancestors, he became a farmer and was engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits, in Gibson county, Indiana, until his death, while yet
in manhood's prime. He married Martha E. Phillips, who was born
in Lexington, Kentucky, a daughter of John Phillips, a native of Eng-
land, and to them four children were born, namely : Clara, Alfred,
Mollie and Luther E., the subject of this sketch. The mother married
for her second husband Jonathan Barber, and after his death she came
to Bessemer, ^Michigan, and subsequently made her home with her chil-
dren, spending her last days in South Dakota.
Luther E. Sherman was but an infant when he made the overland
journey from Indiana to Wisconsin with his widowed mother and his
grandparents. He obtained his early education in the rural schools
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1255
of Chippewa county, and when old enough began assisting in the
general labors of the farm, remaining at home until 1890. Going then
to Hurley, Wisconsin, Mr. Sherman worked for four years in a print-
ing office, learning the printer's trade. In 1894, in company with
Frank B. Hand, he bought the leading newspaper of Bessemer, the
Pick and Axe. the pioneer journal of the Upper Penin.sula, estab-
lished in 1884 by J. J. Simpson. In 1909 Mr. Sherman disposed of
his interest in the paper to his partner, leaving the journalistic field to
devote his entire time and attention to his official duties.
Mr. Sherman was married, February 12, 1896, to Jessie ]\IcAlister,
who was born in Escanaba, a daughter of George and Huldah (Perigo)
McAlister, the former of whom was a native of Scotland, while the
latter was born in Ohio. Four children have blessed the union of Mr.
and Mrs. Sherman, namely: McAlister P., Hartley W., Jessie L. and
Clara. Politically ]\Ir. Sherman is a straightforward Republican, and
takes an active part in local matters, having served eight years as a
member of the Board of Public Works, and for three years as a mem-
ber of the Bessemer Board of Education. He was appointed post-
master in 1907, and has proved himself in every way qualified for the
position. Fraternally he belongs to Bessemer Lodge, No. 132, K. of P.
Edwin Freeman.— Energetic and capable, diligent in his labors,
Edwin Freeman has obtained a firm footing among the prosperous bus-
iness men of Iron Mountain, which has been his home for nearly three
decades. Although not one of the earliest settlers of this section of
the Upper Peninsula, he came here in pioneer times, and has con-
tributed his part towards the development and growth of this part of
Dickinson county. A native of Sweden, he was born, January 7, 1857,
in Wermland, a son of Carl Nels Freeman. He is of SAvedish ancestry,
his grandparents, and his ancestors for many generations, having been
life-long residents of Sweden.
Carl Nels Freeman was born in Wermland, Sweden, December 8,
1826, and during his early life was there engaged in railroading, later
becoming a miner. Looking for a better opportunity to advance his
financial condition, he came to America in 1869, leaving his family in
Sweden. For about two years he lived in jMinnesota, coming from there
to the Upper Peninsula in 1871, and here assisting in the construction of
the railroad from L'Anse, Baraga county, ^lichigan, to Champion, Mar-
quette county. Going back to his native land in December, 1872, he
visited friends and kinspeople until the following May, Avhen he again
came to INIichigan, locating at Negaunee. He afterwards mined in
different places, and in 1879 Avas joined, at Champion, by his wife, and
three of his four children. The last twenty years of his life he was a
resident of Iron ]\Iountain, passing away at the home of his son Edwin,
February 3, 1910. His wife died April 13, 1898. She reared four chil-
dren, namely : Bessie A., wife of John Lindstrum ; Edwin, the subject
of this sketch ; Charlie ; and Annie, wife of Erland Ring.
Edwin Freeman obtained a practical education in the public schools
of Sweden, attending with commendable regularity until sixteen years
old. Coming with his father to Michigan in 1873, he began life as a
miner at Negaunee, remaining there six years. In 1878 he went to
Canada in quest of a favorable location, but did not make a long stay.
Returning then to the Upper Peninsula, ]\Ir. Freeman engaged in min-
ing at the present site of Norway, under the supervision of Captain
Williams, helping take out the first ore shipped from the Cyclops Mine.
Quinnesec was then the railway terminus, and the entire country from
1256 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
there to the Montreal river was an unbroken forest. He continued
mining- until 1880, when he opened a dispensary at Norway, conduct-
ing it two years. Coming then to Iron Moiuitaiu, Mr. Freeman ope-
rated a dispensary here for a few years. In the meantime, however, he
embarked in the livery business, which he has conducted successfully
ever since. Mr. Freeman has also other interests of much value, as a
dealer in lumber, logs, and wood being one of the most extensive ope-
rators in this section of the country.
Mr. Freeman married, in 1880, Augusta Sophia Bowman, who was
born in Orebro laen, Sweden, where her parents spent their entire lives.
Two of her brothers, Adolph and John, however, and her sister Ma-
tilda, came to America to make their permanent home. ]\Ir. and Mrs.
Freeman are the parents of seven children, namely : 'Alverah, Oscar,
Eudolph, Edna, Verner, Eddie and Dewey. True to the religious faith
in which they were reared, Mr. and INIrs. Freeman are members of the
Lutheran church. Fraternally Mr. Freeman belongs to Iron Mountain
Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M. ; to Iron Mountain Chapter, No. 121, R. A.
M. ; and to Phoenix Camp, No. 7684, M. W. A.
Albert E. Cullis. — A I'esident of the Northern Peninsula since 1896,
Mr. Cullis has gained prominence and influence as one of the represent-
ative business men and highly esteemed citzens of the city of Sault Ste.
Marie, where he is president of the Sault Ste. Marie Woolen Mill Com-
pany, one of the important industrial concerns of the Upper Peninsula
and one that naturally contributes much to the commercial precedence
of the city in which its business is established.
Albert E. Cullis was bom in Victoria county, province of Ontario,
Canada, on the 28th of April, 1863, and is a son of John and Ann (Allen)
Cullis, both of whom were born in Cornwall, England. Their marriage
was solemnized in Ontario, Canada, and the mother is now living in the
city of London, that province, the father having passed away on the l-lth
of February, 1888, at the age of seventy-two years. Of the eight chil-
dren, seven sons and one daughter, six are now living. John Cullis was
reared and educated in his native land, where he learned the milling busi-
ness. As a yoiuig man he emigrated to the Dominion of Canada and lo-
cated at Whitbey, where he became identified with the operation of a
flouring mill, as he also did later on in Little Briton, where he contin-
ued to operate a mill for about a score of years, at the expiration of
which he removed to Auburn, Huron coiuity, Ontario, where he followed
the same vocation imtil about five years prior to his death, which occurred
at Godeiich, that province. He was a communicant of the Church of Eng-
land, as is also his widow, and in this faith their children were carefully
reared.
To the public schools of Little Briton and Auburn, Ontario, the sub-
ject of this review is indebted for his early educational advantages, and
when still a boy he began a practical apprenticeship at the trade of
miller, under the able direction of his honored father. He continued to
be identified with the operation of flouring mills for a period of fourteen
years in Ontario, and he then turned his attention to the lumbering and
saw-mill business. In 1896 he came to Chippewa county, jMichigan,
where he became owner of a saw mill at Fibre, which village represented
his home until 1900, when he became one of the interested principals in
the conducting of a woolen mill at Sault Ste. Marie, where he associated
himself with Griffith J. Griffith in this line of enterprise. Three years
later the business was reorganized under the present title of the Sault
Ste. Marie Woolen INIill Company, and of this corporation ]\Ir. Cullis has
^^^^^^ -^^^^^f^-^^-^^^f^^^^^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1257
since been manager. The plant of the concern is essentially modern in
its mechanical equipment and all other facilities and its products include
clothing, blankets, yarns, etc. This is the most extensive woolen manu-
factory in the Upper Peninsula and in the same employment is given to
an average of about seventy persons. Mr. Cullis is aggressive and ener-
getic as a business man and loyal and public-spirited as a citizen. The
confidence reposed in him in his home city is indicated by the fact that
he represented the First Ward as a member of the board of aldermen for
a period of four years. He is a Democrat in his political proclivities
and both he and his wife are communicants of the Protestant Episcopal
church. He is affiliated with Bethel Lodge, No. 358, Free & Accepted
Masons; and tSault Ste. Marie Chapter, No. 126, Royal Arch Masons.
On the 8th of October, 1887, Mr. Cullis was united in marriage to
Miss Annie Ratcliffe, who was born at Brooklyn, province of Ontario,
Canada, a daughter of James and Jeanette (Kerr) Ratcliffe, who were
children at the time of the immigration of the respective families from
Scotland to Canada. James Ratcliffe died in 1877, at the age of fifty-
six years, and his wife died July 9, 1897, at the age of seventy-one years.
Of their eight children, two sons and four daughters are now living. Mr.
Ratcliffe devoted his active career to agricultural pursuits and both he
and his wife died at Auburn, Ontario. The recent death of Mrs. Cullis
was a sad misfortune. She had been ill some time and despite the skill
of eminent surgeons and the assiduous care of her loved ones passed
away, being but forty-eight years of age. For almost a quarter of a
century she and her husband traveled life's journey together and she
did her part nobly in the rearing of her children and care of her home.
She was a lady of many amiable traits of character and a faithful mem-
ber of the Presbyterian church. The funeral services were held at the
family residence and her remains interred at Auburn, Ontario, with her
parents. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Cullis are John R. and
Jennie May. John R. was educated in the public and high schools of the
' ' Soo ' ' and is now studying for the profession of civil engineer. Jennie
May has also received good educational training, and is studying instru-
mental music, being a student in the London (Ontai'io) Conservatory cf
Music.
Adolph Peter Lofberg. — Noteworthy among the active and enter-
prising citizens of Ironwood is Adolph Peter Lofberg, a contractor in
cement, who is carrying on a substantial business in his line of in-
dustry, his systematic methods, good judgment and skilful workman-
ship bringing him an excellent patronage and much success. A native
of Sweden, he was born, November 24, 1859, at Edsvalla, Wermland.
His father, Peter Lofberg, was born in Wermland, of thrifty Swed-
ish ancestry, and there spent his entire life, his later years being passed
in Edsvalla. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Hamer-
strom, six children were born, namely: Hilma, Ernest, Adolph Peter,
Edward Alexander, Daisy C. and Theresa. Ernest died when fourteen
years old, and the others emigrated to America, taking up their per-
manent residence in the United States.
Receiving his early education in the Government schools, Adolph
Peter Lofberg remained beneath the parental roof-tree until nineteen
years of age, when he emigrated to this country, the land of bright
hopes and promises. Coming directly to the Upper Peninsula, he
located first at Negaunee, and, having found employment in a saw mill,
resided there until 1886, when he came to the newdy organized town of
Ironwood. At that time the greater part of the town site as well as
1258 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
of the surrounding country was in its pristine wildness, being covered
with standing timber. Forming a partnership with C. W. ]\Ie^Iahan,
Mr. Lofberg, wth characteristic enterprise, began getting out mining
timber, being thus busily employed three years. Going then to Three
Lakes, he operated a saw mill three years, afterwards being similarly
employed in Ironwood until 1893, when business for a time was at a
standstill. In 1895 ^Ir. Lofberg leased a mill, in its operation being
so successful that two years later he bought the plant and continued
its operation until 1902. Consolidating then with the Scott, Howe
Lumber Company, he continued with the firm until 1907, when he sold
his interest in the business. Since that time he has been prosperously
engaged in business as a contractor in cement, making a specialty of
cement sidewalks, and is kept ever busy in filling his many contracts.
Mr. Lofberg married, in 1888. Mary Adella Stone, who was born
in Elizabeth, Illinois, August 8, 1870. Her father, John Stone, the
descendant of an early colonial family, was born in Illinois, and when
a boy was left an orphan. On the breaking out of the Civil war, he
enlisted in the Illinois volunteer infantry, and served bravely until the
expiration of his term of enlistment, when he was honoi'ably dis-
charged from the service. He subsequently removed to the Upper
Peninsula and was employed at the Cascade Mine until 1887, when he
settled in Sherman county, Kansas. Selling out there, he removed to
Washington, and is now living on a farm near Spokane, having a
pleasant and desirable home. Mr. Stone married Elizabeth Eustice,
who was born in Michigan, a daughter of AVilliam and Mary Eustice,
natives of Cornwall, England. After coming to this country Mr.
Eustice located in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, buying the farm near
Elizabeth where he and his wife spent their remaining days. John
Stone and his wife reared four children, namely : Frederick, William
Alfred, ]Mary Adella and Bertha. To Mr. and ]\Irs. Lofberg seven chil-
dren have been born, namely: Eva May, Bertha Theresa, Elizabeth
Katlierine, John Peter, Elsie Adella Stone, Lawrence Adolph and
Edward Everett. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Lofberg and their family
attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally Mr. Lofberg is a
member of Ironwood Lodge No. 389, F. & A. M. ; of Minerva Chapter
No. 122, R. A. M. ; and of Gogebic Commandery No. 46, K. T. Polit-
ically he is identified with" the Republican party, and for seven years
served aeceptablj' as alderman, resigning the office to take the position
of assessor, which he has held during the past four years.
Sam Bridges. — An active, well-known, and prosperous business man
of Crystal Falls, Sam Bridges now owns, and is operating, the first
drug store established in this section of the Upper Peninsula. A son of
the late William H. Bridges, he was born, September 14, 1871, at
Rochester, Oakland county, Michigan. His paternal grandfather
Bridges, was a native of New York state. Migrating from there to
Michigan, he settled as a pioneer in Van Buren county, and was there
. engaged in horticultural pursuits the remainder of his life, making a
specialty of raising fruit of a superior quality.
Born on the parental homestead in Van Buren county, Michigan,
William H. Bridges received a good education for his days, and taught
in the public schools for many terms, being also engaged in agricultural
pursuits to some extent. When about forty years old, he had the mis-
fortune, through a severe illness, to lose his eyesight, and was forced
to give up his active labors, and thenceforward lived retired in
Rochester until his death, in 1905, at the age of three score and ten
THE NORTHERN PExNINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1259
years. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary L. Wise, was born in
Livingston county, New York, a daughter of Andrew Wise. She is
now a resident of Rochester.
One of a family of four children, Sam Bridges attended first the
public schools of Rochester, completing his studies at the State Normal
School, in Ada, Ohio. He had previously been employed as a clerk, and
after his graduation from the Normal School he resumed that employ-
ment in his home town. Locating at Crystal Falls in 1897, he entered
the employ of a druggist, with whom he remained as a clerk until 1905,
when he bought out the entire business of his former employer. This
store, one of the longest established in the place, has been in contin-
uous operation since the formation of the town of Crystal Falls, and
under the wise management of Mr. Bridges has lost none of its former
prestige.
Mr. Bridges married, in 1904, Marie W. Apitz, whose father, Henry
Apitz, a native of Germany, was a pioneer settler of Wisconsin. Fra-
ternally ]\Ir. Bridges is a member of Ci-ystal Falls Camp, M. W. A. :
of Crvstal Falls Tent, K. O. T. M. ; and of the Mystic Workers of the
World.
John Edwards is one of those most prominently identified with the
real estate and mining interests of the Northern Peninsula and he has
had a considerable share in building up Houghton and making it one
of the most progressive and enlightened of commmiities. Elsewhere
in this volume appears the memoir of the late Richard Edwards, father
of him whose name initiates this paragraph, and a man of fine char-
acter and notable achievement, and it is greatly to Mr. Edwards ' credit
that much of the energy of his maturer years has been devoted to carry-
iny out the policies outlined by that honorable and judicious gentle-
man, both in the matter of personal business and in the way of advanc-
ing the interests of the general public.
Mr. Edwards was born in Houghton, November 20, 1859, the son of
Richard and Jane Pryor Edwards, further data concerning his family
being found on other pages. His preliminary education was obtained
in the public schools and subsequently he entered Dr. Hixon's school
at Newburyport, Massachusetts. His educational discipline was fin-
ished at the Baptist College at Kalamazoo, Michigan, and from that in-
stitution he was graduated the year 1880. Shortly after he returned
to Houghton and has ever since been one of its citizens. That line of
business in which his activities have been engaged is the real estate
and mining and like the other members of the Edwards family he has
inherited a part of his father's large estate, to the management of:
which he has brought unusual executive ability and judgment.
On November 10, 1886, ]\Ir. Edwards was united in marriage to Miss
Harriet G. Rice. The lady whom he chose to preside over his house-
hold and to share his fortunes is a daughter of that well known citizen
of Houghton, John W. Rice. She was born in Milwaukee, but came to
Houghton with her parents and was here reared and educated. Their
union has been blessed by the birth of two sons: Harry R., born De-
cember 6, 1887, now a student in the Mining School at Houghton ; and
John G., born October 6, 1890, who is also enrolled among that student
body.
In politics Mr. Edwards is a Democrat and he has always been of
that political faith, which he inherits from his father and shares with
his brothers. Like them his loyalty is one of deeds as well as of words
and his championship is a possession much to be desired by those who
1260 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
enter the political arena. Personally he is not an office seeker and he
has never permitted his name to be used in this connection. His relig-
ious convictions are with the Methodist church and Mrs. Edwards'
church is the Episcopalian. He belongs to the great Masonic body
and is a member of the Knighted Order of Tented Maccabees, his
affiliations with both orders being at Houghton.
Walter R. Hicks, M. D., has been a resident of the city of Menomi-
nee since his boyhood days and here has attained marked prestige in
the profession which has been dignified by the services of his father,
who has been for many years actively engaged in the practice of medi-
cine in Menominee. He whose name initiates this sketch devotes his
attention especially to the surgical department of his profession and his
skill in the same has brought him into prominence among his confreres
in this section of the state. He controls a large and representative
practice, has served as United States marine surgeon, and is distinc-
tively one of the representative physicians and surgeons of the Upper
Peninsula.
Dr. Walter Rawley Hicks was born in the city of Appleton, Wis-
consin, on the 27th of May, 1865, and is a son of Dr. John F. and
Jennie (McPherson) Hicks. His father was born in Kent county, the
province of Ontario, Canada, on the 27th of May, 1838, and was the
eldest of the nine children of Thomas and Margaret (Fullerton) Hicks,
who continued to reside in the Dominion of Canada until their death.
Dr. John F. Hicks gained his early educational training in the schools
of his native province and for some time he was a successful teacher
in the public schools. In 1865 he was graduated in the University of
Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and in the following summer he engaged in
the practice of his profession in Kent county, Ontario, where he re-
mained until 1878, when he removed with his family to Menominee,
Michigan, where he has since been engaged in active practice, being
one of the representative citizens of this section of the Upper Peninsula
and being identified with prominent professional organizations, includ-
ing the American Medical Association. He is of stanch Scotch and
Irish ancestry and the family was early founded in Ontario, Canada.
The Doctor served three terms as a member of the jMenominee board of
aldermen and in 1893-4 he represented this county in the state legisla-
ture. He was city health officer for the long period of eighteen years
and is at present incumbent of the office of county physician, which he
has held for twenty years. He is a Republican in politics and has at-
tained the chivalric degrees in the Masonic fraternity, in which he is
affiliated with the lodge, chapter, and coramandery in Menominee and
with the temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
In the year 1863, Dr. John F. Hicks was united in marriage to Miss
Jennie McPherson, who was born in Scotland and who was a child at
the time of her parents' removal to Appleton, Wisconsin. She wa'^ a
daughter of John and Jennie (McPherson) McPherson, both of whom
are now deceased, they having passed the closing years of their lives in
Trenton, New Jersey. Mrs. Jennie (McPherson) Hicks was born in the
year 1845, receiving a collegiate education at Appleton, Wisconsin, and
was a woman who gained and held the atfectionate regard of all who
came within the sphere of her gracious influence. She was summoned
to the life eternal in March, 1890. Of her four children, three are now-
living : Thomas Ernest, who is engaged in the lumber business in San
Francisco, California ; Dr. Walter R., who is the immediate subject of
i
I
^^Z^^te< ^. ^Yt^ckf
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1261
this sketch; Earl Stafford, who is associated with his brother in the
lumber business in San Francisco, California. In December, 1893, Dr.
John F. Hicks contracted a second marriage, being then united to Mr3.
Catherine Alice (Bates) Ramborger, who was born in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, in 1858, and who is a woman of culture and gracious
personality. Dr. and Mrs. Hicks have an adopted daughter, Caroline
Ramborger.
Dr. Walter R. Hicks, whose name introduces this sketch, gained his
rudimentary education in the public schools and was twelve years of
age at the time of the family removal to Menominee, where he con-
tinued his studies until he had completed the curriculum of the high
school and after which he entered Lake Forest University, at Lake
Forest, Illinois. He was matriculated in his father's alma mater, the
medical department of the University of Michigan, in which he was
graduated as a member of the class of 18 and from which he re-
ceived his degree of Doctor of Medicine. To further fortify himself
for his exacting profession, he then passed a year in effective post-
graduate and clinical work in the celebrated Bellevue Hospital in New
York City. In 1888 he returned to his home in Menominee, where he
has since been actively engaged in the work of his profession, with
whose advances he keeps in close and constant touch. He devotes spe-
cial attention to surgery, as has already been stated, and he is
incumbent of the position of United States marine surgeon for this
section. In 1907, the doctor completed a special course in the Post-
Graduate Medical College of New York City, where he gave his atten-
tion almost entirely to surgical work. Since that time he has also taken
a course in the city of Chicago. Dr. Hicks is identified with the Ameri-
can Medical Association, the Menominee County Medical Society and
the Fox River Medical Society, of which last mentioned he has served
as president for a number of years. He takes a lively interest in all
that pertains to the welfare and progress of his home city, is a stanch
Republican in his political proclivities, and both he and his Avife are
communicants of the Protestant Episcopal church.
On the 22nd of July, 1890, Dr. Walter R. Hicks was united in mar-
riage to Miss Esther Phalen, who was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin,
and who is a daughter of John Phalen, a native of England. Dr. and
Mrs. Hicks have two children,— Helen Ruth and Braxton.
James A. O'Neill. — Numbered among the rising young lawyers of
the Upper Peninsula is James A. O'Neill, of Ironwood, who is fast win-
ning for himself an honored name in the legal profession, his earnest
industry and persistency of purpose bringing him eminent success. A
son of John O'Neill, he was born, March 11, 1879, at Trenton, North-
umberland county, Province of Ontario, Canada, of excellent Irish stock,
his ancestry on the paternal side dating back several hundred years.
His grandfather, John O'Neill, Sr., was born and reared in county
Antrim, Ireland. In 1847, accompanied by his family, he emigrated
to Ontario, Canada, where he took up a tract of heavily timbered land
and at once began the pioneer labor of redeeming a farm from the
wilderness. Devoting his time to tilling the soil, he resided on his home-
stead until his death, at a ripe old age. He was a man of striking pres-
ence, six feet, four inches in height, tall and well proportioned, possess-
ing great physical strength and a vigorous constitution, one to be noticed
among a thousand. He married filary Mulvana, who was bom in county
Antrim, Ireland, and died on the home farm in Ontario.
John O'Neill, Jr., was born, in 1844, in county Antrim, Ireland, and
1262 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
when three years of age was brought by his parents to America. Trained
to habits of industry, he learned the trade of a butcher when young, and
after following it for some time in Trenton, Province of Ontario, re-
moved with his family to Wisconsin, settling in Hersey in 1882, where
he was engaged in the butchering business for many years, and where
he still resides, being now retired from active pursuits. His wife,
whose maiden name was ]\Iary Ann Anderson, was born in Colling-
w'ood, Ontario, a daughter of William and Mary Anderson. Emigrat-
in§E with his family to Canada, Mr. Anderson was a pioneer settler of
Collingwood. Although his means were quite limited, he soon secured
a tract of timbered land, and by dint of perserving energy and in-
dustry cleared and improved a farm. He was verj' successful, and as
he accumulated money, made judicious investments, bujdng other
farms, in course of time becoming an extensive and prosperous land-
holder. Ere his death, which occurred in 1909, at the age of eighty-
five years, he had witnessed the development of that section of the
country in which he had resided so many years from a wilderness to a
well improved land, teeming with riches, while he himself had risen
from a state of comparative poverty to one of affluence and influence.
Nine children were born to John O'Neill, Jr., and his wife, namely:
John, James A., Charles P., Ethel, Jane, Edmund, Sarah, Isabelle and
Agnes.
But three years old when his parents located in Wisconsin, James
A. O'Neill received the rudiments of his education in the district
schools of Hersey. Wliile yet a mere boy he began to work for wages,
having no idle moments after he was large enough to be of any use,
working at different times in the stone quarry, the lime kiln, the brick
yard, on the railroad, and in the mine. A persistent student, however,
he not only attended the district schools of Hersey, but continued his
studies at the Ironwood High School, utilizing every spare minute of
his time. Selecting law as his chosen profession, he entered the Uni-
versity of IMiehigan, at Ann Arbor, and was graduated from its Law
Department with the class of 1903. Going then to Duluth, Minnesota,
Mr. O'Neill was there in a law office for a year, gaining both knowl-
edge and valuable experience. Coming then to Gogebic county, he
located in Ironwood, opened a law office, and has since been here suc-
cessfully engaged in the practice of his profession, since 1906 having
been in partnership with C. G. Rogers, under the fii'm name of O'Neill
and Rogers. Fraternally ]\Ir. 0 'Neill is a member of Knights of Colum-
bus, of Huron, South Dakota.
Peter C. Audet.— In the advancement of the mining industries of
the Upper Peninsula men of ability and good judgment are especially
essential in official positions, and active among the number thus em-
ployed is Peter C. Audet, of Hancock, foreman at the Quincy Mine. A
Canadian by birth, he Avas born, December 2. 1860, in the parish of
St. Anselme, province of Quebec, coming from French ancestry. His
father, Onnesine Audet, and his grandfather, Peter Audet, were born
on the same farm, in that part of St. Anselme now called St. Gervais.
Quebec, Canada, on which Charles Audet. the great grandfather of
Peter C, settled on coming to America from France, his native land.
This farm which Charles Audet hewed from the wilderness is still
owned and occupied by one of his descendants, having remained in the
Audet famih^ all of these long years. There Peter Audet spent his
entire life, by dint of hard labor adding a little each year to the im-
provement of the estate.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1263
Onnesine Audet was well trained in the various branches of agri-
culture while young, residing with his parents until his marriage, when
his father gave him a farm in the parish of Saint Etienne. Disposing
of that land a few years later, he bought a larger farm near his birth-
place, and is there living at the present time, in 1910, an esteemed and
respected man of seventy-sis years. His wife, whose maiden name was
Mary Dion, was born in the parish in which he first saw the light of
this world, a daughter of Francois and Adal Dion, who were born in
Canada, of French descent, their union being solemnized December 25,
1858. On December 25, 1908, this happy couple celebrated their golden
wedding. Ten of their nineteen children grew to years of maturity,
as follows: Onnesine, Peter C, Francois, Joseph, Napoleon, John Bap-
tiste, Mary, Josephine, Alexina, and Phoebe.
Attending the district schools and helping on the farm until fifteen
years old, Peter C. Audet began learning the carpenter's trade, serving
an apprenticeship of three or more years. Coming to Michigan in
1879, he spent the winter in Hancock, the following spring going to
Lake Linden, where he followed his trade about six months. Embark-
ing then in mining pursuits, Mr. Audet worked at the Nonesuch Mine,
in Ontonagon county, two yeai"s, and at the Belt mines two years. Lo-
cating then in Hancock, Houghton county, he was in the employ of a
contractor four years. Since that time Mr. Audet has been associated
with the Quincy Mining Company, having been a workman in the stamp
mill three years, then assistant foreman for awhile, afterwards being
promoted to his present responsible position as foreman of the mine,
his previous experience as assistant foreman at the mine well fitting
him for this important and responsible office.
Mr. Audet married, in 1884, Josephine Duclau, a native of Rock-
land, Michigan, being a daughter of ]\Iichael and Mary Ann (Char-
bonau) Duclau, who were born in Canada, of French lineage. Mr.
Duclau located in Detroit, Michigan, on coming to the States, from
there removing with his family to Rockland. Soon after the breaking
out of the Civil war he enlisted in defense of his adopted country, and
after serving two years was granted a furlough, and came home to
visit his family and friends. Returning to the Army at the expiration
of his furlough, he was never again heard from. Mr. and Mrs. Audet
are the parents of eight children, namely : Selma, Elsie, Joseph, Charles,
Phoebe, Peter, Blanche, and Georgie. Selma married Edward Brous-
seau, and they have two children.
R. P. SoRENSON.— Especially worthy of mention in a work of this
character is R. P. Sorenson, of Menominee, senior member of the well
known firm of Sorenson & Wheaton, proprietors of a well-stocked and
finely-kept meat market at No. 2309 Broadway. He was born, in 1866, in
Denmark and from Danish ancestors inherited those traits of industry,
honesty and thrift that command success in the business world. In
1877, having laid a substantial foundation for his future education in
his native land, he came to this country, at once locating in Menominee,
Michigan, which has since been his home.
In his earlier life, Mr. Sorenson was for a number of years in the
employ of the K. C. Company, afterwards working for Magnus Nelson.
Becoming thoroughly acquainted with the details of the meat business,
Mr. Sorenson subsequently formed a partnership with Mr. Wheaton, and
these gentlemen have since built up a lucrative trade as dealers in meat
and provisions, their market being one of the best equipped and most
generally patronized of any in the city.
Vol. in^is
126i THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Prominent and influential in the administration of public affairs,
Mr. Sorenson has represented his ward as a member of the County Board
of Supervisors for many years, and has served that body as chairman
pro tem most acceptably, and as chairman of several important commit-
tees has served with credit to himself and to the honor and satisfaction
of his constituents. Fraternally Mr. Sorenson is a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows; of the Modern Woodmen of America;
and of the Danish Brotherhood, of wliich he was for many years the
president.
Hon. A. J. Scott. — Energetic, clear-sighted, and keenly alive to the
questions of the day, Hon. A. J. Scott has been prominently identified
with the history of Houghton county for upwards of forty-five years,
during which time he has contributed very largely toward the prog-
ress and prosperity of the now thriving city of Hancock. He has
been among the foremost in the inaugviration of beneficial enterprises,
and as organizer, practically, of the first fire company in Houghton
county became, in pioneer days, a public benefactor. He is active
and popular in social and business circles, and has served most effi-
ciently as chief of the fire department the greater part of the time
since its organization.
A native of Canada, Mr. Scott was born, in 1848, near London,
Ontario. Left fatherless Avhen an infant, he spent his early life with
relatives in Wisconsin, acquiring his early education in the public
schools. In the fall of 1863, a smooth-faced boy, he enlisted in Com-
pany D, Fifty-second "Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, which was at-
tached to the Seventeenth Army Coi*ps, and with his comrades served
in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia, taking part in various engage-
ments. Continuing in the army after the close of the war, he assisted
in guarding the men employed in the construction of the Union Pacific
Railroad from the attacks of the Indians, remaining in the West until
December, 1865.
Locating in the LTpper Peninsula early in 1866, Mr. Scott was first
employed in a saw mill in Houghton county, afterwards being clerk
in the drug store of M. J. McGurren at Hancock. After the burning,
in 1869, of ]\Ir. McGurren 's store, when the whole city was destroyed
by fire, Mr. Scott opened a store of his own near the present site of
the building in which the First National Bank is now housed. Mr.
Scott started in a small Avay and was actively engaged in the drug
business for years, the drug establishment which he recently sold be-
ing the best-stocked, and most completely-equipped of any in Hough-
ton county.
Having written the notices posted by Christ Benner calling the cit-
izens together, a fire department was formed in Hancock in 1870, and
Mr. Scott was made fire chief, a position which he has held almost
continuously since, his efficient services in this capacity being recog-
nized and highly appreciated. In 1882, by request of the village coun-
cil, Mr. Scott reorganized the Fire Department, limiting its member-
ship to twenty men, the salary of each to be five dollars a month, and
all of the neighboring towns have since adopted Mr. Scott's plan.
Mr. Scott is superintendent of the City Water Works, as such in-
stalling the first pumping station in 1890, and in 1902 putting in the
neAv pump with its increased size, adding much more than its actual
value to its usefidness as a protector of property. He is a member of
the Upper Peninsula Firemen's Association, which he helped organ-
ize and of which he is an ex-president. Conspicuous in the manage-
i
THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1265
ment of local affairs, Mr. Scott served as president of the village of
Hancock and has the distinction of having been elected the first mayor
of the city after it was incorporated. He was mayor for fourteen
years. He was also supervisor of Hancock township for twenty-six
years from 1879 to 1903, being the oldest man on the Board, his long
record of service bespeaking his ability and trustworthiness. He is
associated with several financial organizations, being vice-president
of the First National Bank of Hancock ; one of the directorate of the
Superior Trust Company ; president of the Eva Mining Company ; and
one of the directors of the Hancock Loan, Mortgage and Insurance
Company, which was incorporated in 1892. He has been veiy promi-
nent in the upbuilding of the city, in addition to having erected twenty
or more dwelling houses in Hancock, he built, and still owns, Hotel
Scott, a large brick building, five stories in height, modernly equipped
throughout, the Scott Block which he built in 1880 and several other
buildings.
Mr. Scott married Miss Sally Clouse, of Philadelphia, a niece of
the late R. H. Brelsford, and of their union three daughters have
been born : Flossie, who married L. E. Ives ; Lillian and Jean ; the
two youngest are still at home. Fraternally Mr. Scott is a member of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is adjutant of E. R.
Stiles Post, No. 174, G. A. R., which he assisted in organizing in 1885.
Loins N. Legris.— With conscientious fidelity devoting his energies
to the duties of his profession, and to the special interests of his numer-
ous clients, Louis N. Legris has attained a secure position among the
successful attorneys of Houghton, and is numbered among its most re-
spected citizens. A son of Moses Legris, Jr., he was born in Bourbon-
nais, Kankakee county, Illinois. According to a well-established tra-
dition, the emigrant ancestor from whom he is descended was a native
of France, and came to America about 1735, locating at Three Rivers,
Canada, in pioneer days. He reared two sons, and both served as sol-
diers in the French Army, fighting against the British. One was cap-
tured by the enemy, and taken to the Southern states, where he settled
permanently, his descendants being now scattered throughout the South
and West. The other son made good his escape, went back to Canada,
opened a blacksmith's shop at Three Rivers, and there spent his remain-
ing years.
Moses Legris, Sr., the grandfather of Louis N., was born and reared
in Three Rivers, Canada. As a young man he felt the call of the western
prairies, and about 1832 removed to Illinois, becoming the first perma-
nent settler of Kankakee county. He was well educated, and for several
years was in the employ of the Government, assisting in the meantime in
the survey of Kankakee and adjoining Illinois counties. In 1848, again
seized by the wanderlust, he crossed the country to California, being
several months on the way. At the end of five years he returned to his
home in Illinois, making an overland trip home. Fortunate in his in-
vestments, he acquired extensive tracts of land in Kankakee county, and
was there a resident until his death.
Bom at Bourbonnais, Illinois, Moses Legris, Jr., was reared to agri-
cultural pursuits, and became a farmer from choice, being now one of
the most extensive general farmers and stock-raisers of Kankakee county,
having a large and valuable estate. He married Aurelia Brosseau, who
was bom in Aurora, Illinois, a daughter of Antoine Brosseau, natives of
Canada, and of French ancestry. Six children were born of their union,
as follows: Louis N., D. G., Lionel, Edgar S., Joe L., and Paul L.
1266 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Receiving his preparatory education in Bourbonnais, Illinois, at St.
Viateur College, wliieh he attended from the age of four and one-half
years until his graduation, Louis N. Legris then entered the Illinois
Wesleyan University, at Bloomington. Three weeks later he lost his
eyesight, and for eight weeks was totally blind. The following three
years, being forced to refrain from study, he took charge of his father's
farm, and enjoyed the life as can one only who has a genuine love for
horses and cattle. Re-entering the Illinois Wesleyan Univeraity in 1897,
Mr. Legris was there graduated from the Law Department with the
class of 1900, and in May of that year was admitted to the bar of Illinois
in Chicago. In October, 1900, he located at Houghton, and has since
been in active practice of his profession in this city, having by his legal
skill and ability won an excellent and lucrative patronage.
Fraternally Mr. Legris is a member of Hancock Council, No. 692,
K. of C. ; and of Hancock Lodge, No. 381, B. P. 0. E. He likewise be-
longs to St. John the Baptist Society, of Hancock. Politically he in-
variably supports the principles of the Republican party by voice and
vote. He is now serving as Circuit Court Commissioner, an office to
which he was elected in 1908.
Dr. Oscar C. Breitenbach. — After occupying for sometime a place
of prominence and influence among the foremost medical men of Delta
county, where he acquired an enviable reputation for professional skill
and knowledge, Dr. Oscar C. Breitenbach, of Escanaba, has accepted
the surgeonship of the William Bonifas Lumber Company and the
United Logging Company at Bonifas, the new town founded by Wil-
liam Bonifas. A close student of the science and ethics of sanitation as
applied to our every day life, Dr. Breitenbach, as Escanaba 's health
officer, showed marked ability and practical sense, devising measures
for removing, or at least reducing to a minimum, the conditions and
elements that have in the past been such a menace to the life and health
of the residents of this city, his war upon typhoid fever and its kindred
diseases having attracted the attention of scientists in all parts of the
state and country. His official report as health commissioner made in
1907 to the mayor and common council of Escanaba, was vigorous and
pointed, showing that a thorough investigation of the causes leading
to the epidemic which had proved so fatal had been made, and that a
sane solution of the sanitary problem with which the city was then
wrestling was easily possible. That it was largely through the doc-
tor's suggestions and influence the death rate of the city has since been
materially reduced is an acknowledged fact, and if his advice in regard
to establishing an abundant supply of pure milk and water, and of
removing causes detrimental to the cleanliness of the place, is closely
followed, Escanaba will soon attain her rightful position among the
most healthful and desirable residential cities of the Northern
Peninsula.
Dr. Breitenbach was born, February 26, 1878, in Cedarburg, Wis-
consin, of honored German ancestry. His father, Peter Breitenbach,
was born in Germany, at Bingen on the Rhine, and was there brought
up and educated. In early manhood, sometime in the "forties," he
emigrated to the United States, locating in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, as a
pioneer, and there owned and operated a flour mill until his death,
when but forty-eight years of age. He married Julia Quade, who was
born in Stettin, Germany, and came to Wisconsin with a sister. She
is still living, being now seventy-one years old. Of their lai-ge family
of eight children, there was but one daughter, and she died in infancy.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1267
The seventh son in succession of birth of the parental household,
Oscar C. Breitenbach, received his elementary education in Cedarburg'
being graduated from the high school under the instruction of Prof!
Charles Lau; afterwards worked for three years in a general store in
that city. At the age of seventeen years he entered the State Normal
School at Oshkosh, where he took the scientific course, being graduated
with the class of 1899. Going to Ann Arbor in the fall of that year,
he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, and
was there graduated in 1903 with the degree of M. D. During his
senior year he served under Professor Charles DeNancrede on the sur-
gical staff of the University Hospital, obtaining a practical experience
that was of inestimable value to him in his professional capacity.
Locating immediately in Chicago, Dr. Breitenbach was appointed
instructor in diseases of the chest at the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons, in the meantime residing at Buena Park, where he built up a
fine practice, and also having an office in the city proper, at 100 State
Street. In May, 1904, the doctor took up his residence in Escanaba,
,and there built up a remunerative practice, by his wisdom and skill in
treating diseases winning the trust and confidence of the community.
Being appointed health commissioner by Major A. J. Valentine he im-
mediately began his health crusade at a time when typhoid was claim-
ing victim after victim. Dr. Breitenbach has also taken a prominent
part in national health matters. In the spring of 1908, at the sugges-
tion of Commissioner W. A. Evans, the doctor was invited to address
the Lake Michigan Water Commission, at Grand Rapids, where he gave
a heart to heart talk that was productive of much good, and the same
year he presented a paper full of broad thought and wise suggestions
before the American Medical Association, at its meeting in Chicago.
He served as health commissioner until 1907, and on October 5, 1909,
he was appointed, at the recommendation of the Business Men's Asso-
ciation, Director of the Municipal Laboratory for which he eagerly
fought. The completion of a modern 6,000,000 gallon filter plant and
its supervision by a municipal laboratory was the triumph of his labors
in Escanaba. His meritorious work led to the acceptance of the sur-
geonship for the William Bonifas Lumber Company.
In his present position Dr. Breitenbach will have charge of the
health of approximately 400 men now in the employ of the lumber com-
panies in that district and it is his purpose to within a short time es-
tablish a hospital at Watersmeet, where plans are being made by the
William Bonifas Lumber Company to establish a mammoth sawmill in
addition to the one the company is now operating at Bonifas.
Dr. Breitenbach is a member of various medical societies, including
the American, the Mid-state, and the Delta County Medical Associa-
tions. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He married
November 9, 1903, Margaret M. Foley, a daughter of M. Foley, a pioneer
resident of Evanston, Illinois, and of Chicago.
Edward Demar. — Endowed by nature with much mechanical skill
and artistic tastes, and the possessor of good business ability and judg-
ment, Edward Demar ranks among the leading architects of Sault Ste.
Marie. During the twenty-five years that he has been a resident of
the Upper Peninsula, he has superintended the erection of many of
its larger and more imposing buildings, and is well and favorably
known in many of the larger cities of this section of the country. A
native of Vermont, he was born, July 10, 1864, at Rouse's Point, com-
ing on the paternal side of substantial New England ancestry.
1268 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
John Demar, his father, was born, in 1885, in Vermont, among its
green and rugged hills growing to man's estate. During his earlier
life he was master mechanic for the Vermont Central, or, as it is now
called, the Central A^ermont Railway. During the early '80s he re-
moved with his family to Toronto. Ontario, where he was employed as
a contractor and builder until his death, in 1898. He was a stanch
Democrat in politics, and a faithful member of the Methodist Episco-
pal church. He married Elizabeth Garton, who was bom in London,
England, in 1843, and is now living in Toronto. Ontario. Four daugh-
ters and three sous blessed their union, and of these the sons survive,
as follows: Edward, the special subject of this brief sketch; and "Walter
and Clifford, residing in Toronto, Ontario.
A regular attendant of the public schools betAveen the ages of six
years and fifteen years, Edward Demar acquired a practical education
in the necessary branches of study. Subsequently making good use of
his native talent, he studied architecture in Toronto, and there en-
gaged in business as an architect. He was afterwards employed for
awhile in AVinnipeg, Alanitoba, as a draftsman, and in 1884 engaged in
business for himself in Brandon and Regina. Coming to the LTpper
Peninsula in 1886, Mr. Demar located a main office in Alarquette, and
opened branch offices at Ishpeming and Hancock. Beginning work
immediately, he erected many buildings of prominence, including the
Clifton Hotel, and many other public buildings and residences in Alar-
quette ; the Superior Savings Bank Building, and the Catholic Convent
in Hancock ; and numei-ous large public and private buildings in Hough-
ton and Calumet. Going then to AViseonsin. Air. Demar made his head-
quarters at Alilwaukee for two years, being a member of the firm of
Charlton, Gilbert & Demar. AA'ithdrawing from that firm in 1901, Air.
Demar opened an office at Sault Ste. Alarie that year, and subsequently
erected the Alasonic Temple, the Newton Block, the Presbyterian church,
and the Loretto Academy, and in 1903 erected the Adams Building,
the finest office and bank building in the Upper Peninsula. Air. Demar
has likewise other financial interests, being associated with R. AV. Mur-
dock in the Canadian Soo.
Air. Demar married, August 28, 1890, Kate Hoffenbacher, who was
born in England, the birthplace of her parents, John AV. and Hannah
Hoffenbacher. Coming with his family to the United States during the
'70s, Air. Hoffenbacher opened a bakery business in Hancock, Alich-
igan, and there spent the remainder of his life. He was a man of fine
character, and a member of the English church. Air. and Airs. Demar
have three children, namely : Howard J., Evelyn Branch, and Edward,
Jr. The latter is deceased. Politically a fii-m supporter of the prin-
ciples of the Republican party. Air. Demar has never been an aspirant
for official honors, his business interests demanding his entire atten-
tion. Fraternally he is a member of Lodge No. 552, B. P. O. E. Re-
ligiously he belongs to the Episcopal church.
Edwin AI. AIonroe. — Inheriting in no small measure the sterling
traits of industry, honesty and thrift that characterized his English
ancestors, Edwin AI. AIonroe occupies a notewortI:y position among
the substantial and respected citizens of Ironwood, which has been
his home since pioneer days. A native of Alichigan, he was born,
December 7, 1838, at Alount Clemens, Alacomb county, a son of AA'illiam
AIonroe. His grandfather. Royal AIonroe, a native of England, emi-
grated with his brothers, Samuel and Nathaniel, to America when
young. He lived for a time in AValpole, New Hampshire, from there
I
& Aji^fih-
c^f-'yfi-e^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1269
moving to Crown Point, New York, and thence to Oreenville, Mont-
calm county, Michigan, where he spent his last years. His wife,
whose maiden name was Betsey Seaver, was born in Walpole, New
Hampshire, and spent her last days at Crown Point, New York.
William Monroe was born, July 9, 1806, in Walpole, NeAv Hamp-
shire, but was brought up in Crown Point, New York, where he began
life as a sawyer in a mill. Migrating to Michigan in 1832, he came
by way of the Erie canal and the Great Lakes to Detroit, thence by
team to Mount Clemens, becoming one of the original householders of
that place. After operating a saw mill for a few years, he bought,
in 1848, a near-by farm, only two miles from the city, and was there
engaged in tilling the soil until his death, February 11, 1868, at the
age of sixty-two years. He married Polly Turner, who was born in
the province of Quebec, Canada, a daughter of Thomas and Jemima
(Woodworth) Turner. Her father was born, it is thought, in Ver-
mont, but resided a number of years in Canada, from there moving to
Crown Point, New York, then to ]\Iount Clemens, Michigan, where
his death occurred at the age of seventy-seven years. Mr. and Mrs.
William Monroe reared six children, namely : Augustus, Thomas, Cyn-
thia, Edwin M., James E. and Laura. All of the sons served in the
Civil war, belonging to the Twenty-second Michigan Volunteer In-
fantry, Thomas being killed at the battle of Chickamauga.
Reared on the home farm, Edwin M. Monroe remained with his
parents until after the breaking out of the Civil war. On August 11,
1862, he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-second Michigan Volunteer
Infantry, went south, and was with his regiment in all of its expe-
riences with the exception of eleven days, among the more important
engagements in which he took an active part having been the
following : Those at Danville, Kentucky ; at Nashville and Stone
River, Tennessee ; at Lookout Mountain, better known as the Battle
Above the Clouds ; at Eagle ^Mountain ; at the siege and capture of
Atlanta, after which, his regiment being assigned to Hood's army, he
fought at Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Monroe was twice
wounded, once being hit in the neck by a sharpshooter when he was
out foraging, and once, while guarding the levee, meeting with an ac-
cident which kept him in confinement eleven days. On July 11, 1865,
he was honorably discharged from service.
Returning home, Mr. Monroe purchased seventy-seven acres of
timber land adjoining his father's estate, made an opening in the
woods, and erected a log house. Selling out in 1869, he went to
Keeseville, New York, where he learned the carpenter's trade and was
busily employed for nearly a score of years. An expert workman,
he built the first flight of stairs that led doAvn the Au Sable Chasm, a
rope held by a man above being fastened around his waist while he
was thus dangerously employed. In 1887, while all of this part of
the country was in its virgin wildness, he came to the new town of
Ironwood, which was then a part of Ontonagon county, and immedi-
ately began to work at his trade, being extensively and profitably en-
gaged as a contractor and builder until 1905. Since that time, being
afflicted with rheumatism, he has lived retired from active pursuits.
In 1889 he was appointed sexton of the Iromvood Cemetery, and has
held the position ever since. From his boyhood days, Avhen cheerfully
each morning he walked five miles through the woods to reach the
little log schoolhouse in which he obtained his first knowledge of
books, Mr. Monroe has been a good reader and an intelligent ob-
server, gaining a vast fund of general information and keeping m
1270 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
touch with current events, taking a great interest in the public wel-
fare.
On October 10, 1865, Mr. Monroe married Lucy M. Gaines, who
was born at Au Sable, Clinton county, New York, August 12, 1840, a
daughter of Hiram Gaines and grand-daughter of Frederick Gaines.
Her great-grandfather, Jude Gaines, the descendant of a Scotch fam-
ily, was for many years a prominent resident of New Hampshire.
Frederick Gaines was born at Canaan, New Hampshire, and there
was bred and educated. An iron manufacturer by trade, he conducted
business at Pittsfield, Massachusetts for a while, subsequently being
similarly engaged both in Essex and in Clinton county. New York, his
death occurring in the latter county in 1848. His wife, whose maiden
name was Azubah Simmons, survived him and died in 1868. Born in
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Hiram Gaines was an iron manufacturer
in his early life, but afterwards turned his attention to agricultural
pursuits, and he died on his farm in Essex county, New York, in Jan-
uary, 1864. He married Sarah Monroe, who was born at Crown Point,
New York, a daughter of Royal and Betsey Monroe, and died, in April,
1891, at Keeseville, New York. She reared eight children, as follows:
Lavina M. ; Jane I. ; William H. ; Abram, who enlisted in Company I,
Seventy-seventh New York Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war,
and died while in service ; Lucy M., now Mrs. Monroe ; Emily Ann ;
Clarinda; and Fred. Mr. Monroe cast his first presidential vote for
Abraham Lincoln, and has since been a Republican and a strong advo-
cate for temperance. He belongs to General Pleasanton Post, No. 429,
G. A. R. ; to Ironwood Lodge, No. 149, I. 0. 0. F. ; to Gogebic Encamp-
ment ; to Iron Ore Tent, K. O. T. M. ; to the Sons of Malta ; and to Iron
Wood Grange. Both Mr. and Mrs. M:onroe are members of Lily of the
Valley Lodge, No. 240, Daughters of Rebekah.
John Funkey. — Industrious, capable, and enterprising, John Fun-
key holds a position of note among the prosperous business men of
Hancock, where he has built up an extensive patronage as a plumber
^nd a dealer in hardware. A native of Germany, he was born, Decem-
er 12, 1839, in Westphalia, the birthplace of his father. Prof. John
Funkey, and the life-long home of his grandparents.
Talented and accomplished. Prof. John Funkey received a fine liter-
ary and musical education in the Fatherland, and was there engaged in
teaching school until 1843. In that year, accompanied by his wife
and six children, he came in a sailing vessel to America, after a weari-
some voyage of nine weeks landing in Baltimore, Maryland. Making his
way westward to Michigan, he located in Detroit, where he was success-
fully employed as a teacher, and a tuner of organs and pianos, until his
death in 1851. His wife survived him, and in 1857 removed to Hoiaghton,
Michigan, where she spent her last days at the home of a daughter. To
her and her husband six children were born, as follows : Josephine, who
married first August Weber, and married second Casper Schulte ; Eliz-
abeth, wife of Fred Seeger; Joseph; John, the subject of this sketch;
Casper ; and Minna, wife of Michael Gitzen.
A lad of four years when he came with his parents to Michigan,
John Funkey was educated in the public schools of Detroit, and in
1855 began learning the machinist's trade in Detroit. Coming to the
Upper Peninsula in 1857, he completed his apprenticeship at the Cliff
Mine, after which he worked for a time at the Portage Lake Machine
Shop. He was subsequently engineer and master mechanic at the
Franklin, Menard, Pewabie, Osceola, Allouez, and Wolverine mines.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1271
In 1891, having previously operated the Franklin Mill for awhile, Mr.
Funkey went to Great Falls, jMontana, Avhere he erected a steam stamp
mill, which he operated three years. Returning to Hancock, ^Michigan,
in 1894, he embarked in the hardware, heating and plumbing business,
which he has conducted successfully ever since, having a good business.
Mr. Funkey married, in 1860, Catherine Ester, who was born in the
city of Andernach, on the River Rhine, Germany. Her father, Math-
ias Ester, a native of the same village, came with his family to the
United States, locating first in Detroit, Michigan, then at Eagle River,
Keweenaw county, from there going to Marytown, Fond du Lac county,
"Wisconsin, where he bought land, and was actively engaged in farm-
ing during the remainder of his active career. He spent his last days
in Hancock, with Mr. and Mrs. Funkey, dying at the venerable age of
eighty-four years. Four daughters and eight sons blessed the mar-
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Funkey, namely : Josephine, Louisa, Gertrude,
Sophia, John F., Henry C, August J., William M., George F., Frank O.,
Charles, Howard. Josephine, who married John j\Iunn, died at the age
of forty-seven years, leaving four children, Ethel, Gertrude, Violet, and
May. Louisa, wife of Horace Hall, has one child, Horace. John F.
married ]\Iinnie Wagner, and they have three children, Florence, Le
Roy, and Lyman. Henry C. married Amelia Dritler, and they are the
parents of two children, Henry and Ruth. August married May
Oeanal. William married Ellen Merrick. Frank; married Bessie Whit-
comb, and they have two children, Esther and Franklin.
David G. Povey. — Prominent among the well known and most highly
respected residents of Sault Ste. Marie is David G. Povey, Inspector in
the United States Immigration service, his home being at 527 East
Spruce Street. A son of William Povey, he was born, April 23rd, 1857,
at Barrie, Simcoe county, Ontario, Canada, of English ancestry.
William Povey was bom in Devonshire, England, in 1827, and as
a young man emigrated to America, locating in Barrie, Simcoe county,
Canada, where he established the first blacksmith's shop opened in that
part of the province. He built up a substantial business, employing at
times as many as seven men in his smithy. He was a great lover of
good horses, owning several fiiae ones, and was especially expert in
shoeing race horses, his services being in great demand by the turf
men. He continued his residence in Barrie until his death, November
21, 1882, when but fifty-five years of age. He married in Barrie, Char-
lotte Partridge, who spent her entire life in that town, her birth occur-
ring in 1831, and her death in 1876. To them four children were born,
namely: Charles H., who served in the Union Army during the Civil
war, died in 1897 ; Annie, wife of James R. Jennett, of Detroit, Mich-
igan; John H., the first government light keeper on Hay Lake, was
drowned in Hay Lake; and David G., the subject of this sketch.
After completing his early education, David G. Povey remained be-
neath the parental roof tree until seventeen years of age, when he be-
gan working in a general store, receiving four dollars a month wages
the first year. Going then to Detroit, where his sister was living, he
was for three months employed in a sash and blind factory, and then
went to Corunna, Michigan, where he was similarly employed for a
time. Going over into Indiana from there, he remained a short time
in Lafayette, and then proceeded to Indianapolis, finding employment
there in a factory engaged in the manufacture of school and church
furniture. Mr. Povey subsequently worked for a time in the Avood
working department of the Howe Sewing Machine Company, at Peru,
1272 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Indiana. On I\Iay 16, 1877, he located at Sanlt Ste. ]\Iarie, and soon
after began farming with his brother in Chippewa county, near the
Soo. He subsequently helped build the log school house in District
No. 2, Saulte Ste. ]Marie township, it being afterwards replaced by a
substantial brick building now standing on 'Sir. Povey's farm. He
taught the second term of school taught in that district, and subse-
quently taught four consecutive winters in the old log schoolhouse.
Mr. Povey then bought the south half of his brother's farm, but after-
wards sold it, and in the early "nineties"' bought the farm which he
now owns.
Four j'ears after his marriage, ]\Ir. Pove.y came to the Soo, built a
house for himself and family, and engaged in the carpentering busi-
ness. Returning then to his farm, he resided on it until 1898, when he
was appointed Inspector of Customs for the United States, remaining
in that department four and one-half years. He was then transferred
to his present position as Immigration Inspector, in which capacity he
has performed the duties devolving upon him with ability and fidelity,
being one of the best and most popular men on the force.
Jlr. Povey married. November 21, 1882. Carrie A. Sliepard. who was
born in Canada, on the shores of Lake Simcoe, a daughter of Israel
Shepard. Mr. Shepard was born in Ireland, and when a mere boy came
with his parents across the ocean to Canada, where he grew to man-
hood, and for a few years was engaged in general farming. ]\Iigrat-
ing with his family to Chippewa county, Michigan, in 1879, he located
in Bruce township, on the Pickford road, where he located a homestead.
Another man laid claim to the land, and its ownership was contested
in the courts, being settled in Mr. Shepard "s favor at the end of seven
years. From this forest-covered tract of land he hewed a good farm,
and is there still engaged in tilling the soil. He married Jane Glass-
ford, and to them five children have been born, namely : John "W.. Car-
rie A., now Jlrs. Povey: Sarah J.; Annie L. ; and Percy H.
Eight children blessed the union of ilr. and Mrs. Povey. three of
whom died in infancy, the others being as follows : Charles W., who
was drowned in Hay Lake when seventeen years of age: Etta, attend-
ing the State Normal School; Mamie, wife of Henry "\Vai-field. died in
November, 1909, at Grand Rapids, ]\Iichigan ; Wellington H.. in the
high school ; and Ernest R.. attending school.
Politically ilr. Povey is a Republican, and has served two terms as
school inspector in the township, and two terms as township treasurer.
Fraternally he is a member of Bethel Lodge. No. 358, F. & A. M. ;
Lodge, No. 552, B. P. 0. E. ; also a member of the K. of P. and ilae-
cabees.
Edw.vrd F. "W. Neidiioi,d. — The able and substantial business men of
Gogebic county have no belter reiirescntalive than Etlward F. W.
Neidhold, the leading general merchant of Waketield and a member of
the County Board of Supervisors. A son of Carl N. Neidhold, he was
born, November 20, 1869, in Weyauwega, Waupaca county. Wisconsin,
of German ancestry.
Born in Saxony, (icniiany. Carl N. Xeidliold ami his brotlier. Fritz
Neidhold, were the only memlurs of the parental household to come to
this country, and it is not known for certainty that the latter made a
peimanent settlement in the I'nited States. Soon after completing an
apprenticeship at the cabinet maker's trade, Carl N. Neidhold left the
Fatherland, coming to America, the land, seemingly, of peace and
lilcnty. Desirous of establishing a home nf his own. he soon made his
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1273
way to the wilds of "Wisconsin, settling as a pioneer in AVeyauwega.
Buying from the government a tract of heavily timbered land, he be-
gan the arduous task of reclaiming a farm, laboring with untiring in-
dustry and true pioneer grit. In due course of time he cleared the
land, established his family in a comfortable home, and was there pros-
perously employed in agricultural pursuits for many years. Having
accumulated a competency, he is now living retired at Weyauwega,
Wisconsin, enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. He married Frede-
rika Winter, who was also born and educated in Saxony. Her father,
Samuel Winter, who was talented, cultured and progressive, differed
with his native government in some matters, and having expressed
himself too freely was for a time imprisoned. On being released, he
came with his family to the United States, and was an early settler of
Waushara county, Wisconsin. There he secured a tract of government
land, and on the farm which he cleared and improved, and which is
now in the possession of a son, he spent the remainder of his life. Mrs.
Carl N. Niedhold died in 1905. To her and her husband eleven chil-
dren were born, namely: Emma, Carrie, Minnie, Charles, Alvin, Ed-
ward F. W., Otto, Nora, Lydia, Addie and Oscar. Oscar died at the
age of nine years, and Carrie, Avhen thirty-nine years old.
Acquiring a practical education in the public schools, Edward F.
W. Niedhold began when a boy to assist in his father's store, and in
1885 became a clerk in a drug store. Coming to Wakefield in 1889, he,
in partnership with his brother Charles, was for ten years engaged in
the provision business, having an extensive trade. In 1899 Mr. Neid-
hold Avith others organized the Wakefield Store Company, buying
from the Stannard Brothers their general store, which was the pioneer
mercantile establishment of the village, and was at once elected presi-
dent of the company. In 1902 he was made general manager of the
concern, and under his wise supervision the business is extensive and
highly remunerative. His store is well stocked with fancj'' and staple
groceries, provisions of all kinds, while its varied assortment of gen-
eral merchandise contains almost everything demanded by the up-to-
date housekeeper.
]\Ir. Neidhold married, in 1896, Retta Christiansen, Avho was born
in Appleton, Wisconsin, a daughter of David and Maiy (Davis) Chris-
tiansen, natives respectively of Norway and Wales. Two children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Neidhold, Carl and Gladys. Mrs.
Neidhold is a most estimable woman and a valued member of the Con-
gregational church. Fraternally ]Mr. Neidhold is a member of Besse-
mer Lodge No. 390, F. & A. M. ; of Minerva Chapter No. 122, R. A. M. ;
of Gogebic Commandery No. 46, K. T. ; and of Ahmed Temple, Mystic
Shrine, of Marciuette.
Roberts P. Hudson.— Distinguished not only for the high standing
he has achieved among the active and successful lawyers of the Upper
Peninsula, but as a descendant on both sides of the house of honored
pioneer families of Llichigan, Roberts P. Hudson, of Sault Ste. jMarie,
is eminently deserving of special mention in a work of this character.
A son of EdA\an Hudson, he was born in Howell, Livingston county,
Michigan, September 9, A. D. 1872. His paternal grandfather, Dr.
Alanson Hudson, located at Farmington, Oakland county, I\Iichigan,
in pioneer times, was there engaged in the practice of medicine many
years, and was one of the most prominent of the older physicians in
the vicinity of Detroit and Wayne county. He subsequently moved to
Lansing, Michigan, where his last days were spent.
1274 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Edwin Hudson was born December 19, A. D. 1850, in Farmington,
Michigan, and after leaving the public schools began studying medicine
with his father. During the progress of the Civil War, although but a
boy, he enlisted in the Twentieth Volunteer Infantry, and on October
20th, A. D. 1864, was commissioned by Governor Henry H. Crapo, first
lieutenant of his company. He served until the close of the war, but
his brother Herbert, a soldier in the same regiment, was stricken with
fever while in the army, and died in the service. Returning to Lansing,
Michigan, where his parents had in the meantime located, Edwin Hud-
son embarked in mercantile pursuits. Subsequently taking up his
residence in Howell, Livingston county, he carried on a substantial
business as a general merchant and a grain dealer until 1880, remov-
ing then to Flint, Michigan, he was the first Secretary of the United
Commercial Travelers of America, and from that time until his death,
April 2, A. D. 1898, he traveled for Scotten & Company, a wholesale
tobacco firm of Detroit. He was a Republican in politics, a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic, and belonged to Howell Lodge,
A. F. & A. M. ; and to Howell Commandery, K. T.
Edwin Hudson married Frances ]\Iartha Griswold, who was born
in Detroit, Michigan, and died in Flint, Michigan, in 1889, leaving five
children, as follows: Roberts P., the special subject of this sketch;
Mary C, wife of George B. Church, of Reno, Nevada ; Alanson, of San
Antonio, Texas; Sarah, wife of Charles Angel, of Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia, and Frances, wife of C. L. Miner, of Rochester, New York. Her
father, Hon. George R. Griswold, represented the Firet district of
Wayne county, Michigan, in the state legislature in 1848 and 1849, and
again in 1853 and 1854, while her uncle, Elisha Roberts, was the first
person appointed prosecuting attorney of Chippewa county, receiving
his appointment when the county extended into the Copper region, his
headquarters having: been at Houghton, Michigan.
After receiving his diploma at the high school in Flint, Michigan,
Roberts P. Hudson found employment as reporter for the Flint Even-
ing Journal, a newspaper published at Flint, and having taken an active
interest in polities was appointed bill clerk of the J\Iiehigan senate, in
which position he served during the legislative session of 1895 at the
age of twenty-two years. In July, 1896, he received an appointment
as clerk in the office of the state board of health at Lansing, Michigan,
and working under the directions of Dr. Henry B. Baker, then secre-
tary of the state board of health, edited a number of papers published
by the board on sanitary statistics, and during his employment in that
office, compiled the public health laws for the state of Michigan. Dur-
ing that period he was also one of the owners and publishers of the
"Clack Book," a monthly magazine, published at Lansing, Michigan,
and after studjdng law out of office hours, he entered the law de-
partment of the University of Michigan and passing the state bar ex-
amination was admitted to the Michigan bar on April 13, A. D. 1900.
He began practicing law while in Lansing, and on April 13, A. D. 1901,
located at Sault Ste. INIarie, where he has been actively and prosperously
engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1903 he became associated
in business with Albert B. Davidson under the firm name of Davidson
& Hudson. He belongs to both the Chippewa County Bar Association
and the Michigan State Bar Association, fraternally he is a member of
the Bethal Lodge 358, F. & A. M. of Sault Ste. Marie, Chapter 126,
R. A. 1\I. and of Sault Ste. Marie Commandery 45, K. T., which he
has served for several years as Captain General; he is also a member
of the Knights of Pythias, Red Cross Lodge, No. 51. Politically he is a
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1275
strong Republican and while he has never been a candidate for office
he has been intimately associated with local and state politics for a
number of years and has served the community in which he lives as a
member of the local board of health since 1901.
Mr. Hudson married October 16th, A. D. 1899, Ella Porter Bowen,
the only child of Ozro A. and Ella Porter Bowen, both belonging to
pioneer families. The Porter family being one of the oldest of th'i
numerous migrations from New York to this state and were for many
years among the most prominent in the business history of Branch
county. Mr. Bowen was for many years a resident of Lansing, later
resided in the state of Washington, where he became one of its fore-
most citizens, serving the state as state treasurer, holding other impor-
tant political positions, and, returning to Michigan, has since resided
in Manistique, Schoolcraft county, where he has been active in public
and financial afi:airs; being one of the organizers of the Manistique
Savings Bank and having served two terms as county clerk and regis-
ter of deeds.
Nathaniel B. Parmelee.— One of the earlier settlers of Iron Moun-
tain, Nathaniel B. Parmelee now living retired from active pursuits,
was for many years a commanding figure in the industrial circles of
Dickinson county, and while following his chosen occupation of a con-
tractor and builder erected some of the most substantial business blocks
and residences to be found in the Upper Peninsula. Coming from
honored and patriotic New England stock, he was born, September 13,
1837, in Pittsford, Vt., which was likewise the birthplace of his father,
John Parmelee. His grandfather, Hezekiah Parmelee, was a native of
Massachusetts, while his great-grandfather, Simeon Parmelee, was bom,
in August, 1741, in Durham, Connecticut.
Enlisting as a soldier in the Revolutionary war in 1775, he served
in the expedition against Quebec, and while in Canada was stricken
with small-pox. He was immediately taken to Tieonderoga, where his
father-in-law, Nehemiah Hopkins, met him, and conveyed him through
the wilderness to Pittsford, Vermont. Recovering from his illness, he
rode to his home in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where he continued his
residence a few years longer. Removing with his family to Pittsford,
Vermont, in 1787, he purchased two hundred and twenty acres of land,
paying one hundred and sixty pounds for the tract. He resided there
. several years, but spent his last days in Westford, Vermont, dying May
3, 1820. His wife, whose maiden name was Hopkins, survived him,
passing away May 14, 1831.
Hezekiah Parmelee was bom, in 1775, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts,
and spent his boyhood days among the Berkshire hills. Removing wnth
his parents to Pittsford, Vermont, he grew to manhood in that place,
and was there subsequently engaged in agricultural pursuits until his
death, September 19, 1853. He married Miriam Orcutt, who was born
in 1775, and died June 3, 1846.
Born in 1805, in Pittsford, Vermont, John Parmelee learned the
shoemaker's trade at a time when all work in that line was done by
hand. In early life he lived for a few years in Malone, New York,
but in 1836 returned to the Green Mountain state, locating in Mill vil-
lage, in the town of Pittsford, where he followed his trade for awhile.
Subsequently purchasing a home in Pittsford township, he occupied it
until 1854, w^hen he joined the tide of emigration surging westward,
removing wi'h his family to Eden, Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin,
where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1860. He married
1276 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Rvith Miller Loveland, a daughter of Robert, Jr., and Ruth (Miller)
Loveland, and grand-daughter of Robert, Sr., and Elizabeth (Graines)
Loveland, natives of Connecticut. Robert Loveland, Jr., was bom,
March 19, 1775, in Hartford; Connecticut, where he grew to manhood.
Removing to Vermont, he bought four hundred acres of land in Rut-
land, and was there a resident a few years, although both he and his
wife spent their closing years in Pittsford, Vermont. Mr. and Mrs.
John Parmelee reared seven children, namely: Hezekiah, Nelson R.,
Caroline, William 0., Nathaniel B., Ruth Arvilla, and Miriam.
Brought up in Pittsford, Vermont, Nathaniel B. Parmelee attended
the public schools, and also Prof. Taylor's private school, obtaining a
practical education. Beginning work with his father when young, he
had mastered the shoemaker's trade at the age of eighteen. In 1854
he accompanied the family to Wisconsin, going by railway and boat to
Milwaukee, and from there to Mayville, the terminus of the railroad,
by rail, thence with teams to Eden. Milwaukee was then a small vil-
lage, while that part of the state now the site of flourishing cities and
villages was then a wilderness. After working with his father for a
year, Mr. Parmelee assisted his brother in building a house, and the
next few years he followed carpentry in the summer season, and
worked in the shoe shop during the long winters. From 1858, however,
he followed carpentering exclusively. After the death of his father, he
lived with his mother for a time, and during the Civil war tried to en-
list, but was rejected by the army surgeon, who examined him, and told
him that he would die of consumption. Mr. Parmelee continued to re-
side at Eden, Wisconsin, until 1864, when he located at Fond du Lac,
where he was engaged as a contractor and builder for sixteen years.
At that time, in 1880, the Menominee Range was being opened, and the
railroad had penetrated as far as Iron Mountain. Coming to the Upper
Peninsula in that year, Mr. Parmelee lived for a year in Vulcan, and
afterwards resided a few months in Norway. In 1882 he came to the
new and rapidly growing town of Iron Mountain, and for many years
thereafter carried on a flourishing business as a contractor and builder.
During his first year in this place he erected the Methodist Episcopal
Church building at Chapin location, it being the first structure built
for a church home within the present limits of Iron ^Mountain. He was
afterwards actively engaged at his trade, many of the finest dwellings
and business blocks of the city being monuments of his skill. Mr.
Parmelee 's operations have not been confined to Iron Mountain only,
for he has erected buildings of importance in Escanaba, Milwaukee and
Chicago. For a number of years he has lived retired at his pleasant
home in Iron ]\IouBtain, enjoying the fruits of his earlier years of toil.
On April 9, 1862, IMr. Parmelee married Annie Nichols, who was
born in South Bend, Indiana, April 9, 1842, a daughter of Lemuel T.
Nichols, a native of England. Born of well-to-do parents, Mr. Nichols
acquired a good education, more especially in mathematics, for which
he had a natural taste. Left an orphan at an early age, he and two
brothers, Samuel and James, came to America. Locating in Lower
Michigan, he taught school xintil about 1841, when he moved to South
Bend, Indiana, which was then a trading post, while the surrounding-
country was a wilderness, the greater part of the land being owaied by
the Government. Securing a tract on the bank of the Saint Joseph
river, he built the log cabin in which Mrs. Parmelee was born. The
family lived in a primitive manner, as did all of the pioneers, Mrs.
Nichols cooking by the fireplace, and carding, spinning, and weaving
the homespun in which she clothed her children. As soon as there were
THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1277
any children of school age, Mr. Nichols taught school during the winter
seasons, the remainder of the year clearing his land and tilling the
soil. Selling out in 1849, he moved with his family to Wisconsin, mak-
ing the overland journey with ox teams, taking along provisions, and
camping and cooking by the wayside. Locating in Dodge county, he
became a pioneer settler of Lomira, where he bought a tract of timbered
land, built a log house, and began the arduous task of redeeming a farm
from the forest. The following year, there being a sufficient number
of pupils in the place, he opened a school in his little cabin. He be-
came prominent in local affairs, serving one term as justice of the peace,
and as superintendent of schools several terms. Trading his land, in
1857, for a farm in Le Roy, Mr. Nichols was there employed as a
farmer and a school teacher for about ten years. He subsequently
spent three years in Fond du Lac, and then went to Oregon, where,
with others, he purchased six hundred acres of land in Logan county,
and was there engaged in teaching and farming until his death, in the
seventy-first year of his age. The maiden name of the wife of Mr.
Nichols was Emeline Dunbar. She was born in New York state, a
daughter of Enos and Lydia Dunbar, both natives of the same state.
Leaving his native state, Enos Dunbar was one of the first settlers of
Dixon, Lee County, Illinois, and had the distinction of being its
pioneer merchant. He continued in mercantile business there a few
years, and was afterwards a contractor, and built bridges in various
places in Illinois. Removing from Dixon to Wisconsin, he was a gen-
eral merchant at Le Roy for a few years, after which he returned to
Dixon, and there spent his remaining days. He served as a drummer
boy in the war of 1812. Mrs. Nicols survived her husband, passing
away in Owatonna, Minnesota, in the eightieth year of her age. She
reared six children, as follows: Antoinette, Annie, L. T., George,
Charles, and Ella.
Mr. and Mrs. Parmelee are the parents of nine children, namely :
Edson D., Freeland D., Milton R., Alice M., Violetta A., Ruth L.,
Emma D., Anna B., and Charles H. One child, the sixth in order of
birth, died at the age of sixteen years. Edson D. married Emma A.
Hibbard, and they have one daughter, Ruth Edna. Freeland D. mar-
ried Carrie M. Elliott, and they have two sons, Claude E. and Gale.
Milton R. married Rena Stoddard. Alice J\I., wife of Charles C. But-
ler, has three children, Milton E., Charles C, and Ruth. Violetta A.,
wife of Alfred H. Hunting, has five sons, Clyde, Earl, Walter J., Dwight
E., and Russell. Emma D., wife of Franklin C. Whiting, has five chil-
dren, Ethel E., Chester P., Floyd F., Ralph, and Gertrude. Anna B.
is a teacher in the public schools. Charles is a mining engineer. Mr.
and Mrs. Parmelee are valued members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and are everywhere respected as people of Avorth.
Capt. Walter Wesley Gray.— A man of much force of character
and executive ability, Captain Walter W. Gray, of Bessemer, is ac-
tively identified with the promotion of the industrial interests of this
section of the Upper Peninsula as foreman of the above-ground work
of the Tilden mines, a position for which he is well ciualified, both by
experience and by practical knowledge. A son of AA^illiam R. Gray, he
was born, October 30, 1860, in Clinton county, New York, on the
paternal side coming of thrifty Scotch ancestry.
His great-grandfather, Walter Gray, Sr., was born, reared and edu-
cated in Scotland, where he became a florist and a landscape gardener.
He came mth his family to America, locating at Beauharnois, in the
1278 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Province of Quebec, Canada. A pioneer of pioneers, he purchased a
tract of wild land and with the assistance of his older sons, cleared a
farm on which he raised a variety of crops. He later cultivated flowers
and fruit, and for a while conducted a greenhouse in Montreal. Sub-
sequently selling that property he bought a farm on the Richelieu river
and after living there a few seasons, removed to Covey Hills, near the
New York state line. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Morton,
was born in England.
Walter- Gray, Jr., the Captain's grandfather, was born in Hawick,
Scotland, where before coming to this country he learned the trade of
a shoemaker. After settling in the Province of Quebec, he followed
farming, and on taking up his residence at Covey Hills, bought a farm
which he occupied for several years. Afterward until 1860 he worked
land on shares in the same locality. In that year he crossed the line
into Clinton county, New York, bought land, and carried on general
farming for several seasons. Removing then to Ishpeming, Michigan,
he made his home with his sons for a few years, and then went to Dun-
das, Rice county, Minnesota, where he resided until his death, both
he and his wife passing away in that place. His wife, whose maiden
name was Amelia Madison, was born in Yorkshire, England, and when
a young woman, came to America to join her father, who had previ-
ously crossed the ocean. She bore her husband four children as fol-
lows: William R., John, Walter and James.
William R. Gray, the father of Captain Gray, was born in Beau-
harnois county, province of Quebec, Canada, and there grew to manhood.
He learned the trade of a carpenter and being a natural mechanic,
developed into an expert workman. Subsequently moving with his
family to Clinton county. New York, he resided in Ellenburg until 1869
when he came to Michigan. Locating in Ishpeming, he was for a num-
ber of years employed as building carpenter at the mines, after which
he became a contractor, in which capacity he spent some time. He later
accepted a position as carpenter with the Iron Cliffs Company, and con-
tinued in that work for fifteen years, when he was so severely injured
by a fall that he was incapacitated for hard labor. When he had suf-
ficiently recovered from the effects of his injuries, he went to Montana,
purchased government land lying fourteen miles northeast of Kalispell,
erected buildings and engaged in ranching for fifteen years. Return-
ing then to Michigan, he spent his last days with his children. He mar-
ried Sarah Woodward, born in Beauharnois county, Quebec, a daughter
of Joseph and Hannah (Axey) Woodward. The wife's death occurred
on September 15, 1892. Both she and her husband were faithfiil mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. They reared eleven children,
namely : Amelia J. ; Walter Wesley ; Hannah A. ; Alice T. ; Agnes R. ;
Margaret E. ; Joseph J.; William J.; Mary Ellen who died when small;
Sarah A. ; and Melvina R.
Walter Wesley Gray was but nine years old when his parents came
to Michigan, and soon after that event he began to work in the mines,
his first employment being as driver of the horse used in raising ore by
derrick. Afterwards while working with his father he learned the car-
penter's trade and followed it in dift'erent mines until 1885. In that
year he removed to the new village of Bessemer, which was situated in
what was then a part of Ontonagon county. At that time no ore had
been shipped from this locality, mining operations having but recently
been commenced. Mr. Gray became carpenter of the Colby Mining
Company and remained such until 1886, when in the employ of the
same company, he went to Hurley, Michigan, where he remained twenty-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1279
one months. For one year he had charge of the mine nights as captain
and the balance of the time was surface foreman. He was also surface
foreman at the Ashland Mine. Returning to Bessemer, Mr. Gray
accepted his present position as surface foreman for the Tilden mines,
and has ever since filled the positiion ably and acceptably. His homei
which is finely located on the brow of the hill, is a picturesque and com-
modious log structure, with attractive surroundings.
Mr. Gray married, December 20, 1882, Katherine L. Johnston, who
was born in Sarnia, Province of Ontario, Canada. Her grandfather,
Corporal John Johnston, was born in Ireland of Scotch parentage.
WTien sixteen years of age he enlisted as a drummer boy in the Eng-
lish army, and later joined the ranks. Later commissioned corporal of
his regiment, he participated in the conquest of India. After his hon-
orable discharge from the service, he emigrated to America, becoming
an early settler of the Province of Ontario. He secured one hundred
acres of land in Adelaide township, Middlesex county, and building a
log cabin in the wilderness, devoted his energies to clearing the land
and cultivating the soil. There he resided until his death at a ripe old
age, his last years being made comfortable by a generous pension.
Colonel Johnston married Mary Brock, who was born in county Fer-
managh, Ireland, and she attained to the advanced age of ninety-three
years. They reared four children, Alexander, father of Mrs. Gray ;
Ann; Katherine; and Robert Weir.
Alexander Johnston was nine years old when he left county Fer-
managh, Ireland, his native place and came with his parents to Canada.
He grew to manhood on the home farm, a part of which he subsequently
inherited, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits for many
years. He afterward sold the farm, and for two years resided near
Plympton, province of Ontario, where he secured farming property.
He afterward disposed of it and bought one hundred acres, three and
one-half miles from Sarnia, and there lived and labored until his death,
at the age of four score and four years. He married Isabella McClean,
who was bom in Albany, New York. Mrs. Johnston 's father, Alexander
McClean, was born in the north of Ireland of Scotch ancestry, and upon
emigrating with his family to the United States, located first in Albany,
New York, where he followed the tanner's trade. Subsequently remov-
ing to the province of Ontario, Mr. McClean bought a tract of timbered
land near London, Middlesex county, and on the farm which he im-
proved, resided until the death of his wife. He then went to Sarnia
where he passed away at the age of eighty-four years. His wife, whose
maiden name was Agnes Hetherington, was born in the north of Ire-
land, and she, too, lived to the age of eighty-four years. Mrs. Alexander
Johnston died in April, 1906, aged seventy-five years. To her and her
husband eleven children were born, namely: Mary Ann, Edwin "Wilson,
Katherine L., Alexander, Arabella A., W. J. Hetherington, Effie M.,
Ida L., Frederick R. E., Wilfred F., and Eva May.
To Mr. and Mrs. Walter W. Gray seven children have been born,
namely : Florence Isabelle ; Blanche Pearl ; Bertha INIadison, who died
at the age of twenty-two years ; Etta May, who died when five years old ;
Woodward Keith; Gladys Louise and Easter Gem. Fraternally Mr.
Gray belongs to Bessemer Camp, Modem Woodmen of America.
A. H. RuNSTROM. — An enterprising and progressive citizen of Iron-
wood, A. H. Runstrom is widely known throughout this section of
Gogebic county as proprietor of the Runstrom Hospital, one of the most
conveniently arranged and completely furnished institutions of the kind
Vol. Ill— 14
1280 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
in the Upper Peninsula. A native of Sweden, he was born, December
25, 1859, in the city of Landskrona, Malmohus county, of honored
Swedish ancestry on both sides of the house. His father, Pere Henry
Runstrom, was born in the city of Lund, J\Ialmohus county, where he
was bred and educated. Joining the Swedish Army in early manhood,
he served twelve years, being sergeant of his company. He was after-
wards assistant manager of a sugar plantation and factory for several
years, receiving good wages for his labor. In 1880, accompanied by his
family, he emigrated to the LTnited States, locating in Orono, Osceola
county, Michigan, where he purchased land, and for twenty years was.
engaged in tilling the soil. Having acquired a competency, he removed
to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and there lived retired until his death, in
October, 1905, at an advanced age. His wife, whose maiden name was
Carolina Anderson, still resides at Grand Rapids. She reared seven
children, namely : Oscar, Alex H., Joseph, Frederick, Betty, John and
Alma.
Having obtained a good education in the public schools of his
native city, Alex H. Runstrom began working with his father, remain-
ing in his employ until the family came, in 1880, to Michigan. The
ensuing two years he worked for the Grand Rapids and Indiana Rail-
road Company, with the exception of the winter seasons, w^hen he was
employed in lumbering in the woods. In July, 1882, Mr. Runstrom
located at Ashland, Wisconsin, and the following year there bought
a city lot, erected a boarding house, and also opened a dispensary,
both of which he conducted until July, 1885. Coming immediately to
Ironwood, Mr. Runstrom purchased the first city lot sold by the com-
pany, it being on Suffolk street, adjoining the lot on the north w^est
corner of the street, erected a building, and established a dispensary,
which he operated until 1888. He then entered the Union Hospital
as a practical nurse, having had experience in nursing in Sweden, in
the hospital connected with the plantation of which his father was
for so many years assistant superintendent. Mr. .Runstrom remained
in the Union Hospital until 1897, when he established the Runstrom
Hospital, to which he has since devoted his entire time and attention.
This hospital, located on Marquette street, is a commodious building
erected for this special purpose, and is amply fitted with the most
modern sanitary furnishings and appliances. It contains two wards,
each with accommodations for eight patients ; two rooms, accommo-
dating two persons each, and four rooms for single patients, who
prefer being alone.
On May 3, 1886, Mr. Runstrom married Olena Anderson, who w^as
bom in Norway, a daughter of Charles Anderson, who came to this
country with his family in 1882, locating at Ashland, Wisconsin. Ten
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Runstrom, five sons and five
daughters, and seven are now living, namely: Albin L., Olga, Ellen,
Walter, Agnes, Karl and Ruth. Karl, Oscar and Olga are deceased.
Mr. Runstrom and his family are members of the Swedish Lutheran
church, and he belongs to the Scandinavian Society.
Charles MacIntyre, cashier of the First National Bank of Lake
Linden, Michigan, has been connected with this important institution
for the past fifteen years and his efficiency has been of such a character
that he has been promoted step by step from his first capacity as clerk
and bookkeeper to his present responsible office. ]\Ir. ]\laclntyre was
born in Lake Linden, and his name is by no means delusive, for he is of
Scotch extraction. The first of the family in this country was the
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1281
father, Allen Maelntyre, who was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in
1832. His emigration to this country took place in 1854, and he settled
first in Canada, and later he came to Michigan where he was connected
with mining in Houghton county. He then returned to Canada and
settled in Ontario, where he died in 1898. The mother, Sarah (McLean)
Maelntyre, is still living- and makes her home at Lake Linden.
In 1895, Charles Maelntyre became clerk and bookkeeper in the
First National Bank, and his steady promotion has now placed him in
the position of cashier. This bank was the successor to the D. W. Sut-
ter Bank. The bank as it is at present was chartered October 31st,
1908. In 1910 the following became officers and directors: Joseph
Bosch, president; Charles Smith, vice president; James McNaughton,
John Daniell, John H. Wilson, Fred Smith, Thomas W. Armstrong'
directors. The capital stock of the bank is now one hundred thousand
dollars, the surplus is one hundred thousand, and the undivided profits,
forty thousand. The present officers are Joseph Bosch, president ; Hon.
Charles Smith, vice president; Charles Maelntyre, cashier, and Roy A.
Young, assistant cashier.
Hon. Carlos D. Shelden. — The family of the late Hon. Carlos D.
Shelden, Member of Congress from the Twelfth Congressional District
of Michigan to the Fifty-Fifth, Fifty-Sixth and Fifty-Seventh sessions,
has been prominently identified with the Northern Peninsula for many
years. ]\Ir. Shelden was born in Walworth county, Wisconsin, June
10, 1840, and died June 24, 1904, in the town of Houghton, which in
1852 his father, Ransom Shelden, and that gentleman's brother-in-law,
C. C. Douglas, had platted and started on the road to growth and de-
velopment. When Ransom Shelden came to the Northern Peninsula in
1846 he was a man of moderate means. He came here for his health
but his energy and enterprise brought him success and he became a
man of large property and of great consequence in the community. At
the time of his arrival the great mineral wealth of the region was not
even dreamed of, but not long afterward the south shore of Lake Su-
perior underwent a geological examination and its secrets began to be
disclosed.
Ransom Shelden was born in Essex county, New York, July 14,
1814, and died May 17, 1878. About 1836 when somewhere near his
majority he resolved to go west to try his fortunes and set out for Wis-
consin where some of his relatives had previously settled.
He settled at Bigfoot Prairie, Walworth county, Wisconsin, where
he began work on a farm about two miles from the southern end of Lake
Geneva. He knew many of the important secrets of agriculture and
it is said that he enjoyed no small fame in the neighborhood for his skill
and speed in the use of the cradle. While there he met and married
(in 1839) Theresa M. Douglas, a cousin of Dr. Douglas Houghton, the
first state geologist of jMichigan for whom the county of Houghton was
named. Dr. Houghton made an examination of the copper and iron
regions along the south shore of Lake Superior, and in truth gave up
his life to the work, being drowned off Eagle River in the fall of 1846.
The mother of the subject of this biography was born at Fredonia, New
York. When a young girl she came west with her parents, located for
a time at Mount Clemens, near Detroit, and later removed to Wal-
worth county, Wisconsin, where the father and mother spent the rest
of their lives.
The removal of Ransom Shelden and his family to the Northern
Peninsula occurred in the summer of 1846. He had farmed for awhile
1282 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
in Walworth county, Wisconsin, and for a time after arriving in Michi-
gan. He formed a partnership with C. C. Douglas and in the spring
of 1847 they opened a store at Portage Entry and remained there for
the next four or five years, when they tcok up their residence at Quincy
Mine, and there conducted a mine store where general merchandise w^as
sold. One of the most important of their enterprises in the the develop-
ment of the new region was their platting of Houghton in 1852. They
located their store in a primitive building opposite the site of the present
postoffice on Isle Royale street and continued its operation for about
ten years when they sold out to Smith & Harris.
But even more to be remembered than their platting of Houghton
and their work in its growth was the part they played in the mining
history of the region. In the winters of 1849 and 1850, Ransom Shelden
pretty thoroughly explored the country in the vicinity of the present
towns of Houghton and Hancock and in the summers of the two years
following he and his partner organized the Portage, Isle Royale and
Hurcn jMining Companies, active operations beginning in the spring of
1852. They were astute business men, with eyes keen to the needs of
the new country and they accumulated a vast fortune. The land owned
by them in Houghton and adjoining counties amounted to fifty-five
thousand acres. They had also large w^ater interests, owning two
steamers which plied between Houghton and Portage Entry, and the
steamer "Napoleon" which plied between Sault Ste. Marie and the
head of Lake Superior. A sawmill at Dollar Bay was another of their
properties. After the father's death, his estate was managed by ]\Ir.
Shelden of this sketch and his brother, George C. Shelden. The latter
was born in December, 1842, married Mary E. Edwards of Houghton,
Michigan, and was the father of two daughters, j\Irs. Stephen J. Bowl-
ing of Detroit, Michigan, and Mrs. V. T. Barry of Houghton. He died
October 2, 1896, and the handling of the estate fell entirely to Mr. Shel-
den. Ransom Shelden, the distinguished pioneer, had two children be-
sides those mentioned: Ransom B., of California, an extensive fruit
grower, and a daughter who became Mrs. E. S. Gilbert and is now
deceased.
Carlos D. Shelden attended the district schools in the usual manner
of the boy of his day and generation. He supplemented this with a
thorough course in the Union school at Ypsilanti, Michigan. He had
scarcely finished there when the Civil war cloud broke and he came
home, weightier matters than the attainment of an education being at
stake. In 1861 he raised a company at Houghton and early in 1862
began service as a captain in the Twenty-Third Regiment of Michigan
Volunteer Infantry. His service continued until the latter part of
1864 and he was most of the time in the division headed by General
Thomas, the "Rock of Chickamauga." H-e saw some of the hottest of
the conflict, being present at the Siege of Knoxville, and in the .battles
of Franklin and Resaea.
Mr. Shelden 's political career was a brilliant one and can be re-
membered with gratification by his widow and children. By inheritance
and by honest conviction he was a Republican. In 1892 he was elected
to the Michigan legislature and in 1894 he was sent to the state senate
where as a member of some of the most important committees he gave
eminently distinguished service and succeeded in accomplishing much
that w^as beneficial for his county. As before stated he was a member
of the Fifty-Fifth, Fifty-Sixth and Fifty-Seventh congresses. On the
last occasion the voice of the people in his support was by no means un-
certain, for he received a majority of twenty-one thousand votes over
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1283
the Democratic and Prohibition candidates. He served previously as
a member of the Board of Supervisors of Houghton county, and as
president of the town.
Mr. Shelden was first married in 1865 to Mary E. Skiff, daughter
of George and Eliza Skiff of Willoughby, Ohio. Their married life was
a brief one for the wife died in 1868, leaving a six months old son,
named Ransom Skiff Shelden, who is now one of Houghton's leading
attorneys. He was educated at Racine College, Wisconsin, and the Uni-
versity of Wisconsin at Madison, being graduated from the law de-
partment of the latter. The second wife of Mr. Shelden was before her
marriage Sally Gardner Dashiell, a native of the state of Maryland,
and a daughter of John J. and Mary A. Dashiell. This union was
blessed by the birth of two daughters, Mrs. J. D. Ryan of Butte, Mon-
tana, and Nellie who is Mrs. William R. Thomson.
Mr. Shelden was very prominent as a Mason, having attained to the
thirty-second degree of that order, and holding membership in the Blue
Lodge of Houghton, the Chapter at Hancock, Montrose Commandery at
Calumet, the Consistory at Grand Rapids and the Shrine at Marquette.
Although his death occurred some half dozen years ago, the loss of
Carlos D. Shelden is still keenly felt in the community in which he was
an ornament and an inspiration and the record made by him and his
forbears is indelibly inscribed upon the annals of Houghton county.
Louis J. Leisen. — To be noted as one of the distinctive "captains of
industry" in the city of Menominee and also as a member of one of
the honored pioneer families of this city, which has been his home
from his boyhood days to the present, Louis J. Leisen merits special
recognition in this publication as one of the representative business
men of the Upper Peninsula. He is a son of the late Captain Jacob
Leisen, to whom a memoir is dedicated on other pages of this work,
so that further review of the family history is not demanded in the
sketch at hand.
Louis J. Leisen was born at Centerville, Manitowoc county, Wis-
consin, on the 12th of March, 1862, and thus he was about eleven
years of age at the time of the family removal to Menominee, Michi-
gan, in 1873. He gained his rudimentary education in the public
schools of his native village and thereafter continued his studies in
the Menominee schools, in which he partially completed the curricu-
lum of the high school. As a youth he became associated wath his
father's business enterprises, especially the brewing business con-
ducted under the firm name of Leisen & Henes. Finally a stock com-
pany was organized and incorporated, under the title of the Leisen
& Henes Brewing Company, and of the same Louis J. Leisen became
vice-president. Of this office he continued incumbent until the death
of his honored father, in 1900, when he succeeded the latter in the
presidency of this company, which chief executive position he still re-
tains. Concerning the large and prosperous enterprise conducted by
this company the following pertinent statements have been made:
"One of the important elements of industrial and commercial activity
in Menominee is that represented in the well conducted business of
the Leisen & Henes Brewing Company, one of the largest and most
important concerns of its kind in the Upper Peninsula. This exten-
sive brewery was established in 1872 and passed from the first owner-
ship into other hands ere it came into possession of the present com-
pany. In February, 1876, the firm of Leisen & Henes assumed con-
trol of the enterprise, and in July, 1891, to meet the ever increasing
1284 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
demands placed upon the establishment, the business was incorporated
under the laws of the state of IMichigan, Avith a paid-up capital of one
hundred thousand dollars, and with Jacob Leisen as president ; Louis
J. Leisen as vice-president ; and John Henes as secretary and treas-
urer. The brewery was destroyed by fire in 1877, was promptly re-
built, and again, on the 24th of June, 1890, the plant was practically
obliterated by fire. With characteristic energy and progressiveness
the interested principals again erected a larger and more substantial
plant, and the same has the best of equipment throughout, while the
careful attention paid to all details of the manufacturing insures the
highest grade of product, so that the brewery has at all times eon-
trolled a large and substantial trade. It now has a capacity of fifty
thousand barrels annually, and the large volume of business controlled
represents the direct result of the energy and careful methods brought
to bear by those concerned in the prosecution of the enterprise." The
officers of the company at the present time are as here noted: Louis
J. Leisen, president ; Joseph W. Leisen, vice-president ; and John
Henes, secretary and treasurer.
The subject of this review has also shown his enterprising spirit
and initiative powers through his association with other local busi-
ness concerns of important order. The most noteworthy of these is
the Menominee Stained Glass Works, Avhich represents one of the
most important industrial enterprises of ^Menominee and one of the
leading manufacturing concerns of the entire Upper Peninsula. Of
this corporation Mr. Leisen is general manager. In the large and well
equipped plant of the company is manufactured a large and artistic
line of stained and Mosaic glass for churches, residences, public build-
ings, steamboats, etc. A specialty is made of high artistic group and
figured windoAvs, and original designs are furnished in this and other
departments when desired. The company also handle, both at whole-
sale and retail, window glass and all kinds of plate glass, besides other
specialties in the glass line.
Mr. Leisen has ever maintained the attitude of progi-essiveness
and public spirit, and in his home city his influence and co-operation
have been given to the furthering of all measures for the general wel-
fare of the community. He is held in unequivocal esteem as a citizen
and business man and has been called upon to serve in positions of
public trust. In 1900 he was elected supervisor of the Third ward,
and in 1902 he was chosen as his own successor in this important of-
fice, of which he thus continued incumbent for a period of four years.
In 1904 he was elected city assessor, for a term of three years, at the
expiration of which, in 1907, he was elected for a second term of the
same duration. This term expires January 1, 1911. In polities he ac-
cords a stalwart allegiance to the Democratic party and he is a com-
municant of the Catholic church, in Avhose faith he was reared.
On the 13th of September, 1905, Mr. Leisen was united in marriage
to Miss Hattie C. Bruce, who was born in Sweden, and who is a daugh-
ter of Nelson and Charlotte Bruce, Avho came to America when she
was a child. The father died in Menominee, Michigan, in 1906, and
the mother still resides in this city. Mrs. Leisen is the youngest in a
family of five children, all of whom are living. Her father, who was
a blacksmith by trade and vocation, took up his residence in Menom-
inee in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Leisen have three children, — ^Verena Char-
lotte, Dorothy Beatrice and Jacob Louis.
Jacob Leisen. — There is all of consistency in incorporating in this
publication a memoir to the late Captain Jacob Leisen, who was one
J
k
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1285
of the honored and influential citizens and pioneer business men of
the city of Menominee, a veteran of the Civil war, a loyal and progres-
sive citizen and one who did much to further the civic and commer-
cial development and upbuilding of Menominee, where he continued
to reside until his death, which here occurred on the 22d of Septem-
ber, 1900.
Captain Jacob Leisen was born near the city of Coblenz, Germany,
on the banks of the picturesque river Rhine, and the date of his na-
tivity was May 7, 1828. His grandfather, Jacob Leisen, was an officer
in the forestry service in Prussia, and there was born Jacob Leisen
(II), father of the subject of this memoir. The latter Avas reared to
maturity in Prussia and he married Margaret Gobel, daughter of
Joseph Gobel, who was in the revenue service of the government. The
parents of Captain Leisen passed their entire lives in the Fatherland,
and their two children, both sons, are now deceased. Captain Leisen
was reared to manhood in his native land and was afforded the ad-
vantages of its excellent schools. At the age of fifteen years he en-
tered upon an apprenticeship at the cabinetmaker's trade, to which he
devoted his attention for some time. In 1819 he entered the Prussian
army, in which he served the prescribed three years, as a member of
the Eighth Battalion of Sharpshooters, with which he was stationed
at Baden for one year and the remainder of the time at Wetzlar, where
the barracks were in the ancient and historic high-court room. He
received his honorable discharge from the army in 1852 and there-
after continued in the work of his trade until the following year,
when he embarked on a sailing vessel and set forth to seek his for-
tunes in America. He landed in New York City on the 25th of No-
vember of that year, and he was employed at his trade In the states of
New York and New Jersey until the autumn of 1854, when he made
his way to the city of Chicago, where he remained until the fall of the
following year. There also he availed himself of the advantages of
a night school, and thus added to his knowledge of English, besides
pursuing other studies. In the autumn of 1855 he removed to Center-
ville, Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, where he engaged in the work
of his trade. In 1859 he there established himself in the general mer-
chandise business, in which he continued to be engaged until May,
1873, save for the period of his service in the Civil war.
In October, 1864, Captain Leisen showed his loyalty to the land of
his adoption by tendering his services in defense of the Union. He
enlisted in Company B, Forty-fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry,
which was organized at Madison, the capital of the state, and he was
appointed captain of his company by Governor Lewis, who was then
the chief executive of the state. He proceeded with his command to
Nashville, Tennessee, where he was assigned to provost and picket
duty, besides which he had charge of prisoners who were sent to the
north. He remained at Nashville until July, 1865, and during the
entire period of his service he was never absent from duty for a single
day. He received his honorable discharge and forthwith returned to
his home in Centerville, Wisconsin. He was one of the most influen-
tial citizens of that place, where he served eleven years as postmaster.
During his absence as a soldier his wife had charge of the office. He
also served about fourteen years as toAvnship clerk and for an equal
period was incumbent of the office of justice of the peace.
In May, 1873, Captain Leisen removed with his family to Menom-
inee, where for a time he was engaged in the manufacturing of soda
water. In 1876 he formed a copartnership with John Henes and pur-
1286 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
chased a brewery business that had been established a number of
years previously. They continued the enterprise imder the tirm name
of Leisen & Henes until 1890, Avhen it was incorporated under the pres-
ent title of the Leisen & Henes Brewing Company. The enterprise,
under the able executive management of Captain Leisen, became one
of broad scope and he continued president of the company imtil his
death, when he was succeeded by his son Louis J. Captain Leisen
had marked constructive and administrative ability and he did much
to further the commercial advancement of Menominee, where he iden-
tified himself with the promotion and upbuilding of various enter-
prises in addition to the one already mentioned. He was a member of
the directorate of the Lumbermen's National Bank at the time of his
death and was also a director of the Menominee Electric Light &
Power Company and the local street railway company, besides being
virtually the owner of the Menominee Stained Glass Works. He was
associated with his son-in-law, John Henes, in the erection of the
Leisen & Henes block, one of the finest business blocks in the city.
In politics Captain Leisen was aligned as a supporter of the cause
of the Republican party until 1872, and thereafter he gave an unqual-
ified allegiance to the Democratic party. He was a man of mature
judgment and broad mental ken and ever showed an intelligent inter-
est in the questions and issues of the hour. He served as a member
of the board of aldermen of Menominee and was twice the candidate
of his party for the office of mayor of the city. He was a communicant
of the German Catholic church, the parish of the Epiphany, in Me-
nominee and was liberal in its support, as was he also generous in
aiding all measures tending to promote the best interests of the com-
munity. He was genial and kindly in his association with his fellow
men, and his sterling integrity brought to him the most assured pop-
ular confidence and esteem. He was affiliated with Lyman Post, No.
266, Grand Army of the Republic, and also with the Michigan Com-
mandery of the military order of the Loyal Legion of the United
States. He was one of the organizers of the Menominee Turn Verein,
of which he was president during the first eight years of its existence.
Captain Leisen was one of the leaders in the ranks of the Democratic
party in the Upper Peninsula and served two terms as a member of
the Democratic State Central Committee.
At Centerville, Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, in the year 1858,
was solemnized the marriage of Captain Leisen to Miss Maria Verena
Fehrenbach, who was born in Switzerland, on the 21st of February,
1841, being a daughter of Antoine Fehrenbach. She died in the city
of Menominee on the 5th of August, 1907, secure in the afl:'ectionate
regard of all who knew her. Concerning the six children of Captain
and Mrs. Leisen the following brief data are entered in conclusion of
this memoir : Rosa is the wife of John Henes, of Menominee ; James
A. is deceased: Louis J. is individually mentioned elsewhere in this
volume; Lena is the wife of Richard Kirkham, of Menominee; Ida is
the wife of Dr. Hurbert Higgs; and Joseph is vice-president of the
brewery at Menominee.
Christopher J. Thieljian.— To be numbered among the truly suc-
cessful and enterprising citizens of Laurium. ^Michigan, is Christopher
Thielman, a general contractor, and a native of the neighboring county
of Ontonagon. He was born October 7, 1870, and is the son of Chris-
topher and Madeline (Vogtlin) Thielman, the former born in Germany
and the latter in Switzerland. Christopher Thielman came to the Cop-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1287
per Country in 1858. He later removed to a small farm upon which he
resided until his death which occurred in August, 1901. His wife who
survived him died in September, 1909. Mr. Thielman was one of sev-
eral sons and daughters. The names of the former are Albert C, Will,
and Frank W. ; the sisters are Adeline, wife of William Schenetter,
Josephine and Agnes.
The public school education of Mr. Thielman was obtained in Rock-
land, the town in Ontonagon county in which the family resided. When
he had finished at the common school, he entered a normal school at
Valparaiso, Indiana, where he pursued his studies for one year. Not
being particularly drawn by natural inclinations to a professional ca-
reer he pursued a commercial course in a college in Detroit, Michigan,
after which he entered the employ of Ernest Bollman. After remaining
in Mr. Bollman 's employ for some time, he decided to achieve inde-
pendence by engaging in business for himself and accordingly he
launched out as a general contractor. He has sound judgment, unusual
ability in making his ideas actualities, and the integrity which is one
of the principal ingredients in success, and his career has been most
satisfactory, while at the same time promising greater things for the
future. He has built many of the dwellings and stores in Laurium and
the surrounding country.
On the 27th of June, 1900, Mr. Thielman was united in marriage
with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of James Trevillian, an old and much
respected citizen of Laurium. Their residence is one of the most attrac-
tive in Laurium, and is modern throughout, and in itself constitutes
an eloquent argument in favor of its owner's wisdom in his choice of a
career.
Daniel Nehmer. — An able representative of the agricultural and
horticultural interests of Ontonagon county, Daniel Nehmer is a valued
resident of Ontonagon, where he is prosperously engaged in general
farming, giving especial attention to the culture of small fruits. He
was born, March 31, 1852, in the village of Kostenhagen, Prussia, which
was likewise the birthplace of his father, Daniel Nehmer, Sr.
Of Prussian ancestry as far back as the family record shows, Daniel
Nehmer was reared to agricultural pursuits in his native village, re-
maining there the larger part of his life. In 1864, accompanied by his
family, he came to America, and the following three years resided in
Berlin, province of Ontario, Canada. Migrating in 1867 to Michigan,
he bought a large tract of stump land in St. Clair county, and had just
got well started in his pioneer labor of clearing a farm when, in 1868,
death claimed him for her own. He married Mary Gruenburg, who was
also born in Kostenhagen, Prussia. She w^as a woman of courage and
enterprise, and after the death of her husband kept her family together
until each child was well married, and had a home. She died at the
age of four score and four years, having lived a long and useful life,
rearing six children, as follows : Regine, Christine, Sophia, Frederick,
Christian and Daniel.
The youngest child of the parental household, Daniel Nehmer, at-
tended school in his native village until twelve years of age, when he
came with the family to this country. After the death of his father,
he and his brother Christian, the two sons, took turns in managing the
home farm, and in w^orking out, continuing thus employed until ready
to establish a home of his own. After his marriage, Mr. Nehmer was
engaged in farming in St. Clair county, Michigan, for two years.
Going then to Marion county, Oregon, he bought one hundred and fif-
1288 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
teen acres of timbered land, and for nine years was employed in clear-
ing the land and tilling the soil. His health failing, he disposed of his
farm, returned to St. Clair county, and for a year made his home with
his father-in-law. Having reebvered his former physical vigor, Mr.
Nehmer then purchased forty acres of land in Sanilac county, Michigan,
and was there a resident until 1891. Locating in that year in Ontona-
gon, he was for awhile employed at the mills, after which he assumed
the management of the farm belonging to James Mercer, retaining it
awhile. He then took up a homestead claim seven miles east of Onto-
nagon, built on the land, and lived there six years. Purchasing then a
tract of land within the limits of the village, Mr. Nehmer began the
raising of fruits, making a specialty of strawberries, and has since met
with excellent success in this line of industry. He has now a snug little
property, owning twenty and one-half acres of tillable land in the vil-
lage, and twenty acres of marsh land.
Mr. Nehmer married, in 1875, Mary Sack, who was born in Brunken,
Prussia, and at the age of eighteen years came to the United States
with her parents, Michael and Christina Sack, who settled in Michigan,
buying a farm in St. Clair county, and there spending their remaining
days. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nehmer, namely :
Charles, Henry, Christy, Annie, Lizzie, and Viola. Charles married
Maggie Adams, and they have three children, Mary, Nellie, and Elva.
Henry married Lizzie Twa, and they have one daughter, Eveline.
Annie, wife of George Roehm, has two children, Lyle and Charles.
Lizzie, wife of William Howes, has two children, Daniel and Ezekiel.
Viola is the wife of George Bess. Politically Mr. Nehmer supports the
principles of the Republican party by vote and voice, and religiously
he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bartholomew Qtjello, familiarly known as "Bat" Quello, for
many years has been one of the active business men of Calumet, and is
known over Houghton county for his enterprise and the integrity of his
dealings. As his name indicates he is Italian, his birth having occurred
in Italy, in September, 1836. He passed his boyhood and school days
beneath the smiling skies of his native country, and was the possessor
of a very good education when he became one of the vast army of
Europeans to seek new fortunes across the seas. As he was a clever
lad he could speak German and French in addition to the mother tongue,
but he had no knowledge of English which proved something of a
handicap in the early days of his residence here.
After landing upon American shores Mr. Quello came on to the
Northern Peninsula, stopping first at Marquette, Michigan. That he
is a strictly self-made man will be demonstrated by the fact that he had
at that time but twenty-five cents in his pocket. He set about the task
of adding to the exchequer, and soon found work in the mines, this
being in the year 1859. In the first years he worked at anything his
hand found to do, and for seven years was employed in the sawaiiill and
logging business, furnishing timber for the Calumet & Hecla Mining
Company. He was thrifty and hard-working and finally from his sav-
ings, he was able to buy teams, thereupon engaging in teaming and haul-
ing of all kinds, and especially in that of timber. In course of time he
bought a farm of small proportions, and located in the bush, cleared it,
and brought it to a state of cultivation, and raised hay, oats and pota-
toes for the market. He is now one of the well-to-do men of Calumet,
and the possessor of considerable property, which includes several
dwellings and two good business blocks in Red Jacket, which he rents
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1289
to various concerns. In politics he is independent, casting his vote for
whomever his convictions instruct him. He was for three years a mem-
ber of the city council of Red Jacket. By means of his varied dealings
with men he has acquired a good knowledge of men and also of the
English language. He is interested in the welfare of Houghton county,
for which fifty years residence within its borders has given him a great
sense of loyalty and affection.
Mr. Quelle was married in 1875, to Miss Mary Murphy, a native of
Ireland. To this union have been born eight children, five daughters
and three sons, as follows : Mary, now Mrs. McCauUey ; Maggie ; Anna ;
Lizzie; Alice; John; Michael; and Bartholomew, all of whom are
living.
Captain William Weir. — The romantic "banks and braes" of bonny
Scotland overlooked the small village which was the scene of the birth
of William Weir, a retired captain of the Calumet & Hecla Mining
Company, whose residence is made in Laurium. The date of this
event was December 17, 1846, and his parents were William and Mary
(McCall) Weir. The father's role in the little community in which
he so long made his home was that of postmaster, an office which he
held until his death, and for forty long years. Captain Weir has been
a resident of America for forty years and those characteristics of in-
tegrity, pluck and thriftiness with which Scotland has endowed her
sons still mark him among his fellows.
Captain Weir attended the public schools of his native country,
but circumstances forced him to abandon his desk and his school
books in his tenth year. Although of such tender years he Avas put
to work in the lead mines and worked four years on the ground wash-
ing the lead, in the Wanlockhead and Leadhills, Scotland, which are
one mile apart. These are big mines and great producers, better
even now than they were forty years ago and the facilities for mining
them are much better than in America. The mines Avere originally
opened for a gold mine in 1812 but later developed into copper mines.
Captain Weir was employed in them until 1870, in which year he
reached the resolve to emigrate to the rich and resourceful country
across the ocean of which he had heard so much. Soon after landing in
New York he went to the coal mines at Pittson, Pennsylvania, and having
remained there for a time he came on westward to Jackson county,
Illinois, was in Louisville, Kentucky, a winter, and later went to Hardin
county, Illinois, where the coal mines again offered him employment.
His residence in Houghton county dates from the year 1872 when
he secured employment in the service of the Calumet & Hecla Com-
pany, and in strongest evidence of his efficiency is the fact that he re-
mained with them from 1872 until 1907 in various capacities, and
gradually ascending the ladder of advancement. In the latter named
year he retired. He was a miner boss and was afterwards appointed
captain, having under supervision and direction from six to nine hun-
dred men, and being possessed of those essential qualities which enabled
him to care for and to control his men with but little or no friction.
In 1874 ]\Ir. AVeir was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Reniek,
of Calumet, a daughter of Walter and Mary (Hoatson) Renniek.
Eight children, five of them sons and three daughters, were born to
this union as follows: William; IMargaret, wife of Sidney Vivian;
Walter, a resident of Seattle, Washington; James; Mary, a graduate
of the University of Michigan and a teacher in the public schools;
John in the employ of the Calumet & Hecla IMining Company and a
1290 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
student in the high school ; and Glady, also in attendance in the high
school.
In his political convictions Mr. "Weir is a stanch Republican, but he
has no mind to have a hand iii the management of public affairs and he
has never sought office. He and his wiie are members of the First
Congregational church and he has served for a number of years as
deacon. His wife is one of the charter members and has attended
regularly from its organization.
Oscar H. Sorsen. — Many nationalities are associated in the popula-
tion of the Northern Peninsula and among them Finland is represented
in creditable fashion by Oscar H. Sorsen, a prominent and efficient
dentist, whose office is situated in the Sorsen block, but who makes his
residence in Laurium. Dr. Sorsen was born in Finland, January 3,
1872, and is the son of John and Adolphina Sorsen. His early boyhood
was passed in his native country and there he received a part of his
education. When in his seventeenth year he left Europe with his
parents who were firm believers in the richer resources and greater op-
portunity of the land of the stars and stripes. After coming here young
Sorsen attended school for a time and familiarized himself with the
English language. When not in school he assisted his father who was
a tailor.
Dr. Sorsen in the course of events took up the study of dentistry, en-
tering the Dental College at Chicago in 1898 and graduating therefrom
in 1901. This institution is known as the Chicago College of Dental
Surgery. After his graduation Dr. Sorsen came to Calumet and opened
an office in the Sorsen block. His office is well equipped and as he is
especially well fitted both by natural aptitude and training for the pro-
fession of his choice, it is but natural that he has built up a large and
profitable practice. In November, 1901, Dr. Sorsen was united in
marriage to Miss Sophia Jackola of Calumet, daughter of Andrew
Jackola. To their union two sons have been born, Karl Oscar, and
Henry Ilmari. Their residence is one of the cosy and attractive homes
of Laurium. Politically Dr. Sorsen gives his support to the Republican
party, and he holds membership m the Houghton County Dental So-
ciety and is a member of the Knights of Kaleva.
Hon. George Gallup.— Active in temperament, sound in mind, and
bringing to the practice of his profession untiring industry and zeal, Hon.
George Gallup has a keen conception of the truth and principles of law,
and has attained a position of prominence among the leading attorneys
of Escanaba, which has been his home for more than twentj^ years. A
capable, conscientious and progressive business man he is influential in
the administration of local affairs, and has served his fellow-men most
acceptably in various positions of influence and responsibility. A native
of New England, he was born July 31, 1858, in Northfield, Vermont.
He is of English descent, the family from which he is descended having
been first represented on American soil by three brother who crossed
the ocean in colonial days, one settling in Canada, one in INIassachusetts,
and one taking up his residence among the green hills of Vermont.
Jonathan C. Gallup, father of George, was born in Hartland, Ver-
mont, but has spent the greater part of his long life in Northfield, Ver-
mont, where he has followed the independent occupation of a fanner.
He married Laura A. Braley, who was born in Vermont, being one of
a family of twelve childi'en, and of the children born of their union,
three in number, one died in infancy and one died when three years
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1291
old, George, the subject of this brief sketch, being the only one now-
living.
Acquiring the rudiments of his education in the common schools,
George Gallup was graduated from the Northfield high school, after
which he was graduated from the Wesleyan Academy, in M'^ilbraham,
Massachusetts. He subsequently attended the Wesleyan University, at
Middletown, Connecticut, for two years, and then entered the Law
Department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he
was graduated with the class of 1881. Beginning the practice of his
profession at Farwell, Clare county, Michigan, Mr. Gallup remained
there eight years, and then, in 1889. located in Escanaba, where he has
since continued, being now one of the foremost corporation lawyers in
this part of the Peninsula. He is now in partnership with his son,
being senior member of the law firm of Gallup & Gallup. In 1905 he
was admitted to the Montana bar. This firm of Gallup & Gallup main-
tains an office at Great Falls, Montana, where he has a large legal busi-
ness, representing the Allen Mining and Lumbering Company, of Ana-
conda, Montana, which has a paid up capital of half a million dollars.
He is a close student, and has the distinction of having one of the finest
law libraries in the state of Michigan.
Mr. Gallup married September 6, 1881, Olive F. Duke, a daughter
of Joseph and Sophia Duke, the latter of whom was picked up on the
shore after a severe wreck, and of whose ancestry nothing is known,
not ever her maiden name. Charles E. Gallup, the only son of Mr. and
Mrs. Gallup, was graduated from the Chicago Law School, and is now
in partnership with his father.
Mr. Gallup has always been prominent in politics, and while living
in Farwell served as supervisor, and as president of the village. Since
coming to Escanaba he has served four years as mayor of the city, has
been supervisor and city attorney, and for two years represented his
district in the State Legislature.
James N. Porter, who for many years has been identified with the
mining interests of the country, his associations in this line taking him
far afield, and through many unusual and delightful scenes, is a native
of Ohio, of Irish descent. Youngstown, of the Buckeye state, was the
scene of his nativity, which occurred November 26, 1847. His parents
were William and Mary (Nesbit) Porter, both of them natives of Erin,
as was his grandfather, Charles Porter, who was a well-to-do distiller
of Ireland. Charles Porter lived and died in the country which gave
him birth, but his son, inspired by the spirit of change and ambition
which fired the later generation, severed old ties and crossed the blue
Atlantic to the newer country beyond it to claim his share of the much
lauded opportunity there awaiting. He made his way westward to Ohio
and settled near Austintown, a village about five miles west of Youngs-
tovra. Before emigrating he had had some experience as an iron worker
and after a residence here of some duration, he concluded to establish
himself more independently and built iron works and a furnace on
Meander Creek, called, because of its location, the Meander Furnace.
In those days iron was made from the kidney ore dug out of the ground
near the furnace in the coal lands. There was no use made of coke at
that time, and coal was used exclusively in the furnace. While ap-
parently on the high road to entire success, the panic of 1857 badly
crippled him financially and William Porter failed. He died in Aus-
tintowTi in the house which he had built just prior to his marriage, and
in which he had resided during almost his entire residence in Ohio. He
1292 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
married about the year 1843, one of his own country women, ^iary
Nesbit. This worthy couple were the parents of four children. The
eldest, Isabel, is the widow of Robert ]\IcCurdy, of Youngstown, Ohio ;
James N. was the second in order of birth ; Charles, a druggist of Niles,
Ohio, died in 1883 ; and the youngest, Calwell, died at the age of thir-
teen months.
James N. Porter received his early education in the district school
near Austinburg. Although this was not long previous to the Civil war,
conditions were still very primitive in some localities and the edifice
which housed this institution of learning, was a rude building about
twelve feet sciuare. Fortunately the goddess Minerva is never annoyed
or hampered by adverse conditions if the desire to learn is really there,
and among the boys who sat upon the rough benches and conned their
lessons in the so-called "Three Rs," were several who became very
prominent. In fact, Mr. Porter had as school mates, John Fitch of
Youngstown, and James Campbell, president of the large sheet and tube
works of Youngsto^^^l. School days were of short duration and Mr.
Porter was early forced to face the more practical issues of life. His
first humble connection with the mining industry was as the driver of
a mule in the mines of North Jackson. He soon transferred his field of
endeavor to Moyell, Missouri, and its charcoal resources and gradually
worked his waj^ up to the assistant superintendency of the concern. The
Charcoal and Iron "Works of Moyell were owned by Youngstown capi-
talists, and ]\Ir. Porter's identifieation with them lasted for eight years.
Mr. Porter 's nest move was to go to Texas, and he spent sis months
in traveling. Coming back to Ohio, he located at Fairport, and en-
gaged in shipping coal over the Painesville and Youngsto^vn Railroad,
and was employed in this manner throughout the sununer of 1878. and
in the ensuing fall when navigation closed, he ran a coal yard at Youngs-
to-rni. The following year he went to New York. ]\Ir. Porter again
renewed his Youngsto^^n business associations, and in their interest
went to Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, where he built a number of coke
ovens and looked after the coal miners, his executive ability, fine judg-
ment and personal popularity with the men making his offices in this
capacity of iinusual value. He remained in Pennsylvania until the
spring of 1882, when he was ordered by the ''men higher up" to go to
Iron River, ]Miehigan, to take the general management of the great mine
at that place now known as the Riverton Mine. He was with this mine
from its inception, "opening it from the grass roots" as he terms it.
His interests and ability to manage them continually broadened. His
connection with the Riverton ]\Iine was of nine and a half years du-
ration, and he subsecjuently took charge of the Youngstown mine at
Crystall Falls. In the year 1885 the same people assumed full proprie-
torship of the Florence Mine, one-half of which they had previously
owned, and Mr. Porter managed these three properties from 1886 until
1891, a task to challenge the powers of the most able and versatile. In
the latter year his wife's failing health made it advisable for him to
seek other climes with her and they went to Colorado, IMr. Porter re-
maining there until 1893. Thus taken west by force of circumstances,
he allied himself with western raining and with great success pursued
independent ventures in Wyoming, ^Montana, Utah, and in the last four
years in Old ]\lesico. Few men are better informed on mining questions
considered from even,' point, for he has well profited by the esperiences
of a lifetime. He is at present located in Iron River, where he enjoys
great esteem and consideration as a substantial business man and esecu-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1293
tive, and a citizen whose hand is ever given to all those causes tending
to bring about the amelioration of general conditions.
Mr. Porter was married in Painesville, Ohio, on the 9th day of Jan-
uary, 1879, the lady to become his wife being j\Iargaret, daughter of
James and jMarian Dayton. By a previous marriage she was the mother
of a son, James, who assumed the name of Porter and who is now a
resident of Detroit. Mrs. Porter died November 15, 1892, at Colorado
Springs, Colorado, whither she had gone in quest of health, and this
devoted wife and generally beloved woman is buried, by her own re-
quest, in this lovely situation.
When the years of Mr. Porter were sufficient for him to become a
voter, he gave his political allegiance to the Democratic party, but his
sentiments underwent a change and since the time of jMcKinley he has
voted the Republican ticket. He belongs to the ancient and august
Masonic order, having membership in Lodge No. 373, Calvary, IMissouri.
In religious faith he was originally an old-school Covenanter, but lat-
terly has been a Presbyterian, and is a consistent and zealous supporter
of the good causes promulgated by the church body.
John F. Oliver, who is engaged in the coal business at Escanaba,
Michigan, and who is one of the pioneers of the Upper Peninsula, dates
his birth in AVales, March 1-1, 1847. America, however, has been his
home since his earliest recollection, for in 1850, when a child of three
years, he was brought to this country by his parents, William and Mary
Oliver. They settled on land in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, where
William Oliver improved a farm, and where John spent his boyhood,
assisting in the farm work and attending the district school. When he
was about seventeen he went to Milwaukee. There he had one more year
in school, after which he went to Madison and accepted a position as gov-
ernment clerk. Next we find him in Chicago in the employ of the Chicago
& Northwestern R. R. He remained in the company's office there one
year, and in July, 1865, was sent up to Escanaba — or where Escanaba
now is— as paymaster for the Peninsula Division of the road. This
position he filled about ten years, and at the end of this time he en-
gaged in the real estate business and in the manufacture of charcoal at
Perkins, Delta county, to which he gave his attention there the next
nine years. Since then Escanaba has been his home and he has been
engaged in the coal business. Thus for a period of forty-four years he
has been identified with the Northern Peninsula and in touch with the
activities which have contributed to its development. While at Perkins
he served eight years as treasurer of Delta county, and he was president
of the village board before the town became a city.
In 1869, in Toledo, Ohio, Mr. Oliver married Miss Harriet Baldwin,
of that city, and they are the parents of five children, as follows:
Carrie B., wife of H. M. Stevenson, of Escanaba ; Clinton B., secretary
and treasurer of the Castle Valley Coal Co. of Utah, is a resident of
Salt Lake City ; Luellen W., a captain in the 12th Cavalry, U. S. Army ;
Robert S., general manager of a mining company, and a resident of
Salt Lake City, and Anna L., at home. Mr. Oliver is a member of the
Masonic Order.
John G. Leitch, of Escanaba, Michigan, has been a resident of the
Northern Peninsula for twenty-three years and has acquired various
interests here. He has an extensive business in posts, poles, ties,
shingles, etc., and also deals in real estate, his operations covering a
large territory.
1294 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Leiteh is a native of Canada. He was born in Kent county,
Western Ontario. June 24. 1860, son of Colin and Mar\- (McKim) Leiteh
natives of Canada. His father was a stock raiser and grain dealer in
that province, where he lived • to the ripe age of seventy-four years.
The mother also passed the three score and ten mark, she being seventy-
two at the time of her death. They were the parents of six children,
one daughter and five sons. The daughter died at the age of fourteen;
all the sons grew to manhood.
John G., the third son, was reared in his native county and received
his early training in the country schools. He left school, however, at
the age of thirteen and began life on his own responsibility as clerk in
a general store at Duart, Canada. For six years he remained in that
same store, and at the end of that time, when only nineteen, he engaged
in mercantile business for himself at i\Iurkirk, Canada, which he con-
ducted about eight years. Then he sold out and came to Escanaba,
Michigan. Soon afterward he entered the employ of the Northwestern
R. R. Co., as agent, and spent about five years in that capacity at Foster
City and Bayberg. About 1892, he engaged in logging at Hardwood,
in Dickinson county, and in 1901 he returned to Escanaba. Here he
was with the Escanaba Lumber Company two years, and four years
with the Frances Beidler Lumber Company, at the end of which time
he bought the interests of the latter company both at Felch Junction
and Escanaba, the business he is now conducting.
In 1881 Mr. Leiteh married Miss Christena Genge, of Duart, Ontario,
and to them have been given three children, namely: Catherine, wife of
G. ]M. Johnson, of Escanaba : Reginald, a student in the LTniversity at
Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Gerald, at home.
Politically, Mr. Leiteh has always been a stanch Republican and has
taken a somewhat active part in local politics. While in Dickinson
county he served five years as supervisor.
Eugene IMenard. — For many years a successful business man of
Sault Ste. Marie, Eugene ]\Ienard is well known throughout this section
of the country for his many interests, and is not only active and promi-
nent in financial and social circles, but is ever at the front in the estab-
lishment of enterprises conducive to the general welfare and advance-
ment. A son of Francis Xavier ^lenard, he was born in Ottawa, Canada,
January 12, 1864, of French lineage.
Francis X. Menard was born in 1824, in Bretagne, France, and was
there reared and educated. Emigrating in early manhood to America,
he settled in Canada, taking up a tract of heavily timbered land in
Clarence Creek toAvnship, near Ottawa, and was there engaged in farm-
ing and blacksmithing during his active life. A Roman Catholic in his
religious views, he was very prominent and active in the establishment
of a church in his new home, and in the rude log house which he erected
in the wilderness mass was celebrated for the first time in Clarence
Creek, and services were there subsequently held for several years before
the church was strong enough financially to erect a church building.
Since that time three churches have been erected just across the road
from the old INIenard homestead, the present church edifice being a mod-
ern structure, made of brick and stone.
Francis Menard married Clara Franeoeur, who spent her entire life
in Canada, her birth occiirring in 1818, and her death in 1890. Ten
children were born of their union, eight of whom are living, Eugene be-
ing the ninth child in succession of birth. One son, Francis Menard,
Jr.. was the first postmaster at Clarence Creek, and on resigning the
O,^. vy^;^^^.e^>-^^^^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1295
position was succeeded by his sister Clara, now Mrs. Perrin, who still
retains the office, which has been in the family for upwards of forty
years.
Completing his early education at Rigand College, in the province of
Quebec, Eugene Menard learned the trade of a carpenter. In 1882 he
located in Ishpemiug, Michigan, and the following year migrated to
St. Paul, ]\Iinnesota, where he was engaged in carpentering, contracting
and building about three years. In 1886 he began working at his trade
in Sault Ste. Marie, becoming one of the foremost contractors and
builders of Chippewa county, for eleven years being in the employ of
the United States Government. In 1903 Mr. Menard embarked in the
real estate and fire insurance business, and these, in connection with the
supervision of his private property, keep him busily employed. He is
identified with various organizations of much importance, and has the
distinction of being the only French Notary Public in the Soo, a capacity
in which he is very popular with the people.
Mr. Menard is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters; a
member of the French Society of the United States, and as its supreme
treasurer paid out of its treasury in 1909 upwards of $60,000; a mem-
ber, and financial secretary of the Modern Brotherhood of America, a
member and financial secretary of the Society of Saint John the Baptist ;
a member, and the local financial secretary of the Union Society Cana-
dian French ; a member of the Knights of the Maccabees ; of the Knights
of Columbus, and Brotherhood American Yeomen, and financial secre-
tary of Union St. Joseph, of Ottawa. Politically Mr. Menard is a Re-
publican, and, true to the faith of his ancestors, he is a Roman Catholic
in religion.
On January 1, 1907, Mr. Menard, in company with William S. La
Londe, incorporated the W. S. LaLonde Land and Insurance Company,
with the following named officers: AV. S. LaLonde, president; E. Menard,
secretary; and William J. LaLonde, treasurer, and the company is now
carrying on an extensive and successful business.
Mr. Menard married July 14, 1889, Julia Nault, who was born in
Sault Ste. Marie, being the third child in a large family of children,
of whom but three are now living. Her father. Nelson Nault, was born
at St. Pierre, Lebecque, and was for many years one of the more active
and prominent men of Sault Ste. Marie. He was a farmer, and an
extensive dealer in real estate, and in 1885 made the subdivision that
today is known as the Narcisse & Nault addition to the city. He was
influential in public affairs, serving as road commissioner, and as alder-
man. Religiously he was a member of the St. Mary's Roman Catholic
church. He died in 1887, at the age of thirty-seven years, while yet in
manhood's prime. He married Harriet Campbell, who was born, lived
and died in Sault Ste. Marie. Thirteen children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Menard, seven of whom are living, namely : Joseph, a bookkeeper,
was graduated from the United States Military School at Omaha, Ne-
braska; Alphonse, printer of the "Golden Rule," was graduated from
the same school ; Louis, a student in the same military institution ; Azerie ;
Eugene, Jr. ; Napoleon and an infant.
Thomas A. Trevethan. — A practical, successful, and progressive
agriculturist of Houghton county, Thomas A. Trevethan, residing near
Chassell, is proprietor of a valuable estate, on which he is extensively
engaged in general farming, in the pursuit of his pleasant and remu-
nerative occupation exercising both skill and good judgment. An Eng-
lishman by birth, he was born, December 7, 1836, in the parish of Per-
1296 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
ran. County Cornwall, coming, it is supposed, of Welsh ancestry, as,
according to tradition, the Trevethans with other elans were banished
from "Wales in the year 900 and settled in Cornwall, England.
His father, Capt. Thomas Trevethan, was born in the parish of
Blaekwater, Cornwall county, England, and from his youthful days
imtil 1841 was engaged in mining in his native county. Accompanied
then by his wife and their four children, he crossed the Atlantic in a
sailing vessel, after a voyage of six weeks and three days landing in
Quebec. Starting for the states, he went by way of the St. Lawrence
river and the Great Lakes to Chicago, thence with team to Galena, Illi-
nois, a distance of one hundred and sixty miles, from there proceeding
to Lafayette county. Wisconsin. Locating at Shullsburg. he worked in
the lead mines nearly three years. In 18-14 he paid his tirst visit to the
' ' copper country. ' ' coming here as a representative of the Gratiots. who
were interested in mine prospects on Keweenaw Point. The entire
upper peninsula was then a pathless wilderness, explorations for metals
being very new. He remained here until 1850, exploring diiferent
mines, after which he spent two years in Wisconsin. Returning to
northern Michigan in 1852 he was employed in different capacities at
the Isle Royale and other mines until 1868. when he went back to his
old home in Shullsburg. where he continued his residence until his death
in 1876. His wife, whose maiden name was Rachel Williams, was born
in Padstow. County Cornwall, England. She died in 1852, lea-\dng six
children, as follows: William, Jane. Martha, Thomas A., Sarah, and
John AV. William lives in the Sacramento valley. California ; Jane mar-
ried AYalter Hicks, of Los Angeles, California ; Alartha is the wife of
T. D. Trusty, of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Sarah married Charles Round, of
West Concord, Minnesota; and John AV. lives in California.
But five years of age when he came with his parents to this country,
Thomas A. Trevethan began as a boy of twelve years to work in the
mines, in June. 1853, coming to the L'pper Peninsula, to the Cliff mine.
Eagle River was then the county seat of Houghton county, and the only
store in what is now the city of Houghton was kept in a small log cabin.
In October of that year he left the Cliff and went to the Portage, and
was subsequently employed at the Isle Royale Aline until the spring of
1854. Going then to Houghton, he took a contract to get out rocks for
the foundation of the first stamp mill built in that place, and afterward
superintended the building of the mill, of which he was giA"en charge
when it was completed, this mill being the one that shipped the first
stamp copper from out the Portage, the copper being loaded on flat
boats and taken down to deep water. Air. Trevethan had charge of the
stamp mill until 1858, when he resumed mining, continuing two years.
He then got out the foundation of the Huron stamp mill and when it
was completed had charge of it until 1864. From that time until 1877
he was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Houghton, being one of the
leading general merchants.
In 1877 Air. Trevethan purchased a tract of heavily timbered land
adjoining the present site of Chassell and taking up his residence here
has since devoted his time and attention clearing the land and tilling
the soil. He owns four hundred acres of good land, one,-half of which
is under a high state of cultivation and is well improved, having a sub-
stantial set of frame buildings, his estate being one of the most attractive
and desirable in the neighborhood.
. Air. Trevethan was married in 1855 to Ellen S. Pryor. who was born
in Devonshire. England, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Piyor, of
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1297
whom a brief account may be found elsewhere in this volume, m con-
nection with the sketch of James Pryor. ]\Irs. Trevethan passed to the
higher life October 30, 1908. Four children blessed their union, namely :
Mary Emma, Albert H., Addie E., and T. Irving. Emma, wife of Otto
Obenhoff, has nine children: Addie, Sidney, Glenn, Howard, Nellie,
Cora, Florence, Bert, and Elsa. Albert H., who married Clara M. Sil-
ler, died Februarj^ 18, 1910, leaving two children : Millie and Ellen May.
Addie E., wife of C. F. Hall, has three children: Beatrice, Florence and
Marion. T. Irving is associated with his father in farming. ]\Ir. Treve-
than has been a stanch Republican all his life and east his first presi-
dential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has always taken an active part
in politics. He was for many years a member of the Houghton County
Republican committee, also a member of the Portage township board,
and alderman of the village of Houghton. Upon the organization of
the township of Chassell in 1888, he was one of the organizers and was
its first supervisor and was reelected for the second term.
Arthur J. Holden is entitled to great credit in the community as
the proprietor and principal of the Laurium Commercial School, an
institution so thorough and up-to-date, that it cannot but exert a bene-
ficial influence upon future clerical standards of this part of the state,
while the education of those fortunate enough to enroll themselves
therein, is broadened in more ways than one. This excellent school was
founded in 1899 by J. F. Reinier and was conducted by him for six
years, at the end of wliich time Mr. Holden became proprietor. The
school rooms are located in the Monroe building, Hecla street, Laurium,
and their accommodations are sufficient for one hundred and fifty stu-
dents. The annual enrollment for both day and evening sessions is
from two to three hundred students. The corps of teachers is very
efficient and students in the different departments receive instruction
from those especially fitted for the branch of learning entrusted to
them. All branches of commercial work are given in a very thorough,
practical manner. The standard of the work done here ranks high with
the best business colleges in the country.
Mr. Holden is a native of INIiehigan, born in Genesee county, Oc-
tober 30, 1880. He received his primary education in the public schools
of Genesee and Saginaw counties, and later attended the Flint High
School and Fenton Normal College. For four years he taught in the
public schools of Genesee and Shiawassee counties. He afterward
entered the Bliss Business College at Flint, Michigan, and in 1904
graduated from that institution. After filling a position as assistant
instructor in this institution for some time, he accepted a position as
commercial teacher with the Laurium Commercial School, which he held
until he became proprietor. In June, 1910, he bought an interest in a
school located at Menominee, Michigan, which had been organized by
M. L. Clancy, and was known as the Inter State Business LTniversity.
This school, now known as the Twin City Commercial School, is con-
ducted at Menominee, on the second floor of the Stephenson building, a
handsome two story brick structure. Mr. Holden is president and
Mr. E. P. Bower is principal.
The Laurium Cojnmercial School also conducts a branch night
school in the village of Red Jacket, in the Maggie Walz block.
When students leave Mr. Holden 's schools they are well equipped to
hold any position in the commercial line. They go to different towns
and cities, both east and north, as far west as the Pacific Coast, and as
far south as the Carolinas.
1298 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Holden was married in 1905 to Miss Caroline Houghton, of
Genesee county, Michigan. Mrs. Holden was for some time a teacher
in the public schools and is at present one of the instructors in shorthand
and typewriting in the Lauriu'm school.
Francis A. James. — An enterprising and well-to-do business man
of Rockland, Ontonagon county, Francis A. James is carrying on a sub-
stantial trade as a dealer in meats, being at the head of the well known
firm of James & Jones. A native-born citizen, his birth occurred May
8, 1870.
His father, John E. James, was born in county Cornwall, England,
where his parents were born, lived and died. In common with the
majority of the children of Cornwall, he began working in the mines
as a boy, continuing until 1850. Then, a young man, he decided to try
his fortune in a newer country, and came on a sailing vessel to the
United States, being on the water six weeks. From New York he came
directly to the Upper Peninsula, traveling by way of the Lakes from
Buffalo to Ontonagon, thence up the Ontonagon river to Rockland.
After working a few years in the mines of Ontonagon county, he re-
turned to Cornwall, married his old sweetheart, and on returning with
his bride to Michigan settled in Rockland. He was here employed at the
mines in different capacities until he had the misfortune to lose his
right hand in an accident at the mine, since which time he has done but
little active work. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Ann
Oliver, died in 1905, aged seventy-five years. ' To them five children
were born, as follows : Thomas, Eva, Frederick, Francis A., and Minnie.
Having completed the course of study in the public schools, Francis
A. James began at the age of fourteen j^ears to learn the trade of a
butcher, and has since been profitably engaged in the meat business.
In 1901 he formed a partnership with James H. Jones, and established
the meat market with which he has since been identified, having in the
meantime built up a flourishing trade.
Fraternally Mr. James is a member of Ontonagon Lodge No. 171,
I. O. O. F. Politically he is a steadfast Republican, and has served two
years as township clerk; five years as secretary of the Rockland School
Board ; and is now serving his fourth term as county supervisor.
Albert L. Ferguson. — Throughout the Northern Peninsula are to
be found men of pronounced ability and forceful personality, whose
perseverance in purpose and directing spirit have made them leaders
in the establishment of beneficial projects, and made them prominent
in business enterprises. In this connection much credit may be given
to Albert L. Ferguson, who has been actively identified with the pro-
motion of the hardware interests of Sault Ste Jilarie for upwards of
a quarter of a century, at the present time being vice-president of the
Soo Hardware Company. A native of Ontario, he was born in Bramp-
ton, April 15, 1864, a son of Adam and Catherine (Golden) Ferguson.
Further parental and ancestral history may be found on another page
of this volume in connection with the sketch of I\Ir. Ferguson's brother,
Robert G. Ferguson.
His parents having removed when he w^as a child to Bay City,
Michigan, Albert L. Ferguson was there brought up and educated.
Going to Toronto, Ontario, in 1880, when sixteen years of age, he was
clerk in the Sutcliflt'e Dry Goods Store two years, and the following
year was similarly employed for Burnham & Stopel, in Bay City,
Michigan. Coming to the Upper Peninsula in 1883, Mr. Ferguson em-
,'<^l^;
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1299
barked in business on his own account as a member of the Ferguson
Hardware Company, and met with success. This firm was merged into
the Soo Hardware Company, of which Mr. Ferguson was made presi-
dent and general manager. A few years later the Ferguson Brothers
reorganized the business under the name of the Chippewa Hardware
Company, Mr. Ferguson continuing as president and general manager.
The Soo Hardware Company was incorporated, being capitalized at
$20,000, Robert G. Ferguson being made president; Albert L. Fergu-
son, vice-president ; and A. E. Ferguson, secretary and treasurer. In
March, 1900, the capital stock was increased to 69,000, and the firm is
now carrying on an immense business, both wholesale and retail, be-
ing the leading hardware dealers of Chippewa county.
Mr. Ferguson is also connected with other organizations of im-
portance, being a stockholder in the William F. Ferguson Clothing
Company ; a stockholder in, and the treasurer of, the Lock City Manu-
facturing Company; and a director in the Soo Savings Bank. Politi-
cally he is a firm adherent of the Republican party. Fraternally he
belongs to Bethel Lodge No. 358, F. & A. M. ; to Sault Ste Marie Chap-
ter No. 126, R. A. M. ; to Council No. 69, R. & S. M. ; to Commandery
.No. 45, K. T.; to Ahmed Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., of Marquette,
Michigan ; to Red Cross Lodge No. 51, K. of P. ; and to the B. P. 0. E.
Mr. Ferguson has been twice married. He married first, Septem-
ber 20, 1893, Alice McNaughton, a sister of Harry McNaughton, in
whose sketch, which appears elsewhere in this work, a brief history
of her parents may be found. She spent her entire life in Sault Ste.
Marie, and at her death, in 1907, left one child, Robei't G. Ferguson.
Mr. Ferguson married second, June 26, 1909, Julia D. Lennon, who
was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Merlin Wiley. — There has been naught of incompetence or lethargy
in the general personnel of the bar of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
from the pioneer epoch of its history to the present day, and within the
pages of this work will be found specific mention of many of those who
are well upholding the dignity and prestige of the profession in this first
decade of the twentieth century. Altogether worthy of such recognition
is Mr. Wiley, who has been engaged in the practice of his profession in
the city of Sault Ste. Marie since 1904 and who is now serving with
distinctive ability and resourcefulness in the office of prosecuting at-
torney of Chippewa county.
Merlin Wiley has never failed in loyalty to and affection for the
fine old commonwealth that represents the place of his nativity, and it
has been a matter of satisfaction to him to retain his residence within
its borders and to find ample scope for his efforts in his chosen vocation.
He was born at Shepherd, Isabella county, Michigan, on the 7th of May,
1875, and is a son of Edgar J. and Leoua C. (Cummins) Wiley, the
former of whom was born in Otiseo township, Ionia county, Michigan,
and the latter in Vienna, Warren county. New Jersey. Of the two chil-
dren, the subject of this review is the elder and Helen is now at Oberlin
College, Oberlin, Oluo. The father of Mr. Wiley traces his lineage back
in a direct way to Samuel Gorton, who was the founder of the family of
that name in Rhode Island in the early colonial days, and who was an
ancestor of Mr. Wiley in the maternal line. The mother of the subject
of this review is a direct descendant of John Hart, one of the signers
of the Declaration of Independence.
After completing the curriculum of the public schools, Merlin Wiley
entered Albion College, at Albion, Michigan, where he was a student for
1300 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
three years. He was then matrieiilated in the literary department of
the University of ^Michigan, in which he was graduated as a member
of the class of 1902, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1904 he
was graduated in the law department of the same institution and duly
received his well earned degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was forth-
with admitted to the bar of his native state and in the summer of 1904
he engaged in the active practice of his profession at Sault Ste. ]Marie,
becoming a member of the firm of "Warner, Sullivan & Wiley in 1906.
He continued a member of this firm until the 1st of December, 1907,
since which time he has conducted an individual practice with a clientage
of representative order. He has won special recognition for his ability
as a trial lawyer and has been eonceimed in a niunber of important liti-
gated causes in the local courts. In November, 1909, ]\Ir. AViley was
elected prosecuting attorney of ChippcAva county, and in this capacity
he has ably and effectively handled the important work assigned to
him. He is one of the valued officials of the county and is a prominent
factor in the local councils and activities of the Republican party, in
which he is at the present time (1910) secretary of the Chippewa county
committee, to which position he was elected in 1904 and of which he has
since remained incumbent. He is also a member of the boai^d of trus-
tees of the Carnegie public library in his home city. He is identified
with the Chippewa County Bar Association and the Michigan State
Bar Association. I\Ir. Wiley is identified with the Sigma Chi college
fraternity, and his other affiliations are here designated : Bethel Lodge,
No. 358, Free & Accepted ^Masons, Sault Ste. Marie Chapter, No. 126,
Royal Arch IMasons; Sault Ste. ]\Iarie Council, No. 69, Royal & Select
Mastei*s ; and Red Cross Lodge, No. 51, Knights of Pythias.
October 12, 1910, Mr. Wiley wedded ]\Iiss Helen Seymour, a native
of Michigan. Her father, Henry W. Seymour, was a prominent lumber-
man in Sault Ste. Marie and was congressman of this district in 1887-88.
]\Irs. Wiley was educated at Bryn INIawr, Pennsylvania.
John T. Turnbuix.— In the village of Newberry is found a repre-
sentative citizen in the person of John T. Turnbull, who is present
sheriff' of Luce county and who is held in unqualified esteem in the com-
munity, which is indicated by the official position of which he is in-
cumbent. Sheriff' Turnbull is a native of the fine old Wolverine state,
as he was born in the city of Saginaw, ^Michigan, on the 21st of ]\Iarch,
1874. He is a son of David and Ellen (Thompson) Turnbull, the former
of whom was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, and the latter in
Scotland. The father now resides in the city of Flint, Michigan, and
the mother died in 1892. They became the parents of five sons and four
daughters, all of whom are living except one son. David Turnbull was
reared to maturity in his native province and as a young man he came
to the United States and located in Saginaw county, ]\Iichigan, where he
reclaimed a farm from the wilderness and gained prestige as one of the
pioneer citizens of that section of the state. For a number of years
past he has lived virtually retired in the city of Flint. He is a Repub-
lican in politics, and his cherished and devoted wife was a member of the
Presbyterian society.
After availing himself of the advantages of the public schools of
Saginaw county, John T. Turnbull took up a course in the Ferris Insti-
tute, a well ordered business college at Big Rapids, ^lichigan. After
leaving this institution he secured employment as stenographer and
assistant bookkeeper at Dollarville, Luce county, where he took up his
residence in 1900. Later he removed to Duluth, :\Iinnesota, where he
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1301
was employed for a period of about eighteen months as bookkeeper for
the Edward Hines Lumber Company, whose headquarters are in the
city of Chicago. In 1901 he returned to Luce county and located in
the village of Newberry, where he was employed as bookkeeper in a
grocery establishment until 1905, when he was appointed township
clerk of McMillan township to fill a vacancy. At the regular election
in the autumn of the following year he was elected as his own suc-
cessor, as was he also in 1908. In November, 1909, further official
honors were conferred upon him in that he was then elected sheriff of
the county, an office of which he is in tenure at the present time and in
which his administration has been altogether satisfactory and creditable.
He is found arrayed under the banner of the Republican party and is
a stalwart supporter of its principles and policies. He is affiliated
,with McMillan Lodge, No. 400, Free & Accepted Masons; Manistique
Chapter No. 127, Royal Arch Masons, and Luce Lodge, No. 89, Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows.
On the 7th of July, 1903, Mr. Turnbull was united in marriage to
Miss Elizabeth La Bombard, who was born and reared in Luce county
and who is a daughter of Alexander La Bombard, one of the sterling
pioneers and successful business men of this county. ]\Ir. and Mrs.
Turnbull have three children,— Raymond, Marie and Beatrice.
Benoni Lachance. — Among the prominent and influential citizens
of the Wolverine state, who have been largely successful in their well
directed efforts to further the prosperity of the Upper Peninsula and
who have served faithfully in various offices of public trust, Benoni
Lachance deserves representation in this compilation concerning the his-
tory of his section of the state. Mr. Lachance was born on the 20th of
June, 1841, in St. Barthelemy, County of Berthier, province of Quebec,
Canada, and is a son of Joseph and Sophia (Jacques) Lachance, both
of whom were likewise born in St. Barthelemy, County of Berthier, the
former in 1800 and the latter in 1808. Joseph Lachance followed the
great basic industry of agriculture for a number of years and about
the year 1830 he became a surveyor for the British government. He
lived retired for the last twenty years of his life and he was summoned
to the life eternal in the year 1874, in his seventy-fifth year, and his
wife passed away in 1899, at the patriarchal age of ninety-one years.
Both died and were buried at Tecumseh, province of Ontario. They
became the parents of thirteen children, of whom four sons and four
daughters are now living, the subject of this sketch being the seventh in
order of birth.
Benoni Lachance is of Scotch and French ancestry. He received
his early educational training in the parish schools of his native town
and was early apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade in the city of Mon-
treal. In 1856, when but fifteen years of age he came to Mackinac
Island on the old steamer "Michigan" and there engaged in the
work of his trade. He was fluent in the French language but knew
nothing of English. Accordingly he engaged a teacher and devoted the
long evenings to the study of English and his ardent concentration in
this connection soon made him proficient in the language. In the fall of
1859 he attended the public school. Dr. John R. Bailey being his teacher.
On the 27th of March, 1860, following the Indian trail, he walked to
Sault Ste. Marie and there worked at his trade until September 16, 1860,
when he embarked on the steamer ".Sea Bird" and removed 1^ Hancock,
Houghton county, Michigan, where he followed his trade until the 6t.h of
August, 1861, when, at the outbreak of the Civil war, he enlisted in Com-
1302 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
pany F, Seventh Michigan Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered into
service at Monroe, Michigan, on the 22nd of August, 1861, and went to
the front without arms, the regiment receiving their arms at ]\Ieridian
Hill, Washington, D. C. Mr! Laehance participated in all the battles
and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged and he served two
years as sergeant major (1863-4). He was in command of his comrades
who had not veteranized in the regiment, from Petersburg, Virginia, to
Detroit, INIiehigan, there being no other officer left to conduct the com-
rades thence. His regiment led the forlorn hope in the charge at Fred-
ericksburg in pontoon boats, on the 11th of December, 1862, the charge be-
ing made under General Burnside, commanding the army. Mr. Laehance
was sergeant major in the battle of Gettysburg in the three days' battle,
July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 1863. He was mustered out of service at Detroit,
Michigan, on the 3rd of September, 1864. Mr. Laehance has ever re-
tained a deep interest in his old comrades in arms and manifests the
same by his membership in the Henry C. Pratt Post, No. 289, Grand
Army of the Republic, Department of Michigan. His popularity
among his old companions has been shown repeatedly. In 1866 he was
elected Justice of the Peace at Detour, Michigan, and in 1867 was re-
elected to this office in Mackinac Island, Michigan, retaining this office
during the long intervening years. At present he is also commander
of the G. A. R. post, having served in this connection for the past seven
terms.
At the close of the war Mr. Laehance came to IMaekinac Island where
he engaged in his trade until June, 1865, when he was appointed light-
keeper of the Detour Light-house. He resigned this position in Novem-
ber, 1866, to accept the management of a store at Scotts Point, IMaekinac
county, ]Michigan, and one year later he became manager of a store
conducted by his old teacher. Dr. John R. Bailey. From 1868 to 1872
he worked at his trade and in the fall of the latter year he was ap-
pointed deputy United States marshal by United States IMarshal Joseph
R. Rennett. He spent the fall and winter of 1872-3 in Detroit and then
returned to Mackinac Island, following his trade until 1879, at which
time he was appointed probate judge of IMaekinac county, by Governor
Groswell, to fill a vacancy. Of this office he remained incumbent until
1881, when he again resumed the work of his trade, being thus em-
ployed until 1889, when he engaged in the livery business. In 1900
he was elected probate judge but could not qualify for the position on
account of a clerk's mistake. He was again elected to this office in
1904, serving one term. He was re-elected in 1908 but for a mistake
similar to tliat occurring in 1900 he failed to get the office. In 1892 he
became interested in the hotel business and has been actively concerned
in this line of enterprise since that time. As a citizen IMr. Laehance is
loyal and public-spirited and has always given his aid and influence
in support of all measures and enterprises tending to further the pros-
perity of his home city. In politics he is a staunch adherent of the Re-
publican party and has been active in its work. He is deeply loved and
revered by his fellow citizens and no man holds a more secure place in
popular confidence and esteem. Both he and his wife are members of
the Catholic church and he is affiliated with various fraternal and social
organizations of a representative order.
On the 27th of September, 1864, in the city of Mackinac Island,
Mr. Laehance Avas united in marriage to Miss Mary T. IMetivier, who
was born on Mackinac Island, IMichigan, and who is a daughter of
Francis and Lucy (Frechette) Metivier, both of whom were born in
Canada. Mr. Metivier came to Mackinac Island previously to 1837,
^.
^^-
f-^^
^,/fyi^^Jlc^
k
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1303
in which year Michigan was admitted to statehood, and he was a hunter,
lumberman and cooper. Both he and his wife passed the remainder
of their lives in Mackinac Island, where their death occurred in the
years, 1870 and 1850, respectively. Mr. Laehance and his wife became
the parents of twelve childxen, eleven of whom are now living, —
namely: Eugene J., Lucy M., Jessie Sophia, Alfred F., Harriet V.,
Grace C, Benoni W., Hercule A., Cora E., Clarence L. and Edwin T.
Angus F. McGillis. — Numbered among the representative contrac-
tors of the Upper Peninsula is this well know^n citizen of jNIenominee,
who has attained special prominence in connection with the building
of bridges and who has effectively completed many important con-
tracts in this line. He is a business man of distinctive aciimen and ad-
ministrative ability and his character shows forth those sterling traits
that are ever notable in the race from Avhich he sprung. As his name
well indicates he is a scion of stanch Scotch ancestry and to his own
well directed eft'orts must be attributed the marked success which he
has attained. He maintains his residence and business headquarters
in the city of Menominee and is known as' the leading contractor in his
line in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin.
Angus F. ]\IcGillis was born at Cornwall, the chief town of the
united counties of Stormont and Glengarry, province of Ontario, Can-
ada, on the 20th of December, 1843, and is a son of John A. and
Margaret (Mcintosh) j\IcGillis, the former of whom was born in the
highlands of Scotland, and the latter in the province of Ontario,
Canada, of Scotch ancestry. John A. McGillis was reared and edu-
cated in his native land and as a young man of eighteen years he set
forth to seek his fortune in America. He made the voyage in a sail-
ing vessel, and finally landed in the city of Quebec, whence he proceeded
to Cornwall to^vnship, Stormont county, province of Ontario, Avhere
he passed the residue of his life and where he became a successful
farmer, having there reclaimed a farm from the wilderness. He Avas a
man of prominence and influence in the community and Avas called
upon to serve in various local offices of public trust. Both he and his
wife were devout communicants of the Catholic church and both
exemplified their faith in their daily lives. John A. McGillis was
summoned to eternal rest at the age of sixty-five years and his Avife
was forty-eight years of age at the time of her demise. They became
the parents of eleven children, all of wdiom attained to years of ma-
turity and of the number three sons and four daughters are yet living.
Angus F. McGillis, who was the ninth in order of birth of the
eleven children, was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm
and early began to lend his aid in the various departments of this
work, in the meanwhile availing himself of the advantages of the
common schools of the locality and period. At the age of tAventy
years he severed the gracious home ties and Avent to Ihe northern part
of the state of Ncav York, AAdiere he passed the first Avinter in getting
out square timber on the Grass and Racket rivers for the firm of ]\lc-
Donald, ]\lc]\lillan & Company, for Avhom he took the timber from the
mouth of the Grass and Racket rivers and thence drove it doAvn the
St. LaAATence river, in the spring of 1864, to Quebec. In the autumn
of the same year he came Avest to Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and entered
the employ of B. C. French, who Avas the superintendent of the Ogden
& Tilden Iron ]\Iines, west of Escanaba, ]\Iichigan. Mr. McGillis sub-
sequently left Peshligo AA^th a vessel of lumber, but as the vessel Avas
blockaded by snoAv at Escanaba, he shipped the lumber by rail to the
1304 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
mines, erected a saw mill between the Ogden and Tilden mines and
Smolla lake. In June, 1865, Mr. McGillis went to Fond du Lae, Wis-
consin, but soon afterward he returned to Peshtigo, where he passed
the summer of that year. In the following autumn he returned to
Fond du Lac, where he entered the employ of the Chicago & North-
western Railroad Company, and he was thus engaged at the work of
carpenter's trade for two years, during which he gave his attention to
the building of bridges and water tanks for the railroad company.
Thereafter he worked under Edward Seamer and George B. McCum-
ber on the erection of a warehouse and sawmill for C. J. L. Meyer and
in the spring of 1867 he came to Menominee, Michigan, where he
maintained his home for a period of about three years, during which
he was actively engaged in the work of his trade. He thereafter
passed one year in Chicago in the employ of the firm of Wells &
French, but he assisted in the erection of bridges on the Lake Shore
& Michigan Southern Railroad. Thereafter Mr. McGillis was located
at Cedar River, Michigan, for fifteen months and then he returned to
Menominee, where he resumed his work as carpenter and builder and
two months later located on Llenominee Range with headquarters at
Norway, Michigan. He resided there for eight years and carried on
contracting on the whole Menominee Range in house and bridge
building. In this connection he has become one of the best known
contractors in the Upper Peninsula as has already been intimated in a
previous paragraph. His reputation for fair and honorable business
methods implying the most scrupulous regard to the specifications of
contracts and the careful execution of the same constituting an asset
of which he may well be proud. He has built several bridges between
the cities of Menominee and Marinette, as well as many for the Mil-
waukee & Northern Railroad Company, the Copper Range Railroad
Company, and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company,
besides which he has held other important bridge contracts for va-
rious cities and towns, as well as other corporations. Mr. McGillis is
not only progressive and enterprising in his business affairs, but he
also manifests the same attitude in regard to citizenship, as is shown
by the fact that he is ever ready to give his encouragement and aid
in support of all measures and enterprises tending to advance the ma-
terial and social welfare of the community. Though his first presi-
dential vote was cast for General Ulysses S. Grant, he is now a stanch
advocate of the principles of the Democratic party. He is well known
throughout northern Michigan and Wisconsin and is held in high re-
gard by all with whom he has come in contact. He is affiliated with
the Knights of Columbiis and both he and his wife are communicants
of the Catholic church.
In the year 1866 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. McGillis to
Miss Catherine McDonald, who was born in the province of Ontario,
Canada, and whose death occurred in 1895. Of the eight children of
this union, three are now living: George, who is a resident of Califor-
nia ; Peter, who resides in Louisiana ; and Flora, who is the wife of
Henry Small, of California. In October, 1897. Mr. McGillis wedded
Miss Catherine McCulley, who was born in the state of Wisconsin, and
they have one son, Donald, who is now attending school in IMenominee.
Alfred S. Follansbee. — Having served most faithfully as post-
master at Ontonagon for the past thirteen years, Alfred S. Follansbee
is widely and favorably known throughout this part of Ontonagon
county as a man of worth and integrity, and is held in high respect as
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1305
a man and as a citizen. A son of Jolm W.- Follansbee, he was born,
July 2, 1866, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, of English ancestry. His
grandfather, Williard Follansbee, a native of England, was a pioneer
settler of Rock county, Wisconsin. Buying land lying three miles
from Janesville, he cleared and improved a homestead, on which he
lived many years. Subsequently removing to Iowa, he spent his last
days in Charles City, passing away at a good old age.
Born on the parental homestead, in Rock county, Wisconsin, John
W. Follansbee learned the carpenter's trade when young, and for many
years carried on a substantial business as a contractor and builder in
Fond du Lac ; where his death occurred. His wife, Avhose maiden name
was Jennie Davis, was born in New York state and died in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. She reared five children, as follows : Carrie, wife of P.
J. Ward, of Milwaukee; Alfred S. ; Minnie, wife of Mr. Cousins;
Dolly, deceased ; and Jerry W.
At the age of thirteen years, while yet a pupil in the public schools
of Fond du Lac, Alfred S. Follansbee entered the office of one of the
leading journals, the Commonwealth, working evenings and vaca-
tions as a printer's devil. Coming to Ontonagon in 1889^ he was
employed in the Ontonagon Mine until August 25, 1896, the date of the
disastrous conflagration that destroyed a large part of the village.
In November, 1897, Mr. Follansbee was appointed postmaster at Onto-
nagon, and has served continuously since, filling the position ably and
satisfactorily to all concerned.
Mr. Follansbee married, September 7, 1892, Dolie S. Allen, a native
of Woodstock, Illinois. Her father, Frank S. Allen, was born and edu-
cated in Providence, R. I. He came West as a young man, and soon
after the breaking out of the Civil war enlisted in Company E, Ninety-
fifth Illinois Infantry, and served until after the close of the confiict,
when he was honorably discharged. He was afterwards first lieutenant
of Battery D, Illinois National Guard. He died at Los Angeles, Cal-
ifornia, in 1896. His wife, whose maiden name was Rowena Johnson,
was born in Woodstock, Illinois, and is now a resident of Muskegon,
Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Follansbee have one child, Dorothy Allen.
Politically Mr. Follansbee is a Republican, and fraternally he belongs
to Ontonagon Tent, No. 334, K. O. T. M.
Andrew Halter.— A man of undoubted financial ability and keen
foresight, Andrew Halter occupies a secure position among the lead-
ing business men of Ontonagon, being a successful general merchant.
A son of Martin Halter, Jr., he was born, December 24, 1860, at Pon-
tiac Mine, Houghton county, Michigan, of French ancestry.
His grandfather, Martin Halter, Sr., was born, bred and married
in the province of Lorraine, France. Emigrating to the LTnited States
in 1837, he located in Erie county. New York. Buying a tract of wild
land in the locality known as Town Line, fifteen miles from Buffalo, he
devoted his time to clearing and improving a farm, living there until
his death. He reared four sons, Antoine, Martin, August, and Louis,
and one daughter, who is now married, and lives in Erie county. New
York.
Born in Lorraine, France, May 12, 1830, Martin Halter, Jr., was
but seven years old when he crossed the ocean wath his parents. Reared
and educated in Erie county, New York, he resided there until 1849,
when he became an early settler of Ontonagon county, Michigan.
After working in the mines for a time, he went to Wisconsin to look
for a farm, from there going to Galena, Illinois, where he had a brother
1306 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
living. Not finding a location that suited him in either place, he re-
turned to Michigan, and after working for a time as a miner in
Ontonagon county was for three years engaged in mining in Houghtcn
county. Coming back then to Ontonagon countj', he purchased a farm
about four miles from the Court House, and thereafter devoted his time
to tilling the soil until failing health compelled him to retire from
active pursuits. His wife, whose maiden name was Maria Paul, was
born, July 4, 1830, on the banks of the River Rhine, in Germany, and
came with her parents to America, locating in New York state, where
they spent their remaining days. She died on the home farm, near
Ontonagon, in 1888, leaving three children, Andrew, the special sub-
ject of this sketch ; Louis, carrying on the home farm ; and Joseph B.,
of Chicago, who is engaged in railroad work.
At the age of seventeen years, having completed his early educa-
tion in the public schools, Andrew Halter was engaged in lumbering
in the woods for six years. Then, at the age of twenty-three years, he
accepted a position as clerk in a general store, remaining thus em-
ployed until 1896. In that year, in company with his brother-in-law,
Abraham Le Moine, he opened a general store in Ontonagon, begin-
ning in a modest way. He has since gradually enlarged his operations,
as the trade demanded adding to his stock, and is now carrying on a
thriving business as a general merchant.
Mr. Halter married, October 1, 1883, Adelaide Le Moine, who was
born in Rockland, IMichigan, a daughter of Nelson and Victoria
(Myers) Le Moine, natives of Canada. Mr. Le Moine died February
9, 1910, leaving seven children, Maiy, Israel, Marian, Philemon, Ade-
line, Abraham, and Peter. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Halter two
children have been born, namely : Elsie and Ella. Fraternally Mr.
Halter is a member of Ontonagon Lodge, No. 67, F. & A. M. ; of On-
tonagon Chapter No. 20, R. A. M. ; and of Palestine Commandery, K.
T., of Houghton. He is officially connected with one of the leading
financial institutions of Ontonagon, being vice president of the First
National Bank.
Captain William Harris. — ^Prominently identified with the great
copper-mining industry in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, William
Harris became eminently successful not only as captain of various of
the most important mines in the Lake Superior district but he also
represented Ontonagon county in the state legislature for a period of
six years, in Avhich connection his services were highly satisfactory to
his constituents. Captain Harris was born on the 8th of January, 1818,
in the mining town of Carn-Brea, Illogan parish. Cornwall, England,
and he is the son of William and Jane Harris, both of whom were like-
wise natives of England, Avhere they spent their entire lives. Mr.
Harris was identified with mining operations in his native land and at
the age of twen1y-four years he was married, and four years later he
sailed with his family for the Ignited States, first locating in central
Wisconsin. Shortly after his ai'i'ival in America the Quebec IMining
Company secured the services of William Harris to explore and ope-
rate mines in the copper-ore veins of Georgian Bay. Later he had
charge of the Bruce mines and was captain of the same until they
passed into the hands of the ^Montreal Company, at which time the
Quebec Company sent him to explore and operate the Copper Bay
mine. By this time Captain William Harris had well established his
reputation as a mining expert and about the .year 1850 ]\rr. H. O.
Knapp, superintendent of the Minnesota mine, in Ontonagon county.
ur^^o
^ <Jy7^.-ti<?-r
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1307
Michigan, tendered him the position of supervisor of the underground
work of that property. After an examination of this mine Captain
Harris accepted the position and thus was begun his work in Ontona-
gon county. At that time the Minnesota mine was the greatest in the
Northern Peninsula, and he remained at this mine, in the capacity of
captain for a period of fourteen years and it was during this time
that the phenomenal "500-ton mass" of native copper was discovered,
a find so rich that it caused the utmost excitement. However, only
two years were consumed in cutting it into pieces of convenient size to
be hoisted to the surface. In 1864 a change was made in the official
corps of this mine and Captain Harris was appointed superintendent
of the same. Of this office he remained incumbent for eight years,
making in all twenty-two years of continuous service with the Minne-
sota Mining Company. Another three years with the AUouez Mining
Company concluded his active mining business. While in Ontonagon
county he became interested in mercantile enterprises with the late
S. D. North and in this connection were established the stores of S. D.
North at Quincy mine ; Charles Briggs at Calumet ; and William Har-
ris at Lake Linden.
In politics Captain Harris was a Republican and in 1873 he was
given proof of the high regard in which he was held in the commu-
nity by his election to the state legislature to represent Ontonagon
county. He served most efficiently in this capacity until 1876 and was
a member of various important committees in the lower hoi;se. He
was affiliated with various fraternal and social organizations of repre-
sentative order and both he and his wife held membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church of Lake Linden. Mrs. Harris died on the
22nd of March, 1901, aged eighty-one years. Captain Harris was sum-
moned to eternal rest on October 4, 1891, at the age of seventy-three
years.
In the year 1842 was celebrated the marriage of Captain Harris to
Miss Elizabeth Tregoning, of Redruth, Cornwall, England. Mr. and
Mrs. Harris became the parents of eight children, four of whom died in
childhood. Walter died at the age of twenty-one years, in 1884, at
which time he was in his junior year at the University of Michigan.
Mary A. T. is the widow of E. P. Sutton, to whom a sketch is dedi-
cated on other pages of this work. Elizabeth Jane is the widow of
A. Overfield, M. D., of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Martha is the
widow of B. F. Plews, M. D., and she resides at Toledo, Ohio.
Elias F. Sutton.— On the 25th of April, 1901, was summoned to
the life eternal the soul of a man whose sterling integrity and most
exemplary Christian character have left an indelible impress upon the
hearts of his fellow men. At the time when he was called from the
scene of his mortal endeavors he was in his seventieth year and it may
be said of him that "his strength was as the number of his days."
The prestige which he gained as a fair and honorable business man
was the result of his own well directed efforts and his success was on
a parity with his ability and applied energy.
Elias Fairchild Sutton was born in Hardyston, Sussex county,
New Jersey, on the 25th of June. 1831. and he was a son of Michael
R. and Elizabeth Forrestor Sutton, the former a native of New Jersey,
and a substantial farmer and most highly esteemed citizen of Sussex
county; the latter was also a native of New Jersey, a daughter of
Peter Forrestor an Englishman. The paternal ancestors of Mr. Sut-
ton were numbered among the earliest settlers of New Jersey, repre-
1308 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
sentatives of the family having come down from Cape Cod, Massachu-
setts, in 1672, to become land holders under the proprietaries Berke-
ley and Carteret, at Piseataway, on the banks of the Raritan river,
opposite New Brimsmck. 'Captain Jonathan Sutton, great-grand-
father of the subject of this review, was a great-grandson of William
Sutton, the founder of the family in New Jersey, and he served as a
valiant officer in the "Jersey line" in the war of the Revolution.
Elias Fairchild Sutton received his early educational training in the
common schools of his native town and supplemented the same by
study in the "Wantage Select," near Deckertown, New Jersey.
After leaving school he initiated his independent career as a clerk in
the store of Robert A. Linn in the nearby village of Hamburg. In his
nineteenth year he became a most devout member of the North Hardy-
ston Presbyterian church, of which his parents were likewise mem-
bers. About the year 1850 Mr. Sutton severed the ties which bound
him to home and the scenes of his youth and accompanied his sister,
Mrs. Joseph Ayres, to her home in Romeo, Michigan. Later he be-
came associated with the firm of W. H. B. Dowling, dealers in general
merchandise and lumber, at Port Huron, Michigan, in which concern
he eventually assiuned the responsibilities of a paitner. In May, 1862,
in response to a call for men to guard the Upper Lakes, Mr. Sutton
was commissioned as first lieutenant and mustered into the service of
the United States army for a term of three months. On May 6th of
that year he was placed in command of the Michigan-Stanton Guard
and stationed at Fort Mackinac. He was mustered out of the service
at Detroit, on September 25, 1862.
In 1863 Mr. Sutton removed to Ontonagon county, this state, to be-
come manager of the general store of the Minnesota Mining Company,
of which position he remained incumbent for six years. In 1865 the
product of the, then, most famous copper mine of Lake Superior be-
gan to decrease. The company was unwilling to expend the money
necessary to develop the property and at the time of this depression
Mr. Sutton opened a store at Huron IMine, Houghton county. About
the year 1875 a manufacturing industry in the city of Philadel-
phia claimed his attention for a period of two years, at the expiration
of Avhich he assumed the position of manager of the mercantile busi-
ness of his father-in-law, the late William Harris, of Lake Linden,
Houghton county. Upon the demise of Mr. Hai'ris, in 1891, Mr. Sut-
ton incorporated the business under the title of the E. F. Sutton Com-
pany. This enterprise Mr. Sutton most successfully conducted lantil
his death, in 1901. In politics Mr. Sutton accorded a staunch allegi-
ance to the cause of the Republican party, and though never a seeker
of public offices he lent his aid in behalf of all measures and enter-
prises tending to further the welfare of his community and as a citi-
zen he was most loyal and public-spirited. He was a devoted husband
and father and he found his greatest solace in the sacred precincts of
his home.
On the 5th of September, 1865, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Sutton to ]\Iiss Mary A. T. Harris, who was born June 7, 1843, in Red-
ruth, Cornwall, England, and who is a daughter of the late William
Harris, to whom a sketch is dedicated on other pages of this work, so
that further details concerning the family history need not be incor-
porated here. Mr. and JNIrs. Sutton became the parents of two chil-
dren, namely, — Elizabeth, born Jime 24th, 1868, at Houghton, IMichi-
gan, and Walter Harris, born June 18, 1885, at Lake Linden, Michigan.
September 5th, 1900, Elizabeth married Sidney A. Benedict of Chi-
THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1309
eago, Illinois. Mrs. Sutton survives her honored husband and she,
wilh her son Walter, makes their home in Lake Linden, where their
circle of friends is coincident with that of their acquaintances.
John R. Bailey, M. D.— Measured by its beneficence, its rectitude,
its productiveness, its unconscious altruism and its material success'
the life of the late Dr. John Read Bailey counted for much and in this
history of a section of the state with whose civic and material interests
he_ was so long and honorably identified, it is imperative that at least a
brief tribute be accorded to him. He long maintained his home on
beautiful Mackinac Island and none has been more closely or influ-
entially concerned with its varied interests. None has been more
familiar with its history and he compiled and published a history and
guide book of the island, a work of inestimable value and one that
shows deep and enthusiastic research and complete and accurate in-
formation. It is extraneous to the province of the present publication
to ofifer a review of this admirable work but those who are interested
in the same may readily secure copies thereof. Dr. Bailey was de-
scended from a family that was founded in America in the colonial
days and the name has long been one of distinction in the annals of
the nation. He was born in New York City, on the 23d of July, 1833,
and was the eldest son of Captain Joseph H. Bailey, who was a mem-
ber of the medical corps of the United States army. Concerning the
career of Dr. Bailey perhaps no better record can be offered than the
following appreciative estimate, written by John William Keating
and the article is reproduced with but slight paraphrase.
The period intervening between 1834 and 1850, except that por-
tion marking the Florida and Mexican wars, was spent by the father
at military posts in Arkansas and the Indian territory, but the family
lived on a plantation near Fort Smith, Arkansas, where the subject
of this sketch attended the public schools and St. Andrew's Catho-
lic College. During 1850 and 1851 the home of the family was at
Madison Barracks, Sackett's Harbor, New York, and from 1852 to
1854 residence was enjoyed at Mackinac Island, Michigan, where the
captain had been assigned to duty.
At an early age John R. elected the career of medicine and was
graduated in the medical department of the University of Michigan,
March 30, 1854, about four months prior to attaining his twenty-first
birthday. He was immediately appointed acting assistant surgeon in
the United States army at Fort Mackinac, and Indian physician to the
Chippewa and Ottawa Indians at the Michilimackinac Agency. After
1854 he served as post surgeon at Fort Mackinac no less than twenty
times. He was also stationed at Fort Hamilton, New York, in 1856,
and at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, during the Indian war in 1857. He
subsequently entered private practice on Mackinac Island, but at the
outbreak of the Civil war formed a company of infantry, and in June,
1861, offered his services to Governor Blair, expressing williness to
wield musket, sword or scalpel. His proffer was accepted, but the
trend of events changed his plans and rendered necessary a sojourn
in St. Louis, Missouri, to afford a beloved mother assistance in influenc-
ing his father and brothers to espouse the cause of the United States
government.' As a result, father, four sons and two sons-in-laws,
served, with commissions, in the Union army, the author entering the
conflict as assistant surgeon of the Eight Missouri Infantry Volunteers,
but his rank was soon raised to major and surgeon and later he received
promotion to the brevet lieutenant colonelcy of United States volun-
1310 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
teers for meritoi'ious and distinguished services in the field, the honor
being conferred by act of Congress. During the first year of the war
he organized the New House of Refuge General Hospital and com-
manded the post bearing the same name, in St. Louis, Missouri. As
the contest progressed he became the recipient of many titles, the most
noteworthy being surgeon-in-chief and chief of the operating corps of
the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps; chief medical of-
ficer on the staffs of General Morgan L. Smith, General Lew Wallace,
General Giles A. Smith, General Joseph A. J. Lightburn, General
David Stewart, General William T. Sherman and General Frank P.
Blair, Jr.; Surgeon in Charge of Special Field and General Field Hos-
pitals at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Russell's House, Corinth, Memphis,
and Vicksburg; besides special medical purveyor to the Army of the
Tennessee in the field at Chattanooga.
Dr. Bailey was an active man all his life, socially, politically and
fi'aternally, and had many honors thrust upon him. He was a third
degree Mason and past commander of William M. Fenton Post, St.
Ignace, Grand Army of the Republic. He was a companion of the
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and was the
first president of the Chippewa County Medical Society, comprising
Chippewa, Mackinac and Luce counties. Dr. Bailey was an honorary
member of the Michigan State Medical Society, the Upper Peninsular
Medical Society, honorary life member of the Loyal Guard and a mem-
ber of the American Medical Association and roll of honor of the Uni-
versity of Michigan.
In civil life he likewise served his fellow citizens in official capacity.
He was twice president of the Village (now city) of Mackinac Island,
once by appointment and once by election. For years he was a mem-
ber of the board of school examiners of Mackinac county, besides which
he held various other minor offices, and previously to his death he was
a member of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission.
The doctor was twice married and was the father of four children
by his first wife, three of whom are living,— Matthew G., pharmacist ;
Guy G., physician, and Jennie B. (Mi's. Clow), physician. His first
helpmate was Miss Sarah Gray, of Mackinac Island, who became his
bride in 1858 and died in 1876. Five years afterward he married ]\Iiss
Mary Ette Marshall, of Jefferson county, New York, who is still living.
As physician, soldier and citizen, Doctor Bailey has lived an active
life. The major portion of his energy has been expended in alleviating
sufi^ering humanity, but a goodly amount has been invested in projects
aiming for the betterment of municipal and commercial conditions. He
was the originator of five bills contemplating the improvement and em-
bellishment of Mackinac Island and vicinity, all of which were passed
by Congress. He had sole charge of a bill relating to the fisheries of
the Great Lakes from Duluth and Chicago to the St. Lawrence river,
which was eventually merged into a treaty with Great Britain.
While the Doctor was not a prolific writer, but rather a worker, he
nevertheless prepared a number of important medical and historical
papers which have attracted considerable attention, notably, "Beau-
mont-Army Surgeon;" "A Memoir of Pere James iMarquette ; " "The
Legend of Michilimackinae," which was prepared at the rexiuest of Gen-
eral Winifield Scott Hancock, commander of the Military Division of
the Atlantic; and the "Province of Michilimackinae," an illustrated ar-
ticle contributed to the thirty-second volume of "^Michigan Pioneer &
Historical Collections."
"Notwithstanding a very strenuous career, Dr. Bailey found time to
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1811
devote to the religious side of life. He was blessed by the birthright
of Christian parentage and was a believer of the Episcopal persuasion.
Most of his relatives are members of that church, and a nephew, Right
Reverend G. Mott Williams, is bishop of Marquette, a diocese named
in compliment to the missionary explorer. The doctor was identified
with church progress from early life, and received some of the honors
bestowed upon the elect, having served in the capacity of senior warden
and as lay reader, an honor which was conferred upon him more than
forty years ago by Bishop MeCoskry and continued until his death by
Bishops Harris and Davies.
Although he presented a serious expression of countenance, the
Doctor had a humorous vein coursing through his anatomy and his fac-
ulty of provoking mirth was a happy characteristic. He was charitable,
liberal in his views and paid homage to merit. He did not believe in
extracting fame and glory from ancestral skeletons to offer as bounty
for recognition in the social realm, but .judged personal worth by the
kind of noise an individual person made in the world. He was not
satisfied with merely being good -but strived to be good for something.
After the death of Dr. Bailey, which occurred at Fort Smith, Ar-
kansas, on the 18th of January, 1910, the Michigan Commandery of the
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States issued a special
memorial to this deceased and honored companion whose insignia in the
order bore the number of 4030. This tribute was issued under order of
Lieutenant Orville C. Allen, commander of the Michigan Commandery,
and was dated at Detroit, Michigan, on the 31st of March, 1910. So
thoroughly appreciative is the article in question that the same is given
perpetuation in this volume.
On the morning of January 18th last, the residents of Mackinac
Island were shocked by the announcement by telegram that their old
neighbor and life-long friend, Lieutenant-Colonel and Surgeon John R.
Bailey had just died at the home of a brother in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
He had left there early in the autumn, intending to spend some months
in the south, and the announcement of his sudden demise was the first
intimation to the family of anything wrong. Companion Bailey was
born in New York City, July 23, 1833. He came to Mackinac as an
army surgeon and physician at the agency for the Chippewa and Ottawa
Indians immediately after his graduation from the University of
Michigan. He served as acting assistant surgeon U. S. A. at frequent
intervals at Fort Mackinac from 1854 to 1860. He became assistant
surgeon of the Eighth Missouri Infantry June 20, 1861, enrolling and
mustering at St. Louis, Missouri, surgeon with rank of major March 28,
1862. Brevetted lieutenant colonel March 13, 1865, for meritorious ser-
vices in the medical department.
He resigned on account of disabilities received in the service and
was honorably mustered out January 29, 1864. His service in the Civil
war was remarkable for its strenuous devotion to the line of his duties.
Yery few surgeons saw the varied and extended service that he did, and
it would take much more space than can be given in this brief paper
to even enumerate the many battles and campaigns in which he par-
ticipated.
He organized the New House of Refuge Hospital in St. Louis in
1861. In November of that year, at his own request, he was ordered to
rejoin his regiment then at Paducah, Kentuelry, and with his regiment
participated in the marches and campaign which resulted in the cap-
ture of Forts Heniy and Donelson in February, 1862, and later to
Pittsburg Landing, rendering efficient service to the wounded of Shiloh,
1312 THE NOETHBRN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
April 6 and 7, 1862. He participated under Sherman in the campaigns
of Corinth, ]\Iemphis, La Grange. Holly Springs, Expedition of Vicks-
burg and battle of Chickasaw Bayou, second expedition to Vieksburg and
operations at Milliken's Bend and "William's Ditch;" March to the
rear of Vieksburg, battle of Champion Hills, and other operations re-
sulting in the surrender of Vieksburg and Jackson, Mississippi, in July,
1863. He also served under Sherman in the Chattanooga and Chicka-
mauga campaign in the fall of 1863, in the actions and operations leading
up to and culminating in the battle of Missionary Ridge, November 25,
1863, and, in fact, in most of the marches and engagements of the Fif-
teenth Army Corps during that strenuous period.
As the war progressed he received many appointments. Among them
were surgeon in chief and chief of the operating corps of the Second
Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps ; chief medical officer on staffs of
General Morgan L. Smith, General Lew Wallace, General W. T. Sherman
and several others; surgeon-in-eharge of Special Field and General Field
Hospitals at Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Memphis and Vieksburg, and
special medical purveyor to the Army of the Tennessee in the field at
Chattanooga. This wonderful record is supplemented by a long life
devoted to his profession as physician and surgeon and in alleviating the
sufferings of humanity around him. He was always a devoted and en-
thusiastic champion for the betterment and beautifieation of the beauti-
ful island, which, for so many years, was the scene of his labors.
His "History of Mackinac," published in popular form, was the re-
sult of deep and painstaking research, and is a very valuable contribu-
tion to the literature of ^lichigan, and is highly prized by the fre-
quenters of that famous summer resort. He was for years the commis-
sioner for ^lackinac Island state park and was largely instriuuental in
having a large part of the island reserved for park purposes. He was
an enthusiastic admirer of the life and career of Pere Marquette and
wrote much concerning his history, and was an earnest advocate of the
placing of the statue of that devoted pioneer missionary in the beautiful
little garden park below the old fort. He was permitted to see this ac-
complished in the summer of 1909.
But all of this is only a part of what this earnest woi'ker did. While
assistant post surgeon he was associated with Dr. Beaumont, then post
surgeon, in the treatment of the world-famous case of Alexis St. ]Mar-
tin, through which medical science first gained actual knowledge by
observation of the processes of the hmuan digestive organs and which
furnished material for Avorld-wide study. This grand man has left his
impress not only upon the island he loved so fondly, but upon the state
and nation. His remains repose amid the flowers and ferns of IMaekinac,
but his spirit and influence will be manifest in our future — for he will
not be soon forgotten.
]Matthew G. Bailey. — This well known resident of the city of
Mackinac Island has passed practically his entire life on this pictur-
esque island, known as one of the most attractive resorts of the entire
Union, and he has been prominently concerned in the material and
civic upbuilding of his home city, where he is engaged in the drug
business and where he is recognized as a public-spirited and progress-
ive citizen. He is a son of the late Dr. John R. Bailey, one of the most
distinguished citizens ever identified with the interests of Mackinac
Island and one to whom a special memoir is dedicated on other pages
of this work so that further reference to his career and family history
is not demanded in the present connection.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1313
Matthew G. Bailey was born at Mackinac, on the 14th of May, 1864,
and he was reared amidst the surroundings and conditions of Mackinac
Island, which is endeared to him by the gracious associations and
memories of many years. After attending the Island public school he
entered the Eastman Business College in the city of Poughkeepsie,
New York, in which institution he was graduated as a member of the
class of 1882. After leaving school he was employed for some time
in railroad survey at Newburgh and Buffalo, New York, and later
he engaged in the drug business on Beaver Island, near the head of
Lake Michigan. In 1885 he became associated with his father in the
same line of enterprise on Mackinac Island and since the death of his
honored father he has individually continued the business, having a
well equipped establishment and one that controls a large and repre-
sentative patronage, especially during the summer seasons, when the
island is the mecca of so many health and pleasure seekers. When but
twenty-one years of age Mr. Bailey was elected president of the village
of Mackinac Island and during the intervening years he has shown
a most zealous interest in all that has touched the welfare of his home
town. He was one of the most influential factors in securing to the
village of Mackinac Island its city charter in 1900 and the same is
now a fourth-class city. He was elected the first mayor and was
prominently identified with the establishment of the city electric-light
and water- works plants, for which he helped secure the necessaiy legis-
lative franchises during his administration. He has but recently re-
tired from the office of chairman of the board of education of his home
city, after having served continuously in this office for a period of six
years. Though never ambitious for political office Mr. Bailey gives a
stanch allegiance to the Republican party. He is a companion of the
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, in which
position he succeeded his father first class in succession.
Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Sarah Gibson of St. James, Michi-
gan, on the 22nd of September, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have four
children, Guy Gibson, who was graduated in the department of pharm-
acy, in the University of Michigan, as a member of the class of 1910;
Marian C, and Sara, who are students at St. Mary's Academy, in the
city of Monroe, Michigan ; and Robert M., who is a student at M. A. C.
Lansing.
Walter G. "Van Slyck.— Among the able and worthy members of
the Michigan bar Walter G. Van Slyck, judge of probate for Ontonagon
county, has won unmistakable prestige as a lawyer, and through the
application of his natural talents and his acquired knowledge has
achieved success in his profession. A native of Canada, he was born,
November 27, 1856, at Port Royal, Norfolk county, province of On-
tario, of Dutch ancestry, being descended from a family that emigrated
to this country from Holland, becoming a pioneer settler of Manhat-
tan Island.
His father, Cornelius A. Van Slyck, was born in Rochester, New
York, his father, who died in early manhood, having been a life-long
resident of New York state. His mother, grandmother of Mr. Van
Slyck, married for her second husband a Presbyterian minister, and
spent her last years in Norfolk county, Canada. But a child when
taken by his mother and step-father to Canada, Cornelius A. Van Slyck
was reared and educated in Norfolk county. On attaining his majority
he embarked in the timber business, with headquarters at Port Royal,
province of Ontario, and at Tonawanda, New York. Removing to Michi-
1314 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
gan in 1867, he purchased a farm in Ottawa county, and was there
engaged in farming and lumbering until 1890, his operations being
confined to the Saginaw valley. He is now living retired from active
pursuits at Grand Rapids. He married Diantha Hannah De Witt, who
was born at Port Royal, Canada, a daughter of James and Gertrude
De Witt. Mr. De Witt was born at Albany, New York, his emigrant
ancestor having come from Holland to America, becoming one of the
first settlers of Manhattan Island. In 1817 he removed to Norfolk
county, Canada, settling on land which his father had purchased for
him, and was there for many years engaged in the pioneer task of re-
deeming a farm from its original wildness, residing there until his
death. The farm which he improved remained in the family for ninety
years. Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius A. Van Slyck reared five children, as
follows: James D., of Ontonagon; Walter G., the special subject of
this sketch ; Elizabeth Agnes ; Richard, who died in the twenty-first year
of his age; and Annie Birdsell.
Having completed his early studies in the public schools of Ottawa
county, Michigan, Walter G. Van Slyck assisted his father in business
until 1882, when he began the study of law in the office of George A.
Farr, at Grand Haven, Michigan. After his admission to the bar, in
1884, Mr. Van Slyck entered the employ of his former preceptor, re-
maining in his office until 1892. Coming then to Ontonagon, INIichigan,
he, in company with his brother, was for six years engaged in the manu-
facture of shingles. Resuming then the practice of his profession, he
has continued it since, being now judge of probate for Ontonagon
county, an office to which he was appointed by Governor Warner in the
spring of 1909 to fill out the unexpired term of the late Judge Parker,
the appointment being confirmed in the fall of 1909, when he was elected
to the position by vote of the people.
Judge Van Slyck married, in 1882, Mrs. Jennie (Apsey) Miller,
widow of the late David Miller. She was born in England, and when
six years old was brought to this country by her parents, and was sub-
sequently reared in Canada and the United States. Fraternally the
judge is a member of Grand Haven Lodge, No. 129, F. & A. M. ; of
Corinthian Chapter, R. A. M., of Grand Haven; and of Grand Haven
Camp, M. W. A. He cast his first presidential vote for James A. Gar-
field, and has since been an earnest supporter of the principles of the
Republican party. He was Circuit Court commissioner of Ottawa
county, at Grand Haven from 1889 until 1891, before coming to
Ontonagon.
John F. Deadman, D. V. S. — There has been naught of temporizing
or indirection in the career of this able and honored citizen of the
Upper Peninsula, who gained prestige as one of the leading represen-
tatives of the veterinary profession in the state of ]\Iiehigan, a voca-
tion which has been followed si^ecessfully by his father and grand-
father as Avell as by six of his brothers so that he has had no sinecure
in maintaining the professional prestige of the name which he bears.
He was born in London, province of Ontario, Canada, on the 26th of
November, 1868, and is a son of William and Christina (McKay) Dead-
man, tlie former of whom was born in England and the latter in Scot-
land. Their marriage was solemnized in Ontario and the father passed
the closing years of his life in Alpena, Michigan, where he died when
about seventy years of age. In that city his widow still maintains her
home. Of their ten children the folio-wing are still living, — Jacob I.,
who resides at Cobalt, Ontario: William P., who resides in Boven,
I
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1315
Lenawee county, IMiehigan ; Angus, who is a resident of Marquette,
Michigan; John F., who is the immediate subject of this sketch, and
Emily, his twin sister, who is the wife of Eugene Johnson, of Alpena;
Byron B., who is a resident of Alpena, Michigan; Richard H., who is
county clerk of Alpena county ; and Charles A., who resides at Madi-
son, Wisconsin. All of the brothers are veterinary surgeons except
Richard 11., and are actively engaged in the practice of their profes-
sion. The grandfather. Dr. Jacob Deadman, was born in England and
there passed his entire life, having been engaged in the practice of
veterinary surgery from 1828 to 1864. Dr. William Deadman, father
of him whose name initiates this sketch, learned the veterinary science
in his native land under the able direction of his father, and when a
young man he came to America and located in the province of On-
tario, Canada, where he was engaged in the work of his profession
until 1879. He then removed to Alpena, Michigan, where he con-
tinued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1894. He was
actively engaged in professional work for nearly fifty years. The
sons organized and incorporated the Deadman Brothers Medical Com-
pany of Alpena, and were associated therein in the manufacture of
various veterinary remedies for a number of years. Dr. John F. Dead-
man was reared to the age of twelve years in his native county in On-
tario, and there gained his early education in the public schools. He
then accompanied his parents on their removal to Alpena, Michigan,
where he continued to attend the public schools, and finally, after pre-
liminary discipline under the direction of his father, he entered the
veterinary department of the Detroit College of Medicine, in which he
was graduated as a member of the class of 1895, and from which he
received the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Surgery.
Prior to this time he had been associated with his father in prac-
tice. He continued to reside at Alpena until the spring of 1889, when
he took up his residence at Sault Ste. Marie, where he continued in
the work of his profession until the autumn of 1909, when, on account
of the ill health of his wife, he removed to Portland, Oregon, in the
hope that his loved companion might be restored to health. She was,
however, summoned to the life eternal on the 19th of May, 1910, and
Dr. Deadman then returned to Sault Ste. Marie, where he has since
continued in the work of his profession, in which he has long held
precedence as one of the able and successful residents thereof. In
politics he is aligned as a stalwart suppoi'ter of the cause of the Demo-
cratic party. He is a member of the Michigan State Veterinary Asso-
ciation and had the distinction of being a member of the first veteri-
nary examining board in the state of Michigan, besides which he
served for some time as United States Inspector at the port of Sault
Ste. Marie. He served four years as treasurer of the city of Sault
Ste. Marie and no citizen enjoys a higher degree of popular confidence
and esteem. He is affiliated with Red Cross Lodge No. 51, Knights of
Pythias ; Sault Ste. Marie Chapter No. 552, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks ; Sault Ste. Marie Lodge No. 123, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows ; and also holds membership in the Knights of the Macca-
bees, Caledonian Society, and the Modern Woodmen of America.
In September, 1893, Dr. Deadman was united in marriage to Miss
Sophronia Eagle, who was born in the province of Ontario, Canada,
and whose death occurred in the city of Portland, Oregon, May 19th,
1910, as already stated. Concerning the five children of this union
the following brief record is given : Emily died in infancy, as did also
Russell A. and Jennings W., these children being triplets. Webster
1316 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
W. remains at the paternal home, as does also Helen Sophronia, who
is five years of age at the time of this writing.
At the time of the Doctor's removal to Portland, Oregon, in 1909,
as stated in a preceding paragraph, one of the Sault Ste. Marie papers
entered an appreciative and facetious article concerning him and from
this it is deemed but consonant to make the following quotations with
but slight paraphrase, as the statements are well worthy of perpetua-
tion instead of being buried in musty newspaper files :
"Now that the Doctor is about to leave for the edge of the great
American continent, it might be opportune to take advantage of the
chance to say a few things about him before his face. There are prob-
ably but few men anywhere who constitute as good a theme for the
talker or writer. There are probably but few men who have had such
perilous and eventful careers. There is much of striking interest to
be said about this unique personality.
"In the first place he is one of the prominent veterinary surgeons
in the state and comes from what is presumably one of the oldest
families of veterinarians in this country. His father and grandfather
and six of his brothers are veterinary surgeons and there is only one
black sheep in the family who failed to keep the pace set by the an-
cestors. A striking fact in regard to this remarkable man is that he
fights the battle of life with but one good leg and but one sure-enough
eye. Years ago the Doctor was a splendid specimen of physical manhood
and ready for muscular stunts in competition with the strong boys,
but one accident resulted in the loss of a leg and another took one eye
and threatened to take two. However, one leg was not a handicap
when the Doctor entered the political race, and in spite of the over-
whelming normal Republican majority he was able to win easily for
two terms. As a one-legged political sprinter the Doctor was certainly
entitled to classification with fast company.
"Still more striking facts in regard to the Doctor are that he is a
twin himself, was the father of triplets, and his hunting mare some
years ago gave birth to twin colts. It has also been said that the Doc-
tor was the owner of a two-headed calf and that his hens laid double-
yolked eggs, but this is somewhat of an exaggeration. The Doctor has
a two-headed calf in his office but it was not the child of one of his
cows. The Doctor is also prominent as a hunter and fisherman. After
he lost his leg and was not qualified for the tramp role, he gained dis-
tinction for successfully hunting for deer from the back of his faithful
mare. He is familiar with the angling game and an ardent devotee
of the sport."
Arthur L. Cameron.— As a member of the firm of Cameron Broth-
ers, conducting one of the well-equipped meat markets of Sault Ste.
Marie, and as an extensive dealer in timber and timber lands, he whose
name initiates this review merits consideration as one of the progressive
business men of the younger generation in the Upper Peninsula, and
the esteem in which he is held in his homo city is measurably indicated
by the fact that he has served as a member of its board of aldermen.
Arthur L. Cameron was born in Grey county, Ontario, Canada, on
the 15th of October, 1870, and is a son of Daniel and Ester (Leavens)
Cameron, both of whom were likewise natives of the province of On-
tario, where the former was born in 1834 and the latter in 1838. Of
the thirteen children all are living except Carman, Avho died in infancy.
The names of the other children are here indicated in order of their
birth,— Jennie, Ida, Retta, Arthur L., Frank, Anna, Herbert, Pearson,
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1817
Ethel, Edna, Roy and Earl. Jennie is the wife of William J. Freeborn
of Taeoma, Washington ; Retta is the wife of Edward Buchanan of Soo,
Michigan, and Anna is the wife of William H. Moore, also of Soo.
Daniel Cameron was engaged in the grocery business at Meafords,
Ontario, until 1888, when he removed to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan,
where he has been identified with the meat-market business for twenty-
two years, being one of the well-known and highly esteemed citizens
of this section of the state. He is Republican in politics and both he
and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
Arthur L. Cameron gained his early education in the public schools
of his native province and he initiated his practical business career by
entering the employ of his uncle, Peter Cameron, Avho was at that time
conducting a meat market in Sault Ste. Marie. Finally he became as-
sociated with his brother Frank in the purchase of the business from
their uncle and the same has been continued under the firm name of
Cameron Brothers since April, 1899. The market is metropolitan in
its facilities and equipment and caters to a large and appreciative
patronage. Arthur L. Cameron has been very successful also in his
handling of timber and timber lands in Chippewa county and to this
enterprise he now gives the major part of his time and attention. He
is the owner of large tracts of land in this county and there his handling
of the same is adding materially to the progress and upbuilding of the
county. He is a staunch Republican in his political allegiance and in
1905 he was elected member of the city board of aldermen from the
First ward. He served one term and proved a progressive and valu-
able municipal executive. He is affiliated with Red Cross Lodge, No.
51, Knights of Pythias, and both he and his wife hold membership in
the Methodist Episcopal church in their home city. He wedded Miss
Jennie E. Morrison, a native of Lapeer county, Michigan. She was
educated in the common schools and as she is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church is secretary of the Ladies' Aid Society. Their resi-
dence is 145 Portage Avenue.
Henry M. Powers. — It is the lot of some men to be born great,
while others have to achieve greatness. It was clearly destined that
Henry M. Powers, of Ontonagon, should be in truth the architect of
his own fortune. Beginning life for himself even with the world, he
has made diligent use of his faculties and opportunities, and is now
numbered among the more active and successful business men of the
community, being one of the leading druggists of Ontonagon county.
A son of Patrick C. Powers, he was born, December 23, 1859, at Han-
cock, Michigan, of Irish ancestry.
Patrick C. Powers was born in Nenagh, county Tipperary, Ireland,
where his parents were life-long residents, four of their children, how-
ever, emigrating to America, their names being Henry, Roger, John,
and Patrick. Patrick C. Powers had served an apprenticeship at the
trades of a blacksmith and wagon maker in the old country. After com-
ing with his bride to the United States, in 1845, he lived for a short time
in New York City, and from there going to Vermont, and from there
to Toledo, Ohio, and in 1854 to St. Paul, Minnesota. Not satisfied in
1855 he made another change of location, going to Superior, Wisconsin,
where he followed his trade for a time. From there he came to the
Upper Peninsula in 1858, and after spending a few months in Ke-
weenaw county established a blacksmith's shop and wagon shop in Han-
cock, Houghton county, where he conducted business for several years,
residing there until his death. The maiden name of his wife was Helen
1318 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
McKeogh. She was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, and died in
Hancock, Michigan, leaving five children, Michael A., John R., James,
Henry M., and Sarah.
In 1874, after the death of his parents, Henry M. Powers came to
Ontonagon to live Avith his brother, Michael A. Powers, who was county
clerk and registrar for Ontonagon county for thirty years. Having
previously acquired a good education in the schools of Hancock and
Ontonagon, he soon began to be self-supporting, putting his shoulder
to the wheel whenever opportunity offered, among his other employ-
ments having been employed much of the time as a cook in exploring
camps. He was subsequently appointed deputy county clerk and regis-
trar, continuing in that capacity until 1884. In that year Mr. Powers
formed a partnership with Dr. H. E. Caiy, now of Minneapolis, ]\Iinne-
sota, and opened a drug store. Succeeding well in its management, he
bought the doctor's interest in the store in 1887, and has since carried
on a substantial business as its sole proprietor. In addition to manag-
ing the drug business, Mr. Powers was for foui'teen years editor of the
Ontonagon Herald, the leading newspaper of this part of the county.
It was while he was thus officially connected with the Herald that
Mr. Powers took a vacation, went to Houghton to get married, leaving
Mr. Charles A. Parker to edit the paper in his absence, and on his
wedding day the following editorial, written by Mr. Parker, appeared
in the Herald:
" 'A man may be cheerful and contented in celibacy, but I do not
think he can be happy. '^ — Robert Southey.
"The silver dart has at last punctured the leathery rind of Brother
Powers' gizzard, and Cupid, the greatest of all generals, has enrolled
him as an able-bodied soldier in the great army of Benedicts. In pur-
suing the manifold duties incumbent upon one who merges the function
of editor, druggist, notary public, village oracle, and numerous other
odds and ends that a prominent man is always required to take hold of,
he has often been heard to quote the line given above, and after nu-
merous consultations on the subject with his physician and divers
friends, he at last decided to enter the list, and become a competitor for
the fair prize he has so valiantly gained. This lady. Miss Le Moine, is
one who will grace the editorial mansion, and we prophesy that the
home of Powers will be a model one under the supervision of this es-
timable lady. Of course Powers will have to give up all pretensions to
running the culinary department. He has informed us several times
that as an artist he was capable of doing up fish in a tasteful and tooth-
some manner that could not be excelled, having in an early day per-
formed as chef de cuisine for Sol Boutin. We are glad to see that he
still clings to the French. At the same time, with all due respect to
Powers' ability as a cook, we would advise him to keep out of the
kitchen. Having lost considerable sleep, and a great deal of hair, in
showing our better half how to cook, we could give him worlds of advice
on how to manage a new wife, but will forego the pleasure. But, in all
sincerity, we wish for our friend Powers that his path in life may be
strewn with cabbage, onions, and plenty of fish. That he will always
be able to lay in his winter's supply of coal, and that life will glide by
as smoothly as a summer's dream. His estimable lady has our heartiest
and best wishes, and may the Powere that the Almighty has seen fit
to endow her with be still increased."
On September 7, 1887, at Houghton, ]\Iichigan, at the home of Hon.
Jay A. Hubbell, Mr. Powers was united in marriage with ]\Iary Le
Moine. She was born in Ontonagon, Michigan, a daughter of Nareisse
i
^. /u^i^-^^.Cyt.i^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1319
and Victoria (Meyer) Le Moine, natives of Sorrel, Canada, and pioneers
of Ontonagon county. Mr. and Mrs. Powers have one daughter, Flor-
ence Madge. Religiously the family attend the Episcopal church. Po-
litically Mr. Powers is a Republican, and has served as notary public.
Fraternally he is a member of Ontonagon Lodge, No. 67, F. & A. M. ; of
Ontonagon Chapter, No. 20, R. A. M. ; of Ontonagon Camp, No. 1259,
M. W. A. ; and of Ontonagon Tent, No. 334, K. 0. T. M.
Chester G. Rogers. — An active, energetic and admirably fortified
member of the bar of the Upper Peninsula is Chester G. Rogers, who
is associated in the practice of his profession with James A. O'Neill,
in Ironwood, and who is at the present time, 1910, serving as city
attorney. He is a young man who has well proved his resourceful-
ness and versatility in his chosen profession and as one of its popular
representatives is well entitled to consideration in this publication.
Chester G. Rogers was born at Stevens Point, Portage county,
Wisconsin, on the 29th of May, 1881, and is a son of George and Mina
M. (AVhitney) Rogers. George Rogers is likewise a native of the fine
old Badger state as he was born at Ripon, Fond du Lac county, Wis-
consin, in the year 1851, his parents having been numbered among
the honored pioneers of that section of the state. As a boy he began
work in the lumber woods and finally he engaged in lumber operations
on his own responsibility, establishing his headquarters at Stevens
Point, whence he later removed to Glidden, in the northern part of
Wisconsin, w^here he erected a mill and where he w^as for a long pe-
riod engaged in the manufacturing of shingles, lath and lumber. His
family remained with him in that section of the state for two years,
though the permanent home was still continued at Stevens Point.
Through his well directed energies George Rogers accumulated a com-
petency and he is now living virtually retired from business at Ste-
vens Point. Plis wife was born in the province of New Brunswick,
Canada, and is a daughter of George Whitney, who removed with his
family to Wisconsin, where for a number of years he was profitably
engaged in the lumber business, at Knowlton, Marathon county,
whence he finally removed to Stevens Point, where both he and his
wife passed the residue of their lives. George and Mina (Whitney)
Rogers have five children, — Forest W., Chester G., Everett F., Alice
and Guy W.
Chester G. Rogers was afforded the advantages of the public
schools of Stevens Point and as a youth he was for some time asso-
ciated with his father in the operation of the mill at Glidden, Wiscon-
sin. Later he completed a course in the Stevens Point Business Col-
lege, in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1900.
Thereafter he was employed for some time as a clerk in the law office
of Lamoreaux & Park, of Stevens Point, and later was employed for
a few weeks in the office of John Weeks Lumber Company. Upon
severing this connection Mr. Rogers removed to Ironwood, Gogebic
county, Wisconsin, where he took up his residence in September, 1901,
and where he held the position of clerk for the Cleveland Clifl" Iron
Company about two years. He then entered the law department of
the University of Wisconsin, in which he completed the prescribed
course and was graduated as a member of the class of 1905, duly re-
ceiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws. During the follownng year
he held a clerical position in the office of Sanborn, Lamoreaux & Pray,
at Ashland, Wisconsin, and in 1906 he returned to Ironwood. where
he formed a partnership with James A. O'Neill, with whom he has
1320 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
since been actively and successfully associated in the practice of law,
under the firm name of O'Neill & Rogers. In December, 1908, he was
appointed city attorney to fill a vacancy and in April, 1909, he was
chosen as his own successor in this office of which he has since been
the popular and efficient incumbent. In politics he gives a stanch alle-
giance to the Republican party and he is affiliated with Stevens Point
Lodge, No. 641, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.
Samuel G. Carlton. — As treasurer of the Edison Sault Electric
Company at Sault St. Marie, Mr. Carlton is one of the enterprising and
public spirited men of the Upper Peninsula and his standing in the
community is such as to render most consonant an epitome of his ca-
reer in this publication, which is dedicated to the Northern Peninsula
and its people.
Samuel G. Carlton was born in Simcoe county, province of Ontario,
Canada, on the 26th of January, 1867, and is a son of John and Mary
Ann (Gowan) Carlton, both of whom were born in Queens county,
Ireland, being representative of sterling, old families of the fair Em-
erald Isle. The father died in 1868 at the age of forty-eight years, and
the mother passed away in 1900 at the venerable age of seventy-one
years ; their marriage was solemnized in Canada and of their four chil-
dren three are now living, — Frank S., Mary E. and Samuel G. John
Carlton was twice married and of the eight children of his first union
five are now living. He was reared and educated in his native land,
whence he came to America and located in the Dominion of Canada
when a young man. He became one of the representative farmers of
Simcoe county, where he held various township offices and was influ-
ential in public affairs of local order. He was a man of sterling char-
acteristics and ever commanded esteem of all with whom he came in
contact. Both he and his wife were communicants in the church of
England. Samuel G. Carlton gained his early educational discipline
in the public schools at Creemore, in his native province. After leav-
ing the public schools Mr. Carlton attended a business college in the
city of Hamilton, Ontario, and in 1887 he took up his residence in Sault
Ste. Marie, where he became bookkeeper for the hardware establishment
of P. M. Church & Company, with which concern he remained until
February, 1892, when he assumed the position of bookkeeper and collec-
tor of the Edison Sault Electric Company. He soon became one of the
valued and trusted executives of this company and his influence in con-
nection with the management and development of his business has been
one of no insignificant order. In 1905 he was elected treasurer of the
company and he has since retained this office, in which he has most
ably and effectively managed the fiscal affairs of the corporation. He
is loyal and progressive as a citizen, is a stalwart in the local camp of
the Republican party and both he and his wife are communicants in the
Protestant Episcopal church. IMr. Carlton is prominently identified
with the time-honored Masonic fraternity, in which his affiliations are
as here noted : Bethel Lodge, No. 358, Free & Accepted Masons, of which
he is past master; Sault Ste. Marie Chapter, No. 126, Royal Arch Ma-
sons, of which he is past high priest; Sault Ste. INIarie Council No. 69,
of which he is Past Master; Sault Ste. Marie Commandery, No. 45,
Knights Templars; and Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the
Nobles of the ]\Iystic Shrine, in the city of IMarquette. He is also influ-
ential in the ranks of the Knights of Pythias, in which his local affilia-
tion is with Red Cross Lodge, No. 51, of which he is a past chancellor-
He is also a past grand chancellor of the order in ^lichigan.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1321
The first marriage of Mr. Carlton was solemnized in 1891, when he
led to the hymeneal altar Miss Jessie Webster, who was born and reared
in Ontario, Canada, and who died in 1894. She became the mother of
two children, — Eleanor M., who remains at the paternal home, and
Jessie Ramona, who died in infancy. In 1897 was solemnized the mar-
riage of Mr. Carlton to Miss Jean Webster, a sister of his first wife.
She died in 1902, leaving no children. In 1904 Mr. Carlton married
Miss Nella McCowen, who was born and reared in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
They have one son, John Gowan.
John H. Jasberg.— Among the enterprising, energetic and influen-
tial citizens of Hancock, John H. Jasberg is eminently deserving of spe-
cial mention in this biographical work. A son of Israel Jasberg he
was born November 1, 1861, in the parish of Kivigarvi, state of Waasa,
Finland, where he grew to manhood.
Israel Jasberg was a life-long resident of Finland. A natural-born
mechanic, he learned the trades of a stonemason and a carpenter, and
during his earlier life was a contractor and builder. He afterwards su-
perintended the farming and lumber business of a retired army officer.
To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Liisa Piispanen, two sons
and a daughter were born. One son died young, and the daughter, Mary
Jasberg, spent her entire life in Finland. The army officer referred to
above took a deep interest in these children, becoming their tutor, and
hearing their daily recitations.
With his superior opportunities for obtaining an education, John H.
Jasberg acquired a practical knowledge that has proved one of his mcst
valuable assets, enabling him to rise fi'om the humble position of a pen-
niless boy to a man of affairs, wielding an influence beneficial not only
to .his own countrymen, but to the community of which he has for many
years been a resident. Coming to America at the age of nineteen years,
he landed at Quebec, coming thence by rail to Sarnia, then via boat to
Hancock, and arriving in this city June 24, 1880, with pockets empty.
He fortunately found one of his countrymen who kindly loaned him ten
dollars. With his companions Mr. Jasberg proceeded to Allouez, Michi-
gan, where he worked first as a wood chopper and later as a miner. Go-
ing then to Marquette county he was employed for awhile at the
Republic Mine. Industrious and economical, he saved his earnings, and
subsequently, with one of his comrades, opened a store at Republic.
Selling out to P. H. Kearney & Company, at the end of three years he
became an insurance agent, and also sold railroad and steamboat tickets,
in those two lines of industry establishing a good business. Selling out
in 1892, Mr. Jasberg was for three years actively engaged in the steam-
ship and railroad foreign exchange business in Montreal and New York.
In 1895 he came to Hancock to visit his brother-in-law. Dr. Nikander,
a minister and newspaper publisher, and they soon established a book-
store and publishing plant of which Mr. Jasberg was manager until 1900,
when the property was turned over to the church.
Mr. Jasberg has since been identified with various enterprises. He
was the founder and is the president, of the Finnish Mutual Life Insur-
ance Company of America ; he is also colonization agent for the Duluth,
South Shore" & Atlantic Railroad Company, agent for the sale of
lands for the Worcester Lumber Company, and likewise agent for the
Houghton & Keweenaw Land Company.
Mr. Jasberg married January 1, 1906, in Hancock, Michigan, Wil-
helmina Nikander, a sister of Dr. J. K. Nikander, of whom a brief sketch
may be found on another page of this volume. Of their union ten chil-
1322 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
dren have been born, seven of whom are now living, as follows : John 0.,
George I., Urho K., Kaino E., Lempi W., Eino A., and Paul.
Politically Mr. Jasberg is a sound Republican and is now rendering
appreciated service as a member of the Hancock board of education.
He is an active and valued member of the Finnish Lutheran church
and as an influential member of the Finnish National Temperance
Brotherhood is a strong advocate of temperance. He was one of the or-
ganizers of the above-mentioned organization.
Mr. Jasberg was one of the organizers of the Suomi College and
Theological Seminary, reference to which is made on other pages of this
work and for ten years his executive talents were brought into play in
the management of this institution. He was instrumental in building
up the college and was more zealous in his endeavors in its behalf than
any other person with the possible exception of Dr. Nikander.
Frederick Townsend. — With finely appointed offices in the Conway
block Dr. Townsend is engaged in the general practice of his profes-
sion in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, where he holds prestige as one of
the representative physicians and surgeons of the Northern Peninsula
and where he is acting surgeon of the United States Marine Hospital,
besides which he is surgeon for the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Rail-
road, Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway, and consulting
surgeon to the Upper Peninsula Hospital for the Insane, at Newberry.
The doctor has subordinated all other interests to the work of his en-
grossing profession and his success therein has been paramount to his
devotion to its work.
Dr. Townsend was born in Peal county, province of Ontario,
Canada, on the 9th of August, 1868, and is a son of William and
Frances (Lessley) Townsend, both likewise natives of the province of
Ontario, where the former was born in 1839 and the latter in 1844.
The father, who has been prominently identified with agricultural in-
terests as well as with contracting and building and the milling busi-
ness in Peal county, has thei-e lived virtually retired since 1895. His
devoted and cherished wife passed to the life eternal in 1908 and is
survived by three sons,— James E., who is engaged in agriculture at
Stoney Creek, Ontario; Frederick, who is the subject of this review;
and Wesley, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and is United
States immigration examiner at Sault Ste. Marie. Dr. Townsend was
reared in a home of distinctive culture and refinement and after avail-
ing himself of the advantages of the public schools, he entered Upper
Canada College, in the city of Toronto, in which institution he was a
student for two years. Later he continued his studies in Toronto Uni-
versity, and in preparation for the work of his profession he entered
the medical department of the University of the City of New York,
in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1894, and from
which he received his well earned degree of Doctor of Medicine. He
passed the year 1895 in public charitable work of a professional nature
in New York City and in this connection he gained much valuable ex-
perience of a clinical order. In 1896 the doctor located in the city of
Detroit, where he engaged in the general practice of his profession and
where he held the professorship of anatomy and surgery in the Michi-
gan College of Medicine and Surgery until 1898, since which time he
has been engaged in successful practice at Sault Ste. Marie, where he
has held the office of acting surgeon of the United States Marine Hos-
pital since 1899, as already stated. Dr. Townsend is recognized as an
especially skillful surgeon and diagnostician and he is held in unquali-
(
I
^(^^^^^^^5^,;^^^
THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1323
fied confidence and esteem by his professional confreres as he is a close
observer of the unwritten code of ethics and always ready to extend
every possible courtesy to his fellow practitioners. He is identified with
the American Medical Association, the Michigan State Medical So-
ciety and the Chippewa County Medical Society, of which last men-
tioned he served as president in 1906. Dr. Townsend is a stanch Re-
publican in his political allegiance and both he and his wife hold mem-
bership in the Presbyterian church. He is affiliated with Bethel Lodge,
No. 358, Free & Accepted Masons, and the Red Cross Lodge, No. 51,
Knights of Pythias, in his home city.
On the 11th of June, 1903, was solemnized the marriage of Dr.
Townsend to Miss Emma L. Joseph, who was born at Pemberville, and
who is a daughter of George and Clara Joseph, both natives of Ger-
many. Mr. Joseph passed the closing years of his life at Pemberville,
Ohio, and his widow now resides there. Dr. and Mrs. Townsend have
four children,— George F., Ruth E., Morgan J. and Frances E.
Alfred E. Lemon, B. A., M. D. — Emphatical and unequivocal suc-
cess have attended the efforts of this w^ell-known and highly esteemed
physician and surgeon of Sault Ste. Marie and it is pleasing also to
record that he has as his able and popular co-adjutor in his profes-
sional work his wife, Avho likewise is a physician of fine technical edu-
cation and marked practical ability. Dr. Alfred E. Lemon was born
in Peel county, province of Ontario, Canada, on the fine old homestead
farm about forty miles distant from the city of Toronto and the date
of his nativity was January 7, 1875. He is a son of Gavin L. and
Rachel (Speers) Lemon, the former of whom was likewise born in
Peel county, in 1843, of Scotch-Irish parentage, and the latter in
Simcoe county, Ontario, in 1854, of Irish lineage. Of the five children
of this family three are now living and of this number Dr. Alfred E.
is the eldest; Gavin, Jr., is a resident of Mono Mills and Albin is a
resident of Caledonia, Ontario. The father was long numbered among
the extensive agriculturists and stock breeders of the province .of
Ontario, making a specialty of the breeding of high-grade cattle, and
he still owns his fine country estate of six hundred acres, improved
with modern buildings and equipped with the best of facilities, but
he is now living virtually retired from active business. He has long
been numbered among the pioneer and influential citizens of his
county, where both he and his wife are held in the highest esteem
by all who know them.
Dr. Alfred E. Lemon passed his boyhood days on the home farm
and w^axed strong in mental and physical vigor under the sturdy dis-
cipline involved. The result of this early training has been such that
there has been naught of lethargy or apathy in his work as a physi-
cian and surgeon of ability and of marked energy and ambition. After
completing the curriculum of the high school of Orangeville, Ontario,
he went to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he became a student in the
Battle Creek College, in which he completed the prescribed course and
was graduated in 1897, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In prep-
aration for his chosen profession he was matriculated in the American
Medical Missionary College in the city of Chicago, in which he was
graduated as a member of the class of 1901, and from which he re-
ceived the degree of Doctor of Medicine. His wife, likeAvise, was
graduated in the same class and they simultaneously received their
degrees on the 25th of June of that year. On the following day was
solemnized their marriage and both at once assumed positions on the
1324 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
medical staff of Battle Creek Sanitarium, with which they continued
to be thus identified until May, 1902, when they went to St. Johns,
Newfoundland, where they established a branch of the Battle Creek
Sanitarium, in charge of which they continued until the spring of
1905, when they came to Sault Ste. Marie, where they have since been
associated in the general practice of their profession, in which their
success has been of an unequivocal type, the while they gained dis-
tinctive popularity in connection with the social activities of their
home city. While at St. Johns, Newfoundland, in 1903, the subject
of this sketch was appointed public vaccinator, on occasion of a severe
epidemic of small-pox. He has made a specialty of the operation of
various electrical devices in connection with his professional work,
is an expert medical electrician, and has had frequent recourse to the
two fine X-ray machines and other modern appliances, with which he
and his wife have equipped their offices, one of which is portable,
enabling him to take X-ray pictures in hospital or sick room. Their
equipment also includes means for the application of light rays, violet
rays, mechanical and electrical vibration, galvanic, faradic, sinusoidal,
static, and the various forms of high-potential electricity. These ap-
paratus and the skill to use them well, enables Dr. Lemon to treat many
chronic skin and other diseases, as well as birth marks and blemishes
which cannot be reached by ordinary methods. He was assistant pro-
fessor of electro-therapeutics in the medical college from which he
was graduated and in 1901 had charge of the Gentlemen's Electrical
Department of Battle Creek Sanitarium. He is medical examiner
for the local Aerie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, as well as for the
Knights of the Maccabees of the World, and other fraternal organiza-
tions.
Dr. Lemon in 1908 became identified with the Michigan National
Guard, Company M, Third Regiment, and he is a non-commissioned
officer and contract surgeon. He has developed marked ability as a
marksman in the service and has numerous medals showing his pro-
ficiency. Through the Osborn Rifle Club he became identified with
the National Rifie Association of America. He rapidly came to the
front as an expert rifle shot, and in the first season won the Sharp-
shooter and Expert medals issued by the LTnited States GoA'ernment.
He has participated in the rifle matches of the state of Michigan, of
the Department of the Lakes, and of the National Rifle Association ;
and althoiigh only two years in the service, has won a large number
of medals and trophies. In June, 1910, he was selected as a member
of the All-America team of fifty representing the United States in
the International Small-bore Rifle Match with England and Australia.
The American team won, and Dr. Lemon stood tenth on the winning
team with a score of 496 out of a possible 500 points, thus adding to
his list of medals. In July of this year he won the most coveted
medal issued in the state of IMichigan, having the highest score on the
winning team which represented the Third Regiment in the Michigan
National Guard competition at Detroit, the classic Ellis Trophy being
won by his team for the Third Regiment.
Both he and his wife are members of the American Medical Asso-
ciation, the Michigan Medical Society and the Chippewa County Med-
ical Society. They are enthusiastic exponents of physical culture and
he is specially fond of athletic sports, his predilection for which un-
doubtedly has had influence in causing him to identify himself with
the fire department of his home city. While in Battle Creek he also
did effective service in the same connection. He is independent in
his political views.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1325
As already intimated, the marriage of Dr. Alfred E. Lemon was
solemnized in the city of Battle Creek on the 26th of June, 1901, when
Miss Carrie May Johnson became his wife. She was born at Round
Prairie, Todd county, Minnesota, and is a daughter of Aven E. and
Marie Johnson. Her father was born in Norway in 1843 and was three
months of age at the time of his parents' immigration to America.
The family located at Beldenville, Pierce county, Wisconsin, and his
mother died soon afterward. His father later contracted a second
marriage and he passed the closing years of his life at Sauk Center,
Minnesota. The father of Mrs. Lemon was reared and educated in
Wisconsin and went forth in that state as a loyal soldier of the U^nion
in the Civil war. He enlisted in the Forty-second AVisconsin Volun-
teer Infantry and after the close of the war he returned to Round
Prairie, Minnesota, where he was engaged in the work of the carpen-
ter's trade, while he passed the closing years of his life at Knapp Sta-
tion, Wisconsin, where he died in the year 1882. His wife was born
in Denmark in 1853 and is now residing in the home of her only son,
George Edmund, who is principal of a musical school in Portland,
Oregon; Effie, the elder daughter, is the wife of Lyman Stephenson
of Westport, Minnesota : and Mrs. Lemon is the youngest of the three
children. Dr. Carrie May (Johnson) Lemon received her preliminary
educational discipline at Sauk Center, jMinnesota, and afterward at-
tended Lincoln College, in Nebraska, and also Battle Creek College,
at Battle Creek, ]\Iichigan. For three years she Avas engaged in teach-
ing in the public schools in Calhoun county, ]\Iiehigan, and thereafter
she was graduated as a trained nurse, after a course in the Battle
Creek Sanitarium. Concerning her graduation in the medical college
in Chicago due mention has already been made. After her graduation
she became an influential physician at the Haskell Home for orphans,
and at the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, and this incumbency she re-
tained until February 18, 1902, when the buildings were destroyed by
fire. She gave most effective and courageous assistance to insure the
safety of the inmates of the home at the time of this disaster and in
the spring of the same year she went with her husband to St. Johns,
Newfoundland, as already stated. Dr. and Mrs. Lemon have one
daughter, Adelaide Rachel, born December 8, 1905.
William Chapman. — A pioneer resident of Keweenaw county, and
a well-known farmer of Phoenix, William Chapman has been actively
identified with the industrial interests of the Upper Peninsula for up-
wards of half a century, and holds an assured position among its
esteemed and respected citizens. A son of James Chapman, he was
born, October 4, 1833, in the parish of Wotten. Hertfordshire, England.
James Chapman was born in Hertfordshire, England, where his
parents, as far as kno-wna, were life-long residents. He was engaged in
horticultural pursuits in his native county until 1843, when, accom-
panied by his family he emigrated to America, crossing the ocean in a
sailing vessel, and being four weeks on the water. From New York City
he went by way of the Hudson river and the Erie Canal to Buffalo,
being a week in" making that trip. From Buffalo he went on a schooner
to Cleveland, then a small city, thence by steamer to Detroit, :Michigan.
Proceeding then to :\Iount Clemens, he lived on a rented farm two years,
and then bought a small farm in Erin toAvnship, :Macomb county, ]Michi-
gan, where he was engaged in mixed husbandry until after the death of
his wife. He afterwards made his home with his children, spending
sometime in the Upper Peninsula, and dying at the home of a daughter
in Macomb county, in 1883, at the advanced age of ninety years.
1326 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
The maiden name of the wife of James Chapman was Ann Myatt.
She was bom in Bolton, England, and died in Macomb county, Michi-
gan, in 1855, aged three score and four years. She reared six children,
namely : Joseph, James, Elizabeth, Sarah, George and William.
In the tenth year of his age when he came with his parents to Michi-
gan, William Chapman obtained his early education in the district
schools of Macomb county, and while yet a boy began to assist his father
on the home farm. He came to the Upper Peninsula in 1853, on the
first day of June locating at Eagle River, which was then one of the
more important places in Northern Michigan. This part of the country
was then a complete wilderness, Keweenaw county being a part of
Houghton county, with few of the advantages of modern civilization.
Mail came but twice a month in the winter season, being brought here
from Green Bay with dog teams. Mr. Chapman began liis career here
by driving a team from the Fulton Mine, near the present site of Mo-
hawk, to Eagle River. He was afterwards employed at various occu-
pations, including mining in its various branches. In the spring of
1865 Mr. Chapman settled in Phoenix, on the farm which he now owns
and occupies. Seven acres of the land was then bereft of its trees,
but the stumps still stood upon the place. He erected a dwelling for
himself and family, and at once began the improvement of his prop-
erty. He has now about thirty-five acres cleared, and has a large va-
riety of fruit trees in a bearing condition, as an agriculturist and horti-
culturist meeting with satisfactory success in his operatons.
Mr. Chapman married first, in 1860, Mary Ann Brennan, who was
born in Roscommon, Ireland, where her parents spent their entire lives.
She died in 1867, in early womanhood. Mr. Chapman married second,
in 1869, Elizabeth Jane Bottomley, who was born in Erin township,
Macomb county, Michigan, and died in Keweenaw county, Michigan,
on the home farm, in 1887. Her father, Moses Bottomley, was born in
Manchester, England, and married Mary Curry, a native of county
Oavan, Ireland. In 1830 he came with his wife to Michigan, and set-
tled on a farm in Erin township in pioneer days, and there spent their
remaining days. By his first marriage Mr. Chapman became the father
of one child, Elizabeth Ann. Of his second marriage five children were
born, namely: Sarah, Alice, William H., James Moses, and Anna
Eliza. Elizabeth Ann, his oldest child, married John Powell, and died
at the age of forty years, leaving four children, Mary, Leland, Wil-
liam, and Sarah. William H. Chapman, who is a clerk for the Carl-
ton Hardware Company, married Helen Louise Vyant, and they have
three children, William H., Jr., Herbert Knox, and Violet E. James
M. Chapman at present serving his fourth year as principal of the
Charles Briggs and Horace Schools of Laurium, Michigan, married
Lena V. Judevine.
A stanch supporter of the principles of Republicanism, Mr. Chap-
man has taken an active part in town and county affairs. For sixteen
consecutive years he served as a member of the County Board of Su-
pervisors, and after a lapse of six years was again elected to the same
position, and is now serving his nineteenth year in that capacity. He
was also for a long time deputy game warden.
Daniel D. Brockway, agent of the Clifif mine and resident agent
and principle owner of the Atlas Mine, was one of the earliest pioneers
of the Lake Superior country, he having located at L'Anse in August,
1843, as government blacksmith to the Indians. He was born in Frank-
lin county, Vermont, May 2, 1815. He moved to Franklin county,
(
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1327
New York, with, his parents in childhood, and from there to Washte-
naw county, Michigan, in 1831. He was married in Kalamazoo county
in 1836 to Miss Lucena Harris, daughter of Dr. James Harris, a well
known pioneer of that region.
After his marriage Mr. Brockway returned to Franklin county. New
York, where he spent three years. While there he was appointed black-
smith and mechanic to the Indian Department of Lake Superior, head-
quarters at L'Anse, under Robert Stuart, Indian agent, taking his fam-
ily, and accompanied by his brother, A. W. Brockway, who was as-
sistant blacksmith, and at present cashier " of the Savings Bank at
Brownsville, Tennessee. He proceeded on his journey to the then almost
unknown wilderness of Lake Superior, arriving at the Sault Portage
on June 19, 1843, and they were obliged to wait there six weeks and
three days for the vessel to take them to L'Anse. They got off on the
three mast brig, "John Jacob Astor." Dr. Douglass Houghton, state
geologist, and party were passengers as far as Grand Island. L'Anse
Mission was reached August 8th. The following three years were given
by Mr. Brockway to the peculiar duties of his office. One of the hard-
ships was waiting eleven months for the first mail. Mr. Brockway fin-
ally determined to remove to Copper Harbor, which was then attracting
attention from the accounts of rich copper discoveries in its neighbor-
hood. Setting out on May 1st, 1846, in an open boat with his wife and
three small children— his crew consisting of two Indians— they coasted
from L'Anse around Keweenaw Point, and reached Copper Harbor on
May 3. The few inhabitants were living in tents. Mr. Brockway had
come to stay, so he built a substantial house, the first in the place and
opened it as a hotel.
He became a potent factor in the development and improvement of
the country. In 1849 he was employed at the Northwest Mine as agent,
and continued with that company two years. He discovered the Cape
Mine and was instrumental in organizing that company and was agent
there one year. In 1861 he removed to Eagle River, where he kept hotel
with other business interests until November, 1863. He then returned
to Copper Harbor, engaging in mercantile business with G. W. Perry,
a son-in-law, under the firm name Brockway & Perry. In 1869 Mr.
Brockway went to the Lower Peninsula and engaged in farming on the
old farm where he had married his wife. He was then the owner of said
farm. Returning to Lake Superior in 1872, he opened a store at Cliff
mine with his son, Albert A., under the firm name of D. D. Brockway
& Son, dealers in general merchandise. They continue in business to
this date. His son, Albert A., is the present county treasurer of Ke-
weenaw county.
Mrs. Sarah L. Scott, daughter of Mr. Brockway, is the oldest white
person now living that was born in the mining district of Lake Su-
perior. A daughter of C. T. Carrier, who was government farmer at
L'Anse, was" the first white child, but she died at the age of one year.
In 1879, Mr. Brockway spent seven months in the Black Hills country
exploring for gold— his pioneering spirit being much alive. Returning
in the month of December, while crossing the plains he was overtaken
by a fearful storm and with seven other passengers narrowly escaped
death by freezing. The stage having been blown over in the storm,
they had to remain on the open plain fifteen hours in the gale with
the mercury at 42 degrees below zero.
For the past year Mr. Brockway has been superintendent of Cliff
Mine, and is active in the discharge of the duties of his position. He
is now sixty-seven years of age, but is hale and hearty and always found
1328 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
in the harness. He is still as active as many men at forty-five and we
would, count him good for twenty years to come. The foregoing taken
from the "History of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan" published in
1883.
Mr. Brockway remained in charge of Cliff Mine until the property
was sold in 1895. The family then removed to Lake Linden, having
purchased a home there,' where they resided up to the time of Mr.
Brockway passing away. May 9, 1899.
•'His faithful wife for over sixty-three years died on the 2nd of last
March, and two more widely beloved people than the late Mr. and Mrs.
Brockway have rarely lived. Mr. Brockway left four children, viz:
Mrs. Charlotte L. Farwell, now of New Mexico; Mrs. Sarah L. Scott,
Albert A., and Mrs. Anna B. Gray, all of Lake Linden." — From The
Native Copper Times, May 16, 1899.
Johnson Vivian is widely and favorably known in business circles —
a banker, a merchant and at the head of several important industries
— and he is a son of the late Johnson Vivian, for many years one of
the most prominent developers of the copper country of Michigan.
The son was born and passed his boyhood days in the copper country,
and after leaving the high school he assisted his father in the store
until the latter 's death, becoming then the manager of the store and
of the vast Vivian estate. And while he has continued on in the mer-
cantile field, this has been but a part of his business life. He is the
president of the State Savings Bank, and his name has become as fa-
miliarly known in banking as mercantile circles. He is a director of
the Laurium Park Association; is the president of the Palestra, the
rink at Laurium ; is the president of the Ahmeek Land & Improvement
Company; the postmaster at Osceola Mine Location; and the presi-
dent of the J. Vivian, Jr., and Company's department store at Lau-
rium. From the organization of the Good Will Farm and Home for
Homeless Children to the present time Johnson Vivian has served as
the vice president of the beneficent organization; and he is a member
of the board of trustees of the Calumet Public Hospital. These in part
represent the achievements of Mr. Vivian as a business man and pub-
lic benefactor. He is a prominent Mason, a member of the lodge and
chapter at Hancock and of the commandery at Calumet and shrine at
Marquette.
He has a beautiful home on the northwest corner of Pewabie and
Third streets, modern in all its appointments. His name is promi-
nently known throughout northwestern Michigan, and besides being
favorably known as a business man he is a most genial gentleman.
Mr. Vivian married Miss Anna Lichty, and they have four children,
two sons and two daughters : Jean S., M. Gertrude, J. Knight and Rus-
sel D. Vivian.
Johnson Vivian. — The life's span of Johnson Vivian covered eighty
years, years that were full of activity and purposes well directed, and
he figured in the history of northwestern Michigan from the early forma-
tive period until his life's labors were ended in death. He was per-
haps most prominently known in connection with mining interests, and
he came of a family long identified with mining interests. His father,
grandfather and three brothers were mine agents, the brothers going
to different countries, and Johnson Vivian coming to the United States
became one of the most prominent developers of the mining interests of
northwestern Michigan. He was born in Cornwall, England, May 29,
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1329
1829, and was a direct descendant of Sir Vyell Vivian, who married
Margaret, daughter of the Earl of Kildare, in 1295, and moved at that
time from Normandy to England. One of this family, Sir Henry Huzzy
Vivian, was with Wellington from 1809 to 1815, serving in the Penin-
sular war and was present at the battle of Waterloo.
Captain Johnson Vivian began work in the mines of his native place
when fourteen or fifteen years old, and continued along that line in
Cornwall until 1853, when he came to the United States and located at
Eagle Harbor, Keweenaw county, Michigan, working there in the Lake
Superior copper district as a miner for a year. By the Hon. Samuel
W. Hill he was then appointed a mining captain, and served in that
capacity until July, 1856, when he went to Copper Harbor and took
charge of the Clark Mine, operated by a French company, and he re-
mained there until February 1, 1857. At that time Captain Vivian re-
turned to the Copper Falls Mine and took a tribute lease of the Hill
vein, which he worked until October 1, 1859, when he assumed charge
of the Phoenix Mine as chief mining captain, and continued in that
capacity until 1863. He was then made the superintendent and served
as such until February 1, 1867, when he was appointed the agent of the
Hancock Mine, and remained in that office until June of 1868, and dur-
ing that time the mine was worked at a profit. He then took charge
as superintendent of the Schoolcraft Mine, erected mining machinery
and operated the mine until it was conclusively demonstrated that the
vein would not pay, and the property was then abandoned. In 1874
Captain Vivian left the company's employ to become the agent of the
Franklin and Pewabic, contiguous mines, which were then in a poor
condition and had been worked at a disadvantage, but Captain Vivian
instituted needed reforms, and the mines are to-day being successfully
operated under the management of the Quincy Mining Company.
In February, 1880, in addition to his regular duties. Captain Vivian
took charge of the Huron Mine, lying just south of Portage lake, where
is now located the Isle Royale group, together with the Concord and
Mesnard Mines and the Tecumseh property, and National Mine, Ontona-
gon, Michigan, all being worked at intervals until a few years ago, since
when nothing has been done excepting at the Tecumseh, which is now
the La Salle and operated by the Calumet and Hecla interests. Cap-
tain Vivian remained actively associated with mining interests until
1896, when he retired to a private life, and in 1892 he took up his
residence on College avenue in East Houghton, where he died on the
16th of June, 1909. He was a man of distinctive type, a strong, gifted
son of Michigan, and such lives as his deserves permanent record on the
pages of the state's history.
He was extensively interested in the mercantile business in Laurium-
and Osceola, where the firm of J. Vivian, Jr. & Company yet conducts
large stores; was one of the promoters of the Superior Savings Bank
in Hancock, now the Superior National; a promoter and for years a
director of the State Savings Bank at Laurium; a promoter of the old
Peninsular Electric Light and Power Company of Houghton ; and a
director and promoter of the Lake Superior Soap Company. He was
the senior member of the firm of Vivian and Prince, which for twenty
years conducted a very extensive and successful business, manufacturing
safety fuse for blasting purposes, and in every business in which he
engaged he met with good fortune and prospered. As a business man
he ranked with the ablest ; as a citizen he was honorable, prompt and
true to every engagement ; as a man he held the honor and esteem of all
1330 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
classes of people and as a husband and father he was a model worthy of
imitation — unassuming in his manner, sincere in his friendships, stead-
fast and unswerving in his loyalty to the right. Of the four sons and
two daughters born to his marriage with Elizabeth Simmons, the sons
alone survive : John C, a druggist in Laurium ; Joseph H., formerly
purchasing agent for the Boston and Montana Copper Company, with
residence at Butte, Montana; Johnson, Jr., president of the State Sav-
ings Bank at Laurium and the manager of the department store in that
city; and William J., a machinist at Houghton. The memory of John-
son Vivian is cherished by his children and many friends.
George S. North. — Throughout the Upper Peninsula the name of
North is synomous with enterprise, ability, and prosperity, in mercan-
tile affairs standing pre-eminent, George S. North, of Hancock, continu-
ing the mercantile business established by his father, the late Hon. Seth
D. North, the pioneer merchant of this part of Houghton county.
George S. North, who has some of the best blood of New England cours-
ing through his veins, was born, September 5, 1857, at Cromwell, Mid-
dlesex county, Connecticut.
Born and brought up in Middletown,. Connecticut, Hon. Seth D.
North completed his education in his native town, and was afterwards
engaged in building canal boats and locks for several years. Follow-
ing the march of civilization westward in 1859, he came with his family
to Michigan, locating in Ontonagon, where for awhile he was a clerk
in the warehouse of Mercer & Willard, afterwards being similarly em-
ployed for two years at the Minnesota Mine, in Rockland. Opening
then a general store in Rockland, he remained there until 1866, when
he settled in Hancock. He immediately established the Quincy store,
a venture which proved successful. In 1879, in partnership with
Charles Briggs, he purchased the Hecla branch of the Calumet &
Heela Store, at Calumet, becoming senior member of the firm of North
& Briggs. Captain Harris was later admitted as a silent partner in
the business, and a store was opened at Lake Linden. This triple
partnership was subsequently dissolved, each partner taking one of the
stores. The Quincy store was taken by Seth D. North, who continued
its management until his death, in 1893. He was a man of much enter-
prise, and was one of the promoters and original proprietors of the min-
eral and bath springs at Mount Clemens, and of the Egnaw and Auley
hotels. One of the leading Republicans of this vicinity, he served two
terms as representative to the State Legislature, and as state senator
one term. Fraternally he was a member of Hancock Lodge, No. 35, F.
& A. M. His wife, whose maiden name was Frances Smith, was born
_ in Homer, Cortland county. New York, a daughter of Noah R. Smith.
She survived him, passing away in 1894.
The only child of his parents, George S. North obtained the rudi-
ments of his education in the public schools of Hancock, afterwards at-
tending the academy at Homer, New York. Beginning his mercantile
career as a clerk in his father's store, he subsequently succeeded to the
ownership of the entire business, which he is carrying on with character-
istic success. In 1895 IMr. North erected a commodious and substantial
brick block on the site of the original store building, at the Quincy
Location, and here operates one of the largest depai'tment stores in this
part of Northern Michigan, his stock embracing almost everything in
general use.
Mr. North married, in 1875, Emma C. Briggs, who was born in Nor-
walk, Ohio, and to them three children have been born, namely : Fannie
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1331
S., Helen G., and George K. Mr. North is a member of Quinev Lodge,
No. 35, F. & A. M. ; of Hancock Chapter, R. A. M. ; and of Hancock
Lodge, No. 381, B. P. O. E. He is a Republican in politics, and, with
his family, attends the Congregational chiireh.
Harry C. McNaughton.— The name MacNaughton, unlike that of
many Highland clans, is of Pietish origin. The Picts were an ancient
race in Scotland before the Scandinavian and other invasions, from
whom some of the other clans derive their names. The seat of this clan
was, from unrecorded history, in Argyleshire, having a grant as the re-
sponsible feudal lords of the royal castles. The flower of the family
was the azalea, and their plaid and war cry can be seen in any history
of the Highland clans. As late as the middle of the eighteenth cen-
tury they were still lords of the royal castles. After the fall of Louis-
burg, in what was then Acadia, but is now Nova Scotia, one of the sons
of this Scottish house established himself on a large tract on the Bay
of Fundy, near the present town of Digby, where cattle were raised,
and there introduced the art of tanning hides.
Michael IMcNaughton, one of his descendants, removed with his wife,
Rebecca McNaughton, to Buffalo, New York, and there spent the re-
mainder of their days, the wife, however, paying several visits to her
old home.
William "Wiswell McNaughton, their son, and the father of Harry C.
McNaughton, was born, October 2, 1825, in Buffalo, New York. Fol-
lowing in the footsteps of some of his ancestors, who had been engaged
in marine trade, mostly between Halifax and the West Indies, he em-
barked in seafaring pursuits when young, and at an early age was an
expert master of salt water craft. In 1849 he was sailing vessels on the
Great Lakes, from Buffalo to Chicago, and sailed on the vessel that car-
ried into Chicago, for the old Chicago & Galena Railway Company, the
first locomotive used in that city.
Captain William W. McNaughton married, in Chicago, in 1850,
Mary Elizabeth Clarke, of London, England, who, on the death of her
parents, had come to reside with an aunt in Chicago. Establishing his
home in Buffalo, New York, he resided there until 1854, when he came
to Sault Ste. Marie, being connected with the dredging of the channel
through Lake George below the city. In 1855, with the Williams Com-
pany, the Captain went to Portage Lake, and at Houghton, Michigan,
in 1855, he was joined by his wife and three children, who came from
Buffalo on the steamer "Illinois," which was the first steamer to pass
through the locks at Sault Ste. Marie. In those days, it is said, all of
the wood used for the tugs and dredges was cut from what is now the
site of the Calumet and Hecla Mine.
The pioneers were ignorant of the great mineral wealth hidden be-
neath the soil, the treasures lying unmolested for several years. While
in the "Copper country" as it is now called, the Captain and his fam-
ily resided at different places, including Houghton, Hancock, Lac
La Belle, and L'Anse, where the birth of their daughter Mary occurred,
she being, it is said, the first white child born in that place. In 1868,
at the completion of the work at the Lake Portage canals. Captain Mc-
Naughton and family returned to Sault Ste. Marie, which was then a
village of eight hundred or nine hundred souls. Their first home was in
Ridge street, near where the City Hall now stands, afterwards being
in Portage avenue, on the present site of the Park Hotel, but after 1872
was on Ridge street, at the head of Ferris street.
During his active life. Captain McNaughton sailed many boats, and
1332 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
was awarded a testimonial for his bravery in going with the tug boat
"Gushing," and rescuing men off the schooners Exile and others,
wrecked in AYhitefish Bay, in November, 1872. No better monument
can be shown than the plain piece of paper, signed by the captains
who had brought their vessels safe into port, showing the amounts each
subscribed toward buying a gold watch as a testimonial of his brave
conduct.
It is safe to say that no pioneer family of the Soo made the im-
pression on its history that the family of Captain ^IcNaughton. which
was a large one, did. Gifted with the education and training of a wise
and conservative mother and a just and honorable father, they filled
with ability and rare facility the places they were called upon to fill.
John ]\IcNaughton, the oldest son, who married Agatha Biddle. was
sheriff of Chippewa county two terms, and at the time of his death was
assistant superintendent of Saint Marys Falls Canal. Agnes McNaugh-
ton married George Masters, of Cleveland, Ohio. Rebecca McNaughton
became the wife of Joseph Ripley, who was assistant engineer and gen-
eral superintendent of Saint ]\Iarys Falls Canal and Improvements,
afterwards being a member of the Panama Canal Commission. Alice
]\IcNaughton, wife of Albert L. Ferguson, was noted for her benevo-
lence and chai'ities, being made the first vice president of the Sault Ste.
Marie Hospital. Carrie McNaughton married Clarence M. Ayers, of
Alabama, a civil engineer. Harry C. McNaughton, whose name appears
at the head of this sketch, is a United States junior engineer at Sault
Ste. Marie. George D. McNaughton, the youngest child, is a civil en-
gineer in New York City.
Captain McNaughton retired from active pui-suits about 1890, and
ten years later, in I\Iay, 1900, he was left a widower by the death of his
beloved wife, and he thereafter lived quietly with his only unmarried
daughter, i\Iiss INIary ^McNaughton, at the family residence, until his
own death. May -i, 1907, at the venerable age of eighty-three years.
Captain ^McNaughton established the first range lights on Saint Marys
river, and they were operated under his management until taken over by
the Govei'nment. A number of the Captain's grandchildren are now
grown to manhood and womanhood, one of them, formerh' Florence
Ripley, being now the wife of Lieutenant Roy A. Hill, of the Seventh
Infantry, United States Army.
Louis Belongy. — Such success as has come to this well known and
popular hotel man of Menominee has been the direct result of his own
eft'orts, and he is now proprietor of the hotel, which he so conducts as to
retain a large and appreciative patronage. The hotel is eligibly located
at 603 State street.
The family name of ]Mr. Belongy is LaRose, but he was but eight
years of age at the time of his father's death, and after his mother's mar-
riage to L. BelongA-. the latter treated his stepson with such kindness and
consideration that the boy voluntarily assumed the name of Belongy,
which he has since retained. The stepfather, who is now liA'ing retired in
Menominee, was bom in Canada and is a carpenter by trade. The sub-
ject of this sketch was bom in the province of Quebec. Canada, and is a
scion of stanch French ancestry. The date of his nativity was Novem-
ber 14. 1864. and he is a son of Joseph and ^Margaret (Young) LaRose,
the former of whom w'as bom in Quebec, in 1837, and died, at Green Bay,
Wiscon.sin, in 1872 ; and the latter was born in Ireland ; she is now the
wife of L. Belong^", of ^lenominee, and is nearly seventy years of ag:e at
the time of this writing. Of the children of her first marriage five are
t
{? (p/l^^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1^33
now living, and there are four living children of the second marriage.
Joseph LaRose devoted the greater part of his active career to work in
connection with the lumber industry, and he held responsible positions in
this line after coming to Wisconsin and northern IMichigan, where he con-
tinued to be thus engaged until the time of his death.
Louis Belongy was afforded but meager educational advantages, as he
attended school only a few years, principally in Brown county, AVisconsin.
When but eleven years of age he began working in a saw mill at Depere.
that state, and even before this, when a lad of eight years, he was em-
ployed in chopping cordwood. After he had attained the age of fourteen
years he found employment in a pail factory at Depere, where he was
thus engaged for four years. He then came to JMenominee, ^Michigan, in
1882, but less than a month later he returned to Wisconsin and, at West-
boro, secured employment in a shingle mill. Later he was employed as
assistant cook in a lumber camp on the Jump river, for a period of about
six months, and upon his return to Westboro he took charge of John
Duncan's boarding house. Thereafter he was employed as cook in a
lumber camp near Tomahawk, Wisconsin, and finally he was given charge
of a boarding car on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He
held this position one season, and in the spring of 1890 he again came to
Menominee ; he continued to be employed as a cook in logging camps and
on lake vessels. In Maj', 1893, he became cook on the steam barge "Mary
MiUs, ' ' and he held this position during each season of navigation until
the close of that of 1904, when he made permanent location in Menominee,
where he has since been successfully established in the hotel business.
He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Mystic
Workers.
On the 20th of October, 1891, ^Iv. Belongy was united in marriage
to Miss Lena Wagner, who was born in Wisconsin, of German parentage,
and they have two children, — Dorothy and Louis, Jr.
Patrick O'Brien. — As proprietor, editor and publisher of the Iron
River Stamhaugh Reporter, Patrick O'Brien, of Iron River, a wide-
awake, talented journalist, exerts a wide and healthful influence
throughout this section of the Upper Peninsula, being a stanch advo-
cate of all measures and enterprises conducive to the public welfare.
A son of the late Thomas O'Brien, he was born March 9, 1858, in
Western Pennsylvania, of Irish ancestry.
Thomas O'Brien was born and bred in County Cork, Ireland, and
as a young man emigrated to the United States, being, as far as known,
the only member of his immediate family to come to America. He
lived until after his marriage in Geneva, New York, from there going
to Pennsylvania. In 1859 he moved with his family to Iowa, where,
as a railroad contractor, he lived in several different places, finally
becoming a pioneer settler of Colfax, Jasper county. In 1871 he came
with his family to Michigan, making an overland journey with a team,
camping and cooking by the wayside during the long journey of
twenty-nine days. Buying a lot in the village of Brighton, Livingston
county, he was there employed in railroad work until his death, in
February, 1888. He married, in Geneva, New York, Bridget Devine,
who was born in County Cavan, Ireland, and came to this country
with her brother, Michael Devine, who subseciuently settled in Living-
ston county, IMichigan. She died in 1881, leaving two children, Pat-
rick and Thomas.
Gleaning his early education in the public schools of the various
places in which he lived, Patrick O'Brien fii'st began life as a wage-
1334 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
earner while yet in his "teens," working on a farm. In 1876 he spent
five months as a railroad employe, but not liking the work gave it up,
and entered the office of a local paper, where he learned to set type.
The paper being sold at the end of fourteen months, he found employ-
ment at Howell, Michigan, being for two years employed in the office
of the Howell EepuUican. The following year Mr. O'Brien worked
on the Williamson Enterprise, and while thus employed completed his
apprenticeship. Going then to Black River Falls, Wisconsin, he be-
came foreman in a newspaper office, and proved so capable that he was
soon promoted to business manager and editor, a position that he held
from 1880 until 1884. Selling out his stock then in the paper, Mr.
O'Brien located in Ashland, Wisconsin, where for six months he was
engaged in mercantile pursuits as a merchant tailor and a dealer in
gentlemen's furnishing goods. Disposing then of his business, he was
employed in the office of Lieutenant Governor S. S. Fifield until the
summer of 1885, when he returned to Black River Falls, and took
upon himself the vows and responsibilities of a married man. Settling
then in Tomah, Wisconsin, Mr. O'Brien leased a newspaper, which he
conducted for nearly a year. Again taking up his residence at Black
River Falls, he, in company with C. M. Hobart, had charge of the
Wisconisn Independent for a year and a half. Subsequently locating
at Eagle River, Wisconsin, he established a weekly paper called the
Vindicator, which he conducted for a year, when he sold out and
removed to Bessemer, Michigan, where he became foreman in the
office of one of the best known papers of the LTpper Peninsula, The
Pick and Axe, with which he was connected until December, 1887.
Coming then to Iron River, Mr. O'Brien bought the Iron County Re-
porter, now the Iron River Stambaugh Reporter, which he has con-
ducted ably and profitably imtil the present time, since 1909 having
been associated in its management with W. E. Campbell.
On July 15, 1885, at Black River Falls, the birthplace of the bride,
Mr. O'Brien was united in marriage with Georgie Elliott. Her father,
Amos Elliott, was bom in Chester, Pennsylvania, and as a young man
migrated to Illinois, and in Quincy, that state, was afterwards mar-
ried. Removing to Wisconsin, he was for many years successfully en-
gaged in logging and lumbering, his home being in Black River FaUs
until 1890, when he removed to Washburn, Wisconsin, where he is
now living retired, a hale and hearty man of eighty-seven years. Mr.
Elliott married Rachel Baker, who was bom in Illinois, a daughter of
George Baker, a native of Virginia, where as a young man he was a
slave holder. Mr. Baker subsequently settled near Payson, Illinois,
where he was extensively engaged in farming until his death, both he
and his wife, Anna Baker, spending their last years on their well im-
proved and valuable farming estate. Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien are the
parents of two children, Stella and Dorothy.
A stanch Republican in politics, Mr. O'Brien is often called upon
by his fellow-townsmen to fill offices of importance. From 1890 until
1894 he was postmaster at Iron River; he has served as clerk of the
township and of the village; has been president of the board of village
trustees, and a member of the board of education ; and is now county
agent of the state board of correction and charters. Fraternally Mr.
O'Brien belongs to Iron River Lodge No. 442. I. O. 0. F. : to Iron River
Lodge No. 162, K. of P. ; to Iron River Tent No. 336, K. O. T. M. M. ■ to
Iron River Camp No. 3276, M. W. A. : to Iron River Lodge No. 1326,
M. B. A.; to the National Protective Legion No. 422; to Iron River
Aerie No. 1603, F. 0. E. and to Iron Mountain Lodge No. 700, B. P. O. E.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1335
Robert G. Ferguson. — He whose name initiates this sketch is one of
the alert and progressive business men whose fine initiative power and
administrative ability have come into most potent and effective play in
connection with the industrial and commercial development of the city
of Sault Ste. IMarie, with whose civic and business interests he has been
identified for nearly a quarter of a century. The success which he has
achieved has not only been for his own advancement but has also con-
tributed materially to the general welfare of his home city, where his
course has been so guided and governed as to retain to him at all times
the inviolable confidence and regard of all who know him. He is presi-
dent of the Soo Hardware Company, wholesale and retail dealers in
heavy and shelf hardware, iron, steel, miners ' and lumbermen 's supplies,
stoves, ranges, paints, oils, glass, etc. This is one of the most extensive
concerns in its department of enterprise in the Upper Peninsula and in
addition to his association with the same Mr. Ferguson has other impor-
tant interests of a capitalistic and commercial order, so that he is prop-
erly to be noted as one of the veritable captains of industry in the fine
section of country to which this publication is given.
Robert G. Ferguson was born at Brampton, province of Ontario, Can-
ada, on the 22d of October, 1858, and is a son of Adam and Catherine
(Golden) Ferguson, the former of whom was born at St. Thomas, On-
tario, a representative of one of the staunch old families of Scotch-Irish
lineage that early established residence in that province, and the latter of
whom was likewise born in Ontario. About 1868 Adam Ferguson re-
moved with his family to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he engaged in the
merchandise business and where he remained until 1873, when he estab-
lished his home in Bay City, Michigan, where he was engaged in the
grocery business for a long period of years. He passed the closing years
of his life in Sault Ste. Marie, and he lived retired from active business
for a number of years prior to his demise, which occiirred in 1905. His
widow, now venerable in age, maintains her home with her children in
Sault Ste. Marie. Of the children, the subject of this review is the eld-
est; Albert L. who was born April 15, 1864, is vice-president of the Soo
Hardware Company ; William F., who died in 1906 ; and Adam E., who
was born August 18, 1877, is secretary and treasurer.
Robert G. Ferguson gained his early education in the public schools
of his native place and was a lad of about ten years at the time of the
family removal to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he was afforded the ad-
vantages of the Christian Brothers' College. After the removal of the
family to Bay City, Michigan, he there gained excellent experience in
connection with practical business affairs and finally he became an office
executive and salesman in a wholesale hardware establishment in that
city. Later he represented the house as a traveling salesman, and in the
meanwhile he had gained intimate knowledge of the details of the bus-
iness in which he was later destined to achieve so much of success and
prestige in an independent way. In 1887 Mr. Ferguson established his
home in Sault Ste. Marie, where he engaged in the retail hardware trade,
under the firm of R. G. Ferguson & Company. The enterprise soon ex-
panded its functions by the addition of a jobbing department, and from
this modest inception has been built up the substantial and extensive
wholesale and retail biisiness now conducted by the Soo Hardware Com-
pany. In 1893 the Ferguson Hardware Company was organized, as suc-
cessor to the original firm, and its operations at the time of incorporation
were based on a capital stock of thirty thousand dollars, all paid in. The
original executive corps of this company was as here noted: Robert G.
Ferguson, president; William H. Miller, vice-president; and Albert L.
1336 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Ferguson, secretary and treasurer. In 1896 the business was reorganized
under its present title, and the capital stock and surplus of the concern is
now $188,000.00. Robert G. Ferguson is president of the company ; Al-
bert L. Ferguson, vice-president ; and Adam E. Ferguson, secretary and
treasurer. The large and well appointed establishment of the company
has the largest and most comprehensive stock in the line to be found in
the Northern Peninsula, and besides its extensive retail trade, its whole-
sale business extends throughout a radius of two hundred miles from
Sault Ste. ]\Iarie, making it one of the important commercial concerns of
this section of the state. The stock includes heavy and shelf hardware,
stoves, ranges, tinware, mill and lumbermen's supplies, plumbing, steam
and water heating supplies and accessories of all kinds, with well
equipped departments for the handling of tin and sheet-iron work of all
kind^, plumbing and the installation of heating apparatus of the best
modern type. In the workshops employment is given to an average of
ten men, and the total number of persons employed in the various depart-
ments and as traveling representatives is about forty-five. The concern
has a well established reputation for careful and honorable business
methods, and this constitutes its best asset, the while the interested prin-
cipals hold a secure place in the confidence and esteem of all with whom
they have had dealings, as Avell as with the general public in their home
city.
Robert G. Ferguson has not confined his efforts to the one line of enter-
prise just noted, but has found scope for the exercise of his splendid
energies along other channels of productive activity. He is a stockholder
and director nf the First National Bank of Sault Ste. j\larie and also of
the Central Savings Bank of this city. He is a stockholder and director
of the Plumraer-Ferguson Hardware Company, of Sault Ste. Marie,
Canada, which likewise conducts a retail and jobbing business, and is a
member of the firm of W. F. Ferguson and Company, conducting a pros-
perous business in the handling of boots and shoes, men's furnishing
goods, and lumbermen's clothing, in Sault Ste. IMarie, i\Iichigan.
In politics i\Ir. Ferguson accords an unwavering allegiance to the
Republican party and his civic attitude has at all times been progressive
and public-spirited. He has served as a member of the city board of
police conunissioners for a period of six years and has been chairman of
the board for two years. He is a member of the board of trustees of the
Upper Peninsula Hospital for the Insane, at Newberry, of which position
he has been incumbent since 1908. His fraternal affiliations are here
briefly noted : Bethel Lodge, No. 358, Free & Accepted ^lasons ; Saiilt
Ste. Marie Chapter, No. 126, Royal Arch Masons; Sault Ste. Marie
Council, No. 69, Royal & Select ^Masters ; Sault Ste. Marie Commandery,
No. 45, Knights Templars; Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of
the Nobles of the INtystic Shrine, in the city of J\Iarquette ; and Sault
Ste. Marie Lodge, No. 552, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.
In the city of Winnipeg, ^Manitoba, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Ferguson to ]\Iiss Christina Bain, daughter of James Bain, who removed
to that city from Belleville. Ontario, Canada, in which latter place ^Nlrs.
Ferguson was bom. Mr. and ]Mrs. Ferguson have one daughter. Helen
E., who was born August 15, 18S6, and who is at home.
William G. Fretz.— As editor and publisher of the Newherry Neics,
one of the vital and well conducted weekly papers of the Upper Penin-
sula, Mr. Fretz has done much to further the development and civic
prosperity of Luce county and is one of the able and popular represen-
tatives of the newspaper fraternity in this section of the state, to which
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1337
his loyalty is of the most unequivocal oi-der. His paper is an effective
exponent of local interests and he is one of the representative citizens
and business men of the thriving village of Newberry, where he lends
his influence and co-operation in the promotion of all measures and en-
terprises tending to advance the material and social welfare of the
community.
Like many others of the valued citizens of the Northern Peninsula,
Mr. Fretz claims the fine old Dominion of Canada as the place of his
nativity. He was born in Hastings county, province of Ontario, on the
4tli of June, 1869, and is a son of Norman and Mary (Harris) Fretz,
both of whom were likewise natives of that province, where they passed
their entire lives and where the father was a well-to-do farmer and
stock-grower. Of the two children the subject of this review is the
younger, and his sister, Ida, is the widow of Dr. Almon W. Nicholson,
of Newberry, where she still maintains her home. AVilliam G. Fretz was
reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm and secured his early
education in the public schools of his native county. At the age of fif-
teen years he entered upon an appi'enticeship at the printer's trade, in
a newspaper and job office conducted by John R. Orr, in the village of
Madoe, Ontario. In due time he familiarized himself with the myste-
ries and intricacies of the "art preservative of all arts," and to the
same he has given his attention during the intervening years, which
have witnessed his rise to his present position as a successful editor and
publisher of an excellent weekly paper. Mr. Fretz first came to New-
berry, Michigan, in the year 1887, and here was employed at his trade
until 1889, when he removed to Marquette. He remained in that city
a shoi"t time and then went to the city of Grand Rapids, where he was
employed during the ensuing winter. In May, 1890, he again came to
Newberry, and shortly afterward he here purchased of Charles Brebler
the plant and business of the Newberry News, of which he has since been
editor and publisher. He has a well equipped office, and its job depart-
ment is maintained at a standard that enables him to meet all demands
placed upon it, with facilities for turning out work of excellent grade.
His paper has a good circulation throughout Luce county and its pages
find appreciative readers in all sections of the county. Mr. Fretz has
been successful in his independent career as a newspaper man and is
one of the influential citizens of his village and county, where his circle
of friends is coincident with that of his acquaintances. He is vice-
president of the Newberry State Bank and has other local interests. In
politics he gives his personal and journalistic influence in support of
the cause of the Republican party, and he is affiliated with McMillan
Lodge, No. 400, Free & Accepted Masons; Manistique Chapter, No. 127,
Royal Arch Masons ; and Luce Lodge, No. 89, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, of which he is past noble grand.
On the 20th of February, 1885, ]\Ir. Fretz was united in marriage to
Miss Ethelyn Boyce, who was born in Wayne county, Michigan, and
who is the only child of John and Emily Boyce, both of whom were
born in Michigan, representatives of sterling pioneer families of this
state, and both of whom passed the closing years of their lives in
Wayne county. Mr. and Mrs. Fretz have two children,— Merle and
Ruth.
Joseph E. B.vyliss. — The career of IMr. Bayliss has been of varied
and interesting order and he has been a resident of the LTpper Peninsula
of Michigan during the greater portion of his life. He was about
three years of age at the time of the family removal to Sault Ste.
1338 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Marie, in 1878, and the family name has been prominently identified
with civic and industrial advancements and progress in this city and
county. The subject of this sketch has held various positions of dis-
tinctive public trust and is now serving with much discrimination and
ability in the position of sheriff of Chippewa county.
Joseph E. Bayliss was born at Parkenham, province of Ontario,
Canada, on the 8th of January, 1875, and is a son of John and Eliza-
beth (Lothian) Bayliss, the former of whom was born at Bristol, prov-
ince of Quebec, Canada, in 1852. The father passed the closing years
of his life in Sault Ste. Marie where his death occurred on the 9th of
July, 190G, and where his venerable widow still maintains her home.
Their marriage was solemnized in Ottawa, Canada, and they became
the parents of seven children, all of whom are now living. John Bay-
liss was a harnessmaker by trade and was a youth of sixteen years at
the time he came from his native land to America and took up his resi-
dence in Canada in 1858. He there learned the trade of harnessmak-
ing and he later returned to England where he also learned the trade
of collarmaking in connection with the harness business. In 1863 he
returned to Ottawa, Canada, where he began to manufacture harness
and horse collars and where he continued his residence until 1878,
when he established himself in the same line of enterprise in the vil-
lage of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He had the distinction of being
the first to engage in this line of business in the now thriving city,
and he continued in the same until 1887, when he turned his attention
to farming in Chippewa county. About two years later, however, he
returned to Sault Ste. Marie and again established himself in the har-
ness business, to which he devoted his attention until 1896, when he
was appointed custodian of the county court house, a position of which
he continued incumbent until the time of his death. He was one of
the sterling pioneers of the county and city and none held a more se-
cure place in public confidence and esteem. He Avas a charter member
of the Bethel Lodge No. 358, Free and Accepted Masons, and was a
stanch Republican in politics, taking a loyal interest in public affairs
of a local order.
As already stated, Joseph Bayliss was three years of age at the
time of the family removal to Sault Ste. Marie, in whose schools he
gained his early educational discipline. After the removal to the
farm he assisted in its work during the summer months and attended
the district schools in the winter terms. In 1890, when eight years of
age, he earned his first money by the dignified occupation of turning
a grindstone. This Avork was done for William Ruble, a pioneer in
this locality, and the grinding was of his scythe used in cutting the
hay. The farm of William Ruble Avas located in what is noAV the cen-
tral portion of the city of Soo, Michigan. When fourteen years old
Mr. Bayliss went to Avork in a saAv mill in this city, and the Avanter
before had paid his board by doing chores, in the meantime attending
the public schools. Wlien his father resumed the harness business in
this city Mr. Bayliss served an apprenticeship in the trade under the
able direction of his father, and later he became a member of a govern-
ment surveying party, engaged in meandering the courses of the St.
Mary and the Detroit rivers in the Upper Peninsula. In this connec-
tion he held the positions of oarsman, leadsman, and recorder in the
survey party.
Wlien twenty-one years of age Mr. Bayliss went to Marquette, this
state, where he passed an examination for pilot after which he served
as pilot on a government survey tug, and in 1898 indulged his spirit
THE NORTHEKN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1339
of adventure by going to Alaska, where he worked in the gold mines
during the summer months at a compensaiion of one dollar an hour
on the Yukon, Pelley and Stewart rivers, and also near the city of
Dawson. He prospected for nearly a year before he went to work for
wages, and while thus engaged he covered practically all of the gold
bearing territory for a distance of three hundred miles. While he did
not succeed in locating a claim of any great worth, yet he had upon
his arrival back home more money than when he left. His grit and
determination is proven by the fact that while having sufficient funds
easily to pay his way he worked as an oiler on the "Mary Graf," a
river steamer, for a distance of eighteen hundred miles from Dawson
City to Saint Michaels where he secured a position as quartermaster
on the ocean steamer "Homer," and worked his way in that capacity
from Saint Michaels to San Francisco. He left 'Frisco homeward
bound, but stopped off in all the principal cities.
In the autumn of 1899 Mr. Bayiiss returned to Sault Ste. Marie,
where, one day after his arrival he went to work as pilot on the
United States steamer "Myra." Realizing his lack of education, for
he had left school when but elev^en years old, he applied himself dili-
gently to study during the evenings and other leisure hours, and in
1900 he successfully passed the civil service examination for letter
carrier. Thereafter he served as city mail carrier until 1904. He was
then appointed United States inspector of train baggage passing be-
tween the Canadian and American cities of the river at Sault Ste.
Marie, and he held this office until November, 1908, when there came
a definite and well-merited recognition of his eligibility and personal
popularity in his election to his present responsible office, that of
sheriff of Cbippewa county. In politics Sheriff Bayiiss is a stalwart
in the local camp of the Republican party and his fraternal relations
are as here noted, — Bethel Lodge No. 358, Free and Accepted Masons,
of which he is past master; Sault Ste. Marie Chapter No. 126, Royal
Arch Masons; Red Cross Lodge No. 51, Knights of Pythias, of which
he is past chancellor; and "Soo" Camp No. 4173 Modern Woodmen of
America. He formerly served as president of the letter carriers' as-
sociation of Sault Ste. Marie.
On the 30th of May, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Bay-
iiss to Miss Estelle McLeod, who was born in the city of Duluth, Min-
nesota, and who is a daughter of John and Linda (Rains) McLeod,
the former of whom was born in Nova Scotia, and the latter of whom
was a native of Canada. Captain McLeod died in 1881, and his wife
now maintains her home in Sailors' Encampment. They became the
parents of two daughters, one of whom is now deceased. Captain
McLeod was one of the pioneer steamboat captains on the lakes, and
was known as an able and careful navigator and was one ever solici-
tous for the comfort and pleasure of his passengers, so that the vessel
imder his command was always popular with the traveling public. Mr.
and Mrs. Bayiiss have one son, Clifton McLeod Bayiiss, who was bom
on October 8, 1901. Sheriff Bayiiss was renominated for his present
office of sheriff.
Peter E. Campbell.— As chief of the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Depart-
ment, Peter E. Campbell is actively identified with the material inter-
ests and prosperity of the city, his work as protector of public and
private property being of inestimable value to the citizens of this sec-
tion of Chippewa county. A son of John Campbell, he was born Oc-
tober 25, 1874, in county Grey, Ontario, Canada, on the paternal side
coming from Scotch ancestry.
1340 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Born May 1, 1831, in Glengarry, Scotland, John Campbell grew to
manhood among the rugged hills of his native land. Strongly desirous
of bettering his condition, he emigrated to America when nineteen
years of age, embarking on a sailing vessel, and landing in New York
city. Proceeding to lower Canada, he was engaged in tilling the soil
in Glengarry for about fifteen years, when he bought land in county
Grey, where he continued the same employment for some time. In
1895 he came to Sault Ste. Marie, where he is now living retired from
active pursuits. He is a conscientious member of the Baptist church,
and a loyal Republican in politics. His wife, whose maiden name was
Mary Ann McCance, was born May 31, 1834, in county Tipperary, Ire-
land, and as a girl emigrated with her parents to Canada, where they
were married. Eight sons and two daughters blessed their union, and
of these six children are now living, namely : James B. ; John J. ; Thomas
A.; Peter E., the special subject of this sketch; Frederick; and Ellen,
wife of Robert Hand.
Spending the days of his boyhood and youth on the parental farm,
Peter E. Campbell attended the winter terms of the district school, and
began life for himself as a carpenter, from 1894 until 1896 following
the trade of a contractor and builder in the Soo. The ensuing two years
he was engaged in teaming, but from 1898 until 1906 was a successful
dealer in horses and buggies, carrying on quite an extensive business.
In 1906 he assumed charge of the fire department of Sault Ste. Marie,
of which he has since been chief, a position of which he is eminently
qualified. He has fifteen regular firemen under him, and forty call
men, and five horses. This department is well equipped for its work,
the direct pressure system now used being quite satisfactory.
Politically Mr. Campbell is a tried and true Republican. Fraternally
he is a member of F. & A. M. Masonic Lodge of Sault Ste. Marie, and of
Sault Ste. Marie Lodge No. 123, I. 0. O. F., of which he was made
noble grand in January, 1910 ; of the Royal Arcanum ; of the Modern
Woodmen of America ; of the Knights of Pythias ; and of Waubun Tent
No. 38, K. 0. T. M. Religiously he belongs to the Church of Christ.
Mr. Campbell married, October 2, 1895, Rachel A. Teneyck, who
was born in county Grey, Canada. Her father, John C. Teneyck, was
born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and for the past twenty-five years
has been a resident of the Soo, at the present time being owner and com-
mander of three of the lake vessels. Captain Teneyck married Rachel
McKay, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and they became the parents
of seven children, namely : John, Philip, Rachel A., now Mrs. Campbell ;
James, Sarah Jane; Stewart and George. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have
two children, Percy and Sarah.
Martin R. Goldsworthy.— An Englishman by birth, he was born
October 31, 1849, in the parish of Camborne, county Cornwall, the
birthplace of his father, William Goldsworthy, and the lifelong residence
of his grandfather, Martin Goldsworthy, who was a miner by occu-
pation.
Beginning as a boy to work in the Cornwall mines, William Golds-
worthy remained in his native county imtil 1853, when he bade good-bye
to his family and friends and started for America, the land of hope and
plenty. Coming to Michigan, he located at Ontonagon, and finding re-
munerative employment at the IMinesota ]\Iine was there subsequently
joined by his wife and two children. A few years later he removed to
the Flint Steel Mine, in the same county, and was employed at that, and
other nearby mines until 1880, when he found employment at the Calu-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1341
met & Hecla Mine, in Calumet, where he spent the remainder of his life.
,His wife, whose maiden name was Ann Bennetts, was born in Camborne
parish, Cornwall county, England, in 1828, and is now a resident of Cal-
umet. To her and her husband nine children were born and reared, as
follows: ]\Iartin R., William B., John, Julia, Amelia, Emily, Thomas,
Louise, and Elizabeth. The two older children were born in England,
and the others in Michigan.
In the sixth year of his age when he came with his mother and
brother to this countrj^, INIartin R. Goldsworthy well remembers the tedi-
ous eight weeks consumed in sailing across the wide ocean. From New
York the joiirney was made bj' rail to Toledo, Ohio, from thence to De-
tour by lake thence by boat to Ontonagon. The Upper Peninsula was
then practically an unexplored wilderness, with neither railway, tele-
graph, telephone, or trolley service, the transportation of goods and
passengers being made by boat, while the mail was carried by dog teams.
Until eleven years old he attended the pioneer schools of Ontonagon, and
then began working in the Alinesota ]\Iine, at first doing surface work,
and later being under ground. Graduating as a miner at the age of
nineteen years, Mr. Goldsworthy went to Greenland, and was there for
three years employed as a clerk in the general store of D. T. Welch &
Co. He then clerked seven years in Rockland for Linus Stannard ; six
months in Houghton for J. B. Sturgis, county treasurer ; a short time in
the office of the AUouez Mine, in Keweenaw county ; and was after-
wards assistant clerk in the office of the Quincy Mine, and later became
interested in selling mining supplies, representing various manufactur-
ers in the sale of their goods.
On June 25, 1873, Mr. Goldsworthy was united in marriage with
Alice H. Deland, w^ho was born in Sheridan, Chautauqua county. New
York, the birthplace of her father, Benjamin Deland. She is of French
descent, her Grandfather Deland having been born and reared in
France, coming to the United States in colonial days. Benjamin De-
land came from New York state to jMichigan with his family, locating
first at Royal Oak, Oakland county, from there going to Rockland, On-
tonagon county, where he resided a number of years, although he spent
his last days at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Goldsworthy, in Hancock.
His first wife, w^hose maiden name was Harriet Bowen, died when Mrs.
Goldsworthy was a small child, and she was brought up by her step-
mother.
Mr. and Mrs. Goldsworthy have five children, namely: Elsie, Josie,
Le Roy, Marion, and Wilbert. Josie, wife of R. W. Anderson, has two
children, Marion and Alice. Le Roy married Addie Obenhoff, and they
have two children, Leonore and Le Roy. Marion, wife of Albert C.
Croze, has one child, Clarence. Religiously Mr. Goldsworthy belongs to
the Congregational church, and Mrs. Goldsworthy is a member of the
Episcopal church. Politically Mr. Goldsworthy is a firm supporter of
the principles of the Republican party.
Frank A. Healy. — Standing prominent among the substantial and
highly esteemed citizens of Ironwood is Frank A. Healy, who has lived
here nearly a quarter of a century, during which time he has been ac-
tivelv identified with its development and progress. A son of the late
Joseph Walter Healy, he w^as born, August 11, 1852, in Markesan, Green
Lake county, Wisconsin.
His grandfather, Richard Healy, whose forbears several generations
back were Irish, was born in Lincolnshire, England. One of his Irish
ancestors served as a soldier under Cromwell, and as a reward for his
1342 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
brave services was given the estate in Lincolnshire, England, known as
Dowsby Grange, which was subsequently owned and occupied by himself
or his descendants.
Joseph Walter Healy was born at Dowsby, Lincolnshire, England,
March 24, 1823, and there received excellent educational advantages.
He was subsequently apprenticed to a firm of architectural millwrights,
and learned the trade. Emigrating to America in 1846, he followed his
trade first in Ohio, and later in Indiana. In 1850 he became one of
the original settlers of Markesan, Wisconsin, where he bought a miU
site, improved the power, and having erected a flour mill, the first one
in the vicinity, operated it a few years.. Selling out, he moved to Hori-
con, AVisconsin, purchased an interest in a mill, which he managed suc-
cessfully until 1859, in the meantime building a mill at Kekoske, on
Rock River. In 1859 he moved to Fond du Lac, where he built a large
mill, which he operated four years. Moving with his family to Spring-
vale, Columbia county, in 1863, he bought land, and was there em-
ployed in general farming until his death in 1880. The maiden name
of his wife was Sarah Amelia Downes, a native of Honeoyo Falls, Yates
county, New York. Her father, Joseph W. Downes, was born on the
ocean, and, following in the footseps of his father, who was a sea-captain,
became a sailor in early life. He served in the War of 1812, and after
that followed his trade of a carpenter and millwright in different
places in Wisconsin. Late in life he went to Ames, Iowa, and there
died in 1896, at the venerable age of ninety-three years. The wife of
Mr. Downes, whose maiden name was Emeline Amelia LaGotte, was
born in New York state, of French ancestry. Mrs. Joseph Walter
Healy died August 28, 1908, aged seventy-eight years. She reared
seven children, as follows : Frank A., the special subject of this sketch ;
Richard D., of Springvale, Wisconsin ; Joseph W., of Ironwood ; Oscar
E., Langsford, South Dakota; Charles, a resident of Ironwood; John H.,
of Springvale, Wisconsin, and Robert, deceased.
In 1870, having completed his studies in the high schools of Spring-
vale and Markesan, Frank A. Healy was for five years in the employ of
the McCartney Lumber Company, at Green Bay, Wisconsin. He then
located in Medford, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in the lumber
and mercantile business until 1885, when he was burned out. Coming to
Ironwood in 1886, Mr. Healy opened a lumber yard for the Hoxie &
Miller Company, and managed it for a year and a half. The ensuing
three years he was bookkeeper in the Bank of Ironwood, being an ex-
pert accountant and an insurance agent.
On October 20, 1875, Mr. Healy was united in marriage with Sarah
J. Williams, who was born in Marcellon, Columbia county, Wisconsin, a
daughter of Morris R. and Phoebe (King) Williams, natives of New
York state. Mrs. Williams' maternal great-grandfather King was the
founder of Kingsport, New York, while Williamsport, New York, was
named in honor of her paternal great-grandfather. Four daughters
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, namely : Maud, wife of Wil-
liam Alfred Cole, of Ironwood; Marion A., wife of Fred S. Larson,
of Ironwood; Frances P., a kindergarten teacher in Ironwood; and
Angie M., living at home with her father.
Fraternally Mr. Healy is a member of Ironwood Lodge, No. 149, I.
0. 0. F. Politically he stands with the Democrats, and has filled many
offices of importance, having served as supervisor seven years, as assessor
two years, and for seven years was a member of the Ironwood Board of
Education.
Ths^^^,^,.^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1343
William G. Tapert. — As secretary and treasurer of the Cornwell
Beef Company, with headquarters at Sault Ste. Marie, William G.
Tapert is official ly connected with one of the largest packing com-
panies of the American and Canadian Soo, and is ably filling the posi-
tion, performing the duties devolving upon him in a satisfactory man-
ner. A son of William E. Tapert, he was born in Detroit, Michigan,
January 11, 1869, of thrifty German stock.
Born July 24, 1846, in Germany, William E. Tapert came with his
parents in a sailing vessel to this country, landing at Saint John, N. B.,
from there crossing the country to Detroit, Michigan, where his
father established himself as a drover and a butcher, subsequently
opening a meat amrket. Acquiring his education in the public schools
of Detroit, William E. Tapert learned the butcher's trade of his father,
and was afterwards engaged in the meat business in that city. In 1869
he opened a wholesale and retail meat market at Lower Saginaw, now
called Bay City, and was there successfully engaged in business until
1905, when he retired from active pursuits. He subsequently spent
about three years on his farm near by, but is now a resident of Bay
City. Although caring little for public honors, he has served as town-
ship clerk. Politically he is a Republican, and religiously he belongs
to the Bay City Presbyterian church. His wife, whose maiden name
was Catherine Scheller, was born in Germany in 1846, and died at
Bay City, Michigan, in 1902. They were married in Detroit, Michigan,
and to them two children were born, namely : William G., the spe-
cial subject of this sketch; and George P., who died at the age of
thirty-two years.
Attending the city schools of Bay City while a boy, William G.
Tapert also obtained a practical knowledge of the meat business while
assisting his father. Subsequently, having taken a special course in
shorthand, he, at the age of seventeen years, became bookkeeper and
stenographer for E. J. Hargrave & Sons, with whom he remained one
season. The following three years Mr. Tapert was bookkeeper for the
Saginaw Beef Company, a branch of Swift & Co. He was then pro-
moted to city salesman, then an entirely new venture in the beef pack-
ing business, his territory extending along the line of several car
routes, while he had the distinction of being the youngest man travel-
ing for the firm. At the end of ten years on the road, Mr. Tapert, in
1897, became the Company's traveling agent at Bay City, where he
continued until June, 1900. Still in the Company's employ, Mr. Tap-
ert then came to Sault Ste. Marie as manager of the Saginaw Beef
Company's interests in this locality, and the following year the busi-
ness was reorganized as the Cornwell Beef Company, and he was made
manager and secretary, the home office being located in this city. In
1902 the Company extended its operations into the Canadian territory,
with a local office at North Bay, Mr. Tapert having charge of that
business also. In 1905 the Company's stock was increased from $5,000
to $25,000, and in 1907 its capital was doubled, making it $50,000. In
1910 a new cold storage plant, the most modern and best equipped
plant of the kind in the Upper Peninsula, was erected at Sault Ste.
Marie. Mr. Tapert receives his supplies for this locality direct from
Chicago and St. Paul, while those for the Canadian Soo he has shipped
from Hamilton and Winnipeg, Canada.
Mr. Tapert married, December 18, 1896, Maud C. Thompson, who
was born at Port Burwell, Ontario, a daughter of Captain Peter
Thompson, who was for many years engaged in nautical pursuits,
first as captain of an ocean steamer, and later on the lakes, but who
Vol. Ill— IS
1344 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
is now living retired on his farm in Montcalm county, Michigan. To
Captain Thompson and his wife, whose maiden name was Margaret
Drummond, seven children were born, two sons and five daughters,
and of these five children are living, Mrs. Tapert being the youngest
child. Mr. and Mrs. Tapert are the parents of two children, Jessie
Elizabeth and Clarence William. Politially ]Mr. Tapert is an adherent
of the Republican party, and religiously he is a German Lutheran.
Francis J. ^Moloney, 'M. D.— Worthy of consideration in this volume
as an able and popular representative of the medical profession in the
Northern Peninsula, Dr. Moloney is engaged in active general practice
in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, where he has maintained his home since
the spring of 1899.
Dr. Francis James Moloney was born in the city of Detroit, Michigan,
on the 27th of June, 1872, and is a son of James F. and Bridget (Brown)
Moloney, the former of whom was born in county Tipperary, Ireland,
and the latter in county Mayo of the fair Emerald Isle. The father is
now living in the city of Cheboygan, Michigan, and the mother was
summoned to the life eternal in 1893. Their marriage was solemnized
at Ionia, ^Michigan, and of their sis children four are living, — Mar>',
who is the wife of Ralph A. Padlock ; Francis J., who is the subject of
this sketch ; Sylvester, who is a resident of Cheboygan, IMichigan ; and
Joseph, who also resides in Cheboygan. After the death of his first
wife J. F. jMoloney married Miss Margaret Duggan, and the four chil-
dren of this union are, — Lillian, Edward, Harold and Eileen. James F.
Moloney was twelve years of age at the time when his parents, James L.
and Ellen Moloney immigrated to the United States. His father died
at the age of seventy-two years and his mother is now living in the city
of Detroit, Michigan, being more than ninety years of age. Of the
eight children, all are living, and James F. is the oldest of the number.
His parents came from Ireland on a sailing vessel and landed in the
city of Quebec, Canada, from which point they made their way to
Amherstburg, province of Ontario, opposite the city of Detroit, Michi-
gan. James L. Moloney became one of the pioneer farmers of that
section and later he took up his residence in the city of Detroit, where
he engaged in the merchandise business. From the state metropolis he
finally removed to Cheboygan, Michigan, where he continued to reside
until his death. Both he and his wife were devout communicants of
the Catholic church. James F. ]\Iolouey, father of the subject of this
sketch, was reared to manhood in the province of Ontario, Canada, and
received fair educational advantages. As a young man he established
himself in the merchandise business in Detroit, Michigan, and he there
continued to be identified with the line of enterprise for a number of
years, at the expiration of which he removed to Cheboygan, where he
followed the same line of business for several years. He then engaged
in the brewery business in that place and became one of the most promi-
nent and influential business men of that section of the state, where
he has ever been held in unqualified confidence and esteem. He is presi-
dent of the Cheboygan County Savings Bank, was president of the
village of Cheboygan, and after its incorporation as a city he had the
distinction of being its first mayor. He has contributed in generous
measure to the advancement and upbuilding of the fine little cit.v of
Cheboygan and is one of its most honored and public-spirited citizens.
He is a stanch Democrat in his political proclivities, is affiliated with
the Knights of Columbus and is a communicant of the Catholic church,
as was also his devoted wife. Dr. Francis James Moloney was aft'orded
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1345
excellent educational advantages in his youth. He attended public
and parochial schools in Detroit and Cheboygan, Michigan, and when
but ten years of age he entered the Detroit College conducted by the
Jesuit Fathers. Later he entered Assumption College, in Sandwich,
Ontario, and when sixteen years of age he became a student in the De-
troit Business University, from which he was graduated. In prepara-
tion for the work of his chosen profession he was matriculated in the
Michigan College of Medicine and Surgery in Detroit, in which he was
graduated as a member of the class of 1899, with the degree of Doctor
of Medicine. In April of that year he came to Sault Ste. Marie, where
he has since been established in successful and representative practice,
having devoted himself earnestly to the work of his profession and hav-
ing gained the confidence and good will of the people of the community
as a whole. The Doctor is a member of the Chippewa County Medical
Society, the Michigan State Medical Society and the American Medical
Association. Though not active in "practical politics," he accords a
stanch allegiance to the Democratic party and his religious faith is that
of the Catholic church, in which he was reared and of which he is a
communicant.
On the 22d of June, 1899, was solemnized the marriage of Dr.
Moloney to Miss Marie M. Goodwin, who was born in the province of
Ontario, Canada, as were also her parents, James and Nancy (Johnston)
Goodwin. Her parents now reside in Cheboygan, Michigan, and of
their five children Mrs. Moloney is the eldest.
James Mul Conrt, the efficient sheriff of Alger county, has main-
tained his home at Munising, the judicial center of the county, for
nearly a decade and a half and is one of the well known and popular
citizens of this section of the Upper Peninsula, as is evidenced by the
fact that he has been called to his present official position. Mr. Conry
claims the old Empire state of the Union as the place of his nativity, as
he was born in Oneida county, New York, on the 2d of May, 1851. He
is a son of Patrick and Sarah (Miller) Conry, the former of whom was
born in county Clare, Ireland, and the latter in Westchester county.
New York. The father died at the age of sixty-five years and the
mother was summoned to the life eternal when forty-three years of age.
Of the eleven children the present sheriff of Alger county was the sec-
ond in order of birth and concerning the other children now living the
following brief record is given: Daniel is a resident of New York city;
Ira resides at Ossining, New York; Cornelius is a resident of Portland,
Oregon ; Mary Jane is the wife of George W. Eaton, of Haverhill, Mass-
achusetts; Sarah Ann is the wife of Charles Godfrey, of Ossining, New
York.
Patrick Conry was reared and educated in the Emerald Isle and as
a young man he severed the home ties and set forth to seek his fortunes
in America, to which land of promise he came as a passenger on a sail-
ing vessel of the type common to that period. He was for some time
engaged in farming in Oneida county, New York, and later followed
the same vocation in Westchester county, that state, being thus en-
gaged until a few years prior to his death, when he entered the employ
of the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad Company. He was
a stanch Democrat in his political proclivities and both he and his wife
were communicants of the Catholic church.
Sheriff Conry was reared to adult age on the home farm and was
afforded the advantages of parochial and public schools in his native
state. At the age of sixteen years he journeyed westward and located
1346 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
ill La Salle county, Illinois, where he was employed at farm work for
a period of about four years. In the autumn of 1872 he removed to
Greenville, Montcalm county, Michigan, where he was employed in a
sawmill until 1877, when he took up his residence in Stanton, that
county, where he was similarly engaged until the following year, when
he established himself in the retail liquor business at Edmore, that
county. In 1891 he removed to Ewen, Ontonagon county, where he
followed the same vocation until 1896, which year marked his advent in
Munising, where he has since maintained his residence. Here he was
engaged in the liquor business until 1908, when he disposed of the same.
In November of that year he was elected sheriff of Alger county, and of
this office he is still incumbent, his term expiring in January, 1912. He
has given a most careful and punctilious administration of the shrievalty
and through his services has admirably conserved law and order, the
while he has been successful in the apprehension of a number of noto-
ious malfactors. His course has met with popular approval and he has
shown himself a faithful and successful official of his county.
In politics Mr. Conry is identified with the Republican party and
he has shown a loyal interest in all that touches the welfare of his home
city and county. He is affiliated with Marquette Lodge No. 405, Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks ; Marquette Council No. 689, Knights
of Columbus in the city of Marquette; and Enterprise Tent No. 38,
Knights of the Maccabees, at Edmore, this state.
On the 12th of March, 1877, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Conry to Miss Minnie Townsend, who was born at Hornellsville, Steu-
ben county, New York, on the 13th of June, 1863, and who died in a
hospital in the city of Marquette after an operation. Her funeral ser-
vices were held in the Catholic church in Munising, and the floral offer-
ings from friends and from the various fraternal organizations with
which her husband is identified were of the most elaborate order, testify-
ing to the high esteem in which she was held in the community. The
Rev. Father Kraker officiated at the funeral and interment was in
Maple Grove cemetery. She had been chorister of Sacred Heart church
in Munising for eight years prior to her demise and was a woman of
culture and most gracious personality. Of her three children the first-
born died in infancy, and the two who survive her are Jay Townsend
and Marion, the latter of whom is the wife of Blake Thompson, a resi-
dent of Duluth.
Jay Townsend Conry received a good education in the public schools
and by profession is a practical electrician. He was made chief of the
fire department of Munising and served in that capacity for seven years,
proving an efficient official. At present he is undersheriff of Alger
county. Like his father, he is a Republican and cast his maiden presi-
dential vote for McKinley. Fraternally Mr. Conry belongs to the Be-
nevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Marquette Lodge No. 405, and
to Court No. 672, Catholic Order of Foresters. He is also associated
with the theatrical business in Munising. September 23, 1904, he wedded
Miss Maude E. McCann, and two daughters have been born to them:
Marcelline and Minnie. Both Mr. and Mrs. Conry are members of the
Sacred Heart church at Munising.
On the 22d of January, 1908, Sheriff Conry contracted a second mar-
riage, being then united to Miss Pauline Ryan, who was born in the
province of Ontario, Canada, and who is a daughter of John and Mary
Ryan, both of whom were born in Ireland and both are now deceased,
the father having been eighty-two years of age at the time of his death
and the mother having passed away at the age of sixty-seven years.
I
♦
( ^'^
■^si^':^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1347
Of their eleven children, one son and six daughters are now living.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Ryan came to America when young and their mar-
riage was solemnized in Ontario, Canada. Mr. Ryan was identified with
railroad work in Ontario throughout his entire active career. Mv. Ryan
died in Grand Rapids and his wife in Reed City, Michigan. Both were
earnest communicants of the Catholic church, as is also their daughter,
Mrs. Conry. The latter is a popular factor in the social life of her
home city, where she has a wide circle of friends. No children have
been born of the second marriage of Mr. Conry.
Will S. Cleaves. — Throughout the copper country of the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan no man was better known, more highly es-
teemed, or more popular in the industrial life of the people than Will
Cleaves, late of Ripley, who was for many years identified with the
Portage Lake Foundry & Machine Company, not only as one of its
controlling stockholders, but also as its manager. Devoting his life
to the best efforts of human endeavor, each step in his upward career
was marked by industry, integrity and true manhood, the dominating
elements of his character naturally gaining him the respect and con-
fidence of his fellow men. As an employer he was kind and thought-
ful, genuinely interested in the welfare of his men ; as a neighbor he
was genial, accommodating and friendly ; as a citizen he was public-
spirited and generous; and in his home life, he was hospitable and
affectionate, being a loving husband, a kind father and a most gracious
and entertaining host. A native of New England, he was born March
19, 1851, in Lowell, Massachusetts, a son of Stephen E. Cleaves. He
died in his home at Ripley, Michigan, May 19, 1910, his death being
deemed a public loss. His grandfather, William Cleaves, a life-long
resident of Maine and for many years a well known hotel keeper, was
born in Cumberland county, that state, of colonial ancestry.
Stephen Cleaves was born and reared in Buxton, Cumberland
county, Maine. Going thence to Saco, Maine, when young, he served an
apprenticeship at the machinist's trade, with the Saco Water Power Com-
pany, and subsequently followed his trade in Low'ell, Massachusetts,
for some time. In 1853 he removed from there to Chicopee, Massa-
chusetts, where he accepted a position in the Ames foundry, and
where he assisted in making machinery for the Pewabic mine, in the
Northern Peninsula of Michigan. In 1859 he came to Houghton
county, Michigan, to install this machinery in the Pe\vabic Stamp-mill.
By the time he had completed that work the machinery for the Frank-
lin Stamp-mill had arrived, and Mr. Cleaves installed it, the mill being
put in operation on the 15th of November, of that year. Being then
persuaded to remain and take charge of the Franklin mill, he retained
charge of it until 1865, when he became part owner of the foundry,
wnth which he was connected the remainder of his active life, during
the later years being associated with his son, Will S. He continued
his residence in Ripley until his death, at the age of seventy-three
years, in 1901. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Morrill, was
born in Cumberland county, Maine, and was a daughter of Jacob Mor-
rill ; she died at Ripley, Michigan, in 1886, aged sixty-five years. Four
children were born to them, as follows: Frank, who was drowned
at Chicopee, Massachusetts, when but four years old; Will S., the
subject of this brief memoir ; Frank E., who was drowned in Portage
Lake, Michigan, June 15, 1871, at the age of eighteen years; and Ed-
ward, who was drowned in Portage Lake, December 13, 1870, at the
age of eleven years.
1348 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
When nine years of age, in 1860, Will S., his brothers, and his
mother joined the father in Hancock, Houghton county. Will S.
Cleaves continued his studies in the public schools, obtaining a good
common-school education. Reared to habits of industry, he began to
work for wages at the age of thirteen years, being variously employed
until seventeen years old, when he commenced learning the moulder's
trade in the Portage Lake Foundry, continuing at that trade until
1884, when he became associated with his father in the ownership of
the foundry. During the memorable panics of 1893 and 1896 all of
the industries of the Upper Peninsula suffered severe losses, the firm
of Stephen Cleaves & Son being no exception, and for a few years
Mr. Cleaves was out of business. During that time the Portage Lake
Foundry & Machinery Company was incorporated. Very soon after-
ward Mr. Cleaves became interested, acquiring a large part of the
stock, and in 1901 he assumed its management, retaining this incum-
bency until his death. A man of tireless energy, possessing rare busi-
ness ability and tact, he conducted the enterprise successfully, placing
it among the leading industries of this part of the country.
Mr. Cleaves married, September 9, 1876, Letitia Ormsby, who was
born at Port Henry, New York, a daughter of Horace B. and Nancy
Maria Ormsby, both natives of the Empire state. One daughter, Lil-
lian M. Cleaves, blessed the union, and she, with Mrs. Cleaves, occupies
the family home,- — a place hallowed by the tender associations of the
past. Mr. Cleaves was a Republican in politics, served as a member
of the local school board, and at the time of his death was a member
of the county board of supervisors, representing Franklin township.
Fraternally he belonged to Hancock Lodge, No. 381, Benevolent &
Protective Order of Elks.
Hon. Richard Mason, now retired from active life, and one of the
prominent citizens of Gladstone, Michigan, was born in Spring Lake
(then Grand River), Ottawa county, Michigan, May 30, 1842. His
father, Richard Mason, was a native of Rochdale, England, and came
to America when about twenty years of age ; he was an expert mechanic
and built the engine for the first steamboat run on the Connecticut
river. Later Mr. Mason moved to Toronto, Canada, where he con-
structed the engine for the first steamboat on Lake Simcoe. In 1837
Richard Mason rode in an open boat from Toronto to Niagara, thence
went to Buffalo, and then to the mouth of Grand River, or Mill Point,
where he built a sawmill and engaged in the lumber business. He estab-
lished one of the first lumber yards in Chicago, being one of the firm
of Barber & Mason, where the Clark street bridge is now located; he
continued business at this location until 1848, when he removed to the
corner of Monroe street and the river. He erected a flour mill at Kinzie
street on the Chicago river in 1852, at a point now occupied by the
Northwestern Railway. The Hour mill burned down and Mr. ]Mason
spent about one year looking for a suitable location in which to build
a sawmill. He purchased the only steam sawmill then on Green Bay,
at a point now named Masonville in his honor. He continued actively
engaged in business until his death in 1870, at the age of sixty-four
years. Mr. Mason was always much occupied with his business inter-
ests and did not care for public office ; in 1852 he was offered the nomina-
tion for Mayor of Chicago, but refused the honor. He married Ellen
Bailey, a native of Ireland, who was governess in the family of the
Bishop of Toronto ; she died young, when Richard Jr., her second child,
was but four years of age. There were five children born of this mar-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1349
riage, and besides Richard there is one daughter surviving, Eliza J.,
wife of George H. Lowell, of Chico, California. Richard Mason mar-
ried (second) Amanda 0. Smith, of Chicago, and they were parents of
one S013, Charles E., of Gladstone, Delta county, Michigan.
Most of the life of Hon. Richard Mason has been spent in the
Northern Peninsula ; he received his primary education in public school
No. 1, of Chicago, which stood on the spot opposite McVicker's theater,
and he went across lots to school. He was ten years of age when he came
with his father to northern Michigan, and was engaged in business
with his father at the time of the latter 's tteath, after which he continued
to carry on the mill at Masonville until 1873, and in 1885 he established
a mill at Gladstone, ]\Iiehigan, which he successfully conducted until
1908, the date of his retirement from active business life. During his
life in Gladstone, ]\Ir. Mason has been actively interested in many
projects for the upbuilding and progress of this I'egion, and has met
with gratifying success in his undertakings and investments. From
1861 until 1868 he had charge of the Chicago business ; he was the
founder of the city of Gladstone, and instrumental in inducing the ' ' Soo ' '
Railroad to build to the point where the city is built. He always had
faith in the gro'wth of the city, and owns considerable real estate in
the vicinity.
Hon. Richard Mason has always been a stanch Republican and in
early days served his township as supervisor and justice of the peace.
He has always taken an active interest in political matters and helped
organize the party in Delta county. He served as mayor of Gladstone
from 1892 until 1894, and in the fall of 1894 was elected state senator
for the Thirtieth district of Michigan, a district reaching from Menomi-
nee to the Soo. At that time he took a very active part in the interests
of the party and carried the district by more than 2,800 votes; two
years later he was re-elected by a majority of 3,500, and in 1898 re-
tired from polities. He is well known in many parts of the Northern
Peninsula, where his business ability and high character are widely
appreciated. His fellow citizens have always delighted to honor him,
and have not forgotten his services in the building up of the city.
In 1864 Mr. Mason married Julia A., daughter of George and Mira
Davis, who settled in Chicago in 1835. To this union have been born
two sons and three daughters, namely: Richax-d P., in lumber business
in Seattle, Washington; Mira B., at home; Charles D., auditor of Cleve-
land Cliff Iron Company, of Gladstone ; Mabel W., teaching French and
English in a high school ; and Hazel G., a teacher in Evanston, Illinois.
0. 0. FoLLO, manager of the store of The I. Stephenson Co. in Wells,
Michigan, was born in Throndjem, Norway, December 14, 1873. His
father, Ole 0. Folio, was born in the same place, and came to America
when a young man, being one of the pioneers of the Northern Penin-
sula of Michigan. He located at Fayette, Delta county, where he still
resides, being now engaged in farming. His wife, Randia Erick, was
also a native of Norway, and died in IMarch, 1909, aged about eighty
years. They had two sons and two daughters, of whom all survive
except the eldest daughter.
0. O. Folio is the oldest child, and was about four years of age
when the family came to Delta county, ]\Iichigan. He was reared and
educated in this county ; he also spent three years in a Virginia school at
Staunton, going there when about sixteen years of age. He then had
charge of one of the largest stores of the Lowmoor Iron Company, of
Virginia, and upon returning to Eseanaba he kept books for Erickson
1350 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
& Bissell. He also worked for the Jerry ]\Iaddon Shingle Company, at
Rapid River, Michigan, for ten years acting as bookkeeper and store
man, and in 1908 he came to Wells as manager and buyer for the I.
Stephenson Company, which position he now holds.
Mr. Folio takes an active interest in public affairs, and while living
at Manistique, Schoolcraft county, ^lichigan, was candidate for county
clerk. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order. Mr. Folio is
well known throughout the county, where he has lived for many years,
and is well known for integrity and honest business dealing. He be-
gan in the mercantile business as a boy, developed into a good sales-
man, and has reached his present position through hard work and care-
ful attention to details. He engaged in business independently at one
time, in the line of clothing and gents furnishings, the firm being Car-
rington & Folio.
In 1899 Mr. Folio married Thea Stephenson, of Manistique, and they
have one son, Roland.
Louis H. Fead. — As a native son of Michigan and as a representa-
tive member of the bar of the Upper Peninsula Mr. Fead is well entitled
to consideration in this volume, one of whose important functions is to
accord recognition to those citizens who stand prominent in their re-
spective fields of endeavor. He is successfully engaged in the practice
of his profession at Newberry, Luce county, where he is serving as
village attorney and where he is also serving his sixth consecutive term
as prosecuting attorney of the county.
Louis H. Fead was born at Lexington, Sanilac county, Michigan,
on the 2nd of May, 1877, and is the son of John L. and Augusta (Wal-
ther) Fead, the former of whom was born in the kingdom of Saxony,
Germany, on the 12th of July, 1834:, and the latter of whom was like-
wise born in Germany, on the 2nd of ^lay, 1842. Their marriage was
solemnized at Lexington, on the 29th of November, 1859, and the names
of their children are here indicated in the respective order of their
births,— John W., William L., Charles C, Nellie M., Edward L., Emma
A., Frederick F., Louis H. and George A. In 1855 John L. Fead who
was then twenty-one years of age, came to Detroit, Michigan, where he
remained a few montlis and then located in Port Huron, Michigan,
which thriving city was then a mere village. There he became identi-
fied with the operation of a rowboat ferry across the St. Clair river
and after a few years he removed to Lexington, Sanilac county, where
he established a carding-mill in 1869. The enterprise proved success-
ful and with the passing of the years he amplified the facilities of the
plant by the installation of improved machinery and thus developed
one of the important industrial enterprises of the state. The business
was removed to Port Huron in 1907 and there is conducted at the pres-
ent time under the corporation name of John L. Fead & Sons, four of
his sons being associated with him in the conduct of a well-equipped
knitting mill. For twenty-tkree years he was a valued member of the
board of education of Lexington, of which he was treasurer and he
was also a member of the city council of Lexington. On the 29th of
November, 1909, John L. Fead and his cherished and devoted wife were
enabled to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary and surrounded
by their children and a large number of friends they made the occa-
sion most memorable and interesting. Mr. Fead is a Roman Catholic
i>Hd Mrs. Fead a Lutheran, and in his political adherency, the father
is a stanch Republican.
Louis H. Fead duly availed himself of the advantages of the public
'X/^-eoCj^ /ly^/\a.^^'^^^^<^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1351
schools of his native town and thereafter eontinued his studies in Olivet
College at Olivet, this state, after leaving- which institution he entered
the law department of the University of Michigan, in wliich he was
graduated as a member of the class of 1900 and from which he received
his well-earned degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was forthwith admit-
ted to the bar of his native state and in July of the same year he came
to the Upper Peninsula and engaged in the general practice of his pro-
fession at Newberry, where he has built up a substantial and lucrative
practice. The first public office to which he was called was that of
school inspector of his native county and in the autumn of 1900, only a
few months after establishing his home in Newberry, he was elected
prosecuting attorney of Luce county. That his administration as pub-
lic prosecutor has met with popular approval and commendation needs
no further voucher than that oft'ered by his retention in the office dur-
ing the entire intervening period by successive re-elections. He is now
serving his sixth term and is known as a strong and versatile trial
lawyer. He has also served several terms as village attorney and he
holds this office at the present time. He is also treasurer of the Upper
Peninsula Hospital for the Insane, which state institution is located
at Newberry, and in June, 1908, he became one of the organizers of the
Newberry State Bank, of which he has since been vice-president and
manager.
In polities Mr. Fead is a stalwart advocate of the principles and
policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor and he holds
membership in the Episcopal church. His fraternal affiliations are
here briefly noted : McMillan Lodge No. 400, Free & Accepted Masons ;
Manistique Chapter No. 127, Royal Arch Masons; Sault Ste. Marie
Commandery No. 45, Knights Templars; Ahmed Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in the city of Mar-
quette; and Manistique Lodge No. 632, Benevolent & Protective Order
of Elks. Mr. Fead is a bachelor.
Hugh McLaughlin. — Standing prominent among the enterprising
and respected citizens of Iron Mountain, Dickinson county, is Hugh
McLaughlin, a well known real estate and insurance agent, active in
fraternal and business circles, who is now serving as secretarj^ of the
Board of Education. A native of Wisconsin, he was born, February
22, 1846, in Brookfield township, Waukesha county, a son of James
and Mary (McAndrews) McLaughlin, both of whom were born in
County Mayo, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish ancestry.
Born in 1801, James McLaughlin grew to manhood in his native
country, and there learned the trade of a furrier. Emigrating to the
United States in the early part of the last century, he followed his
trade for a number of years in New York state, first in Albany, and
later in Troy. In 1843 he journeyed by way of the Lakes to Wiscon-
sin, stopping first at Mihvaukee, which was then a small village, giv-
ing but little promise of its present prosperity. Pushing on to Wau-
kesha county, he purchased one hundred and tw^enty acres of wild
land, eighty acres of which was located in New Berlin township, the
remaining forty acres lying just across the line in Brookfield town-
ship. Building a log cabin in the wilderness, in Brookfield township,
the family occupied it until 1850, in it the birth of the son Hugh oc-
curring. In 1850 James McLaughlin erected a substantial frame
house, the first one built in that section of the state, and subsequently
devoted his attention to the clearing and improving of his land, in
due course of time having a productive and well-kept farm. In 1868
1352 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
he removed to the village of Waukesha, and there lived retired from
active pursuits until his death, in 1894, at the advanced age of ninety-
three years. His wife preceded him to the better vi^orld, passing away
at the age of forty-eight years, leaving seven children, as follows:
Daniel, John, William, Sarah, Hugh, Elizabeth and Mary.
Following a trail for a mile and a half through the dreary woods,
Hugh McLaughlin attended the short sessions of the district school
throughout his boyhood days, between terms assisting his father on
the farm. At the age of twenty-one years he began life for himself,
for one term teaching school. Leaving home in 1870, he was engaged
in the grocery business in Chicago until 1871, when he became fore-
man of railway construction between Green Bay and Marinette, Wis-
consin. The railway being completed in December, 1871, Mr. Mc-
Laughlin assisted in the building of the railway line between Menom-
inee and Escanaba, its completion, in December, 1872, making direct
rail connection between Ishpeming and Chicago. Previous to that
time the traffic from Escanaba to Chicago had been by way of the
Lakes in summer and by stage in the winter seasons. The following
four years Mr. McLaughlin was engaged in lumbering in Menominee,
Michigan, being associated with the Kirby Carpenter Company until
1877, when he assisted in building the railway between Powers and
Quinnesec, which was completed in the fall of that year. Locating
then in Quinnesec, he engaged in the fire and life insurance business,
being the first to open an insurance office in what is now Dickinson
coimty, continuing thus employed until 1884. Since that time he has
been actively and successfully employed in the real estate and insur-
ance business at Iron Mountain.
Mr. McLaughlin married, November 28, 1878, Margaret Donovan,
who was born in Masonville, Michigan. Her father, John Donovan,
and her mother, were natives of Ireland. Four children have born to
Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin, namely : Warren J., a graduate of the
Michigan School of Mines, is a mining engineer; Mae J., was grad-
uated from the Iron Mountain High School, and from the Thomas
Normal Training School, in Detroit, and is engaged in teaching;
Frances C, a stenographer, was graduated from the Iron Mountain
High School; and Hugh. Since attaining his majority, Mr. McLaugh-
lin has been more or less active in public affiairs, having at the age
of twenty-one years been elected a member of the school board of his
native township. From April, 1887, until October, 1889,' he was post-
master at Iron Mountain, and for the past ten years has been secretary
of the Iron Mountain Board of Education, of which he has been a
member since 1886. Fraternally he is a member of Iron Mountain
Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M. ; of Iron Mountain Chapter, No. 121, R. A.
M. ; of Iron Mountain Council, No. 75, R. & S. M. ; of Lake Superior
Commandery, No. 30, K. T. ; of Ahmed Temple, Mystic Shrine ; and of
DeWitt Clinton Consistory, Grand Rapids.
Joseph N. Welsh.— This well-known citizen and representative
farmer and stock-grower of Chippewa county is a member of one of
the sterling pioneer families of this section of the state and his fine
homestead is located in Dafter township, where he has lived for many
years and where he is held in unqualified esteem as is evidenced by
the fact that he has been called upon to serve in various township
offices, including that of treasurer. He is a stock breeder in the Upper
Peninsula and is an energetic and substantial business man, who is well
entitled to consideration in this volume. Joseph N. Welsh was born
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1353
in Bruce county, province of Ontario, Canada, on December 30, 1859,
and is a son of Richard and Hannah (Henidroft") Welsh, the foi-mer
of whom was born in Ireland and the latter in York county, Ontario.
Their marriage was solemnized in Grey county, Ontario, and both are
now living in Dafter township, Chippewa county, Michigan, being
niunbered among the venerable pioneers of this county, to whose social
and industrial development they have contributed their quota. Con-
cerning their nine children the following brief data are entered:
Joseph N., subject of this sketch, is the eldest ; Albert H., who is a car-
penter by trade, is a resident of Ladysmith, British Columbia ; William
H. is a successful farmer at Dafter township ; Rebecca is the wife of
Robert FoUis of the same township ; Richard S. is likewise engaged
in farming in that township ; Robert S., a captain in the artillery ser-
vice of the United States army, has served as such in the Philippine
Islands and is now in California; Annie is the wife of William Harper
of Dafter township ; Martha is the wife of James Harper of the same
township; and Arthur H. is engaged in the work of the carpenter's
trade at Mashwauk, Minnesota. The father of these children was a
child of nine years at the time of his parents' removal from Ireland to
the Dominion of Canada. He is a son of William and Kate Welsh and
the family located in Leed county, on the St. Lawrence river, where Wil-
liam Welsh died in 1846. His widow later removed to Bruce county,
where she died in 1875, when nearly seventy years of age. Richard
Welsh continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits in Bruce
county, Ontario, until 1878, in which year he came to Chippewa county,
Michigan, and secured a tract of wild land in Dafter township, where
he reclaimed a farm from the wilderness. He was one of the vigorous
and resourceful pioneer settlers of the county and gave his support to
all enterprises that tended to advance its best interests. He continued
to be actively identified with the management of his farm until 1904,
since which time he has lived virtually retired. In politics he is a
stanch Democrat and both he and his wife hold membership in the
Methodist church.
Joseph N. Welsh gained his rudimentary education in the public
schools at Chatsworth, Grey county, Ontario, and later continued his
studies in the schools of Bruce county, that province, as did he also
after the removal of the family to Chippewa county, Michigan. In
1883, when but fifteen years of age, he initiated his independent career
as a farmer. He has literally hewed a farm from the virgin wilds and
his well-improved landed estate of one hundred and eighty acres gives
every evidence of his enterprising spirit and effective management. In
addition to cultivating various cereal and other crops best suited to
this section, Mr. Welsh has given special attention to dairy farming, in
connection with which he utilizes high grade Holstein stock. He also
has. standard-bred and registered draft and coach horses and raises Berk-
shire swine and Shropshire sheep. He has taken a loyal interest in all
that touches the wellbeing of his home township and county and has
served continuously as school director for more than a quarter of a
century. He was justice of the peace for two terms and for an equal
period held the offices of township treasurer and towTiship supervisor.
He is one of the valued and appreciative members of Dafter Grange,
No. 1157, Patrons of Husbandry, is affiliated with the Knights of
Pythias and Knights of the Maccabees and as well with the L. 0. L. and
R. B. P. In polities he maintains an independent attitude and his re-
ligious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian
church, of which his wafe also is a member.
1354 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
On the 29th of April, 1884, Mr. Welsh was united in marriage to
Miss Letitia A. Fegan, who was born in Grey county, Ontario, and who
is one of the seven children of Edward and Ellen (Campbell) Fegan,
both of whom were born in Dublin, Ireland, where their marriage was
solemnized. Soon after their life destinies were thus united they immi-
grated to Canada, where Mr. Fegan was identified with agricultural
pursuits until 1882, when he removed to Chippewa county, Michigan,
and located in Dafter township, where he followed the same vocation
until his death, in April, 1908. His widow still resides in that town-
ship and all of their children are living, — three sons and four daugh-
ters. Mr. and ]\Irs. Welsh have four children, — Richard Grover, Agnes,
Sarah B. and Victoria. Agnes is now the wife of Thomas Armstrong
of Chippewa county and Sarah B. is the wife of Morris J. Penner of
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Charles G. Campbell.— An early settler of Iron county, Charles
G. Campbell, whose present home is about one and one-half miles from
the Crystal Falls Court House, has been actively identified with the
development and advancement of the industrial interests of this part
of the Upper Peninsula, and holds a noteworthy position among its re-
spected citizens. He was born, December 24, 1843, near Hamilton, in
the province of Ontario, Canada, of thrifty Scotch ancestry. His
father, Peter V. Campbell, and his grandfather, John Campbell, were
both natives of Scotland.
Reared and married in his native land, John Campbell emigrated
with his family to America in 1817, locating in New Brunswick, where he
was for many years employed in farming and lumbering. He spent his
last days in that province. His wife, Elizabeth Campbell, survived
him, passing away at the home of a daughter, in Otterville, Ontario.
She reared eight children, five of them being sons.
A child when he crossed the ocean with his parents, Peter V. Camp-
bell grew to manhood in New Brunswick, where he became an expert
in the art of hewing lumber. Removing when a young man to Ontario,
he purchased land near Hamilton, and a few years later removed to a
point near London, Ontario, where he continued his agricultural pur-
suits until 1852. He then voyaged in a sailing vessel to Australia, being
one hundred and twenty-eight days en route, and for four years was
engaged in mining operations in Austr*alia and New Zealand. Return-
ing to his family, in Ontario, he subsequently came with them to Michi-
gan, locating at Port Austin, Huron county. Buying a tract of wild
land in Dwight township, he built a log cabin in the woods, and began
the improvement of a farm. Removing, in 1865, to Dallas county,
Iowa, he bought land, and there commenced the arduous task of clear-
ing and improving a homestead. Two years later he sold out, and after
living in Canada for a few years, settled at Grand Ledge, Michigan,
where he kept a hotel for four years, and then retired from active labor.
Coming from there to Iron county in 1890, he took up a homestead
claim in Crystal Falls township, near Fortune Lakes, built on the place,
and acquired a title from the government. He then sold out, and
bought lots in Crystal Falls, built one house, and purchased another,
and now, at the advanced age of ninety-four years, is living with his
children, being both mentally and physically strong, being at the pres-
ent wi-iting, in 1910, with his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Baker, in St. Joe,
Idaho. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Wilkins, was
born in New York state, a daughter of Thomas Wilkins. She died, in
1867, in Iowa. Eleven children were born of their union, namely: Lu-
I
ST^'
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1355
cinda ; Randolph W. ; Charles G., the subject of this sketch ; Adolphus
D. and Sidney M., twins ; Peter M. ; George E. ; William H. and Willard
B., twins ; Sarah A. ; and Harriet M.
About fourteen years old when he came with the family to Michi-
gan, Charles G. Campbell remained beneath the parental roof tree until
September 23, 1863, when he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-ninth
Michigan Volunteer Infantry. Going South with his regiment, he took
part in all of its marches, campaigns and battles, with the exception
of two different periods, when he was confined in a hospital, being thus
confined, at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, when, in June, 1865, he received
his honorable discharge from the service. Returning then to Port Aus-
tin, Michigan, Mr. Campbell was there a resident until 1866, when he
went to Iowa, and for five years resided in Dallas county. Locating in
Grand Ledge, Eaton county, Michigan, in 1871, he managed a hotel
for four years, and then removed to Sheridan, Montcalm county, where
he purchased a mill, and was actively engaged in the manufacture of
shingles until 1885.
Coming then to Iron county, Mr. Campbell ran a hotel at Crystal
Falls until 1893, when, during the World's Fair, he resided in Chicago.
Returning to Crystal Falls he was here engaged in the lumber business
until 1903, when he assumed possession of his present home, about a
mile and a half north of the Court House, on the north bank of Paint
river.
Mr. Campbell married, September 12, 1867, Mary E. Carter, who
was born in Gentry county, Missouri. Her father, Joseph Carter, was
born in Tennessee, and his father, Elijah Carter, was a pioneer of Gen-
try county, Missouri. Joseph Carter learned the carpenter's trade in
Tennessee, and subsequently removed to Gentry county, Missouri, where
he improved a farm, and also followed carpentering to a considerable
extent, living a part of the time in Albany, Missouri, and a part in
Athens, Missouri. Removing with his family to Iowa in 1861, he lived
several seasons in Polk county, and then returned to Gentry county,
where his death occurred, in 1906. His wife, whose maiden name was
Elizabeth Turner, was bom in Tennessee, and died in Iowa, in 1884.
She reared fourteen of her eighteen children. Four children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, namely: Nellie, who lived but twelve
years; Fannie, wife of Ray Kimball; Arthur died at the age of twenty-
six years ; and Blanche, wife of Charles H. Watson.
Angus W. Kerr. — This well known and popular citizen of Calumet,
Houghton county, merits consideration in this work by reason of the
fact that he is one of the representative members of the bar of the
Tipper Peninsula. He is engaged in the active practice of his profes-
sion in Calumet, where he is senior member of the firm of Kerr &
Petermann. He has held various public offices of distinctive trust,
mcluding that of representative in the state legislature and he has
wielded definite and valuable influence in public affairs in the Upper
Peninsula, which has been his home from his boyhood days. Mr. Kerr
was born in Kincardine, province of Ontario, Canada, on the 24th of
May, 1873, and is a son of John and Isabelle (Matheson) Kerr, both
of whom were likewise natives of the province of Ontario, where they
were reared to maturity and where their marriage was solemnized.
The father died when comparatively a young man and the mother
resides at Laurium, Houghton county, Michigan, as do also her other
children. — Dr. Murdoch M., Ales F., and John.
Hon. Angus W. Kerr was about ten years of age at the time of the
1356 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
family removal from Ontario to Lake Linden, Michigan, in the year
1883, and in the public schools of this city he gained his early educa-
tional discipline, which included the curriculum of the high school.
He early determined to prepare himself for the law and after attend-
ing the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor,
for one year he entered the law ofSce of Judge Albert T. Streeter, in
Calumet. He thus began his technical reading under the preceptor-
ship of Judge Streeter, in the year 1892, and he continued in the Calu-
met office of Judge Streeter until the latter was elected to the bench
of the circuit court, upon which he is still serving. Mr. Kerr was ad-
mitted to the bar on the 12th of July, 1895, and by close application,
earnest and honorable methods and marked technical ability he has
gained for himself a prominent position in his profession, being imi-
formly recognized as one of the representative members of the bar
of the Upper Peninsula and controlling a large and lucrative practice.
After his admission to the bar Mr. Kerr was individually engaged in
the work of his profession until the 1st of January, 1901, when he
entered into partnership with Albert E. Petermann, with whom he has
since been associated. He is known as a versatile and skillful trial
lawyer and as a safe and conservative counselor, facts which indicate
his broad and exact knowledge of the science of jurisprudence. He
has served as city attorney of Calumet, as circuit court commissioner
and as prosecuting attorney of Houghton county, of which last im-
portant office he was incumbent for four years. In 1899 and 1901 he
served as representative of the First Houghton district in the state
legislature and during his two terms he made an admirable record for
efficient service in behalf of his constituents and the general interests
of the state. In January, 1903, he was appointed by the governor
member of the state tax commission. In public office he has shown
himself faithful and efficient and he has proved loyal to all the duties
of citizenship so that he well merits the uniform confidence and es-
teem granted to him by all who know him. He is recognized as one
of the leaders in the ranks of the Republican party in the Upper Pen-
insula and has been a most zealous worker in behalf of the party
cause. At the time of the Spanish-American war Mr. Kerr tendered
his services to the government and served as corporal of Company D,
Thirtj^-fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. This regiment departed
for Camp Alger, Virginia, on the 6th of June, 1898, but Mr. Kerr did
not go to Cuba with the regiment as he was assigned to the recruiting
service. Prior to the war Mr. Kerr had been identified with the Mich-
igan National Guard. He is also identified with various fraternal
and social organizations of representative character.
At Calumet, Michigan, in the year 1899, was solemnized the mar-
riage of Mr. Kerr to Miss Katherine Murphy, a daughter of Daniel
D. Murphy, a well known citizen of this place. The two children of
this union are Katherine I. and Angus W.
Edward Ryan, who died at his home in Calumet, Michigan, was one
of the first men interested in mining operations on the Gogebic, and
under his supervision the Ryan Iron Belt, the Atlantic Iron Mines, and
other valuable iron properties were located and operated. Captain
Nathan Moore was also interested in many of these. Mr. Ryan was
a self-made man and rose to an enviable position through his energy
and enterprise, being undaunted by the many struggles and hardships
that awaited him. He was born in Ireland, April 22, 1840, and came
to the United States in 1844, with his parents, who located at Wiota,
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1357
Wisconsin. He secured but a limited education, as he was put to work
as soon as he was old enough and helped with the support of the family.
When the family moved to Houghton, Michigan, in 1854, the boy of
fourteen found employment in the general store of Sheldon & Com-
pany, driving a team and hauling goods from the wharf to the store,
thence to the mining camps in the neighborhood. Being quick to learn
and attentive to his duties, he was promoted to the position of clerk
and remained with his employers several years.
In 1860 Mr. Ryan was elected sheriff of Houghton county, serving
two years, but declined renomination and in 1862 embarked in business
on his own account, in Hancock. He began with a capital of about one
thousand dollars and paid such close attention to all the details of the
enterprise that he prospered to an extent that warranted his branching
out with another store at Calumet. In 1880 he organized the Lake
Superior Native Copper Works, which engaged in smelting and rolling
sheet copper, and in the same year also organized the Hancock Copper
Mining Company, with a capital of $100,000, backed by eastern capi-
talists. He operated the Hancock mine many years, but finally the low
prices of the metal made it a losing venture and he turned his attention
to other matters. He became President of the Hancock Copper Min-
ing Company, vice-president of the Peninsula Electric Light & Power
Company, of Houghton, of which he was the founder, and was also
connected with the First National Bank of Calumet, of which he was
also a founder. He was one of the most prosperous men in the county,
and was identified with its best interests.
Mr. Ryan married, in 1860, Alice, daughter of Thomas Cuddihy,
at Hancock, and they became parents of four sons and five daughters,
namely: Mary, wife of John J. Rigney, of Chicago; Alice, Catherine
and Agnes, who attended St. Mary's Academy at Notre Dame, Indi-
ana; William, John, Gertrude, Thomas J., and Edward, Jr., who be-
came associated with their father in business. Mr. Ryan was a member
of St. Patrick's Benevolent Society and the A. 0. H., and a devout
Catholic. His presence has been sadly missed in many circles, where
he had made his high character and worth appreciated.
Almer D. Stiles. — Prominent among the better known and es-
teemed citizens of Iron Mountain is Aimer D. Stiles, who has watched
the development and growth of this city since its infancy, in its ad-
vancement taking both pride and pleasure. A son of Charles S. Stiles,
he was born, November 7, 1851, in Princeton township, Green Lake
county, Wisconsin. His grandfather, David Stiles, was born in New
England, of colonial ancestry. He migrated to New York state, settling
at Ithaca, where he was accidentally killed by a premature explosion at
a stone quarry. His widow, who came of Holland ancestry, survived
him, married again, and spent the remainder of her years in Ithaca,
New York.
Charles S. Stiles was born and reared in Ithaca, New York, and
there learned the carpenter's trade. He subsequently built a boat,
and afterwards operated it on the Erie Canal. In 1849, with his young
wife, he started for the frontier, going by way of the Lakes to Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin, thence by ox teams to what was then known as
Treats Landing, but is now Princeton. Buying forty acres of tim-
bered land, he made an opening in the forest, and in its midst built the
log house in which his children were born. In 1853 he erected a frame
house, and was there busily employed in farming until the fall of 1862,
in the meantime having purchased another forty acres of land. In the
1358 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
fall of 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Nineteenth Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry, joined his regiment in Virginia, and was killed in the second
engagement at Fair Oaks, in the fall of 1864. His wife, w^hose maiden
name was Lucy J. Parsons, was born in Lysander, New York. She bore
him two children, namely : Medora N., who married Welcome W. Whit-
ing, and now resides in Virginia, Minnesota ; and Aimer D. The mother
married for her second husband John W. Bland, a native of England,
and continued her residence on the home farm.
Remaining with his mother until nineteen years of age, Aimer D.
Stiles obtained a good education in his early days, and began life as
a teacher in Wausau, Wisconsin, where he taught two years. Going
then to Lees Summit, Missouri, he made a business of selling fruit trees
for two years, and then returned to Wausau, where he remained an-
other two years, being employed first as a school teacher, and later as
clerk in a meat market. Mr. Stiles then located at Millston, Wisconsin,
where he worked in a saw mill two years, and in a lumber yard for
eighteen months. Coming to Iron Mountain in March, 1882, he secured
a situation at the Northwestern Railway depot as baggage master and
clerk, and at the end of seven years was made station agent, a posi-
tion that he filled acceptably six years. He was subsequently engaged
in soliciting life and accident insurance until the fall of 1896, when
he entered the office of the Evening Gazette as solicitor. Since the
spring of 1903 Mr. Stiles has been associated with the h'on Mountain
P7-ess, making himself generally useful, not only as solicitor, but as a
reporter for the paper.
Mr. Stiles married, in November, 1877, Anna Evans, who was born
in Wilmington, Essex county. New York, a daughter of Oliver and
Nancy Evans. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stiles,
namely: Charles Oliver, who married Mrs. Dollie Clements, now lives
in St. Louis, Mo. ; and William Bland, who married Anna Tremewan,
and has one son, William Aimer. Politically Mr. Stiles is a steadfast
Republican.
Claude Dexter Riley. — Sincere in his opinions, honest in his con-
victions, and desirous of advancing the interests of the citizens, the
town and the county, Claude Dexter Riley is a model journalist, and
as editor and manager of the Ontonagon Herald exerts a good influence
throughout the community. He was born, April 24, 1879, in Farming-
ton, Oakland county, Michigan, where the birth of his father, Orrison
Isaac Riley, occurred January 6, 1850.
His grandfather, John Riley, a native of Ireland, began a seafar-
ing life when young, and while sailing the ocean in the merchan' ser-
vice visited many of the important ports of the world. When about
forty years old he retired from nautical pursuits, becoming a pioneer
settler of Farmington, Michigan. Buying wild land, he engaged in
general farming the remainder of his life, although for the last two
years he was blind, his blindness having been caused by an accident.
He married Ruth Marston, who survived him, passing away at the age
of seventy-six years. She reared nine children, as follows : Henry,
Joseph, Cass, Albert, Dexter, Orrison I., Ruth, Esther, and Jane.
A diligent scholar, with a natural love for books, Orrison I. Riley
entered Hillsdale College, at Hillsdale, Michigan, when nine years old,
and after his graduation from that institution learned the trade of a
cabinet-maker, which he followed several years. Going then to Green-
ville, Michigan, he was for a time engaged in market gardening, sub-
sequently serving as a letter carrier in the Rural Delivery service until
t^^tu^-'iy^ J^C'-^^-e^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1359
his death, March 25, 1904. His wife, whose maiden name was Addie
Jane Wilcox, was born in Farmington, Michigan, a daughter of John
Wilcox, a native of England, who came to this country after his mar-
riage, and spent his last days on a farm in Farmington. She still re-
sides in Greenville. She reared five children, namely : Ruth ; John ;
Claude Dexter, the subject of this brief sketch; Grace; and Mabel.
While yet a pupil in the public schools of Greenville, Claude D.
Riley spent all of his leisure time in the office of the Daily Call, and
soon became familiar with the art of printing. After leaving school,
he devoted his entire time to his trade, remaining with the Call until
1900, when he went West, and followed his trade in the larger cities of
various states. Returning to Greenville in 1905, he was superintendent
in the office of the Call until 1909, when he accepted his present posi-
tion as editor and manager of the Ontonagon Herald.
Mr. Riley married, June 16, 1906, Kathryn Louise Riddell, who was
born in Greenville, Michigan, a daughter of John M. and Kathryn
(Dixon) Riddell, natives of the province of Ontario, Canada. Mr.
Riley is a member of Ontonagon Tent, K. 0. T. M.
Alois Dobeb. — Few citizens of Iron River enjoy greater honor and
personal popularity among those with whom they are associated than
does Alois Dober, and it would be difficult to find a man whose career
affords a cleaner and more successful record of accomplishment, or one
who has more stanchly met and conquered difficulties which might well
have dislocated the arm of Hercules. Now one of the wealthy men of
the Northern Peninsula, the owner of great mining interests in this
state and of valuable properties in the state of Washington, it is even
romantic to recall that he was once a humble young Swiss carpenter,
one of whose rules of life was "to earn a little and to spend a little
less."
Alois Dober was bom in Switzerland on the 1st day of November,
1844. The names of his parents were Antoine and Anna Dober and
they were both natives of the country which gave birth to their son.
They lived and died in Switzerland and gave to the republic four sons
and two daughters ; of the six, he whose name ipitiates this article was
the only one who came to America. Alois recieved his education in the
public schools of his native place, Kiisnacht, Canton Schwytz, and came
to the conclusion to form new ties in the year 1871. He had adopted the
trade of a carpenter and had little fear of not being able to make his
living in the new land, knowing that skill in his particular department
passes current anywhere. He landed in New York, with many misgiv-
ings and quite as many hopes and ambitions and entered upon a career
straightway which was for some years to be varied in the extreme. His
first year on American soil he spent in Port Huron, Michigan, or rather
near that place and devoting his energies to work upon a farm and work
in a sawmill. This was interrupted, however, by the fact that he was
taken ill with malaria, and upon his recovery he went to Marquette,
where for three months he was employed on the Marquette Railroad.
He then took a step which was to lead to many good things, for he found
work in the iron mines near Llarquette, and there continued for nine
years, learning the details of the great industry, which stands as one of
the most important of the country, and storing up a fund of information
which was to later stand him in good stead.
Leaving Marquette in the year 1875, on account of the work being
slack in the mines, he went to Grand Island and secured a position as
laborer in the woods. He next located at Negaunee and Ishpeming near
Vol. ni— 19
1360 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Marquette, where he again worked in the mines, and from there he went
to Florence, Wisconsin, where he again became identified with the min-
ing industry. Returning to Iron River, he helped to clear the town site.
It was at this juncture that he made the step upon which his fortunes
were to depend. He pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land
and in 1894 proved up on this. Quietly exploring his land he struck
ore in seven or eight holes and he decided that Dame Fortune had smiled
upon him. The old Mastodon Company took an option on this land, but
not before Mr. Dober had had some exciting experiences. Previous to
his making sure that his land was so valuable he had had a conviction
that he could not rid himself of, that his homestead of hills and hollows
contained iron ore and when all the steel and iron companies of the
east were buying up all the ore and mineral rights in the Upper Penin-
sula, and using every known method and means of persuasion to secure
Mr. Dober 's land also, he stood out firm and determined not to part
with it for a song. He argued that if his property were so desirable to
the millionaires of the east, it was also good for him, and he was not
coerced into hasty measures. The result is that after long years of toil
and hardship, he is independent, even wealthy, in a position to have all
the comforts which means can secure. He came to America poor, not
highly educated, a stranger in a strange land, whose very language he
could not understand and he has come to be one of that land's most
substantial citizens, and it is needless to add, one of the most loyal.
]\Ir. Dober 's mines are operated by the Oliver Mining Company of
the steel corporation and produce in the neighborhood of 100,000 tons
of ore yearly, Mr. Dober receiving a royalty on this vast output.
Two years ago he bought a forty-acre tract in the heart of the
Yakima valley in the state of Washington, and this is put out in all
kinds of fruit, affording him not only a most delightful pastime, but a
means of revenue as well. This he has developed from the pristine sage-
brush state to one of the finest fruit farms in this famous valley.
Mr. Dober is a member of the Catholic church of Iron River, and his
hand is given to all good causes which he believes will contribute to the
happiness and well being of humanity. He is interested in the topics
of the time and his political convictions are with the Republican party.
He has scores of friends, those who know him best admiring him most
deeply for his honest, unassuming goodness and his many gifts of mind
and heart.
It was Mr. Dober who explored the Fogerty Mine and secured the
first option on this valuable property, and he still has an interest in
the lease. The Dober Mine is in section 1-42-35.
Jerome Rayome.— Distinguished as one of the original settlers of
Iron Mountain, Jerome Rayome has witnessed many wonderful
transformations in the county, the pathless forests giving way before
the axe of the pioneer, while thriving villages, and populous towns and
cities have sprung up as if by magic in various parts of the Upper
Peninsula. A native of Canada, he was born, October 14, 1844, in the
county of Lotbiniere, province of Quebec, of French ancestry. His
father, Joseph Rayome, Jr., and his grandfather, Joseph Rayome, Sr.,
were both life-long farmers of that province.
Joseph Rayome, Jr., who was of French ancestry, succeeded to the
occupation in which he was reared, spending his seventy-four years
of life on a farm. He married Catherine Ampleman, wlao was born
in the province of Quebec, where her father, Charles Ampleman, born
of German ancestors, spent his entire life, being employed in tilling the
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1361
soil. She died at the age of sixty years. To her and her husband thir-
teen children were bom.
Leaving home on attaining his majority, Jerome Rayome migrated
to Albany, New York, where he resided until 1871. The following
seven years he worked at the carpenter's trade in Wisconsin, being
in Chippewa Falls two years, and in Oconto five years. Coming to
Michigan in 1879, Mr. Rayome located at Iron Mountain in the month
of August, and at once began the building of a house, which was the
third one completed within the present limits of the city. For about
twelve years he was employed in the Chapin Mine, but since that time
has followed his trade, erecting many dwellings and public buildings.
Mr. Rayome married, at the age of twenty years, Desanges Germain,
who was bom in Portneuf county, Quebec, a daughter of Charles and
Rose (Mariot) Germain. Seven children have blessed the union of Mr.
and Mrs. Rayome, namely : Laura, J. 0., Mary, Lillian, Rose, Hilda,
and Alfred.
James Mann Haring.— Distinguished as one of the early settlers of
Ontonagon, James Mann Haring is numbered among the active busi-
ness men who have contributed largely toward the development of its
industrial and mercantile interests, having served in various public po-
sitions, and being now one of the substantial merchants of this place.
He was born, February 19, 1833, in New York City, which was like-
wise the birthplace of his father, Samuel Haring, Jr., and of his grand-
father, Samuel Haring, Sr., who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
The emigrant ancestor of the branch of the Haring family from which
he is descended emigrated from Holland to this country, becoming a
pioneer settler of Manhattan Island.
Reared and educated in New York City, Samuel Haring, Jr., went
when a young man to Lewiston, New York, where he married. Return-
ing then to New York City, he was there engaged in the grocery busi-
ness until 1835, when, having a second attack of the "wanderlust," he
came with his family to the territory of Michigan, locating in Detroit,
where he opened the National Hotel, which he managed two years. He
then went to Saginaw, making the removal with a prairie schooner, and
fording the river at the present site of Flint. Opening the Webster
House at Saginaw, he conducted it for two years, and then returned to
Detroit and ran the American Hotel two years. About that time a
panic was caused by the failure of several state banks, and he was out
of business for a time. He then became assistant to Col. Brooks, col-
lector of customs at Detroit, and was soon after appointed collector of
customs at Mackinaw, where he remained until his death, in 1849. His
wife, whose maiden name was Martha A. Mann, was born in Troy,
New York, a daughter of James Mann, who was born in the Empire
state, of English ancestry. After the death of her husband, she leased
the property of the American Fur Company at Mackinac, and for sev-
eral years conducted a summer hotel. Removing from there to Chicago,
she kept a hotel for a while, and there spent her last days, dying in
1878. She reared nine children, namely: Helen, James M., Ledra W.,
Cortland D., Samuel K., Clinton L., Kate T., Emily S., and Blanche.
Kate and Blanche lost their lives on the ill-fated steamer that was
burned on Lake Michigan.
Fourteen years old when his father died, James Mann Haring sub-
sequently went to New York City, where he clerked for his uncle two
years. Returning home, he assisted his mother for a year, and then
went to Sault Ste. Marie, where he was employed at the government
1362 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
land office, under Ebenezer Warner, the registrar, working at the same
table with Edwin J. Hulburt, who later discovered the Calumet Mine.
The greater part of all the land in the Upper Peninsula was then owned
by the government, and for sale at $1.25 an acre. After clerking a
short time, Mr. Haring, in company with George Cowle and Arthur
McKercher, started for the mineral lands at the west end of the Lake,
going a part of the way in a steamer, and chartering a prairie schooner
for the remaining distance. He landed at the present site of Superior,
on which stood a few log cabins, the only buildings in the vicinity. Col.
Robinson, three Kimball brothers, Mark Ledbeater, Robert Reed, John
Levick, George and Ben Donaldson, Charles Higgins, John Stewart,
William Nettleton, and George R. Stunts, had preempted land, but there
was not a white woman in the place. While Mr. Haring was stop-
ping there Mr. Rice, a Duluth pioneer, came over in search of men to
help raise his log house in Duluth, and Mr. Haring and others responded
to his appeal, and assisted in raising the very first house erected on the
present site of the city of Duluth. Being unsuccessful in prospecting
for minerals, Mr. Haring and his partners returned to Sault Ste. Marie.
A few weeks later j\Ir. Haring took passage on a steamer for a return
visit, his point of destination being Ontonagon. As there were then no
docks at Ontonagon, the steamer was anchored in the lake, and he was
sent ashore in a row boat. He clerked a few weeks in Ontonagon,
which was then a small hamlet, afterwards being employed by Robei't
Livingston, superintendent of the Forest Mine, as clerk and time keeper
for three years.
Mr. Haring afterwards had charge of the ]\Iinesota IMining Com-
pany's store for two and one-half years, and then managed the S. A.
Parker store a year, afterwards being in business for himself until the
close of the war. Embarking then in the fur business, Mr. Haring had
stations at several points, continuing his operations a number of years,
after which he was station agent at Rockland for two and one-half
years. He subsequently served two years as deputy county treasurer,
and for eight years was county treasurer. Relinquishing that office, he
has since been extensively and profitably employed in the grocery busi-
ness, having a substantial trade. Mr. Haring married, in 1884, Phoebe
Long, daughter of John Long.
Claud C. Cable.— One of the best known and most highly esteemed
citizens of the upper lake district and one who has passed the major
portion of his life in this picturesque section is Claud C. Cable, a son
of one of the sterling pioneer families of northern Michigan, and now
proprietor of the Lake View Hotel, one of the popular hostelries pro-
viding accommodations for the tourists who sojourn on Mackinac Island
during the summer season. Mr. Cable was born on Beaver Island in the
northern part of Lake Michigan on the 24th of February, 1849, the
place of his nativity being in Mackinac county. He is a son of James
F. and Harriet (Filkins) Cable, both of whom were born at Attica,
Wyoming county. New York. The father died on the 13th of July, 1896,
at the age of seventy-five years, and the mother, who was summoned
to the life eternal on the 26th of September, 1909, was eighty-five years
of age at the time of her death. Their marriage was solemnized at
Batavia, New York, and they became the parents of six children, of
whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest. Cora died in infancy;
Maud is the wife of Edward Franks ; Effie is the wife of Roger Whit-
lock ; Jennie is immarried ; and Jessie is the wife of Major B. C. Marse
of the United States army.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1363
James F. Cable came to Michigan when seventeen years of age, in
company with his uncle, Alva Cable, who was a successful Indian trader
in this section in the pioneer days. He first located at Presque Isle, and
later on Beaver Island, where he continued in the employ of his uncle.
Finally he returned to New York, where his marriage was solemnized
in the year 1846 and shortly afterward he returned with his bride to
Beaver Island, where he continued trading operations with the Indians
until 1853, when he was driven from the island together with the few
other white settlers by the Mormons, who were attempting to establish
headquarters on the place. Mr. Cable then located in Clinton county,
Illinois, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for the ensuing
four years, at the expiration of which, in 1857, he returned to Attica,
New York. The northern lake district appealed to him too strongly to
remain long in the east and he soon returned to Michigan and located
on Mackinac Island, where he again engaged in trading with the In-
dians for two years, at the expiration of which he once more established
his home on Beaver Island, where he engaged in furnishing wood to
the steamboats and also conducted a general merchandise business, be-
sides which he still had a profitable enterprise in bartering with the
Indians. After passing a period of thirteen years on Beaver Island he
again returned to the state of New York, where he engaged in farming
until 1871. In that year he established his home on M'ackinae Island,
where he purchased the historic old John Jacob Astor House, which he
successfully conducted as a hotel until his death. Mr. Cable was one of
the honored and influential citizens of the island, served as a member of
the school board of the village of Mackinac Island and was also a mem-
ber of the village council for a number of years. He was affiliated with
the Masonic fraternity and in politics was originally a Whig and later
a Republican.
Claud C. Cable, the immediate subject of this review, received his
early educational discipline on Beaver Island, in Winona, Minnesota,
and in the city of Detroit, Michigan. He early began to assist his father
in his business operations and became manager of the latter 's store on
Beaver Island. After the father secured the hotel on Mackinac Island,
Mr. Cable was associated in the management of the same until 1895,
when he purchased the Lake View Hotel, which popular place he has
since conducted with much success, this being one of the first-class resort
hotels of the beautiful island. Mr. Cable has shown a loyal interest in
all that has touched the best interests of the island and has been in-
fluential in public affairs of a local order. He was the last to serve as
president of the village of Mackinac Island prior to its incorporation
as a city and he has served as a member of the city council for six
years. At the present time he is a valued member of the board of edu-
cation of the city, an incumbency that he has retained for six years. In
politics he is a staunch supporter of the principles and policies of the
Republican party.
In the year 1873 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Cable to Miss
Jennie Chatman, whose death occurred in the year 1888. Concerning
their four children, the following brief record is given: Tina died at
the age of twenty years and eight months ; Bessie is unmarried and lives
at home ; Harry is engaged at the Astor Hotise in Mackinac, and Gail
is with his father in the summer. In 1897 Mr. Cable contracted a sec-
ond marriage, being then united to Miss Mary Cook. They have one
son, James L.
1364 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Thomas 'Coughlin.— The substantial and well-to-do residents cf
Hancock, Michigan, have no more worthy representative than Thomas
Coughlin, whose birth occurred here March 1, 1862, his father, Dennis
Coughlin, having been a pioneer settler of Houghton county.
A native of Ireland, Dennis Coughlin was born, June 21, 1830, in
County Cork, where his parents, Jeremiah and Katherine (Sullivan)
Coughlin, were life-long residents. Full of life and ambition, anxious
to improve his financial condition, he emigrated to the United States
in 1850, coming directly to the Upper Peninsula. Industrious and
energetic, he soon found employment, working in different mines in
Keweenaw and Houghton counties, including the Quincy Mine, where
he was an early worker. Before the town was platted he lived in the
first house built in the present city of Hancock. He was subsequently
engaged in the livery business at Hancock for a number of years, but
is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his earlier years of toil and
labor. The maiden name of his wife was Ann Nugent. She was born
in Waterford, Ireland, a daughter of Maurice and Ann (Dillon) Nugent.
Reared and educated in Houghton county, Thomas Coughlin be-
came associated as a young man wdth his father in the livery business,
and continued with him until burned out in the great fire of 1907.
Since that time Mr. Coughlin has been actively and prosperously en-
gaged in the real estate and insurance business, in both lines of busi-
ness having an extensive patronage.
On October 10, 1886, Mr. Coughlin was united in marriage with
Julia A. Dolan, who was born in Ontonagon, Michigan, where her
father, Paul Dolan, of whom a brief sketch appears elsew^here in this
volume, was a pioneer settler. Eight children have blessed the union
of Mr. and Mrs. Coughlin, namely: Josephine, Anita, Emmett, Leonora,
Mary, Alice, Thomas and Katherine. An active and valued member of
the Republican party, Mr. Coughlin has never shirked the duties of a
public officer, but has rendered excellent service as a member of the
Hancock School Board, as a member of the Village Council, and was
the second mayor of the city, which ofiSce he held for two consecutive
terms.
Paul Dolan. — A venerable man of four score and four years, Paul
Dolan has the distinction of being the oldest living pioneer settler of
Ontonagon, having been a continuous resident here for more than
sixty years, during which time he has witnessed the development and
growth of the entire Upper Peninsula, as we might safely say. He was
born, August 8, 1826, in Leitrim, county Leitrim, Ireland. His parents,
John and Bridget (Doonan) Dolan, emigrated to America in 1846, set-
tling in Ontonagon, Michigan, where the father followed his trade of
a stone and brick mason, living here until his death, which occurred in
1864, a few years after that of his wife. They reared six children,
namely: Patrick, John, Paul^ James, Mary, and Bridget.
When in his eighteenth year, Paul Dolan embarked on a sailing
vessel, and after a rough voyage of six weeks on the ocean found him-
self in New York City. He lived there a short time, later spending a
while in both Buffalo and Detroit. Not satisfied ^-ith his prospects in
either city, he came, in 1846, to the Upper Peninsula, crossing the Lakes
on a steamer to the "Soo, " thence by schooner to Isle Royale, where he
worked as a miner for a year. Locating then in Ontonagon, he was
employed in mining at the Minnesota ]\Iine, in Rockland, for a time,
later being engaged for a number of years in mining and exploring
at the Victoria Mine. Having accomplished a satisfactory work in his
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1365
chosen occupation, i\Ir. Dolan is now living: retired from active pur-
suits, enjoying a well-earned rest.
Mr. Dolan married, in 1854, Lenora Finn. She was born in Ireland,
and died, in 1902, in Ontonagon, leaving two children, namely : Julia,
wife of Thomas Coughlin, of Hancock, Michigan; and Josephine, wife
of James Corgan, of Ontonagon.
Frederick J. Bawden.— A prominent citizen of Houghton, and one
of the foremost business men of Houghton county, Frederick J. Baw-
den has been one of the prime movers in the establishment of enter-
prises of benefit and worth to the general public, his indefatigable
energy and perseverance of purpose ever meeting with desired results.
A native of Keweenaw county, Michigan, he was bom, March 23, 1856,
at Eagle Harbor, of English ancestry.
His father, the late Captain James Bawden, was born in the county
Cornwall, England, December 4, 1812, and died at Eagle Harbor,
Michigan, April 28, 1861. Having served an apprenticeship at the
blacksmith's trade when young, he followed it in Cornwall until 1844,
when he came to the United States in search of a favorable place in
which to make a permanent location. After living for a short time in
Wisconsin, he came with Dr. Pettid to the Upper Peninsula on an ex-
ploring expedition. All of this part of the country was then an unbroken
wilderness, its mineral treasures lying undisturbed in the bosom of the
earth. He assisted in the erection of the first house at Eagle Harbor,
which was one of the original settlements of the Upper Peninsula. Go-
ing back to England in 1846, he there married and in June, 1847,
returned with his bride to Northern Michigan. The ensuing two years
he was captain at the North American Mine. The Captain then bought
the dock and warehouse at Eagle Harbor, built a dwelling house and
hotel there, and afterwards built several other buildings, which he sold
or rented. His hotel being destroyed by fire in 1855, he erected another,
which at that time was the largest and most pretentious public house
in the Upper Peninsula. He continued as a hotel keeper, and was also
engaged in the forwarding business, and in other enterprises until his
death, being very successful in his operations.
The maiden name of the wife of Captain Bawden was Elizabeth
A. Williams. She was born in Cornwall, England, and was there mar-
ried, as previously stated. Four children were born of their union, as
follows : Albert A., captain of the Victoria Mine ; Frederick J., the spe-
cial subject of this sketch; Kitty L., who married John Boucher, and
died, leaving one daughter, Maude, now the wife of John Healy; and
Augustus C, who lived but ten years.
At the age of eleven years, Frederick J. Bawden, who had been well
trained to habits of industry and thrift, began working in a store at
the Petherick Mine, and has been identified Avith life's activities ever
since. After clerking a few years, he learned telegraphy, and subse-
quently, having become familiar with the art preservative in a print-
ing establishment, set type on the Keiveenatv Herald, which was later
moved to Lake Linden. Mr. Bawden was later associated for a short
time with the La Franc Pioneer, after which he gave up newspaper
work.
Returning then to Eagle Harbor, he remained there, employed as
clerk in a store and a telegraph operator, until 1876. Removing to Han-
cock in that year, Mr. Bawden was operator for the IMineral Range Tele-
graph Company until 1883, when that company was superseded by the
Western Union Telegraph Company. He was subsequently general ae-
1366 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
countaut for S. D. North & Son, proprietors of the Quincy Store. In
1888, ]\Ir. Bawden was elected sheriff of the county, and in 1890 was
honored with a re-election to the same position. Returning to the
Quincy Store in 1893, he remained there three years, when, in 1896, he
bought a half interest in the warehouse business of James A. Close,
with whom he was associated until 1903. During this time, Mr. Baw-
den accepted the agency of the Atlantic Dynamite Company, and in
1903 disposed of his warehouse interests, and has since represented this
company in the Upper Peninsula, selling its products, including dyna-
mite, powder, and other manufactures in the copper country. He has
also been, and is now, connected with various other corporate interests,
towards the advancement of which he devotes a part of his time and
attention.
Mr. Bawden was one of the promoters of the Houghton County
Street Railway Company, which he has served as president; and is now
vice-president of the Houghton County Traction Company. Fraternally
he is a member of Quincy Lodge, No. 135, F. & A. M. ; of Gate of the
Temple Chapter, No. 35, R. A. M. ; and of Palestine Commandery, K. T.
In 1887 Mr. Bawden was united in marriage with Clara Garvin, who
was born in New York state, a daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth
Garvin. Their only child, Garvin Bawden, was born September 24,
1895.
John P. Halleb. — The genius of success in connection with the pro-
ductive activities of life is that of personal integrity, courage, per-
sistence and definite ambition, all of which were worthily exemplified in
the life of John P. Haller, who through his own efforts effectively
stemmed the tide of opposing forces and gained for himself a place as
one of the world's noble army of workers. He took up his residence in
Sault Ste. ]\Iarie when about eighteen years of age and here he gained
precedence as a representative business man and as a citizen well worthy
of the uniform confidence and esteem accorded him in the community.
He died, as the result of injuries received from falling from a bicycle
while visiting in his boyhood home in Prussia, on the 27th of August,
1907, and there his remains were laid to rest beside those of his mother,
who died when he was a mere child.
John P. Haller was born in Rhenish Pmssia on the 21st of June,
1860, and was thus in the very prime of his strong and useful manhood
when he was summoned from the scene of life's mortal endeavors. He
was a son of Peter and Catherine (Weller) Haller, the former of whom
is now residing in the city of Mount Clemens, ]\Iichigan, ha\dng at-
tained to the age of more than four score years, and the latter of whom
died in Prassia when the subject of this memoir was a lad of eight
years. Shortly after the death of his mother, John P. Haller came with
his father to America, and the family home was established in j\Iount
Clemens, Michigan. Two other sons are still living: Adam, who resides
in Sault Ste. Marie, and Mathias, who is a resident of Mount Clemens,
Michigan. For several yeai*s John P. Haller remained in the home of
his uncle, John Kiels, in Mount Clemens, where he was reared to adult
age and received the advantages of the publiq schools, and this uncle
was with him at the time of his death. At the age of eighteen years
Mr. Haller came to Sault Ste. Marie, in April, 1878, and here he se-
ciired a position as clerk in the drag store of E. M. Lacy, in which ca-
pacity he continued until 1880, when he went to the city of Detroit and
completed a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College. After
leaving this institution he was employed in a drug store in Detroit for
i
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1367
one year, at the expiration of which he returned to Sault Ste. IVIarie,
where he resumed his position in the establishment of Mr. Lacy, by whom
he was admitted to partnership in 1883, under the firm name of E. M.
Lacy & Compan3^ One year later ]\Ir. Haller retired from the firm and
opened a book and stationery store on Water street, this being the first
exclusive store of the kind to be established in this city. So rapid and
substantial was the expansion of the business that after a period of three
years Mr. Haller found it expedient to open another store, located in
the Gage block, at 84 Ashmun street. He developed his business into
one of the largest and most prosperous of its kind in the upper penin-
sula, and upon his career as a business man and as a citizen there is
no blemish, as his integrity of purpose was such that he permitted no
blot on a noble escutcheon maintained by him. As his financial re-
sources increased and solidified, Mr. Haller made judicious investments
in local real estate and with the passing of years he took place among
the substantial capitalists of his home city. Concerning the life and
labors of Mr. Haller the following pertinent and appreciative state-
ments appeared in one of the Sault Ste. Marie papers at the time of his
death and they are well worthy of perpetuation in this volume:
"John P. Haller was one of the best known of the Soo business men,
and was respected and honored among his associates for his integrity
and strict business principles. While still a boy in his 'teens he came
to the Soo and entered the employment of E. M. Lacy, then in the drug
and stationery business on Water street. Here he received his first
lessons in the business world and applied himself so closely to his duties
that he soon came to be recognized as one of the smartest young business
men of the town. As soon as able, he entered into business for himself,
starting in a small way on Water street and purchasing the building in
which he located. This business soon outgrew the stand and he pur-
chased what is now known as the Haller block on Ashmun street, which
proved a most successful venture, and the business thereafter flourished
in the new location. He leaves a considerable estate to his family.
"Mr. Haller made the trip abroad at the personal solicitation of his
■ancle, John Kiels, whom he looked upon more as a father. Personally
Mr. Haller did not care to make the trip, but his uncle, then an old
man, desired to visit the scenes of his boyhood before he died and re-
quested Mr. Haller to accompany him. The latter could not find it in
his heart to refuse. He had purchased land down the river and had
there erected a cottage, with the intention of passing much of his time
at this place for rest and recreation. He was wrapped up in his home
and his family and his every thought was of his wife and children. That
he should have died in a foreign land, away from those he best loved, is
particularly sad, and those remaining have the deepest sympathy of
this community in their hours of sorrow. While abroad Mr. Haller was
making his headquarters in Prum and the accident which resulted in
his death occurred while he was making a bicycle trip from that city
to Sehonecken, the place of his birth and the place where he was laid
to rest by the side of his mother. ' '
Mr. Haller was essentially liberal, loyal and progressive in his civic
attitude and was ever ready to lend his co-operation in the furtherance
of measures for the general good of the community. He was a Democrat
in his political proclivities and before the incorporation of Sault Ste.
Marie as a city he served one year as village assessor, as village treasurer
for two years, and he was a member of the common council at the tirne
the city charter was adopted. He was a communicant of the Catholic
church and liberal in support of the various departments of its work.
1368 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
He held membership in the Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association and
the National Union.
On the 11th of September, 1883, was solemnized the marriage of
Mr. Haller to Miss ]\Iary Ann Ryan, who was born at Borrisokane,
County Tipperary, Ireland, and who is a daughter of Daniel and Mar-
garet (McMahon) Ryan, of whose three children two are living, jMrs.
Haller being the younger; James J. is engaged in the cigar and to-
bacco business in Sault Ste. Marie. Daniel Ryan, who has attained the
venerable age of four score years, still resides in his native land and
there his wife died at the age of forty years. Mrs. Haller, in company
with her son John, made a visit to her girlhood home and her venerable
father in 1904, passing three months in the Emerald isle, which is
endeared to her by many gracious memories and associations. Mr.
Haller 's devotion to his home and family was of the most ideal type,
and his death brought into the sacred precincts of this home the fullest
measure of loss and bereavement, but to those nearest and dearest to
him there comes also a meed of consolation in that they thus touched so
closely the heart and soul of one who was noble in all his thoughts and
aspirations and whose life was one of ceaseless solicitude for their com-
fort and welfare. Mr. and Mrs. Haller became the parents of six chil-
dren, concerning whom the following brief record is entered in con-
clusion of this article : John M., who was born on the 13th of Diecember,
1885, is a member of the class of 1910 in the Michigan School of Mines
at Houghton ; Eugene J., who was born on the 10th of September, 1887,
has charge of the book and stationery business established by his father;
Ann Lucille died at the age of three years, and Gerald A. died in in-
fancy ; George Dewey was born on the 1st of May, 1898 ; and IVIIargaret
was bom on the 7th of November, 1901.
Thomas Hartigan. — Distinguished as one of the pioneer settlers of
Ironwood, Thomas Hartigan came here when the country roundabout
was in its primitive condition, while within the present limits of the
city stumps of the few trees that had been felled were still standing in
the streets. He has watched with genuine pride and gratification the
rapid growth of this part of the Upper Peninsula, and as opportunity
has occurred has contributed his part towai^ds promoting its develop-
ment. He was born, in 1838, in county Clare, Ireland, the birthplace
likewise of his parents, James and Catherine (Bui-ns) Hartigan.
Learning the trade of a stone mason when young, James Hartigan
followed it in his native land until 1843, when, accompanied by his
wife and children, he came to America, being several weeks crossing the
ocean in a sailing vessel. Locating in the county of Vaudreuil, province
of Quebec, Canada, he bought a small farm near Rigaud, and there fol-
lowed his trade and tilled the soil the remainder of his life. Four chil-
dren were born to him and his wife, namely : Thomas, Mary, Elizabeth,
and Kate.
But five years old when he came with his parents to this country,
Thomas Hartigan was brought up and educated in Rigaud, province of
Quebec, living there until after his marriage. The next few years fol-
lowing that important event he spent in Lambton, province of Quebec,
being variously employed. Coming then by way of the Great Lakes to
the states, Mr. Hartigan located first at Green Bay, Wisconsin, from
there going to Oconto, where he lived for eight years. Moving then to
Felch Mountain, Michigan, he opened a boarding house, which he con-
ducted five years. In June, 1885, he came to the new town of Iron-
wood, Michigan, for the special purpose of opening a boarding house
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1B69
for the Norris Mining Company. Ironwood was then a mere hamlet in
the wilderness, with little prospect of its present prosperous condition.
Here he has since been an esteemed and respected resident, he and his
wife now living retired in their pleasant home on McLoud avenue.
The maiden name of Mr. Hartigan's wife was Mary Megan. She
was born in the province of Quebec, Canada, a daughter of Patrick and
Bridget (Donahoe) Megan. Six daughters blessed their union, namely:
Ann, Mary, Kate, Margaret, Ellen, and Frances.
James Ashley Bangs, M. D.— A representative physician and sur-
geon of the Upper Peninsula, Dr. James Ashley Bangs has been suc-
cessfully engaged in the practice of his profession for many years, and
has here built up an extensive and lucrative patronage. Coming from
honored New England ancestry, he was born, November 14, 1855, in
Sweden, Oxford county, Maine, where his father was a prosperous agri-
culturist. He is a descendant in the ninth generation from Edward
Bangs, the immigrant ancestor.
This Edward Bangs was born, in 1592, in England. In 1623 he
came to American in the good ship "Anne," locating at Plymouth,
where, the records show, he became owner of four acres of land. He
died in 1657. He married Ruth Allen, of Chilmark, and their son.
Captain Jonathan Bangs, was the next in line of descent. He was
born in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1640. He married Mary Mayo,
daughter of Captain Samuel and Thomastine (Lumpkin) Sears, of Bos-
ton, and settled first at Eastham, Massachusetts, from there removing to
Brewster, Massachusetts, where he spent the remainder of his life. Their
son, Captain Edward Bangs, the succeeding ancestor, was a life-long
resident of Cape Cod.
Ebenezer Bangs, through whom the line of descent was continued,
was born in Brewster, Massachusetts, February 8, 1702, and there mar-
ried Anna Sears, a daughter of Paul and Mercy Sears. Their son,
Barnabas Bangs, migrated from Brewster to Gorham, Maine, where he
became prominent in public affairs, and during the Revolutionary war
served several terms of enlistment. He married Loruhama Elwell.
Their son, Jonathan Bangs, the next in line of descent, married De-
borah Williams, and settled in Buxton, Maine, and there spent his last
years. The line was continued through their son Willard, the Doctor's
grandfather, who married a Miss Thompson, and, as far as known, spent
his entire life in Buxton, Maine.
Born and reared in Buxton, Maine, the father of Dr. Bangs, suc-
ceeded to the occupation of his ancestors, in early life buying land in
Sweden, Oxford county, Maine,- and there being employed in farming
summers, and lumbering in the Avinter seasons, for many years. He
married Lucy Coffin, who was born in Lovell, Maine and he is now liv-
ing retired from business cares in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He and his
wife reared five children, namely: Ella Etta; James Ashley; Georgia
Estella; Hattie Elizabeth; and Nina Agnes.
Receiving his early education in the district schools, James Ashley
Bangs afterwards attended the high school at Bridgton, subsequently
teaching school, first in Denmark, Maine, and later in Stow, Oxford
county. Having in the meantime read medicine with Dr. Potter, of
Bridgton, he then entered the Medical Department of the University of
Vermont, at Burlington, where he was graduated -with the degree of
M. D. in June, 1884. Going then to New Hampshire, Dr. Bangs prac-
tised first at Bartlett, where he remained two and one-half years, and
then in East Jaffrey for a few months. Coming West, he was for a
1370 THE NORTHEKN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
while engaged in practice at the Asylum for the Insane in Oshkosh,
Wisconsin. The doctor was afterwards similarly employed in New
York, first at Ward's Island, and later at the Flatbush Asylum, gain-
ing experience that has proved of inestimable value to him. Again
coming westward, the doctor was engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession at Ironwood, ]\Iichigan, from November, 1889, imtil April, 1893.
Since that time he has been a resident of Iron ^Mountain, where he is
now one of the leading physicians, in addition to his general practice,
which is large, being physician for the Pewabic Mine.
Dr. Bangs married, April 25, 1893, ]\Irs. Bessie (Hosking) Wood,
a daughter of William Hosking, and widow of Daniel Wood, who died,
leaving her with two daughters, namely: Doris, wife of ^lax H. Barber;
and Athlyn Bangs. The Doctor and jNIrs. Bangs have one child, William
Ashley Bangs. Fraternallv the doctor is a member of Iron Mountain
Lodge No. 388, F. & A. M.'; and of Iron Mountain Chapter No. 121, R.
A. M.
Robert Homer Barnum. — Among the native-born citizens of the
Upper Peninsula distinguished for their ability and worth, Robert
Homer Barnum, postmaster at Iron River, holds a place of note. He
was born, February 16, 1881, in Menominee, Menominee county, Mich-
igan, where his father, Thomas Barnum, was a pioneer settler. Grand-
father Barnum was a furrier by trade, and for many years was em-
ployed as an inspector of furs. A native of Utiea, New York, Thomas
Barnum attended the village schools as a boy, and while still in his
teens left home to seek his living among strangers. Coming to the
Upper Peninsula, he located in Marquette when it was a small village,
that part of the state being then unexplored, lumbering forming the
chief industry of the people. He was employed in different capacities
at various saw and shingle mills, living for sometime in Menominee.
Coming from there to Iron River in 1887, he was here a resident until
his death, in 1905. He married Melissa Evangeline Johnson, who was
born in jMaryborough township, Wellington county, province of On-
tario, Canada, a daughter of Robert Johnson, whose birth occurred
June 1, 1821, in county Derry, Ireland. Her grandfather, Mr. Bar-
num's great grandfather, John Johnson, was born, reared and mar-
ried in county Derry, Ireland. In 1829, accompanied by his wife and
ten children, he started for America, and after an ocean voyage of
thirteen weeks landed at Quebec. Continuing his journey westward
to Toronto, he soon afterwards bought a tract of government land
in Annisville township, Simcoe county, and having erected a log
cabin for himself and family began the improvement of a homestead.
There were no railways in Canada for many years after he located
there, and no convenient markets, the people living chiefly on the
productions of the land, such luxuries as tea, coffee and sugar being
seldom used, while garments of homespun fashioned by the good wife
and mother furnished the clothing for the family.
Having by sturdy industry cleared and improved a productive
farm, John Johnson lived there until his death, at a good old age,
an honored and respected citizen. His wife, whose maiden name was
Ann Davidson, also attained a ripe age. Both were trustworthy mem-
bers of the Presbyterian church, and reared their children in the
same religious faith. Robert Johnson was but eight years old when
he crossed the ocean with his parents. He grew to manhood on the
home farm, which he helped to clear, and soon after his marriage
purchased a tract of timbered land in Maryborough township, Wei-
rj^ ^.
(^^^TTf.^-^/'t/
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1371
lington county, Ontario, and having built the customary log cabin of
pioneer days began the hard task of clearing a farm. He improved
about forty-five acres, and then sold at an advantage, and removed to
Lewiston, New York, where he resided five years. Going to Sturgeon
Bay, Wisconsin, about 1870, he purchased land that was still in its
virgin wildness, and for fifteen years was employed in its improve-
ment. Going to Duluth, Minnesota, in 1885, he remained there for
five yeaj'S, and in 1890 came to Iron River, and now makes his home
with Mrs. Barnum. He married Mary Lynn, who was born, in 1831,
in Vermont, a daughter of Isaac and Caroline (Streeter) Lynn, na-
tives, respectively, of England and Vermont. She died in March,
1908, in Iron River. To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson eight children
were born, namely: John; Isaac; Benjamin; Robert; Ann; Melissa
Evangeline, widow of Thomas Barnum; Mary; and Lucretia Caroline.
Four children were born of the union of Thomas and Melissa E.
(Johnson) Barnum, namely: Robert Homer, the special subject of
this sketch ; Melvina Evangeline ; Amy Caroline ; and June Jeannette.
But six years old when he came with the family to Iron River,
Robert Homer Barnum was here brought up and educated. On at-
taining his majority he began life for himself, for about three years
being engaged in the timber trade. Entering then the employ of the
Diamond Drill Company, he continued with the firm three years,
when, in 1908, he embarked in his present business, and has since
been successfully employed in the manufacture of concrete blocks,
and also as a contractor for excavating cellars, and building cellar
walls and foundations, in this line of industry carrying on a substan-
tial and remunerative work. Mr. Barnum is a stanch Republican in
politics, having cast his first presidential vote for Theodore Roose-
velt, and since 1906 has served as postmaster at Iron River.
Capt. William Alexander Dunn.— Conspicuous among the ener-
getic and progressive men who are entitled to honorable recognition in
the annals of Houghton county for their services in developing and ad-
vancing the mining interests of the Upper Peninsula, and in other ways
contributing towards the material prosperity of this section of the state,
is Capt. William Alexander Dunn, one of the best known and most
popular citizens of Houghton. He was born, October 5, 1840, at Glen-
garry, province of Ontario, Canada, a son of Walter Dunn. His grand-
father, John Dunn, who married a Miss Campbell, was a farmer by
occupation, and spent his entire life in Glengarry. The emigrant ances-
tor of the family, the captain's great-great-grandfather, a native of the
North of Scotland, was a civil engineer, and came to America in the
employ of the British government to make surveys in Canada, and set-
tled in Glengarry.
Walter Dunn was born and reared in Glengarry, and having em-
barked in the lumber business when a young man continued in that
line of industry until his death, at the comparatively early age of
forty-nine years. He married Sarah Williams, who was born in Glen-
garry, Canada, of Welsh ancestry. She survived him, passing away at
the age of fifty-nine years. To her and her husband five children were
born and reared, as follows: William A., Eliza, Archie, Emma, and
George.
Nine years of age when his father died, William A. Dunn lived with
his widowed mother the following three years, and then went to Toronto
in search of work. There he found employment with an old friend of
his father, Mr. John Cook, a lumberman, with whom he remained a
1372 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
number of years. In 1863 Mr. Dunn came to the Upper Peninsula to
look for mast and spar timber, this part of the country being then,
practically, unexplored. He selected and entered timbered lands in
several different counties. Subsequently turning his attention to min-
ing, he was first associated with the Holyoke silver and lead mines in
Marquette county. Coming to Houghton county in 1866, Captain Dunn
was one of the very early workers of the Calumet & Hecla Mine. From
there he went to Marquette, thence to another town, where he took a
contract to build a dock. Completing that work, he signed a contract
to manufacture the timber, and build a breakwater, at Marquette, and
when the breakwater was finished he assumed its charge. In 1868 the
Captain was placed in charge of one of the pits at the New York Mine,
and a few months later built a tram from the mine to the furnace. Sub-
sequently, in company with John Gillette, worked the New York Mine
by contract until 1872. Going then to Negaunee, Marquette county,
Captain Dunn opened some mines about six miles out, and the same fall
opened the Kloman, which he mined until 1874, the ensuing two years
superintending the work at the Lothian Mine.
During the summer of 1876 the Captain embarked in the manufac-
ture of nitroglycerin, continuing thus engaged until he made a con-
tract with the Hercules Powder Company to introduce and sell its
powder on the Upper Peninsvila, a position which he successfully filled
until the company joined the "Trust." Again turning his attention to
mining, he developed several mines, including the Dunn Mine, in Iron
county; the Crystal Falls Mine; and the Schrader Mine, at Iron Moun-
tain. For several years during this time, the Captain operated the old
Boston Mine, which was later sold to the Franklin, and is now known as
the Franklin, Jr. Subsequently he embai'ked in mercantile pursuits,
being engaged in the grocery business at Houghton for two years, after
which he prospected for ore in Wisconsin and Michigan. In 1896 he
secured an option on the mine now known as the Baltic, which he was
successful in developing, retaining his interest in the property until
1897, when he sold out. The captain is now living retired in Houghton,
an esteemed and highly respected citizen.
Captain Dunn has been twice married. He married first, in 1868,
Alice Blakie, who was born in Canada, of Scotch parentage. She died
in 1870. He married second, in 1874, Helen M. Le Diux, who was born
in Ontonagon, a daughter of John B. and Almina (Knox) Le Diux, the
former of whom was born in Canada, of French ancestry, while the lat-
ter was a native of Glasgow, Scotland. Mi's. Dunn was educated in the
schools of Ontonagon and Rockland, and at the age of sixteen years
began teacliing school at the Union Mine. She subsequently had charge
of schools at Ripley and at L'Anse, afterwards teaching in the first
school opened at the Entry, still later teaching at the New York Mine.
Alice Lillian, the only child born of the captain's first marriage, is
now the wiie of Herman Haas, of Laurium, jNIichigan. By his union
with his present wife, three children have been born, namelj^: William
Lothian, Bird W., and Daisy. William L., who married Lydia Tislar,
died at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving one daughter, Grace C.
Daisy, wife of Charles G. Kenerson, has two children, Helen and Rob-
ert Knox.
William H. Mason.— Achieving success in life through his ability,
resolution, and devotion to principle, William H. ^lason has accumu-
lated a fair share of this world's goods and is now living in Hancock,
Houghton county, retired from active business, looking after his ex-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1373
tensive real estate interests, and attending to his official duties. He was
born April 6, 1846, at Sheboygan Falls, AVisconsin, and is of Irish
descent, his father, Benjamin ]\Iason, and his grandfather, Thomas
Mason, having been natives of Dublin, Ireland.
Thomas ]\Iason, a life-long resident of Dublin, was a saddler by oc-
cupation, and in addition to carrying on an extensive and lucrative
business was also a large landholder, having title to valuable real estate
in that city and its vicinity. He was a Quaker in religion, very con-
servative in his views, and reared his children in the same faith.
Born and educated in Dublin, Ireland, Benjamin Mason served an
apprenticeship at the soap chandler's trade, and when ready to begin
life for himself married" Mary IMcComas, also a native of Dublin. Miss
McComas was reared an Episcopalian, the marriage on that account
being opposed by the elder Mason. Benjamin therefore emigrated with
his bride to the United States, locating first in Schnectady, New York.
In 1830, following the emigrant's trail to the western frontier, he set-
tled as a pioneer in Sheboygan county, "Wisconsin. Purchasing a tract
of land which was in its original wildness, he began felling the giant
progeny of the forest, clearing a space in which he erected a log house,
the home of the family for many years, and the birth place of his chil-
dren. In that early day the dusky savages had not fled before the ad-
vancing footsteps of civilization, while deer, bears, and all kinds of
wild game inhabited the forests, and fish of all kinds abounded in the
clear streams. Clearing a part of his land, he lived there until 1850,
when he came to the Upper Peninsula, stopping first at Baraga, from
there going to the Dana Mine, in Keweenaw county, where for four
years he was employed in riving shingles by hand for S. W. Hills, agent
for the Dana and other mines. Returning then to Sheboygan Falls,
Benjamin IMason superintended the management of his farm until
1860, w^hen he came to the new village of Hancock. Here, after serving
as night watchman for a time at the stamp mill, he began making
candles for the Quincy Mining Company, while thus occupied teaching
the art to William Lapp and Peter Goldstine, who afterwards became
leading manufacturers of candles. A few years later he returned once
more to his Wisconsin farm, and there lived retired until his death, at
the age of seventy-three years. His wife survived him a few months,
passing away at the same age. Five children were born of their union,
as follows : Mary A. ; Lizzie, who lived but five short years ; Thomas D. ;
Archibald M. ; and William H.
Beginning life for himself when a boy, William H. Mason worked
on a farm at Sheboygan Falls, for two years, receiving ten dollars a
month wages, and was afterwards employed in a pump factory until
1862, painting pl^mps and running an engine alternately. In the fall
of 1862, Mr. Mason enlisted in Company C, Fourth Wisconsin Volun-
teer Cavalry, went south, and saw service in the states of Tennessee,
Alabama, Georgia, Florida, ^Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, and took
part in the battles at Port Hudson, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Oliver
Branch, Camp Bazlin, Grove Station, Clinton, and in engagements of
minor importance. Honorably discharged with his regiment at Browns-
ville, Texas, at the close of the war, he returned to his home at Sheboy-
gan Falls.
Locating in Hancock, Michigan, in the fall of 1866, Mr. Mason
bought a team, and for three years was actively engaged in hauling
rock from Calumet to the portage, and bringing back to Hancock on
the return trip immense loads of merchandise. Forming then a part-
nership with his brother, Thomas D. IMason, he took a contract to draw
1374 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
wood to the Huron Mine, and continued there a year, when the mine
failed. The following year Mr. Mason was foreman at the Portage
Canal, which was then in process of construction, after which he took a
contract to excavate, and draw ties, for the new railway which was being
laid between Calumet and Lake Linden. He subsequently made a trip
over the mountains, taking a load of duerline from Marquette, Michi-
gan, to the Phoenix mine, while there making a contract to furnish the
Phoenix Mine for four years with wood and all mining contract work to
be done. After the four years, he took a like contract at the Cliff Mine
for four years also. At the expiration of that time Mr. Mason returned
to Hancock, purchased considerable real estate and the following two
years was engaged in the grocery business. Then leaving his son in
charge of the grocery, Mr. Mason, with his brother Thomas, went to
Newberry to fill a three years' contract to furnish the furnaces of that
place with from one hundred and fifty to two hundred cords of wood a
day. Returning to Hancock when the contract w^as filled, Mr. Mason
continued in the grocery business for a time, and then sold out. He
was afterwards engaged in the brokerage business, representing J. W.
Browne & Company, and Turner Brothers, of Boston, but of late has
devoted his energies almost entirely to the care of his real estate hold-
ings, and to the duties devolving upon him as county agent, a position
which he has held since 1900.
Mr. Mason married, September 25, 1867, Hattie A. Chamberlain,
who was born in Plymouth, Wisconsin, where her parents, George and
Sarah Chamberlain, were pioneer settlers, removing there from Roches-
ter, New York, their native city.
Five children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mason, namely :
Clarence G., Charles S., Adelle, Minnie and Florence. Clarence mar-
ried Charlotte Clark, and they have two children, Clark and Clarence.
Charles married Mrs. Nellie Spickler Blackwood, and they have two
children, Helen and William. Mrs. Mason passed to the higher life in
July, 1906. She was brought up in the Episcopalian faith, but in Han-
cock she and the family attended the Congregational church. Politic-
ally Mr. Mason is a loyal supporter of the principles of the Republican
party.
Charles B. M. Craig.— Worthy of especial mention in this bio-
graphical volimie is Charles B. M. Craig, a man of integrity and abil-
ity, who is identified with the municipal government of Hancock as
city surveyor. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born September 20,
1857, in Reidsburg, Clarion county, a son of David R. Craig.
William Craig, his grandfather, was born in county Antrim, Ire-
land, of Scotch ancestry. In early manhood he emigrated to this coim-
try, locating at the close of the Revolutionary war first in Lebanon
county, Pennsylvania, and afterwards in Northiunberland county, Penn-
sylvania. He subsequently lived several years in Erie county, Penn-
sylvania, from there going to Armstrong county, about the year 1812,
where he followed his occupation of a farmer with good results. He
spent his last years in Sligo and Greenville, Clarion county, passing
away in the year 1854 at the advanced age of ninety-two yeai-s. He mar-
ried, in Erie county, Pennsylvania, Mary Richards, a daughter of John
Richards and INIartha Ramsay Richards, and they reared two daughters
and eight sons, the names of the sons being John, Alexander, Washing-
ton, William, James, Nelson, Rufus and David R.
Born on the home farm on French Creek, near the village of
Marion, in Erie covinty, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1811, but reared on
I
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1375
Crooked Creek in Armstrong county, David R. Craig became familiar
with the varied branches of agriculture while young, and, except for a
few years in early manhood, spent in teaching school, and some years
devoted to milling enterprises, he made farming his life-long occupa-
tion. Removing from Reidsburg, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, where
he had opened up a large farm, to Iowa in 1864, he bought land in
Henry township. Van Buren county, and began the improvement of a
farm, living there until 1872, when he sold out and for two years manu-
factured woolen goods at Vernon, Van Buren county, Iowa. After-
ward moving to Brainerd, Minnesota, he lived retired until his death at
the age of eighty-two years. The maiden name of his wife was Jane
Means. She was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of
George and Betsy (MacLure) Means, who were born in eastern Penn-
sylvania, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. She is now living at Brainerd, Min-
nesota, a bright and active woman of eighty-nine years. She reared nine
children, namely : Mary J., George H., Nancy M., David R., Jr., James
N., Harry C, Charles B. M., Joseph Warren, and Andrew M.
Beginning his school life in Pennsylvania, Charles B. M. Craig con-
tinued his studies in the public schools of Iowa, and in select schools
in Van Buren county, Iowa. He subsequently taught school in Iowa,
and in Benson coiinty. North Dakota, where he bought a tract of gov-
ernment land, which he improved. He afterwards engaged in civil
engineering, making surveys for railroads, and from 1891 until 1898
being employed as a civil engineer in Duluth, Minnesota. Coming to
Northern Michigan, in 1898, he was busily employed in engineering in
Houghton county for seven years, when, in 1905 he accepted his pres-
ent responsible position as city surveyor at Hancock, an office that he
is filling ably and satisfactorily.
Mr. Craig married in 1889, Abbie Grasser, who was born in County
Bruce, Ontario, Canada, a daughter of Aulus and Elizabeth (Hueb-
schwellen) Grasser, coming on both paternal and maternal sides of Ger-
man ancestry. These children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Craig,
namely : Charles B. M., David R., 3d, Arthur J., Nancy Elizabeth, Flor-
ence Apollonia, and Harry Clay. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Craig are
consistent members of the Congregational church and fraternally Mr.
Craig is a member of Portage Camp, No. 2596, M. W. A.
Cyrus H. Sensiba. — An admirer has called Cyrus H. Sensiba one of
the most popular men in the state of Michigan and has added paren-
thetically that his popularity is well deserved. The host and proprie-
tor of the Iron Inn of Iron River, Michigan, while a native of Wis-
consin, has been identified with the Northern Peninsula since 1885 and
has experienced many diverse fortunes in the intervening quarter
century. His life reminds one of the definition of success of one of
the foremost of American authors, — "To accept the' worst that fate
can deal and to win courage from it and not despair, — that is success,"
and by this test as by all others, Mr. Sensiba is a successful man.
Always thrifty and alert for opportunity, he found himself midway in
his career the possessor of a comfortable fortune, but a succession of
untoward events shipwrecked him on the seas of fortune, among them
an accident which brought him within a hair's breadth of the grave.
Nevertheless he did not lose courage and the host of that attractive
and commodious hostelry, the Iron Inn, is one of the prosperous and
substantial men of this section. This was erected at a cost of $25,000,
is fireproof, fitted with the modern improvements and has fifty rooms.
Not only was the Iron Inn the first brick hotel to be built at Iron
Vol. m— 2 0
1376 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
River, but it was also the first brick building of a public character to
be erected in the town.
Cyrus H. Sensiba was born at Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1859 (May
1), his parents being Bert and Elizabeth (Hubbard) Sensiba. The
former was a native of the state of New York, and is of German and
English descent. The mother was born in Iowa, but came to Green
Bay when a year old, and remained there until her death at the age of
forty-nine years. The father came to Wisconsin from the Empire
state when about twenty years of age, there married, and settled in
Green Bay. He was a sailor in his earlier years, but subsequently took
up the hotel business. He and his wife became the parents of ten
children, of whom nine are living, namely: Kitty, Albert J., Libby,
Thomas, Mary, John, Cyrus H., Frederick and Edward. One child
died in infancy. All the members of this family grew to maturity in
Green Bay.
He whose name initiates this review was the seventh in order of
birth of the children of his parents. Circumstances forcing him to be
content w4th a common school education, he started out when young
to make his own living in the capacity of a saw mill hand. In 1885
he came to Bessemer in the Upper Peninsula, and for two years con-
ducted the Colby House. He then came on to Atkinson, Iron county,
and there he worked for a year in a shingle mill. He again took up
the hotel business, continuing thus engaged for a period of eight years
and experiencing financial success. In 1899 he again made a change,
becoming the proprietor of a saw mill. It was at about this time that
he entered upon the period of misfortune previously referred to.
Among the causes contributing to his financial loss were depreciation
in the value of timber and the loss of great numbers of live stock by
sickness. ]\Iost serious of all he met with an accident of such a
character that there are few, if any precedents where a man has re-
ceived such and lived. On December 14, 1902, he was struck by a
shingle bolt, which fell from the upper part of the mill and knocked
him onto a fifty-two inch saw which was making at the time 1,320
revolutions a minute. He received a frightful cut across the back
twenty-three and one half inches long, and which required eighty-
seven stitches to close up. This was of great depth from the fact that
one hundred and fifty feet of steel traveled through the cut while mak-
ing it. It is a most remarkable proof of his coolness and endui-ance
that he walked a distance of three blocks after receiving this terrible
injury. He was three months under a doctor's care, although he left
the hospital twenty-eight days after the accident. In 1903 his mill
was burned, the loss, all told, in lumber and buildings, being about
$60,000. This was rebuilt in 1904 and was burned again in 1909.
Mr. Sensiba abandoned milling in 1905 and removed to Iron River.
He was engaged for a year or more in the livery business and on Feb-
ruary 22, 1907, he opened the Iron Inn. This modern and well-
equipped tavern is already known over the Upper Peninsula, its splen-
did accommodation and the personal popularity of its proprietor
forming an irresistible combination.
Mr. Sensiba formed an ideal marital companionship when on April
15, 1889, he was united in marriage to Miss Winnie Merry, daughter
of Bruce and Katherine IMerry, the father a native of the Empire
state and the mother of Wisconsin. Their union was celebrated at
Bessemer. Nine children are growing up beneath the roof of this esti-
mable couple, namely: Ethel, Maude, Forest, Lester, R-uth, Harold,
Mercedes, Reuben and ]Mildred. They are bright and interesting
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1377
young citizens, who give evidence of the love which has been lavished
upon them, one of their father's endearing traits being his love of
children.
In politics Mr. Sensiba gives his heart and hand to the men and
measures of the Republican party, his allegiance having endured
throughout his entire career as a voter. He gave faithful and efficient
service as supervisor of Atkinson township for a period of three years.
In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Eagles of Iron River,
and his wife and the older children affiliate with the Methodist Episco-
pal church. Mr. Sensiba has a ready hand for a friend or for anyone
who needs his aid, is the champion of all good causes, and one of the
representative and universally liked citizens of the locality in which
his interests are centered.
Graham Pope, of Houghton, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, of
English-Scotch descent, October 12th, 1840, and received his education
in the public schools of that city. After one year at the bench at the
trade of making nautical instruments, he entered a large commercial
house where he had four years of business training. In May, 1861,
he came to Houghton in the employ of the Isle Royale Mining
Company. In 1862 he enlisted as first lieutenant in the Twenty-third
Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry. On his return to Houghton
he again entered the mining business in which he continued until his
retirement from active life in 1902.
Mr. Pope has lived in Houghton nearly fifty years, during which
time he has engaged in many lines of business in which he has been suc-
cessful. He was married in 1864 to Alice Helen Fuller who died in
1876 leaving a son and two daughters, who are still living. Mr. Pope
has always been a Republican in political life and until within a few
years was an active member of that party.
John H. Hunter has been an important factor in the lumber in-
dustry in the Upper Peninsula, where he has conducted extensive opera-
tions and where he still has large interests in this line both in an indi-
vidual way and also through his identification with the Hunter & Love
Lumber Company, of which he is president. He is a citizen who com-
mands unqualified confidence and esteem and his liberality and public
spirit have been potent in the furtherance of the material and social
advancement of the community.
Mr. Hunter was born in Victoria county, province of Ontario, Can-
ada, on the 18th of April, 1863, and is a son of David and Eliza
(Davidson) Hunter, both of whom were likewise natives of that county
and both of whom are now deceased. The father was for a number of
years prominently identified with lumbering operations and later
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Both he and his wife con-
tinued to reside in Victoria county, Ontario, until their death and both
were consistent members of the Episcopal church. Of their ten chil-
dren only three are now living,— John H., subject of this review; Rob-
ert, a resident of Newberry, and William, a resident of Gemmel, Minne-
sota.
John H. Hunter was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm
and is indebted to the public schools of his native county for his early
educational training. In 1891, at the age of twenty-eight years, he
came to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and established his head-
quarters at Huntspur, Mackinac county, where he engaged in contract-
ing for the getting out of logs from the woods. Here he continued opera-
1378 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
tions under these conditions for a period of about four years, at the ex-
piration of which he removed to Rapid River, Delta county, this state,
where he continued in the same line of enterprise until 1896. In that
year he engaged in the logging business on his own responsibility and
after three years of successful operations in Delta county he removed
to Luce county and established his home in the village of Newbei'ry.
Here he built up a very extensive business in connection with which he
has transported gigantic rafts of logs down Lake Superior to Sault Ste.
^larie. A number of these rafts represented a value of fully forty
thousand dollars. Mr. Hunter still continues his individual operations
in this field of enterprise and is one of the best known and most ex-
tensive lumber operators of the Upper Peninsula at the present time.
In 1898 he established a saw mill four miles north of the village of
Newberry and the same is still in successful operation. In 1909 he
effected the organization of the Hunter & Love Lumber Company,
which controls a large and prosperous business and of which he is
president.
In politics Mr. Hunter gives his support to the cause of the Re-
publican party and he has been shown distinctive marks of popular con-
fidence and esteem in that he has served two terms as president of the
village of Newberry, besides which he is a member of the board of edu-
cation, of which he is president at the present time. ]Mr. Hunter is af-
filiated with IMcMillan Lodge, No. 400, Free & Accepted ]\Iasons; Luce
Lodge, No. 89, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Manistique
Lodge, No. 632, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.
In 1891 Mr. Hunter was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Ellen Flood,
whose death occurred in 1899 and who is survived by three children,—
Gerald, Beulah and Basil. In 1900 Mr. Hunter contracted a second
marriage, being then united to iMiss Clementine Summerville, and they
have five children.— John F., Truth H., David, Mabel C. and Elizabeth
H. Gerald, the eldest of the family is a progressive young Ajiierican
who is now attending the Forestry course at the U. of M. He gradu-
ated from Newberry high school at the head of his class. He is a
favorite amongst all his comrades and acquaintances being a manly
young fellow who is sure to "deliver the goods" at some future time.
Beulah, aged sixteen, the eldest daughter, is a talented and beautiful
maiden. She is noted among her school friends for her ready wit, her
tact, and generosity and ready sympathy and her fine sense of honor.
Already Miss Hunter has published several beautiful short stories and
the critics prophesy a great future for her in the realms of literature.
Basil evidently will follow his father's footsteps, being already his right
hand man in a small business way. He is sturdy and self-reliant and
will be trained to carry on the large lumbering operations of his father.
Charles W. Curtis. — The great lumber industry was the original
source from which the development of the Upper Peninsula of ^Nliehi-
gan was instituted and here operations in this line are still conducted
upon a large scale. Prominently identified with this line of enterprise
in Chippewa county was Charles "W. Curtis, who recently retired and
who maintains his home at Brimley, Avhere his extensive lumbering
interests are centered. I\Ir. Curtis was born in the province of On-
tario, Canada, on the 9th of June, 1856, and is a son of John and Eliza-
beth (House) Curtis, both of whom were born in the province of On-
tario, the former in October, 1807, and the latter on the 27th of ]\Iarch.
1826 ; the father died in 1884 and the devoted mother was summoned
to eternal rest on the 10th day of May, 1909, at the venerable age of
ABRAHAM HOUSE
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1379
eighty-three years. Their marriage was solemnized at St. Thomas, On-
tario, and of their ten children six are now living, — George, Phoebe,
John H., Charles W., Amanda and Emma. John Curtis was one of the
successful pioneer farmers of Ontario and at one time he was the
owner of fully six hundred acres of land. In 1862 he removed with
his family to Sault Ste Marie, where he purchased a tract of land,
upon which a considerable portion of the city of Sault Ste. Marie is
located. He also bought land farther down the rived and the family
home was established on the site of the present tine Blumrosen block
in Sault Ste. Marie. He owned land for a distance of one mile on each
side of the McKnight road in Bruce township and he played an im-
portant part in connection with the development and upbuilding of
Chippewa county. He became an extensive dealer in lands in the
Upper Peninsula and was one of the most honored and influential
pioneers of this section of the state. He was Republican in politics
and was a member of the Baptist church as is also his widow, though
she is by birthright a member of the Society of Friends. Thomas Cur-
tis, grandfather of the subject of this review, was born in New Jersey
and as a young man he removed to the province of Ontario, Canada,
and located on the shores of Lake Erie, where he secured a large tract
of land, upon which the present city of St. Thomas now stands. He
was the first to engage in the banking business in that place and that
bank building which he erected in that city is still standing.
Charles W. Curtis traces his ancestry back to English, Scotch, Irish
and German derivation. His maternal grandfather, Captain Henry
House, was born at St. John's, New Brunswick, Canada. He finally
removed to Ontario and became a captain in the English army. He
commanded his company in the battle of Lundy's Lane. After the
war he became a successful farmer near St. Thomas, Ontario, where he
passed the residue of his life and where he served as captain in the
company of militia. His father, Abraham House, was Holland Dutch
and came to New York with his father. General John House, who was
well known as an Indian fighter and who was killed by the Indians,
after which, Abraham, who was captain in his father's company dur-
ing some of the battles, went to St. John's, New Brunswick. The wife
of Abraham House was Mrs. Biirnett, a Scotch lady, and they had
seven sons and six daughters, all born in St. John's, Henry House be-
ing the eldest. After the War of 1812 Henry House did not take part
in any more battles, but his father and brothers fought the French and
Indian war in Canada. The wife of Henry House was Sarah Bacon,
a daughter of Nathaniel Bacon. She was bom and raised at Old
Niagara, Canada, and was one of the first women to enter the medical
profession. She was graduated in a medical college in the city of To-
ronto, and was for a long period engaged in the practice of her pro-
fession in the city of St. Thomas. Ontario. She was a gracious mem-
ber of the Society of Friends. Her father was born in New Jersey
and her grandfather was born and raised in Massachusetts. Her great-
gra,ndfather, Nathaniel Bacon, was lieutenant-governor of Boston,
Massachusetts, under the crown. He was born in England and was a
son of Colonel Nathaniel Bacon of Virginia, who was sent by the
English governor into Virginia to assist in fighting the Indians. He
served as lieutenant governor of the Old Dominion in the Colonial
epoch and was a citizen of much influence in that historical section
of our great republic. He was leader of the people during the Bacon
rebellion of 1676. Jamestown was burned then and in the same year
Lieutenant Governor Bacon died. One hundred years later, in 1776,
1380 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
George Washington took up the cause where Bacon had left it at his
death. Governor Bacon was a grandson of Francis, Lord Bacon, of
England. The wife of Governor Bacon was Anna Cobb, sister of Henry
Cobb, author of Cobb's Spelling Book, and their father, Andrew Cobb,
was the author of an unabridged dictionary.
Charles "W. Curtis, whose name initiates this sketch, was a lad of
about six years at the time of the family removal to Chippewa county,
and here he was reared to maturity in the conditions and influence of
the pioneer days. He recalls with pleasure that he attended school in
a diminutive school-house in which he had as his instructor the Rev.
Thomas R. Easterday, a sketch of whose career appears on other
pages of this work. He assisted in the work of the home farm and
also was employed for sometime in connection with the construction of
locks at Sault Ste. Marie and finally he turned his attention to ship
and house carpentry, e\^entually becoming a successful contractor and
builder. In 1880 Mr. Curtis removed to Brimley, where he has since
given his attention to the lumber business, in which his operations
have been conducted on an extensive scale, entailing employment of
hundreds of men in his various camps. He was actively identified with
this line of business until 1906, when he severed his connections with
the lumbering operations to a large extent, and he has since given his
attention to the management of his large real estate interests. He is a
Republican in politics and is affiliated with the lodge of the Benevolent
& Protective Order of Elks in Sault Ste. Marie. His children are :
C. W. Curtis, Emma, George A., Amanda, all unmarried; Phoebe, Mrs.
Burr Hursley, who has one son and two daughters, namely : Burr,
Emma, Nellie; John H. Curtis, widower, has one son, Lewis B. Curtis,
and one grandson, Gordon Curtis, the son of Lewis B.
Frank G. Jenks.— The able and popular county clerk of Marquette
county has here maintained his home since 1900 and he is also repre-
sentative of the First ward as a member of the board of aldermen of
the city of Marquette.
Mr. Jenks was born in the city of Los Angeles, California, on the
15th of February, 1872, and is a son of Lawrence S. and Elizabeth
(Cotton) Jenks, the former of whom was born in Michigan in 1842 and
the latter in the same state. The father died in California, in 1902,
and the mother now resides in Silverton, Colorado. Of the five children
four are living and the subject of this sketch is the youngest. The
father was actively identified with mining interests in California for a
number of years.
Frank G. Jenks is indebted to the public schools for his early educa-
tional training, which included a course in tlie high school in the city
of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he also attended a business college.
He served as a private, second sergeant and regimental engineer dur-
ing the Spanish-American war in the Thirty-second Michigan Regi-
ment, Company G, previous to which he served two enlistments in the
Michigan National Guard. He learned the business of civil engineer-
ing and in connection with the same devoted his attention to field work
being employed by the C. & N. W. & D. L. & N. Railways with head-
quarters at Grand Rapids, Michigan, until 1900, in which year he es-
tablished his residence in Marquette, where he was employed by the
Marquette & South Eastern Railway Company until 1903, when he was
appointed resident engineer during the construction of this road from
Marquette south, a position of which he continued incumbent until ]\Iay
1, 1907, when he was appointed to his present office of county clerk of
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1381
Marquette county and was elected to this office in 1908 and 1910. He
has served since 1905 as a member of the board of aldermen of Mar-
quette city and has proved an able representative of municipal inter-
ests. He is Republican in his political allegiance, is affiliated with
Marquette Lodge No. 101, Free and Accepted Masons; Marquette Chap-
ter No. 43, Royal Arch Masons, of which he has been high priest ; Mar-
quette Council No. 32, Royal & Select Masters; Lake Superior Com-
mandery No. 30, Knights Templars being eminent commander at the
time of this writing ; Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ; and Marquette Lodge No. 405, Benevolent
& Protective Order of Elks, besides which he is identified with other
fraternal and social organizations.
On the 10th of December, 1903, Mr. Jenks was united in marriage
to Miss Edith Ward, who was born in White River Junction, Vermont,
and who is a daughter of Arthur Ward, now a resident of Munising,
Mich. Mr. and ]\Irs. Jenks have one son, Arthur Ward Jenks, who was
bom on the 18th of November, 1904.
David W. Murray.— Judge Murray, who is now incumbent of the
office of judge of probate for Mackinac county is a member of one of
the best known and honored pioneer families of Mackinac Island, which
has represented his home from the time of his birth and he and his
brothers conduct in the city of Mackinac Island and that of St. Ignace
a general merchandise business that was founded by their father nearly
sixty years ago, the same representing one of the oldest business enter-
prises of Mackinac Island.
Judge Murray was born on Mackinac Island on the 6th of April,
1862, and is a son of Dominic and Ann (White) Murray, the former of
whom was born in the village of Newport, county Mayo, Ireland, on the
12th of August, 1820, and the latter was born in Burlington, Vermont.
The father died on the 16th of October, 1902, and the mother still resides
on Mackinac Island, being one of the venerable pioneer women of this
beautiful section of the Upper Peninsula. The marriage of the parents
was solemnized at Waukegan, Illinois, and they became the parents of
eleven children, namely: Patrick W., David W., Winnie, Mary W.,
Thomas, James W., Annie, Bernard, Delia, Edith and Beatrice. Dominic
Murray was reared to maturity in his native land and in 1839, at the age
of nineteen years, he immigrated to America, making the trip on a
small sailing ship and landing in the city of Quebec, whence he afterward
made his way to ]\Iackinac Island. Here he was first employed by
Michael Dousman and he continued to reside on the Island until 1849,
when he joined the hegira of gold seekers, making their way to the new
eldorado in California, where the memorable discovery of gold was
made in that year. He made the trip by way of the Isthmus of Panama
and remained in California three years, at the expiration of which he
returned to the east and located at Waukegan, Illinois, where he was
married and where he engaged in the pork-packing business. He shipped
his products to Mackinac Island and here established a general trading
business, in which he handled the various lines of merchandise de-
manded at that time. This enterprise, which he thus founded in 1850,
has been continued to the present time and he was identified with the same
until his death, since which time the business has been conducted by
his son. Well equipped establishments are now maintained in the
city of Mackinac Island and in St. Ignace, and the two establishments
control a large and representative trade, based upon careful and honor-
able efforts and upon the high reputation long enjoyed by the concern.
1382 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Dominic Murray was numbered among the most honored and influential
citizens of Mackinac county and served as its sheriff for more than
twenty years. During this period the county also included the present
counties of Delta and Menominee and he was incumbent of the shrievalty
at the time when the INIormcns maintained their abode on Beaver Island.
It is a matter of history that this Mormon settlement was a source of
continual trouble to other citizens of the north and as sheriff Mr. Murray
was frequently called to arrest members of the Mormon settlement for
infractions of the law. At the time King J. J. Strang was killed by
Betford, Sheriff Murray arrested the latter and in fact saved him from
the vengeance of the Mormon leaders, this event having occurred in
1856. For more than twenty years Mr. Murray also served as president
of the school board, besides which he Avas called upon to serve in other
local offices of public trust. He was a man of invincible courage and
as sheriff was fearless in the discharge of his duties, in which his life
was often imperiled. His friends fully expected that he would be killed
by the Mormons as he always went alone to make arrests and refused
to take anyone with him. He was a stanch Democrat in his political
proclivities and was a zealous communicant of the Catholic church, as
is also his wife.
David W. Murray, the immediate subject of this sketch, gained his
early educational discipline in the public and parochial schools of
Mackinac Island and as a youth became associated with the flourishing
business enterprise conducted by his father, since whose death he has
been one of the interested principals in conducting the enterprise, in
which he is associated with his brothers, P. W. and J. W. Murray. When
twenty-one years of age Mr. Murray was elected village clerk of Mack-
inac Island. Later he was elected supervisor of township, in which office
he served one term, besides which he has held the offices of city clerk
and city assessor and member of the city council, of which last men-
tioned office he was incumbent for several terms after the incorporation
of Mackinac Island as a city. In 1908 he was elected mayor of Mack-
inac Island and in this position he served one term, giving a progressive
and satisfactory administration of the municipal affairs. In November,
1908, he was elected probate judge of Mackinac county for a term of
four years and of this position he is now the efficient and populai* in-
cumbent. He is a stanch advocate of the principles and policies for which
the Democratic party stands sponsor and has been a leader in its local
councils. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church
and he is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus.
On the 7th of June, 1905, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. IMurray
to Miss Cecilia L. Latus, who was born in the city of Chicago and who is
a daughter of Henry and Catherine Latus, who still reside in the great
western metropolis, where the father was engaged in the mercantile
business and where he is now living retired. Judge and Mrs. Murray
have two children, Latus and Cecilia L.
Michael Hoban. — He whose name introduces this article has passed
his entire life thus far in the "upper country" and has the distiuctioa
of being a native of Mackinac Island, where he was born on the 4th of
May, 1860. He has been prominently identified with the civic and busi-
ness interests of the Northern Peninsvila and now retains his home in
the city of St. Ignace, where he conducts a successful fire insurance
agency and where he is also engaged in the grocery business. He has
been called upon to serve in offices of distinctive public trust and is at
the present time chairman of the board of supervisors of ]\Iackinac
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1383
county. Mr. Hoban is a son of James and Margaret (Chambers) Hoban,
both of whom were born in Ireland and the hitter is now deceased. His
father still resides on Mackinac Island, where he took up his residence
in the '50s. He is now one of the most venerable pioneers of that
picturesque island, where he is held in high esteem. He has been en-
gaged in the livery and real estate business on the Island and has
served in various public offices. Of the eight children, three sons and
three daughters are now living and of the number the subject of this
review was the second in order of birth.
Michael Hoban is indebted to the public schools of Mackinac Island
for his early educational training and his practical business experience
Avas initiated as an employe of the Martell Furnace Company, at St.
Ignace, with which concern he was thus associated for a period of
about five years, at the expiration of which he was elected register of
deeds of Mackinac county, in 1884. He retained this office two years
and in 1886 was appointed county clerk to fill a vacancy. This ap-
pointment was made by Judge Steere, judge of the circuit court to
which Mackinac county belonged, one of the best known and most
honored citizens of the Upper Peninsula, and Mr. Hoban reverts with
particular satisfaction to this evidence of confidence manifested by
the judge. By successive re-elections Mr. Hoban continued in the
office of county clerk until 1896, and his administration was a model
of careful and systematic work. His long retention of this office
shows the estimate placed upon his services by the people of Mackinac
county. About the year 1890 Mr. Hoban engaged in the fire insurance
business in St. Ignace and he has continued to represent a num-
ber of the standard companies, for which he has done a large amount
of successful underwriting. Since 1905 he has also been engaged in
the grocery business, having a well equipped establishment that se-
cures a large and representative patronage. At the present time he
is supervisor of the Second ward, city of St. Ignace, and has the distinc-
tion of being the chairman of the county board of supervisors. He has
been uncompromising in his allegiance to the Democratic party and
both he and his wife are conununicants of the Catholic church.
On the 9th of October, 1891, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Hoban to Miss Catherine Doud, who like himself is a native of Mack-
inac Island and who was the fourth in order of birth of the seven
children born to Stephen and Bridget (McCann) Doud, both of whom
were born in Ireland, and both of whom still reside on Mackinac
Island, where the father is now living virtually retired. Mr. and Mrs.
Hoban have two children,— James and Catherine who reside in St.
Ignace with their parents.
John Lane Buell. — Conspicuous among the men whose achieve-
ments have resulted in the development of the varied resources of the
Upper Peninsula is John Lane Buell, a pioneer explorer of the Menomi-
nee Range and the founder of Quinnesec, where he is a well known and
highly esteemed resident. Possessing rare judgment and discrimina-
tion, thoroughly public-spirited and progressive, he is always a leader
in the establishment of any enterprise with which he becomes associated.
A son of George P. Buell, he was born, October 12, 1835, in Lawrence-
burg, Dearborn county, Indiana, of substantial New England ancestry.
His paternal grandfather, Salmon A. Buell, the son of a Revolu-
tionary soldier, was born and reared in Burlington, Vermont. Subse-
quently following the march of progress, he removed to New York state,
becoming a pioneer settler of Seipio, Cayuga county, where he bought
1384 THE NORTHEEX PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
land and was engaged in tilling the soil until 1820. Again taking up
the line of march in that year, he started westward, going with teams
to Olean, where he embarked on a keel boat and went do^vn the Alle-
ghany and Ohio rivers to ilarietta, Ohio. Going into the country about
seven miles, he bought a tract of land in Lowell, Washington county,
and was there employed in agricultural pursuits the remainder of his
life. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was May Pearson, six
children were bom, as follows : Salmon, Barnum, George P., Amelia,
Priseilla and Almeria.
George P. Buell was born, in 1801, in Scipio, New York, and as a
young man migrated to Dearborn county, Indiana. A history of that
county, published in 1885, says that George P. Buell, in connection with
his brother-in-law, Luther Geer, embarked in the mercantile business at
Lawrenceburg, Indiana, in 1820, and further says that at that time
pork was there selling for one dollar and fifty cents a barrel, while in
New York city it brought from ten dollars to eleven dollars a barrel, and
that Mr. Buell immediately began buying hogs, which he shipped on
impromptu boats via New Orleans to New York. The historian remarks
that it was the first enterprise of the kind in the west, and that for a
niuuber of years Lawrenceburg was the center of the pork trade, of
which it had a monopoly. In 1835 George P. Buell retired from the
mercantile business, and having purchased a farm was engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits until his death, December 31, 1862. The maiden name
of his first wife, the mother of his children, was Ann Lane. She was
born at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a daughter of Hon. Amos and I\Ia.ry
(Foote) Lane.
Born and reared in New York state, Amos Lane migrated to the
territory of Indiana in 1808. He was a man of ability, well educated,
and soon applied for admission to the bar, but was refused on account,
it was said, of his friendship for Thomas Jefilerson. Crossing the river
into Kentucky, he was there admitted to the bar, and subsequently be-
gan the practice of his profession. Returning to Lawrenceburg in 1814,
he was then admitted to the Indiana bar, and became very successful as a
lawyer. He was prominent in public affairs, being a member of the
fii-st state legislature and its speaker, and subsequently being elected to
congress, both in 1832 and in 1834. He passed to the life beyond Sep-
tember 2, 1849, aged seventy-one years. Among the children that he
reared was General James Lane, of Kansas.
George P. and Ann (Lane) Buell reared the following children,
namely: Salmon A., a venerable man of eighty-five years, resides in
Minneapolis ; George P., who died in 1883 at Nashville, Tennessee, served
in the Civil war as lieutenant colonel of the Fifty-eighth Indiana Vol-
unteer Infantry, and at the close of the war was commissioned colonel
of the Fifteenth Regiment, Regular Army, and breveted brigadier gen-
eral ; John Lane, the special subject of this sketch ; Joana ; Ann, a nun,
belonging to the Sisters of Providence, of Indiana, and known as Sister
Cecilia; and Julius, who entered the army as lieutenant of the Colorado
Rangers, died from the effects of wounds received in an engagement at
Fort Union.
Having completed his early studies in the public schools of Law-
renceburg, Indiana, John Lane Buell took a scientific course at the
Norwich Military Institute in Norwich, Vermont, which he attended two
years. Going to Kansas in the fall of 1857, he spent a year in Leaven-
worth, and on October 20, 1858, was one of a small band of venturesome
youths that started overland for Colorado, being the first to make the
trip from that place. On December 20, 1858, after a tedious journey
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1385
of two months, the company arrived at Cherry Creek, the site of the
present beautiful city of Denver. There were no buildings there, but
in what is now West Denver but then called Auraria, there were two
buildings, one of which was occupied by Dick Whooten, an Indian
trader. The company finally settled on the Platte river, six miles above
the present site of Denver, and soon conceived the project of platting
the city of Denver. Having been so unfortunate as to freeze his feet.
Mi-. Buell was unable to attend the meeting of the projectors, and thus
lost his interest in the town site. In 1859, however, he surveyed and
platted the present city of Boulder, and in the winter of 1859 and 1860
worked at Central City, Colorado. Visiting the present site of Leadville
in the spring of 1860, he was there engaged in mining for six months.
In the fall of 1860, with thirty-four companions, he went by way of
Puebla Taos to the valley of the Rio Grande, thence down the valley to
Mesilla, New Mexico, and from there to the Pine Altos mines, where he
was employed a few months. In the spring of 1861 Mr. Buell started
for the Gulf of Mexico, going via El Paso and San Antonio to Fort
Davis.
By this time Texas had seceded, and General Twiggs had surren-
dered the federal troops. Traveling by night in order to escape, Mr.
Buell finally reached the Gulf and secured passage on a vessel used in
transporting paroled soldiers, and on May 2, 1861, landed in New York.
He immediately entered the commissary department as clerk, and in
August, 1861, was appointed second lieutenant in the Fourth United
States Infantry and for a time was stationed at Fort Columbus, New
York Harbor. Subsequently given charge of the North Carolina pris-
oners, he took them to Fort Warren, Boston Harbor, where he was also
given charge of the state prisoners of Maryland, having the care of
Mason and Slidell while they were at the fort, and when they were re-
leased, placing them aboard the British man-of-war. Mr. Buell re-
mained at Fort Warren three months, and then went to Washington,
where he was soon appointed regimental quartermaster and commissary.
During McClellan's advance, he had charge of the baggage and supply
train of the Third Brigade. After reaching Harrison's Landing he
joined his command and took part in the second battle at Bull Run, and
at Antietam had charge of the second company of skirmishers which
carried the stone bridge across the creek on September 16, 1862, and the
following day Mr. Buell had command of the two companies on the
right of the line of eight companies that were sent across Antietam
creek to cover batteries operating in support of General Burnside, who
was making a desperate charge on the left wing of McClellan's army.
The officer in charge of the land skirmishers made the fatal mistake of
marching them up to within one hundred yards of the rebel breast-
works on the Sharpsburg pike, and before the error could be corrected
he had lost thirteen of his twenty-seven men forming the company on
the right, they being on elevated ground and exposed to the rebel fire.
His father being ill and imploring him to come home and take
charge of his business affairs, J\lr. Buell resigned from the army after
the battle of Antietam and returned to Lawrenceburg, Indiana. He
subsequently served as aide-de-camp to General John Love, who, in
command of the Indiana militia, operated against the forces of John
Morgan, the daring rebel raider. Entering Harvard College in 1863,
I\Ir. Buell studied law for six months and then retui-ned to Lawrence-
burg, where he was engaged in farming until August, 1866.
At that time, on account of ill health. Mr. Buell decided to try an
entire change of climate. He came to Menominee, Michigan, and in
1386 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
1867 put the machinery into the Jones mill on the Bay shore, and for
two years operated the mill, in the meantime carrying on general farm-
ing, publishing the Menimonee Journal, and as opportunity occurred,
practicing law.
In 1871 ^h\ Buell paid his first visit to the section known as the
Menominee Range, and on his second visit, in IMay, 1873, commenced
exploring and laid bare the first merchantable iron ore ever discovered
on the range, finding it in the southeast quarter of section thirty-four,
township forty north, range thirty, and naming it the Quinnesec Mine.
The same year ]Mr. Buell took up a homestead claim in the northeast
quarter of the northeast ciuarter of section three, township thirty-nine
north, range thirty, and in 1876 he platted the Adllage of Quinnesec,
which was the terminus of the railway from 1877 until 1880.
Since coming to the Upper Peninsula Mr. Buell has been deeply in-
terested in everything pertaining to its development and advancement,
and has been both prominent and influential in public affairs. Elected
to the state legislature in 1872, he became an active member of that
body, and had the distinction of introducing the first ten-hour labor bill
ever submitted to the legislature. He also introduced the first log lien
bill, wliich was substituted by a senate bill, and likewise introduced a
bill for the construction of the Marquette and Mackinaw Railroad, but
it was defeated on account of the prejudice against land grants. He
made arrangements with the railway company for the first excursion of
the legislators and state officers to the Upper Peninsula. In 1876 Mr.
Buell built the first wagon road made between Twin Falls and "New
York Farm," and superintended the construction of the iron bridges at
Twin Falls and at Iron Mountain.
On December 31, 1863, Mr. Buell married Ruth B. Ludlow, who was
born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a daughter of Stephen Ludlow. Her
grandfather, John Ludlow, came to the Northwestern Territory in 1810,
locating in what was afterwards Hamilton county, and served as the
first sheriff of that county. Stephen Ludlow was born May 5, 1790, in
Morris county, New Jereey, and was subsequently a pioneer settler of
Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits
for many years. In 1820 he was one of the commissioners appointed by
the legislature to select four sections of land granted by the LTnited
States as a site for the capital. The commission met in June, 1820, and
chose the present site at Indianapolis. At the age of seventy years.
Mr. Ludlow accepted the position of assistant United States surveyor,
and was active in the work for several years. He spent his last days in
Lawrenceburg, dying at a venerable age. He married Ann Porter, a
daughter of John Porter. Mr. Buell was made a ]\Iason at Lawrence-
burg, Indiana, October 16, 1856, and is now a member of Norway Lodge,
No. 753, F. & A. M.
Frank J. Eaton. — One of the popular and progressive business
men of the LTpper Peninsula is Frank J. Eaton, who is general super-
intendent of the three well eciuipped sole leather plants of the Ameri-
can Hide and Leather Company, and who is also vice-president of the
Peoples' State Bank of Munising. which city with its fine harbor and
thriving industries, is one of the important municipalities of northern
Michigan.
Mr. Eaton was born in the city of IMilwaukee, "Wisconsin, on the
25th of June, 1878, and is a son of Barney A. and Catherine (Queu-
tin) Eaton, the former of whom was born in jNIilwaukee county, ^Yis-
consin, and the latter in Germany. They now reside at Cudahy, a
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1387
thriving industrial town of Wisconsin, and the father is one of its
most honored and influential citizens, being at the present time mayor
of his home city and an ex-member of the state senate. He has been
an influential factor in public affairs in Wisconsin for many years
and has served as a member of its legislature for more than a decade.
He is a stanch Republican in his political proclivities and is identified
with various fraternal and civic organizations of a representative
character. Of the six children five are now living and the subject of
this sketch is the eldest child. Mr. Eaton, Sr., is engaged in the real
estate business and is also the owner of fine farming properties in his
home county.
Frank J. Eaton is indebted to the public schools of the city of
Milwaukee for his early educational training, which included a course
in the high school, and he then entered the University of Wisconsin,
in the city of Madison, from which fine institution he was graduated
as a member of the class of 1904, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
After leaving the University he assumed the position of chemist for
the Pfister & Vogel Leather Company, of Milwaukee, and there gained
practical experience in the tanning of sole and harness leathers. He
was finally made assistant superintendent of the plant and held this
position until 1907, when he went to Manistee, Michigan, and became
general superintendent of the plant of the American Hide & Leather
Company. This incumbency he retained until April, 1909, when he
took up his residence in Munising, where he assumed the general
superintendence of the local plant of the Munising Leather Company,
besides which he has charge of the plants at Manistee, this state, and
Merrill, Wisconsin. The concern with which he is thus identified rep-
resents one of the important industrial enterprises of the Upper Penin-
sula and he is known as a capable executive and as a broad-minded
and progressive business man. In 1910 he became one of the organizers
of the Peoples' State Bank of Munising and he has been vice president
of the same from the time of its organization.
In polities Mr. Eaton is found aligned as a stalwart supporter of the
cause of the Republican party and in the time-honored Masonic fra-
ternity he has attained to the thirty-second degree of the Ancient Ac-
cepted Scottish Rite, in which his affiliation is with the Wisconsin
Sovereign Consistory, the Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, in the
city of Milwaukee. There also he is identified with Tripoli Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the ]\Iystic Shrine, and in the
York Rite of the fraternity his affiliations are still retained in the city
of Milwaukee, where he holds membership in Damascus Lodge, No. 290,
Free & Accepted Masons; Calumet Chapter, No. 73, Royal Arch Ma-
sons; Wisconsin Council, No. 1, Royal & Select Masters; and Ivanhoe
Commandery, No. 24, Knights Templar. He is also identified with the
Alpha Chi Sigma College fraternity and his religious faith is that of
the Presbyterian church. Mr. Eaton is a bachelor.
Carey W. Dunton.— Established in the successful practice of his
profession in the city of Manistique, Schoolcraft county, Mr. Dunton
merits recognition in this work by reason of the fact that he not only
holds prestige as one of the representative members of the bar of the
Upper Peninsula of his native state but is also a citizen who stands
for conservatism in both business and civic matters, and maintains the
confidence of his fellow citizens by the safe and sane ideas of which
he is the embodiment.
Mr. Dunton was born at Mattawan, Van Buren county, Michigan,
1388 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
a village located twelve miles southwest of the city of Kalamazoo, on
the 25th of June, 1862, and is a son of Rev. Alfred A. and Margaret
(Cummins) Dunton, both of whom were representatives of families
early founded in ^Michigan, the original representatives of the Dunton
family having settled at Goguae Prairie, Calhoun county, this state,
in 1836, about one year prior to the admission of Michigan to the
Union. Rev. Alfred A. Dunton was a clergyman of the Methodist
Episcopal church and long years of faithful effort in the ministrj-
are to be recorded in connection with his active career. He passed
the closing years of his life at Battle Creek, Michigan, and his wife
died at Hillsdale, Michigan.
Carey AY. Dunton is indebted to the public schools of the lower
peninsula of Michigan for his early educational discipline, which was
supplemented by a thorough course in Hillsdale College, at Hillsdale,
this state, in which institution he was graduated as a member of the
class of 1885 and from which he received his degree of Bachelor of
Arts. He then began the study of laAV under the preceptorship of an
able member of the bar of Hillsdale, and in 1887 he was duly ad-
mitted to practice, upon examination before the circuit court. In the
same year he initiated the work of his chosen profession at Sault Ste.
Marie, ]\Iichigan. where he remained three years, at the expiration
of which he removed to ]\Ianistique, where he has followed the work
of his chosen vocation during the long intervening period of twenty
years. Thus his entire professional career has been identified with the
Upper Peninsula, and his precedence as an advocate and counselor of
marked ability represents the direct result of his close application,
careful and discriminating labors and strong technical ability. He
is known as a specially versatile and resourceful trial lawyer and has
been identified with most of the important litigation in the courts of
Schoolcraft and adjacent counties within the past two decades. He
served a nvimber of years as prosecuting attorney of Schoolcraft county
and at various times and for varying intervals he has been city attorney
of ]\Ianistique. He has shown a lively interest in all that has touched
the material and civic welfare and progress of his home city and
county and for twenty years he has served as a member of the board of
school examiners for the county. His practice is now largely confined
to corporation work, and hf is retained as attorney and counsel by the
majority of the leading industrial and business concerns in Schoolcraft
county. In politics 'Mr. Dunton is aligned as a stalwart in the camp
of the Republican party, and he has given effective service in behalf
of its cause.
On the 11th of October, 1893, Mr. Dunton was united in marriage
to IMiss Edith C. Bennett, who was born at Lapeer, ^ilichigan, and who
is a daughter of Daniel AY. Bennett.
James Pbyoe. — For over half a century- James Pryor has been promi-
nently identified with the affairs of Houghton and of Houghton county,
his residence beginning here in 1852. Now practically retired, he can
look back over an active and successful career both as a contractor and
as a factor in the mining and other business. He is a man of property
and has reared a large family of children to good citizenship. Mr. Pryor
was born October 4, 1833, in Devonshire, England, and is the twelfth
of fourteen children born to Joseph and Elizabeth Pryor. The father
was a mine agent in his native country and when he came to America
in 1852 he located with his family in the copper mining district of Lake
Superior. They took up their residence at Eagle River, Keweenaw
county, and six years later the father died in Houghton.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1389
James Pi-yor attended the English schools until his sixteenth year.
He then worked in mines in that country until 1852, the date of the
family's exodus to America. He speedily secured employment as a
miner and was advanced in course of time to be captain of the Albion
mine. In 1853 he removed to Portage Lake and assisted in locating the
new Albion mine at Houghton. He interrupted his career as a wage
earner to attend the Gregory Commercial College at Detroit from which
he was graduated in 1854, and the following year returned to England
where he was married. Mr. Pryor returned to America again in 1857
and resumed his connection with mining affairs in Houghton county.
In 1859 he was appointed captain of the Columbian mine and after serv-
ing for one year in this capacity he took charge of the Boston mine near
Eagle River, Keweenaw county. He was also engaged in the mercantile
business at Eagle Harbor until the fall of 1868, following which he spent
two years as surface superintendent of the Franklin Mining Company
in Houghton county.
In the spring of 1870 Mr. Pryor chose to change his occupation and
for the following three years was engaged by the Portage Lake & Lake
Superior Ship Canal Company as chief bookkeeper and cashier, holding
the position until the completion of the canal, when he assumed charge
of the company's business as superintendent. At the same time he
served as secretary and treasurer of the Portage Lake & River Improve-
ment Company, continuing in these dual capacities until 1892, when the
canals were sold to the United States government. From 1892 until his
retirement Mr. Pryor was general contractor for the construction of
public works and river and harbor improvements at Houghton and on
the Geat Lakes and completed a number of important government con-
tracts at Sandusky and Lorain, Ohio, and at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
He also for a number of years conducted a lumber business under the
firm name of James Pryor & Son. which is now given wholly over to
the management of the son, John C. Pryor. He is also president of the
Houghton Lumber Company of Houghton.
James Pryor has always taken a sincere and intelligent interest in
all matters pertaining to the general welfare. Although not an office
seeker, he is a warm partisan and gives his allegiance to the Republican
party. He has held the office of township clerk and school inspector and
was the first superintendent of schools in Keweenaw county, evidencing
ability in these several capacities. He belongs to the Methodist Episco-
pal church at Houghton, having helped in the establishment of the
church in 1853, soon after his arrival in America. Mr. Piyor took a
prominent part in the golden jubilee celebration of Grace IMethodist
Episcopal church in 1909, and at the banquet of the occasion gave an
"Historical Sketch and Reminiscences." He was one of the earliest
members of Mesnard Lodge, No. 79, I. 0. 0. F., and has filled all its
offices.
In 1855 Mr. Pryor was married in England to Emily Warne, who
died in 1863, leaving three children: Joseph F. is a dredge engineer;
Charles H., deceased, was manager of his father's planing mill; and
James R. is a machinist and engineer. Mr. Pryor was again married in
England, July 6, 1865, the lady to become his wife being Isabella J.
Chappell. To this union four sons were born : Edwin J., a mechanical
engineer, died July 7, 1899, at the age of thirty-three years; Reginald
C. is a civil and mining engineer; William T., an architect, died in 1899,
at the age of twenty-nine years; and John C, manager of the lumber
business of James Pryor & Son and the Houghton Lumber Company, of
1390 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
which his father is president, and R. C. and John C. the principal stock-
holders. The second Mrs. Prj'or died in August, 1875, and May 1, 1877,
Mr. Prj'or married ^Nlary Jane Gale, by whom he has six children :
Blanche E. L. ; Alfred Tennyson ; Estelle Belle ; Francis Courtney Gale ;
Ethel Jane; and Clarence Edwards. Except Blanche, who is married
to IMr. Ward B. Smith, this last family of children are all at home, the
youngest being in his twenty-first year.
After a long and vigorous life, i\Ir. Pryor is now living retired in
good health, at the age of seventy-seven years, surrounded by all the
comforts and luxuries that a well regulated life usually produces.
William Chandler.— The name of Hon. William Chandler is one
which bears great weight in Sault Ste. IMarie, which for more than
thirty years has been the scene of the activities of this brilliant and
versatile man. In his earlier capacity as an editor and journalist he
would alone have achieved distinction and he has been potently instru-
mental in the improvement and general development of lake naviga-
tion, the famous "Inland Route" between Cheboygan and Petoskey
being his idea. He is one of the chief promoters of the projected St.
Ignace and Sault Ste. ]\Iarie Railroad and president of the company
which fathers it. As a legislator he has advanced and carried to suc-
cess measures of incalculable good to the people which have been hailed
with gratification throughout the state. He has been endowed with
rare executive ability and as one biographer puts it, "There have been
few business entei-prises, especially those of a public nature, in Sault
Ste. Marie during Mr. Chandler's residence there, that do not bear
the impress of his efforts, advice and counsel, and it is through these
that he will be longest remembered."
William Chandler was born in Raisin, Lenawee county, April 27,
1846. He is of that Quaker stock which has played an excellent part
in the history of America, his father, Thomas Chandler, being of the
Hicksites, who seceded from the main Quaker body in 1827. He was an
abolitionist and his kindly heart and love of justice led him to become
an active agent in the "underground railway," by which many slaves
escaped to freedom. Young Chandler, like the typical American citi-
zen, spent his younger days upon the farm, learning the many lessons
of life near to nature's heart. His education was acquired in the
Raisin Valley Seminary, a Quaker school situated not far from his
home. In 1862 he went to Indianapolis to learn a trade, which step,
in a roundabout way, resulted in his becoming a newspaper man. Be-
fore he had served out his apprenticeship he found himself in the
wholesale paper business. This brought him into contact with various
representatives of the "fourth estate" and his twenty-fourth year
found him publishing a Republican newspaper in Muncie, Indiana.
In 1872, two years later, he returned to his native state to become
editor of the newly established Adri<in Press, and when the paper be-
came Democratic he joined the Adrian Times and remained with that
paper until 1875, when he established the Cheboygan Tribune. In
1875-6 he began the work of improving navigation of the inland lakes
between Cheboygan and Petoskey at the head of Crooked Lake, and to
his efforts is largely due the fact that Sault Ste. jNIarie is one of the
best lighted cities in the United States, its electric light company hav-
ing been one of the eai-liest established in the country. In 1877 Gov-
ernor Crosswell appointed him collector of tolls of the St. Mary's
Falls Ship Canal, and when, in 1881, the canal passed into govern-
ment control he became superintendent and remained in this capacity
. THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1391
until 1885, when he resigned to give more attention to his business
enterprises. Among these was the captaincy of the Sault Ste. Marie
Neivs, which he had established in 1878. In 1892 the Chandler-Dunbar
Water Power Company was organized by him and he is at present its
manager.
Mr. Chandler has been a life-long Republican and a man of deep
political convictions. He enjoyed the confidence of the people and was
thoroughly in touch with the issues of the day. He had for some time
been looked upon as good political timber, but it was not until 1898
that he consented to his nomination for the legislature. During his
membership in the lower house he made a reputation as a legislator
and it is not remarkable that he was given charge of two of the most
important pieces of legislation of the session. The "Chandler Medical
Bill," aimed at clandestine medical practice, became a law in spite
of the vigorous opposition which was waged against it. Likewise im-
portant was the passage of the state tax commission law, pledging
equal taxation, which was due to his adroit management.
Mr. Chandler's far-sightedness in a business way led him to pur-
chase fi'om the United States in 1883, a strip of land adjacent to the
rapids or sault, in St. Mary 's river. The price charged by the govern-
ment was only a few dollars. The patent bears date of December, 1883,
and is in ordinary form. Afterwards the property so acquired was
turned over to the Chandler-Dunbar Water Power Company, of which
Mr. Chandler is president. This company has a plant for generating
power and electric energy in the rapids in front of that part of the
shore which the government had patented to Mr. Chandler. When
the rival water power company, promoted by F. H. Clerge, and known
as the Michigan-Lake Superior Power Company, established itself in
the Soo it sought to extinguish Mr. Chandler's company, and to that
end borrowed the name of the United States for the purposes of bring-
ing suit to oust ]\Ir. Chandler and his company from the rapids and
to deprive them of all rights therein as well as from the clearly pat-
ented shore property. The Clerge Company having indemnified the
United States for the use of its name, brought suit in the United
States circuit court to cancel the Chandler patent. The litigation
which followed was long, vexatious and expensive, but the circuit court
decided in Mr. Chandler's favor.
The government removed the case for review to the United States
circuit court of appeals, which also sustained Mr. Chandler's con-
tention (see 152 Federal Reporter, page 25). The government then
appealed to the United States supreme court which in April, 1908,
also sustained every contention of Mr. Chandler, holding his patent
not only good for the lands described in it on the shore of the rapids,
but that it also embraced Islands Nos. 1 and 2 in front of the patented
property and also the lands under the rapids in front of that part
of the shore to the "thread of the stream," which really meant the
national boundary line, (See for final decision of this great case, 209
United States Supreme Court Decisions, page 447), which is perhaps
more important as an interesting bit of Soo history than as a legal
document, expounding any new principle in legal lore.
For years before ]\Ir. Chandler's purchase of the rights along the
shore and under the rapids, any person, even though without any con-
siderable means, might have acquired them, but nobody but j\Ir. Chan-
dler saw their future value, which it is now conceded reaches into the
millions. Since the decision of the Supreme court above referred to,
important congressional measures have been taken to acquire most
Vol. ni— 21
1392 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN .
of these rights by condemnation, which proceedings are now pending.
Mr. Chandler made a free gift to the government of such of his
shore land at the rapids as it wanted for the purpose of widening the
ship canal above the locks in 1909 and 1910 and has always stood
ready to help along any public improvement. His present to the
government would have cost many thousand dollars if he had not
made a free gift of it.
Mr. Chandler is interested in the various philanthropical insti-
tutions of his city. He was the founder and is still the principal
financial supporter of the Sault Ste. Marie Hospital.
In 1886 he was united in marriage to Miss Cata Oren, daughter of
Charles and Sarah Oren, formerly of Clinton county, Ohio. Thej^ have
one child, a son, named Thomas. A daughter named Paulina is de-
ceased, her death occurring in Silver City, New Mexico, in May, 1909.
Mr. and Mrs. Chandler spent the winter of 1909-10 in San Juan, Porto
Rico, which Mr. Chandler believes to be one of the most beautiful
sections the sun shines on. He took the opportunity to make a thor-
ough stud.y of the new American acquisition. He considers its public
school system an admirable one, its citizens of the better class unusually
intelligent, and its natural products abundant and of high quality.
Although the Porto Rico politician is endeavoring to bring about self-
government, Mr. Chandler believes that the time is not yet ripe to
grant it. "About six years ago," to quote from a newspaper inter-
view granted by Mr. Chandler, "the provincial legislature gave self-
government to municipalities and the first move the officers made after
their election was to appropriate the entire income from the taxes to
pay their salaries, leaving nothing for public improvements and run-
ning expenses. The legislature changed this later by providing that
not to exceed fifty per cent of the tax money could be appropriated
for salaries and that the balance must be used to improve the towns
and to pay the necessary expenses. ' '
Frank X. Kaiser. — A man of sterling worth and integrity, Frank
X. Kaiser, of Eagle River has served the public in positions of im-
portance, and invariably to the satisfaction of all concerned, for the
past ten years, having been clerk and register of deeds. A native of
Michigan, he was born February 20, 1876, at Lake Linden, Houghton
county, where his father, John Kaiser, was an early settler.
John Kaiser was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, where he was
bred and educated. As soon as old enough he joined the Swiss army,
serving in the cavalry. When twenty years old, having been honor-
ably discharged from the army, he emigrated to the United States,
making his first stop in Detroit, where he was porter at the Russell
House for a year. Coming then to the Northern Peninsula, he was
for awhile engineer at the Minnesota Mine in Rockland, after which
he was employed in the stamp mill at Lake Linden until 1887. Re-
moving then to AUouez, Keweenaw county, he resided there until his
death, in January, 1904, when he was accidentally killed on the rail-
road. He married Theresa Kaiser, who, though bearing the same
family name, was not related to him. She died in 1880, leaving six
children, Henrietta, John, Charles, ]\Iary, Anna, and Frank X.
During his youthful days Frank X. Kaiser laid a substantial foun-
dation for his future education in the public schools of Lake Linden
and Allouez, and at the age of seventeen years began working at the
Rock Hov^se, continuing there a year. Going then to Ypsilanti, he
entered Cleary's Business College, and having there completed the
THE NORTHERxN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1393
course of study was for awhile thereafter bookkeeper in a meat market
at Allouez. Entering then the employ of Col. Peterman, he was assist-
ant bookkeeper until 1900, when he was elected county treasurer, a
position to wliich he was re-elected in 1902. In 1904 Mr. Kaiser was
elected county clerk and register of deeds, and has held the office by
re-election ever since.
Mr. Kaiser married, June 7, 1905, Ida May Bennett, who was born
in Keweenaw county, Michigan. Her father, Thomas Bennett and
her grandfather, Noah Bennett, natives of Cornwall, England, were
early settlers of Keweenaw county, where they were first engaged in
mining, afterwards being similarly employed in Opechee, Houghton
county. Thomas Bennett was but ten years old when he came with
his parents to the Upper Peninsula. For many years he has been in
the government employ, having first been assistant light keeper on
Manitou Island, afterwards being light keeper at Eagle River until
the light was discontinued in 1909, at the present time being light
keeper at Manitou Island. The maiden name of the wife of Mr. Ben-
nett was Ida Rohrig. She was born at Eagle Harbor, Keweenaw
county, where her parents, Andrew and Margaret (Hoffenbecker)
Rohrig, natives of Germany, were pioneer settlers, and where they are
still living. They reared six children, Ida May, Rebecca, Thomas W.,
Noah, William R., and Ethel C. Mr. and Mrs. Kaiser are the parents
of two children, John D. and Virginia. In his political affiliations
Mr. Kaiser has always been a stanch Republican. Fraternally he be-
longs to Calumet Lodge, No. 404, B. P. 0. E.
Frank Hepting. — A valued and highly respected resident of Phoenix,
Frank Hepting is numbered among the successful agriculturists of
Keweenaw county, and is widely known as an upright, honest man, and
a worthy representative of those citizens who came here from a foreign
country, and through their earnest efforts have acquired a competency.
He was born, January 28, 1838, in Baden, Germany, where his father,
Philip Hepting, a noted horticulturist, spent his entire life.
At the age of fourteen years, having previously attended school very
regularly, Frank Hepting began learning the trade of a clock maker,
at which he spent an apprenticeship for five years. His health becoming
impaired, he gave up his trade at the advice of his physician, and sought
out-of-door employment. He subsequently served six years in the Ger-
man Army, after which he worked with his father for sometime, riving
and laying shingles. In 1866, bidding good-bye to the family, none of
whom ever left the Fatherland, Mr. Hepting emigrated to America,
coming directly to Keweenaw county, where he had acquaintances, and
the following four years was employed at the Cliff ]\Iine, in the mill,
afterwards working in the mine two years. He subsequently chopped
wood for a time in the lumber regions. After his marriage, Mr. Hepting
settled on the forty-acre tract of land, in Phoenix, belonging to his
wife, and began his career as an independent farmer. Succeeding well
in his undertakings, he made wise investments of his money as it ac-
cumulated, buying other tracts, until now he has title to a fine farm of
two hundred and twenty acres, a large part of which is cleared, and
under an excellent state of cultivation. This farm is now operated by
Mr. Hepting 's sons, able farmers, all of whom have good homes.
I\Ir. Hepting married ]\Irs. Augusta (Friski) Sebolsky, who was
born in Prussia, on the farm of her father, John Friski. Mr. Friski was
born and reared in Prussia, where he was engaged in agricultural pur-
suits during his early life. His wife died there in early womanhood,
1394 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
leaving four children, Charles, Augusta, Caroline and Bertha. Subse-
quently, in 1847, Mr. Friski emigrated with his children to the United
States, and became a pioneer settler of that part of Houghton county
now inchided within the boundaries of Keweenaw county. The greater
part of the Upper Peninsula was then an unexplored wilderness, and
the mining industry was in its infancy. He worked as a miner for a
time, and then located in Wisconsin. While there the Civil war was
in progress, and he cheerfully offered his services to his adopted coun-
try, enlisting in a Wisconsin regiment, in which he served until the
close of the conflict. Receiving then his honorable discharge from the
army, he returned to the Upper Peninsula, and spent his last years at
Lake Linden, Houghton county, Michigan. Augusta Friski was but a
child when she came to Michigan with her father, and was here brought
up among pioneer scenes. She married for her first husbaud Christian
Sebolsky, a native of Baden, Germany, and one of the early settlers of
Keweenaw county. Mr. Sebolsky died at Eagle River, Michigan, leav-
ing his widow with two children, Louisa Sebolsky and Fred Sebolsky.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hepting, namely : Peter,
Joseph and John.
Louisa Sebolsky married Weibert Kuss, and they have eight chil-
dren, Emma, Sophia, Minnie, Annie, Francis, Bertha, John, and Clar-
ence. Fred Sebolsky married Annie Raeder, and they have three chil-
dren, Frankie, Willie, and Ethel. Peter Hepting, the oldest child of
Mr. and Mrs. Hepting, married Christina Miller, and they are the par-
ents of three children — Ray, Louise and an infant. John Hepting mar-
ried Louisa Steg, and they have an adopted son Ernest. Emma Kuss,
Mrs. Hepting 's oldest granddaughter, married John Miller, and has two
children, Patolia and Clyde. Sophia Kuss, wife of Alexander McDon-
ald, has two children, Ruth and Crescent.
Eli Parsons Royce, a retired business man of Escanaba, was bom
in Clinton, Oneida county. New York, November 29, 1820. His father,
Phinehas Royce, a native of Massachusetts, and of Quaker descent,
married Deborah Parsons, a native of Connecticut, of English de-
scent; her grandfather, Jonathan Parsons, was a minister in New
England at the time of the witchcraft trials, and his Bible was used
to balance on the scales against the witches. This Bible is now in the
possession of the widow" of Henry M. Royce, at Oconto, Wisconsin.
Phinehas Royce and his wife removed to the Western Reserve, where
they spent the remainder of their lives, and both are buried in Ober-
lin, Ohio. Eli P. is the fifth child and fourth son. Emilie, the second
child, married Dr. Dan Bradley and they were missionaries to Siam
and it is said she is the first woman to ever shake hands with the King
of Siam without going on her knees.
The early days of Eli P. Royce were spent in his native county and
he received a good education in the public schools and at an academy.
He was fifteen years of age when his parents removed to Ohio, and
soon after he was employed as assistant to a corps of surveyors located
in the woods three miles west of Oberlin ; they surveyed through the
surrounding country and Mr. Royce became well acquainted in the
woods, being able to go in any direction without the aid of a com-
pass. From Oberlin he removed to Sandusky, Ohio, where he was at
various kinds of work, at one time being employed on a horse railroad
which was built from that city south about twenty miles; he worked
some time in engineering and construction work on this road, and a
year later removed to Adrian, Michigan. Mr. Royce Avorked three
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1395
years on the railroad between Adrian and Hillsdale, and taught school
two winters. He returned to Sandusky, Ohio, and from there took a
steamboat for Chicago, where he was employed in various capacities
for two years ; during this time he became well acquainted with W. B.
Ogden, a very prominent citizen of Chicago, for whom he worked
part of the time. Mr. Royce then went to Michigan City, Indiana,
where he was employed in surveying the shore and building piers.
Returning to Chicago he was married, in June, 1849, by Reverend
J. B. Walker, to Sarah J. Barras, a descendant of Colonel Barras,
who served under Napoleon. She was born in the state of New York.
From Chicago Mr. Royce removed to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where
he was employed in surveying and exploring in all directions, for
lumbermen and others. He headed an exploring party which was
prospecting for a railroad to be built west to the Wisconsin river,
being appointed to this position by Judge Howe. The party was first
carried by a team sent by Mr. Tank, a prominent man of that day, and
after reaching the Indian settlement at Oneida they sent the team
back and took their way with their outfit on foot. At night they lay
on the ground covered by a small cloth tent, and as it snowed all
night and all the next day the woods were almost impassable. The
temperature was thirty degrees below zero, and finding an Indian
camp near, they stopped here a short time. They then proceeded to
the Wolf river, through to a point thirty miles north of Stevens Point,
and on to Stevens Point. Mr. Royce then sent the men home and re-
turned to Green Bay.
In 1855 Mr. Royce came first to Escanaba, and in 1861 he again
came here while looking for a suitable harbor, at the request of Nel-
son Ludington, of Chicago, and David Wells, of Milwaukee, who
intended embarking in the iron business in the Northern Peninsula.
Mr. Royce reported his location at what is now Escanaba, and returned
to his home in Green Bay. He came again to Escanaba in 1862,
returned to his home in Green Bay, and later in the year returned to
Escanaba, where building operations were beguu. His family did not
come to Escanaba until 1864, although he had then been located in
the town about two years. He has been a resident of the city since
1862, and laid out the town originally, under the supervision of Mr.
Ludington and ]Mr. Wells, who instructed him to use his own judg-
ment about the manner in which this work was carried on. He laid
out the original town as it now stands, and had it recorded in 1864.
Many additions have been made since, but Mr. Royce is the oldest
resident of Escanaba, and consequently very well known in the North-
ern Peninsula. He has held the offices of postmaster, judge of pro-
bate, member of the council, mayor, and city engineer. He has always
taken an active part in local affairs, and is one of the representative,
public-spirited citizens of the city. To Mr. Royce is given the credit
for the present beautiful Ludington street which by his foresight was
laid out so wide.
William E. Smith. — Conspicuous among the foremost citizens of
Keweenaw county is William E. Smith, who has long been prominent in
public matters, and is now serving as county judge of probate, his resi-
dence being at Eagle River. Full of enterprise and vim, he is both
progressive and optimistic, and has an abiding faith that the future of
Keweenaw county will be both bright and prosperous. A son of
Michael Smith, he was born, August 13, 1863, at Eagle Harbor, this
county, of Irish ancestry, his paternal grandparents having been life-
long residents of county Waterford, Ireland.
1396 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Born and reared in Lismcre, county Waterford, Ireland, Michael
Smith was educated in his native village. Coming to America in search
of remunerative employment when a young man, he lived two years
in Maiden, Massachusetts, but not entirely pleased with his prospects
in New England he followred the march of civilization westward, coming
to Keweenaw county, Michigan, and locating at Eagle Harbor. The
greater part of the Upper Peninsula was then unexplored, and mining,
which had even then begun in different parts of the state, was con-
ducted in a most primitive way. After working for awhile with pick
and shovel, he opened a small store at Eagle Harbor, and meeting with
success from the start, he gradually added to his stock, building up a
fine trade, which he continued until 1888, when he was succeeded by his
sons, and a nephew. He afterwards lived retired from active business
cares until his death, in 1893. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary
A. Foley, was born in Lismore, Ireland, where her parents spent their
entire lives. She died in 1894, leaving seven children, as follows: John
F., William E., Minnie F., Annie T.. Nellie M., Robert M., and Michael J.
Completing his early education in the public schools of Eagle Har-
bor, William E. Smith began in his youthful days to assist his father
in the store, being employed as a clerk until 1887. Taking an active
part in public matters, he was at that time elected county treasurer of
Keweenaw county, and served in that position two years. He then went
to Ironwood and was in the newspaper business for a time. He re-
turned then to Eagle Harbor, and was again elected to the same office.
Since that time, Mr. Smith has served as clerk and registrar of deeds,
and is now judge of probate. He is also editor of the Keweenaw Miner,
a weekly paper issued in Mohawk, and having a good circulation
throughout this part of the Northern Peninsula.
Mr. Smith married, in 1888, Nellie Carey, who w^as born at Eagle
River, IMichigan, a daughter of Christopher Carey, a native of Ire-
land, who became one of the earlier settlei's of Keweenaw county, which
he subsequently served as sheriff. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents
of six children, namely: M. Clare, Genevieve, W^illard E., Carmen, Ruth
and Helen.
Edward C. Anthony.— Another of the sterling citizens of the Upper
Peninsula to whom must be ascribed much honor for the effective work
done in the social and material upbuilding of this section of the state is
Edward C. Anthony, who is one of the leading citizens of Negaunee,
where he has been called upon to serve in offices of public trust, includ-
ing that of mayor, and he has been a resident of the Upper Peninsula
for more than half a century, so that he is w^ell entitled to consideration
as one of the pioneers of this favored section of the Wolverine state.
Mr. Anthony was born in Devonshire, England, on the 8th of Janu-
ary, 1840, and is a son of Thomas C. Anthony, who was likewise born
in Devonshire, where he conducted a dyeing business until 1873, when
he came to Ajtieriea and took i;p his residence in Ishpeming, where he
lived retired imtil his death. The subject of this review was afforded
the advantages of the schools of his native land and at the age of four-
teen years he entered upon an apprenticeship at the trade of harness-
making, at which he served two years, within which he became a sldlled
wortanan. In 1856, at the age of sixteen years, the young Englislunan
set forth to seek his fortunes in America. He soon made his way to
the Upper Peninsula and located in Marquette, in 1856. For two years
he was employed at farm work and at labor in the lumber woods and
thereafter he assisted in the work of making the survey of the first
railroad constructed in the Upper Peninsula. In this connection he
THE NORTHEExN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1397
served as chain man, and under the leadership of A. M. Palmer, a suc-
cessful civil engineer, he also assisted in exploring for minerals. Later
he was employed as railroad brakeman but in 1861 he subordinated all
other interests to tender his services in defense of the integrity of his
adopted country. In that year he enlisted as a private in Company B,
First Michigan Volunteer Cavalry, for a term of three years or during
the war. He lived up to the full tension of the great conflict between
the north and the south, participating in many of the important en-
gagements marking the progress of the war. His services were prin-
cipally in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania and in May, 1862, at
the second battle of Winchester he was captured by the enemy. He re-
ceived his parole in the following September and rejoined his command
near Alexandria, Virginia. He continued in active service thereafter
until 1864 and took part in all engagements in which his command was
involved, except during the period of his incarceration in the Confed-
erate prison. He was mustered out and received his honorable dis-
charge in the city of Detroit, Michigan, in September, 1864, after three
years of valiant and effective service. He has ever retained a deep
interest in his old comrades in arms and signifies the same by his mem-
bership in the Albert Jackson Post, No. 300, G. A. R., of which he has
served as deputy commander.
After the close of his career as a soldier Mr. Anthony returned to
Marquette and two months later he established his home in Negaunee,
where he established a harness shop which he successfully conducted
until 1899, when he disposed of the business, through his connection
with which he gained a competence. For a time he was also engaged
in the powder business and he also conducted successful operations in
the handling of mining properties and timber lands as a member of the
finn of Taylor & Anthony. His enterprise in the manufacturing of
powder for use in the mnes was initiated in 1879 and was individually
conducted by him until 1890, when the Anthony Powder Company,
Limited, was organized and he became the president of the same, an
office of which he is still incumbent. He is also an interested principal
in the Eseanaba River Land & Iron Company, of which he was presi-
dent and general manager for two years. In politics Mr. Anthony is a
stanch supporter of the principles and policies of the Democratic party
and though the Republican party has long been in the majority in his
city and county he has been called upon to serve in public offices and
his election to the same has thus the more clearly indicated the high
esteem in which he is held in the community. He served four years as
treasurer of Negaunee township and two years as city treasurer. He
was superintendent of the poor for his township for a period of eighteen
years and for ten years was a valued member of the board of education
of his home city. For sis years he was a member of the pension board
and at the present time he is chairman of the board of public works of
Negaunee. In 1890 he was elected mayor of Negaunee and in this im-
portant municipal office he served, with all of efficiency and acceptabil-
ity, for five yeare. He is affiliated with the ^Masonic fraternity, in which
he has attained to the chivalric degrees, being identified with Lake Su-
perior Commandery, No. 30, Knights Templars, at Marquette. He also
holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In the
year 1865 was solemnized the marriage of ]\Ir. Anthony to ]\Iiss Dorothy
Bey, who was born in ]\Iarquette and who is the daughter of the late F.
C. Bey, who was one of the sterling pioneers of that state, whither he
and his wife removed from the state of New York, the place of their
nativity. Mr. and I\Irs. Anthony have three children,— Harriet, Fred-
erick and i\Iay.
1398 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Charles Edwin Lawrence. — The subject of this sketch, being in
the mining business of iron ore, started in this employment thirty
years ago in Cleveland, Ohio. At twenty-two years of age he left the
city of Cleveland, Ohio, to make his future home in the Northern
Peninsula, with the other pioneers in that district, and has helped in this
position his employers in the various capacities. As the business of
mining iron ore has grown largely during this period, ]Mr. Lawrence
has likewise advanced. Starting as an office employe at fifteen years
of age, he has now under his care and supervision twelve hundred men,
working at eight different properties, owned by Piekands, Mather &
Company of Cleveland, Ohio, and he holds the position of general
superintendent of the Menominee Range properties.
During this thirty years of mining experience, he has been con-
nected with the Republic Iron Company, the Cleveland Cliff Iron
Company, the Minnesota Iron Company, and last Piekands, Mather &
Company. The knowledge and experience gained through this long
period has added largely to Piekands, Mather & Company's field of
operations, especially so in Iron county, where four big iron ore bodies
were located and found, being developed from homesteads in that vi-
cinity, and which are now in active production. These properties are
finely equipped with the most improved modem appliances, and espe-
cial care and attention being given to the protection of the workmen,
also to their moral and intellectual benefit. There was erected at the
Baltic mine the first club house in the Upper Peninsula devoted to
employes and their families. This club house has all of the modern
conveniences for rest and recreation of the workmen, being furnished
with tub and shower baths, barber shop, toilet rooms, including bowl-
ing alleys, billiard, pool and card tables, also equipped with a large,
well lighted reading room, supplied with the latest magazines and
periodicals, combined with writing tables, and music supplied by a
pianola and graphophone. This club house is open from one o'clock to
ten o'clock, P. M., seven days of the week, being free to all mining
employes and their families. This club house has been in existence
for three years, and it gives such satisfaction that Piekands, jNIather
& Company are shortly to erect a second club house at the Caspian
mine for like purposes.
Other mining explorations are being continued in the district to
develop and enlarge the company's scope of activity, and all of which
work has been confined in the neighborhood of Amasa and Iron River,
Michigan. The development of these large ore properties Mr. Law-
rence counts as his greatest accomplishment in this business, having
started them as iron ore prospects on homestead ground, and complet-
ing them to a successful and developed producing state.
Politically Mr. Lawrence is a stanch Republican, and while super-
visor at Amasa in Iron County he was influential in bringing the
credit to the county back to a standard of sound financial basis, as its
credit had been discounted during the Democratic times previous to
1896.
While at Amasa he Avas instrumental in building up and establish-
ing a Methodist Episcopal church, free of all debt, being the first in
the commiuiity. IMr. Lawrence is a director in the several mining com-
panies of which he is general superintendent, also he is a director of
the First National Bank of Iron River, Michigan. He is connected
with other mercantile businesses, and he has always taken a lively
interest in school matters of Iron Count}', and has lent his encour-
agement to this line of work.
n^^^
czxjj^ ^^^^c^^y
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1399
Fraternally he is a member of Crystal Falls Lodge, No. 385, F. &
A. M. ; of Crystal Falls Chapter, No. 129, R. A. M. ; of Hugh IMeCurdy
Commandery, No. 43, K. T. ; of DeWitt Clinton Consistory, A. A. S.
R., of Grand Rapids ; and of Ahmed Temple, Mystic Shrine, at Mar-
quette. Religiously he and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal
church.
Charles E. Lawrence was born September 26, 1865, in Cleveland,
Ohio, of English ancestry. His grandfather, William Lawrence, was
born and reared in London, England, also his father and mother.
Brought up in Cleveland, Ohio, Charles E. Lawrence attended the
public schools of that city during his boyhood and youth, in the mean-
time making himself useful in his father's market during the vaca-
tions. At the age of fifteen years he was apprenticed to a butcher to
learn the trade, but an apprenticeship of two weeks sufficed him, and
he returned to the parental roof. Turning his attention then to the
iron industry he began his active career as messenger boy in the office
of the Republic Iron Company, in Cleveland.
Mr. Lawrence was married September 26, 1893, to Eliza Gentry of
Ishpeming, Michigan, and they have one daughter, Dorothy Lawrence.
ROMXJLUS S. BucKLAND, M. D.— Dcvotcd to the practice of his pro-
fession, Romulus S. Buckland, M. D., of Baraga, deserves, and enjoys,
the reputation of being one of the most skillful and successful physicians
of this part of the Upper Peninsula, where he has won a large and lucra-
tive patronage. A native of Illinois, he was born, September 29, 1866,
at Paxton, Ford county, a son of Romulus S. Buckland, Sr. His grand-
father, William Buckland, a native of Pennsylvania, coming from
Scotch-Irish stock, removed from the Keystone state to Albion, New
York, where he bought land, and on the farm which he improved spent
the remainder of his days.
Romulus S. Buckland, Sr., was born at Albion, Orleans county, New
York, where he obtained the rudiments of his knowledge as a pupil in
the public schools. He afterwards continued his studies at the Wes-
leyan University, in Lima, New York, the institution now known as the
Syracuse University, and was subsequently graduated from the Law
Department of the University of Rochester, at Rochester, New York.
Migrating to Paxton, Illinois, he there began the practice of his pro-
fession, continuing there until his death, in 1866, at the age of forty-
four years. He married Isabelle Kilgore, who was born and educated
in Indiana, of Irish ancestry. Her father, Joseph Kilgore, a Pennsyl-
vanian by birth, was a pioneer settler of Rockville, Indiana, where he
spent his last days. Mrs. Isabelle (Kilgore) Buckland survived her hus-
band many years, dying in 1889.
The only child of his parents, Romulus S. Buckland, Jr., was a small
babe when his father died. He was given excellent educational oppor-
tunities, attending first the public schools of Lima, New York, and later
the Wesleyan Seminary at Geneseo, New York. Going then to North
Dakota, he began reading medicine with Dr. T. M. Merchant, and subse-
quently entered the Fort Wayne Medical College, at Fort Wayne,
Indiana, from which he was graduated with the class of 1892. Com-
mencing the practice of medicine at Ewen, Ontonagon county, Dr. Buck-
land remained there until 1906, when he came to Baraga, where he is
fast building up a large and remunerative patronage.
Dr. Buckland married, in 1890, Mary A. Simon, who was born in
Laotto, Indiana, a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Simon, and they have
two children, Isabelle and Martha. The doctor is a member of the Upper
1400 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Peninsula ]\Iedical Society, and is special agent of the United States
Government for the L'Anse, View Desert, and Ontonagon bands of
Chippewa Indians. These three bands numbering one thousand and
forty-five Indians, are all located in Baraga county.
WILLU.M P. Preston. — One of the patriotic and public-spirited sol-
diers of the Civil war and one who has held many important positions
of honor in the ranks of the Democratic party in the home of his adop-
tion, is William P. Preston, who was born on the eastern shores of ]\Iary-
land, on the 10th of January, 1845, and is a son of Joseph and Rebecca
(Wright) Preston. The subject of this review is a scion of a stanch eld
English famih' and his ancestral forefathers immigrated to America as
early as 1690.
William P. Preston received his preliminary educational training in
the public schools and in July, 1861, when but sixteen and a half years
of age, he enlisted as a private in Company B, Fifty-third New York
Volunteer Infantry, in the great civil conflict which jeopardized the
integrity of the Union. In this regiment he served as a loyal and gal-
lant soldier until the 25th of ]March, 1862, when he was mustered out.
On the 7th of June, 1862, he further showed his patriotism by enlist-
ing in Company A, Fourth Delaware Volunteer Infantry, for a term of
three years or until the close of the war. He participated in many of
the important engagements marking the progress of this internecine
struggle. He served in the Army of the Potomac and was present at
Lee's surrender at Appomattox and after an eventful and faithful ca-
reer as a soldier he was mustered out of service on the 17th of June,
1865, at Wilmington, Delaware. Contracting a fondness for military'
work he later enlisted in Company B, Forty-third United States Infan-
try and in the spring of 1867 he was appointed first sergeant of his
company. In August, 1867, he was transferred with his regiment to
Mackinac Island and there served with all of zeal and devotion until
]\Iay, 1869, when he was discharged from service in the Old Fort on
that island. ^Ir. Preston became deeply impressed with the wild beau-
ties of this most attractive island and he decided to establish his perma-
nent home in this place. He engaged in the real-estate business and so
rapid was his advancement in popular confidence and esteem that the
month of ]\Iay, 1872, marked his election as president of the village of
Mackinac Island. This office he held for the long period of fifteen years.
So effective and satisfactory were his labors as administrator of the
municipal affairs of the village that on the incorporation of Mackinac
Island as a city, he was forthwith elected as mayor, of which office he
remained incumbent for two terms. For eight years he served as chair-
man of the county board of supervisors. In politics he gives a stanch
allegiance to the principles and policies for which the Democratic party
stands sponsor and he has taken an active part in the affairs of its local
councils. He served as a member of the state Democratic central com-
mittee from 1880 to 1884 and in the latter year he was chosen to repre-
sent his party as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention,
which was held in the city of Chicago and which nominated Grover
Cleveland for the presidency. In 1891 he became sergeant at arms of the
lower house of the state legislature, at Lansing, ^lichigan. In 1900 he
was again chosen delegate to the Democratic National Convention, held
in Kansas City, ^lissouri, which nominated William J. Bryan for presi-
dent of the United States. In 1904 he was once more elected to serve
on the Democratic state central committee. He was also elected a mem-
ber of the Democratic executive committee, of which office he is incum-
bent at the present time.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1401
Mr. Preston has ever shown himself a loyal and patriotic citizen and
has given his aid in support of all measures and enterprises tending to
advance the welfare of the community and state and he is held in the
highest regard by all with whom he has come in contact, his circle of
friends being coincident with that of his acquaintances.
On the 3d of May, 1885, ]\Ir. Preston was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Snell, who was born in Bethlehem, Northampton county, Penn-
sylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Preston are the parents of five children : Henry
W., Joseph R., Cassius F., Susie R., and Marjorie I.
John F. Goetz. — When it is stated that Mr. Goetz is president of the
board of trustees of the village of Detour and also supervisor of the
township it is unnecessary to offer further voucher for the high regard
in which he is held in his community, where he is recog-nized as a repre-
sentative business man and public-spirited citizen. He is the owner of
the Hotel Detour, one of the most popular commercial and summer resort
hotels in the Upper Peninsula and the same is conducted according to the
highest modern standard, as its popularity well indicates.
John F. Goetz was born in Waterloo county, province of Ontario,
Canada, on the 3d of April, 1867, and is a son of Matthew and Maiy
(Weiler) Goetz, the former of whom was born in Germany, in 1815, and
the latter of whom was born in Waterloo county, Ontario, where their
marriage was solemnized. The father was summoned to the life eternal
in February, 1906, and the mother is still living, being seventy-six years
of age at the time of this writing, in 1910. They became the parents of
nine sons and three daughters and of the number nine are living,—
namely: Joseph, Matthew, Alois, Lena, John F., Anthony, Joanna and
George. The father of the subject of this review came to America on a
sailing vessel and landed in New York City, whence he made his way
to New Jersey, where he was employed for some time as a blacksmith and
whence he finally removed to Waterloo county, Ontario. There he es-
tablished his home at Little Germany, where he engaged in the work of
his trade. Later he removed to Bruce county, Ontario, where he secured
a tract of wild land and reclaimed a farm, also maintaining a blacksmith
shop on his farm, finding much demand for his services as a workman at
his trade. In 1880 he removed to Chippewa county, Michigan, where he
repeated his pioneer experiences by reclaiming a farm from the wilder-
ness. The town of Goetzville, this county, now Imown as Gatesville, was
named in his honor, and he was numbered among the prominent and
influential citizens of this section of the county. He passed the closing
years of his life in the village of Detour, where he took up his residence
in 1891. While a resident of Canada he was identified with the Con-
servative party and after leaving Canada he maintained an independent
attitude in all political matters.
Ignatz Weiler, maternal great-grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, emigrated from Baden, Germany, to New York City, in 1812, and
of his five children, Joseph Weiler, grandfather of Mr. Goetz, was the
founder of the family at Waterloo county, Ontario, where he was one of
the first settlers in his section.
John F. Goetz was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm
and gained his rudimentary education in his native county in Canada.
He was thirteen years of age at the time of the family removal to Chip-
pewa county, ]\Iichigan, where he was reared to maturity and where he
assisted in the reclamation and development of the home farm. Upon
attaining his legal majority in 1888, he identified himself with the lum-
ber business, in which he eventually developed a most prosperous enter-
1402 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
prise, in which he continued until 1893. He then established his home
in the village of Detour, where he opened the Hotel Detour, which he has
since conducted and which has gained a high reputation under his effec-
tive management. He was prominently identified in securing the incor-
poration of the village of Detour, in 1896, and was a member of its first
board of trustees, retaining this office from 1896 until 1899. Since 1905
he has been president of the village board and as chief executive he has
maintained a progressive policy and done much to further the material
and civic prosperity of the village. In the autumn of 1909 he was elected
supervisor of his township and he has since continued incumbent of this
position. He is a stanch supporter of the cause of the Democratic party
and takes a deep interest in public affairs of a local order. He and his
wife are communicants of the Catholic church and he is affiliated with
Cheboygan Lodge, No. 504, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and
with the Catholic Order of Foresters.
On the 23d of February, 1891, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Goetz to Miss Annie McDonald, who was born in Bruce county, Ontario,
and who was a daughter of Angus and Mary (Gillies) McDonald, the
former of whom was born in Inverness, Scotland, and the latter in Nova
Scotia. Of the twelve children seven are now living,— namely : Annie
(Mrs. Goetz), John L., Donald, Catherine, James A., Hugh and Robert.
Angus McDonald was a lad of twelve years when his parents, John and
Catherine (McLean) McDonald, emigrated from Scotland to America.
The voyage was made on a sailing vessel and the family landed in the
city of Quebec. Eventually the family home was established in Bruce
county, Ontario, and there Angus McDonald was reared to maturity.
There he continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits until he
came to Chippewa county, Michigan, and located in Detour township,
where he reclaimed a farm from the wilderness and where both he and
his Avife continued to reside until their death. He was a man of sterling
integrity of character, was a Democrat in his political proclivities and was
called upon to serve in various local offices of public trust. Mr. and Mrs.
Goetz have six children,— Albert G., Francis P., Olive Mary, Angus, Cath-
erine and John F.
Frank H. Brotherton. — For forty-four years a resident of the
Northern Peninsula, Frank H. Brotherton has been prominently
identified with the development of its more important resources, and
as one of its leading surveyors is, mayhap, as much acquainted with
its mining and timber interests as any other one person. A son of
Almeran Brotherton, he was born, August 8, 1850, in Oakland county,
Michigan, of substantial New England ancestry.
Almeran Brotherton was born, bred and educated in Connecticut,
living there until 1832, when he came to Michigan, joining his father,
David Brotherton, a pioneer settler of Oakland county. He bought
land, and in addition to cultivating the soil followed his trade of a
carpenter, living there until his death, at the age of fifty-two years.
He married Mary Marsh, who was born in Connecticut, and they be-
came the parents of six children, five sons and one daughter, Frank H.
being the fifth child in order of birth.
Brought up and educated on the home farm, Frank H. Brotherton
began his active career when fourteen years old, coming, in 1865, to
Marquette, Michigan, as chore boy for W. L. Wetmore. Subsequently
entering the employ of the Northwestern Railroad Company, he began
working as a helper in the woods, and was gradually given more im-
portant positions, becoming in the course of time estimator of timber.
<?2/sy^.w^ewU
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1403
Mr. Brotherton was afterwards associated for three years with Pro-
fessors Brooks and Pumpelly assisting in the geological survey of the
Northern Peninsula, and was later with Charles E. Wright, of Mar-
quette, as surveyor, and as a miner. From 1900 until 1901 he was
manager of the Dominion Iron and Steel Company's mines at Dell
Island. Mr. Brotherton has during his entire active life been con-
nected with the mining and lumbering industries of the Northern
Peninsula, but his work has taken him all over the United States, and
he is widely known throughout the country, but more especially in
Northern Michigan. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and has
served as a member of the City Council of Eseanaba.
Mr. Brotherton married, in 1871, Helen Adams, daughter of Leon-
ard Adams, of Oakland county, Michigan, and they have one son, Ray
A. Brotherton, a civil engineer and surveyor, now with the Cleveland
Cliff Company.
George E. Gallen, M. D.— Holding high rank among the active and
successful physicians of Hancock, Houghton county, is Dr. George E. Gal-
len, who has gained marked prestige in his profession, and is well known
as a progressive and public-spirited citizen. He was born, January 27,
1874, in Reval, Russia, being one of a family of six children born to Dr.
William Gallen. A native of Germany, William Gallen was educated at
the University of Dorpat, and after his graduation from its Medical De-
partment was engaged in the practice of medicine at Reval, until his
death, at the early age of forty-two years.
A regular attendant of the schools of his native town during his
youthful days, George E. Gallen obtained a good education. Leaving
home at the age of nineteen years, he emigrated to America, taking
up his residence at Virginia, Minnesota. A man of his mental cali-
bre naturally inclines towards a professional career, and he intuitively
turned toward the study of medicine. Subsequently going to Chicago,
he entered Rush Medical College, from which he was graduated with
the degree of M. D. in 1899. Coming directly to Hancock, Dr. Gallen
here began the practice of his profession, and as a physician met with
such encouraging success from the first that he has continued here until
the present time.
Dr. Gallen married, in 1900, Catherine L. King, who was born in
Calumet, Michigan, a daughter of Richard King, a native of county
Cornwall, England.
The doctor is prominent in Masonic organizations, being a member
of Quincy Lodge, No. 135, F. & A. M. ; of Gate of the Temple Chapter,
No. 35, R. A. M. ; of the Knights Templar, and of Ahmed Temple, A.
A. 0. N. M. S. He is likewise a member of Hancock Lodge, No. 381,
B. P. 0. E. Politically he is a strong Republican, and is now represent-
ing Ward One as an alderman, and is chairman of the Hancock Board
of Health. The doctor is an all-round sportsman, fond of fishing and
hunting, and being a skillful yachtsman.
Emil G. Endress.— From his youth to the present time Mr. Endress
has been actively identified with the fishing industry on the Great Lakes
and he was for many years associated with his father in this line of en-
terprise at Sault Ste. Marie. The business was finally sold to A. Booth &
Company, the large fishing concern of the city of Chicago, and since
that time Mr. Endress has been manager of the interests of the com-
pany at Sault Ste. Marie, being also a stockholder in the corporation.
He is also a vessel owner, is progressive and enterprising in his attitude
1404 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
and is recognized as one of the representative citizens of Sault Ste.
Marie, where he holds a secure place in the popular esteem.
Emil G. Endress was born at Two Rivers, Manitowoc county, "Wis-
consin, on the 8th of June, 1856, where he was reared and educated. He
is a son of Carl W. and Marie Elizabeth (Schwink) Endress, both of
whom were born in Germany, where their marriage was solemnized.
They had nine children. Carl W. Endress was born in the year 1823
and in his native land he learned the trade of shoemaker, to which
he there devoted his attention until 1854, when he immigrated to
America and finally located at Two Rivers, Wisconsin, where he turned
his attention to the fishing business, in which he was destined to achieve
excellent success. In the spring of 1871, for the purpose of availing
himself of the greater fishing advantages of Lake Superior, he removed
to Sault Ste. Marie, where he continued to be identified with this line of
enterprise until his death, at the age of seventy-eight yeai-s, his wife
having passed away when seventy-three years of age. In politics he
gave his support to the Republican party.
When thirteen years of age Emil 6. Endress became associated with
his father in the fishing business at Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and he was
admitted to a partnership therein before he had attained to his legal
majority. Some of his brothers also became associated as partners in
the business, which was for many years conducted under the firm name
of C. Endress & Sons. Upon coming to the Upper Peninsula in the
spring of 1871 the firm were the first to initiate fishing at what is now
Grand Marais, where they made their first catches in their new field.
Later they removed to Whitefish Point and the business was built up to
an enormous annual tonnage. The firm operated at various points on
Lake Superior; its fleet reached a valuation of fully seventy thousand
dollars and the products were shipped to the Chicago market. In 1898
the business was sold to A. Booth & Company, of Chicago, in which the
subject of this review became a stockholder at that time and he has since
had the management of the large and prosperous enterprise conducted
by this corporation at Sault Ste. Marie. Mr. Endress is a stanch Repub-
lican in his political proclivities, is independent and public-spirited as a
citizen and while he has never sought official preferment he has shown a
loyal interest in all that has touched the general welfare of the com-
munity in which he maintains his home.
I\Ir. Endress was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Bernier, daugh-
ter of Edward and Matilda Bernier, of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Her
parents are both deceased and she herself was summoned to the life eter-
nal in 1905. She is survived by three sons,— Ralph, Ora and Clinton.
Delevan a. Brotherton. — Noteworthy among the men of enterprise
and energy that are identified with the gro\rth and prospei-ity of Es-
canaba is Delevan A. Brotherton, city engineer, and county surveyor
of Delta county, and the manager of the firm of Brotherton Company.
He is rightfully considered one of the best engineers and surveyors
in this section of the Northern Peninsula, and is filling the responsible
positions which he now occupies Avith credit to himself and acceptably
to the people. A son of the late Charles E. Brotherton, he was born.
January 21, 1867, in Marquette, liliehigan, of pioneer ancestry.
A native of New- England, Charles E. Brotherton was born in
Connecticut, in 1834, and when four years of age was brought by his
parents to Michigan. Studying civil engineering when young, he
came in 1852 to Northern Michigan with the Government surveying
party, going to IMenominee before completing his work. He after-
(S '?f^^;F^:
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THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1405
wards returned to the lower part of the state, but ere long returned
North, and located at Marquette as a pioneer surveyor. In 1868, as
land examiner for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad company,
with which he had been associated for three years, he came to Escan-
aba, and in the development and advancement of the interests of this
part of Delta county became active and influential. He was county
surveyor several terms ; was supervisor of the township before it be-
came a city, and was supervisor of his ward after it was incorporated.
He was connected with the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad for
many years, for at least forty consecutive years being in its land de-
partment. He was very prominent in the Methodist Episcopal denom-
ination, and was one of the organizers, and a charter member, of the
first Methodist Episcopal church formed in Escanaba. He died in
1908, an honored and much respected citizen. He married first Orpha
Bishop, a native of New York state. She died in 1882, leaving four
children, of whom Delevan A., the subject of this sketch, was the sec-
ond child and the oldest son. By his second marriage Charles E.
Brotherton became the father of two children, Edna and Irvin.
But a year old when his parents settled in Escanaba, DelcA^an A.
Brotherton was here reared and educated. At the age of thirteen
years he began working with his father, and in coiirse of time became
an expert civil engineer, familiar with its every branch. He was for
two years, however, when young, employed as a clerk, first in a boot
and shoe store, and later in a drug store. In 1886 he became asso-
ciated with Van Cleave & Merriam, real estate dealers and civil en-
gineers, and continued with that firm two years. The following year
Mr. Brotherton continued in business alone, but in 1889 formed a part-
nership with Mr. Zane, with whom he was associated a year and a half,
being afterwards alone. Going to Utah in 1896, Mr. Brotherton spent
three years in Salt Lake City. Returning to Escanaba in 1899, he re-
sumed his old line of business, and has done much of the surveying in
this vicinity, laying out many of the additions to the city, and mak-
ing all of the more important surveys in Gladstone. He has also
other interests of financial and commercial value, being manager of
the Escanaba Potash Company, which manufactures crude potash, and
is also president of the Gates Finger Moistner Company.
Mr. Brotherton married, March 28, 1888, Lizzie M. Buckley, a
daughter of Andrew and Ursula Buckley, and to them eight children
have been born, namely : Ursula, Delevan, Charlie, Kenneth Edwin,
Ralph, Zora, Elizabeth and Verna. Mr. Brotherton is active in local
affairs, and has served as supervisor of his ward, and is now, as pre-
viously mentioned, city engineer and county surveyor. He is a member
of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has taken
three degrees, and is an active and valued member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, also of the Knights of Pythias.
William Clark, Jr. — An able representative of the great basic indus-
try of agriculture and stock-growing in the Upper Peninsula is AVilliam
Clark, who has maintained his home in Chippewa county for more than
a quarter of a century and he is the owner of one of the best improved
farms in this section. Mr. Clark was born in the city of Toronto, Ontario,
Canada, on the 4th of August, 1859, and is a son of William and Marie
(Phillips) Clark, the former of whom was born in Glasgow, Scotland,
in 1830, and the latter of whom was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1840.
The mother died in 1899 and the father, now retired from active business,
makes his home with his children. William Clark, Sr., came to America
1406 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
when a boy of fourteen years, working his passage on a sailing vessel
and landing in the city of Quebec. He found employment at farm work,
to which he devoted his attention for a number of years and after his
marriage he engaged in the hotel business at Woodbridge, Ontario.
Later he located in Huron county, that province, where he reclaimed a
farm from the wilderness and became a citizen of prominence and influ-
ence. He has lived virtually retired since 1896. He and his wife be-
came the parents of four sons and nine daughters and of the number
twelve are now living, the subject of this sketch being the eldest.
William Clark, Jr., the subject of this sketch, gained his early ex-
perience in connection with the practical affairs of life by his boyhood
labors on the home farm. He attended the common schools during the
winter terms until he had attained the age of nineteen years, when he
came to IMichigan and located in Alpena county, where he was em-
ployed in the lumber woods and at saw-mill work for two years. He
passed the follo'nang year at his old home in Ontario and in the fall of
1882 he came to Chippewa county, passing the first winter on Drummond
Island, where he was employed in the lumber woods. In the following
spring he and his brother Edward piu'chased a small boat, the "Mocking
Bird," with which they did freighting business on the St. ]\Iary's river
for one season. Thereafter the subject of this sketch was identified with
saw-miU work for five years at the Princess Bay mill, at which he was
head sa'oyer for two years of this period. He then located in Raber
township, Chippewa county, where he secured one hundred and sixty
acres of timber land and where he erected a log house of primitive order.
After this was destroyed by fire he built another log dwelling, to which
latter he has since added a commodious frame structure, so that he now
has a large and attractive residence. Of his resident homestead he re-
claimed fifty acres to cultivation and the remainder of the same is
covered with fine hardwood timber, which is constantly increasing in
value. In Pickford township he has purchased an additional tract of
eighty acres of as valuable land as can be found in Chippewa county and
his entire landed estate now aggregates two hundred and eighty acres.
Mr. Clark has taken a deep interest in all that has tended to advance
the development and general welfare of his home city, has achieved suc-
cess from his earnest and well-directed efforts and is one of the valued
and honored citizen of the county. He served eight years as justice of
the peace, was a member of the school board for fifteen years and is at
the present time representative of his township on the countj^ board of
supeiwisoi-s, of Avliieh he has been a member for the past five years. He
is affiliated with the Sault Ste. IMarie Lodge, No. 123, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, and in the same city is identified with Bethel Lodge,
No. 358, Free & Accepted Masons. He is also identified with the L. 0.
L., and in the village of Stalwart he is secretary of the lodge of Inde-
pendent Order of Foresters. In this organization he is high treasiu-er
of the order in the LTpper Peninsula. He is also actively identified with
the Patrons of Husbandry. His political Support is given to the Repub-
lican party.
In February, 1883, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Bessie
Beggs, who was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, and whose
death occurred in ]\Iarch, 1896. She is survived bv five children,— John
W., Mabel L., William W., Alva V.. and Montford.
Emanttel M. St. Jacques, one of the prominent merchants of Es-
canaba. ^Michigan, came to this place a poor boy thirty-seven years ago,
and, unaided, worked his way up to the position he now occupies among
tlie leadinsr business men of the town.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1407
Mr. St. Jacques dates his birth at St. Hennas, Canada, December 25,
1854. He is the seventh in a family of twelve children, six sons and six
daughters, born of Canadian parents, all of whom, with one exception,
are still living. The father lived to the ripe age of eighty-nine years ;
the mother was seventy-eight at time of death. In July, 1872, when a
youth of seventeen, Emanuel left the parental home and came over into
]\Iiehigan, Escanaba his objective point, where he went to work as a
common laborer in lumber yards. This occupation he followed until
1885, when, having laid aside a portion of his earnings, he decided ta
engage in business for himself and turned his attention to merchandis-
ing. He began in a small way, with only $1,000 capital, handling gen-
eral merchandise. For three years he rented the building he occupied.
Then he bought a lot and erected his present store, and with the pass-
ing years has continued to prosper in his undertakings.
While his own personal business has received his best attention, Mr.
St. Jacques has found time to give to public affairs and has rendered
efficient service to county and towni. He was treasurer of Delta county
four years, elected on the Republican ticket, and prior to his incumbency
of that office he was four years city treasurer and four years supervisor.
At this writing he is serving his fourth year as alderman.
July 4, 1877, he married Miss Marceline Beauchamp. They have
an adopted son, Thomas St. Jacques, a graduate of St. Viateur College,
Bourbonnais, Kankakee, Illinois, who is now in the store with his father.
Fraternally, Mr. St. Jacques is identified with numerous organiza-
tions, being for six years general president and for eight years secretary
of the French Canadian Society and is now its president. He has mem-
bership in the Knights of Columbus, the Foresters, the K. 0. T. M. and
the B. P. 0. E., and in the Escanaba Business Men's Association he has
for years been prominent and active, at this writing being vice president
of the association.
Charles W. Scbulz. — Of the many responsible positions involving
the safe-keeping of the traveling public that of lighthouse keeper and
custodian is of important order. How many lives are saved on a stormy
night by that unwavering beacon and what disasters are avoided by the
dismal-sounding fog horn can only be fully appreciated by those who
reside near a large body of water, especially one where such terrible
catastrophies occur as in the stormy region of the Great Lakes. Upon
the capable and willing shoulders of Charles W. Schulz, Avho is light-
house keeper and custodian at St. Mary's Buoy, on Sugar Island, reposes
such a trust.
Mr. Schulz was born in western Persia, on the 5th of December, 1871,
and is a son of Carl and Wilhelmina (Karlmnefel) Schulz. The former
was born in Persia in 1834, and the latter in Germany, in 1846 ; she was
summoned to the life eternal in 1898, at the age of fifty-two years. Carl
Schulz went to Germany and his marriage was solemnized at Boulton,
that country. He and his wife became the parents of eleven children,
nine of whom lived to years of maturity and of this number Charles AV.
Schulz, the subject of this sketch, who was one of twins. All the children
were born in Germany and there one daughter, Wilhelmina, died in in-
fancy. IMr. Schulz and his family emigrated from Germany to Chip-
pewa county, Michigan, in 1880, and at the time of the family removal
to America Charles W. Avas about nine years of age. The family first
located at Hamtramck, Wayne county, a place that to-day forms a part
of the city of Detroit. Here the father secured employment with the
Michigan Stove Company, where he worked for eighteen years. He has
Vo!. in— 2 2
1408 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
now attained the venerable age of seventy-six years and is living retired
from active labor in the city of Detroit, Michigan.
Charles W. Schulz received his preliminary education in Germany
and supplemented the same by vigorous physical and mental training in
America, where he soon mastered the English language. On his arrival
in America he was afforded the advantages of the Detroit public schools,
which he attended i;ntil he was fourteen years of age, when he initiated
his independent career as a sailor on the Schooner "N. C. West." In
1894, at the age of twenty-three years, he engaged in the United States
naval service at Whitefish Point, Chippewa county, Michigan, on Lake
Superior, as lighthouse assistant to Charles Kimball. There he remained
until 1897, when he was transferred as keeper to Huron Island, in Lake
Superior, and, as stated above, in 1900 he was again transferred to St.
Mary's Buoy, on Sugar Island. In politics Mr. Schulz gives a stanch
allegiance to the Republican party and though never a seeker after pub-
lie office he has ever maintained a loyal interest in all matters pertaining
to the general welfare of the community. His Masonic affiliations are
with Union Lodge, No. 3, Free & Accepted Masons, at Detroit, Michigan ;
and Peninsula Chapter, No. 16, Royal Arch Masons, in the city of De-
troit.
On the 7th of March, 1901, Mr. Schulz was united in marriage to Miss
Gesin Elizabeth Tebelman, who was born in Detroit, Michigan, and who
is a daughter of Charles G. and Wilhelmina (Rader) Tebelman, the
former of whom was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1834, and the latter of
whom was born in Germany. When a mere child Mr. Tebelman re-
moved with his widowed mother to Bremen, Germany, where he spent
his boyhood days, and while he was still a young man he immigrated to
America, drifting through the United States until he finally located in
Detroit, Michigan, where he engaged in the manufacture of cigars, which
trade he had previously learned in Germany. He is now, in 1910,
seventy-six years of age and he and his wife still maintain their home in
Detroit, where he is living virtually retired. His marriage was solem-
nized in Deti'oit and to this union were born seven children of whom six
are now living. The wife of the subject of this sketch was the first-
born. Mr. and Mrs. Schulz are the parents of four children,— Wilhel-
mina Pearl, Carl Otto, Eleanora Ruth and Beatrice May, all of whom
remain at the parental home.
Edvfaed T. Abrams, M. D. — Worthy of especial mention among the
leading physicians and prominent citizens of Hancock is Edward T.
Abrams, M. D., a man of pronounced medical skill and ability, who is
here enjoying a large and remunerative general practice. He was born
November 20, 1860, at Eagle River, Keweenaw county, coming from pure
English ancestry, his father, Michael Abrams, having been a native of
the County Cornwall, England, his birth occurring in the parish of
Camborne, where Henry Abrams, the doctor's grandfather, spent his
many years of earthly life.
Brought up and educated in Camborne, Michael Abrams was early
impressed with the idea that the United States offered better oppor-
tunities for a man without means to obtain success in the industrial
world, and in 1858 emigrated to the Upper Peninsula, previously locat-
ing at Hartford, Connecticut, and later at Eagle River, Michigan, then
the county seat of Houghton. After mining in that vicinity a few
years, he went to Rockland, Ontonagan county, where he found work at
the National and Minnesota JMines. Returning to Houghton county in
1871, he was first employed in what is now the Centennial IMine, after-
p
o^
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THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1409
ward working at the Allouez and the Osceola, where he spent his last
years, passing away July 12, 1889. His wife, whose maiden name was
Lydia Chegwin, was born in Mola-St. Agnes, England. Her father,
Alexander Chegwin, a mine contractor and a lifelong resident of Corn-
wall, England, was a lineal descendant of the Keigwins of Mousehole,
County Cornwall, and traced his lineage back in a direct line to the
time of King Edward I. Mrs. Lydia Abrams died at Osceola in 1893,
leaving seven children, as follows: Edward T., the special subject of
this brief biographical record ; Annie, wife of James D. Jones, of Calu-
met; Harry, a resident of Calumet, Michigan; Amelia, wife of William
Terrell, of Great Falls, Montana; James, a prominent physician and
surgeon of Red Jacket; Susan, wife of James Sumners, of Calumet; and
Lydia, wife of Oscar Robbins, of Montana.
At the age of thirteen years, having previously attended school quite
regularly, Edward T. Abrams began to learn the blacksmith's trade.
Utilizing all of his leisure minutes, he continued his studies by himself,
in the evenings attending the evening schools. When eighteen years old
he taught school, and subsequently earned enough money to enable him
to further advance his education. He is a graduate from Dartmouth
College, New Hampshire. Having decided to enter the medical pro-
fession, Mr. Abrams studied medicine under the preeeptorship of Dr.
A. I. Laubaugh, afterward attending lectures at Detroit Medical College
and the Long Island Hospital, New York. For two years Dr. Abrams
assisted his former tutor, Dr. Laubaugh, at Osceola, Michigan, and then
settled as a physician at Dollar Bay, Houghton county, being employed
by the Lake Superior Smelting Company. Coming from there to Han-
cock in 1893, the Doctor has since been in active practice here, his keen-
ness in diagnosing diseases and his skill and modern methods of treat-
ment of different eases willing him a lucrative patronage and an en-
viable reputation as a successful surgeon.
Dr. Abrams married, in 1890, Ida L. Howe, who was born in Howell,
Michigan, a daughter of Seymour and Phoebe (Boutelle) Howe, natives
of Batavia, New York. Mr. Howe's ancestors lived in Massachusetts
for many generations, while the emigrant ancestor of the Boutelle family
removed from England to Rhode Island in the early part of the seven-
teenth century. The parents of Mrs. Abrams came from New York
state to Michigan in pioneer days, settling on a farm in Howell, where
both spent their remaining years.
Dr. Abrams is a member of the Houghton County Medical Society;
a member and the president of the Upper Peninsula Medical Society ; a
former vice-president of the Michigan State Medical Society; a member
of the American Medical Association, to which he is a delegate from
the state of IMichigan from 1910 to 1912, and the American Association
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He has a state-wide reputation in
his profession and has been the recipient of literary honors. Olivet Col-
lege having conferred upon him the degree of A. M. in 1902. The
Doctor is a stanch Republican in politics, active in party ranks. He
served as a member of the school board at Dollar Bay for many years,
and in 1907 was elected to represent his district in the state legislature.
While there, he cast his first vote for Mr. Hill as United States senator,
but later voted for Hon. Alden Smith. He is an orator of fine ability,
and is in much demand on public occasions. He is, without question,
the best authority on Cornish history, traditions, and customs in the
state.
Fraternally Dr. Abrams is a member of Quiney Lodge, No. 35, F. &
1410 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIOAN
A. M'. ; of Gate of the Temple Chapter, No. 35, R. A. M. ; of Palestine
Commandery, K. T. ; of Detroit Consistory ; of the Ancient Arabic Order
of the Nobles of the IMystic Shrine, of Detroit; of the K. of P., and of
i\Iistletoe Lodge, Sons of Saint George. He was a charter member of
the Alpha Kappa Kappa Fraternity of Dartmouth, organized in 1888.
Stanley T. Springer, D. D. S.; is numbered among the able and
popular representatives of the dental profession in the LTpper Peninsula
and is established in the successful practice of his profession in the city
of Sault Ste. Marie, where he has finely appointed offices in the McGirr
block.
Dr. Springer was born in Nelson township, Halton county, province
of Ontario, Canada, on the 8th of October, 1878, and is a son of Adam
and Sarah (Ingalls) Springer, both of whom were likewise born and
reared in that township, where they have continued to reside during the
long intervening yeai'S. The father was born in the same house as was
Dr. Springer and the date of his nativity was May 18th, 1838. Of the
three children the Doctor is the youngest ; Frederick has the general man-
agement of the old homestead farm ; and Susan is the wife of Thomas
M. Alton of Nelson township, Halton county, Ontario, where he is a
farmer and stock-raiser. Adam Springer is a son of David and j\Iargaret
(Thompson) Springer, the former of whom was born in the province
of Ontario, in 1800, and the latter of whom was a native of Scotland.
They became the parents of three sons and four daughters, of whom
Adam was the fifth in order of birth. David Springer, who attained
the patriarchal age of ninety-two years was numbered among the prom-
inent farmers and influential citizens of Nelson township and there con-
tinued to reside until his death, as did also his wife. He was a son of
Richard Springer, who was born in the state of Vermont and he was
loyal to the crown at the time of the war of the Revolution by reason
of which fact he removed to Canada, where he and his three sons secured
grants of government land. The lineage of the Springer family is traced
back to Swedish oi-igin and the original progenitors in America here
took up their residence in the early colonial epoch. Mi-s. Jeanette H.
Nicholson, great-great-grandmother in the maternal line, was born in
Dumfries, Scotland.
Adam Springer, father of the Doctor, was afforded excellent educa-
tional advantages in his youth, including a course in Victoria College,
at Coburg, Ontario, in the law department of which institution he was
graduated as a member cf the class of 1860. He was thereafter engaged
in the practice of his profession in the city of Hamilton, Ontario, until
ill health compelled him to seek a change of climate. He thereafter
passed some time in Denver, Colorado, but he was eventually compelled
to abandon the work of his profession and under these conditions he re-
turned to the old homestead farm, where he and his wife have since
maintained their home. Dr. Springer passed his boyhood and youth on
the home farm and after duly availing himself of the advantages of the
versity of Illinois, at Champaign, in which he was graduated as a mem-
public schools he continued his studies in Hamilton Collegiate Institu-
tion, at Hamilton, Ontario, after leaving which he was engaged in teach-
ing school for six months. He entered the dental department of the Uni-
ber of the class of 1901, and from which he received his degree of Doctor
of Dental Surgery. In the same year he established his home in Sault
Ste. Marie, where he has since been successfully engaged in the practice
of his chosen profession. He is a member of the G. V. Black Dental So-
ciety of St. Paul, Minnesota.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1411
In politics Dr. Springer gives his support to the cause of the Re-
publican party and his Masonic affiliations are as here noted : Bethel
Lodge, No. 358, Free & Accepted Masons ; Sault Ste. Marie Chapter, No.
126, Royal Arch Masons; Sault Ste. Marie Council, No. 69, Royal &
Select ]\Iasters ; Sault Ste. IMarie Commandery, No. 45, Knights Tem-
plar; and Ahmed Temple of the Mystic Shrine, at Marquette, this city.
He also holds membership in the Red Cross Lodge, Knights of Pythias,
in his home city and is past chancellor of the same.
On the 17th of June, 1903, Dr. Springer was imited in marriage to
]\Iiss Louise Baxter, who was born at Mayweed, Cook county, Illinois,
and who was a daughter of John and Louise (Hayman) Baxter, both of
whom were bom in Wallington, England. Mr. Baxter died at his home
in Illinois, in 1895, and his wife passed away in 1903. Of their two
children Mrs. Springer is the elder, the other being Rose E. Dr. and
Mrs. Springer have three children, Louise, Rose and Isabella.
James J. Brown. — The honored subject of this sketch holds prestige
as one of the able and venerable members of the bar of the Upper Penin-
sula, is a scion of one of the pioneer families of Michigan, which has rep-
resented his home throughout his life, and he is now city attorney of St.
Ignace, where he has maintained his home for fully forty years. He has
followed the work ef his profession in various places in Michigan and
there his able service has dignified and honored the profession to
which he has given his attention. He has also been called upon to
serve in various offices of distinctive public trust and in all the rela-
tions of life he has adhered to the highest principles of integrity and
honor so that he has never been denied the fullest measure of confi-
dence and esteem.
Mr. Brown was born in the city of Pontiae, Oakland county, Mich-
igan, on the 13th of November, 1839, at which time that now thriving
city was a mere village. He is a son of John and Emma (Smith)
Brown, the former ef whom was born in Franklin county, New York,
and the latter in the city of Rochester, that state. They passed the
closing years ef their lives in the city of Chicago, where the father died
in 1890, at the age of seventy-five years, and where the mother passed
away in 1880, at the age of seventy years. Of their three children two
are living,— Fidelia, and James J., who is the subject ef this review.
John Brown came to Michigan in the pioneer days and for some time
was engaged in the banking business in the city of Detroit. Later he
removed to Chicago, where he engaged in the coal business, with which
he continued to be identified until his death. He was originally a Whig
in his political allegiance but identified himself with the Republican
party at the time of its organization, and ever afterward continued
a stanch advocate of its principles. He was a man of fine character
and much ability and was duly successful in his various business
operations.
James J. Brown gained his early educational training in the com-
mon schools ef his native county, after which he took a preparatory
course in the city of Ypsilanti, Michigan. Later he continued his
studies for a time in the University of ^licbigan and finally he entered
the Western Reserve College, at Hudson, Ohio, an institution that w;!s
removed to the city of Cleveland in 1882, and in the same he was
graduated as a member of the class of 1859, with the degree of Bachelor
of Laws. He was soon afterward admitted to the bar of his native
state but prior to engaging in the practice of his profession he held a
reportorial position on the historic old Detroit Free Press. Later he
removed to Chicago where he served as city editor of the Chicago
1412 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Times, under the regime of that celebrated journalist, Wilbur P.
Story.
Pinally, in 1865, Mr. Brown returned to Detroit, where he engaged
in the practice of his profession and where he served as city attorney
from 1868 to 1872. In 1876 Mr. Brown came to the Upper Peninsula
of the state and located in Cheboygan, becoming one of the leading at-
torneys of Cheboygan county and serving one term as mayor of the
city, besides which he held the office of prosecuting attorney of the
county for several terms. He returned to Detroit, where he was again
engaged in the practice for a time, until he came again to the Upper
Peninsula and located at Menominee, where he remained a short time,
as did he later in the city of Detroit. In 1870 Mr. Brown established
his permanent home in St. Ignace, Mackinac county, where he has
been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen
profession during the long intervening years. He served as prosecut-
ing attorney of Mackinac county for several terms and has been city
attorney for a long time, being incumbent of this office at present.
Mr. Brown has been identified with much of the important litigation
in the courts of this section of the state and his professional reputation
is of the highest. He is a stanch Democrat in his political proclivities
and has given efficient service in the promotion of the party cause.
In a fraternal way he is identified with the Knights of Pythias. Mr.
Brown was united in marriage to Miss Martha Willis, who was bom
in Ohio. They have no children.
Louis Dobeas. — Especially worthy of mention in a work of this char-
acter is Louis Dobeas, a prominent and prosperous merchant of In-
galls, and one of its leading citizens. Beginning life for himself poor
in pocket but rich in energy and ambition, he has steadily climbed the
ladder of attainments, rising from a state of comparative poverty to
one of affluence and infiuenee, thus becoming an excellent representa-
tive of the self-made men of our times. Born in Buffalo, New York,
March 12, 1847, he was left an orphan when but seven years of age,
and as a boy worked at any employment he could find.
Coming to Menominee, Michigan, in 1861, Mr. Dobeas found work
with Judge Ingalls, who edited the Menominee Herald, which was
published first in Oconto and later in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and in
1863 he distributed the papers to the patrons up the river, becoming
the first Herald newsboy in the county. In the fall of that year, hav-
ing saved his earnings, this ambitious young man went to Mount Car-
roll, Illinois, where he attended school six months. Returning then
to Menominee, he again entered the employ of Judge Ingalls, as a
road builder, and also embarked in mercantile pursuits, with the
Judge as a silent partner. The winter of 1871 and 1872 Mr. Dobeas
spent in Muskegon, Michigan, working in a saw mill, and the follow-
ing summer was employed in a brick yard at Saint Joseph, Michigan,
afterw^ards working in a saw mill at Watervliet. Then, after work-
ing a year for Judge Ingalls, he bought out a mercantile establish-
ment and dealt in groceries, flour and feed until the fall of 1876.
Going then to Red Bluff", California, Mr. Dobeas entered the employ
of a lumber company, \^-ith which he remained two years, during
which time his salary was increased from for!y dollars a month to
one hundred and fifteen a month. The following wnnter, that of 1878,
he traveled extensively through California, Colorado and Oregon, but
found no place better, in his estimation, than Michigan. Returning,
therefore, to Menominee county in the spring of 1879^ he began farm-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1413
ing on section 19, at what is now known as Ingalls, and at the same
time embarked in mercantile pursuits on a somewhat limited scale,
putting in a small stock of general merchandise. His first bill of dry
goods, which amounted to seventeen dollars and seventy-five cents, he
bought of Marshall Field & Company, Chicago, and these goods he
brought home with him on the train, which stopped at that time on
section 18. Later he established the station on section 19, naming it
Ingalls, in honor of his friend. Judge Ingalls.
Mr. Dobeas was made the first postmaster of Ingalls, holding the
office nine years. The old log building, sixteen feet by twenty-five feet,
with a lean-to, which he occupied as his first store and residence, is
still standing. In 1883 he erected a large frame building for a store
and a home, and has since lived in it, although, in 1888, his increasing
patronage demanding more commodious quarters, he erected his pres-
ent store building, which is one of the most conveniently arranged
and best stocked and equipped general stores in the Upper Peninsula.
In addition to his valuable mercantile and residential property, Mr.
Dobeas is an extensive landholder, and superintends the management
of his fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He takes great in-
terest in his live stock, raising Poland China hogs, for which, in 1909.
he received both first and second premiums at the Menominee Fair,
where his Durham cattle, also, took first premium and special
premiums.
Mr. Dobeas married in May, 1879, Doris Beada, who was bom in
■Germany, and came with her parents to Birch Creek, Michigan, in
1853. Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dobeas, namely :
Mary, the first child, born in the old log house in which they began
housekeeping, died in infancy; and Emma Jane, now attending the
Menominee High School. They have an adopted son, Earl, who is
now serving his second term of enlistment in the United States Navy.
Politically Mr. Dobeas is a stanch Republican, and he has attended
the inauguration exercises of the last five Republican presidents of the
United States, in 1901, 1905, and 1909, having been accompanied by
Mrs. Dobeas and daughter. He has attended several state conven-
tions for his party, and is the present candidate for state representa-
tive from his district. In 1890 Mr. Dobeas went abroad, visiting the
principal cities of Europe, and in 1903 he traveled through the south-
ern states and Oiiba and visited many of the West India islands. He
is associated with many of the leading organizations of Menominee
county, being a stockholder in the First National Bank of Menominee ;
in the Lumbermen's Bank; in the Northern Hardware and Supply
Company; and in the Menominee and Marinette Light and Traction
Company. Fraternally Mr. Dobeas united with the Red Bluff Lodge
No. 186, F. & A. M., of Red Bluff, California, in 1877; and in 1871 he
became a member of Menominee Lodge, No. 133, I. 0. O. F. He has
served as township treasurer, as justice of the peace, and held various
other township offices.
Jerry Madden, secretary and treasurer of the Jerry Madden Shingle
Company of Rapid River, Michigan, was born in Kingston township,
Lobrough, Canada, August 30, 1855, son of John Madden. John Mad-
den, a native of Ireland, was educated in his native country, and when
he was fourteen years of age he emigrated to America, locating in
Canada, where he mari-ied Louise Vallian, a native of Canada and of
French descent, who died at the age of seventy-one years. John Mad-
den and his family removed to Stratford, Ontario, in 1859, and in
1414 THE XOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
April, 1865, to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. He engaged in farming and
is now a resident of Fainnont, jNIinnesota. There were eight children
born to John ^Madden and his wife, of whom Jerry is the fourth, and
all are now living.
The early boyhood of Jerry ^Madden was spent in Canada, and most
of his education was acquired in Wisconsin, as he was ten years of age
at the time his parents removed to that state. He taught school five
yeai*s in Wisconsin and then entered the employ of Latham & Smith,
lumber dealers at Sturgeon Bay, with whom he remained eight years.
He spent two years in the position of general manager of the cedar
business of the W. H. Horn Cedar & Lumber Company, located at
Arthur Bay, IMenominee county, ^Michigan, to which place he removed
from Door county, Wisconsin, in the spring of 1882. In the fall of
1889, ^Ir. ]\Iadden located in Delta county, Michigan, where he pur-
chased a tract of cedar land and for eight years he engaged in Imnber
business on his own account. In 1897, in partnership with Adam
Schaible, 'Mr. IMadden bought the F. W. Gray Company mill at Rapid
River, and engaged in manufacturing cedar shingles and ties. The firm
is Imown as the Jerry Madden Shingle Company and for the past six
years has been the largest manufacturer of shingles in the Upper
Peninsula of ^Michigan; in the spring of 1906 the shingle mill was torn
down and a new plant built, combining the lumber, lath and shingle
business, the production of shingles being about six million per month.
The firm employs about two hundred and fifty men in the woods and
during the busy season about one hundred and thirty at the mill. Mr.
Madden thoroughly undei-stands every phase of the lumber business
and is connected with an entei-prise which is one of the most important
in the region. He is a keen business man, possessed of great energy
and executive ability, and is enterprising and modern in the methods
of carrying on his work. He is one of the organizers of the Commercial
Bank of Menominee, of which he is vice-president.
:\Ir. ]Madden has been a resident of the Northern Peninsula for a
period of twenty-eight years, during which time he has been identified
with its progress and development; he is well known and universally
respected, being one of the prominent and influential citizens of Rapid
River. He is" a stanch Republican and a member of the Catholic
church.
In 1885 j\Ir. ]\Iadden married Margaret L. ]\IeDermott, and they
are the parents of four children, namely: Arthur, Margaret, Joseph
and Louise.
Charles M. Thatcher.— A man of keen intelligence, possessing
good business qualifications and tact, Charles IM. Thatcher, a general
insurance agent, is numbered among the leading citizens of Escanaba.
Although a" native of St. Louis, IMissouri, his birth occurring in that
city :\Iarch 12, 1864, he was educated, principally, in Cleveland, Ohio,
living there until fifteen years of age. Coming to jMichigan in 1880,
he lived for five yeare in' Ogontz, Delta county, having charge of the
general store of his step-father, Lyman Feltus.
In the spring of 1885, Mr. Thatcher became identified with the
business interests of Escanaba as book-keeper for Frank H. Atkins &
Co. He subsequently kept books for the Delta County Bank, and at
the opening of the Bank of Escanaba accepted the position of book-
keeper in that institution. For five yeai-s, at a later period, Mr.
Thatcher was clerk of the steamer "Lotus" running from Escanaba
to Gladstone, and afterwards spent a year at Rapid River, ^Michigan,
having charge of the books, and the general store of Homer Farrell.
1
I
»
v^/u/ . y/<^?Mu
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1415
In 1896 he was appointed postmaster by Congressman Sheldon, and
served in that capacity for four and one-half years. Since that time
he has been extensively engaged in the general insurance business, be-
ing one of the most popular and successful agents of this part of the
Northern Peninsula. He is active and prominent in local affairs, and
is one of the directors of the Business Men's Association of Escanaba,
and a director of the Escanaba National Bank. He has also served as
supervisor of the Second ward of the city. Fraternally Mr. Thatcher
stands high in the Masonic Order, belonging to Lodge, Chapter, Coun-
cil, Commandery, and to the Shrine.
In 1884, Mr. Thatcher was united in marriage with Mary Mailman,
a daughter of Peter and Gertrude Mailman, of Isabella, Delta county,
Michigan, and into their pleasant household three children have made
their advent, namely: Sarah G., Oliver V. and Rosella C.
Charles W. Kates, general superintendent of the Escanaba & Lake
Superior Railroad Company, of Wells, Michigan, was born in Ord,
Nebraska, October 14, 1875. His father, John F. Kates, was a native
of Wilmington, Delaware, and at his death, fifty-four years of age, was
secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association. John F. Kates
was of English and Scotch origin, and died in Wells, Michigan. He
married Sarah Jennings, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, now living
at Bloomington, Illinois. They had three sons and three daughters, of
whom Charles is the second child and eldest son.
In his native place Charles W. Kates received his education, and
there his boyhood was spent; he graduated from school at Grand
Island, Nebraska, and began his railroad career in the employ of the
Union Pacific Railroad Company when seventeen years old, working
at various positions the first few years. In 1898 he came to Escanaba
as bookkeeper and cashier for the railroad with which he is now em-
ployed. He had charge of the accounts and office details until 1907,
when he became general superintendent of the road, with headquarters
at Wells. Mr. Kates understands all branches of railroad work, and
has been employed in many capacities. He is a man of great intelli-
gence and executive ability, and stands well with his associates. He
had active interests in a business way outside of his official position,
and takes an active interest in public affairs. Mr. Kates started life in
a humble way, taking a position such as an inexperienced boy could
fill, and has acquired his present position through his industry and
careful attention to his duties.
In 1903 Mr. Kates married Zella, daughter of J. E. Cox, of Esca-
naba; they have no children. He is a member of the Masonic Order,
being affiliated with the Commandery of Escanaba and the Shrine of
Marquette, Michigan.
Michael Harris. — Holding a place of prominence and influence
among the valued and respected citizens of the Upper Peninsula is
Michael Harris, of Harris, Menominee county, in whose honor Harris
township was named. Like so many of our most energetic and pro-
gressive men he was born on the further side of the Atlantic, his
birth having occurred, September 19, 1852, in county Waterford, at Bally
Duff, Parish of Lismore Castle, Ireland, a well known seaport. His
father, Michael Harris, Sr., spent the most of his three score and ten
years of earthly life in the Emerald Isle, but his wife, whose maiden
name was Bridget Lang, came to this country after the death of her hus-
band and spent her last days in Republic, ]\Iichigan, passing away at the
1416 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
age of seventy-six years. They were the parents of ten children, of whom
Michael, the subject of this sketch, was the seventh child in order of
birth.
In 1866, a boj' of fourteen years, IMichael Harris came to this coun-
try in a steamship, landing in New York city. Coming from there
directly to Hancock, Michigan, he there worked in the mines for
three j^ears. Removing to Marquette, Michigan, in 1869, he was there
for three years in the employ of Edward Frazier as a lumber scaler.
He then accepted a position at Eagle Mills, near Marquette, with F.
W. Reed, and worked in his saw mill and lumber yard until January,
1876. In that year Spaulding township was organized, and Mr. Harris
entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land in that place,
and there took up his residence. He subsequently superintended the
building of charcoal kilns in that township for Herman Bert, of Mar-
quette, and had charge of the plant until 1879, when he embarked in
business as a general merchant, at the same time superintending the
clearing of his land. A few years later he embarked in the lumber
industry, engaging in logging, and operating a saw mill, in which he
manufactured ties and posts. In 1899 the plant was destroyed by fire,
and since that time he has devoted his attention, principally, to agri-
cultural pursuits and the store. His home farm of one hundred and
sixty acres is under a high state of cultivation, yielding abundantly
of the crops common to this section. He is an extensive land holder,
owning about one thousand acres of good land, and as a farmer has met
with marked succes.
Mr. Harris married, August 19, 1872, Margaret Barry, who was
born in Ireland, and they are the parents of six children, namely:
Delia, wife of Dr. Robert P. Neil, of Calumet, Michigan; John in the
insurance business in Escanaba and who married Catherine Fitzpat-
rick, of Millett, ^Michigan ; IMinnie, wife of Patrick MeCauley ; ]\Ii-
chael, who married Nan Mayberry of Miller, ]\Iinnesota ; Lillian, wife
of E. P. Reynolds, of Escanaba, Michigan ; and Genevieve, at home.
One of the leading Republicans of Menominee county, Mr. Harris
has filled various township offices, having served as township clerk
and as justice of peace. In 1903 Harris township was organized from
a part of Spaulding township, receiving its name in honor of Mr.
Harris, and he was elected supervisor not only of the new township
but of Menominee county, an office which he has filled most satisfac-
torily, having been re-elected at the close of each term. In 1905 Mr.
Harris represented his district in the state legislature, and was re-
elected as representative in 1907 and again in 1909. He is now post-
master at Harris and has held this office for about twenty years. Fra-
ternally Mr. Harris is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians ;
of the Catholic Order of Foresters ; and of the Knights of Columbus.
Charles E. Hamilton.— The postmaster at Rapid River, Michigan,
Charles E. Hamilton, is one of the leading merchants of the town,
being proprietor of a drug store. He was born in Ripley county, In-
diana, November 19, 1872, and is a son of John W. and ]\Iargaret
(MeCabe) Hamilton, both natives of Indiana. John W. Hamilton
was a merchant and served some time as postmaster of DelaAvare, In-
diana ; he died at the age of sixty-eight years, and his wife at sixty-two.
They were parents of three sons and one daughter; the sons all sur-
vive, but the daughter died at the age of seventeen years.
Charles E. Hamilton was the youngest of the family, and was
reared and educated in his native town and county. He also spent two
THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1417
years at Franklin, Indiana, and one year at Ada, studying pharmacy.
He worked one year as a pharmacist in Bad Axe, IMichigan, spent a short
time in Gladstone, and in 1895 located at Rapid River, where for fif-
teen years he has conducted a drug business. He is well known and
liberally patronized by the community, where he has won high esteem
and respect. June 18, 1901, Mr. Hamilton received his appointment as
postmaster, from President Roosevelt. He has taken an active interest
in public affairs and political matters and is a stanch Republican; he
has served as township treasurer, township clerk and clerk of the school
board. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Mr. Hamilton married October 4, 1896, Florence Budinger, and
they are parents of three children, Ruth, Margaret and John.
John Darrow, of Rapid River, Michigan, is a successful dealer in
general merchandise and hardware, and also has large interests in the
way of lumber. He was born in Tipton county, Indiana, March 7,
1863, son of John and Sophia (Shaw) Darrow, who died when he was
a small boy. John Darrow Sr. is thought to have been a native of
Canada; his mother was born in Connecticut and her parents were
pioneers of Tipton county, Indiana. Sophia Shaw was born in Indiana.
After reaching the age of nine years, John Darrow Jr. had his own
way to make in the world, as both his parents were dead ; he worked on
a farm until twenty years of age, and received only a meager education
in the public schools. When he was but fifteen years of age he removed
to Dallas county, Iowa, where he remained five years working on a
farm, and March 17, 1883, he married Emma, daughter of Harrison
Ackley of that county. Mrs. Darrow was born in Pennsylvania, and
moved as a child with her parents to Minnesota, whence they removed
to Dallas county, Iowa. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Darrow re-
moved to what was then called White Fish River, about half a mile
east of where Rapid River now stands, and for two years engaged in
fishing and hunting. He worked at various kinds of employment in
the country around, and when Rapid River was founded he erected the
third building in the town. Here he started a small place of amuse-
ment, which he soon sold out and removed to the Coast ; he remained in
the west but a few months and then returning to Rapid River bought
the buildings where he now carries on his business and started a grocery,
flour and feed store. He sold out this business about 1895, parting with
the stock but retaining the property, and moved to Arcadia, Indiana,
where for a year he conducted a general merchandise establishment.
Returning to Rapid River, he resumed business at his old stand, where
he has been very successful.
Mr. Darrow has branched out into other lines, and though he has
twice departed from Rapid River since first he settled there, he has
recognized the fact that the Upper Peninsula offei's a number of good
investments, and a fine field for men with brains and business acumen.
He formed a partnership with August Goodman, and they now deal
in all kinds of timber, ties, posts, etc., and also buy and sell real estate.
They have been very fortunate in their investments and successful in
their enterprises, so that they have a well established business, which
is constantly growing with the growth and development of the town.
He has been a resident of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan some
twenty-six years and is well known throughout the region, where he
has Avon popularity and respect. Mr. Darrow has one of the largest
stocks of general merchandise in this part of the state, a good stock
of hardware and large warerooms. He takes an active interest and part
1418 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
in public affairs, and is an enterprising citizen. He belongs to the
Knighted Order Tented Maccabees.
NoKMAN W. Haire. — A man of broad culture and scholarly attain-
ments, possessing rare judgment and discrimination, Judge Norman
W. Haire, of Houghton, an extensive mining operator, is prominently
connected with the leading interests of the Upper Peninsula. A
lawyer of ability and note, he has held legal positions of prominence,
and as one whose undertakings are ever of a vital nature he is natur-
ally a leader in the enterprises with which he is identified. A son of
Frederick H. Haire, he was born, February 24, 1855, in Columbia,
Jackson county, Michigan, of Scotch-Irish ancestry on his father's side
and of New England on the mother's.
Frederick H. Haire, a native of the Empire State, was born, in
1824, and was educated at Penn Yan, Italy Hollow, New York.
Migrating to Michigan when about twenty years of age, he located in
Jackson county, where he subsequently engaged in agricultural pur-
suits, becoming one of the most prosperous farmers of his community;
having farms in Jackson, Hillsdale and Ingham counties, which he im-
proved, dying in 1897. He married Lucy Jane Smith, who was born
in New York state in 1831, and in 1839 moved with her parents to
Jackson county, Michigan. She is now living in Eaton county, Mich-
igan, and is the mother of four children, namely : Norman W., the sub-
ject of this brief sketch ; Martha, wife of William H. Hunt, a prosper-
ous farmer in Allegan county, Michigan; Perry J., engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits at West Chicago, Illinois; and Kate M., wife of Ion
D. Eddy, who is engaged in farming near Charlotte, IMichigan. The
father was a Democrat in polities, but never accepted a political office.
Gleaning his elementary education in the Butts school district in
Onondaga, Michigan, the subject of this sketch subsequently attended
the Annis school, in Onondaga, and was graduated from the high
school at Leslie, jMichigan, and from the Ann Arbor high school, re-
ceiving his diploma from the latter school in 1876. Entering the
classical department of the University of IMichigan the same year, he
was there graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1880. The following
three years Mr. Haire taught school at Rockland, Ontonagon county,
but in the fall of 1883 returned to Ann Arbor, where, in 1885, he was
graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan.
From 1885 until 1887 he taught school in Rockland, where he had
acquired popularity as a teacher, and as a citizen.
Being, in 1886, elected prosecuting attorney of Ontonagon county,
which then included Gogebic eoimty, Mr. Haire filled the office most
satisfactorily until May 9, 1891, when he resigned to accept the posi-
tion of circuit judge of the Thirty-second Judicial Circuit, to which
he was appointed. Elected to the office in 1892 to fill a vacancy. Judge
Haire was re-elected for a full term in 1893, and re-elected again in
1899 and in 1905, having no opposition at either election.
Resigning the judgeship October 1, 1905, he was manager of the
Bigelow mines, at Houghton, until April, 1909, since which time he
has been busily employed in operating mining properties of his own,
in his ventures meeting with much good success.
Judge Haire married, in July, 1880, Lydia Moore, who was born
in Bunker Hill, Ingham county, ^Michigan, a daughter of Parley P.
and Abigail (Culver) Moore, farming people, who moved from. New
York state to IMichigan, where they both died some years ago. The
Judge and IMrs. Haire have two children, Mildred m!, a graduate of
^, }4r^J.'<-^ ,
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1419
Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, and Paula L., now at-
tending the same college.
Politically the judge is a stanch Republican. Fraternally he is
prominent in the Masonic Order, belonging to the Knights Templars
Commandery, and to the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. He has served the fraternity in different official
capacities, from 1903 until 1905 having been Eminent Commander of
Gogebic Commandery, K. T. He is also a member of Hancock Lodge,
No. 381. B. P. 0. E. For a year Judge Haire was a member of the
Board of the IMichigan College of Mines. He is now one of the direct-
ors of the First National Bank of Calumet.
William F. Lipsett.— It is a matter of gratification to be able to
incorporate within the pages of this work definite mention of the hon-
ored representatives of the pioneer families, whose influence has been
potent in connection with the material and civic development of the
Upper Peninsula, and who have achieved success in connection with
business activities of a productive order. He whose name initiates
this article has been a resident of the Northern Peninsula of Michigan
since his childhood days and is now an interested member of the Lip-
sett Brothers Company, dealers in shoes and men's clothing and fur-
nishings, at 405 Ashmun street, in the city of Sault Ste. ]\Iarie. This
is one of the leading mercantile concerns of the city.
Mr. Lipsett was born in Grey county, province of Ontario, Canada,
on the 10th of April, 1862, and is a son of Francis and Sarah (Camp-
bell) Lipsett, the former of whom was born in Bellshannon, Ireland,
in 1820, and the latter of whom was born in the province of Ontario,
Canada, in 1823. The marriage of the parents was solemnized in the
city of Toronto and of their nine children all are living except one, the
subject of this sketch having been seventh in order of birth. Francis
Lipsett was reared and educated in his native land and in the early
'40s, shortly after attaining his legal majority, he immigrated to Amer-
ica, makiDg the voyage on a sailing ship and landing in the city of
Quebec, Canada. For a time he remained in IMontreal. Later he estab-
lished his home in Toronto and there he remained for a few years after
his marriage. Finally he took up his residence on a farm in Grey
count}^ becoming one of the pioneer agriculturists of that section of
the dominion, where he was influential in public affairs of a local order
and he continued to reside on his homestead until about fifteen years
before his death, when he retired from active labor, and he passed the
closing years of his life at ]\Iealford, Ontario, where he died in 1890.
His devoted wife was summoned to the life eternal in 1903, at a vener-
able age. Both were zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
William F. Lipsett was afforded the advantages of the excellent
graded schools of his native county and was reared to the sturdy disci-
pline of the farm. At the age of sixteen j^ears he entered upon an
apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade and he continued to be identi-
fied with the work of his trade in Ontario until 1879, when he came to
the Northern Peninsula of ^Michigan and located at Sault Ste. Marie,
where he established a blacksmith shop, which he conducted until 1881.
He then became a member of the firm of Lipsett & Harrison and they
engaged in the general merchandise business at Ewen, Ontonagon
county, where they continued operations until the building and stock
were destroyed by fire in 1893. Thereupon Mr. Lipsett returned to
Sault Ste. Marie, where for some time he served as superintendent of
1420 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
streets, proving a most discriminating' and capable official and doing
much to improve the thoroughfares of the city during his incumbency
of this office. Thereafter he had charge of the selling of two bankrupt
stocks of merchandise and in 189— he was chosen county superinten-
dent of the poor, a position Avhich he continued in tenure for six years,
at the expiration of which he was elected sheriff of Chippewa county,
in which his administration was so effective that he was chosen as his
o-HTi successor in 1906, by a gratifying majority. He retired from
office in the spring of 1908, and on the 15th of the following July
he engaged in his present enterprise, as a member of Lipsett Brothers
Company. He is one of the representative business men of the "Soo"
and is well known throughout the county, where he is held in high
esteem as a sterling and public-spirited citizen. In politics Mr. Lipsett
accords stanch allegiance to the Republican party and he is affiliated
with Bethel Lodge No. 358, Free & Accepted Masons ; Sault Ste. Marie
Chapter No. 126, Royal Arch Masons, and also Avith the local organiza-
tions of the Knights of Pythias, and Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, and the L. 0. L.
On the 16th of ]\Iarch, 1892, Mr. Lipsett was united in marriage to
Miss Anna Belle Myers, who was born in Otsego county, Michigan,
and who is a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Louden) Myers, the
former of whom was born in Ohio and the latter in the Dominion of
Canada. Mr. Myers was one of the prominent lumbermen of Otsego
and Manistee counties in the early days and later was identified with
this important line of industry in the Upper Peninsula. During the
latter part of his business career he was a contractor for cement work.
He was a boy at the time of the family removal to Michigan in the
pioneer days and here he continued to reside until his death. His
widow now maintains her home in Sault Ste. Marie and their only child
is Mrs. Lipsett. Mr. Myers was a man of the highest integrity and
honor and his probity and generous attitudes retained to him the in-
violable esteem of all who knew him. Mr. and Mrs. Lipsett have one
son and one daughter,— Zelner Myers and Frances Elizabeth.
Joseph H. Vogtlin.— Noteworthy among the active and successful
business men of Bessemer is Joseph H. Vogtlin, who has lived in this
vicinity years enough to see a complete change in the business personnel
of the city, in whose growth and prosperity he has ever taken an intel-
ligent interest. A son of Joseph Vogtlin, he was born, August 13,
1859, in Rockland, Ontonagon county, Michigan.
His grandfather, John Vogtlin, was born in Switzerland, of German
ancestry, and there followed his trade of a cabinet-maker until late
in life. Emigrating then to America, he settled, with his good wife,
in Detroit, Michigan, and there both spent their remaining years,
rounding out a full century of life.
Joseph Vogtlin was born and reared in Switzerland, acquiring a
good education in the public schools, and there learning the trade of a
cabinet maker. Coming to the United States when young, he worked
as a carpenter in Detroit for awhile, from there coming, in 1846, to
the Upper Peninsula as a pioneer settler. The greater part of this
section was then unexplored, its great mineral wealth still lying hidden
in the bosom of mother earth. Locating at Rockland, Ontonagon
county, he was for a number of years head carpenter for the Minne-
sota Mining Company. Then, in company with William H. Harris,
he engaged in the lumber business under the firm name of Harris &
Vogtlin. This enterprising firm purchased from Dan Cavenaugh, a
J
THE NORTHEKN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1421
sawmill at Minnesota Landing, and having bought a tract of heavily-
timbered land on the east branch of the Ontonagon river, engaged in
the manufacture of lumber. During the disastrous flood of 1864, the
Ontonagon river rose twenty-seven feet and three inches above low
water mark, sweeping away the mills, houses, lumber and livestock,
causing an almost total loss of the firm's property. A wagon loaded
with lumber was taken down stream fourteen miles, and landed high
and dry twenty-three feet above low water mark. Joseph Vogtlin sub-
sequently devoted his attention to farming, residing in Rockland, con-
tinuing hale and hearty until his death in August, 1907, when he was
gored to death by a bull. He married Mary Enderline, who was born
in canton Berne, Switzerland, where her parents were lifelong resi-
dents. She is still living, being eighty-three years of age at this
writing, 1910. She reared seven of her eight children, as follows:
Mary, Joseph H., Carrie, George, Belle, Will and Alfred.
At the age of nineteen years, having completed his studies in the
schools of Rockland, Joseph H. Vogtlin went to Detroit, Michigan,
where he served an apprenticeship of three years at the harness maker's
trade. Returning then to his old home, he followed his trade in Rock-
land a year, afterwards being in Ontonagon two years. Taking a trip
then to the territory of Washington, Mr. Vogtlin located in Seattle,
which was then a comparatively small city, and became associated with
the Seattle Lumber Company as a searcher for, and inspector of
lumber, remaining with the company until 1886. Coming in that year
to Bessemer, he rented a building and opened a harness shop, and met
with such encouraging success in his operations that in 1887 he bought
the property and has since conducted an extensive and lucrative busi-
ness in this city.
Mr. Vogtlin, in 1888, was united in marriage with Anna M. Guenther,
who was born in Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of Joseph Guenther, a
native of Germany. Mrs. Vogtlin died September 1, 1902, leaving two
children, namely : Belle, who was graduated from the Bessemer High
School, and from the State Normal School, and is now teaching in the
Bessemer public schools ; and Inez, a pupil in the Bessemer High School.
An uncompromising Republican in his political affiliations, Mr. Vogtlin
has served thirteen years as a member of the school board; has been
a member of the Board of Public Works for five years; has been one
of the Commissioners of the Poor the past ten years; and has served
as a member of the Board of Review. At the present time Mr. Vogtlin
is chairman of the Republican Committee of the Fourth ward, a posi-
tion which he has filled many years.
James W. Bedell, Esq.— Prominent among the leading citizens of
Wakefield, Gogebic county, is James W. Bedell, Esq., who has served
many years as postmaster at this place, and has served with distinction
in many of the more important offices of the town and county. A
native of Michigan, he was born August 1, 1858, in Detroit, a son of
George Bedell.
George Bedell was born, reared and educated in Leeds, England,
where he afterwards became a mechanical engineer. About 1854 he
immigrated to the United States, being sis weeks in sailing across the
ocean. He landed in New York, going from there to Cleveland, and
after a brief stay in that city located in Detroit, Michigan, where he
became foreman in the locomotive works. The first engine used in the
Quincy Mills was made at those works, and George Bedell was sent
out to install the engine, and was then made superintendent of the
1422 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
mill, a position Avhich he filled satisfactorily until his death in 1897.
He married Elizabeth Townsend, who was born in Leeds, England,
and died in Michigan several years before he did, leaving three chil-
dren, Cornelivis, Mary, and James W.
Having laid a wise foundation for his future education in the pub-
lic schools of Detroit, James W. Bedell, at the age of fourteen years,
entered the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris, Illinois, where he
completed the course of study. He afterwards took a special course
at the University of Michigan, and afterwards entered its Law Depart-
ment, from which he was graduated with the class of 1879. On account
of poor health, Mr. Bedell did not enter upon a legal profession, but,
instead, accepted a position with a Detroit finn as traveling salesman,
and for four years traveled throughout Northern Wisconsin and Mich-
igan. Locating then at Gogebic, he was bookkeeper for the Iron Clitf
Mining Company until his employers sold out. Early in 1886 Mr.
Bedell located in the vicinity of Wakefield, the present site of which
was then a wilderness. The town being started soon after, he applied
to the government for a postoffice, and when, in the fall of that year,
his petition was granted, he was appointed postmaster, and, with the
exception of two years, has since filled the position.
Mr. Bedell married in 1886, INIary Beck, who was born in Cleveland,
Ohio. Her father, a native of Germany, emigrated to the United
States, settling in Ohio. Soon after the breaking out of the Civil war
he enlisted in the LTnion army, and lost his life while in the service. Her
mother was born in Ireland, and came to this country with her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Bedell are the parents of six children, namely: George,
Mildred, Ray, Leslie, Claude, and Marjorie.
Mr. Bedell has served his fellow-townsmen in many responsible po-
sitions, and always to the utmost satisfaction of those concerned. As
a justice of the peace for three terms, his decisions were always tem-
pered with wisdom and justness. Appointed notary public by Gov.
Pingree, he has served continuously since. He was a member of the
Board of Education twelve years, and for the past eighteen years has
been a member of the Board of County Supervisors of the Poor, a po-
sition to which he has recently been re-elected for another term of
three years. He is also at the present time president of the Village
Board. Fraternally Mr. Bedell is a member of Bessemer Lodge No.
390, F. & A. M. ; of Minerva Chapter No. 122, R. A. M. ; of Gogebic
Commandery No. 46, K. T., and of Ahmed Temple, Mystic Shrine, of
Marquette.
Samuel Eddy. — A prominent and successful representative of the
lumber interests of Houghton county, Samuel Eddy, head of the en-
terprising firm of Eddy & Belheumer, of Lake Linden, is carrying on
an extensive business in the manufacture of all kinds of lumber, laths
and shingles. He was born, IMay 21, 1869, in Cornwall, England,
where he lived until seven years of age. His grandparents, Samuel
and Wilma (Pierce) Eddy, w^re born, lived and died in England.
James P. Eddy, the father of Samuel, was born in Cornwall, Eng-
land, in November, 1842. He grew up in the mining regions, and as a
matter of course busied himself as soon as strong enough with the
pick and axe. Emigrating with his family to the United States in
1875, he debarked at New York city, from there going first to Detroit.
Michigan, thence to the Upper Peninsula. Locating at Lake Linden,
Houghton county, he was here employed in the stamp mills until 1902,
when he retired from active pursuits and has since enjoyed the pleas-
Qs^cpL,
^aL-w
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1423
ures and comforts of life at his pleasant home, his leisure being well-
deserved. His wife, whose maiden name was Nina Edwards, was also
born and bred in Cornwall.
Seven years of age when he crossed the ocean with his parents,
Samuel Eddy received his rudimentary education in the public schools
of Lake Linden, where he graduated from the high school in 1886,
after which he entered the Ypsilanti State Normal School, from which
he was graduated with the class of 1888. Being well fitted for a
professional career, Mr. Eddy subsequently taught school nine years.
Retiring from that profession, he engaged in the fire insurance busi-
ness, with which he is still connected to some extent. Turning his
attention, however, to the lumber trade, he formed a partnership with
Mr. Belheumer, and has since been actively engaged in operating his
milling plant, which is advantageously situated on the north side of
Torch Lake, its location affording the very best facilities for receiving
and shipping logs and lumber by water. This business was organized
in 1905, and the mill, which has a capacity of forty thousand feet per
day, is modernly equipped, having improved band saws and a fine two
hundred horse-power engine. This company likewise has valuable
interests in ]\Iiehigan timber lands, and employs forty men in the
difi'erent parts of the mill and in the woods.
Mr. Eddy married, in 1890, Georgia DuQuette, a daughter of
George DuQuette, an early and highly respected resident of Lake
Linden. Three sons and a daughter were born to Mr. and Mrs. Eddy:
Harold, nineteen years of age, a graduate of the Linden high school;
Ruben, seventeen years of age, attending high school; Mildred, who
died at the age two years, and Corbin, six years of age. Mr. Eddy
is president of- the Board of Education of Lake Linden, having been
elected a member of the board in 1910. Politically a Republican.
He was for eight years a member of the village council, and for the
past five years has served as supervisor of Schoolcraft township, which
office he still holds, elected 1905. Fraternally he is a member of Lake
Linden Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; of Calumet Chapter, R. A. M., and of
Montrose Commandery, K. T., of Houghton.
Eugene Allen Ormes. — Conspicuous among the enterprising and
progressive men who have been influential in promoting the industrial
prosperity of Gogebic county is Eugene Allen Ormes, of Marenisco,
who is here extensively engaged in mercantile pursuits, and is also
serving as postmaster. A son of Melvin B. Ormes, he was born Sep-
tember 8, 1864, at Hancock, Houghton county, Michigan, coming from
substantial New England stock. His grandparents, natives of Ver-
mont, spent their last years in New York state.
Melvin B. Ormes was born and bred at Castleton, Vermont, and as
a young man went to New York state, where he lived until 1863. Com-
ing with his family to Michigan in that year, he located in Houghton
county, settling there before the railroads had penetrated into the
wilds of the Upper Peninsula, the people coming here by way of the
Lakes, or with teams, the mails, in the winter seasons being trans-
ported with dog teams. The country was covered with heavy timber,
and he, with characteristic energy and foresight, embarked in the lum-
ber business, first establishing a sawmill at Hancock, and later building
one at Menominee, Michigan, and another at Marinette, Wisconsin.
Going to Unity, AVisconsin, in 1876, he remained there about eight
years. In 1884 he located in Gogebic county, establishing a sawmill
near the present site of Marenisco, which was then a dense wilderness,
Vol. ni— 23
1424 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
with not a building of any description near. Engaging in the manu-
facture of lumber under the firm name of the M. B. Ormes Company,
he continued it successfully until his death, at the age of sixty-five
years. He married Mrs. Jane (Stewart) Scott, who Avas born in Perth-
shire, Scotland, and as a child of seven years was brought by her
parents to Canada, where they spent their remaining days. She mar-
ried fii*st John Scott, a contractor, who had charge of the construction
of sections of several railroads passing through Ohio, his home being in
Hamilton, Ohio, where he died, leaving his widow with foi;r children,
Archie, Walter, Aleck, and Katie B. Of her union with her second
husband, four children were born, namely: Martha, IMary, Eugene
Allen, the subject of this brief sketch, and Melvin L. The mother died
at the ripe old age of eighty-four years.
As a youth, when not in school, Eugene Allen Ormes assisted his
father in the mill, being afterwards employed in different kinds of
labor. In 1899 he began his mercantile career, after a year's experience
as a clerk opening a general store at Marenisco, where he has since
built up an extensive lucrative business as a merchant, having by his
square, upright dealings gained the good will and the patronage of the
people of this vicinity.
]\Ir. Ormes married August 8, 1887, Carrie C. IMuzzey, who was born
in Springfield, Marquette county, Wisconsin, June 5, 1862, of New
England ancestry. Her father, Ira Muzzey, was born ]\Iay 6, 1805, in
Springfield, Sullivan county. New Hampshire, and at the age of fif-
teen years began life as a sailor, going on a whaling voyage. Subse-
quently settling in Charlestown, Massachusetts, he worked in the Navy
Yard for awhile, and then settled in Rutland, Vermont, where he lived
until 1854. In that year, accompanied by his family, he moved to
Wisconsin, traveling by way of the Lakes from Buffalo to Milwaukee,
and from there to Marquette county, where he was a pioneer settler,
with teams. After renting land for awhile, he purchased a timber
tract in Westfield township, erected a small frame house in the midst
of the woods, and immediately began clearing and improving the land,
in course of time having a large part under cultivation. There he
continued his agricultural pursuits until his death, May 29, 1884. Mr.
Muzzey was twice married. He married fii-st, Hannah Evans, who
was born in Massachusetts, and died in Rutland, Vermont, leaving six
children, namely : Ira, Stephania, Celestia, Jolin C, Winslow, and Lucia.
Mr. iMuzzey married second, Nancy Temple, who was born in Berk-
shire, Franklin county, Vermont, a daughter of Erastus and Olivia
(Gray) Temple, and they became the parents of three children, namely:
William, Eveline, and Carrie C, now Mi-s. Ormes.
Mr. and Mrs. Ormes are the parents of two children, Harold Eu-
gene and Mildred Carrie. A stanch Republican in his political views,
Mr. Ormes has served his fellow-townsmen wisely and well in various
positions. He was township treasurer two years ; township clerk four
years ; a member of the County Board of Supervisors eight years ; and
since 1907 has served as postmaster at Marenisco. Fraternally Mr.
Ormes is a member of Bessemer Lodge No. 390, F. & A. I\I. ; of IMinerva
Chapter, No. 122, R. A. M. ; of Ironwood Commandery, No. 46, K. T. ;
of Bessemer Lodge, K. of P. ; and of Marenisco Lodge, M. W. A. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Ormes are members of the 0. E. S.
Charles Patrick A 'Hern. — Genial, courteous and accommodating:,
Charles Patrick A 'Hern is widely and favorably known throughout
Chippewa county as proprietor and manager of the Lock City Hotel,
ipififiiiiiiiiifr
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN U25
which is liberally patronized and quite popular with the traveling pub-
lic. He was born February 6, 1868, at Port Colborne, Ontario, a son of
James A 'Hern, of pure Irish stock.
Born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1835, James A 'Hern resided in the
Emerald Isle during the earlier part of his life. Emigrating with his
Avife and three children to America in tlie early '60s, he crossed the
ocean in a sailing vessel, landing in New York city. Drifting into
Canada, he located at Port Colborne, Ontario, where' he Avas first em-
ployed on the Wetland Canal, afterwards working for the old Port
Colborne Elevator Company, continuing his residence in that place
until his death in 1885. His wife, whose maiden name was Emma
Smith, was born in county Cork, Ireland, and is now living at Port
Colborne, Ontario. Of their eleven children, the three oldest were
born in Ireland, and eight of them are still living, namely : John, Delia,
James, Mary, Charles Patrick, Francis, Emma, and Agnes. Both
parents were members of the Roman Catholic church, and reared their
children in the same faith.
Attending the public schools of Port Colborne as a boy, Charles
Patrick A 'Hern began at the age of twelve years to work on the
Welland Canal, being employed by the contractors. Hunter & Murray,
of Cleveland, Ohio, afterwards becoming derrick boy for C. L. Dunbar.
Coming from there to Sault Ste. Marie in 1886, Mr. A 'Hern was for a
time engaged in dredging for Hickler Brothere, later entering the em-
ploy of Mr. Dunbar, gradually working his way up until he became
engineer of a steam dredge. ' Changing his occupation, Mr. A 'Hern
ran a saloon on Water street until the spring of 1904, when he as-
sumed possession of his present hotel, which he is managing most suc-
cessfully, his many guests invariably being pleased and gratified with
the attention so cheerfully given to their wants.
]\Ir. A 'Hern during the year 1894 was in the employ of the city as
superintendent of water mains. Religiously true to the faith in which
he was brought up, he belongs to the Roman Catholic church. Fra-
ternallv he is a member of Lodge No. 552, B. P. 0. E. ; of Division No.
1, A. 6. H. ; and of Branch No. 32, C. M. B. A.
He married January 10, 1903, Etta 0 'Brine, who was born in
Sault Ste. Marie, and has here spent her life. Her father, Jeremiah
P., was born August 19, 1847, in county Clare, Ireland. Coming to
the LTnited States at the age of eighteen years, he lived several years in
Chicago, being employed as an engineer. In 1873 he came to Sault Ste.
Marie, and here helped build the locks. He subsequently served two .
yeara as deputy sheriff, afterwards being engaged in the livery and
saloon business until his death, July 26, 1895. He was a Democrat in
politics, and a faithful member of the Roman Catholic church. Llr.
0 'Brine mari-ied Ellen O'Hearn, who was born at St. Catherine, Can-
ada, in 1852, and is now residing in Sault Ste. Marie. Three children
blessed their union, as follows: Etta, now^ Mrs. A 'Hern; John, and
Annie. Of the nine children that have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
A 'Hern, eight are living, namely: Marie, John I., Jeremiah, Francis,
James, Margaret, Agnes, and Lucia.
George W. IMcCobmick has been a resident of IMenominee since
1903 and here he holds precedence as one of those progressive, ener-
getic and capable business men to whom has been due the rapid indus-
trial and commercial advancement of the city wdthin the past few
years. He has thoroughly identified himself with local interests and
is general manager of the Menominee River Sugar Company, in which
1426 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
he is a stockholder find director. This important concern, which has
contributed materially to the industrial stability and prominence of
Menominee, has found in him a most able and discriminating admin-
istrative officer. He has gained the unqualified confidence and regard
of the community in which he has established his home.
George W. McCormick was born on a farm in Lennox eoiinty, prov-
ince of Ontario, Canada, and the date of his nativity was September
12, 1871. He is a son of James and Margaret (Sexsmith) McCormick,
both of whom were natives of Lennox county, Ontario. His father was
born in Antrim county, Ireland, on the 4th of June, 1822, and his
mother was born in Lennox county, Ontario, in 1832. Their mar-
riage was solenmized in the province of Ontario, Canada, where they
continued to reside until their death, the mother having been sum-
moned to the life eternal in February, 1895, and the father having
passed away in October of the following year. They became the
parents of four sons and five daughters, all of whom are living, except
one of the daughters. James McCormick gained his early educa-
tional discipline in his native county in the fair Emerald Isle and was
about fifteen years of age when, in 1837, he embarked with his par-
ents, Hugh and Nancy (Wilson) McCormick, on a sailing vessel des-
tined for the foreign shores of America. They landed in the city of
Quebec, Canada, and thence his father removed to Lennox county in
the province of Ontario, where he secured a tract of land and turned
his attention to agricultural pursuits. Here both Hugh and Nancy
(Wilson) McCormick passed the resichie of their long and useful
lives and here their son James was reared to maturity. He never
severed his allegiance to the great basic industry of agriculture and
continued to reside on the old homestead farm secured by his father
more than three-quarters of a century ago until the time of his death.
The property is still held by the family and James McCormick, brother
of the subject of this sketch, now resides upon a portion of the same.
The parents were devout communicants of the Church of England.
George W. McCormick, whose name initiates this article, passed his
boyhood and early youth on the old homestead farm mentioned, and
after availing himself of the advantages of the public schools he pur-
sued his higher academic studies in a collegiate institution at Napanee,
Canada. Thereafter he was for two years engaged in teaching in the
public schools of his native province and in 1890 he came to Mich-
igan and established his home in Kalamazoo, where he entered the
employ of a publishing and stationery house, for which he was sales-
man until 1894. He then became a representative of the Traveler's
Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, of which he was district
agent until 1901, with headquarters in Bay City, jMichigan. In the
year last mentioned he became associated with others in the organiza-
tion of a company for the manixfacture of beet sugar at Wallace, prov-
ince of Ontario, Canada. He was made secretary and assistant man-
ager of the company, of whose board of directors he was also a mem-
ber, and he continued to be actively identified with the management
of its affairs until Januaiy, 1903, when he removed to Menominee,
Michigan, and assumed the position of general manager of the Men-
ominee River Sugar Company, in Avhich he is a stockholder and di-
rector. j\Iichigan has gained no little priority as a center of the man-
ufacture of beet-sugar, and the plant of the company mentioned is
one of the largest and best equipped in the state. Mr. McCormick is
also vice-president of the Flint Lumber Company, at Flint, Michigan.
A thorough business man who maintains a broad view of commercial
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1427
and industrial conditions, Mr. McCormiek is essentially progressive
and loyal as a citizen and is ever ready to lend his aid and influence
in support of measures tending to advance the general welfare. He
has shown particular interest in agricultural and educational affairs
since coming to Menominee and he was one of the founders of the
Agricultural School of Menominee county, which has the distinction
of being the only technical county school of its kiiid in the state of
Michigan. In politics he accords an imswerving allegiance to the
Republican party, though he has never had aught of desire for the
honors and emoluments of public office. He is a communicant of the
Protestant Episcopal church and in the Masonic fraternity he has at-
tained to the degree of Knight Templar. He was initiated into the
time-honored fraternity at Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1894, and his
present affiliations are here briefly noted: Menominee Lodge, No.
269, Free and Accepted Masons; Menominee Chapter, No. 107, Royal
Arch Masons; Menominee Commandery, No. 35, Knights Templars;
and Moslem Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mys-
tic Shrine, in the city of Detroit, Michigan.
On the 28th of June, 1899, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Mc-
Cormiek to Miss Anna Morrison, who was born and reared at Laporte,
Indiana. She is a daughter of Henry D. and Mary (Ridge way) Mor-
rison, both of whom were likewise natives of Indiana, being repre-
sentatives of pioneer families of that state. Both are now deceased,
and of their four children, three are still living. Mr. Morrison was
an extensive land-holder and substantial capitalist of Indiana and was
much interested in banking enterprises. He was a Republican in pol-
itics and both he and his wife held membership in the Presbyterian
church. Mr. and Mrs. McCormiek have two sons, — Morrison Ridge-
way and George "Wellesley, Junior.
Henry Chandler Kimball, M. D.— Living retired from the active
duties of his profession. Dr. Henry Chandler Kimball has the distinc-
tion of having been the first member of the medical fraternity to locate
in Iron county, and the first man to erect a dwelling house at Crystal
Falls. A son of John Kimball, he was born, October 5, 1837, in Levina,
Livingston county, N. Y., coming from excellent Scotch lineage. His
grandfather, Dennis Kimball, was born in New Hampshire, of Scotch
parents, whose surname was formerly, it is said, spelled Campbell, but
was changed to its present form several generations ago. Removing to
Pennsylvania, he lived there long enough to improve a homestead, and
then sold, and for awhile resided in Levina, New York. He spent his
last days with his children, in Michigan, where he died at the age of
one hundred and one years.
A native of New Hampshire, John Kimball made the most of his
opportunities for obtaining an education, and after removing to New
York taught a part of each year in the public schools. About 1848 he
started with his family for Michigan, travelling across the country with
teams to Palmyra, Lenawee county, where he lived a short time. Settling
then in Franklin township, he bought land, and devoted a portion of
his time to tilling the soil, the remainder of his time teaching school,
and was there a resident until his death. His wife, whose maiden name
was Eliza Pease, was bom in Vermont. She survived him, and spent
her closing years of life with her children, of whom she had nine, as
follows: Philander, Francis, Sarah, Henry Chandler, Levi, Laverne,
Alonzo, Theodore, and Martha.
Having obtained his elementary education in the pioneer schools of
1428 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Lenawee county, Michigan, Henry C. Kimball began the study of medi-
cine at the age of twenty-two years with Dr. Chitlock, of Jackson,
Michigan, in the meantime attending the Medical Department of the Uni-
versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He subsequently engaged in the
practice of his profession at Liberty for seven years, after which he en-
tered the Detroit Medical College, from which he was graduated. Lo-
cating then at Colon, Jackson county, Dr. Kimball remained there until
1881, when he made his advent in the Upper Peninsula. Iron county, in
which the Doctor located, was then a part of Marquette county. Pro-
curing limiber at Florence, he had it drawn with a team to the present
site of Crystal Falls, and here put up the first frame building erected
in this vicinity. It was not, however, in the city limits as first platted,
but at the saw mill near by. Immediately after the platting of the city,
the doctor purchased two lots on Superior street, at the corner of Fourth
street, and was the first to begin building operations ^\^thin the corpora-
tion, though he was soon followed by others. Dr. Kimball subsequently
opened the first drug store in the city, and established the first banking
institution. From the date of his settlement in this locality until 1891
he was physician for all of the mining companies of this part of the state.
Removing to Chicago in 1892, Dr. Kimball was there successfully en-
gaged in practice until 1898. Returning then to Crystal Falls, the doctor
has since made his home with his son Ray, among his pleasant rural sur-
roundings enjoying the peace and quiet earned by years of successful
practice of a most useful and noble profession.
Dr. Kimball married Fanny F. Bartle, who was born in New York
state, a daughter of Nelson Bartle. Three children have been born to
Dr. and Mrs. Kimball, namely : Henrietta, John L., and Ray. Henrietta
married first Charles Farrin, who died, leaving her one child, Ned K.
Farrin. She married second William Moore, and they have one son,
Donald Moore. John L., living in Jackson, Michigan, is now an inspec-
tor for the Prudential Life Insurance Company. He married-Nellie Hol-
lister, a daughter of Solomon D. Hollister, and they have three children,
Leo, Margarette and Anita. Ray Kimball, a dealer in real estate and
mining properties, has a pleasant home on the south side of Iron River,
about one and one-half miles from the Court House. He married Fanny
Fern Campbell who was born in Warren county, Iowa, a daughter of
Charles and Mary (Carter) Campbell, of whom a brief sketch may be
found elsewhere in this work, and they have one child, Bernice. Dr.
Kimball was the founder of Crystal Falls Lodge, No. 385, F. & A. M. ;
and is a member of Iron IMountain Chapter, R. A. ]\I. ; of IMarquette Com-
mandery, K. T. ; of Moslem Temple, Mystic Shrine ; and of the Grand
Rapids Consistory.
James AV. Oxnam. — A resident of Ironwood for nearly a quarter of
a century, James W. Oxnam has been an important factor in develop-
ing the business interests of this section of the Upper Peninsula, and
through his upright, straightforward dealings has won the esteem and
confidence of his fellow-townsmen. A son of William Oxnam, Jr., he
was born, July 27, 1859, at Council Hill, Jo Daviess county, Illinois,
of English ancestry. His grandfather, William Oxnam, Sr., a land-
holder and a farmer, was a life-long resident of county Coi'nwall, Eng-
land, although two of his family, his sons AVilliam and James came to
America, the latter settling in Canada. As far back as known his an-
cestors were English, the family name, says tradition, having formerly
been spelled Oxenheim.
Bom and bred in Cornwall, England, William Oxnam bade good
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1429
bye to his old home when he was about twenty years old, embarked on a
sailing vessel, and having crossed the Atlantic located in Maryland, where
he lived until after his marriage. Migrating then with his bride to the
then far Northwest, he passed through Chicago when it was a small
hamlet, much of the land now included within its limits being then
owned by the government, and for sale at $1.25 an acre. Pushing on-
ward to Galena, Illinois, a new but flourishing town, he was for awhile
engaged in mining lead in that vicinity. Subsequently, while prospect-
ing, he struck a rich vein of ore, and in the course of a few years
acquired a competency, and thenceforward lived retired, dying at the
home of a daughter, near Lena, Illinois, at the good old age of seventy-
eight years. He married Elizabeth Mitchell, who was bom in county
Cornwall, England, and came with her parents to America, locating near
Baltimore, ]\Iaryland. She died at the age of seventy years, leaving four
children, as follows : Eliza Jane, Ellen Matilda, Thomas, and James W.
Receiving a practical education in the public schools of Council Hill,
James W. Oxnam remained a member of the parental household until
twenty years of age, when he started out for himself, travelling through
the South and "West, being employed at various kinds of labor. In 1880,
hearing from a friend in Ontonagon, Michigan, of the good times in that
vicinity, he started for the Upper Peninsula, going by rail to Baraga,
thence traveling on foot, and carrying a heavy grip in his hand, to Onto-
nagon, a distance of forty miles. He at once secured work, for quite
awhile teaming wood and lumber for Mr. Riddle, whose daughter he
afterwards married. Afterwards he was made deputy postmaster and
justice of the peace, and was there a resident until 1886. Coming then
to Gogebic county, he traveled by boat to the point nearest Ironwood,
thence overland to the new town. He soon became active in promoting
the material growth of the place, and for many years was a successful
contractor for building streets and laying sewers, likewise doing much
teaming, and becoming an extensive dealer in wood and lumber. In
1904 Mr. Oxnam began to manufacture temperance beverages, having
purchased the business of his brother-in-law, James Riddle, and has
continued it until the present day.
Mr. Oxnam married, in 1882, Alice Riddle, who was born in Green-
land, Ontonagon county, Michigan, a daughter of
and Fanny (Cannon) Riddle. Born and bred in Ireland, Mr. Riddle
came to America with the family when young, and lived with his par-
ents, until his marriage, when he was but twenty years old. Starting
on their wedding journey, he and his bride went up the Hudson river to
Albany, thence to Buffalo by the Erie Canal, then by the Lakes to
Eagle Harbor, Keweenaw county, Michigan, where he worked in a mine,
and kept a boarding house until 1851. He then went with his family
by boat to the present site of the city of Ontonagon, which was then a
wilderness, with only three buildings which had been erected in small
clearings. The next morning he started on foot and alone for Rock-
land, where there was quite a settlement, and was there, three days later,
joined by his wife, who made the trip by boat. Taking up government
land, ]\Ir. Riddle began the improvement of a farm, residing there sev-
eral years. Moving then to Greenland, Ontonagon county, he remained
there until 1898, but has since been a resident of Rockland. He mar-
ried, in New York City, Fanny Cannon, who was born in county Derry,
Ireland. She died in August, 1894, leaving six children, as follows:
James, Edward, Alice, Fanny, Mary, and Robert.
Mr. and Mrs. Oxnam are the parents of two children, Dora and
Edward. Dora married Luther Brewer, and has two children, Luther
1430 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
and Alice. A prominent and influential member of the Republican
party, Mr. Oxnam has filled various official positions with acceptance
to all concerned, having been a member of the first City Council, in
which he represented the First ward several terms, and having sei'ved
five years as street commissioner. He helped to organize the Ironwood
Fire Department, which he served as assistant chief eleven years, having
since been chief of the department. Fraternally he belongs to Iron-
wood Lodge, No. 389, F. & A. M. ; to Minerva Chapter, R. A. M. ; and
to Gogebic Commandery, No. 76, K. T.
George E. Holbein. — One of the progressive and enlightened rep-
resentatives of the Fourth Estate of ]\lichigan is George Ellis Holbein,
editor and manager of the Pioneer-Tribune of IManistique. In no other
field does a man exert as far-reaching and potent an influence and Man-
istique is fortunate enough to have her journalistic destinies entrusted
to capable and conscientious hands. Mr. Holbein was born at Denison,
Summit county, Ohio, August 16, 1864, the son of Elias and Lydia
Kulp Holbein. The father, who was a harness-maker, died in 1872,
when ]Mr. Holbein was a lad eight years of age, but the mother still
survives.
Mr. Holbein's lineage can be traced to England and to Germany,
and both the Kulp and the Holbein families have been founded in this
country since about the year 1740. The paternal ancestors first located
in Pennsylvania and later came on to Ohio, where they were known as
honorable pioneer citizens and where the father of George E., for his
uprightness, won the respect of all those who knew him best, at various
times being honored by positions of official trust. The mother is a de-
scendant of William Nash, an English emigrant of the early eighteenth
century, who also made his way to the Keystone State. Several of the
mother's forbears participated in the Revolutionary war, some on the
side of the Colonists, and others being of Tory conviction.
George Ellis Holbein received his elementary education in the school
of AVadsworth, Ohio, entering its higher department, and later matricu-
lating at Heidelberg University at Tiffin, Ohio. However, he was not
graduated from either school owing to the fact that the resources of the
family were limited and Mr. Holbein was forced to make a livelihood for
himself at an early age. The fact that his mother was a widow with a
large family made it necessary for him to face the serious issues of life
when other boys were still enjoying to the fullest the delights of youth-
ful irresponsibility. While born and reared in a little mining village,
most of his vacations were spent in the employ of farmers, and the
free, wholesome life of the agricultural community, no doubt, did its
share to the broad development of his character.
In 1883 Mr. Holbein was seized with the prevalent western fever
and made a radical step by going west, locating in Hiawatha, Kansas,
w^here he secured a position in a newspaper office. In 1887 by means
of the exercise of the gi-eatest industry and thrift he found himself able
to establish himself upon a more independent footing and he secured
and conducted a small, weekly newspaper in Colorado Springs, Colo-
rado. He eventually returned to the Jayhawker State and during 1891-
1892 managed a newspaper at Holton. His identification with the North-
ern Peninsula dates from the year 1893. His career of seventeen j-ears
as editor and manager of the Pioneer-Tribune has been one of constant
progress and the office of this well-esteemed sheet has been transformed
from a struggling, illy-equipped one, to one containing type-setting ma-
chines, power presses and everything to be .found in first-class offices in
'6^^
A
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1431
cities twice the size of Manistique. In an editorial capacity Mr. Holbein
is fearless and fair and in consequence the verdict of the Pioneer-Tri-
bune is of weight in this part of Michigan. For thirty years he has
been identified with the printing and journalistic business and he is
weU-known in the fraternity. Every change in location made by him
has been made because he believed it to be a step upward. One of the
dominant characteristics of this essentially self-made man is what he
would call "keeping everlastingly at it" and it is by this "open, Se-
same," that he has been able to gain a competency in an unpromising
field of country journalism. If his earlier years were lean ones finan-
cially the successful present is recompense. In addition to the control-
ling interest in the Tribune Publishing Company he owns business realty
and a handsome residence, which is the centre of a gracious hospitality.
Mr. Holbein subscribes to the articles of faith of the Republican
party and at various times has represented the party as secretary of
the county committee and as delegate to the state and district conven-
tions. He was deputy state oil inspector of the state of Michigan dur-
ing 1898-99 and is present member of the board of public works of
Manistique.
He finds no small amount of pleasure in his lodge relations. He is
prominent in Masonry, which he joined in 1903 and in Odd Fellowship,
with which he became identified in 1910. He is also a member of the
National Protective Legion, having been secretary of this organization
for thirteen years, having joined in 1897. He is a member of the Pres-
byterian church, and trustee of the local congregation and can be relied
upon to give his support to all good causes.
Mr. Holbein formed a congenial life companionship when on Oc-
tober 29, 1890, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Louisa Ried-
inger, a former school teacher. Her grandparents emigrated from Ger-
many in 1820 and found content and prosperity in the land of their
adoption. Mrs. Holbein's father is a heavy landowner in the vicinity
of Randolph, Ohio, and a highly respected citizen. Their one child, a
daughter named Grace, was born May 26, 1898.
Michael J. Doyle. — The bar of the Upper Peninsula has an able
and popular representative in the person of Michael J. Doyle, who is
engaged in active general practice in the city of Menominee, and who
has attained a high reputation as a trial lawyer, besides which he is
known as a well fortified counselor. He has been prominent in con-
nection with political affairs in Michigan and has been a recognized
leader in the councils of the D'emocratic party in this state. He served
one term in the legislature of Michigan and was prosecuting attorney
of Menominee county for two terms (from 1906 until 1910).
Michael J. Doyle was born in the city of Memphis, Tennessee, on the
1st of October, 1854, and is a son of William and Bridget (O'Heam)
Doyle, both natives of the Emerald Isle. The father was bom in the
county of AVicklow and was thirty-two years of age at the time of his
death, which occurred at Toronto, Ontario. The mother was born in the
county of Tipperary, and she died at Memphis, Tennessee, when twenty-
eight years of age. Their marriage was solemnized in the city of Cleve-
land, Ohio, and their only child is he whose name initiates this sketch.
The father was reared and educated in his native land, where he re-
mained until 1847, when he came to America and located in the city
of Cleveland, Ohio, whence he later removed to Memphis, Tennessee.
After the death of his wife he removed to the northern part of the
Dominion of Canada, and at the time of his death he was a successful
contractor in the city of Toronto.
1432 THE NOKTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Michael J. Doyle was afforded excellent educational advantages, as
he was enabled to prosecute his studies in De LaSalle Institute and
Osgoode Hall, two excellent institutions in the city of Toronto, Canada.
In the law department of the latter he was graduated as a member of
the class of 1879 and duly received his degree of Bachelor of Law.
Soon afterward he located in the city of Detroit, Michigan, where he
was identified with manufacturing interests until 1887, when he re-
moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where he engaged in the practice
of his profession. In 1890 he was appointed city attorney by the Com-
mon Council and in the fall of 1891 he was elected a representative
of Chippewa county in the state legislature. In August of 1891 he
removed from Sault Ste. Marie to Iron Mountain, Michigan, where he
served one term as city attorney and where he followed the work of his
profession until the autumn of 1894, when he removed to Menominee
and was engaged in practice there until 1897. He then removed to
Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in professional work until
1903, when he returned to Menominee, which city has since been the
scene of his successful endeavors as an attorney and counselor at law.
In 1906 he was elected prosecuting attorney of IMenominee county, and
his able service as a public prosecutor resulted in his being chosen as
his own successor in 1908. His second term expired in 1910, and since
that time he has given his undivided attention to the private practice of
his profession, in connection with which he retains a large and repre-
sentative clientele. Mr. Doyle has marked talent along literary lines
and the appreciative wit and humor characteristic of the race from
which he is sprung. He has written two books that have met with a most
pleasing popular reception, — "Swan Swanson," published in 1895, and
"John Poorfellow, " published in 1898. He was reared in the faith of
the Catholic church and has never deviated therefrom, being now a
communicant of St. Albertus Parish in his home city, He is identified
with the local organization of Knights of Columbus and is at present in-
cumbent of the office of chancellor in the same.
In politics Mr. Doyle is a stalwart in the camp of the Democratic
party, and under its banner he has rendered most efficient service. He
was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention, held in the city
of Denver, Colorado, in 1908, and at the Democratic State Convention,
held in the city of Lansing, ^Michigan. In March, 1909, he was chosen
chairman, proving himself an able and idscriminating presiding officer.
He is at present one of the leaders of his party in Menominee cormty
and as a citizen he takes a loyal interest in all that tends to advance
the general welfare of the community. He is a man of genial nature
and has marked facility in gaining and retaining inviolable friendships.
On the 10th of July, 1880, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Doyle to ]\Iiss Marie Fitzpatrick, who was born in the city of Hamilton,
province of Ontario, Canada, and is a daughter of Kenny Fitzpatrick,
a well Imown citizen of that place. Mr. and ]\lrs. Doyle have seven chil-
dren, namely: Helen, Gerald, Gladys, Kenneth, Thurman, Wilford and
Meredith.
Mici-iiVEL Chambers.— This honored and influential citizen of St.
Ignaee is a native of the Upper Peninsula with whose history the family
name has been identified for more than sixty years. He and his broth-
ers have done much to further the development and upbuilding of St.
Ignaee, where they established themselves in the general merchandise
business many years ago and where each has contributed materially to
the civic and industrial progress. The firm of Chambers Brothers is one
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1433
of the best knowii and most important in St. Ignace and has long con-
trolled a large and representative trade. Concerning the affairs of this
firm the following record is given and is worthy of perpetuation:
"The firm of Chambers Brothers succeeded that of J. Chambers &
Brothers, whose career began about the close of the Civil war and
marked an important chapter in the history of modern St. Ignace.
This city has three distinct historical periods. It was founded about the
time Philadelphia sprang into existence and the mission reports indicate
it to have been a village of sixty houses, all in a row, in which lived
ten professors and five hundred students. This was as early as 1700
and the Catholic mission at this point was one of the most important
In the great wilderness of northern America at that time. But little
authentic data are available concerning the intermediate period of the
history of St. Ignace but its existence as a modern city began in the
latter half of the nineteenth century, when it again became a commer-
cial point. Fishing and lumbering for many years furnished the only
means of existence to the inhabitants of St. Ignace and fish and lumber
were the articles of commerce that were sent out from this northern
country in sufficient amounts to make men wealthy. The Chambers
Brothers saw here an opportunity for doing a good business, in the sup-
plying to the fishermen needed merchandise. With this need in view
the brothers opened a small store and not long after-\vard they extended
their operations by buying, packing and selling fish. Still later they
also engaged in fishing, in which connection they utilized the gill-net
and the old pound-net. In the height of their career as fishermen they
operated two tugs, besides numerous smaller boats and they built up a
large and prosperous business, abandoning the fishing industry only
when the supply of fish became too small to make the enterprise longer
profitable. In the meantime their mercantile business had greatly in-
creased in scope and importance and for some time they also conducted
a branch store at Naubinway. In 1874 the firm of Chambers Brothers
constructed the first dock at St. Ignace and this supplied a very exigent
demand. They have also erected a number of stores, thus greatly im-
proving the residence property in St. Ignace, and they are now ex-
tensive owners of real estate. The present firm is composed of Patrick
and Michael Chambers and another brother, John, was associated with
the enterprise until his death, which occurred in 1891."
Mr. Chambers was born in St. Ignace on the 12th of June, 1850,
and is a son of John and Margaret (O'Malley) Chambers, both natives
of county Mayo, Ireland, where the former was born in 1801 and the
latter in 1811. The parents passed the closing years of their lives in
St. Ignace, where the father died in 1885 and the mother in 1897. Their
marriage was solemnized in their native land and there four of their
children were born, namely : William, Bridget, Patrick and John. Four
children were born after their immigration to America, namely:
Michael, Mary, Catherine and Charles. The father came to Ajnerica
in 1846, making the trip on a sailing vessel and landing in the city of
Philadelphia. He made his way to the west and found employment in
connection with the construction of the Illinois and Michigan canal, in
which connection he resided at Bridgeport, now a part of the city of
Chicago. There he remained until the spring of 1849 when he removed
to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and established his home on Mack-
inac Island. In this year his wife and children joined him in America.
John Chambers reclaimed a fann near Castle Rock, St. Ignace, and dur-
ing the greater part of his active career in the Upper Peninsula he gave
his attention to agricultural pursuits and fishing. Both he and his
1434 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
wife were devout communicants of the Catholic church and in polities
he was a stanch supporter of the cause of the Democratic party. He
was a man of sterling integrity of character and of alert mental pow-
ers, and it has been well said that, "He taught his children the essen-
tial elements of industry and straightforward 'dealing, through which
they have gained prosperity and financial independence."
Michael Chambers was afforded the advantages of the somewhat
primitive schools of Mackinac county, where he was reared under the
conditions and influences of the pioneer days and where he early began
to assist in the work of his father's farm. In 1870 he became associated
with his brothers in the general merchandise business at St. Ignace,
where they erected a store in that year and the enterprise has been con-
tinued during the long intervening period under the original title of
Chambers Brothers. The brothers have ever shown a loyal interest in
all that has touched the welfare of the community and they have a se-
cure place in the confidence and esteem of the people of their home city
and county as is shown in the fact that Michael Chambers served two
terms as mayor of St. Ignace while in 1899-90 he represented his district
in the state legislature. In 1902 he was appointed by Governor Winans
a member of the board of control for the Michigan School of Mines.
He is a Democrat in his political allegiance and is a zealous communi-
cant of the Catholic church, in whose faith he was carefully reared.
Mr. Chambers is a bachelor.
It is worthy of note in this sketch that Charles M. and TuUy 0 'Mal-
ley, maternal uncles of Mr. Chambers, were numbered among the ster-
ling pioneers and influential citizens of the Upper Peninsula, where both
attained prominence in business and public affairs. They came to Mack-
inac Island in 1834, several years before the admission of Michigan to
the Union, and here they entered the employ of John Jacob Astor, the
organizer of the American Fur Company. Later they engaged in the
general merchandise business on their own responsibility. Charles
O'Malley was a member of the state legislature in 1846-7 and was
speaker pro tem. of the house. He was a man of fine intellectual gifts,
having received an excellent educational training in Ireland and having
later completed a course of study in the University of Montreal, Canada.
While a member of the Michigan Legislature he was chairman of the
committee on education and as such chairman reported out favorably
the bill for the establishment of the University of Michigan. He
erected the first transient hotel on Mackinac Island and this historic
old building is still standing, being known as the Island House. Charles
O'Malley served as probate judge of Mackinac county and later held the
same office in Delta county, having removed to Escanaba many years
ago and having been a resident of that place at the time when the
Chicago & Northwestern Railroad extended its line into the Upper
Peninsula. He was prominently identified with the lumber industry as
was also his brother, Tully O'Malley, who served as sheriff of Mack-
inac county at the time when the Mormons established themselves on
Beaver Island. In his official capacity he arrested a number of the
Mormons for robbing vessels at St. Ignace, Beaver harbor, taking a de-
tail of LT. S. troops then stationed at Fort Mackinac for the purpose of
making the arrests. The Mormons at that time were at the zenith of
their power under King Strang and according to reports committed
many depredations on defenceless fishermen and settlers who happened
from any cause to come within their infiuence.
Charles Dana Symondp, who is engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession at Powei's, Menominee coimty, is recognized as one of the repre-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1435
sentative younger members of the bar of the Upper Peninsula and his
success and prestige have been gained through his earnest and able ef-
forts. He is a member of a family that was founded in America in the
early colonial epoch of our national history, as is evident when it is
stated that he is a direct descendant of General John Symonds, who
came from England to America in 1632 and established his home in the
historic old town of Salem, Massachusetts. He is a grandson of Captain
Stephen Symonds, who was long identified with the maritime industiy
and who served as captain of various vessels sailing out from Massa-
chusetts ports. He also was a soldier in the war of 1812, in which he
held the office of captain and who was captured at sea by the English,
who incarcerated him at Dartmouth, England. He was later returned
to Boston and was there liberated in mid-winter barefooted and with
but little clothing. He was born at Salem, Massachusetts, and in that
state he passed the closing years of his life.
Charles D. Symonds is a son of Captain Stephen H. and Ellen J.
(Hill) Symonds, the former of whom was born at Salem, Massachusetts,
on the 25th of August, 1824, and the latter of whom was born in Buf-
falo, New York, in 1848 ; their marriage was solemnized at Beloit, Wis-
consin, on the 22nd of February, 1872. The father died at Paris, Me-
costa county, Michigan, on the 10th of February, 1910, and the mother
still resides in that village. Of the two children the subject of this
sketch was the firstborn, and Grace, who was born in 1876, died in the
year 1900. As a young man Stephen H. Symonds followed a seafar-
ing life, having become a sailor when but fourteen years of age and
having won promotion to the office of captain. He was in command of
merchant ships plying between the city of Boston and the West Indies
and he also made voyages to other foreign ports. In 1854 he took up
his residence at Beloit, Wisconsin, becoming one of the pioneers of that
place, where he was engaged in the boot and shoe business for a number
of years. In 1878 he removed with his family to Paris, Mecosta county,
Michigan, where he became a prominent business man and influential
citizen and where he lived retired during the closing years of his life.
He served in various township offices, including that of township treas-
urer, of which he was incumbent for more than twenty years. He
aligned himself as a supporter of the cause of the Republican party
and ever afterw^ard continued a stanch advocate of its principles and
policies.
He w^hose name initiates this sketch is indebted to the public schools
of Paris, Michigan, for his early educational discipline, which was sup-
plemented by a course in the institute, at Big Rapids, this state. He
first came to the Upper Peninsula in 1899 and located at Nadeau, where
he held the position of principal of the high school for two years.
Prior to this he had been a student in the University of Michigan and
at the expiration of the period noted he returned to Ann Arbor, where
he was graduated in the law department of the University as a mem-
ber of the class of 1894, duly receiving his well earned degree of
Bachelor of Laws. For the ensuing year he was again principal of the
high school at Nadeau and he then removed to Powers, where he pur-
chased the law practice of Charles F. Juttner. Here he has since been
engaged in the active practice of his profession, in which his success
has been of an unequivocal order, as he is well fortified in the learning
of his profession and is known as an able trial lawyer and duly con-
servative counselor. Mr. Symonds gives his allegiance to the Repub-
lican party and takes deep interest in its cause though he has never
appeared as candidate for public office. He is affiliated with the
1436 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Inde-
pendent Order of Yeomen.
On the 3d of July, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Sy-
monds to I\Iiss Roxana Anderson, who was born at Big Rapids, Michi-
gan, and who is a daughter of Robert and Jennie (Lypps) Anderson,
who still reside in that state. Mr. and Mrs. Symonds have one daugh-
ter, Janet ]\Iarian.
John AV. Wells. — The statement of IMaeaulay that "A people that
take no pride in noble achievements of remote ancestors will never
achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote
generations" has emphatic verification in each age and generation
and he is indeed fortunate who can revert to ancestry whose record
bears indication of worthy lives and worthy deeds. This is espe-
cially true in the case of John W. Wells who is a scion of the family
whose name has been identified with the annals of American history
since the early part of the seventeenth century. In New England,
that cradle of so much of our history, the family name has long been
one of distinctive prominence and from that section have gone forth
sterling representatives to aid in the development and upbuilding of
many other parts of the Union. He whose name initiates this review
came to Menominee, Michigan, as a young man and he has been most
prominently identified with the great lumber industry of Wisconsin
and northern Michigan, Avhile as a citizen he has exemplified the ut-
most loyalty and public spirit, contributing generously to the support
of those measures and enterprises that have conserved the progress
and substantial upbuilding of this favored section of the Wolverine
state. He is one of the essentially representative business men and
most honored citizens of Menominee, where he has long maintained
his home and Avhere his interests are large and important.
John W. AYells was born near the city of Davenport, Iowa, on the
30th of I\Iarch, 1841, and as this date inclieates he is a member of one
of the early pioneer families of the Hawkeye commonwealth. As already
stated, the AYells family, which is of stanch English origin (the to^^^l of
AYells, England, being founded by the AVells Family), was founded in
America in the Colonial epoch, the original progenitors in the new world
having come hither as early as 1635. Membei-s of this famih' were num-
bered among the first settlers of the state of ]\Iaine, and the to^^•n of Wells,
York county, that state, was named in its honor. Captain Richard Wells,
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, followed a seafaring life
for many years and was captain and owner of a merchant vessel. He
was born in Maine and passed his entire life in that state. His son
Alexander, father of John AV. AYells, was bom in the old Pine Tree
state, in the year 1818, and there he was reared to maturity. He
was accorded excellent educational advantages and was educated
at Bowdoin College. In 1837 he came to the west and settled in Scott
county, Iowa, then a territory, where he took up a farm. He was one
of the sterling pioneers of that section and he continued his residence
in Iowa until the Civil war, his marriage having been solemnized after
he had there established a home. When the integrity of the Union
was thrown into jeopardy through armed rebellion, he tendered his
services in its defence by enlisting in a regiment of Iowa volunteer
infantry and attained the rank of lieutenant. He practically sacri-
ficed his life in the cause of his country, as he died from the effect of
disease contracted while in the service, having passed away at St.
Louis, in the year 1863. His wife, whose maiden name was Julia A.
I
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1437
Carter, was born in Indiana in the year 1820 and her death occurred
at Menominee in 1900. Her father and mother were natives of Vir-
ginia and representatives of old and prominent families of the his-
toric Old Dominion. He served with distinction as a soldier in the
Mexican war, in which he held the rank of captain. He was num-
bered among the very early settlers of Iowa and was a member of its
legislature in the territorial days. Alexander Wells and his wife were
both devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the
former's political allegiance was given to the Republican party from
the time of its organization until his death, only a few years later.
He and his wife became the parents of seven children, of whom the
following are now living: Mary is the widow of William Ilollen-
beck, who served four years in the Civil war as a member of the Twen-
tieth Iowa ; Alfred C, who served during the Civil war, in which he
was a non-commissioned officer of the Second Iowa Cavalry, is now a
resident of Iowa; John W. is the immediate subject of this sketch;
Sarah A. is the wife of William Lamphere of Rapid City, South Da-
kota ; James L. maintains his home in Evanston, Illinois. The father
served for many years as a justice of the peace and as postmaster.
He was a man of distinctive prominence and influence in his com-
munity and his name has an enduring place on the roster of the hon-
ored families of the fine Hawkeye commonwealth.
John W. Wells was reared to the sturdy discipline of the old
homestead farm in Iowa and his early educational training was that
afforded by the public schools of that locality. Later he completed
a course in the business college at. Davenport, Iowa. He continued
to be associated in the work and management of the home farm until
he was twenty years of age, after which he passed one year in Wis-
consin. About the time he attained to his legal majority he came to
Menominee, Michigan, where he was employed for two years as a
bookkeeper. He next became interested as a partner in a lumber
business with headquarters at Oconto, Wisconsin, where he main-
tained his home until 1875, when he removed his plant and business
to Menominee, which city has since represented his home and to the
upbuilding of which he has contributed in a large measure. Here he
has continuously been engaged in the lumber business and in the long
intervening years his operations have been of extensive order. He
is vice-president of the Girard Lumber Company and is general man-
ager of its biisiness. The company has a well equipped saAv mill at
Dunbar, Wisconsin. Mr. Wells is also one of the principal owners
of the Bird-Wells Lumber Company of Wausaukee, Wisconsin, the
mill of w^hich corporation turns out about twenty million feet of lum-
ber annually. Of this Company he is President. Mr. AVells organized
the J. W. Wells Lumber Company of Menominee, of which he is pres-
ident. He is also President of the Northern Hardware and Supply
Company, wholesalers of lumbermen's and miners' supplies and gen-
eral hardware. He is also President of the AVhite Pine Lumber Com-
pany, a family corporation consisting of himself and his three sons,
Daniel, Artemus and Ralph. This company operates in Ontario, Can-
ada, where they own two townships of pine timber, a logging railroad,
a large saw mill and everything necessary to carry 'on an extensive
business. Mr. Wells is also President of the Wisconsin and Northern
Railway, and Vice President of the Dunbar & Wausaukee Railway,
which roads supply the Dunbar & Wausaukee mills with logs and also
do a regular railroad business in connection with the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul Railway, the Soo Line and the Wisconsin and Mich-
igan Railway.
1433 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
In 1898 Mr. Wells bought an interest in the I. Stephenson Com-
pany at Wells, Michigan. He re-organized the company, re-built the
old mill, built a large modern hardwood saw mill and hardwood floor-
ing factory, negotiated the purchase of the Ford River Lumber Com-
pany consisting of a large saw mill, the village of Ford River, one
hundred and ten thousand acres of land and logging equipment, etc.
To supply Ford River and I. Stephenson Company mills with about
eighty-five million feet of logs per year, he built the Escanaba and
Lake Superior Railway, consisting of about one hundred and forty
miles of track with first class rolling stock and equipment. He has
recently sold his interest in the Ford River, I. Stephenson and Escan-
aba & Lake Superior Railway Companies at a handsome profit and
will confine himself closer to personal operations. He is at present
building a very large hardwood flooring and manufacturing plant
and saw mill at Menominee to more closely utilize the lumber from his
Wausaukee, Dunbar and Canadian mills.
Mr. Wells believes in employing his sons in the active operations
of his enterprises and they all own substantial interest and fill respon-
sible positions in the business.
Mr. Wells is one of the substantial capitalists of the Upper Penin-
sula, and his entire course as a business man and citizen has been
guided and governed by the highest principles of integrity and honor
so that he has ever been the recipient of the fullest measure of popular
confidence and esteem. In politics Mr. Wells gives unqualified alle-
giance to the Republican party and he has rendered efficient co-opera-
tion in the promotion of its interests in a local way. He served for
two terms as a member of the board of supervisors of Menominee
county, was for two terms a member of the city council and for three
terms also he had the distinction of holding the office of mayor of
Menominee, having first been elected on the first of April, 1893, and
having been chosen as his own successor in the election of 1895-6.
Ilis administration is on record as one of the best ever given to the
mimicipal government of Menominee. In the Masonic fraternity Mr.
Wells is affiliated with Menominee Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons,
Menominee Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, ]\Ienominee Commandery,
Knights Templars and Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, in the city of Marquette, Michigan.
In December 1873 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Wells to
Miss Isabella Crawford, who was born in the Province of New Bruns-
wick, Canada, and who is a daughter of the late Daniel Crawford, a
native of Scotland. Mrs. Wells died July 23, 1910, after an illness
of several years. IMrs. AA^ells had long been a prominent and loved
figure in the social life of Menominee and she was a devout member
of the Presbyterian church of this city. Mr. and j\Irs. Wells have had
six children, namely : Florence A. Law, a resident of Menominee,
Daniel, formerly First Lieutenant, Thirtieth U. S. Volunteers and a
veteran of the Spanish war who resides in Detroit; Artenius C, who
resides in Menominee; Edna B. Walsh, who resides in Houghton,
I\Iichigan ; Alfred T., who was drowned in August, 1900, and Ralph W.,
who is superintendent of White Pine Lumber Co., operating at Blind
River, Canada. "
Artemus C. Wells. — No resident of the Upper Peninsula of Michi-
gan more fully merits the title of captain of industry than does Mr.
Wells, who is identified with business and industrial enterprises of
wide scope and importance and who has well upheld the prestige of
THE NOKTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1439
the honored name which he bears. He resides in the city of Menom-
inee, of which he is a native son, and he is a member of one of the
sterling pioneer families of this section of the state with whose de-
velopment and upbuilding his father was long prominently identified.
On other pages of this work appears a sketch of the career of the
father, John W. "Wells, and in view of this fact, it is not necessary to
repeat the data in the present article. Artemus C. "Wells is vice-
president and general manager of the J. "W. Wells Lumber Com-
pany, of Menominee ; the Bird & Wells Lumber Company, of Wau-
saukee, Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin & Northwestern Railroad Com-
pany. He is treasurer of the White Pine Lumber Company of Me-
nominee, carrying on extensive operations in Ontario, Canada, and is
assistant general manager of both the Girard Lumber Company of this
city and of the Dunbar & Wausaukee Railway Company, w^hose head-
quarters are in Menominee. Other important interests with which he
is identified are those represented by the Richardson Shoe Company,
the Lumbermen's National Bank of Menominee, and the Floyd Manu-
facturing Company, in each of which he is a director. Mr. Wells was
born in the city of I\renominee on the 15th of September, 1877, to
whose public schools he is indebted for his early educational discipline.
At the age of twenty-one years he was matriculated in Hamilton Col-
lege, at Clinton, New York, and in which he was graduated as a mem-
ber of the class of 1899, and from which he received the degree of
Bachelor of Arts. He then became actively associated with his
father's extensive operations in the lumber business, with which he
has since been identified, and his marked ability and administrative
powers have found ample scope for effective manifestation in con-
nection with the management of the various other large corporate
interests with which he is concerned, of which mention is made in the
opening paragraph of this sketch. He is an aggressive, vital and
enterprising business man of the younger generation and has wielded
much influence in connection with the carrying forward of the large
and important industries with which he is identified. In politics Mr.
Wells is a stalwart advocate of the principles and policies of the Re-
publican party though he has never sought official preferment, and in
the Masonic fraternity his affiliations are with Menominee Lodge, No.
269, Free and Accepted Masons ; Menominee Chapter, No. 107, Royal
Arch ]\Iasons and ]\Ienominee Commandery, No. 35, Knights Templars.
On the 14th of January, 1903, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Wells to Miss Hattie Stephenson, youngest daughter of the Honorable
Samuel M. Stephenson, of Menominee, concerning whom specific men-
tion is made on other pages of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Wells have
one son, John W. (2nd). They are popular and prominent factors in
the best social life of their home city and their attractive home is the
recognized center of generous hospitality.
Captain Charles Ripley.— Noteworthy among the men of keen
foresight and enterprise who have been active in promoting the welfare
of Chippewa county is Captain Charles Ripley, of Sault Ste. Marie,
who has lived in this vicinity nearly four decades, and is familiar ^^nth
every phase of its development and growth. He has been identified with
many beneficial enterprises, in 1877 putting into commission the first
steam ferry boat used in crossing the Saint Marie river from Sault Ste.
Marie, and is now, in the summer of 1910, captain of the steamer
"White City," plying between Houghton and the White City at Por-
tage Entrance. A son of Volney Ripley, he was born, December 1,
1845, in Schodack, Rensselaer county, New York.
Vol. m— 2 4
1440 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
His grandfather, Abram Ripley, who was of English ancestry, was a
pioneer farmer of Schodaek, where he cleared and improved a home-
stead, and in addition to tilling the soil owned and operated a brick
yard, and later dealt in lumber. His wife came from Quaker stock,
and as a woman of domestic tastes and virtues was a veritable helpmeet
to him in his pioneer labors.
Volney Ripley was born and reared in New York state, his birth
occurring in 1808. A student from his youth up, he studied law, and
was admitted to the New York bar. In the '30s, thinking to improve
his chances for making a fortune, he came to Michigan, before it was
admitted to statehood, and for several years was engaged in lumbering
at St. Clair, St. Clair countJ^ He subsequently spent a year in New
York state, during which time his son Charles was born. He after-
wards returned with his family to St. Clair, from there moving, in
September, 1854, to Pontiac, I\Iicliigan, then the terminal of the De-
troit & Pontiac Railroad. He had at that time a saw mill at Allegan,
in St. Clair county, and one at Lower Saginaw, now called Bay City,
and a third one at Bangor, Van Buren county. He was one of the
leading lumbermen of the state at that period, being a member of the
firm of Ripley & Co., of Saginaw, and of Ripley & Butterfield, at Al-
legan, and having full charge of all the business as general manager.
He died at ]\Iackinac Island, i\Iichigan, in 1866, at the age of fifty-
eight years, being the youngest member of his father's family to pass
to the world beyond. He was a AVhig in politics when young, but after
the formation of the Republican party was one of its stanchest adher-
ents. He served as registrar of deeds for St. Clair county. He was a
very busy man, employing many people in his work, among others
having been ex-Governor Jerome. Volney Ripley married Marie Klein,
who was born in Rensselaer county. New York, in the town of Scho-
daek, in 1826, of German ancestry, and died, March 2, 1906, in Sault
Ste. Marie. Her father, Isaac Klein, was born on the old Klein home-
stead, in Schodaek, in the very house in which Charles Ripley was born,
in 1796, and lived for almost a century, his death occurring in 1894.
Of the eight children born to j\Ir. and ^Irs. Volney Ripley, seven are
now living, namelj': Lucien, Marquis T., Charles, IMary L., Norman,
Joseph, and Ida j\I. Lillie, the youngest child, died at the age of forty-
one yeai*s. Joseph Ripley, the sixth cliild, and a younger brother of
Captain Ripley, was for seven years general superintendent of the
United States Locks at Sault Ste. Marie. He was one of the commis-
sioners of the Panama Canal, and designed the locks. He is now resid-
ing in Albany, New York, and is engineer in the canal construction
department of New York state, a position to which he was appointed by
Governor Hughes.
Living beneath the parental roof-tree until twenty years of age,
Charles Ripley completed his early education in the schools of Pon-
tiac, ]\liehigan. "When sixteen years old, he began working for a
neighboring farmer, remaining mth him fifteen months, and receiv-
ing eight dollars a month wages. He afterward assisted his father in
lumbering, working in the woods and on the drives. After the death of
his father, he was timber looker a niunber of years. In 1872 ]\lr. Ripley
entered the employ of the United States Government, for a year being
customs inspector at Sault Ste. Marie, subsequently becoming clerk
in the store of L. P. Trempe. Mr. Ripley then served three terms as
township clerk and village assessor, and was a member of the village
conunission, deputy registrar of deeds, and deputy postmaster. From
1883 until 1888 he was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Sault Ste.
Marie as head of the firm of Ripley & Pickford.
THE NOKTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1441
In 1877 Captain Ripley put into service the first steam ferry in
this part of the county, and has since been engaged in this particular
business until 1903. In 1889 he built the steamboat "International,"
which was used as a ferry boat for a long time. The Captain has, it
is said, crossed the St. Marie more times than any other one man.
Until 1887 he was the only person thus engaged, but in that year an
opposition boat was started. The two were merged into one service in
1896, Captain Ripley taking one-fourth interest in the stock, and be-
coming general manager of the business, which, was known as the Sault
Sainte Marie Ferry Company. The Captain sold out his interest in
1901, but remained with the company two years longer. He then, in
1903, bought the steamer "Thomas Friant, " and the following two
seasons run between Marquette and Pine River for the Huron Moun-
tain Club. He is now, as above stated, captain of the steamer "White
City."
Captain Ripley married, October 26, 1870, Lucy Ashmun, who was
born in Sault Ste. Marie, a daughter of Edward and Amanda (Chap-
man) Ashmun. Her Grandfather Ashmun, a native of New Jersey,
came to the Upper Peninsula when a young man as a pioneer. He
was a very prominent man in Sault Ste. Marie, and the first judge of
Chippewa county. Under the treaty of 1854, he took \\p Land Claim
No 1, in Chippewa county, and located in Sault Ste. Marie long ere
its incorporation as a city was dreamed of, and Ashmun street was
named in his honor. He was in the employ of the American Fur
Company, and must have been here before 1827, as the Captain has
in his possession a letter written to Judge Ashmun, sent to this place,
in that year. A brother of Judge Ashmun was governor of Siberia.
Edward Ashmun was born at Rice River, Minnesota, in 1823, and after
settling in Sault Ste. Marie became active in public affairs, serving as
Indian interpreter until 1872, also being keeper of the light at White
Fish Point, and postmaster in this city. At the time of his death, in
1877, he was serving as justice of the peace, an office that he had held
many years. His wife, Amanda Chapman, was bom in 1827, and died
in 1881. They were the parents of nine children, of whom four are
now living, as follows: Lucy, now wife of Captain Ripley; Ella, wife
of Clyde W. Hecox; Mary; and Jennie, wife of Peter Kelley.
Eleven children blessed the marriage of Captain and Mrs. Ripley,
namely: Edward R. ; Volney A.; Ella M. ; Charles A.; Harvey G. ;
Nellie A. ; Guy C. ; Chester W. ; Bert J. ; Harry died in infancy ; and
L. Clyde. The Captain has now eight voters in his family, and at the
next presidential election will have nine. Fraternally the Captain
belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, and politically he is a Demo-
crat.
William H. Faucett. — Ranking high among the far-sighted and
discerning men who are actively advancing the material interest of
Houghton county is William H. Faucett senior member of the firm of
Faueett Bros. & Guck, of Calumet, and a prominent resident of Lau-
rium. A native of Michigan, he was born April 8, I860, at the Meadow
Mine, Keweenaw county, Michigan.
His parents, James and Frances Fisher Faucett were born, reared
and married in Ireland, county Fermanagh. Leaving their native land
in 1840 they came across the ocean, the point of destination being
Michigan, whose rich mines had attracted much attention. James
Faucett located at the Cliff jMine, Keweenaw county. He lived here
several years, also at the Meadow and Humbolt Mines, moving in the
1442 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF :\IICHIGAN
'60s to Eagle River. Here his wife died at a comparatively early age
in 1870, and he passed away in 1905 in the eightieth year of his age.
Five children were born of their union, namely: Robert C, who died
in 1906; Jennie, who died in 1901; William H. ; Annie, wife of W. G.
Rielly of Butte, Montana; and Carrie, wife of James D. Kinnee, of
Houghton, Michigan.
Leaving at an early age, the public school of Eagle River where he
obtained his early education, William H. Faucett entered the Fuse
Factory which was conducted by Uren and Blight. From this place
he was employed at the Eagle River Hotel which was owned and man-
aged by Col. W. B. Wright with whom he remained three years. Mr.
Faucett was next employed by ]\Ir. Judd P. North of the Calumet
Hotel. After one year as surfman in the United States Life Saving
Station at the Portage Lake Ship Canal he returned to the employ of
Mr. North. The years 1886 and parts of '87 and '88 saw :Mr. Faucett
located at the Calumet and Hecla Smelting works at South Lake
Linden now knoAvn as Hubbell. In the spring of 1888, under Cleve-
land's administration, the Ontonagon and Brule River Land Grant
was opened up for settlement to homesteaders. Hither ]\Ir. Faucett
went, later returning to Calumet, finding emplojTnent at the Calumet
and Hecla mine. Leaving the mine in 1889 Mr. Faucett spent six
months at Valparaiso University subsequently being employed respect-
ively at Lake Linden in Ferdinand BoLz & J. Slonaker's retail meat
market and at Iron IMountain in Cruse & Co.'s market in which firm
his brother Robert C. Faucett was a partner. Mr. Faucett later
worked for the wholesale meat firm of Nast & Karger of Houghton,
remaining until October, 1892, when he located at Calumet and began
his labors in the interest of the Northern Michigan Building and Loan
Association of Hancock being employed by Dunstan & Hanchette. At
the end of six months he severed his connection with this firm open-
ing the first real estate office in Houghton county. He continued the
building and loan and at the same time solicited insurance for the Frank
A. Douglas Agenej- of Houghton and later added general insurance
to his ovra business. The insurance, real estate and building and loan
business Mr. Faucett has pursued continuously since, Robert C. Fau-
cett, who died a few years ago joining him in the business in 1899
and Frederick K. Guck being admitted to partnership in 1902. The
firm under the name of Faucett Bros. & Guck has since carried on an
extensive real estate and insurance business. This enterprising com-
pany has been identified with various real estate transactions, among
them having been the sub-dividing and platting of the Village of
Ahmeek, Keweenaw county, and at present they are busily engaged in
the suiweying and platting of forty acres of land formerly owned by
Mrs. John Phillips, the tract being noAV known as the Village of Phil-
lips located near AUouez, Houghton county. Mr. Faucett is also a di-
rector of the Northern ]\Iichigan Building and Loan Association of
Hancock.
In 1899 Mr. Faucett was united in marriage with jMiss Jessie F\il-
ler, daughter of Rev. 0. E. Fuller, an Episcopal clergyman, of ]\Iid-
land, Michigan, and into their household four children have been
born, namely: Rachel, William H., Jr., who died at the age of two
and one-half years; Virginia, and Emily Cornelia.
Fraternallv i\Ir. Faucett is a member of Keweenaw Lodge, No. 242,
F. & A. M. ; of Calumet Chapter, No. 153, R. A. M. ; of Montrose Com-
mandci y, No. 38, K. T. ; of Ahmed Temple, A. A. 0. N. j\I. S., of :\Iar-
quette; and of Detroit Consistoiy, being a thirty-second degree I\Ia-
son. He is likewise a member of Hecla Lodge, No. 90, I. O. 0. F.
THE NOKTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1443
Chase S. Osborn. — The glory of our great American republic is
in the perpetuation of individuality and in according the utmost scope
for individual accomplishment. Fostered by the most auspicious sur-
roundings that can encompass one who has the will to dare and to do,
the nation has, almost spontaneously, produced men of the finest mental
caliber, of true virile strength and of vigorous purpose. The cradle has
not ever been one of pampered luxury, but the modest couch of infancy
has often rocked future greatness. American biography thus becomes
one of more perfect individuality, in the general as well as the specific
sense, than does that of any other nation on the globe. The self-made
man is a product of America, and the record of accomplishment in this
individual sense is the record that the true and loyal American holds in
deepest regard and highest honor. These statements are distinctively
apropos of the career of Chase S. Osborn. journalist, litterateur, public
official and loyal citizen. In connection with the civic and material prog-
ress of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan his name is associated in no
ephemeral way, and he has marked by definite accomplishment a place
of his own in economic, industrial and social affairs in this favored sec-
tion of a great commonwealth. He has gained prestige as one of the
leading newspaper men of the northern peninsula, has served in vari-
ous offices of public trust and has been an influential factor in the do-
main of politics, as a stanch and zealous advocate of the cause of the Re-
publican party. In November, 1910, he was elected to the distinguished
office of governor of the state. He has done much to further the de-
velopment and upbuilding of his beautiful home city, Sault Ste. Marie,
where he took up his residence nearly a quarter of a century ago, and
he is recognized as one of the essentially representative citizens of the
Upper Peninsula.
Chase Salmon Osborn was bom in Huntington county, Indiana, on
the 22d of January, 1860, and he finds a due measure of satisfaction in
reverting to that fine old commonwealth as the place of his nativity.
He is a son of Dr. George A. and Margaret A. (Fannon) Osborn, the
former of whom was born at Madison, Jefferson county, Indiana, on the
28th of February, 1823, and the latter at Circleville, Pickaway county,
Ohio, on the 30th of April, 1829, a daughter of John Fannon, who was
a native of Virginia and whose father was born in the north of Ireland.
The lineage of the Osborn family is traced back to Danish and
ancient English origin, and in Denmark the original orthography of the
name was Eisbjerne, — a term signifying polar bear or god bear. About
the year 300, A. D., a Danish jarl or earl named Osbearne invaded Eng-
land as the leader of an army of Norsemen, where the family was thus
founded. Concerning the name the following interesting data have
been given: "The name as borne by the original representatives in
America was Osborne, but a division in the family arose in connection
with the war of the Revolution, and the patriot branch dropped the
final 'e, ' to distinguish it from the Tory branch, which retained the orig-
inal spelling. In this connection it should also be recorded that John
Osborn, great-great-grandfather of him whose name initiates this review,
was both a physician and clergyman and that he served as chaplain in
the immediate command of General Washington in the great conflict
that brought independence to our nation and hurled oppression back.
One or more other representatives of the name were likewise found en-
rolled as gallant soldiers in the Continental line during the Revolution.
The paternal grandmother of Mr. Osborn moulded bullets for use of
the United States forces in the defense of Washington during the war
of 1812, at the time when the British troops were making their way up
1444 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
the Potomac river, and her husband was a lieutenant in the army that
thus opposed the English forces for a second time. Isaac Osbom, grand-
father of the subject of this review, was numbered among the sterling
pioneers of Indiana. He was born in New Jersey, whence he removed
to the state of New York in 1806, and he later removed to Indiana. He
became a successful trader on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, between
Cincinnati and New Orleans, and on one of his trips he was robbed and
murdered. The maiden name of his wife was Pardee and she was a
descendant of George Pardee, who came to America on the historic
]\Iayflower.
Dr. George A. Osborn passed the greater part of his youth in Ohio
but his educational training was completed by a course in the University
of Indiana. In his native state also he prepared himself for his chosen
profession, and he long held precedence as one of the able physicians
and surgeons of the Hoosier state. He was a stanch abolitionist during
the climacteric period leading up to the Civil war and did much to fur-
ther the work of the historic "underground railroad," by means of which
many slaves were assisted to freedom. He joined the Republican party
at the time of its organization and ever afterward continued a stalwart
advocate of its principles, though he never sought or desired public
office. He was a man of fine intellectual and professional attainments
and his character was the positive expression of a strong and noble
nature. He passed the closing years of his life in the city of South
Bend, Indiana, where he was long engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession and where his death occurred in the year 1902. His wife is now
living in South Bend. Concerning their children the following brief
data are entered : Eugene B. is a resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin ; Ste-
phen P. is a successful farmer and stock-grower of St. Joseph county,
Indiana; Emma is the wife of David N. Reed, of Lafayette, Indiana;
Georgiana is the wife of Frederick W. Brown, deceased; Chase S. is the
immediate subject of this review ; Horace E. is a resident of Jackson,
Michigan ; Charles R. is engaged in business at Jackson, IMichigan ; and
William D. is identified with business interests at South Bend, Indiana.
Chase S. Osborn is indebted to the public schools of his native state
for his early educational discipline, and at the age of ten years he be-
came a student in the schools of the city of Lafayette, Indiana. There-
after he entered Purdue University, in that city, in which excellent in-
stitution he continued his higher academic studies for a period of three
years. When twelve years of age Mr. Osborn gained his initial experi-
ence in connection with the "art preservative of all arts," as he then
began working about a printing offi.ce, in Lafayette. By working during
his vacations and at other times he gained a knowledge of the profession
and found use for his yoxithful brawn in connection with the manipu-
lation of the old-time Washington hand press. His dignified stipend
was nothing at firet and it was only after some service that he earned
two dollars a week. He early began to depend largely upon his own
resources, and as a boy he sold newspapers, in which connection it may
be noted that by energy and persistence he finally gained control of the
sale of the Chicago papers in his home city of Lafayette. His first
reportorial work was done on the Lafayette Home Journal and finally
after a varied experience on the farm and in the woods, when nineteen
j'ears of age, he went to Chicago, where he secured a position on the
reportorial staff of one of the leading daily papers. In 1880 he went to
the city of Milwaukee, where he became a member of the editorial staff
of the Milwaukee Signal. Later he was simlarly engaged in turn with
the Milwaukee Chronicle, Evening Wisconsin, Milwaukee News, Mil-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1445
waukee Sentinel and had charge of the Chicago Tribune bureau in Mil-
waukee. In 1883 he went to Florence, that state, where he became asso-
ciated with James I. Toner in the purchase of the Florence Mining
Ncivs, of which he became editor. This was a weekly paper devoted
more especially to the exploiting of the mining interests in that section
of Wisconsin, and its political policy was Republican. After the first
year Mr. Osborn purchased his partner's interest in the business and he
thereafter continued as editor and publisher of the Neivs for three
years, at the expiration of which he sold the plant and business. He
then returned to Milwaukee, where, in April, 1887, he became asso-
ciated in the founding of the Miner & Manufacturer, of which he be-
came editor and manager. A few weeks later, however, he disposed of
his interest in this business and accepted the position of city editor of
the Milwaukee Sentinel. This incumbency he retained only a short time,
as his ambition was to establish himself in an independent newspaper
business in a favorable location. He finally visited Sault Ste. Marie,
and he was so favorably impressed with the city and its future possi-
bilities that he here effected the purchase of the plant and business of
the Sault Ste. Marie News, with M. A. Hoyt, present publisher of the
Milwaukee News, of which he thus became editor and publisher in No-
vember, 1887. In 1888 Alex W. Dingwall of New York joined Osborn
and Hoyt in partnership. In 1889 the firm of Osborn, Hoyt & Ding-
wall dissolved and the business was continued by Mr. Osborn. By his
aggressive policy and able administration he made the News one of the
leading weekly papers of the state and an able exponent of local inter-
ests as well as of the cause of the Republican party. The Neivs is the
oldest and leading Republican paper on the Upper Peninsula, and Mr.
Osborn became sole owner of the paper in 1889, thus continuing until
1900, when he disposed of the same. He has long been known as one of
the forceful editorial writers of Michigan and his paper was made to
do effective service in promoting the intersts of the Republican party
and in furthering the industrial and civic advancement of Sault Ste.
Marie and the entire "upper country." Of Mr. Osborn the following
pertinent statements have been made : ' ' He has been a contributor to
many magazines and other periodicals and his articles have been mainly
of a descriptive order. He is a vigorous and fluent writer and is also a
ready and entertaining public speaker." Mr. Osborn is the author of
"The Andean Land," an interesting and valuable book of travel on
South America. The book is considered authoritative on South Ameri-
can matters.
Mr. Osborn has never lacked in energy and initiative, and his success
has thus been the direct result of his own ability and well directed
endeavors. He has been a close and appreciative student of economics
and practical politics, and has especially well informed himself in re-
gard to political matters in his adopted state, where he has long been
an influential factor in the councils of the Republican party. In 1889
he was appointed postmaster of Sault Ste. Marie, and he held this posi-
tion for four years, under the administration of President Harrison.
In 1892 he purchased the Sault Ste. Marie Tribune which he consoli-
dated with the Neivs, for the purpose of furthering thereby the interests
of the Republican party. In 1894 he was elected president of the
Michigan Press Association and also president of the Michigan Republi-
can Press Association. In January, 1895, after a spirited contest he
was appointed state game and fish warden, of which office he remained
incmnbent until January 1, 1899, and of whose affairs he gave a most
able and careful administration. He retired from this position to as-
1446 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
sume forthwith that of state railroad commissioner, in which he served
during the administrations of Governors Pingree and Bliss. As rail-
road commissioner he formulated and carried into effect measures that
have been of inestimable value in fostering and protecting the interests
of Michigan, and its railroad commission is conceded to be one of the
most efficient in the entire Union. It was through his personal and of-
ficial efforts that many of the abuses of privileges on the part of the
railroad corporations operating in Michigan were abolished, and he
showed neither fear nor favor in his labors in this important office, from
which he retii'ed in 1903. Broad-minded, progressive and public-spir-
ited, Mr. Osborn has ever been the aggressive champion of the people,
and he has been specially earnest in protecting the rights of laboring
men. He is not given to rash inferences or to impotent generalizing, but
he is quick to discern the point at issue and is then indefatigable in his
efforts to bring about the verities of right and justice. He has given
yeoman service in behalf of the cause of the Republican party and has
long been one of its leaders in the Upper Peninsula. He is a stanch
advocate of the policies of President Taft and of the former president,
Theodore Roosevelt. He has done much to promote the social and
material upbuilding of the Sault Ste. Marie, which may well be termed
the Gem City of the Great Lakes. He is a student and a man of dis-
tinctive culture. He has had the advantages of European and world
travel and has never failed in appreciation of all that represents the
higher ideals of human existence. As a campaign orator he has made
a high reputation, and none is more worthy of the office of governor of
the state, a position to which he has been elected at the time of this
writing.
Not only may Mr. Osborn be compared to Colonel Roosevelt in the
matter of being strenuous in all his work but this is significantly true of
him in his recreation, in connection with which he may well be termed
a huntsman naturalist, as is the former president. He strikes out
boldly in defense of his principles and wants every man to have a
"square deal." He is fortunate in the possession of strong physical
powers, which have not been impaired by incorrect methods of living.
He has made a special study of the geology of the Upper Peninsula
and also of the oruithologj^ of the entire state of Michigan. In the
former connection lie is to be credited with the discovery of one of the
greatest of iron ranges of the Moose Mountain district in the dominion
of Canada, into which section his geological work has been extended.
He has an irrepressible love for nature and finds his greatest source
of recreation in his investigation in the wilds. He is a member of the
American Ornithologists' Union, the American Academy of Political
and Social Science, and the Michigan Academy of Science.
IMr. Osborn is an appreciative member of the time-honored IMasonic
fraternity, in which he has attained to the thirty-second degree of the
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, besides which he holds membership in
the allied organization, the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. He is identified with both the lodge and encampment
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also with the Benevolent
& Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. Among other
representative organizations in which he holds membership are Le Saut
de Ste. Marie Club of Sault Ste. I\Iarie, the Prismatic, the Detroit and
University Clubs of Detroit, and the IMilwaukee Press Club.
On the 7th of j\Iay, 1881, in the city of Milwaukee, was solemnized
the marriage of Mr. Osborn to ]\Iiss Lillian G. Jones, a daughter of the
late Edward Jones, who was bom in Wales and who became a success-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1447
ful citizen of the Wisconsin metropolis; he married Miss Louisa A. Ir-
win, a native of Dublin, Ireland, and they are survived by three sons and
four daughters. i\Ir. and ]\Irs. Osborn are the parents of four children,
Ethel L., George A., Chase Salmon, Jr., and Emily P. Mrs. Osborn
is a gracious chatelaine of the attractive home in Sault Ste. Marie and
is a popular factor in connection with the best social activities of the
community. Mr. and ]\Irs. Osborn are members of the Presbyterian
church of the Soo. Ethel L. and Emily F. were educated at Catharine
Aiken School at Stamford, Connecticut. George A. is a graduate of the
Univereity of Michigan, Literary Department, and of IMichigan College
of Mines, mining engineer, Sault Ste. Marie; Chase S. Jr., is in a class of
1911, University of Michigan, Literary Department.
Dr. Joseph D. Crawtord. — Among the able and honored represen-
tatives of the dental profession of the Upper Peninsula is Dr. Craw-
ford, who has been engaged in practice in Menominee for more than
thirty years and who is the dean of his profession in this city. He
has identified himself closely with a number of important business and
industrial enterprises of Menominee and stands exemplar of that pro-
gressiveness and public spirit that ever tend to conserve the advance-
ment and material prosperity of the community. He is one of the
best known and most popular citizens of this section of the Upper
Peninsula and is well entitled to consideration in this historical work.
Dr. Crawford claims the fine old Keystone state of the Union as
the place of his nativity, having been born in Herrick towmship, Brad-
ford county, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of June, 1848, and being a son
of John S. and Clarissa (Camp) Crawford, the former of whom was
born in Ireland, in 1816, and the latter of whom was born in Penn-
sylvania, in 1822. Both of them died in the year 1893. They passed
the major portion of their lives in Pennsylvania where their marriage
was solemnized, and the closing years of their lives were passed in
the home of their son. Dr. Joseph D. Crawford, in Menominee, v/here
both of them died in April, 1893. They were devout members of the
Presbyterian church and exemplified their faith in good works and
kindly deeds. They became the parents of eight children, of whom
six are living,^James C, is assistant actuary of the Northwestern
Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dr. John M., of
Cincinnati, Ohio, w^as former United States consul at St. Petersburg,
Russia, during the administration of President Harrison; Dr. Joseph
D., is the immediate subject of the sketch; Isaac S. is now a resident
of Detroit, Michigan; Charles H., is a representative business man of
Cincinnati, Ohio; Henry W., maintains his home in Cincinnati. Ohio;
Maryette, became the Avife of Ira W. Caswell and died in Pennsyl-
vania; and Addie, who w-as seven years of age at the time of her death.
Dr. Joseph D. Craw^ford was reared to the sturdy discipline of the
farm and was afl:orded the advantages of the common schools of his
native county. At the age of eighteen years he began teaching and
he was for some time a successful and popular representative of the
pedagogic profession. At the age of twenty-two years he began the
study of dentistry in the office of the leading practitioner at Le Rays-
ville, Pennsylvania, and after acquiring a thorough knowledge of all
the details of both operative and laboratory dentistry, he entered into
the active practice of his profession at Athens, Pennsylvania. Two
years later, in April, 1873, he came to Menominee, Michigan, where
he continued in the active and successful practice of his profession
until 1904, when he retired, owing to the demands placed upon his
*ime and attention by his varied and extensive business interests.
1448 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
In the year 1883, Dr. Crawford effected the organization of the
Crawford Manufacturing Company, which engaged in the manufact-
ure of knock-down boxes or box-shooks and this concern now repre-
sents one of the substantial manufacturing enterprises of the city of
Menominee. Dr. Crawford is secretary, treasurer and general man-
ager of the company and has always owned the controlling interest
in the same. Since his retirem.ent from the practice of his profession
Dr. Crawford has given much of his time to real estate, in which he
has purchased and sold properties and improved many of the same.
He owns a half interest in a large ranch on Green river, about one
hundred miles south of the Yellowstone National Park. He is the
owner of valuable realty in Menominee and farming land in jNIenom-
inee coimty. No citizen takes a more definite and helpful interest in
all that pertains to the welfare of Menominee and he has contributed
a generous quota to the civic and business upbuilding of the city.
On the 22nd of August, 1877, was solemnized the marriage of Dr.
Crawford to Miss Myra Sizer, who was born in Massachusetts. She
was but two years of age when her parents, Osman and jMary (Field)
Sizer, removed to Adrian, Michigan, where she was reared and edu-
cated. Here her parents continued to reside until their death. Dr.
and Mrs. Crawford had only one child, Erna Belle, who was born on
the 12th of February, 1880, and who was summoned to the life eternal
on the 21st of November, 1901.
In politics Df. Crawford is aligned as a stalwart supporter of the
cause of the Republican party but he has had naught of desire for the
honors and emoluments of public office. In the Masonic fraternity he
is affiliated with Menominee Lodge, No. 269, Free & Accepted Masons
of which he is past master; Menominee Chapter, No. 107, Royal Arch
Masons, of which he served as high priest for two years ; and Menom-
inee Commandery, No. 35, Knights Templars, in which he has also
passed the official chairs, having been its commander for one year.
He has received the degrees of Saladin Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in the city of Grand Rapids. He
accords a liberal support to the local Presbyterian church, of which
Mrs. Crawford is a devoted member. He and his wife have long been
prominent in the best social activities of Menominee, where their
circle of friends is coincident with that of their acquaintances.
George R. Foley. — An able, influential and prominent business man
of Mohawk, Keweenaw county, George R. Foley is intimately associated
with the advancement of the mercantile prosperity of this part of Mich-
igan as superintendent of Colonel Peterman's store, the largest estab-
lishment of its kind in the Upper Peninsula. A native-bom citizen of
this county, he was born June 22, 1876, at Eagle River, a son of John
Foley. His grandfather Foley was a life-long resident of County
Waterford, Ireland, but after his death the widow came to America and
spent her last days with a daughter at Duluth, Minnesota.
John Foley was born, reared and educated at Lismore, County
Waterford, Ireland. Coming when a young man to the United States,
he was for a while engaged in mining at Isle Royale, from there going
to Delore. He afterwards worked at different mines in Keweenaw
county. Michigan, continuing as a miner several years. Subsequently
locating at Eagle Harbor, he started a store, beginning business on a
small scale, as his trade and his means increased adding to his stock,
until almost everything called for by man, woman or child, of that
village, could be found in his establishment. Successful and popular,
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1449
he was one of the leading merchants of that part of the county until
his death, December 13, 1899. He married Mary Ann Rice, who was
born in Ireland, a daughter of George E. and Mary Rice, natives of
Ireland, and pioneer settlers of the Upper Peninsula. She survived
him, and is still a resident of Eagle Harbor. To her and her husband
twelve children were born as follows : Robert Emmet, Nettie, Catherine,
Mollie, Helen, Anna, Elizabeth, Alice, George R., Francis, Michael J.,
and Lilla G.
After leaving the public schools of Eagle Harbor, George R. Foley
continued his studies at Ferris Institute, in Big Rapids, Michigan.
Then, entering his father's store, he obtained a practical insight into
the details of mercantile affairs, and in 1901 entered the employ of
Col. Peterman, of Mohawk, becoming a clerk in his store. Proving him-
self in every way trustworthy and efficient in that capacity, Mr. Foley,
in 1904, was made superintendent of the store, which is the largest
mercantile establishment in Keweenaw county, and in regard to its
stock and its clerical service compares favorably with the best stores of
the larger cities of Northern Michigan.
Mr. Foley married in 1907, Genevieve Ross, who was born of Scotch
ancestors, at Battle Creek, Michigan, and they have one child, Mary
Margaret Foley. Fraternally Mr. Foley is a member of Calumet Lodge,
No. 1245, K. of C, and of Calumet Lodge, No. 404, B. P. 0. E.
Lawrence IMaloney. — A leading merchant of Mass, Lawrence Ma-
loney is one of its most prominent and influential citizens, and an im-
portant factor in advancing its material prosperity. A son of Patrick
Maloney, he was born November 1, 1860, in Watson township, Allegan
county, of Irish ancestry, his grandparents having spent their entire
lives in the Emerald Isle.
Patrick Maloney was born, reared and educated in Kings county, Ire-
land, living there until after his marriage. In 1855 he came to America
in search of a home, and located at Rochester, New York, where in 1856,
he was joined by his wife and their two children, who had come, as he
did, in a sailing vessel across the ocean, for thirteen weeks battling
with the waves. He subsequently migrated to Michigan, locating in
Watson township, Allegan county, in 1857, as pioneers. Making an
opening in the tract of timber land which he purchased, he erected the
log cabin in which his son Lawrence was born. Kalamazoo, thirty-
three miles away, was for several years the nearest market and depot
for supplies. Industrious and courageous, he toiled day after day fell-
ing the giant progeny of the forest, and in due course of time had a
well improved and productive farm, well supplied with farm buildings.
Continuing his agricultural labors, he resided there until his death,
in 1876, at the comparatively early age of fifty-eight years. His wife,
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Kerwin, was born in Queens county,
Ireland, and died in 1892, in Michigan, aged seventy-nine years. She
reared five children, John, Edward, Patrick, Lawrence, and William,
of whom the two older were born in Ireland.
As a boy and youth Lawrence Maloney attended the public schools
when they were in session, at other times assisting in the care of the
home fann. On the death of his father, he assumed the care of the
homestead, living with his mother, and tenderly earing for her as long
as she lived. Coming to the Northern Peninsula in 1889, Mr. Maloney
was employed in a sawmill at Baraga until 1898, when he located in
Ontonagon county. Much of the country roundabout was then in its
virgin wildness, the present site of the village of Mass being then a
1150 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAJvI
Avilderness, without a building of any description. He assisted in
making the foundation for the very first building erected on the site,
and is today carrying on business in that same building, which has been
moved from its original location to its present one. The very first
merchants to locate in Mass were Bergerson & IMcDonald, who opened
a store here in 1899. In 1900 Mr. ]\Ialoney commenced his mercantile
career as clerk for Martin & McGruen, with whom he was associated
until 1906. In that year he bought out F. B. Stade, and has since
been extensively engaged in mercantile business, carrying a complete
assortment of dry goods, and ladies' and gentlemen's furnishings,
catering to the wants of his numerous patrons.
Mr. JMaloney married in 1903, Isabella Contin, who was born in
Rockland, Ontonagon county. Her father, Nelson Contin, was bom
in Quebec, of French ancestry, and was an early settler of Ontonagon
county. Buying a homestead claim near Rockland, he occupied it a
number of yeai*s, being engaged in tilling the soil, but his last days
were spent in the village of Mass. • Mr. Contin married Sarah Maloy,
who was bom in Ireland and came to this country with her widowed
mother. She is now living in Ontonagon. Mrs. Maloney died in Feb-
ruary, 1908. Fraternally j\Ir. IMaloney is a member of Hancock Council,
K. of C; of Mass Camp, M. AV. A.; of Mass Camp, Royal Neighbors;
and of Greenland Court, Catholic Order of Foresters. Politically he
casts his vote independent of party restrictions, and is now serving as
supervisor of Greenland township, an office to which he was elected
April 4, 1910.
George W. Earle. — Few men rise to prominence in a chosen pro-
fession, build up a large fortune in its practice, and then in middle
life, after his habits and social prejudices are fully formed, enter upon
an entirely new an unknown business and make a second grand suc-
cess, yet that is what the subject of this article, George Washington
Earle, has accomplished.
A review of his life is w^orthy the study of every American boy,
for no better illustration of the truth of our boasted American privil-
ege can be found. Every boy, regardless of his early environment,
can -climb to the top of the ladder.
Dr. George W. Earle was born in Truxton, Cortland county, New
York, on the 9th day of October, 1849. His father, William R. Earle,
was a native of the Empire state and a descendant of a long line of
Earles, dating back long before the great American conflict for liberty.
Edward Earle, from whom the family descended, came to this
country from England in the year 1635. Two years after this, in
1637, a deed is recorded in the old records of New York conveying to
Edward Earle the island of Seeaucus, containing tw^o thousand acres
more or less, for the sum of one thousand Dutch dollars. This island
in the Hudson River became the home of the Earle family, and the
residence erected by Edw^ard on this estate in 1680 is still standing,
and is in an excellent state of preservation, while another house built
about the same time by this founder of the family in America re-
mained until a year ago, when it w^as torn dowm by'the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company to make w^ay for the celebrated tunnel connecting
New York wath the state of New Jersey.
Edward Earle had but one son, who was the father of twelve chil-
dren. James Earle, the grandfather of the Doctor, w^as born in the
city of New^ York, in a house which occupied the site where now
stands the New York Life Insurance building, one of the present day
■ J^cA-hltshin^ Cl
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1451
monuments of American greatness. He was a merchant of prom-
inence in the national metropolis for some years, but finally retired
from mercantile business and removed to the central part of the state,
where he passed the remainder of his life as a country gentleman. He
reared a large family of children, of whom the sixth in order of birth
was William R., father of the present George W. Earle, subject of this
review.
William R. Earle married Maria Stewart, whose family was in
direct line of descent from the house of Stewarts in Scotland from
which sprang the Stewart kings of England. Hence, if we believed in
the divine right of kings, we might attribute the wonderful success
achieved by the Doctor to the royal blood in his veins, but as loyal
Americans we cannot look to that as the source of his powers. Of
the twelve children born to William R. Earle, ten attained to years
of maturity, but only three are now living, Clarissa Earle Watson,
widow of the late Silas B. Watson and residing in Chicago ; William
L. Earle, residing in Tully, Onondaga county, New York; and George
W. Earle residing in Hermansville, Michigan. Four of. the sons of
William R. Earle, and brothers of the Doctor, were soldiers in the
Union army in the Civil war, all of whom have passed on to their
reward.
William R. Earle became a contractor and builder, and in the pros-
ecution of his extensive business was called much of the time from
home. He came to Illinois in 1851, and took a contract for the con-
struction of a portion of the old Galena & Chicago Railroad, which
made it necessary for him to establish headquarters at Huntley, Ill-
inois, where he became prominently identified with the construction
of this road, which was one of the first railroads built into Chicago,
and which is now a part of the Chicago & Northwestern system.
On the establishment of his base of operations at Huntley in 1852
he brought with him two of his children, his son George, then but a
child three years old, and his older sister, Clarissa, now Mrs. Watson.
The child grew and waxed strong in the western air, and early de-
veloped an independent spirit that led him from his father's roof
to seek his fortune on his own account. When he was but ten years
old he hired out on a farm near Clinton Junction, Wisconsin, for five
dollars a month. He worked there eight months, and with the money
purchased clothes and school books for the winter term of the district
school. After paying for these articles he had left of his summer's
earnings five dollars, which he has since kept as a souvenir, calling
it the first five dollars he ever earned. In the winter of 1860-61 he
worked for his board and attended the district school, which was
taught by the man with whom he lived, Dr. RoUin S. Wooster. In
the summer of 1863 Mr. Wooster moved from "Wisconsin over the
Mississippi River into Iowa, at that time an almost boundless prairie.
He took with him all his stock which included several hundred head of
sheep. This trip made in a prairie schooner by Mr. Wooster, ac-
companied only by his nephew and young Earle, is remembered by
the Doctor as the most enjoyable trip of his life, and many are the
reminiscences told to those who know him best of this part of his
early experience. Mr. Wooster settled in Buchanan county, Iowa, and
there on the prairie farm, surrounded by nature in her most lavish
charms, grew to youth the man of future wealth and influence.
He worked on the farm during the summer and fall months for
wages, and attended the district school during the short winter term,
and in this way by the same intensity of purpose which has character-
1452 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
ized every act of his life since he acquired an education which enabled
him to teach a public school several terms with marked success. This
was one time in his life when he feared to tell his age, knowing that
the school board would think he was too young to teach. After the
first term, however, his age was no longer questioned as one of his
necessary qualifications, and he taught until he had saved money
enough to start out on what he had decided as his real life work.
In 1868 he returned to New York, and after a short visit with his
parents he secured employment in a sash and door factory, when by
contracting to do piece work he made high wages, and by boarding
himself saved money enoiigh to carry him through a course in a med-
ical college. Study and work with him were pursued together. The
first three years in his medical course were put in working days and
studying nights under the preceptorship of Dr. Silas S. Clark, of Mad-
ison county. New York, till he was finally old enough to enter the
Buffalo Medical College, from which he graduated in the class of 1872,
carrying off first honors. His diploma was presented to him by ex-
President Millard Fillmore and is still rolled in the same copy of the
Buffalo daily newspaper, dated February 22, 1872.
Not the least remarkable of this part of his career is the fact that
he had more money when he graduated than when he began the study
of medicine. His theory that a man's expenses should be less than
his earnings was his predominating characteristic even at this early
stage of his life.
At the age of twenty-two when most young men are beginning to
wonder what they are cut out for, the Doctor had obtained his degree,
and was a full fledged M. D. He located in the beautiful little village
of Tully, Onondaga county. New York, where he built up a large and
successful practice, amassing a fortune of between one hundred and
two hundred thousand dollars in the next seventeen years. One of
the most popular men of the county, he was repeatedly re-elected to
the highest office in the gift of his townspeople, and served several
years as supervisor in a county board, which proudly boasted of hav-
ing many brainy men.
In 1886 the Doctor discovered that the intense application with
which he had devoted himself to his practice had begun to seriously
affect his health. He now realized that he had reached his limit, and
that he must have a radical change. Getting an old friend in the
medical profession to take his practice for a time he went to Europe,
where he spent some months in travel and rest. It was on this trip
that he met and became acquainted with the future Mrs. Earle.
Returning to America, he took up the threads of his practice where
he had dropped them, and continued for two years more, but finally de-
cided to retire from the active practice of medicine until such time as
his health should be fully restored.
He came to Michigan in the summer of 1889 to rest, but having
become a stockholder in the Wisconsin Land & Lumber Company, he
was elected vice president only a few months before the crash of 1890,
when through a combination of financial difficulties the company, to-
gether with half a dozen others controlled by the late C. J. L. Meyer,
was forced into the hands of a receiver.
As above stated, the Doctor had come to Michigan for rest, but here
was a condition for which he was not prepared, and which would have
discouraged any man with less iron in his determination. Seventeen
yea IS of continued and exclusive medical practice that had netted a
fortune such as the Doctor had accumulated, was not well calculated to
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1453
fit a man for a lumbering and manufacturing business. Under the most
advantageous conditions the responsibility would have weighed heavily
upon him, but under a bonded indebtedness of four hundred and forty-
seven thousand dollars, and business in general at its lowest ebb since
the year 1860, the outlook was anything but encouraging. Surrounded
with such a gloomy prospect, the old managers of the company refused
to undertake the reorganization of the business, preferring to let the
plant drop into the hands of the bondholders. Not so, however, with
the Doctor, he threw all the old time fire of his college days into the
remoulding of trade conditions. He purchased the interest of all the old
stockholders, who were only too anxious to sell, and began buying up
the bonds.
The history of this bond deal marks one of the hardest fought battles
of the Doctor's life, notwithstanding the debts had been contracted
through no fault or management of his own, yet his being a stockholder
and officer of the company at the time of the failure made him feel a
personal obligation to pay the debts, and his fortune saved by a life of
self sacrifice and hard drudging — as he himself once termed it^was
thrown into the balance to float the wreck. As everything else which
he had attempted in life had succeeded, so this was also successful, and
to-day the Doctor is head and chief 0A\'ner of the largest lumbering and
manufacturing plant in the Upper Michigan.
Hermansville is the largest town in Menominee county outside of the
city of Menominee, and the Wisconsin Land & Lumber Company own
and control practically the entire town. Two large saw mills run with
little interruption the year round. The company's specialty, however,
is the manufacture of the well known I X L brand of hard maple floor-
ing. This article is manufactured in a large three-story factory, em-
ploying in and about it between five hundred and seven hundred men,
and runs on an average of three hundred and ten days every year. This
company owns one hundred thousand acres of land, most of it being virgin
forest, covered with probably the finest body of maple in the United
States, if not in the world. According to the company's estimates it will
take them thirty-five years to cut and manufacture their maple stumpage,
but a visit to the plant at Hermansville is necessary to give one anything
like a proper conception of the magnitude of the company's operations.
In the year 1908 they manufactured and shipped more maple flooring
than any other manufacturers in America. Besides this central plant
at Hermansville the company owns mills and stores at Labranche, Sim-
mons and at Blaney, all in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Blaney
plant alone represents an investment of nearly a million dollars, in
which is included the Blaney & Southern Railroad, a branch of the
Soo Line.
Besides personally directing the management of these various plants,
the Doctor is vice president of the Forman-Earle Lumber Company,
manufacturers of oak, poplar and southern hardwoods, with mills at
Heidelberg, Kentucky. He also owns the Soo Lumber Company mth
retail yards at Sault Ste. Marie, where a well appointed factory is run
to manufacture mill work for the building trade. This company has
done a large business since 1903, in which year it was established under
the management of Wellington B. Earle, a nephew of the Doctor's, and
is probably the largest retail yard in upper Michigan doing a large
jobbing business besides the local retail trade.
During the last five years the Doctor has made large investments in
western timber lands, for which purpose he has personally visited and
1454 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
tramped through the forests of Washington, Oregon and California.
He is president of the Earle & Edwards Land & Lumber Company, -nith
holdings in Oregon and branch office in Portland. Has large interest
in the Earle Smith Timber Company, with holdings in northern Cali-
fornia, is connected with coal mining in Kentucky, with headquarters
at IMadisonville, that state, where the company own a thousand acres of
rich coal land. He owns timber in Arkansas, is a stockholder and one of
the original organizers of the Lumberman's Bank in Portland, Oregon,
and a director in the First National Bank of Fond du Lac, ^Yisconsin.
He is also a member of the board of control of the Agi'ieultural College
in the city of IMenominee, an institution in which he is deeply interested.
In politics the Doctor has always been a consistent Republican,
though his father was a strong Democrat, and from this fusion of politi-
cal faiths he has imbibed a broad view on all political matters, accord-
ing to every man the right to exercise a free franchise in political affairs.
He was made a JMason in 1870, in De Ru^'ter Lodge in ^Madison county,
New York, he is still a member in good standing in the order, but is now
affiliated ■\\dth the Homer Lodge, where he is also a member of the "Wash-
ington Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. He is a member of the American
^ledical Association, of the New York Medical Society, and also of the
Association of Railroad Surgeons.
He was married on June 2. 1888, to Miss Emma Meyer, of Fond du
Lac, Wisconsin. They have a beautiful home in Hermansville, built on
a slight elevation that overlooks the vast plant. It is surrounded by
green lawns and pretty drives, which are always well kept, and taken
as a whole, is one of the most attractive homes in the state. Three chil-
dren have come to them, all sons, George Harold, now a member of the
class of 1911 in the University of Chicago; Henry ]\I., who died when he
was two years old ; and Stewart, who is attending the Military Academy
at Highland Park, Illinois.
In thus briefly reviewing the life work of such a business genius
we can but run the skimmer over the surface, touching here and there
the high places. We have aimed to mention enough of his characteristics
to establish the truth of our first assertion that the life of the Doctor is
well worthy the study of American youth. If held up for example and
followed for inspiration there would be few failures in the business
world.
One of the most approachable of men, he is not what one would call
a voluble talker. He once said to the writer "A man was never hanged
for what he didn't say." This well illustrates his motto — "Speak little,
but perform well." This motto has been eonsistentlv followed through
life.
In Shakespeare's classification of great men, the Doctor stands on
middle ground :
"Some men are born great
Some achieve greatness
While others have greatness thrust upon them."
Henry A. Osborn. — The pi'ovince of Ontario, Canada, has contrib-
uted a large and valuable element to the citizenship of Chippewa
county, and among the worthy representatives of that province is Henry
A. Osborn, who is to be considered one of the pioneere of the county,
where he has been actively identified with agricultural pui^suits and
stock-growing and has contributed materially to the development of
these lines of industiy in this section of the state.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1455
Henry Osborn was born in Simcoe county, Ontario, Canada, on the
6th of February, 1858, and is a son of William F. and Mary (Hick-
ling) Osborn, both of whom were born in England. The father passed
the closing years of his life in Simcoe county, Ontario, where he took
up his residence when nineteen years of age. After the death of his
first wife he married Miss Mary Wice. Of the three children of the
first marriage Henry A. is the eldest; the others are John and Mary
Jane. There were six children by the second marriage. William S. Os-
born was born in the year 1827, and after coming to America he re-
claimed a farm in Simcoe county, where he continued to reside until
his death. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Henry A. Osborn, was reared on the home farm and continued to be
associated with this work until he had attained his legal majority, in
the meanwhile availing himself of the advantages of the public schools.
He came to Chippewa county, Michigan, and secured one hundred and
sixty acres of wild land in Sault Ste. Marie township. For this prop-
erty he paid five dollars an acre and the land at present is worth many
times that amount. Upon locating on his embryonic farm he erected a
lumber shack, which continued to be his domicile until 1895, when he
erected his present spacious and attractive house. The other per-
manent impi'ovements of the farm are of excellent order and he has
shown notable energy and progressiveness in connection with all de-
partments of his farm work. His apple orchard has about one hundred
and fifteen trees and on the products of the same he has won many
prizes in various local fairs, as well as at the Michigan state fair. In
1909 he secured first prize at the fair of the Chippewa County Agricul-
tural Society. He has also given special attention to the breeding of
short-horn cattle and he has made exhibts of his registered stock at
various fairs, including those at Saidt Ste. Marie, Canada. He also
breeds Belgian type of draft horses and Ozark swine. Mr. Osborn has
served as supervisor of his township for the past decade and has been
incumbent of the office of county road commissioner for nearly five
years. His interest in local affairs has been of the most insistent order
and in addition to the offices already mentioned he has been called upon
to serve in the position of school director, of whi-ch he has been in ten-
ure for nine years. In a fraternal way he' is identified with Bethel
Lodge, No. 358, Free & Accepted Masons ; Sault Ste. Marie Chapter, No.
126, Royal Arch Masons ; Sault Ste. IMarie Commandery, No. 45,
Knights Templar; Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, in the city of jMarquette ; Red Cross Lodge, No.
51, Knights of Pythias; Sault Ste. Marie Lodge, Benevolent & Pro-
tective Order of Elks; and Pine Grove Grange, No. 1291, Patrons of
Husbandry. In the annex organization, Pomona Grange, No. 66, he is
at the present time master.
On the 7th of July, 1880, Mr. Osborn was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Shurmon, who was born in Simcoe county, Ontario, and who
is a daughter of Frederick and Irma (Hopkins) Shurmon, the former
of whom was born in Wales. Mr. Shurmon passed the closing years
of his life on a farm in Chippewa county, Michigan, and here his
widow still maintains her home. Of their six children five are living.
Mr. and Mrs. Osborn became the parents of twelve children, of whom
ten are living, namely: William L., Henry A., Jr., Emily and Clara
(twins), Eva Pearl, Violet, Leona, Louis, Raymond and Gertrude.
William L., who married Miss Ella Scheald, is a resident of Canada;
and Henry A. Jr., who married Miss Anna Stewart, is also a resident
of Canada.
Vol. in— 2 5
1456 THE NORTHEKN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Angus P. IMacDonald. — An honored resident of Hancock, Houghton
county, Angus P. ]\IaeDonald takes a deep interest in public affairs, and
is now rendering appreciated service as city clerk, having the confidence
and esteem of the conuuunity, regardless of party lines. He was bom
April 11, 1858, on the Isle of Skye, County of Inverness, Scotland, the
shire in which his father, Jonathan i\IacDonald, was born, and in which
his paternal grandparents spent their entire lives.
Reared and educated on the Isle of Skye, Jonathan ^NlacDonald was
alternately engaged as a fisherman and a herdsman during his earlier
life. In i862 the came with his wife and sis children to America, and
spent one year in Canada. Coming from there to the Upper Peninsula,
he located" in Houghton county, and was afterwards employed in dif-
ferent capacities at the Quincy Mine until his death, which occurred
when he was sixty-eight yeai-s of age. He was a Republican in politics,
and a member of the Congregational church, to which his wife also be-
longed. He married Margaret ]MaeKennon, who was born in Invemess-
shire, Scotland, and died in IMichigan. Eight children were bom of
their imion, as follows: Donald J., Daniel R., Jane, John R., Angus P.,
JIargaret, Ronald H., and ^lary, all of whom, with the exception of
Mary, were born in Scotland.
At the age of fifteen years, having obtained a practical education
in the public schools of Hancock. Angus P. MacDonald began his active
career as a clerk in the supply office of the Quincy ]\Iine, with which
he was connected for many years. For three years he was surface boss,
afterwards being assistant clerk in the general offices for nine years,
purchasing agent nineteen years, and chief clerk one year. Removing
then from the Quincy Location to Hancock, Mr. jMacDonald was agent
for the Equitable Life Association of New York until 1904, when he
was elected city clerk, a position which he has retained by re-election
ever since.
Mr. ]\IacDonald married in 1890, Lilly Holman, who was a daughter
of Peter and Ann Holman. and into their household two children have
been boin. Florence G. and Laura D. Politically Mr. MacDonald is a
Republican, and religiously he is a member of the Congi-egational
church, to which IMrs. ^MacDonald also belongs, and he has served as
assistant superintendent of its Sunday School, of which he is now the
superintendent. Fraternally ^Ir. MacDonald is a member of Hancock
Lodge, No. 109, K. of P., being Keeper of its Seal and R-ecords; and of
Ingot Lodge, No. 291. K. O. T. M. M.
Edw'In p. Radford. — This well known and highly esteemed citizen
of the village of Hermansville, Menominee county, where he is now in-
cumbent of the office of postmaster and where he is also vice-president
and superintendent of the Wisconsin Land & Lumber Company, one of
the large and important industrial concerns of the Northern Peninsula,
has been prominently identified with the development of this fine upper
country of the state of ^Michigan, where as a young man he was con-
cerned in railway surveys through a section that was at the time but
little more than an untrammeled wilderness. Few citizens are more
thoroughly familiar ^^•ith the topography and resources of northern
^fichigan and Wisconsin than is he. and he has long been an influential
figure in '^•onnection with public affairs in ^Menominee county, of whose
Board of Supervisors he has been a valued member. He has shoA\'n un-
alloyed enthusiasm and interest in the civic and industrial upbuilding
of this favored section of the Wolverine commonwealth, and none is
more clearly entitled to recognition in this publication.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1457
Edwin Phillips Radford was born at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on
the 15th of February, 1851, at which time that now thriving city was
a mere village, and he is a son of Joseph and Frances (Taylor) Radford,
the former of whom was born in Birmingham, England, and the latter
in the city of London. Both passed the closing years of their lives at
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where the father died at the age of seventy-
six years, and the mother at the age of sixty-eight years. Their mar-
riage was solemnized in the city of Providence, Rhode Island, and they
became the parents of five sons, of whom the subject of this sketch is
the eldest; John W. is engaged in the grain business in the city of
Chicago ; William T. is superintendent of the Sawyer & Austin Lumber
Company, at Pine Bluif, Arkansas; Joseph D. is vice-president of the
German-American Savings Bank at Los Angeles, California ; and James
B. is an extensive landholder and agriculturist in North Dakota. Joseph
Radford first came to America in 1844, and he here established his
permanent residence in 1849. He twice visited his old home in England
after the death of his cherished and devoted wife, and his vocation
during the greater part of his active career in America was that of
plasterer and builder.
To the public schools of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Edwin P. Rad-
ford is indebted for his early educational training, and there he was
graduated in the high school when seventeen years of age. Soon after-
ward he accepted employment as a level rodman in a surveying party
engaged in locating and constructing a railroad line in the southcsm
part of Michigan, and concerning his labors as a civil engineer the fol-
lowing succinct record is worthy of a place in this sketch. He was en-
gaged on the road referred to for three years, and by close application
to the work assigned him he was advanced from time to time until, dur-
ing the last year, he had charge of the construction of a division of the
Michigan Central Air Line Railroad, which extends between Jackson
and Niles, although at the time he was but twenty years of ago. Upon
the completion of this work Mr. Radford was engaged with a corps of
engineers who surveyed and located the line of the Chicago & North-
western Railroad between Milwaukee and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Before the work on this survey was completed he accepted a position
with the Milwaukee & Northern Railroad and had charge of the party
making the preliminary surveys for this road from Menasha and
Chilton, Wisconsin, to Lake Superior. These surveys were made during
1872-3 and the line is now a part of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
system. Mr. Radford recalls that on the 10th of November, 1873. he
was in camp on the site of the present city of Iron Mountain, Michigan,
and that he walked thence to the Relay house, one and one-half miles
from the present village of Ingalls, covering on this trip a distance of
about sixty miles. At that time the country north of Green Bay was
a wilderness, and the surveying party were compelled to pack their sup-
plies on their backs, as there was no other available means of trans-
porting the same during their labors covering a period of seven months.
While they were thus working through a section that is now well settled
they encountered numerous Indians but did not see a white man other
than the members of their own party.
During the years 1875-6 ]\Ir. Radford was employed by the United
States government to survey the partially submerged lands around Lake
Winnebago and the upper Fox river in Wisconsin. In 1878, in the
capacity of topographical engineer, he joined a party under Lieutenant
McGuire, engineering officer on the staff of General Terry, and as-
sisted in making a survey of the Yellowstone river. The terminus of
1458 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
the Northern Pacific Railroad was then at Bismarck, in the present state
of North Dakota, and to proceed to the scene of the proposed operations
the party took a steamboat from that point up the ]\Iissouri river to the
mouth of the Yellowstone, and thence up the latter to the mouth of the
Powder river, where the survey began. This was the country made
famous by General Custer's campaign against the Indians two years
previously, and only Indians and herds of buffalo were there to be
found. IDuring the years 1879 and 1880, Mr. Radford was engaged
in the surveying and building of the line of the Wisconsin Central
Railroad between Chippewa Falls and Abbottsford, Wisconsin, and
after the completion of this work he turned his attention to the sur-
veying and locating of the line of the Milwaukee & Northern Railroad
from Green Bay to Lake Superior.
In the spring of 1881 I\Ir. Radford located at Hermansville, where
he became chief engineer and later general superintendent for the Wis-
consin Land & Lumber Company, with which he has since been identi-
fied. He had a prominent part in the developing of the business of this
corporation from a modest inception to one of broad scope and im-
portance, and he is now vice-president and superintendent of the
company.
In 1882 ]\Ir. Radford was elected a member of the Township Board
of Spaulding township, which then included what are now the town-
ships of Meyer and Harris, and upon the organization of Meyer town-
ship he was elected its supervisor, after having served continuously as
a member of the County Board of Supervisors up to that time. Pie has
continued to serve as supervisor of Meyer township by successive re-
elections to the present time, and no better evidence of the confidence
and esteem of the community could be asked. In 1893 he was elected
chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, of which position he has
since been the valued incumbent, and he was retained in service as
justice of the peace for many years, finally refusing to become a candi-
date for re-election. As a member of the Coimty Board of Super-
visors he has been indefatigable in his efforts to promote the best in-
terests of the county and he was closely associated with George H.
Haggerson, of Menominee, in securing the adoption of county roads
for Menominee county under the law providing for the building and
proper maintenance of the county roads, and he was also one of the most
enthusiastic promoters of the establishing of the fine Menominee county
agricultural school, which is the only one of the kind in the entire state.
This institution was founded in 1906 and is proving a most valuable
addition to the educational system of the county. In 1897 Mr. Radford
was appointed postmaster of Hermansville, of which position he has
since continued in tenure, by reappointment in 1901 and 1905. He is
an unwavering advocate of the principles and policies o£ the Repub-
lican party and has been a potent factor in its councils in this settion
of the state. For many years he has been a member of the Republican
County Committee, and he has been influential in furthering the inter-
ests of the party in the various campaigns. He is affiliated with Foun-
tain Lodge, No. 26, Free & Accepted Masons, in Fond du Lac, Wiscon-
sin ; Menominee Chapter, No. 107, Royal Arch Masons ; ]\Ienominee
Commandery, No. 35, Knights Templar; DeWitt Clinton Consistory,
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, at Grand Rapids, Michigan, in which
body he has attained to the thirty-second degree; and Saladin Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the ]\Iystic Shrine, in the same
city. He also holds membership in Hermansville lodge of the Knights
of Pythias and the local tent of the Knights of the Maccabees.
I
^^^^^^2^-x.-.^^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1459
On the 12th of May, 1875, Mr. Radford was united in marriage to
Miss Kate Hunt, who was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and whose death
occurred in October, 1877. She is survived by one sou, George, who
is now a resident of Fargo, North Dakota. On the 25t]i of October,
1880, Mr. Radford contracted a second marriage, he being then united
to Miss Emma Dahlem, who was born in Wisconsin and whose death
occurred on the 23d of October, 1906. She is survived by three chil-
dren,— Frances, who is a popular teacher in the high school in Me-
nominee, and Charles F. and Anna S., who are students in that school.
George A. Woodford. — At 612 Main street in the city of Menominee
is located the well equipped and essentially metropolitan business es-
tablishment of the Woodford & Bill Piano Company, of which the sub-
ject of this review is the able and popular president. A man of liberal
and progressive ideas and of impregnable integrity, he has gained pre-
cedence and definite success as one of the representative business men
of Menominee, where he commands unequivocal popular esteem, and he
is well entitled to consideration in this publication, which is dedicated
and devoted to the Upper Peninsular and its people.
George Alonzo Woodford was born at West Avon, Hartford county,
Connecticut, on the 11th of February, 1847, and is a son of Alonzo and
Harriet N. (Thompson) Woodford, both of whom are likewise natives
of West Avon, where the former was born in 1812 and the latter in
1815. The Woodford family is one whose name has been long identified
with the annals of Connecticut, and the lineage is traced back to Stephen
Woodford, who came to this country and established his residence in
Connecticut in 1637. Giles Woodford, grandfather of him whose name
initiates this article, passed his entire life in Hartford coimty, Con-
necticut, where he was a representative fai^mer and honored and in-
fluential citizen. Alonzo Woodford was reared to the sturdy discipline
of the New England farm, and throughout his entire active career he
never severed his allegiance to the great basic industry of agriculture,
with which he continued to be identified, in Hartford county, until
the time of his death, which occurred in 1858. His devoted wife, who
likewise was a member of one of the old and honored families of New
England, was summoned to the life eternal in 1861. They became the
parents of two sons and five daughters, and of the number five are now
living, namely : Henrietta, who is the wife of Julius Parsons, of Water-
bury, Connecticut; Adelaide, who is unmarried and resides in Water-
bury, Connecticut ; Harriet, who is the wife of Rev. A. Wesley Bill,
secretary and treasurer of the Woodford & Bill Piano Company, of
Menominee, Michigan, where he was pastor of the First Presbyterian
church for sixteen years ; and Howard A., who is now a resident of Ore-
gon. The father identified himself with the Republican party at the
time of its organization, and died before the election of Lincoln. He
was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
George A. Woodford passed his boyhood and youth on the old home-
stead farm that was the place of his birth, and he is indebted to the
common schools of West Avon, Connecticut, for his early educational
training. He was but twelve years of age at the time of the death of
his father, and his early experiences in connection with the practical
affairs of life were those gained on the farm and in a wood-working
shop in his native county. In 1865 at the age of eighteen years, he de-
cided to seek a new field of endeavor in the west. He accordingly joined
his uncle, the late Rockwell M. Thompson, at Kilbourn City, Wisconsin,
where he became associated with the business operations of his uncle,
1460 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
who was a buyer and shipper of grain. He soon gained a thorough
knowledge of this line of enterprise, and his early experiences in con-
nection mth farm work made him a good judge of the products han-
dled. He was finally admitted to a partnership in the business, of which
he had the entire charge for sometime. Through this medium he gained
his initial success as a business man, and he recalls with a feeling of just
pride that when nineteen years of age he won the firm the sum of five
thousand dollars in a period of six months as a buyer and shipper of
grain. Later he was employed for a short period in the sash, door and
blind factory of the fii^m of York, Munger & Company, of Kilbourn
City, AVisconsin, and he then, in the winter of 1866, removed to Grand
Rapids, Wisconsin, where he learned the jewelry trade, finally purchas-
ing the jewelry store of Jacob Norton, of that place. In the autumn of
1869 he sold the business and on the following Christmas day he estab-
lished his permanent home in ]\Ienominee, where he engaged in the
jewelry business, to which he continued to devote his attention until
1894. In this long intervening period of more than a quarter of a cen-
tury he gained prestige as one of the reliable, enterprising and sub-
stantial business men of the city, and thus he was well fortified in popu-
lar confidence and esteem when, in the year mentioned, he disposed of
his large and prosperous jewelry business to turn his attention to his
present line of enterprise, in which his success has been of the most
gratifying order. He began operations in the handling of pianos, or-
gans and musical merchandise in an individual way, and the business
finally attained such large proportions that he found it expedient to for-
tify the same in a commercial way by the organization and incorporation
of a stock company. This was done on the 1st of January, 1909, when
the Woodford & Bill Piano Company was organized, being duly incor-
porated under the laws of the state, with a capital stock of forty-four
thousand dollars. The company occupy a two-story building at 612
Main street, and here are to be found the best lines of standard pianos
and organs, minor musical instruments and musical merchandise. The
concern is the largest of its kind in this section and its trade extends
throughout the territory normally tributary to jMenominee and has now
reached a large volume. As already indicated J\Ir. Woodford is presi-
dent of the company and his brother-in-law. Rev. A. Wesley Bill, is
secretary and treasurer; the other member of the executive corps is
William H. Ounsworth, who is sales manager. Mr. Woodford himself
is a talented musician, and for many years he has been a valued and
popular figure in connection with the musical life of JMenominee, where
he has been director of the leading musical societies and where he or-
ganized the Menominee brass band, of which he was leader for sixteen
years. This band became under his leadership one of the best organi-
zations of its kind in this section of the state, and its services were much
in demand in connection with public observances and social functions
in IMenominee and in many other cities and towTis of northern jMichigan
and Wisconsin. Mr. Woodford is one of the pioneer business men of
Menominee, and he has ever evinced the most loyal interest in all that
has tended to advance its civic and business prosperity. He is a stanch
adherent of the Republican party but has never found public office to
be in the least alluring. The only civic office in which he has consented
to serve is that of member of the Menominee Board of Education, with
which he was identified for two years. Mr. Woodford and his \yite are
both members of the First Presbyterian church.
Mr. Woodford has been an appreciative member of the Masonic Fra-
THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1461
temity for more than forty years, having been made a Master Mason in
the Blue Lodge at Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, in 1868, and he joined
Menominee Lodge in 1870, while it was working under dispensation.
His original capitular affiliation was with the Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons in IMarquette, ]\Iichigan. He is a member of Llenominee Lodge.
No. 269, Free & Accepted IMasons, of -which he has served as worshipful
master, and he is also a charter member of ]\Ienominee Chapter, No. 107,
Royal Arch IMasons, of which he is past high priest and of which he
was principal sojourner for many years. He was one of the organizers
of Menominee Commandery, No. 35, Knights Templars, and served as
its eminent commander for one year. In the city of ]\Iarquette he is
affiliated with Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of
the ]\Iystic Shrine, and he also was one of the organizers of the Circle
of Confidence i\Iasters, and is Master at the present time, having held
the office since one year after its organization.
On the 8th of January, 1871, Mr. Woodford was united in marriage
to ]\Iiss Marj E. Freeman, who was born in Waterville, INIaine, and who
is a daughter of Joseph W. and Bethia (Williams) Freeman, both of
whom were likewise bom in the old Pine Tree state. Mr. Freeman was
a hotel keeper in his native state, whence he removed \vith his family
to Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, about 1866. There he was engaged in the
grocery business for a number of years, and he and his wife now main-
tain their home in Menominee, w^here he is living retired. Mr. and Mrs.
Woodford have three children, namely: Grace, the -wife of William J.
Frost of Portland, Oregon, and they have two children ; Edward, who is
engaged with the Girard Lumber Company, at Dunbar, Wisconsin, mar-
ried Miss Jane Gram and they have one child; and Chester, who re-
sides in Webbwood, Ontario, married Miss Beryl Vaughn.
Paul H. Exley. — Assuming his share of life's responsibilities when
young, Paul H. Exley, one of the leading business men of Hancock, has
steadily pushed onward along the pathway of success, by his earnest
industry and energetic enterprise winning a firm position among the
substantial and well-to-do citizens of the community. A son of Fred-
erick Exley, he was born ]\Iarch 30, 1864, at Meeme, Manitowoc county,
Wisconsin.
Frederick Exley, the father, emigrated from Wurtemberg, Germany,
his native land, to America, coming with his wife in a sailing vessel,
and being three months battling with the waves. Locating in Sheboy-
gan, Wisconsin, he bought a farm, and there resided a short time. Sell-
ing at an advantage, he subsequently bought a tract of timbered land
in Meeme township, Manitowoc county, AA^isconsin, put up quite a pre-
tentious log house, and immediately began clearing a fann. Soon after
the breaking out of the Ci\al w^ar he gave a practical expression of his
loyalty to the country of his adoption by enlisting in a Wisconsin regi-
ment, and going to the front with his comrades. He took part in sev-
eral engagements, continuing with his command until honorably dis-
charged from the service on account of physical disability caused by an
accident. Returning home, he resumed his agricultural labors, and ere
many years had passed had a highly cultivated and productive farm,
with a substantial set of frame buildings, and improvements of value,
the estate being a credit to his sagacity and good management. The
maiden name of his wife was Fredericka Rumpf, who was bom in
Wurtemberg, Germany. She died at the age of seventy-three years,
having survived her husband, who lived but sixty-four years. They
were the parents of six children, as follows : Albert, Morris, Paul H.,
Frederick, Emma, and Sophia.
1462 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Attending the winter terms of the district schools, Paul H. Exley
began in boyhood to assist his father on the farm, being trained to habits
of industry as a child. Being of a mechanical turn of mind, he was
apprenticed to a Sheboygan blacksmith when fourteen years old, and in
due course of time became a skilled workman. He subsequently did
journeyman work in different places, perfecting himself at his trade.
Coming to Hancock, Michigan, in 1882, Mr. Exley was in the employ of
M. J. Gemuend for six years. Then, in 1888, he formed a copartnership
with J. H. Roberts, he bought his employer's business, his shop, and his
land. Three years later, ]Mr. Exley bought his partner's interest, and
became sole proprietor of the plant, which was located on the west side
of Reservation street, at the corner of Water street. His business in-
creasing with surprising rapidity, more commodious quarters were
needed, and Mr. Exley erected, on the opposite side of the street, the
large building which he now occupies. This building, thirty-two feet
by ninety-five feet, two stories in height, with a basement under the
whole, is fitted with all of the modern implements and eqmpments for
carrying on general blacksmithing, and wagon and carriage-making.
Here he is actively engaged every working-day, employing twelve men
to assist him in his labors.
Mr. Exley has made wise investments, and has materially assisted
in the upbuilding of Hancock, having erected a large block on Front
street, the building, which is constructed of steel, brick and stone, be-
ing three stories high in front, and five stories in the rear. The first
floor front is for commercial purposes, being used for stores, while the
two upper stories are residential apartments, modemly and conven-
iently arranged. Mr. Exley also erected, on the former site of his
shop, the beautiful, modernly built home which he and his family now
occupy, the location being one of the most pleasant in the vicinity,
commanding as it does an extensive view of the Portage, and the
country beyond.
On October 15, 1889, Mr. Exley was united in marriage with Annie
K. Steimle, who was born in Hancock, Michigan, July 25, 1868. Her
fath«r, Eugene Steimle, emigrated from Wurtemberg, Gennany, to
America when young, and lived first in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Com-
ing from there to Hancock, he resided here imtil his death, which was
caused in 1876, by an accident at the Quincy Stamp Mill, in which he
was employed. He married Fredericka Kneisel, who was born in Sax-
ony, and came with her parents, Karl and Johanna Kneisel, to the
United States, settling in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She died in 1898,
leaving five children, Annie K., now Mrs. Exley ; Emma, Clara, Bertha,
and William. Mr. and Mrs. Exley are the parents of four children,
namely : Walter, Myrtle, Erma and Edna.
Mr. Exley and his family are valued members of tlie German Lu-
theran church. Fraternally Mr. Exley belongs to Hancock Lodge, No.
381, B. P. 0. E. For about twenty years he has been a member of the
Hancock Fire Department, of which he is now assistant chief.
Frederick Henry Brown. — Considered one of the most skillful and
expert engineers and surveyors of Chippewa county, Frederick Henry
Brown, of Sault Ste. Marie, has served as county surveyor for upwards
of twenty years, filling the position with credit to himself and most ac-
ceptably to the people. A native of Michigan, he was born, June 28,
1852, in Orangeville, Barry county. He comes of substantial New Eng-
land ancestry, his grandfather, Calvin Brown, and his father, Henry
Brown, having been of Massachusetts birth and breeding.
I
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1463
Henry Brown was born at St. Charles, Massachusetts, in 1814, and
as a young man learned the trade of a tanner. In 1837, following the
march of civilization westward, he came to the new state of Michigan,
locating in Orangeville township, Barry county, where he secured a
tract of wild land. He afterwards followed his trade of a tanner in
Kalamazoo for several years, but later returned to Barry county, and
from his tract of timber reclaimed a good farm, in common with his
neighbors enduring all the privations and hardships incidental to pio-
neer life. A man of intelligence and worth, he filled various offices of
trust, serving as township supervisor fifteen or more years, and being a
member of the school board many terms. He was identified with the
Whig party in early life, but afterwards became a Republican, while in
has religious views he was quite liberal, being a Univei-salist. He lived
to the good old age of eighty-six years, dying in 1900.
Henry Brown married, in Ravenna, Ohio, Rebecca Fling, who was
born, in 1831, in East Calais, Vermont, and died in Orangeville, Mich-
igan, in 1878. They became the parents of eight children, as follows:
Edgar N., of Orangeville towship, Barry county ; Frederick Henry, the
special subject of this sketch; Frank F., of Orangeville township;
Walter W., of the same township ; G. Herbert, of Prairieville, Mich. ;
Charles L., of Plainwell; Cora E., wife of William J. Ford, of Delton,
and Nettie M., wife of Jesse E. Johnson, of Plainwell.
Having laid a substantial foundation for his future education in
Pine Lake School, at Orangeville, Michigan, Frederick Henry Brown
completed his early studies at the Michigan Agricultural College, in
Lansing, partly paying his college expenses by teaching school during
two winter terms. In 1879, pushing his way northward, Mr. Brown
was employed as a mining engineer in Sheboygan for about two years,
after which he spent five years in St. Ignace, Mackinac county, as a
surveyor. Coming to Sault Ste. Marie in 1886, he was on the surveying
line of the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railway for about a year,
afterwards locating here as a general surveyor. In 1888 Mr. Brown was
appointed city engineer, and served in that capacity until 1895, proving
himself a thoroughly capable and efficient public officer. Since 1888 he
has filled his present position as county surveyor, having been honored
with a re-election each succeeding term since that year.
Mr. Brown married in Llareh, 1900, Anna L. Isson, who was born in
Kentucky. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Brown are esteemed and valued
members of the I\Iethodist Episcopal church. Politically Mr. Brown is
a stanch Republican, and fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen
of the World.
Thomas Lean Luxmore. — With the mining interests of the Northern
Peninsula are associated an unusually large number of citizens of a
preeminently excellent type, whose ideal of personal and civic living
is above reproach and whose progressiveness and public spirit have
contributed in due measure to the prosperity enjoyed by this section
of the state. The foreign element has a large representation, and no
country in a more gratifying fashion than the mother country, Eng-
land, of which he whose name initiates this review, is a native son.
Thomas Lean Luxmore was born in Beeralston, Devon, England, on the
20th day of December, 1853. His father's name was John Luxmore
and that of his mother previous to her marriage was Mary Lean.
She was born Febiuary 14, 1817, and died in 1894. The former, who
was a smelter by occupation, was born in England on February 9,
1816, and he passed to the Great Beyond, November 11, 1859, the sub-
1464 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
ject being only a young boy at the time of the occurrence of this sad
event. There were six children in the family, four daughters and two
sons. Two of Mr. Luxmore's sisters are deceased; one, Mrs. Thomas
Dawe, lives in England; one, Mrs. Stephen Trathen, is a resident of
Calumet, Michigan. The brother, John Luxmore, is a citizen of Iron-
wood, Michigan.
To the public schools of Beeralston is Mr. Luxmore indebted for
his education, which was of a limited character. The father's death
had left the little family in straitened circumstances, and since there
is no arguing with necessity, Mr. Luxmore started to work as soon as
by any stretch of imagination he might be considered old enough. He
was only eleven when he began to work in the British mines and even
at this tender age he learned to face resolutely the responsibilities of
life. When seventeen years of age young Luxmore concluded to seek
the land of opportunity across the seas, and putting his resolution into
the sphere of realities he arrived in Calumet, Houghton county, on
June 20, 1871. On the very next day he started to work in the Hecla mine,
which at that time was only at the fifth level. He remained in Cal-
umet until the 4th of April, 1874, when he left for California, and dur-
ing his stay in "the golden west" was employed in the quartz, placer
and quicksilver mines. Leaving California in June, 1875, he returned
to Calumet and again secured a position in the Hecla mine, which he
retained until April, 1881. On the date mentioned Mr. Luxmore
made the step which was to prove a wise and fortunate one, by coming
to Iron Mountain. On the first of May, 1881, he secured work in the
Chapin Mine, and proving faithful and ef&ient in little things, was
given more and more responsibility. In the year 1887 he took
charge of one department as pit boss and in 1890 he was advanced
to the office of mining captain, which he holds at the present
time. Mr. Luxmore has a fund of interesting reminisences of the early
days. When he first arrived at Calumet, to quote from his own
words, "There were streets of log houses, all hedged in by a dense
forest, and the stumps of such trees as had been chopped down, were
still standing in the ground, with the exception of a few streets which
had been cleaj-ed. Upon coming to Iron Mountain in the spring of
1881, I found practically the same condition, except that there were
not as many log houses."
At Calumet, Michigan, on the 28th day of March, 1874, Mr. Lux-
more established a household of his own by his marriage to Hannah
Trestrail, a countrywoman, her birth having occurred in England on
July 20, 1858. When very young she came to America with her par-
ents, whose names were William and Isabella Trestrail. They both
died in Iron Mountain, Michigan, the father in 1881 and the mother
in 1885. A worthy and useful life was terminated on April 23, 1897,
by the death of Mrs. Luxmore, her demise being untimely, for her
years numbered but thirty-nine. To the marriage of Mr. Luxmore
and his wife were born six children. Phineliea Ellen, born June 20,
1877, died March 23, 1881 ; Etta May, born September 6, 1879, is the
wife of W. J. Bennett and resides at Virginia, Minnesota; Thomas
Henry, born May 1, 1882, died September 19, 1882; Cora Gertrude,
born June 20, 1884, is still living at Iron Mountain, where she is a
teacher in the public schools; Elsie Myrtle, born May 15, 1887, is now
Mrs. H. T. Hopper, and makes her home at Virginia, Minnesota; Au-
brey Clyde, born March 10, 1891, died May 21. 1909.
Mr. Luxmore was a second time married on June 16, 1900, the lady
to become his wife being Mrs. Julia A. Hicks, who was a teacher in the
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1465
public schools of Iron Mountain thirteen years. She was born at
Scales Mound, Illinois, November 12, 1862, the daughter of David and
Elizabeth RoAve. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe came to Iron Mountain from
Linden, Wisconsin, in 1886, and it was here that both died, the father
in 1887, and the mother surviving until 1895. The present ]\Irs. Lux-
more has three sisters residing at Iron Mountain, namely : Mrs. J.
AV. Thompson, Mrs. J. H. Cundy, and Mrs. Warren Flanagan. She
also has three brothers living, Stephen and Simon being residents of
Fremont, Nebraska, and William being located at Madison, Wiscon-
sin. David, the eldest brother, died at Fremont, Nebraska, October
31, 1910. All were formerly residents of Iron Mountain.
Mr. Luxmore takes great pleasure in his social and fraternal rela-
tions, the latter extending to the Calumet lodge of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, No. 134, which he joined January 14, 1879.
He joined the Lake Superior IMining Institute when it was organized
in 1893 with comparatively few members, but it has since grown until
now theirs is a membership of over five hundred. On March 9, 1910,
he became a member of the august Masonic order, joining Iron Moun-
tain Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 388. He has always been a solid Re-
publican, giving his enthusiastic allegiance to the men and measures
advanced by that party. In religious view he is a Protestant.
The subject has recently undergone a successful operation which
has restored him to health and usefulness. July 30, 1910, he was op-
erated upon for gall stones at St. George's Hospital, Iron Mountain,
Dr. J. A. Crowell and his assistants performing the operation and
removing four hundred and twenty-four stones. This is a remarkable
instance and one almost without parallel and the skill with which
the operation was performed is viewed with gratification by Mr. Lux-
more and his many friends, whe believe Dr. Crowell to be one of the
most efficient and enlightened surgeons in this part of the country.
John W. Mullen. — As a member of the well known firm of Mullen
Brothers, furniture dealers and undertakers at Ironwood, John W.
Mullen is one of the leading business men of this section of Gogebic
county, and is held in high respect as a man of tried and trusted in-
tegrity and worth. A son of Thoma.s Mtillen, he was born, November
14, 1855, at Nonvalk, Ohio, of Irish ancestry.
Thomas Mullen, whose parents were life-long residents of the Em-
erald Isle, was born, reared and married in Ireland. In the early fifties,
accompanied by his wife and their little daughter, he emigrated to the
United States, locating in Norwalk, Ohio, where he was engaged in rail-
road construction until 1856. In that year, again taking up the line of
march, he followed the emigrant's trail to Wisconsin, becoming a pioneer
settler of Sheboygan county. Purchasing a tract of standing timber,
he began the arduous task of clearing the land, and by dint of persever-
ing industiy improved the farm tipon which he continued his residence
until his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Gannon,
was born in Ireland. She survived him several years, spending her last
days in Ironwood, jMichigan. They reared seven children, as follows :
Margaret, John AV., Michael, Sarah, Patrick, Mary and Thomas.
A mere infant when his parents settled in Wisconsin, John AV. Mul-
len obtained his early education in the pioneer schools of Wisconsin,
and as soon as old enough to do chores began assisting in the labors in-
cidental to farm life. He afterwards worked in a wooden ware factory
at Glen Beulah, AVisconsin, until 1886, when he came to the Upper
Peninsula in search of a favorable location. Greatly impressed with the
1466 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
seemingly rapid growth of the new town of Ironwood which had just
then sprung up in the forest, he, in company with his brother Patrick,
immediately opened a furniture store on the west side of McLeod ave-
nue, between Suffolk and Lowell streets, under the firm name of Mullen
Brothers. Since that early day this firm has been an important factor
in the business circles of Ironwood, for several years past carrying on
undertaking in connection with their furniture business, their commo-
dious store now being located on Suffolk street, and well stocked with
up-to-date furniture of all kinds.
Mr. ]\Iullen married, April 1, 1883, Catherine Keenan, who was born
in Glen Beulah, Wisconsin, where her parents, Peter and IMary Keenan,
natives of Ireland, were pioneers. Four children have blessed the uuion
of Mr. and Mrs. Mullen, namely: Thomas, Robert, Genevieve, and
Raymond. Mr. Mullen is actively interested in local affairs, having been
honored with an election to the first city council, in which he has served
continuously since, with the exception of four years. Fraternally he
belongs to I)i\'ision No. 1, Gogebic county. Ancient Order of Hibernians,
and to Ironwood Lodge, Knights of Columbus. Religiously he and his
family are faithful members of St. IMichael's church.
Patrick Mullen. — Holding a place of prominence among the fore-
most business men of Ironwood is Patrick Mullen, one of the earliest
merchants to locate in this section of the Upper Peninsula, coming here
soon after the organization of the town, and, with his brother, John W.
Mullen, embarking in business under the present firm name of Mullen
Brothers. This enterprising firm carries a large assortment of all the
latest styles in furniture, in which it has a large and lucrative trade,
and is ever ready to attend to all branches of undertaking. Mr. Mullen
was born June 24, 1859, in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, a son of the
late Thomas and ]\Iargaret (Gannon) ]\Iullen, of whom a brief account
may be found elsewhere in this volume.
Brought up on the home farm, Patrick Mullen early became familiar
with agricultural labors, assisting his father in the care of the homestead
during the long vacations, at other times attending the pioneer district
schools, in which he obtained a practical education. After leaving the
farm, he found employment at Glen Beulah, Wisconsin, where he worked
in a wooden ware factory for a time. Coming with his brother, John AV.
Mullen, to Ironwood in 1886, they organized the firm of Mullen Broth-
ers, and established themselves in business as furniture dealers, in which
they have since built up a substantial and lucrative trade, and are also
carrjdng on undertaking. When ]\Ir. Mullen came to Ironwood, his sis-
ter and their widowed mother came also, and all lived together until the
death of the mother, having a most happy home. Mr. INIullen is a mem-
ber of St. Ambrose Court, No. 362, Catholic Order of Foresters ; and of
Ironwood Lodge, Knights of Columbus.
Charles M. Dysinger. — Far-sighted and alert, quick of perception
and keen in his powers of discernment, Charles ]\I. Dysinger, of Kinross,
has been a dominant factor in the development and promotion of the
varied resources of Chippewa county, as secretary of the Chippewa
County Homes Advertising Committee having been instrumental in
bringing into this part of the Upper Peninsula many of its most en-
ergetic and valued citizens. A son of Daniel Dysinger, he was born,
April 1, 1870, in Odessa township, Ionia county, Michigan, of sturdy
Gonnan ancestry.
Born in Germany in 1813, Daniel Dysinger learned the trade of a
THE NORTHERiN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1467
cooper in his native land. Subsequently coming to America, the land
of glorious opportunities, he followed farming and coopering in Ohio
for a time. Coming to Michigan he entered one himdred and sixty acres
of wild land in Odessa to^^^lship, Ionia county, his patent being signed
by President Franklin Pierce. Indians were then plentiful in this part
of the country, while the deer, bears, and other -nald beasts of the forest
had not tied before the advancing steps of civilization. Erecting a log
house for himself and family, he began the task of hewing a farm from
the wilderness, and lived to see the country roundabout well settled, and
himself the owner of a fine property. He was a man of deep religious
convictions, an earnest student of the Bible, and frequently filled vacant
pulpits, preaching to the people sermons of interest and power. In his
early life he was identified with the Congregational church, but later
became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. When well ad-
vanced in years, he built a cottage at Lake Odessa, and there spent his
last days in retirement, dying, in 1899, at the venerable age of eighty-
six years.
Daniel Dysinger married first, Charlotte Galoo. Four children were
bom to them, as follows: Thomas, a soldier in the Civil war, was liv-
ing in Alabama when last heard from ; Ina died in infancy ; Laura, wife
of S. W. Backus, of Ionia, Michigan ; and Albert, who was accidentally
killed at the age of twenty-one years, having been kicked by a horse.
Daniel Dysinger married for his second wife, Esther Jane King, who
was born in Bloomville, Ohio, 1851, and there resided until after her
marriage. She survived him, passing away in 1908. Of the five chil-
dren born of their union, four are living, namely : Lillian Bell, wife of
Allison P. Knapp, of Limon, Colorado ; Alice, wife of B. Austin, of
Odessa, ]\Iiehigan ; Charles M., the subject of this sketch ; and Arthur,
engaged in mercantile pursuits in Newago, Michigan.
Brought up on the home farm in Odessa township, Charles M.
Dysinger obtained his education in the district schools, while under his
father's instructions he early became familiar with the many branches
of agriculture. He began working as a wage-earner when sixteen years
old, husking com for a neighboring farmer for the sum of fifty cents a
day, walking to and from his work mornings and evenings. When ready
to assume the responsibilities of a householder, ]Mr. Dysinger bought
forty acres of finely improved land from his father, it being a part of
the parental homestead, the tract of land being practically a gift, as he
paid but three hundred dollars for it. After spending four years in
farming, he bought a home at Lake Odessa, and there, in companj^ with
his cousin was engaged in the agricultural implement business for a
year.
Mr. Dysinger then sold sewing machines for the Singer jManufactur-
ing Company, at the same time representing the Farrand & Voty Organ
Company of Detroit, ]\Iiehigan. Buying then a building at Lake Odessa,
Mr. Dysinger embarked in the music basiness, selling sheet music,
organs and pianos, and also handling White Sewing Machines, establish-
ing a fine trade. Active and enterprising, he was a true Yankee in
trading, exchanging mei'chandise oftentimes for horses, with which he
stocked his farm, having at times very valuable ones in Ms possession.
In 1897, through a fire caused by a spark from a passing engine, Mr.
Dysinger was unfortunately bumed out. The ensuing four years he
travelled for the piano finn of Chase, Hackley & Co.. of Muskegon,
Michigan, in 1901 becoming traveling auditor for the company.
Locating soon after in Sault Ste. Marie, Mr. Dysinger was success-
fully engaged in the candy and grocery business until 1906, when, his
1468 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
health failing, he traveled for a year or two. While in Sault Ste. Marie,
he was one of the organizers of the Gold Mining Company at Goulais
Bay, Ontario, the company which erected the first gold mill in Ontario.
After his return from the South, in 1907, Mr. Dysinger opened a
store of general merchandise in Kinross, Chippewa county, and has
since held a noteworthy place among its more active and esteemed citi-
zens. Api3ointed postmaster at Kinross in 1907, he has served in this
position since, and has also been supervisor during the time, having been
elected in the spring of 1907, and reelected in 1909. Politically he is a
stanch Republican, prominent in party organizations. For the past
fifteen years he has been a member of Red Cross Lodge, Knights of
Pythias, and is also a member of Kinross Lodge, Modern Brotherhood.
Mr. Dysinger is an extensive landholder, o^vBing about three thous-
and acres, and while in business at Lake Odessa became actively as-
sociated with the Midland Land Company, which had headquarters at
Rudyard, Chippewa county, and by extended advertising in Odessa and
vicinity succeeded in placing upon the market four thousand acres of
land. An expert in the ways of modern advertising, and skillful in the
execution of his plans, Mr. Dysinger sent two excursions by rail from
Grand Rapids to Mackinac, and one by water. He, with Hon. Chase S.
Osborn, Otto Towle, and Jerry Lamson, were promoters of Rudyard and
L'Anse, asking $500 from the county board to carry out their projects,
and receiving it.
Mr. Dysinger, as above mentioned, is secretary of the Chippewa
County Homes Advertising Committee, and is contributing his full
share in the position towards advancing the material interests of this
part of the state, bringing before the general public its unlimited agri-
cultural and industrial advantages. In Chippewa county alone are
thirty-five thousand arces of government land open to entry by home-
steaders, the small sum of $16 securing title to one hundred and sixty
acres of land well adapted for the production of hay, apples, and root
crops of all kinds. As a dairy country Chippewa county is tmexcelled,
cheese manufactured in this county having won the first prize at the
State Fair for the past two years. Both spring and fall wheat do well
here, the soil being well adapted to all grains. A ready market for aU
produce is near, finding a ready sale in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, in
the mining regions, and on the Great Lakes steamers. Unimproved farm
lands can be bought for the nominal sum of $3 per acre, cleared farms
bringing from $20 to $75 per acre. The summers of Northern Michigan
are delightfully cool, and the winters are bracing. There is plenty of
employment for all classes of people, the mills, mines, woods, docks,
and farms furnishing work for all. No person in Chippewa county is
better informed in regard to the country and its opportunities and ad-
vantages than Mr. Dysinger, and no man more willing and able than he
to discuss these, either personally or by letter.
Mr. Dysinger has been twice man-ied. He married first, l\Iay 13,
1888, when but eighteen years of age, Stella Hamilton, who was bom in
Michigan just sixteen years before that date, a daughter of Edward and
Kate (Bowers) Hamilton. She died in 1898. Three children were bom
of their union, namely : Grace, who died at the age of five years, three
months and twenty-four days ; Bessie died in infancy ; and Thelma. Mr.
Dysinger married second. May 12, 1906, Samantha Overmyer, who was
bom in Monroe. Michigan, being the fourth child of Edward and Susan
Overmyer. Her parents, who are of German parentage, are now living
in Monroe, retired from active pursuits, ha\'ing as agriculturists ac-
(juired a competency.
»
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1469
Capt. William Bond. — The immense mining interests of the Upper
Peninsula are placed in charge of men of ability, familiar with the
different kind of work needed to produce the best results, and prom-
inent among the men thus employed in the mines of the Upper Penin-
sula is Capt. William Bond, who has served as captain of the West
Vulcan ]\Iine for upwards of twenty-two years, and who is now cap-
tain also of the Briar Hill Mine. He was born, October 24, 1852, in
Devonshire, England, the birthplace of his father, and the home of
his ancestors.
William Bond, his father, was a natural mechanic, skillful in the
use of tools, and he followed both the mason's and the carpenter's
trade, being an expert workman. He spent his last years in Cornwall
county, England, dying at the good old age of eighty-seven years.
His wife, whose maiden name was Grace Jones, was a native of Devon-
shire, also, and she attained the venerable age of eighty-nine years.
To her and her husband six children were born, as follows : Thomas,
John, Elizabeth, Mary, William and Grace. Thomas died at sea while
on his way to New Zealand, and Grace died in England. The other
children came to America, John, who resembled his father, in that he
was a natural mechanic, settling in Carbon county, Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth married W. H. Hosking and Mary became the wife of J. B.
Rogers, both, at present, being residents of Bingham Canon, Utah.
Beginning when young to work on a farm in Cornwall county,
England, Captain William Bond remained thus employed until 1871,
when he emigrated to this country, locating immediately in the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan. For a short time thereafter he was em-
ployed in mining in Keweenaw county, after which he worked for six
years in the Calumet & Hecla Mine at Calumet. Wishing further to
advance his education, he then attended the Normal School at Valpa-
raiso, Indiana, for two years, taking a business course. He subse-
quently worked for a short time at the Ludington Mine on the Men-
ominee Range and from there he went to Norway in 1882, there en-
tering the employ of the Penn Iron Mining Company as time-keeper.
Having retained that position for fifteen months he was advanced to
that of night captain. September 1, 1884, he was transferred to
Quinnesec, and remained there as captain until 1886. He then re-
signed to go to Iron River where he had charge of the Ninamo Mine
for fifteen months. In February, 1888, Captain Bond accepted the po-
sition of captain of the West Vulcan Mine, and has since remained in
the employ of the Penn Iron Mining Company in this capacity, his
home being in Vulcan, Michigan.
Captain Bond married, December 31, 1884, Isabell Gray, who was
born in Cornwall county, England, January 6, 1866, a daughter of
William H. and Elizabeth Ann Gray, who emigrated from Cornwall,
England, to the United States in 1875, settling first in Wisconsin, and
going thence to Norway, Dickinson county, Michigan, where they are
now living. Captain Bond's family consists of three children, — Ada
Isabell, born December 3, 1885 ; Ewart W. J., born June 3, 1891, and
Wesley Calvin, born October 29, 1894.
Captain Bond is a consistent Christian man and a valued member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, having been treasurer and member
of the official board and board of trvistees for many years, and at
present being superintendent of the Methodist Sunday school at Vul-
can, Michigan. He is a strict Prohibitionist in politics, and his public
office holding has consisted of tAvo years service as township treasurer
and membership on the local school board. Fraternally he belongs
1470 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHWAN
to Norwaj' lodge, No. 362, F. & A. M. He is a man of financial ability
and was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Norway.
Pie was elected a director at its organization and has served as vice-
president for the last two years.
J. C. KiRKPATRiCK. — Few of the leading citizens of the Northern
Peninsula can present a career of such rapid, yet substantial progress,
as J. C. Kirkpatrick, of Eseanaba. In his forty-ninth year he is presi-
dent both of the National Pole Company and Pittsburg & Lake Superior
Iron Company, as well as vice president of the Eseanaba National Bank.
He is shrewd, enterprising, energetic, sound and straightforward in his
business methods, and enjoys personal qualities outside of his practical
temperament which have earned him a wide popularity.
Born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 10, 1862, Mr. Kirk-
patrick is a son of Joseph Kirkpatrick, who was a native of Ireland.
The father came to America when fourteen years of age, spending a
time in New York, and then locating in Pittsburg, where for a number
of years he was engaged in wholesale grocery business on Liberty street.
He afterwards embarked in the oil business, and finally in the iron trade
at Pittsburg. In 1874 Joseph Kirkpatrick located in Palmer, Mar-
quette county, Michigan, and engaged in business, becoming one of the
most extensive iron dealers of the peninsula and founder of the Palmer
Iron Company. He continued in active business until his death, in
1903, at the age of eighty-two years. He was well known throughout
the section of his home, and broadly identified himself with its inter-
ests. He married Isabella Martin, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, who
came to America when a girl, and died at the age of seventy-eight.
They had eleven children, of whom three sons and two daughters sur-
vive.
J. C. Kirkpatrick was fourteen years of age when he came to the
Northern Peninsula with his father, and received his education in the
public schools of Pittsburg, and at Lake Forest University. He began
his business career as a delivery boy in a store at Palmer, Michigan, in
which his father was interested. He remained with this company imtil
1898, having been promoted until he finally became president of the
company. He still holds his position, but in 1898 he came to Eseanaba
to look after the cedar interests of the company, which has since been
taken over by the National Pole Company, a corporation having the
same stockholders as the Pittsburg & Lake Superior Iron Company,
and of which, as stated, he is now president.
Outside of his business interests, i\Ir. Kirkpatrick is a member of the
Board of Trustees of the Northern Michigan Asylum at Newberry. In
1887 he married Matilda H., daughter of Benjamin Patterson, of Cleve-
land, Ohio. Mr. Kirkpatrick is a member of the following clubs:
Union League, Chicago Athletic and South Shore Country, all of Chi-
cago, also Minneapolis Club of Minneapolis and Silver Bow Club of
Butte, Mont.
Herbert W. Reade. — For more than twenty years Herbert W.
Reade, of Eseanaba, has been one of the strong factors in the business,
financial, commercial and civic development of the Northern Peninsula,
and all the sturdy and well-directed abilities of his life have been de-
voted to the welfare of his native Michigan. For many years he has
been specially engaged in the cedar pole business, being now vice presi-
dent of the National Pole Company. Besides actively holding this posi-
tion, Mr. Reade has many other interests, and is widely identified w\ih
i
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1471
the progress and development of the towTi and county. He is a director
in the Escanaba National Bank, treasurer of the Escanaba Timber Land
Company and holds other positions of business and financial trust. Mr.
Reade also takes an active interest in public affairs, and in the success
of the Republican party, having served as a member of the board of
education six years (four of which he was president) and as road
commissioner of Delta county. His identification with the fraternities
is confined to his membership in the order of Ancient Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, in which he has attained the rank of Knight Templar
and Shriner.
Mr. Reade was born in Romeo, Macomb county, Michigan, August
20, 1867, and is a son of Samuel A. and Helen (Sill) Reade. The
father is a native of Worcester, IMassaehusetts, who came to ]\Iichigan
about 1854: and located at Romeo, which has since been his home. At
that time he was biit twenty-two years of age and a recent graduate of
Brown LTniversity, Providence, Rhode Island. For the past thirty-nine
years Samuel A. Reade has been cashier of the Citizens' National Bank,
of Romeo, and is now an honored financial veteran of seventy-seven.
He has always taken an active interest in the progress and growth of
the town, and participated prominently in public affairs. His wife,
who was a native of New York, died at the age of fifty-seven, the mother
of five children, three of whom survive, namely : Richard S., who is a
drygoods merchant at Romeo, and assistant cashier of the Citizens' Na-
tional Bank ; Herbert W. ; and Harold H., the last named being in the
employ of the National Pole Company, at Whitney, Michigan. The
other two children died in infancy.
The boyhood of Herbert W. Reade was spent in his native town and
there he received his education, graduating from the high school in
1886, at the age of nineteen years. He then entered the bank with his
father, being thus employed for one year, when he removed to New-
berry, Michigan. There he worked for a short time as bookkeeper in a
general store, and in 1888 located at Whitney as superintendent of a
charcoal manufacturing plant and general store, for the Pittsburg &
Lake Superior Iron Company. A few years later the charcoal industry
was abandoned by this company, which engaged in the cedar pole busi-
ness, and Mr. Reade continued this line of employment until 1896. In
that year the general office was established at Escanaba, with Mr. Reade
as secretary and manager in charge of the cedar business, whose opera-
tions embraced the entire Northern Peninsula. The company disposed
of its cedar pole business in 1907, and a new corporation was formed of
which Mr. Reade became the vice president, his present office. The
stockholders of the new concern, known as the National Pole Company,
were practically the same as held stock in the Pittsburg & Lake Su-
perior Iron Company, and Mr. Reade therefore retains liis office of sec-
retary and treasurer of the last named organization. His wide
experience in the timber industry, and his broad business judgment, in
general, make him a dominant force in both companies, and a leading
figure in the material progress of northern Michigan.
In 1891 Mr. Reade married Nellie B., daughter of Edward C. and
Lucy D. (Doan) Newbury, of Romeo, Michigan, and three children have
been bom to them: Carleton W., Dorothy Doan and Helen Frances.
Walter W. Dennis. — It has been the good fortune of Mr. Dennis
to attain definite success and prosperity through his identification Avith
the agricultural industry in Chippewa county where he has a well
improved farm of 320 acres in "Soo" township and where he is giv-
ing special attention to the dairy business.
1472 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Mr. Dennis is a native of the city of London, England, where he
was born on August 30th, 1861. He is the son of James and ]\Iary Ann
(Harper) Dennis, the former of whom was bom in Somersetshire,
England, and the latter in Bristol, England. The parents are still
living and of their eight children four survived. James Dennis was
superintendent of flour mills in England until 1870 when he removed
with his family to America and located in the state of Pennsylvania.
In 1874 he came to Chippewa county, Michigan, and engaged in the
farming industry in Sault Ste. Marie township. He was one of the
stirring pioneers of this county and here he continued to be identified
with agricultural pursuits until 1890 when he removed to the state
of California, where he has since been engaged in mining and pros-
pecting.
Walter W. Dennis gained his early educational training in the
schools of London, England, and was twelve years of age at the time
of the family removal to America. After he was established in Chip-
pewa county, Michigan, he was variously employed until 1882 when
he began the reclamation of a farm in Sault Ste. Marie township. He
was employed in the lumber camp through the -wnnter seasons for a
term of about fifteen years, and in the meantime devoted the summer
season to the work of his farm. He reclaimed his land for cultiva-
tion and is now the owner of a well improved farm of 320 acres. He
has erected a substantial brick residence and also a bank-barn sixty
by eighty feet in dimensions. In connection with his dairy business
he has the finest grade of stock and in this line of enterprise he con-
ducts the most extensive portion of all who are engaged in the same
business in Chippewa county. He has the best facilities, including
milk house supplies with running water and ice coolers. He supplies
the Pittsburg Steamship Company with about two hundred and thirty
gallons of milk each day, besides which he has a large local patronage.
In politics Mr. Dennis gives his support to the Republican party and
he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with
the Pine Grove Grange No. 1290.
On the 12th of July, 1883, Mr. Dennis was united in marriage to
INIiss Sarah Ann Kuowles who was born in the town of Hmitington,
England, and who is the daughter of Thomas and Sarah M. (Smith)
Knowles, now residing in Chippewa county, IMichigan, where they
maintained their home since 3 880. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis have two
children, — Frank and Ruth.
Francis J. Sullivan.- — A man of ability, possessing unquestioned
business qualifications, Francis J. Sullivan, of Ironwood, is associated
with the development of one of the chief industries of the LTpper Penin-
sula, being chief clerk of the Oliver I\Iining Company. A son of the
late Eugene Sullivan, he was born. October 17, 1878. in Rockland, On-
tonagon county, IMichigan, of Irish stock. His grandfather, Daniel
Sullivan, a life-long resident of the Emerald Isle, married Johanna
Sullivan, a native of county Cork, Ireland. She survived him, after
his death coming to this country, and spending her last days in Ontona-
gon county, Michigan, passing away in the eighty-third year of her age.
She reared six children, as follows: Mary married a Mr. Han-ington,
and lived in South Carolina; Julia died in New Orleans, Lousiana;
Johanna married a Mr. Holland, of New Orleans; Jeremiah settled in
Rockland, Michigan ; Michael and Eugene.
Eugene Sullivan was born at Bere Haven, County Cork, Ireland,
and there received a very good education. On leaving school he started
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THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1473
out to see the world, for a time following the sea. Landing at New
Orleans on one of his ocean voyages, he was pleased with the city, and
having bought a tract of land erected a house, and sent for his widowed
mother, brothers and sisters to join him. He afterwards came to the
Upper Peninsula, locating in Houghton county, where he commenced
mining, being afterwards similarly employed in Rockland, at the Min-
nesota Mine, until 1883. Removing then to Ontonagon, he was yard
foreman for the Diamond Match Company for a while. In the mean-
time he bought a tract of land in town, and having improved it, was
there a resident until his death. He married, in Houghton, Michigan,
Margaret Reagan, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, the birth-
place of her parents, Murtimore and Katherine (Sullivan) Reagan,
who emigrated to the United States with their family, and spent their
remaining years in Fall River, Massachusetts, as did all of their eight
children, Mary, Daniel, Helen, John, Murtimore, Julia, Margaret, and
Honora, with the exception of Margaret, who married Eugene Sullivan,
and died in Michigan. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Eugene Sullivan, namely: Mary E., wife of Frederick Banks, of
Ashland, Wisconsin ; Margaret H., of Ironwood ; Jerry E., living in
Missoula, Montana ; KathrjTi C, residing in Ironwood ; Daniel J. died at
the age of twenty -four years; George W. died when thirty years old;
Eugene J., of Chisholm, Minnesota ; Murtimore C, died when nineteen
years old; Josie B. died at the age of thirty-two years; and Francis J.,
the special subject of this brief sketch.
Having acquired a practical education in the public schools of On-
tonagon and at the Bessemer High School, Francis J. Sullivan began
while yet a young lad to hustle for himself, being variously employed.
For a time he was "bell hop" at a hotel, afterwards being a newsboy,
selling papers on the streets. The news dealer for whom he worked was
agent for the Western Union Telegraph Company, and Francis took
such good advantage of the offered opportunity that at the age of eigh-
teen years he had mastered the art of telegraphy, and had secured a
situation with the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Company as
operator at Pelican Lake, Wisconsin. He was subsequently operator at
different places until he was made operator and ticket clerk at the Iron-
wood station. Resigning that position in 1902, Mr. Sullivan became
book-keeper at the office of the Oliver Mining Company, and on Feb-
ruary 15, 1906, was promoted to his present responsible position as
chief clerk of the company. He is a Republican in politics, and fra-
ternally is a member of Ashland Lodge, B. P. 0. E., and of the M. W. A.
Robert G. Marriner, M. D. — For more than a quarter of a century
Dr. Marriner has held precedence as one of the most able and popular
physicians and surgeons in the Menominee Valley, and none could have
shown more staunch devotion to the work of his honorable and exacting
profession than has he. He is a man of fine intellectual and profes-
sional attainments and his success in his chosen vocation has been the
logical result of careful study, close application and exceptional zeal
and devotion.
Dr. Robert G. Marriner has the distinction of being a native of the
city of London, England, where he was bom on the 5th of December,
1857, and he is a son of Goodwin Marriner and Susan (Seace) Mar-
riner, the former of whom was born in Oxford, England, in 1828, and
the latter of whom was born in the city of London, in 1834. The father
died in the city of Chicago in 1870 and the mother passed away in the
same city in the following year, their marriage having been solemnized
1474 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
in the city of London. Of their six children four are now living and
the subject of this review was second in order of birth. Goodwin Mar-
riner long held the offlee of official surveyor for the parish of Maryle-
bone, city of London. Dr. Robert G. Marriner received his early educa-
tional discipline in his native city and was ten years of age at the time
of the family removal to the United States, in 1867. His parents located
in the city of Chicago, Illinois, and there he completed his academic
education, having been graduated in the high school when sixteen years
of age. He was matriculated in the Rush Medical College in 1876 and
was graduated from the Chicago iNledieal College as a member of the
class of 1881, duly receiving his well earned degree of Doctor of Medi-
cine. This college is now the medical department of the Northwestern
University of Evanston, Illinois. After his graduation Dr. Marriner
initiated the practice of his profession at Marinette, AViseonsin, where
he remained until 1888, when he moved across the river to the city of
Menominee, Michigan, where he has since continued in active and suc-
cessful practice as a physician and surgeon and where his clientage has
long been one of a thoroughly representative and appreciative order. A
recent newspaper article has given the following admirable estimate of
the life and labors of Dr. Llarriner and the same is well worthy of re-
production in this volume.
"Di". Marriner has ripe experience. He is by nature a scholarly and
scientific man. He has been not only keenly alive to the fact that great
advances have been made of late in medical science but also has been
filled with the ambition to keep abreast of them. The new and valuable
matter from both domestic and foreign journals is carefully studied by
him and all the good extracted. While he is a public-spirited man and
has started and helped many valviable improvements that have been
carried out for the good of the public, he, however, never accepts any
office or position that might divert his time from his professional duties.
His professional work overshadows anything else. During liis student
days he was for three years assistant to Professor Moses Gunn, the fore-
most surgeon of his day. He afterward served as first assistant of Pro-
fessor A. Reeves Jackson, dean and founder of the College of Physicians
and Surgeons of the state of Illinois, now the medical department of the
State University of Illinois, and then chief surgeon of the Women's
Hospital of the State of Illinois. It was at that time and under such
influence that he was first inspired for thoroughness, for accuracy, for
careful investigation and research. He believes that the education upon
which he is engaged is not simply a college course, not simply a medical
course, but a life course for which the work of a few years under teach-
ers is but a preparation. Nothing gives him more satisfaction than to
relieve and cure the unfortunates who come under his care. For him
no labor is too great. Self-sacrifice is his greatest pleasiire. He is not
selfishly actuated by financial remuneration, but is inspired by a spirit
of philanthropy and by a generous desire to benefit mankind."
Di-. Marriner is actively identified with the American jMedical As-
sociation, the Michigan State IMedical Society, the Fox River JMedical
Society and the Menominee County Medical Society. He is held in un-
qualified esteem by his professional confreres and his interposition is
frequently asked by them in connection with council and critical cases.
Dr. Marriner and his wife are zealous members of the Episcopal church
and he is prominently identified with the Masonic bodies in his home
city, where his affiliations are with IMenominee Lodge, No. 269, Free and
Accepted Masons, of which he served as worshipful master in 1909 ;
Menominee Chapter, No. 107, Royal Arch ]\Iasons, of which he is past
)
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THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1475
high priest ; Menominee Commandery, No. 35, Knights Templars, of
which he is past eminent commander ; Ahmed Temple Ancient Arabic
Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in the city of IMarquette,
Michigan.
On the 28th of November, 1889, was solemnized the marriage of Dr.
Marriner to Miss Minnie Ranck, who was born at Naperville, Illinois,
and who is a daughter of Samuel Ranck, who was born in Pennsyl-
vania, and who early removed thence to the state of Illinois, where he
was for many years actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is
now living in the city of Naperville, Illinois. Dr. and Mrs. Marriner
had three children, of whom two are now living, — Catherine and Mar-
WiLLiAM C. BiRK. — A young man of enterprise and ability, William
C. Birk, of Baraga, takes an active interest in public affairs, and, al-
though not an aspirant for political honors, was elected township clerk
in 1908, and has since served most faithfully in this capacity. He was
born, November 6, 1885, at Calumet, Houghton county, Michigan, of
German lineage.
His father, Andrew Birk, was bom and reared in Germany, where
his parents spent their lives. In company with three of his brothers,
he emigrated to America, the poor man's paradise, coming directly to
the Upper Peninsula. Locating in Calmnet, Houghton coiuity, he
built up an extensive business as a dealer in cattle, remaining in that
city until his death, in 1909. He married, in Calumet, Katherine Haas,
who was born in Germany, and was educated in Berlin. Having com-
pleted her studies. Miss Haas came to America to accept a position as
teacher of German in Calumet, Michigan, and there met and married
Andrew Birk. She died in 1894, leaving three children, namely. Will-
iam C, the special subject of this sketch; Walter 0., now deceased; and
John, deceased.
But seven years of age when his mother died, William C. Birk was
adopted into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wahl, of L'Anse, and
was there educated, attending the public schools regularly until six-
teen years old. Going then to Calumet, Michigan, he was clerk in a
hotel for about three years, and then returned to L'Anse. Coming from
there to Baraga, Mr. Birk opened a variety store, which he conducted
successfully until he was burned out, in 1908. The same year Mr. Birk
was elected township clerk, and has continued in this office ever since,
having been re-elected at the close of each term.
Fraternally Mr. Birk is a member of L'Anse Lodge, 445, I. O. 0. F. ;
and of Baraga Lodge, No. 354, K. 0. T. M. M.
Capt. Richard Edwards.— It is safe to say that one of the most able
and prominent men connected with the development of the marvelous
natural resources of the Upper Peninsula was the late Capt. Richard
Edwards. Fairly born to the occupation of a miner, brainy and of
proved integrity, original and a leader in enterprise, he possessed not
only the esteem, but the achniration of his associates, and the part he
played in the many-sided life of the community was anything but a
passive one. The second son of a Cornwall miner, Richard Edwards
was born in July, 1809, in the parish of Calstock, County Cornwall,
England, very near the Devonshire line. His educational advantages
were exceedingly limited, as, when but a lad of seven years of age he
was put to work in the mines, beginning his career in the humble ca-
pacity of a "trunk boy," or slime washer in the wash house. During
1476 THE NORTHEKN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
his early life he labored industriously, oftentimes being forced to walk
three miles to reach his work, and at night returning home on foot,
weary and hungry. He had scholarly tastes and ambitions, however,
and after appeasing the appetite natural to a growing boy with the
coarse food found on the tables of the mining community, he would
turn for comfort to his books, assiduously studying mathematics, geom-
etry, geology, and engineering, and finding the sincerest pleasure in
mastering these branches of learning. Intelligent, industrious, and em-
inently trustworthy, he was frequently promoted to positions of respon-
sibility, in 1836, entering the employ of Captain CoUom, father of
John, Charles and Henry Collum, well known residents of the Upper
Peninsula. While associated with that gentleman he was made captain
in a Devonshire mine, the AVheal Lopez, and afterwards became its
superintendent. He subsequently was given control of several other
mines in the vicinity, including the Wheal Franco and the tin mines
of Birth Tor and of Wheal Yeolland, properties of the Taylor Com-
pany of London.
Realizing, however, that notwithstanding the stability, permanency
and emoluments of his own high standing, the future prospects of his
young and growing family were not at all brilliant, .he gave up his
work, bade goodbye to his native land, and sailed with wife and children
to America— a land of bright promise. Arriving in New York City in
1849, he spent the following winter in Brooklyn, New York, in the
meantime visiting the iron and coal mines of the Pennsylvania region.
In the spring of 1850, Captain Edwards came to the Upper Peninsula,
locating at Eagle River, then the county seat of Houghton county, and
in the interests of his English employers, the Taylor Company, of Lon-
don, proprietors of the Albion Mining Company, of Michigan, he as-
sumed charge of its Keweenaw county mines, of which he had control
until 1853. It was in the above-mentioned year that Captain Edwards
came to the present site of Houghton, which was then a mere hamlet.
In 1854 he formed a partnership with James Page, and erected the
first saw-mill in Houghton county. Buying his partner out in 1855 he
continued in the lumber business until his death, which occurred April
20, 1868.
Captain Edwards was very enterprising and in addition to his lum-
ber interests he built a dock, which he used in connection with his
business as a commission agent. He was always interested in mining,
being one of those who foresaw from the first the possibilities hidden
in the Calumet & Hecla mines and he very wisely invested in their
stock. He was likewise an extensive o\vaer of real estate, at the time
of his death having title to upwards of twenty thousand acres of land.
A Democrat in his political relations he served as supervisor of Portage
township several years previous to his demise.
Captain Edwards married, in 1834, Jane Pryor, a daughter of Jo-
seph and Elizabeth Pryor and a native of Devonshire, England. She
passed to the higher life, leaving six living children: Thomas W., ad-
ministrator of his father's estate; Eliza, wife of J. H. Blandy; Jane,
wife of J. P. Hunt; Mary E., wife of George C. Sheldon; James P.
and John.
Fraternally Captain Edwards was a member of Houghton Lodge,
No. 218, A. F. & A. M., which at his death adopted resolutions ex-
pressive of the high respect in which he was held as a man, as a citizen,
as a brother and as a Mason. His funeral, which was one of the larg-
est ever witnessed in the city, was conducted by the Masonic fraternity,
including the deputy grand master of the Upper Peninsula and his
(? ^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1477
escort, and the officers and members of the Quincy Lodge, of Hancock,
and the Houghton Lodge. The services are still remembered as impres-
sive and beautiful to a degree, in keeping with the sincere and truth-
ful character of the Captain.
James P. Edwards.— Standing prominent among the citizens who
have spent the greater part of their lives within the precincts of Hough-
ton county and have aided materially in its growth and development is
James P. Edwards, who is distinguished both for his own life and
work, and as the son of one of its most honored pioneers, the late Capt.
Richard Edwards. Of English descent, he was born April 29, 1850, in
Brooklyn, New York, a very short time after his parents had emigrated
from the Mother Country. That same year the father came to the
Upper Peninsula, locating at Eagle River, and assuming charge of a
Keweenaw county copper mine, and three years later he located in
Houghton.
James P. Edwards received his rudimentary education under private
tutorship at Houghton, Michigan, after which he continued his studies
at Bishop's College, in Lennoxville, province of Quebec. He then took
a course in civil engineering at the University of Michigan at Ann Ar-
bor, afterwards teaching school one term at L'Anse. From 1872 until
1874 he was employed in surveying for the Mineral Range Railroad,
and was then in the office with his brother, Thomas W. Edwards, ad-
ministrator of his father's estate for a while. In 1875 Mr. Edwards,
with his brother-in-law, Mr. G. C. Shelden, built the first bridge across
the Portage Lake connecting Houghton and Hancock, he being one of
its largest stock holders, as well as the engineer in charge of the work.
This bridge, a toll bridge, was opened to the public in 1876, and Mr.
Edwards, with Mr. Shelden, had charge of it until it was sold to the
county, in 1893.
During that entire period and up to the present time, Mr. Edwards
has been busily employed as a civil and mining engineer, among his
other works of note having charge for Houghton county of the con-
struction of the steel bridge across Portage Lake which replaced the
old wooden structure, and having put in the first water works systems
at Houghton, at Lake Linden, and also at L'Anse. He was associated
with R. C. Pryor and others in opening the Superior Copper Mine, and
during the last year and a half discovered and opened the New Baltic
Mine, being the first general manager of the same.
Mr. Edwards married, in 1875, Agnes Mulvey, who was born at
Port Oram, New Jersey, a daughter of James and Margaret Mulvey.
Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Edwards— Richard J. and
Charles H. Active and prominent in fraternal circles, Mr. Edwards
is a member of Houghton Lodge, No. 218, F. & A. M. ; of the Detroit
Consistory ; of Moslem Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S. ; of Houghton Tent, K.
0. T. M. M. ; is a charter member of Duke of Wellington Lodge, of the
Sons of St. George, and is Past Grand President for the state of Michi-
gan in that order; is a charter member and was the first Chancellor-
Commander of Houghton Lodge, K. of P. ; and is a member of Han-
cock Lodge, No. 381, B. P. O. Elks.
Frederick L. Everling. — In the history of the development and up-
building of the middle and western states there stand out conspicuously
the names of men who were conspicuous for their worth, ability, en-
ergy, endurance and far-seeing vision of the possibilities of the great
territory in which their lot was cast. Their children and children's
1478 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
children have reason to take pride in the works and deeds of these ster-
ling pioneers, and it is a matter of no slight significance when a citizen
of the present generation can revert to his parents or grandparents as
having been numbered among those who so ably bore the heat and burden
of the day and assisted in the laying of a firm foundation for our pres-
ent-day development. The subject of this brief sketch can claim such
ancestral distinction, as his paternal and maternal grandparents were
numbered among the early settlers of the state of Wisconsin, where they
lived and labored to goodly ends. He is today numbered among the
representative business men and honored citizens of Sault Ste. Marie,
where he is superintendent of the Sault Ste. ]\Iarie Lumber Co. and
also incumbent of the office of city comptroller.
Mr. Everling was born in the city of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on
the 13th of January, 1878, and is a son of Walter V. and Charlotte
(Reichley) Everling, both of whom were likewise born in Fond du Lac,
the foniier in 184:9 and the latter in 1855, which dates indicate that
their respective parents settled in that section of the Badger state in
the pioneer days, as has already been stated. Walter V. Everling was
reared to maturity in Fond du Lac county and assisted his father in
the reclaiming of a productive farm from the forest wilds. For a num-
ber of years he continued to be actively engaged in agricultural pur-
suits in an independent way and finally he removed to the city of Fond
du Lac, where he established himself in the agricultural implement
business, to which he gave his personal attention until within three
months of his death, which occurred in 1881. He was a zealous member
of the Lutheran church, as is also his widow, who still resides in Fond
du Lac, and of their two children, the subject of this sketch is the
yoimger; AVilliam H. is a successful business man of Fond du Lac.
The paternal grandfather of Frederick L. Everling was a native of
Germany, whence he immigrated to America and, like many others of
his sterling countrymen, established his home in the pioneer wilds of
Wisconsin, as has already been noted.
Frederick L. Everling is indebted to the public schools of his native
county for his early educational training and after the death of his
honored father he assisted his mother in the management of the home
farm, to which they returned soon after the husband and father had
been summoned to the life eternal. At the age of eighteen years Mr.
Everling became clerk in a general store at Rogersville, Fond du Lac
county, where he remained about two years, after which he was simi-
larly engaged at Eldorado, Wisconsin, for about one year. He then
came to the Upper Peninsula of ]\Iiehigan and located at Hemiansville,
]\Ienominee county, where he was a clerk in the general store of The
Wisconsin Land & Liunber Co. the 12th of February, 1901. when he
removed to Sault Ste. ]\Iarie and identified himself with The Soo Lum-
ber Company, of which his former employer. Dr. Earle, is president.
IMr. Everling has proved an able factor in connection with the admin-
istration of the afi^airs of this corporation, of which he has been superin-
tendent since 1906. In 1908 he was elected city comptroller of Sault
Ste. ]\Iarie, and the estimate placed upon his services in this important
office was decisively shown in his election as his own successor on the
4th of April, 1910, without opposition. He is aligned as a stalwart in
the local camp of the Republican party, is affiliated with Bethel Lodge,
No. 358, Free & Accepted Masons, and is past chancellor of Red Cross
Lodge, No. 51, Ivjiights of Pythias, both of Sault Ste. Alarie.
On the 27th of June, 1908, IMr. Everling was united in marriage to
Miss Rachel T. ^IcKay, who was born at Ripley, province of Ontario,
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1479
Canada, and who is a daughter of Malcom and Anna McKay, both of
whom were born in Scothmd, and the former of whom passed the clos-
ing years of his life in Sault Ste. Marie, where he died in 1898; his
widow now resides in the home of her daughter Isabel, wife of Dr.
Frank R. Fursey, in the city of Spokane. Mr. McKay was one of the
representative farmers and dealers in farm lands in Huron county,
Ontario, where he maintained his home for many years after his re-
moval from Scotland to America. He was a most zealous member of
the Presbyterian church, as is also his wife. They became the parents
of eleven children, of whom nine are now living: Margaret, who is the
wife of John Law of Chicago, Illinois ; Kate, who is the wife of James A.
Bidderman, of Chicago; Anna, who is the wife of James C. Hardy, of
Sault Ste. Marie ; John, who resides in Chicago, Illinois ; Christene, who
is the wife of Angus McLellan, of Spokane, Washington ; Malcolm, who
is a resident of Chicago, Illinois ; Mary, who is the wife of Archibald
McFarland, of Spokane, "Washington ; Isabel, who is the wife of Dr.
Frank Ross Fursey, one of the prominent surgeons of Spokane ; and
Rachel, who is the wife of the subject of this review. Mr. and Mi-s. Ev-
erling have one daughter, Isabel Lois, who was born on the 20th of
August, 1909.
Donald K. Macqueen, M. D. — Among Laurium's prominent citi-
zens must be numbered Donald K. Macqueen, physician and surgeon.
He is a native of Canada, having been born in the province of Ontario
January 6, 1866. His parents, A. F. and Normanda (McLeod) Mac-
queen, were also natives of Canada. Dr. Macqueen enjoyed the advan-
tage of an excellent education. Upon his graduation from the high
school of Walkerton, Canada, where his family resided, he took a course
in a private school and then entered Trinity College finishing there in
1890. He commenced his practice in a neighboring town. Copper Falls
Mine, and in three years' time came to Laurium, where he opened an
office and where he has ever since been engaged in the practice of his
profession. In evidence of the confidence in which he is held by the
community maj^ be mentioned the fact that he was health 'officer of
Laurium for a period of thirteen years. Dr. Macqueen is in the pos-
session of a large and remunerative practice. His affiliations are prin-
cipally professional, these extending to the Houghton Medical Society
and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Macqueen was united in marriage in 1899 to Miss Caroline
Ludlow, daughter of Captain William Ludlow, a much respected citi-
zen of Laurium. They have two children, Kenneth L. and Norma E.
Albert A. R. Stegeman is a scion in the third generation of one of
the sterling, pioneer families in the state of Michigan, with whose civic
and industrial history the name has been long and prominently identi-
fied and within the borders of his native commonwealth he has found
ample scope for effective eft'orts in important channels of industrial
and commercial enterprise through Avhieh he has not only achieved
definite success but has also contributed to the development and
progress of the section in which his operations have been made. As a
dealer in farm and timber lands, he has built up an industrial business
in various counties of Northern Michigan and he is also the Secretary
and Treasurer of the Northern Timber Company, producers of all
kinds of forest products, with headquarters in the Adams building in
the city of Sault Ste. Marie, where he has maintained his home since
1907. Mr. Stegeman is a member of the bar of Michigan, but in pref-
1480 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
erence to the practice of his profession he has directed his splendid
and alert energies along business lines through his association with
which he has gained prestige as one of the representative young cap-
tains of industry in the Upper Peninsula of the state.
Albert A. R. Stegeman was born in the city of Allegan, Michigan,
on the 19th of March, 1878, and is a son of John and Louise (Renzen-
house) Stegeman, both natives of Germany, where the former was
born in 1832 and the latter in 1838. They now reside on their beau-
tiful countiy estate, ]Maple Grove farm, in Allegan coimty, this state,
the same being one of the finest stock agriculture and fruit farms to
be found in the entire state of ^Michigan. The subject of this review
was the seventh in order of bii'th in a family of eight children, all of
whom are now living, except two, who died in early childhood. John
Stegeman (II), father of the subject of this review, has long been num-
bered among the prominent and influential citizens of Allegan county,
where he has capitalistic investments of an important order. His life
has been characteristic of the highest principles of integrity and honor
and he has never been denied the full measure of popular confidence
and esteem. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party
and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Albert A. R. Stegeman is indebted to the public schools of his
native city for his educational discipline, which included a course in
the high school, after leaving which he continued his studies for
sometime in the literary department of the University of Michigan.
In the law department of this institution he was graduated as a mem-
ber of the class of 1900, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. In 1901
Mr. Stegeman engaged in the buying and selling of timber and farm
lands in Otsego, Alcona, Alpena, Montcalm, Montmorency, Presque
Isle, Cheboygan, Luce, Mackinaw, Chippewa, Roscommon and Mis-
saul?;ee counties, Michigan, and his operations are based upon the con-
trol of ten thousand acres of timber and farming lands in the counties
mentioned. Mr. Stegeman maintains his office headquarters in the
Adams building in the city of Sault Ste. IMarie, and the Northern Tim-
ber Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer, now has an av-
erage output of upwards of $75,000 worth of logs, pulp, cedar ties,
poles and posts each year.
Even the brief statements given indicate the extensive order of
business directed by ]\Ir. Stegeman, who is the active executive officer
of the Northern Timber Company. His father, John Stegeman, Sr.,
is president of the company, and his brother, Carl is vice-president.
This company was organized by the subject of this review on the
16th of October, 1908, and is duly incorporated under the laws of the
state Avith a paid up capital stock of $50,000. In politics Mr. Stege-
man gives his support to the Republican party. He is one of the ag-
gressive young business men of the Upper Peninsula and his produc-
tive efforts along normal lines of enterprise well entitle him to consid-
eration in this history.
Benjamin T. Phillips, M. D. — One of the distinguished physicians
and surgeons of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is Dr. Phillips, who
has been engaged in the active practice of his profession in the city of
Menominee for more than thirty years, and he is thus one of the lead-
ing representatives of his profession in this section of the state, where
he has ever commanded the most unqualified confidence and esteem
both as a physician and as a loyal and progressive citizen. He is a man
of most genial and gracious personality and has devoted himself with
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1481
all of zeal and earnestness to the alleviation of suffering and distress
and his self-abnegation and worthy service have gained him the affec-
tionate regard of the community in which he has so long maintained
his home. It was his to render volunteer service as a Union soldier
during the Civil war, and in the "piping times of peace" he has won
victories that stand equally to his credit and honor.
Senator Chauncey ]M. Depew in one of his famous postprandial
speeches made the characteristic and amusing paraphrase, in which he
said, ' ' Some men are born great, some achieve greatness and some are
born in Ohio." The distinction implied in the last element in this
statement pertains to Dr. Phillips, for he claims the fine old Buckeye
state as the place of his nativity and is a member of one of the sterling
old pioneer families of that commonwealth. He was born at Wads-
worth, I\Iedina county, Ohio, on the 14th of October, 1840, and is a son
of the family that was founded in Connecticut in the early Colonial
epoch of our national history. He is a son of Nelson and Almira
(Hatch) Phillips, the former of whom was born in Connecticut, in 1806,
and the latter of whom was born in Vermont, in 1807. In 1830 Nelson
Phillips moved with his family to Medina county, Ohio, where he con-
tinued to reside until 1845, when he removed to Wisconsin. In the
Badger state he first settled in Walworth coimty, but in 1847 he re-
moved thence to Fond du Lac county, where he passed the residue of
his long and useful life. His active career was principally one of close
identification with agricultural pursuits, and through his earnest and
assiduous labors he gained independence and definite prosperity. He
was summoned to the life eternal in 1890, and his cherished and devoted
wife passed away in 1892. For nearly sixty years they were zealous
members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their deep Christian
faith was manifested in their daily lives. Of their eight children, two
are living, namely: Benjamin T., to whom this sketch is dedicated, and
Lucina A., who is the wife of Dan Crego, of Marinette, Wisconsin.
Two of the sons served as soldiers in the Civil War, — Dr. Benjamin T.
and William H. The latter was a member of an Illinois regiment of
volunteer infantry and is now deceased.
Dr. Phillips was only five years of age at the time of his parents'
removal to Wisconsin, where he was reared to maturity on the home
farm. After availing himself of the advantages of the common schools,
he was matriculated in Lawrence University, at Appleton, Wisconsin,
where he was a student for one year. When the Civil war was pre-
cipitated upon a divided nation his intrinsic loyalty and patriotism
were roused to decisive action and he was among those who responded
to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers. In April, 1861, several
months before the attaining of his legal majority, he enlisted as a mem-
ber of the Second Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, in which he was made
sergeant. He served with this command about a year and then received
his honorable discharge. In the spring of 1862 he re-enlisted, as a mem-
ber of Company H, Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He
was made second sergeant of his company, and from this office passed
through the various grades of promotion until, in December, 1864, he
was made second lieutenant. Concerning his military career, the fol-
lowing pertinent and interesting account has been given and is worthy
of reproduction in this connection.
"With his command he did provost duty for about a year, and took
part in numerous important engagements. On the 3rd of December,
1862, he participated in the battle of Tallahatchee, Mississippi ; Holly
Springs, December 16, 1862; and Parker's Cross Roads, Tennessee.
1482 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
He participated in the Vicksburg and Meridian campaigns; on the
3rd of November, 1863, he took part in the battle of Colliersville ; De-
cember 4, 1863, in Moscow; December 27, in Lafayette. His service in
1864 was arduous and he fought for the Union in many hotly con-
tested battles, including Marion Station, February 9 ; Paducah, March
25; Decatur, Alabama. Apiil 30; Cortland. July 26; the siege of At-
lanta, in August ; Jonesboro, August 31 ; and the siege of Savannah, in
December. The war was now drawing to a close, yet ere the south was
conquered much blood was yet to be shed and many homes made deso-
late. In the last year of the war Dr. Phillips was in the battles of
Salkehatchie, February 3; South Edisto, South Carolina, February 9,
1865 ; Orangeburg. South Carolina, February 12 ; Columbia, South
Carolina, February 17 ; Cheran, in ]\Iarch ; Fayetteville, North Carolina,
March 12 ; Bentonville, North Carolina, March 21 ; and Raleigh on the
13th of April. He then took part in the Grand Re\iew in Washington,
the most brilliant military pageant ever seen on the western hemi-
sphere, where wave after wave of bayonet-crested blue passed by the
reviewing stand on which the president watched the victorious army.
The Doctor was mustered out in Milwaukee in July, 1865, after four
years of faithful service. He was wounded at Atlanta and Decatur, but
as soon as possible he was again with his regiment, always found at his
post of duty, valiantly defending the old flag which now floats tri-
umphantly over the united nation."
After the close of his service as a gallant soldier of the L^nion, Dr.
Phillips returned to his home in Wisconsin and in the autumn of 1865
he entered Lawrence University, at Appleton, where he continued his
studies about one year. In the meantime he formulated definite plans
for a future career, and in harmony with same he began reading medi-
cine under the preceptorship of Dr. Hurlbut, of Appleton. Later he
had the privilege of continuing his technical studies under the direction
of Dr. John C. Noyes, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, who had served as sur-
geon of his regiment during the war. After due preliminary discipline
of this order Dr. Phillips was matriculated in the celebrated Rush
Medical College, in the city of Chicago, in which he was graduated as
a member of the class of 1870, having received his well-earned degree
of Doctor of jMedicine on the 3rd of February of that year. He forth-
with opened an olBee at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he served his
novitiate in his profession and where he remained until October, 1871.
At ^Marinette, Wisconsin, after the great Peshtigo fire, he was commis-
sioned by Governor Fairehild to take charge of the relief hospital in
which the many injured in that disaster were cared for. In the sum-
mer of 1872 Dr. Phillips removed to Menominee, where he has since
been engaged in the active practice of his profession and where the
success of his labors has amply attested his splendid skill as a physician
and surgeon. He has continued at all times a close student and has
kept in constant touch with the advances made in the sciences of medi-
cine and surgery. He is a member of the American ^Medical Associa-
tion, the ^lenominee River Medical Association, the Fox "River Valley
Medical Association, the Brainard Medical Society, and the Wisconsin
State ^Medical Society. He was the president of the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan ]\Iedieal Society in 1908, served as vice-president of the
Fox River Valley Medical Association, of Wisconsin, and in 1892 he
was president of the Wisconsin State ]\Iedieal Society. He has deliv-
ered many able addresses before the various professional bodies with
which he is thus identified and was appointed Professor of Surgical
Anatomy and Operative Surgery of the Cadaver, of the Wisconsin Col-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1483
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, in the city of Milwaukee. For forty
years he has held the office of surgeon for the Northwestern Railroad
Company, for a considerable period he held a similar position with the
Milwaukee & Northwestern Railroad Company, and has been president
of the Board of Pensioning Examining Surgeons since 1872.
In his home city Dr. Phillips is affiliated with the lodge, chapter and
commandery of the Masonic fraternity, in which he is also identified
with the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in the
city of Grand Rapids, this state. He holds membership in Lyons Post,
Grand Army of the Republic, of Menominee, of which he has served as
surgeon and commander, and in which he has held other offices, ever
showing a deep interest in his old comrades in arms. He has given an
unfaltering allegiance to the Republican party from the attaining of his
legal majority and has shown a lively interest in all that has contributed
to the advancement of its principles and policies. For about sixteen years
he was a valued member of the board of education of Menominee ; for
four years he represented the Second ward as a member ot the city
board of aldermen and for four years he had the distinction of holding
the office of president of the city council. Concerning him the follow-
ing words have been written : ' 'Few men have exercised an equal in-
fluence over the political, social and professional interests of Menominee
and none deserves commendation of a higher order than does Dr.
Phillips."
On the 21st of November, 1871, was solemnized the marriage of Dr.
Phillips to Miss Olive J. Rogers, who was born in the city of Oshkosh,
Wisconsin, on the 21st of November, 1851, and who is a daughter of the
late George Rogers, a sterling pioneer of that city. Dr. and Mrs. Phil-
lips have one child, Jessie R., who was graduated in the Northwestern
University as a member of the class of 1894, and who is now Mrs. Fred
Raper, of Menominee. Mts. Phillips and her daughter are both de-
voted members of the Presbyterian church.
Robert McIQee. — It is with marked gratification that the publishers
of this work present within its columns a brief review of the life his-
tory of this sterling pioneer of Chippewa county, where he has main-
tained his home for more than thirty years, and where he is the owner
of a landed estate of more than five hundred acres, the greater portion
of which is located in Bruce township. Robert McKee still resides
upon his homestead farm and his postoffice address is Donaldson. He
has contributed largely to the industrial development of this county,
where he has been prominently identified with kmibering operations, as
well as with the great basic industry of agriculture. He and his de-
voted wife are well known in the county, where their circle of friends
is limited only by that of their acquaintances.
Robert McKee, a scion of stanch Scotch-Irish ancestry, was bom in
Peterborough county, province of Ontario, Canada, on the 23d of Feb-
ruary, 1837, and is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Roseborough) Mc-
Kee, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father was born in the
county Donegal, and the mother in county Antrim. Their marriage
was solemnized in the province of Ontario, Canada, and of their twelve
children, seven are now living, the subject of this sketch being the eld-
est of the number. Samuel McKee came to America in 1832, making
the voyage on a sailing vessel and passing eleven weeks on the ocean.
He landed in the city of Quebec and thence made his way to Peter-
borough county, Ontario, where he instituted the reclamation of a farm
from the wilderness and where he continued to reside until 1842, when
1484 THE NORTHEKN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
he removed to Waterloo county, in the central part of the same prov-
ince, where he repeated his pioneer experiences and reclaimed a farm
from the forest wilds. He continued to be identified with agricultural
pursuits during the residue of his active career and passed the closing
years of his life in retirement in that county, where he died at the
venerable age of seventy-six years; his wife was seventy-five years of
age when she was summoned to the life eternal.
Robert McKee gained his early experiences in connection with the
herculean work of the pioneer farm and his life during this period was
far from being of sybaritic order. When but six years of age he found
requisition for his services in chopping wood and he assisted materially
in the reclaiming of the home farm to cultivation. He continued to re-
side at the parental home until his marriage, in 1860, when he removed
to Huron county, Ontario, where he was independently engaged in
farming and stock-growing until 1878, when he came to the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan and numbered himself among the pioneers of
Chippewa county. He secured a tract of land in Bruce township and
on the same erected a saw mill, which was the first mill in the county
located away from navigable waters. He has continued his identifica-
tion with the lumbering business during all the intervening years and
still operates his well equipped saw and planing mill. His landed es-
tate comprises five hundred and twenty-five acres and his homestead
farm of two hundred acres is well improved, one hundred acres of the
tract having been reclaimed to cultivation by him, making the place
one of the most valuable farms of the county. Upon establishing his
home in Bruce township Mr. McKee erected a log cabin of the type
common to the locality and period and this constituted the family home
until 1904, when he erected his present commodious and substantial
residence, which is modern in its design and equipment. ]\Ir. ]\IcKee
is a stanch Democrat in his political allegiance.
On the 18th of January, 1860, Mr. McKee was united in marriage
to Miss Eliza Jane Lutherford, who was born in the province of On-
tario, Canada, and who is a daughter of Samuel and JNfary (Freeborn)
Lutherford, both of whom were born in Ireland and both of whom
passed the closing years of their lives in Ontario, where the father was
a prosperous farmer. They had fourteen children. On the 18th of
January, 1910, was marked the golden wedding anniversary of Mr.
and J\lrs. MeKee but the celebration of the event was held on New
Year's day when, surrounded by their children and children's children,
they duly observed the gracious occasion, while they received the con-
gratulations and expressions of good will from their wide circle of
friends in the community. Mr. and Mrs. McKee became the parents of
ten children, of which six are living, — namely : Mary, who is the wife
of John Taylor, of St. Ignace, Michigan ; Agnes, the wife of George
Aitkens, of Sault Ste. Marie, this state ; John, who married i\Iiss Jessie
Fredericks, and who resides at Donaldson, Chippewa county ; Mar-
garet, who is the wife of Thomas Crawford, of Donaldson township :
Susan, wife of Ephriam Sawyer; and George R. Mr. and Mrs. McKee
have nine grandchildren.
William L. Pierce. — Possessing undoubted ability and integrity,
William L. Pierce has been prominently identified with the business
interests of Ironwood since its inception, although at the present time
he is not a resident of the city, but is living near by, on his finely im-
proved farming estate. A son of William J. Pierce, he was horn March
13, 1843, at Saekett Harbor, New York, in Jefferson county.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1485
His grandfather, James Pierce, was born, reared and married in
England. Emigrating with his family to America, he was a pioneer
settler of Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, where he bought land, and from
the forest cleared and improved a farm, upon which he resided until
his death. To him and his wife, nine children were born and reared,
as follows : William J., Jane, Henry, John, Richard, Melvin, George,
Helen and Eliza.
William J. Pierce was born in England, and when a small child went
to live with a family named Pease, who brought him to America when he
was but nine years of age, locating in Jefferson county. New York.
While there he learned the trade of candy-making, and followed it at
Sackett Harbor until 1844. Coming then with his wife and their only
child westward, he traveled by way of the Lakes to Wisconsin. Locat-
ing in Sheboygan county, he bought a tract of timbered land about
eleven miles from Sheboygan, and there, in the dim woods, erected a
log cabin. Long before the days of conservation, he ruthlessly felled
the giant progeny of the forest, and having rolled the huge logs into
piles burned them, it being the only way to get rid of them. Game of
all kinds was plentiful, especially wild pigeons. Laboring with willing
hands, he cleared about one hundred and twenty acres of land, split-
ting the rails with which he fenced his farm. Selling out at the end
of twenty years, he moved to Onion River, where for five years, in
partnership with Mr. Horneman, he was engaged in mercantile pursuits.
Disposing of his store, he purchased a foundry at Sheboygan Falls, and
after operating it successfully a number of years purchased a farm
near by, and there resided until his death. He married Mary Ann
Roberts, who was born in Maine, which was the birthplace of her par-
ents. Her father, Shadrach Roberts, served as a soldier in the War of
1812. To Mr. Pierce and wife four children were born : AVilliam L.,
Charles W., Clarence S., and Alfred E.
Brought up in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, William L. Pierce was
taught to read and write in the rudely furnished log sehoolhouse of his
district, with its slab benches made of split basswood, having wooden
sticks for legs, and no desks in front. As soon as stout enough to be
put to work he began to assist his father in clearing the land and tilling
the soil, later learning the miller's trade. In 1864 Mr. Pierce enlisted in
Company G, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, which was assigned to the
Western Army, went South and saw service in the states of Tennessee,
Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Serving with his regiments in
camp and on the battlefield, he was honorably discharged with his com-
rades at the close of the war. Soon after his return home, Mr. Pierce
embarked in the mercantile business at Gibson, Wisconsin, and was soon
appointed postmaster, serving in that capacity two years, when he sold
out, and resigned his position. Purchasing then a half interest in a
mill at Onion River, he operated it two and one-half years, and then
bought out the mercantile firm in which his father was one of the part-
ners, and for three years conducted a general store. Disposing then of
his stock, Mr. Pierce moved to Pecatonica, purchased a steam grist mill,
which he operated for ten years, when he sold out, and bought a mill
at Newark, Rock county. Three years later Mr. Pierce sold that mill,
moved back to Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, purchased a farm near
his father's home, and was there engaged in tilling the soil until 1885,
when he settled in Ironwood, Michigan. This entire section of the
country was then a vast wilderness, and formed a part of Ontonagon
county. Engaging in the real estate business, he became agent for the
railroad company that owned the townsite selling town lots as rapidly
1486 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
as possible. He has since been active and influential in the upbuilding
of the place. In 1887. he built the Opera House, which he still owns,
and has likewise other property of value. Since 1905 he has resided on
his farm, which is located in this township, but he still retains his
interest in the welfare of the city.
Mr. Pierce married Helen Fanny Brigham. In his political relations
he is a stanch Republican, and has served his constituents in various
capacities. He was the second supervisor of the township, having been
a member of the board when Gogebic county was organized, and has
likewise represented the First ward as supervisor, and is now supervisor
for the to-wTiship.
Hon. Judd Yelland, probate judge, living in Escanaba, Michigan,
was born in Saline, Washtenaw county, Michigan, March 1, 1866. His
father, Charles Yelland, was born in England, in 1821, and came to
America in 1844, locating in the state of New York; later coming to
Michigan about 1844 and locating in Washtenaw county about 1854.
From there he removed to Livingston county, and is now a resident
of Howell. Charles Yelland married May Staples, born in Quebec,
Canada, of English parents; she died at the age of seventy-three years.
They were the parents of eight sons and three daughters, all of whom
grew to maturity, the youngest of the family being Judd.
The boyhood of Judge Yelland was spent in Livingston county,
and he received his education at Howell. He took his course in law
at Ann Arbor, and was graduated in 1890. In 1889 he was admitted
to the Michigan bar, but continued his course until graduation. He
engaged in the practice of his profession at Howell, where he resided
until 1891, and then came to Escanaba, where he continued in active
practice. He formed a partnership known as Commiskey & Yelland,
and afterward practised alone for some years.
He served two years as city attorney and four years as prosecuting
attorney. He was elected judge of probate in November, 1908.
Judge Yelland is a stanch Republican and active in the interests of
the party. He has always taken a keen interest in public affairs,
and is a public-spirited, representative citizen. He has become well
known in the community, where he is highly esteemed. Judge Yell-
and has a host of friends and stands high in his profession. In 1903
he married Maud Graham, and they have one son, Harlan J.
Andrew Stanton Gill. — A man of much force of character, hon-
est, upright and eminently trustworthy, Andrew Stanton Gill is well
known throughout the Upper Peninsula as an efficient officer of the
United States Government, being inspector of customs at Sault Ste.
Marie. A son of Andrew B. Gill, he was born September 24, 1882, at
Byng Inlet, Ontario.
Born in the province of Ontario, Canada, in 1844, Andrew B. Gill
learned the trade of a millwright in his native land, and there superin-
tended the building of various mills. Migrating with his family to
IVfichigan in the early '80s, he located at Bay Mills, Chippewa county,
Michigan, where he was superintendent of a sawmill for a time. He
subsequently built the pulp loader near Brimley, Chippewa county,
installing the machine that cut and loaded the pulp wood on the boat's.
Going to Marquette, I\Iichigan, in the spring of 1893, he remained there
a short time, and then settled in Ontonagon, Michigan, where, in the
employ of the Diamond Manufacturing Company, he superintended the
making of match wood. Returning to Sault Ste. Marie, he was for
j2-c.^^<p^ /^jU£a^t^.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1487
awhile connected with the Edison Electric Company in 1896, building
the Carbide works. Retiring from active work in 1899, he spent the
last year of his life in leisure, passing away in 1900. He married Mary
Jane Stanton, who was born near Chesterfield, England, and is now
living in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Six children were born to them,
four of whom survive, as follows: Berniee, wife of William C. Hicks,
of Lansing, Michigan ; Katherine, wife of A. L. Wood, of New York
City ; Andrew Stanton, the subject of this sketch ; and Robert, who
married Ella Walz, of Pickford, ]\Iichigan. Both parents united with
the Episcopal church when young. Politicallj^ the father was a sound
Republican, and fraternally he belonged to Bethel Lodge, No. 358,
F. & A. M.
Spending his youthful days with his parents, Andrew Stanton Gill
attended first the Marquette schools, continuing his studies in Sault Ste.
]\Iarie. After coming to this city he worked during his summer vaca-
tions for the old i\Iichigan State Telephone Company and the Edison
Electric Company, gaining a good reputation for industry and thrift,
and acquiring in the meantime some spending money. After complet-
ing his studies, he obtained a situation in the freight department of the
Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railroad Company, working in the
office under F. E. Ketchem until 1904. In that year Mr. Gill was ap-
pointed inspector of customs at Sault Ste. Marie, and has since served
most faithfully in this position. Inheriting the politics and religion of
his father, Mr. Gill is a straightforward Republican, and a member of
the Episcopal church.
Mr. Gill married June 15, 1903, Mae Van Wyck, who was bom in
Meaford, Ontario, a daughter of Gilbert F. and Elizabeth (Smith)
Van Wyck, natives of Canada. She is one of a family of four children,
of whom but two are living, her elder brother, Albert Van Wyck, of
Minneapolis, Minnesota, and herself. Mr. and Mrs. Gill have two chil-
dren, Mary Elizabeth and Robert Albert.
Hon. August C. Cook. — Among the men that are meeting with suc-
cess in the legal profession in the Upper Peninsula is Hon. August C.
Cook, of Iron ]\Iountain, senior member of the well-known firm of Cook
& Pelham. Talented and cultured, he has a vigorous mentality that
enables him to retain whatever legal knowledge he acquires from books
or from any other source, this learning becoming a part of his equip-
ment and ready for use at any demand. He was bom May 12, 1857,
at Mulhausen, Prussia, the home of his ancestors for several generations,
and where his grandparents spent their entire lives.
Christian Cook, his father, was born, reared and educated in Mul-
hausen, and as a young man learned to make shoes by hand, that be-
ing the only way then kno^\'n. He followed his trade in his native land
until 1867, when, accompanied by his wife and six children, he emi-
grated to America, and for about twenty years thereafter worked at
his trade in Marquette, Michigan. Going then to Wrightstown, Wis-
consin, he was there a resident until his death, November 29, 1896.
He married Mary Hill, who was born in Mulhausen, Prussia, and died
in March, 1901. To them six children were born and reared, as follows:
Matilda, wife of Nicholas King, of Seattle, Washington; ]\lartha, wife
of Henry W. Potter, of Eureka, California; Dorothea, wife of Joseph
Jackson, of San Jose, California ; Mary, wife of Carl Regolin, of Ap-
pleton, Wisconsin ; August C, the special subject of this sketch ; and
Emma, wife of Fred H. Hunter, of Appleton, Wisconsin.
Obtaining his early schooling in his native village, August C. Cook
1488 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
completed his elementary education in the public schools of Marquette,
Michigan. At the age of eighteen years he began the study of law in
the office of E. J. Mapes, of ilarquette, and subsequently continued
his studies under the tuition of W. P. Healy. Being admitted to the
Michigan bar in 1879, Mr. Cook located soon after in Norway, which
was then included within the limits of Menominee county, and was
there engaged in the active practice of his profession until 1889, when
he removed to Iron Mountain. Continuing the partnership which he
had previously formed with Mr. Herbert W. Pelham, he has here built
up an extensive and remunerative general practice, and is especially
strong in his interpretation of chancery laws.
Mr. Cook has been twice married. He married first, in 1880, Cather-
ine J. Flannigan, a daughter of James and ^lary Plannigan. She was
bom in Ontonagon, Michigan, and died in Norway, Michigan, January
7, 1883. Mr. Cook subsequently married Anne W. Bolen, who was born
in New York, where her parents, IMichael and Mary Bolen, were early
settlers, emigrating there from Ireland, their native country. By his
first marriage Mr. Cook became the father of two children, Llatthew F.
and Catherine J., and by his second marriage has two children also, John
J. and A. Clarence. Matthew F. Cook prepared for college in the public
schools. But instead of entering college, as he had intended, he thought
he would recuperate his strength by a year of travel, and went accord-
ingly, to the Pacific coast, and in June of that year was accidentally
drowned at Seattle, Washington. Catherine J. is the wife of W. H.
Crago, of Duluth, Llinnesota. John J. is a student in the University
of Michigan, while Clarence, the youngest child, is attending the Iron
Mountain High School.
An earnest supporter of the principles of the Republican party,
Mr. Cook made his fli*st appearance in the political arena in 1885, when
he was elected supervisor of Norway township. In 1889 and 1890 he
was prosecuting attorney for IMenominee county, and when in 1891,
Dickinson county was organized, he was elected prosecuting attorney
of the new county, a position which he has filled for about ten years.
He has represented his ward as an alderman in the City Council of Iron
Mountain, and in 1895 was elected to the State Legislature.
Robert C. Henderson. — Devoting his time and energies to the suc-
cessful prosecution of his chosen calling, Robert C. Henderson
occupies a noteworthy position among the active and prosperous law-
yers of Norway, where he has been engaged in the practice of laAV for
several years. He was born, September 15, 1871, in Altoona, Penn-
sylvania, a son of William W. Henderson. His paternal grandfather,
Edward Henderson, w^as born and bred in Scotland. Coming to
America when young, he located in Juniata county, where he con-
tinued at the ship carpenter's trade, which he had learned in the old
country, until his death.
Born in Mifflin, Juniata county, Pennsylvania, in 1846, William W.
Henderson served an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade when
young, and was busy at the bench day after day until Augiast 11, 1864,
when, at the age of eighteen years, he enlisted in Company K, One
Hundred and Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for a
period of three months, at the end of which time, on November 11,
1864, he was honorably discharged from the army. On February 16,
1865, he enlisted in Company G. Two Hundred and Thirteenth Penn-
sylvania A'olunleer Infantry, and served imtil after the close of the
war, receiving his honorable discharge from the service November 16,
J
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1489
1865. Returning to Mifflin, he eontinuecl at his trade until 1876,
when he located at i\laple Ridge, Delta county, Michigan, where he
was engaged in farming until 1880. He then located in Waucedah,
a new but flourishing town, and there followed his trade for awhile.
Going from there to Keel Ridge, he was employed in firing an engine
at the mine until accidentally killed while on duty. Mr. Henderson
married Antoinette De Beque, who was born at St. Johns, New Bruns-
wick. Her father, Enoch De Beque, was born in Canada, of English
ancestry. He lived several years in New Brunswick, moving from
there to Canada, thence coming to Maple Ridge, Delta county, Mich-
igan, where he purchased land, and was for a number of years en-
gaged in Ivunbering. He subsequently retired from active pursuits,
settling in Escanaba, Michigan, where both he and his wife spent the
closing years of their lives, both passing away at a good old age.
Her maiden name was Mary Porter. Mrs. Antoinette (De Beque)
Henderson survived her husband, and is now living in Detroit, Mich-
igan. She has four children, namely: Robert C, the subject of this
sketch; Nellie, wife of Stephen Weston, of Brighton, Michigan; M'abel,
wife of Dr. M. P. Tolliver, of Bedford, Indiana; and Enoch, a mining
engineer, was graduated from the Michigan School of Mines, and is
now superintendent of the Franklin Mining Company in Houghton
county.
Having laid a substantial foundation for his future education in
the public schools, Robert C. Henderson began when but fifteen years
old to read law in the office of Hon. Richard C. Flannigan, in Nor-
way, Michigan, and subsequently entered the Law Department of the
University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with
the class of 1894. Returning to Norway, Mr. Henderson opened a law
office, and has since been here actively and successfully engaged in
the practice of his profession, having built up an excellent patronage.
Mr. Henderson married, in 1890, Catherine Burns, who was born
in Rockland, Ontonagon county, Michigan, a daughter of the late
Christopher Burns, who was born in Ireland, came to this country
prior to his marriage, locating first in Ontonagon county, and here
marrying ]\Iary Burns, also a native of the Emerald Isle. Mr. and
Mrs. Henderson have three children, Margaret C, Richard R., and
Robert W. Politically Mr. Henderson is identified with the Repub-
lican party, and in 1908 was elected prosecuting attorney. He is an
active member of the Masonic Order, belonging to Norway Lodge, No.
362, F.& A. M. ; and to Iron Mountain Chapter, No. 121, R. A. M.
Hector F. Reid. — The founder and the principal of Reid's College
of Business, in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, merits a tribute of honor
for the excellent work he has accomplished in the cause of practical
education and against many obstacles he has persistently followed out
a definite purpose with the result that he has succeeded in building up
a business college that takes precedence over all others in the Upper
Peninsula. The institution is metropolitan in all its facilities and
equipments, has the best of instructors in the various departments and
is proving a most valuable adjunct to the educational system of the
northern section of the state. Hector Franklin Reid, who is principal
of the institution which bears his name, was bom at Erin, province of
Ontario, Canada, on the 21st of November, 1875, and is a son of Peter
and Margaret (MeClellan) Reid, the former of whom was bom in Scot-
land in 1843, and the latter in AVellington, province of Ontario, where
their marriage was celebrated. They now reside at Grand Valley, On-
1490 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
tario, and of their three children the subject of this sketch was the
firstborn; Catherine died at the age of six years and Jessie is the wife
of Thomas J. Reith. Peter Reid is a son of Archibald and Jeanette
Reid, both representatives of highland Scotch ancestry and they came
to America when the son Peter was a mere child. Archibald Reid was
a man of excellent education and had been a successful schoolmaster in
the city of Glasgow prior to his removal to America. In his native
land he also learned the trades of carpenter and cabinet-maker. In the
early '40s he came with his wife and three children — Archibald, Jr.,
John and Peter — to America and they remained a short time in the city
of Toronto. He removed to Wellington county, Ontario, where he re-
claimed a fann from the wilderness and became one of the influential
pioneers of that section of the state. Two children were born after the
family emigration to America, — Floi-a and Donald. The family have
been representatives of the strict Scotch Presbyterian faith and in vari-
ous generations have been men of sterling integrity and women of gentle
and gracious character. Peter Reid was reared to maturity on the
home farm in \A^ellington county, Ontario, and received a good, eoromon-
sehool education. He continued to be actively identified with the great
basic industry of agriculture in Ontario until 1900, when he removed
from his farm to Grand Valley, this province, where he has since been
engaged in the hay and grain business. He and his wife are devout
members of the Presbyterian church and he is affiliated with the Ancient
Order of the United Workmen.
To the sturdy discipline of the home farm Hector F. Reid was reared
and after completing the curriculum of the district schools he continued
his studies in the high school at Orangeville, Ontario. Thereafter he
was engaged in teaching in the common schools for some time and
meanwliile he entered the National Business College, in the city of Mon-
treal, in which institution he was graduated as a member of the class
of 1898. Thereafter he continued actively engaged in teaching in the
public schools until 1900, when he located in Sault Ste. Marie and ef-
fected the organization and founding of Reid's College of Business, of
which he has since been the executive head and to the upbuilding of
which he has brought his splendid technical and administrative abilities.
In the earlier stages of his work he encountered many serious obstacles
but his courage and ambition never flinched and he has had the satis-
faction of proving that his work was well done when he thus attempted
to build up a high grade business college in this section of the state.
The institution now gives instruction to an average of from two hun-
dred and fifty to three hundred students each year and the business is
consistently expanding in scope and importance. Mrs. Reid has proved
a valuable coadjutor to her husband in his work and is a specially tal-
ented musician. She was afi^orded the advantages of the best music
schools of Detroit, Michigan, and Toronto, Canada, and she is a most
successful vocal teacher in Sault Ste. INIarie, where she finds constant
and large demands upon her time in this direction. She is the soprano
soloist of the choir of the Methodist Episcopal church in Sault Ste.
Marie, and of the same choir her husband is likewise a member. Both
of them are zealous members of this church and he is a Republican in
his political proclivities, besides which he is identified with the local
lodge of the Knights of Pythias.
On the 2d of January, 1907, was solemnized the marriage of ]\Ir.
Reid to Miss Estelle E. Oster, who was born in the city of Toronto.
Canada, and who is the daughter of Michael and Emma (Watson)
Oster, the former of whom died in 1906, at the age of fifty-eight years,
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1491
and the latter now resides in Sault Ste. Marie. The parents were both
natives of the eastern part of the province of Ontario and there the
father was identified with farming and stock-growing until 1898, when
he removed to Chippewa county, where he was engaged in dairy farm-
ing until the time of his death. He and his wife became the parents
of six children, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Reid have no
children.
Rev. Timothy Malone, S. J., has been a prominent factor in the
educational work as well as in the priesthood of the Catholic church,
and is now in charge of the important parish of St. Mary's church in
the city of Sault Ste. Marie, where he has three clerical assistants and
is executive head of the parochial school and Loretto Academy for
young ladies. He has labored with all of consecrated zeal in both the
ecclesiastical and educational fields and his labors have been prolific
in good.
Father Malone was bom in Durham county, Ontario, Canada, on the
23d of May, 1868, and after preliminary discipline in the public and
parochial schools he continued his academic studies in St. Jerome Col-
lege, Berlin, Ontario, where he remained for a period of years. In 1889
he entered the Montreal Diocesan Theological College, in the city of
Montreal, in which he was graduated. At a later period he was a
teacher in this well-known institution and after leaving the same he
continued his studies in St. IMiehael 's College, which is affiliated with the
University of Toronto. After spending some time in this college he
returned to Montreal, where he was a teacher in the diocesan theo-
logical college for three years. The following two years he was engaged
in teaching in St. Andrew's College at Poughkeepsie, New York, and
he then returned to Montreal, where he was ordained to the priesthood
of the great mother church on the 29th of June, 1901. He is a mem-
ber of the Jesuit Order. After his ordination Father Malone became
treasurer of the diocesan college in Montreal and he also served as chap-
lain of the Catholic Sailors' Club, as well as of the Montreal Royal Hos-
pital. He retained this incumbencj' for three years, at the expiration of
which, on the 15th of August, 1907, he assumed the position of priest in
charge of his present important parish in Sault Ste. Marie. This is one of
the most vital and important parishes in the entire Upper Peninsula and
the parochial school has a membership of more than four hundred stu-
dents. Loretto Academy is one of the finest schools for young women in
the entire Union, and in the work of this noble institution Father ]\ialone
takes special interest and pride. The attendance at the academy at the
present time is about one hundred and thirty students. His activity
and zeal are unceasing in all departments of church work and he has
the earnest co-operation as well as the afl'eetionate regard of his flock.
He has made the boy's club of his parish one most effective in discipline
and facilities and by means of the same the boys of the parish are banded
together in generous and grateful association of a beneficent order. The
club rooms have a fine library and gymnasium, in which latter a com-
petent instructor is retained. Father Malone is not only a man of high
mental attainments and excellent executive ability but he is also en-
dowed with those gracious attributes and that tolerant spirit that ever
beget public esteem. He is held in high regard by the entire community
and as a citizen he gives his aid and influence in support of all measures
tending to advance the general welfare.
Father Malone is a son of John and Catherine (Ryan) Malone, the
former of whom was bom in the city of Toronto, Canada, and the latter
1492 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
in county Tipperary, Ireland. Of the eight children all are living ex-
cept one and Father Malone and his brother John are twins. One
brother, Rev. James P., is parish priest of St. John's church, in the
city of New Orleans. The venerable father of the subject of this sketch
devoted the major part of his active career to agricultural pursuits,
with which he was identified until 1909, since which time he has lived
retired at St. Catherines, Ontario. Both he and his wife are most de-
vout communicants of the Catholic church and have long been active
in its work.
John Henes. — By his presentation to the city of IMenominee of the
beautiful park that bears his name, Mr. Henes shall long be remembered
as one of the city's most generous benefactors, but this represents only
a tithe of the able and effective service he has rendered in connection
with the civic and material progress and development of the city whose
every interest lies close to his heart. He has achieved pronounced suc-
cess through his own well directed endeavors, is numbered among the
most prominent and intluential business men of the city, and his ster-
ling personal characteristics have gained and retained to him the un-
ecjuivocal confidence and esteem of the community. He is secretary and
treasiirer of the Leisen & Henes Brewing Company, one of the extensive
and important industrial concerns of Menominee ; is vice-president of
the Fii-st National Bank, the Richardson Shoe Company and the Me-
nominee River Sugar Company, and was one of the interested principals
in the erection of the Leisen & Henes block, one of the finest business
structures in IMenominee. He has other important capitalistic interests
in his home city, and in every way he has done well his part in pro-
moting its upbuilding and civic and commercial prosperity.
John Henes was born in Gammertingen, Hohenzollern, Germany,
on the 6th of January, 1852, and is a son of Eusebius and Ursula
(Goeggel) Henes, both of whom were likewise natives of Gammertingen,
where they continued to reside until 1884, when they came to America
and joined their son John in IMenominee, where they passed the re-
mainder of their lives. They became the parents of three children, — An-
ton, who is now a resident of Seymour, Wisconsin ; John, who is the imme-
diate subject of this review; and Mary, who is now ]Mrs. Kessler. Both of
the parents were zealous members of the Catholic church. John Henes is
indebted to the excellent schools of his native land for his early educa-
tional discipline, and there also he learned in his youth the brewer's
trade, under most effective conditions. At the age of nineteen years,
in 1871, Mr. Henes came to America, as he felt assured of better oppor-
tunities for gaining success through individual effort by making this
important step. He landed in New York city and thence came west to
Wisconsin, a state to whose development his countrymen have contrib-
uted in most generous measure. He first located at Seymour, Outaga-
mie county, that state, in which vicinity he was employed at farm work
for a short interval, after which he went to the city of Milwaukee, where
he followed the work of his trade until 1874. He then came to Me-
nominee, Michigan, where he secured the position of brewmaster in the
brewery of Adam Gauch. In 1876 he became associated with his father-
in-law, Jacob Leisen, in the purchase of the Gauch brewery, and later
they also purchased that conducted by George Harter. Thereafter they
conducted the business under the firm name of Leisen & Henes until
1890, when the Leisen & Henes Brewing Company was organized and
duly incorporated under the laws of the state. The company now has a
large and essentially modern plant, and its products are of" the highest
"''^^^?^/^^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1493
excellence, as is shown in the large and appreciative patronage accorded
to the institution. Concerning the enterprise further mention is made
in the sketch of the career of Jacob Leisen, on other pages of this publi-
cation. Careful and progressive management has enabled the company
to build up a substantial and constantly expanding business which is a
valuable contribution to the industrial prestige of JMenominee. Mr.
Henes is vice-president of each the First National Bank, the Menominee
River Sugar Company and the Richardson Shoe Company, and the
two concerns last mentioned are among the most important manufac-
turing companies in this section of the state. ]\Ir. Henes is also a mem-
ber of the directorate of Menominee & Marinette Light & Traction
Company, supplying light and street car service to the "twin cities"
on opposite shores of the JMenominee river ; he is a director of the
Lloyd IManufaeturing Company, manufacturers of wooden ware ; is
president of the Henes & Keller Company, manufacturers of a bottle-
tilling machine invented by him and utilized in the most diverse sections
of the world, and for ten years, luitil 1905, he was a member of the
board of control of the Michigan state penitentiary at Marquette. He
served one term as alderman of the old Fifth ward of Menominee and
later w^as supervisor of this ward. He is a member of the board of
trustees of the Menominee county school of agriculture, and is a
member of a number of the representative civic and fraternal organiza-
tions of his home city, including the Menominee Turn Verein, of which
he was president many years. In politics he is a staunch adherent of
the Republican party.
The fine park presented to the city by Mr. Henes in 1907 is known
as the John Henes park and comprises fifty acres of land. This bene-
faction is one that will constitute an enduring monument to his gene-
rosity and civic pride and that will ever be a source of pleasure to the
citizens of IMenominee. From a newspaper article are taken the follow-
ing pertinent statements, which are well worthy of reproduction in
this article: "Mr. Henes is one of Menominee's most sterling citizens.
He has done much in the way of advancing the city's best interests
along industrial lines, as well as taking great pride in the commercial
and general growth of the city. He was largely interested in the erec-
tion of the fine Leisen & Henes business block, and by promoting other
enterprises he has added materially to the progress and prosperity of
the community. His success is largely due to close application, keen
discrimination and resohite purpose. By the presentation of the John
Henes park to Menominee Mr. Henes takes a place among the city's
greatest benefactors. His name will be remembered with love and ven-
eration, and children of this generation and of generations yet to come
will profit by his generosity and thoughtfulness. "
On the 29th of January, 1879, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Henes to ]\Iiss Rosa Leisen, eldest daughter of that- honored citizen of
Menominee, Jacob Leisen, a review of whose career appears elsewhere
in this volume. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Henes have tive children : Alfred A., Eme-
line J., John E., Walter E. and Othmar H. The only daughter is now
the wife of William Caley, and they reside near Denver, Colorado.
Matthew M. Riley. — Holding and maintaining a high rank among
the distinguished attorneys of the Northern Peninsula, Matthew M.
Riley of Bessemer is widely known as a most successful corporation
and mining lawyer, and as a member of the supreme courts of Mich-
igan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Texas, and likewise of the
supreme courts of Mexico and of the United States. Active, ener-
1494 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
getic and brainy, he has by individual effort fought his way, steadily
but surely, from the humble situation of water boy in a foundry to
the proud position he now occupies among the foremost la^\^'ers of
our country. He was born February 22, 1852, in Susquehanna, Penn-
sylvania, of Irish parentage.
Martin Riley, father of Matthew M., was born and bred in Ireland
and as a yoirng man was graduated from Trinity College. Married
against the wish of his parents to a fair Irish lassie, he separated from
his kins-people and came with his bride to the United States. He
soon entered the employment of the Erie Railroad Company, with
which he was associated during the remainder of his career, residing
in Susquehanna until his death, while yet in the prime of life. His
wife, whose maiden name was Ella Montington, survived him, living
until seventy years of age. She reared five children.
At the age of nine years, owing to the ill health of his father, Mr.
Riley was taken from school and set to work as water and core boy in
the iron foundry of the Erie Railway. He subsequently served an
apprenticeship in the moulder's trade, which he followed until twenty-
two years of age. In the meantime, eager to obtain an education, he
devoted his evenings to his books and at the age of fifteen years began
studying law evenings in the office, first of Hon. M. J. Larrabee, and
later in that of Little & Blakeslee, in Montrose. In February,. 1875,
Mr. Riley was admitted to the bar, but having neither clients nor in-
fliuential friends he resumed his trade for a short time. Subsequently
as receiver for the Erie Railroad, Hugh J. Jewett selected Mr. Riley
to inventory the railroad company's property in Pennsylvania, a posi-
tion which occupied his time for a year or more. Opening then an
office in Susquehanna, Mr. Riley practiced in the courts of that city
and of ]\Iontrose, Scranton and elsewhere. In 1876 and 1878 he was
chosen by the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania to debate
the money question with representatives of the Greenback party, and
in 1878 debated the question with William M. Mason, who was run-
ning for Governor of Pennsylvania against Henry M. Hoyt. His
speeches on a protective tariff' were in 1892 republished by the Amer-
ican Economist of New York and largely circulated.
Mr. Rdley is the patentee of the device known as the combination
steel railway tie and rail, and controls several patents relative to its
manufacture. This device has been enthusiastically received at all
railway conventions where exhibited and has been pronounced by rail-
road men of note to be the rail and tie of the future. By its use the
country could be saved the annual consumption of many billion feet
of lumber.
Coming to Bessemer in 1886, Mr. Riley was here in partnership
•with Charles M. Howell, meeting with success. Upon the setting off
of Gogebic county from Ontonagon he was appointed assistant pros-
ecuting attorney and served in that capacity for four years, gaining
valuable experience in the ways of the law. For a number of years
thereafter he was attorney for all of the railways that came' into
Bessemer and with one exception was attorney for every mining com-
pany in Gogebic and Ashland counties. Forming a partnership in
1888 with Samuel S. Cooper, now circuit judge, he continued in prac-
tice with him seven years. Removing to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in
1895, Mr. Riley formed a partnership with three other members of the
legal professions, ]\Iessrs. Sylvester. Scheiber & Orth, and established
a fine practice. One of the more important cases with which he was
there connected was the Plankington Bank case, in which he was
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1495
counsel for the creditors. While acting in that capacity Mr. Riley
acquired far more than a state-wide reputation, when by using an apt
quotation from the Bible to sustain his argument he won his case be-
fore the supreme court of Wisconsin. He continued his practice in
Milwaukee until 1906, when, having personal interests at Bessemer
that demanded his attention, he returned to this city and has since
remained here. In May, 1909, he formed a partnership with Levi S.
Rice, under the firm name of Riley & Rice, and these gentlemen with
other attorneys have offices in Duluth, Minnesota, and in Virginia,
Minnesota, the firm name in those places being Riley, Goldberg &
Classon. Mr. Riley makes a specialty of mining, corporation, con-
stitutional and personal injury law, in which he is very successful,
having the rare faculty of ably presenting his own side or extracting
admissions from the opposing side, and of favorably impressing a
jury. Mr. Riley has a remarkably retentive memory and consequently
is ever ready with quotations befitting the occasion. He is a ready
and graceful writer, both of prose and poetry, among his poems of
note being one written at the birth of his first grandchild and one en-
titled, "I am not old," which latter poem we here reproduce.
I am not old, although my hair is growing grey,
Tinged by the frosts of age and years and not by fire.
And although Time writes in deeper furrows on my brow
The record of its flight, as days and years expire,
I am not old.
I love and am beloved again and love is part of youth ;
I do my humble work as day by day at hand I see it near ;
I strive for good and seek to point the way to Right and Truth
To rid the hearts of men in God's fair image made from baseness
and from fear.
I am not old.
For Right and Love and Truth are ever young.
As in that olden day when light and time began
And God from out of chaos light and order brought
And in His likeness and His image made He man —
When Time was young.
That God-made man, whose heart beats true to high ideals.
Who labors to the end that light and truth shall still remain
The guiding star of those who shape a nation's course
Although his hair be tinged with grey, he has not lived in vain.
He is not old.
And so I say to they who in derision call me old
Because I labor for the right, seeking naught for self or you
Except to keep, for aye, the rights that free men hold so dear
And brave men died to gain and guard for me and you —
Brave men of old.
"I am not old. 'Tis he, who, chosen from out the throng, a people's
right to guard,
' ' Too lightly held the trust. 'Tis they who with hearts and faces cold
"Look calmly on and in blind fealty to a party name
' ' Approve the act by which a people 's rights are lost and sold. ' '
'Tis he and they are old.
Not only old, but poor!
1496 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
'Tis they are old, not I. The strife of evil against God and good,
Is old as Mother Earth, 'twas waged since time began ;
It lost to mankind Eden with its fruits and gardens fair.
It still is striving with the soul of man —
For wrong is old.
But God and truth are young. They will not pass away or die ;
And justice, too, will live beneath the flag brave hands to Heaven
has flung
And while we strive for right and truth, though fools and puppets may
deride.
Our Country and our hearts will still be young
For these things grow not old.
'Tis wrong and sin grow old and die, while right and truth survive;
Be patient then, though greed and lust of gold and puppets scoff
And call me old, I w-ait w'ith faith the coming day
When wrong and hate and fear shall die and cease throughout the
Earth,
For hath He not said "These things shall pass away."
And God and Right are young.
M"r. Riley married, December 25, 1878, Frances M. Edwards, of
Salem, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, and they have one child, Selden,
now with the Mueller Furnace Company, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Selden Riley married Olivia Mugent and they have two children, Nor-
rine and Frances Olivia. Mr. Riley still continues his studies, and
though a self-educated man in every sense implied by the term, is known
as one of the best classical scholars of the county. His home is and
has been for years at 636 Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where
his family resides. On January 1, 1911, he accepted the position of
counsel with the law firm of Ruben & Lehr, of Milwaukee, with which
firm he is now connected, although still retaining his interest in the firm
and business of Riley & Rice at Bessemer, Michigan.
Jeremiah Lawson. — As one of the successful farmers and stock
growers of Chippewa county and as a citizen who is held in high regard
in the community, Mr. Lawson is well worthy of consideration in this
publication. He is a member of the county board of supervisors and is
one of the enterprising citizens of the Upper Peninsula, standing ex-
emplar of the highest type of citizenship and taking a deep interest in
all that touches the well-being of the community.
Mr. Lawson was born in county Sligo, Ireland, on the 20th of Jan-
uary, 1866, and is a son of Robert and Ann (Irwin) Lawson, both of
whom were likewise born in county Sligo. the former in 1815 and the
latter in 1830. The father died in 1877 and the mother is still living
there. They became the parents of thirteen children of whom the fol-
lowing ten are living, namely : AVilliam, who still resides in Ireland ;
John, who is a resident of Liverpool. England; Ann Marie, who is the
wife of Philip Craven, and a resident of county Sligo, Ireland; Char-
lotte, who is the wife of Daniel Smith of the same county; Jeremiah,
the subject of this sketch ; Susan, who is the wife of Adolph C. Siebert
of Cleveland, Ohio ; Rebecca, the wife of Joseph Crawford of Wyevale,
Ontario, Canada; .\melia, who is the wife of Richard Goulden of Rath-
scanlon, county Sligo, Ireland ; and Irwin, who resides in the Emerald
Isle. Robert Lawson was a prosperous rar.ni'v in his native county,
THE NOKTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1497
where he continued to reside until his death and both he and his wife
were members of the Church of England.
Jeremiah Lawson was reared to maturity on the old homeslead
farm in his native county and his educational advantages ^vere those
afforded in the common schools, which he continued to attend until he
was sixteen years of age. He then, in 1882, severed the ties that bound
him to home and native land and set forth to seek his fortunes in
America. He located in Ontario, Canada, where he remained about one
year, at the expiration of which he came to the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan and established his home in Donaldson, Dafter township,
Chippewa county, where he was identified with the lumbering industry
until 1890. In the meanwhile he had purchased one hundred and
twenty acres of land in the township mentioned and in 1893 he erected
there his present attractive residence. As a farmer and stock grower
he has shown much energy and discrimination and he has attained defi-
nite success in connection with these lines of industry. He has re-
claimed to cultivation sixty acres of his farm, which is devoted to
diversified agriculture and the raising of high grade stock, including
full-blooded Durham cattle and Leicestershire sheep. Mr. Lawson has
served as a member of the school board of his district for the past fif-
teen years and in April, 1907, he was elected supervisor of his township,
of which office he has remained incumbent to the present time by suc-
cessive re-elections. He is chairman of the finance committee of the
Chippewa County Board and is also a member of the special committee
appointed to submit to the people of Chippewa county the matter of
establishing a county agricultural school. He is prominently identified
with the Michigan State Grange as a member of its Executive Committee
and as deputy in the same he has charge of the organization and super-
vision of the Chippewa county Granges. He is affiliated with Bethel
Lodge, No. 358, Free & Accepted Masons; Red Cross Lodge, No. 351,
Knights of Pythias ; Dubois Tent, No. 226, Enights of the Modern Mac-
cabees ; L. 0. L. ; and Royal Neighbors ; and the Modern AVoodmen of
America. In politics he accords a staunch allegiance to the Republican
party.
On the 31st day of March, 1890. at Sault Ste. Marie, Mr. Lawson was
united in marriage to Miss Isabella Mitchell, who was born in Simcoe
county, Canada, on the 18th of March, 1870, and whose death occurred
on the 10th of November, 1909. She was a daughter of Robert and Ann
(Hawkins) Mitchell, the former of whom was born in the state of
New York and the latter in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson became the
parents of five children, all of whom are living, namely: Lillian A.,
Robert, Margaret A., Irwin T. and Harold R. Lillian A. was graduated
in the high school of Sault Ste. Marie and is now a successful and pop-
ular teacher in the public schools of her native county.
Frank D. Mead.— A talented, able and skillful lawyer, Frank D.
Mead of Escanaba, is an excellent representative of the legal fraternity
of Delta county, and an eminently useful and valued citizen of his com-
munity. A son of John C. Mead, he was born January 27, 1856, in
Ann Arbor, Michigan, a city rich in educational advantages.
Born in New York state in 1825, John C. Mead was but three years
of age when his parents in 1828 migrated to the wilds of ]\Iichigan,
settling in Washtenaw county. Reared to agricultural pursuits, he be-
came a successful farmer and a man of influence. He married Caroline
W. Day, who was born in New York, of Scotch ancestry, and they be-
came the parents of three children, two sons and one daughter, F. D.,
the subject of this brief sketch, being the first-born.
1498 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Brought up in Ann Arbor, F. D. Mead obtained his elementary
education in the common schools, after which he entered the Literary-
Department of the University of Michigan, from which he was gradu-
ated with the class of 1879. Immediately beginning the study of law in
the office of Chandler & Grant, at Houghton, he was admitted to the
bar in the spring of 1881, and the following six months was located at
Negaunee, where he began the practice of his profession. Locating at
Escanaba on December 17, 1881, Mr. Mead opened a law office in this
city, and has here been in active practice since, having built up an ex-
tensive and remunerative clientele. Thoroughly versed in the intricacies
of the law, Mr. Mead has conducted and won many suits of importance,
and now holds a position of prominence and influence among the lead-
ing attorneys of the Northern Peninsula. He has been active in munici-
pal affairs, from January, 1885, until January, 1891, serving as prose-
cuting attorney. In 1898 he was elected a member of the Board of
Education, and served three years. He is one of the foremost Republi-
cans of this section of the state, ever alive to the interests of his party,
and in 1907 and 1908 was a delegate to the Constitutional convention,
representing the Thirty-first Senatorial District.
Mr. Mead married May 14, 1884, Sara F. Myrick, a daughter of
Fred C. and Harriet A. Myrick, of Pontiac, Michigan, and of their
union two children have been born, namely: Helen D., who died at the
age of twenty-two years, and Myrick D.
John Francis Cowling. — Among the respected and well-to-do citi-
zens of Iron Mountain is John F. Cowling, who is actively identified with
the promotion of its business as a successful general merchant. A na-
tive of England, he was born, March 31, 1869, in the parish of Saint
Cleer, county Cornwall, a son of William Cowling. His grandfather,
George Cowling, was a life-long farmer in Saint Neots parish, Cornwall
county. He married Mary Doney, whose father, Samuel Doney, was
likewise engaged in farming in that parish during his entire life.
William Cowling was born, March 25, 1842, in Saint Neots parish,
and when a young lad went to the parish of Saint Cleer, in the same
county, and there at the age of eleven years began work as a wage-
earner in the mines, remaining thus employed until 1869. Bidding good-
bye then to his wife and children he came to America, the land of much
promise, locating first in New Jersey, where he worked for abput eight
months. He was subsequently engaged in mining at Tatesville, Bed-
ford county, Pennsylvania, until 1871, when he migrated to the Pacific
coast. He subsequently worked in different parts of California, in the
gold and silver mines, for about eleven years, when he returned to Eng-
land for his family. Coming back to this country with them, he worked
for a short time in Amherst county, Virginia, and then located at Iron
Mountain, where he has since continued his residence, having first been
employed by the Menominee Mining Company, and continuing until
the present time with its successor, the Oliver Mining Company. He
married Anna Maria Carbis, wlio was born in Saint Cleer parish, Corn-
wall county, England, a daughter of William and Maria Carbis, and
to them five children have been born, as follows : William George, John
Francis, Matilda J., Christina and Kate. He and his wife were reared
in the Episcopalian faith.
As a boy John Francis Cowling attended the public schools of Saint
Cleer, and after the family settled at Iron Mountain he continued his
studies in the schools of this place for three years. At the age of fifteen
years he began work at the mine, continuing thus employed until 1894,
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1499
when he entered the employ of Wi'ight Brothers, general merchants, for
whom he clerked ten years. Having obtained a practical insight into
the management of the business, Mr. Cowling then opened a general
store, putting in a fine stock of goods, and has since built up a large and
profitable patronage.
Mr. Cowling married, in July, 1889, Louisa Davey, who was born in
Camborne, county Cornwall, England, a daughter of John and Jane
Davey, and into their household two children have been bom, Anna
Maria and Frederick C. Fraternally Mr. Cowling is a member of Iron
Mountain Lodge, No. 700, B. P. 0. E. ; and of Victoria Lodge, Order of
Saint George.
Henry Tideman, secretary of the Menominee Electric Manufactur-
ing Company and president of the Dudly Tool Company, was born in
New South Wales, Australia, on the 27th of August, 1863. When but
three years old was taken to Germany and reared to maturity by his
influential relatives. He is a son of Dr. H. G. Tideman, a physician
and surgeon of some distinction, who served in the United States army
for seven years. He was for a number of years actively engaged in the
practice of his profession in Menominee, ]\Iichigan, and Marinette, Wis-
consin, where his death occurred on April 12, 1892.
Henry Tideman secured his educational discipline under the direc-
tion Qf a private tutor, in the military academy, Blankenese and Pots-
dam, and attended the University of Heidelberg, Berlin and Midweida,
Saxony, Germany. In 1881 he first came to America. He worked in
New York city, Buffalo and Detroit, and was employed principally as
a designer and engineer. In 1882 he located in ]\Ienominee and organ-
ized the Menominee Electric Manufacturing Company, of which he is
secretary and general manager today.
In 1885, July 16th, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Henry Tide-
man to Miss Evalyn Sieger, of Detroit, Michigan, where she was born and
reared, being the daughter of John Sieger, a citizen of Detroit. Mr.
and Mrs. Tideman have two children, William and Harold.
Hon. Newton C. Spencer. — A man of talent, culture, and pro-
nounced ability, Hon. Newton C. Spencer, of Escanaba, has been ac-
tively identified with the interests of the Northern Peninsula for the
past fourteen years, and as one of its foremost lawyers is widely and
favorably known throughout this section of the state. A son of the late
John E. Spencer, he was born, June 16, 1868, in Ashland, Ashland
county, Ohio, coming from honored New England ancestry. His grand-
father, Elihu Spencer, was born in Connecticut, and as a boy migrated
to the Western Reserve, his grandfather being one of the earlier set-
tlers of the town of Spencer, Medina county, which was named in his
honor.
John E. Spencer was born and reared in Oberlin, Ohio, receiving ex-
cellent educational advantages. Becoming a furniture manufacturer
and lumber dealer, he settled in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1872, and was there
profitably engaged in business until his death, in 1879, at the age of
forty-two years. He married Celestia A. Nuttall, who was born in North
Carolina, of French and English ancestry. She survived him, attain-
ing the age of seventy-two years. Of the six children born of their
union, but three are living, as follows: Mrs. Julia A. Keeler, of Har-
vard, Illinois; James E., a civil engineer at Sioux Falls, South Dakota;
and Newton C.
The third son, and fourth child, of the parental household, Ne-Ri;on
1500 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
C. Spencer spent his boyhood days in the cities of Springfield and
Cleveland, Ohio. At the age of fourteen years he moved with the fam-
ily to Champaign county. Illinois, and after attending the public schools
of Urbana for awhile entered the University of Illinois, where he
continued his studies for two years. Entering then the law department
of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, he was there graduated
in 1895, in the meantime paying his own expenses from the money
which he had saved while teaching school, and working at other employ-
ments, between the years of 1885 and 1893. For a few months after his
graduation, jMr. Spencer was a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota,
from there going, in the fall of 1895, to Menominee, Michigan. Locat-
ing in Stephenson, ]\Ienominee county, in 1896, he was there actively
engaged in the practice of law for ten years, and since 1906 has been
similarly employed in Escanaba, where he now has a substantial pat-
ronage. Very prominent in the Republican party, Mr. Spencer was
elected to the State Legislature in 1900 and ably represented his dis-
trict in that body for two years, and from 1899 until 1901 was circuit
court commissioner.
j\Ir. Spencer has been twice married. He married first, June 15,
1898, Emma Woessner, who died in 1904, leaving two children, Carman
and Margaret. ^Ir. Spencer married second, June 16, 1907, Anna
Home, and they have one child, a little daughter named Mae.
George H. Haggerson has been identified with industrial and busi-
ness interests in the Upper Peninsula from his boyhood days and has
not only gained a secure position as a substantial and essentially rep-
resentative business man but has also been called upon to serve in
varioiis positions of public trust and responsibility. His advancement
is the direct result of his own well directed eiforts and he has so ordered
his course as to merit and retain the unalloyed confidence and respect
of his fellow-men. He is one of the popular and influential citizens of
Menominee and he has been a resident of IMenominee comity for more
than thirty years, within which he was long concerned with the great
lumber industry. He is now engaged in the real-estate and abstract
business in IMenominee, is president of the Commercial Bank of this
city and is secretary of the Peninsula Land Company.
George H, Haggerson was born at Geneva, Ontario county, New
York, on the 29th of April, 1855, and is a son of George and Sarah
(Bradford) Haggerson, the former of whom was born in England in
1827 and the latter of whom was a native of Ireland, where she was
born in the year 1833. The parents passed the closing years of their
lives in Oconto county, Wisconsin, where the father died in 1872 and
the mother in 1885. Of their seven children, five are now living, the
subject of this sketch having been second in order of birth.
He whose name initiates this article was an infant at the time of the
family removal from the old Empire state to Oconto, Wisconsin, in
which city he was reared to maturity, there receiving his early educa-
tional training in the public schools, in which he continued his studies
until he was sixteen years of age. He then secured a position as bag-
gageman in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Com-
pany, by which, only five months later, he was advanced to the office
of station agent and telegraph operator at Powers and Spalding, Menom-
inee county, JMichigan. He had learned the art of telegraphy through
study of the same while serving as baggageman. At Spalding he was
also given charge of the office and general store of the Spaulding Lum-
ber Company, one of the leading concerns then identified with the great
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1501
lumber industry in this section of the state. The rapid increase in the
business of the lumber company at Spalding finally led him to resign
his position with the railroad company in order to devote his entire
time and attention to the interests of the company previously men-
tioned. The Spalding mills were located at Cedar river and had a daily
capacity of 160,000 feet of lumber; at that time employment was given
to a corps of fully six hundred men. Mr. Haggerson gained a secure
hold on popular confidence and esteem of the community in which he
thus maintained his home, as is evident when we revert to the fact that
in 1876-7 he held the office of treasurer of Spalding township. Fur-
ther evidence of public esteem was given in the latter year when he was
elected supervisor of the township, an office of which he continued in-
cumbent by successive elections for nearly a score of years, having
retired therefrom in 1895. Incidental to his service in this office, he had
the distinction of being chairman of the board of supervisors of Menom-
inee county from 1890 to 1892, inclusive.
]\Ir. Haggerson continued his residence at Spalding until 1897 when,
owing to the decline of the lumber business with which he was identi-
fied, he removed to the city of ]\Ienominee, in whose business life he
has since been a prominent and influential factor. He here conducts
an extensive real-estate business, handling both city and farm proper-
ties, and having a well arranged and comprehensive system of abstracts
of title covering Menominee and neighboring counties. In 1905 he be-
came one of the organizers and incorporators of the Commercial Bank
of Menominee, of which he was elected president and of which he has
since continued the able executive head. His discriminating and con-
servative policy has done much to make this one of the substantial and
influential institutions of the Upper Peninsula. As noted in the open-
ing paragraph of this sketch, he is also secretary of the Peninsula Land
Company, besides which he is secretary of the Upper Peninsula Tax
Payers' Association and chairman of the Menominee Insurance Agents'
Association, as he conducts a large general insurance business in con-
nection with his real estate business.
Essentially loyal and public spirited as a citizen, Mr. Haggerson
takes a deep interest in all that tends to conserve the civic and material
prosperity of his home city and county, and in politics he accords a
stanch allegiance to the Democratic party. He is at present road com-
missioner of the county and he has served with marked efficiency as
mayor of Menominee, to which office he was first elected in 1904 and in
the following year he was chosen as his own successor. In 1906 he was
again called to this office of which he is incumbent at the present time.
In a fraternal way Mr. Haggerson is identified with the Knights of the
Maccabees and has attained to advanced degrees in the time-honored
Masonic order in which his affiliations are here briefly noted. Menom-
inee Lodge, No. 269, Free & Accepted Masons; Menominee Chapter, No.
107, Royal Arch Masons; Menominee Commandery, No. 35, Knights
Templar; Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, at Marquette, Michigan; Michigan Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, at Grand Rapids, in which he has attained the
Thirty-second degree. He was one of the organizers of the Menominee
Commercial Club and is an appreciative supporter of its high civic
policies and ideals. He has been particularly active in the work of this
organization and served as its president in 1906.
Mr. Haggerson has been twice married. On the 20th of May, 1876,
he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Peterson, who was bom in
Denmark in 1858 and who was a child at the time of the family immi-
1502 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
gration to America, being a daughter of Rasmus Peterson, who was a
pioneer of northern Michigan. Mrs. Haggerson was summoned to the
life eternal on the 3rd of October, 1891, and is survived by five children :
Eva M., who remains at the paternal home; Elizabeth C, who is the
wife of Frank E. Krapp of state of Washington; George "W., who re-
sides in. Menominee and who married Miss May Robinson; Fred H.,
who likewise resides in Menominee and the maiden name of whose vpife
was Ethel Stephenson ; Charles N., who remains at the paternal home.
On the 29th of August, 1900, was solenmized the marriage of Mr. Hag-
gerson to Miss Linna Bock, who was born in Calumetville, Wisconsin,
and the only child of this union is Harriet D. The family are members
of the Presbyterian church.
Reverting to the honored father of the subject of this review, it may
be noted that he came from England to America in 1849, making the
voyage on one of the old time sailing vessels. From New York city he
went to Geneva, that state, where he maintained his home until 1855,
when he removed with his family to Oconto, Wisconsin, where he es-
tablished himself in the boot and shoe business. At the inception of
the Civil AVar, in the spring of 1861, he enlisted as a private in the Sev-
enteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, from which he was later trans-
ferred to the First Illinois Light Artillery, with which gallant command
he continued in active service until the close of the war, when he re-
ceived his honorable discharge. He then returned to Oconto, where
he continued actively engaged in the boot and shoe business until his
death in 1872. He was a Democrat in polities, was a member of the
Catholic church, as was also his wife, and he identified himself with
the Grand Army of the Republic shortly after its organization.
John Quarnbtrom. — As county clerk of Dickinson county John
Quarnstrom, of Iron Mountain, is widely known, and, as may be seen by
the official position to which he has been elected, is highly esteemed and
respected, his ability and fidelity being appreciated. A native of Michi-
gan, he was born, January 5, 1878, in Ishpeming, Marquette county, of
Swedish ancestry.
Erick J. Quarnstrom, his father, was born and reared in central
Sweden, where his parents spent their entire lives. In 1869, having pre-
viously learned the trade of a stone mason, he emigrated to this country,
locating at Ishpeming and later removed to Norway, Michigan, where
he became head carpenter for the Menominee Mining Company. In
1892 he accepted the position of master mechanic at the Aragon Mine, in
Norway, Dickinson county, and was there a resident until his death, in
1904. His widow, whose maiden name was Charlotte Anderson, is still
a resident of that place. She has reared five children, as follows: Olga,
Isadore, John, Edward and Ernest. Isadore met his death at the Hia-
watha Mine, Iron River District, on June 22, 1908. He was master me-
chanic for this mine. He married Agnes Johnson of Norway, Michigan,
now a resident of Chicago, and they had one child. Vera.
Giving excellent educational advantages when young, John Quarn-
strom was graduated from the Norway High School, and very soon after-
wards was appointed deputy county clerk. Subsequently entering the
employ of the Oliver Mining Company, Mr. Quarnstrom was clerk and
book-keeper for the firm until 1907, when he was elected to his present
position as county clerk.
On September 18, 1901, Mr. Quarnstrom was united in marriage
with Margaret O'Connell, who was bom in Quinnesec, Michigan, a
daughter of Patrick and Mary O'Connell. Three children have blessed
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1503
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Quamstrom, namely : Aileen, Bernice and
Jack. Fraternally Mr. Quamstrom is a valued member of several bene-
ficial organizations, including the following named: Iron Mountain
Lodge, No. 700, B. P. O. E. ; Oak Leaf Camp, No. 2885, M. W. A. ; and
the Order of Vasa.
Patrick H. O'Brien. — For forensic eloquence, magnetic person-
ality, and remarkable acumen in the unraveling of the problems of his
profession, Patrick H. O'Brien has won for himself an enviable dis-
tinction as a member of the Houghton county bar. He makes his resi-
dence in Laurium, but is well known throughout the length and breadth
of the county. Mr. O'Brien was born March 15, 1868, near the Phoenix
Mine in Keweenaw county, Michigan, and as his name indicates he is
of Irish extraction, his parents, Patrick J. and Mary Harrington
(Green) O'Brien both having had their birthplace in the Emerald Isle.
The father was born in Glengariff, County Cork, and desiring to test
the fuller resources of the new world, emigrated to the United States
in 1856. He located for a number of years in Boston, Massachusetts,
and in 1863 came on to the Lake Superior district, and eventually se-
cured emplojinent in the Cliff Mine in Keweenaw county, Michigan.
From 1887 he worked in the Calumet & Hecla mine and while there
engaged met his death in August, 1890. He gained the respect of the
community in which he made his home, for he was a man of force and
had the courage of his convictions. He was a leader in Democratic
politics and seived as justice of the peace in two townships. His wife
was born on Bear Island, Bantry Bay, County Cork, Ireland, and at
the age of sixty-six years, still resides at Laurium, finding one of her
strongest interests in the Catholic church whose many good projects
she furthers to the best of her ability. Mr. O'Brien is one of nine
children, the following five surviving: Michael E., a prominent life in-
surance agent and president of the First National Bank of Laurium;
Timothy ; James ; Patrick H. ; Annie, a well-kno'RTi kindergarten teacher
at Calumet.
Patrick H. O'Brien received his common school training at Allouez,
Keweenaw county, and in the Osceola school in Houghton cunty and
was graduated from the Calumet high school in 1887, carrying off the
honors of his class. The next two years Mr. O'Brien tried his hand as
a pedagague at Copper Harbor and Copper Falls and in 1889 entered
the law department of the Northern Indiana College in Valparaiso,
Indiana. Such were his natural gifts and so well did he apply himself
that he was able to finish the prescribed course in two years and was
admitted to the bar, April 1, 1891. The scene of his first legal activity
was at "West Superior, "Wisconsin, and here he remained for eight years,
firmly establishing himself in a city where the proportion of lawyers
was unusually large and building up a lucrative practice, his specialty
being personal injury cases. In the summer of 1899 he removed to
Laurium, Houghton county, where he had little difficulty in more than
equalling the reputation he had borne in W^est Superior, both as a
barrister and a public-spirited citizen. His gifts as a criminal la^v^'er
are generally acknowledged, for he has won many desperate cases. In
argument Mr. O'Brien is wonderfully gifted, possessing among his
many qualifications, that ready wit which is one of the rarest heritages
of his nationalitj^ He has a multitude of friends and admirers and is
much sought as a public speaker. He is an enthusiastic adherent of the
policies and principles of the Democratic party and in 1908 was nom-
inated for Congress on the Democratic ticket. He is indeed well en-
1504 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
dowed to play a leading role in politics. He is a member of the Sacred
Heart church and his fraternal relations extend to the Elks, the Knights
of Columbus and other organizations.
Mr. O'Brien was married in 1897 to Miss Bessie Kelley, a daughter
of Daniel and Mary Kelley, and born in Ottawa, Canada. This union
has been blessed by the birth of three sons, Gerald, aged twelve years,
and William D'Arcy, aged nine; Daniel, aged four; and one daughter,
Mary, aged six years.
William F. Waite. — The personal sketches appearing in this pub-
lication will sufficiently emphasize the fact that the Northern Peninsula
of Michigan has its full quota of able and successful legists and jurists,
and the personnel of its bar at the present time is such as to well up-
hold the high prestige ever maintained by the legal fraternity of Mich-
igan. Numbered among the essentially representative members of the
bar of Menominee county is Judge William Fuller Waite, who has been
engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Menominee for
more than a decade and a half.
AVilliam Fuller Waite was born in Tyrone, Livingstone county,
Michigan, on the 4th of August, 1860. His father, Elihu Waite, was a
native of Penfield, New York, where the grandfather of the subject of
this sketch came and settled from Whately, Franklin county, Massa-
chusetts. The family is of English descent, but settled in Massachu-
setts in the first half of the seventeenth century. The name Fuller
given him for a middle name was the family name of his paternal grand-
mother. His education was obtained in the district school, Fenton High
School and the University of Michigan. Judge Waite was admitted to
the bar by Judge Newton, at Howell, Michigan, on January 18, 1888,
and located at Escanaba, Michigan, where he practiced law until April
13, 1893, when he removed to Menominee, where he has since resided.
He was married January 15, 1891, to Miss Helen Osgood, of Ann
Arbor, Michigan, and has two sons, Leslie Osgood and Gordon Tarbell.
He has held the office of prosecuting attorney of Menominee county and
is now judge of the Municipal Court of the city of Menominee.
William Henry Mitchell. — Noteworthy among the energetic, en-
terprising and progressive business men of Dickinson county is William
H. IMitchell, of Iron Mountain, an extensive and successful hardware
dealer. A son of William Mitchell, Jr., he was born, in November, 1867,
in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. His grandfather, William Mitchell,
Sr., who was born in Yorkshire, England, and there spent his last days,
was for many years a soldier in the British army, serving principally
in Australia. He reared the following children: Timothy, William, Jr.,
Anna, Elizabeth, and Ellen.
Born in Bradford, England, William Mitchell, Jr., learned the tin-
smith's trade when young and was subsequently engaged in the manu-
facture of tin, galvanized and japanned ware in Bradford, where he was
a life-long resident. His wife, whose maiden name was Isabella Thomp-
son, was born at Burton Leonard, county of York, West Riding, England,
and is now residing at Bradford, Yorkshire. To her and her husband
seven children were born, as follows: William H., the subject of this
sketch ; George ; Anna ; Fred ; Florence ; Gladys ; and John Thomas.
Having acquired a good business education in the government schools
of Bradford, William H. Mitchell began work in his father's factory,
and while thus employed became familiar with the manufacture of the
various wares. On leaving the factory he emigrated to this country on
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1505
June 28, 1889, making his entrance into Iron ]\Iountain. Immediately
entering the employ of Hancock & Sundstrum, he remained with that
firm three years, afterwards being with George Corning until 1895. Em-
barking then in business on his own account, Mr. Mitchell has since built
up a large and profitable hardware trade in Iron Moimtain, his fair and
honest dealings winning him an excellent patronage.
Mr. Mitchell married, in 1887, Georgianna Strong, who was born in
Bradford, England, a daughter of William and Rachel Strong. Nine
children have blessed their union, namely : Gertrude ; Harry ; Gladys ;
"Will ; Thomas ; Horace and Doris, twins ; Georgie ; and Albert. True to
the religious faith in which they were reared Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are
members of the Episcopal church.
John T. Jones. — The rapid growth and increasing prosperity of the
Upper Peninsula is largely due to its hidden wealth of mineral treas-
ures, some of the richest mines in the country, without doubt, lying in
this little strip of land. Conspicuous among the intelligent and enter-
prising men who have been identified with the development of its rich
resources is John T. Jones, of Iron Mountain, one of the most able and
best known mining men of the United States. He has been associated
with the mining industry for many years, making a thorough study
of its possibilities, and has invented a method for smelting ores by an
electric and chemical process which promises to revolutionize that par-
ticular branch of the industry. A son of Thomas J. Jones, he was born,
September 14, 1847, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, coming from thrifty
Welsh ancestry.
His paternal grandfather, John Jones, was bom in Carmarthen
county, Wales, where he followed the trade of a hatter during his early
life. About 1831, accompanied by his family, he came to America,
locating at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, which was then a small place.
Securing a position in the glass factories of that city, he continued his
residence there until his death, at the venerable age of ninety-two years.
His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Pergram, was born in
Wales and died in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, at the age of sixty-five
years. She bore him six children.
Born in Carmarthen, Wales, Thomas J. Jones was a lad of twelve
years when he came with his parents to the United States. He began
very young to learn how to run an engine, and became a mechanical
engineer. He was afterwards master mechanic in Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, from there moving to Sharon, Mercer county, where he continued
his mechanical labors, living there until his death, at the age of seventy-
seven years. He married Margaret Williams, a native of Wales, and
she preceded him to the better world, passing away at the age of sixty-
five years. Nine children blessed their union, as follows : Margaret,
Mary, John, Thomas, Arabelle, Emma, Alice, Philip and Carrie.
Brought up in Pittsburg and obtaining his education in the public
schools, John T. Jones began, at the age of twelve years, to work with
his father, under whose instructions he became a skilled mechanic.
Going to Sharon, Pennsylvania, he set up the machinery for the Keel
Ridge Furnace and was employed there and at the Middlesex and other
furnaces until 1881. Coming in that year to the Upper Peninsula, Mr.
Jones assumed the management of the mining properties of P. L. Kim-
berly, whose operations were then being prosecuted at Keel Ridge, Iron
Mountain and Iron River, and later on the Mesaba Range. He has since
continued thus employed, having the general superintendence of all of
the Kimberly mines throughout the Upper Peninsula. He is an expert
1506 THE XORTHEEX PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
in mining, and in 1909 built the Ardis Furnace at Iron ^Mountain, one
of the best equipped furnaces in the state. Since 1883 Mr. Jones has
resided at Iron ^lountain. where, on section thirty, he has a beautiful
estate of one hundred and forty acres, in the northeast part of the city,
the tract bordering on Lake Antoine. A large part of his land is highly
improved, and upwards of one thousand fruit trees have been set out,
while all kinds of forest trees kno^^^l in this region are in close prox-
imity to the house. The residence is furnished with all modern im-
provements and conveniences, and has a large greenhouse attached, and,
with its beautiful surroundings, is one of the most picturesque and
desirable homes to be foimd in this part of the Union.
Mr. Jones married, October 19, 1870. Rachel Milligan, a native of
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Her father, John Milligan, Jr., was bom,
in 1808, near Alliance, Ohio, and her grandfather, John ^lilligan, Sr.,
was born in Londonderry, Ireland, and came to America \\'ith two of his
sisters. He located first at Brownstown, Pennsylvania, from there go-
ing to Ohio as a pioneer settler. Seven children have been bom to
Mr. and ^Mrs. Jones, namely: Albert Graham, Elmer William, Caroline,
Rachel A., Ruth, Arthur and Leah Ardie. Albert G., of Iron Moun-
tain, married Cora Symonds, and they have two children, John and
Elizabeth. Elmer, living at Iron Moimtain. married Gertrude Crowell,
by whom he has two children. Dorothy and Robert E. Caroline, wife
of Edward McDonald, of Covington, Kentucky, has one child, Marion.
Mr. Jones is a member of the American Institute of Mechanical En-
gineers and of the Upper Peninsula Society of jMining Engineers, and
fraternally is a Mason, belonging to Iron Mountain Lodge, No. 388.
F. & A. M.
Albert E. Robbins. — Energetic and progressive, keen and alert in
business matters, Albert E. Robbins, of Iron Mountain, has met vnih
undoubted success as a merchant and as an agriculturist, and is now
rendering excellent service to his constituents as sheriff of Dickinson
county. A son of Nahum B. Robbins. he was born. December 14, 1860,
at East Constable, Franklin coimty. New York, coming from New Eng-
land ancestry', his grandfather. Captain Eleazer Robbins, and his great-
grandfather, Samuel Robbins, having been natives of New Hampshire.
He is a lineal descendant of George Robbins, who was born in Eng-
land and emigrated to the United States in colonial times, bringing with
him a small hand trimk. which is now in the possession of ]\Ir. Robbins.
This trunk is lined with a newspaper which was printed at the "'Black
Swan," Pater Noster Row, London, in 1756. He has also many other
valuable relics of colonial days.
i\Ioving to New York state when a young man, Eleazer Robbins was
soon after made a captain in the One Hundred and Twenty-third New
York Militia, his commission, signed by Governor Joseph C. Yates, bear-
ing the date of October 23, 182-1. He subsequently settled at Cherry
Valley, Otsego county, where he spent his remaining years. He married
Rosamond Burbank.
Bom and reared at Cherry- Valley, New York, Nahum B. Robbins
learned the trade of a harness maker, but after his removal to Franklin
county devoted his time and energies to general farming. Patriotic and
public-spiried. he enlisted during the Civil "War in the One Hundred and
Forty-second New York Volunteer Infantry, and was with its regiments
in its various marches and engagements until taken ill. when he entered
the hospital at Beaufort, South Carolina, where his death occurred in
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1507
December, 1863, at the early age of twenty-nine years. The maiden name
of the wife of Nahum B. Robbins was Delia M. Child. She was born '
at East Constable, Franklin county. New York, of New England ances-
try, her father, Jacob Child, Jr., and her grandfather, Jacob Child, Sr.,
having both been born in Pomfret, Vermont, the birth of the former
occurring February 13, ISOi. and that of the latter February 11, 1775.
The Child family furnished twenty-two soldiers for the Revolutionary
war. Her great-grandfather, Abijah Child, who was born in Woodstock,
Connecticut, September 3, 1749, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War,
taking an active part in its first battle, which was fought at Lexington,
Massachusetts, on April 19, 1775. A complete historj' of the Child fam-
ily in America has been published by Elias Child, and from it we learn
that Delia M. Child, the mother of Mr. Robbins, was a descendant of
Ephraim Child, who emigrated to America in 1630 and settled in Rox-
bury, Massachusetts. Jacob Child, Sr., w^as a pioneer settler of Franklin
county, New York, and there spent his last years, dying at the remark-
able age of ninety-eight years, while his brother John lived to the age
of ninety-six years. Jacob Child, Jr., migrated from Vermont to New
York, and having bought a tract of wild land in East Constable cleared
and improved a farm, and was there employed in agricultural pursuits
until his death, at the age of seventy-one years. His wife, whose maiden
name was Samantha Sumner, was, also the descendant of an old and
honored New England family.
Left a widow with three young children, Mrs. Nahmn B. Robbins im-
mediately put to good use the knowledge of carding, spinning and weav-
ing which she had learned from her mother, with her wheel and loom earn-
ing a sufficient sum of money to enable her to provide her children with
all the necessaries of life and give them good educations. Living to see
them all well settled in homes of their own, this brave woman felt amply
repaid for her years of labor. She spent her last days in peace and
plenty, at the home of her youngest son in Malone, New York, passing
away in March, 1906, aged seventy-four years.
Attending the public schools of Malone, New York, Albert E. Rob-
bins acquired a practical education while young. Coming westward in
1877 he located in Calumet, Michigan, and for seven years was employed
at the Calumet Mine, after which he spent a year at his old home in
Malone, New York. Returning to the Upper Peninsula in 1886, Mr.
Robbins took up his residence at Iron Mountain, and for a few months
worked as a carpenter at the Chapin Mine. He was subsequently
engaged in the furniture and undertaking business until 1903, when he
sold out. In the meantime, however, Mr. Robbins had purchased a tract
of wild land across the river, in Florence county, Wisconsin, and had
superintended its clearing and improvement. He has erected a fine set
of buildings, having ample barns for his stock and a good house for his
employes, his estate being one of the model farms of the county. Going
to California in the fall of 1903, he spent the winter on the Pacific coast,
and on his return in the spring sold his farm at an advantage. He owns
several buildings in Iron Mountain, including the Robbins Block which
he built in 1891 on Hughitt street and which is a large, two-story busi-
ness block, constructed of native brown sand stone. It is one of the fin-
est structures in the city.
]\Ir. Robbins married, in Janiiary, 1881, Mary Blacney, who was bom
in Calumet, Michigan, a daughter of John Blacney, a native of England.
She died in 1886, at Iron Mountain, leaving one daughter, Stella Rob-
bins, who was graduated from the Jilarquette Normal School and is now
1508 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
a teacher in the public schools of Spokane, Washington. Mr. Robbins
married for his second wife, in 1888, Jennie Van Auken, who was bom
in Menominee, Michigan, a daughter of Joseph and Ambrosia (Lyon)
Van Auken, natives, respectively of Pennsylvania and New York. Six
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Robbins, namely : Ruth, Sumner,
Hazel, Anna, Emma and Putnam. Fraternally Mr. Robbins is a member
of Iron Moimtain Lodge, No. 388, F. & A. M. ; of Iron INIoimtain Lodge,
No. 700, B. P. 0. E. ; of Lodge No. 129, K. of P. ; and of Oak Leaf Lodge,
No. 2885, K. O. T. M.
Rush Culver. — Among the able and influential members of the bar
of the Upper Peninsula, Rush Culver, for many years receiver of the
United States Land Office at Marquette, Michigan, has won unmistak-
able prestige, being widely knowTi as a man of scholarly attainments,
well versed in legal lore. Beginning his professional career without the
aid of money or influential friends, he has won well deserved success
through a thorough mastery of his calling, fldelity to his trusts, and
honesty in his dealings, his present stable position in legal ousmess and
social circles being due entirely to his own efforts. A son of Amasa and
Jeanette Culver, he was born July 17, 1862, in Elkland, Pennsylvania,
where he spent his early life. In 1888 his parents came to Michigan,
locating in L'Anse, Baraga county.
Having been graduated from the Elkland High School, Rush Cul-
ver began the study of law in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, spending one
year in the office of B. B. Strang and another with H. B. Packer. Ad-
mitted to the Tioga county bar in 1883, Mr. Culver was actively en-
gaged in the practice of his profession at Westfleld, Pennsylvania, for
four years. Coming to the Upper Peninsula in 1887, he practiced a
year at Marquette, when, in 1889, he opened an office in L'Anse, con-
tinuing there until 1893. He was in that year appointed receiver of
the United States Land Office at Marquette, and has since been one of
the leading citizens of this place. Making a specialty of looking up
government land titles, Mr. Culver had for years an extensive clientele
among the homesteaders of the Lake Superior district, obtaining de-
cisions in their favor in forcing issues with the various land companies
and land grabbers inevitably found in a newly settled country.
Retiring from his law practice in 1904, Mr. Culver devoted his
attention to his lumber interests, in that year organizing the Northern
Lumber Company, at Birch, Marquette county, where he erected saw
mills and practically built up the town. He served as president of the
company until 1909, when he disposed of his interests in the business.
In 1906 he was elected mayor of Marquette, and gave the people of his
town a businesslike administration.
An influential member of the Democratic party, he served for some
time as chairman of the Democratic County Committee of Marquette
county, and in the campaigns of 1892 and 1894, won an extended rep-
utation as a graceful and forceful platform speaker, doing good work
for his party. His party's nominee in 1894 for congressman from the
Twelfth district, he was defeated by his opponent, Samuel M. Stephen-
son, although he polled far more votes than the other membei's of his
ticket. He was chosen to represent the Democrats of INIichigan as dele-
gate at large to the Democratic National Convention at Kansas City in
1900.
Mr. Culver married Laura E. Woodruff on December 25, 1885.
Their home life has been ideal. They are blessed with three children,
Ilarrj-, Ethel and Jeanette. Harry Culver, Mr. Culver's sou, was grad-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1509
uated from the law department of the University of Virginia at Char-
lottesville, Virginia, with the class of 1909, and is now practising law
at L 'Anse, a member of the firm of Culver, Brennan & Culver.
Christopher Grossbusch. — The life record of Christopher Gross-
buseh, a retired merchant of Iron Mountain, may well furnish to the
coming generation a forceful illustration of the genuine success to be
gained by energetic industry, persistent toil, and well-directed purpose.
Beginning life with limited means, and in the course of his activities
meeting with losses and reverses, he labored cheerfully and courageously,
and having conquered all obstacles is now enjoying a well-earned leisure.
Throughout his career, he has had the assistance of his wife, to whose
efforts, he gallantly attributes his present prosperity. A son of John
Grossbusch, he was born, September 18, 1844, in Prussia," where he was
bred and educated.
John Grossbusch was born in Luxemburg, and when young served an
apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade, and, according to the custom
of that country, subsequently travelled through different towns and vil-
lages, working at his trade a short time in each place, and on leaving
always taking with him a certificate of good character and Wilful work-
manship. Settling permanently near Reisdorf, he was there engaged in
shoemaking until his death, at the age of fifty-six years. He married
Elizabeth Elson, a native of Stall, Prussia, and she died in 1845,
leaving six children, namely: Mike, Anna Maria, Loretto, and Chris-
topher and William and Andrew, both deceased. Loretto died at the
age of twenty-two years, and the others came to the United States, locat-
ing at Iron Mountain, Michigan.
Brought up and educated in his native village, Christopher Gross-
busch early learned the shoemaker 's trade. Emigrating to this country in
1866, he spent two years in Chicago, Illinois, in 1868 going to Stillwater,
Minnesota, and a year later settling in Duluth, w^hieh was then a small
hamlet. He there followed his trade three years, and in 1872 located at
the Oliver Mining Location, in Keweenaw eoiuity, Michigan, where he
continued as a shoemaker for three years. Going then to Houghton
county, Michigan, he remained there until 1880, when, just a very few
days after the completion of the railroad, he came to what is now Dick-
inson county, locating in Iron Mountain on July 24, of that year. The
greater part of the present city was then covered with timber, there being
very few houses in the vicinity. Buying a lot on Stephenson street, he
put up a two-story building, and, utilizing the upper floor for a residence,
he used the lower story for a shoe shop and a grocery, being one of the
first merchants of this place. In 1886 Mr. Grossbusch 's property caught
fire from the adjoining building, and was entirely destroyed. He immedi-
ately rebuilt, putting up a building two and one-half stories in height,
brick building, which he rented, and at once opened a confectionery
tion having originated in the second house in the block. Mr. Grossbusch
sustained a total loss, his entire property being swept away, leaving him
without a dollar. In 1889, borrowing money, he erected a substantial
brick building, which he rented, and at once opened a confectionery
store in a small frame building, putting in a stock worth from ten dol-
lars to fifteen dollars. The venture proved successful, and in 1893 he
embarked in the furniture business, which he conducted most satis-
factorily until 1906. Selling out in that year, Mr. Grossbusch has since
lived retired from active pursuits.
Mr. Grossbusch married, in Duluth, j\Iinnesota, in 1871, Lena Melt-
1510 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
zer, who was born in Austria, and was the only member of her family
to come to America. Mr. and Mrs. Grossbusch are the parents of six
children, namely : Annie, Mary, Frank, Lena, Minnie, and Clara. Annie,
wife of Tom Sheehan, has two children, John and Margaret Ann.
Frank, a widower, has two children, Francis and Marie Genevieve.
Minnie married Peter Broullin. Religiously Mr. Grossbusch and his
family are members of the Roman Catholic church.
Edvpard Daniell. — As secretary, treasurer and general manager
of the Menominee Electric Light, Railway & Power Company, Mr.
Daniell holds a position of prominence in local business circles and is a
citizen who commands unequivocal confidence and esteem in the com-
munity. He has achieved success through his own well directed efforts
and is now one of the substantial business men of the Upper Peninsula.
Edward Daniell was born at Berehaven, County Cork, Ireland, on
the 31st of January, 1859, and is a son of William and Abigail (Sulli-
van) Daniell, the former of whom was born in England and the latter
in Ireland. They located in Calumet, Michigan, many years ago and
they are now living retired. They became the parents of eight chil-
dren and death has never yet invaded the family circle. In 1860 Will-
iam Daniell immigrated with his family to the United States, having
previously been identified with mining operations in Ireland. He first
embarked on a sailing vessel but the same was compelled to return to
port on account of severe storms. Soon afterward the family embarked
on a steamboat and by this means successfully completed their voyage
to the new world. They landed in New York City and straightway
started for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They established their
residence in Calumet, Houghton county, where the parents have ever
since maintained their home. During his entire active career after
coming to Michigan the father was identified with the copper mining
industry, in the employ of the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company.
For fully a quarter of a century he held the position of captain in one
of the mines of the company at Calumet. Since 1904 he has lived vir-
tually retired. He is a member of the lodge and chapter of .the Ma-
sonic fraternity in his home city and both he and his wife are
commimicants of the Protestant-Episcopal church.
Edward Daniell, whose name initiates this review, was less than
one year old at the time of the family immigration to America and
he was reared to manhood in Calumet, Michigan, where he was af-
forded the advantages of the public schools and where his early business
training was in connection with the mine in which his father was
employed. Later he served for a time as clerk in a mining office and
afterward became a bookkeeper in the general store conducted by the
mining company at Calumet. At a still later period he was in the
employ of John Bagley in connection with the latter 's lumbering
operations in the Upper Peninsula. He continued to be thus engaged
until 1886, when he removed to Menominee county, where he became
interested in a logging railroad M'ith Mr. Bagley. In 1888 he was
assigned the position of manager of the saw mill of the firm of Peters
& Morrisson. In 1890 he removed to Arkansas where he was identified
with the lumbering business for one year and upon his return to
Menominee he assumed the management of the lumber business of the
firm of Ramsey & Jones. In 1892 he became general manager of the
Menominee Electric Light Railway & Power Company, which was or-
ganized in that year by special enactment of the legislature. The two
lines of business had previously been conducted separately'. The rail-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1511
way company was organized in 1891 and the eleetrie-light company had
been established about ten years previously. The present organization
now controls the entire electric light and street railway systems of
Menominee and the service in both departments of this business is of
the best modern type. The president of the company is August Spies;
G. A. Bleseh is the vice-president and Edward Daniell, the subject of
this sketch, is secretary, treasurer and general manager. He is a stock-
holder of the First National Bank. In politics he accords stanch alle-
giance to the cause of the Republican party and while he has never
sought official preferment, he has taken a loyal interest in public affairs
and as a citizen is essentially progressive and public-spirited. He is
affiliated with Menominee Lodge, No. 269, Free and Accepted Masons ;
Menominee Chapter, No. 107, Royal Arch Masons; Menominee Coni-
mandery, No. 35, Knights Templar and Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in the city of Marquette,
Michigan.
On the 20th of October, 1884, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Daniell to Miss Caroline T. Roper, who was born at Glasgow, Missouri,
on the 4th of July, 1863. The five children of this union are Earl, Vir-
ginia E., Irving, Francis and Harris. Mrs. Daniell is a member of the
Menominee Presbyterian church and, like her husband, is popular in
the home community.
Joseph M. Hambitzeb. — The old saying that some men are born
great, and that some men achieve greatness, is exemplified in the case
of Joseph M. Hambitzer, of Houghton, who has climbed the ladder
of attainments, step by step, through his own efl'orts, his undaunted
courage, self-reliance and perseverance having won him success in
life's battle. He was born, December 13, 1857, in Fond du Lac, Wis-
consin, a son of Dr. William Hambitzer, a physician, who came to
Michigan from his native place, Colon, Germany, in 1852.
Brought up in Grant county, Wisconsin, Joseph M. Hambitzer at-
tended the village school at British Hollow until fourteen years of
age, when he began work as errand boy in a dry goods store at
Platteville, Wisconsin, where he remained two years. Coming then
to Michigan, this brave lad sought employment in Hancock, and after
looking about for awhile found nothing better than the position of
a trammer in the concord mine, now a part of the Arcadian Copper
Company's property. After running a drill there for six months, he
became complete master of that implement, and was subsequently
employed as a miner until 1878. Ambitious, however, to further ad-
vance his education, Mr. Hambitzer then took up the study of
arithmetic, grammar and history, and used his time and brain to
such good purpose that in the fall of the same year he successfully
passed the teacher's examination, securing a third grade certificate.
The ensuing year he taught in Franklin township, receiving sixty-
five dollars per month wages. Retiring from that profession, Mr.
Hambitzer was clerk in the Hancock Post Office under Thomas N.
Lee for three years, and the succeeding five years served as deputy
postmaster under M. L. Cardell.
Taking up the study of law, Mr. Hambitzer read with Chandler,
Grant & Gray for two years, when, in the fall of 1886, he was
elected county treasurer of Houghton county, and served with such
ability that in 1888 he was re-elected to the same responsible position
without opposition. In the fall of 1892 Mr. Hambitzer was nominated
for state treasurer of Michigan on the Republic ticket in opposition
1512 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
to the Republican State Committee, and won the election. In the
spring of 1894, Mr. Hambitzer, in company with other members of
the State Board of Canvassers, the secretary of state and the state
land commissioner, was asked to resign his office as state treasurer
for failing to discover that the tabulation of votes made in the state
secretary's office had been padded and forged.
Refusing to accede to the demand made upon- him, Mr. Hambitzer
fought the case in the Supreme Court and was defeated, that tribunal
deciding that the governor was sole judge of what constituted a
negligence for which he could remove state officials, and in March,
1894, resigned the state treasurership. Returning to Houghton, he
remained there a brief time before going to Marquette, where he en-
tered the law firm of Ball & Ball, in whose office he completed his
law studies. On March 6, 1895, Mr. Hambitzer was admitted to the
bar by Judge John W. Stone, and has since been actively and success-
fully engaged in the practice of his profession at Houghton, where
he has gained an extensive and remunerative clientele, being known
as one of the leading attorneys of the Upper Peninsula. Previous to
this time, from July 1, 1897, until July 5, 1899, he served as deputy
oil inspector.
Mr. Hambitzer married, in 1882, at Hancock, Michigan, Emma
Nichols, a daughter of Stephen Nichols, a carpenter boss in Quincy,
Mich., and their two daughters, their only children, Blanche and
Mabel, are students in the Chicago Conservatory of Music. Fra-
ternally Mr. Hambitzer is a member of the Ancient Free and Ac-
cepted Order of Masons ; of the Knights of Pythias ; of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks; and of the Knights of the Maccabees.
Charles Briggs. — Calumet may well congratulate herself upon the
possession of men such as Charles Briggs, president of the Merchants'
& Miners' Bank, whose enlightened business methods and unswerving
civic loyalty have in large measure contributed to the high standing
which as a community this city enjoys. His presidency of the Mer-
chants' & Miners' Bank dates from the year 1873, when the bank was
organized. Mr. Briggs was born in Cincinnatus, Cortland county, New
York, the date of his birth being November 12, 1837. His forbears were
New Englanders, his father, Dr. Isaac Briggs, having been bom in
Plymouth, Massachusetts, while he is a direct descendant of the Aller-
ton family, whose annals have added to the interest and lustre of that
state.
When Charles Briggs was very young the family removed to Dry-
den, in Tompkins county. New York, and in order that he might en-
joy superior educational advantages, he was sent at the age of eight
years to Homer Academy, at Homer, New York. He pursued his studies
there for a number of years and when he was in his fourteenth year,
his uncle who operated a general store at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, of-
fered him a position as a clerk. This he accepted, remaining in such
capacity for nine years. The trend of his future activities was deter-
mined when he accepted a position as cashier in the Lake Geneva Bank,
which he held for one year, although this is not to say that he confined
himself to banking. Attracted by the possibilities afforded by the Up-
per Peninsula of Michigan, he removed to Rockland in Ontonagon
county and secured a position as bookkeeper in the general store of
S. D. North. The following year he found himself in financial position
to purchase a partnership in the concern, the name being changed to
North & Briggs. Remarkable success was the portion of the new firm,
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1513
this being, no doubt, in great part due to the unusual executive ability
of the junior partner. The next year the branch store was started at
the Quiney mine at Hancock and in 1868 they established a store at
Calumet, closing the Rockland store. In 1870, a third store was brought
into being at Lake Linden. Six years later the company was dissolved,
Mr. Briggs taking the store at Calumet, Mr. North that at Quiney Mine,
and the silent partner, AVilliam Harris, that at Lake Linden. Mr.
Briggs took into association Avith him H. K. Cole and they, under the
firm name of Briggs & Cole, enlarged the Hecla store. The partnership
which lasted for a number of years was dissolved in 1884, when Mr.
Cole withdrew, leaving I\Ir. Briggs sole proprietor. The business con-
tinued without change until the fall of 1908 when Mr. Briggs disposed
of the stock and retired from mercantile life.
Mr. Briggs was one of the principal organizers of the Calumet &
Arizona Mining Company and of Superior & Pittsburg Mining Com-
pany. He is president of both these companies and devotes most of his
time to their affairs; also president of the E. F. Sutton Company of
Lake Linden and president of the Calumet Gas Company. Mr. Briggs
has been president of all the above companies from their organization.
In 1879-80, he received the compliment of being sent as a member
to the ]\Iichigan legislature. He is the stanch friend of the cause of
education and for thirty years, from 1879 to 1909, has acted as trustee
of the school district of Calumet township. From 1891 to 1895 he was
president of the board and in the latter year assumed the position of
secretary, again president of the board from 1903 to 1909, declining
re-election to the board on account of his health. It is a matter of per-
sonal gratification to him that his district, (District No. 1) is without
doubt the largest township school district in the United States, in 1908
having 6,299 pupils enrolled, twenty school buildings, a general high
school, a manual training school and a staff of one hundred and eighty-
six teachers.
Mr. Briggs was married in 1865, at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Miss
Sarah E. Hanna becoming his wife. They have one son, Charles Edwin
Briggs, who is a practicing surgeon in Cleveland, Ohio. He is connected
with the Lakeside Hospital in that city and the Rainbow Hospital for
Children, and lectures at the medical college connected with Western
Reserve University.
Edward Pierce Lockart, M. D. — A well known physician and sur-
geon of Norway, Edward Pierce Lockart, M. D., has not only gamed
marked prestige in his profession, but is known as a progressive and
public spirited citizen, ever ready to do his part in advancing the
welfare of the community in which he lives. He was born, March 15,
1858, at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, being the third in direct line of
descent to bear the name.
His grandfather, Edward Pierce Lockart, the first, was born at
Glengarry, Scotland, of pure Scotch ancestry. Emigrating to Amer-
ica, he settled in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and there followed
his trade of a millwright the remainder of his life. One of his sons
subsequently migrated to Houston, Texas, and there bought a planta-
tion which he operated by slave labor until after the Civil war, when
his former slaves remained -with him, working the land on shares.
Edward Pierce Lockart, second, the doctor's father, was born, bred
and educated in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. Going to Wisconsin
when a young man, he located at Prairie du Chien, and for a time was
connected with the garrison at Fort Crawford, subsequently serving
1514 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN
as sheriff of Crawford county. After his marriage he moved to Chip-
pewa Falls, loeatiBg there when all of that part of Wisconsin was a
vast wilderness through which the Indians roamed. He put up a saw
mill, which he operated by horse power, and there he and his wife,
who was the only white woman within a radius of thirty miles, lived
the simple life for a time. Returning to Prairie du Chien, he was
there prosperously employed in the lumber business for a number of
years, after which he removed to Chicago, where he lived retired
until his death, at the age of seventy-seven years.
Edward Pierce Lockart, second, married Mrs. Esther Ann (Dand-
ley) Lester, who was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, a daughter of
Rev. Jesse and Sarah (Lane) Dandley, and widow of Robert Lester.
Her father was born, it is thought, on the Isle of Ardmore, Ireland, of
Scotch ancestry. Coming to this country, he settled in Pennsylvania,
where he became a local preacher in the Wesleyan Methodist church,
preaching in A'arious places. He was subsequently one of a colony
that migrated from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin, making the removal
with flat boats, via the Ohio and Mississippi river to Prairie du Chien,
each family taking a framed house as a part of its equipment. Taking
up his residence in Prairie du Chien, he and his wife there spent their
remaining years. Robert Lester was also a pioneer of that place, and
one of the first sheriffs of Crawford county. While acting in that
capacity, he was shot by an Indian while going down the Mississippi
river in a canoe. His widow married I\Ir. Lockart, as above stated.
Mr. Lockart was subsequently elected sheriff, and served several years.
His widow survived him a short time, passing away in Chicago at the
advanced age of seventy-eight years. She reared four children, all
by her marriage with Mr. Lockart, namely: Mary, Wilhelmina, Mar-
tha W., and Edward Pierce, third, the subject of this sketch.
After leaving the public schools of Prairie du Chien, Edward
Pierce Lockart, third, continued his studies at Beloit College, after
which he began the study of medicine with Dr. Darius Mason. He
afterwards attended lectures at the Iowa Medical College, and
in the spring of 1883 was graduated from the Columbia Medical Col-
lege with the degree of M. D. The following September Dr. Lockart
came to the Upper Peninsula, locating in Norway, where he has since
been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his profes-
sion. A few years after coming here, the doctor established a hospital,
which was later destroyed by the cave in. He then erected his present
hospital on Norway street. It is a commodious and substantial build-
ing, conveniently arranged, and fitted with all the most modern
equipments and appliances. In 1901 the Doctor opened a drug store
at his old location, and in 1909 removed to his present quarters, where
he has a well stocked, and a well patronized, drug store.
On October 23, 1902, Dr. Loekhart married Martha M. James, who
was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Her father, Ebenezer James, was
born in Philadelphia, of Quaker parents, and of English lineage, while
her mother, whose maiden name was Mary Fletcher, was a native of
Ohio. Dr. and Mrs. Lockart have three children, namely : Edward
Pierce, fourth ; Martha ; and Esther. The doctor is prominent in med-
ical organizations, belonging to the American Medical Society ; to the
Dickinson County Medical Society ; to the Michigan State Medical
Society; and to the Upper Peninsula Medical Society. Fraternally
he is a member of Norway Lodge, No. 362, F. & A. M. ; of Iron Moun-
tain Chapter, No. 121, R. A. IM. ; to Hugh McCurdy Commandery,
No. 43, K. T. ; and to Ahmed Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine, at
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1515
Marquette. Politically he is a straightforward Republican, and has
served as a member of the Board of Public Works, and as mayor of
the city.
GuSTAvus A. Blesch. — The efficient and popular cashier of the First
National Bank of ]\Ienominee has been a resident of this city since 1884
and he is a prominent figure in the financial circles of the Upper Penin-
sula, where he is known as an administrative officer of great ability
and perspicacity and where he holds a commanding position in popular
confidence and esteem. He has thoroughly identified himself with the
business and civic affairs of this section of the state, and his enterprise
and progressive ideas have been potent in advancing the social and
material upbuildng of the city in which he maintains his home. Here
his interests are of wide scope and importance and he is one of the hon-
ored and influential business men of Menominee. Gustavus A. Blesch
was born in the first frame building erected on the west side of the Fox
River at Fort Howard, Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the date of his
nativity was January 4th, 1859. He is a son of Francis and Antoinette
(Schneider) Blesch, sterling pioneers of the Badger state. The father
was born at historical old Bingen on the Rhine in 1834, and his death
occurred in 1879, at Fort Howard, Wisconsin. His wife was born in
the city of Brussels, Belgium, and still retains her home at Fort Howard,
a place hallowed to her by the memories and associations of many
years. Her marriage to Mr. Blesch was solemnized in the state of Penn-
sylvania. Of the six children of this union, three are now living, —
Clara, who is the wife of Charles AV. Monroe, a representative member
of the bar of the city of Chicago ; Gustavus A., who is the immediate
subject of this sketch; and Frank T., who is a successful business man
of Green Bay, Wisconsin. The father was reared and educated in his
native land and as a young man he came to America, making the voy-
age on a sailing vessel and landing in the port of New York city.
Thence he made his way to Pennsylvania, where he resided for a short
time, within which he met the young woman who later became his wife.
In 1848 he came to the West and located at Fort Howard, Wisconsin.
In 1850 he returned to Pennsylvania, where his marriage was sol-
emnized in that year. He forthwith came with his bride to his home in
Fort Howard, Wisconsin, where he had established himself in the work
of his trade, that of cooper. Later he erected and equipped the first
brewery in that village, and the same was one of the first built in the
the entire state. He successfully conducted this institution until 1875,
when he disposed of the property and business, after which he devoted
the remainder of his active career to agricultural pursuits. In politics
he was independent.
Gusta^Tis A. Blesch secured his early educational discipline in the
public schools of his native town and at the age of fifteen years he se-
cured the position of office boy in the Kellogg National Bank of Green
Bay, Wisconsin, in which institution he won promotion through faith-
ful and efficient service and in which he became teller when but twenty
years of age. He retained this office until the 18th of August, 1884,
when he came to Menominee, Michigan, and effected the organization
of the First National Bank, in the promotion of which he enlisted the
support of representative capitalists and business men and the new
banking house opened its doors for business on the 20th of November of
that year. He has been cashier of this bank throughout the entire
period of its existence, and it is uniformly conceded that much of its
success is due to his able management of its affairs. The Fii-st National
1516 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Bank of ]\Ienominee was originally incorporated with a capital stock of
fifty thousand dollars and in 1890 this was increased to one hundred
thousand dollars. On the 1st of October, 1904, came further evidence
of the splendid success of the institution, when its capital stock was in-
creased to the noteworthy amount of two hundred thousand dollars.
The bank is one of the strongest and best known in the Upper Peninsula
and its annual transactions represent more than fifty million dollars.
It first occupied quarters in the Stephenson hotel block, where the busi-
ness was continued until May 3, 1909, when the bank was moved to its
present splendid building, one of the finest structures erected for this
purpose in the northwest. Mr. Blesch is recognized as a particularly
discriminating and able financier, and his services in connection with
the bank of which he is cashier have inured not only to the upbuilding
of its substantial business but also to the commercial and' industrial
prestige of the city in which it is located. He is treasurer of the Menom-
inee River Sugar Company, which has an extensive modern plant for
the manufacture of beet sugar in Menominee ; is president of the Menom-
inee Brick Company ; vice-president of the Menominee-Marinette Light
& Traction Company, and is treasurer of the Peninsula Land Company.
Besides which he is interested financially and in an executive capacity
with various other enterprises which tend to conserve the advancement
and prosperity of his home city and state. In politics he accords a
stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and though he has never
had aught of desire for political preferment, he has shown a loyal in-
terest in public affairs, especially those of a local nature. He is at
present president of the board of education of Menominee, this being
the only public office in which he has consented to serve. In the Ma-
sonic fraternity his affiliations are with Menominee Lodge, No. 269,
Free & Accepted Masons; Menominee Chapter, No. 107, Knights Tem-
plar ; Ahmed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, in the city of Marquette. His church relations are with the
Baptist denomination.
On the 15th of February, 1893, Mr. Blesch was united in marriage
to Miss Bertha Grant Walton, who was born at Bloomington, Illinois,
where her marriage was solemnized. Her parents, John T. and Susan
E. (Kitchell) Walton, still reside in that city, where the father has
lived virtually retired for the past twenty years, after having been a
successful manufacturer of plows. Mr. and Mrs. Blesch have one son, —
Francis Walton, who was born on the 10th of April, 1897, and is now
attending the public schools of Menominee.
William J. Vivian. — One of the representative citizens of Houghton
county is he whose name initiates this review and in this compilation
there is further propriety in according to him consideration by reason
of the fact that he is a native son of the LTpper Peninsula and a scion of
one of its sterling pioneer families. He resides in the city of Houghton,
where he is giving his supervision to his varied business and property
interests.
William J. Vivian was born at Copper Falls, Keweenaw county,
Michigan, on the 10th of January, 1858, and is a son of Johnson and
Elizabeth (Simmons) Vivian. On other pages of this work is incor-
porated a sketch of the career of his honored father so that repetition of
the data in the present connection is not deemed necessary. Mr. Vivian
is indebted to the public schools of Copper Falls and Hancock for his
early educational discipline and after leaving the public schools he was
employed for a time as a machinist at the Franklin mine at Hancock.
(2___ -^T^vn^-j^-^W^^A-^'^-Tn^^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1517
He then entered the University of Michigan where he continued his
educational work for one year. After leaving the university he was em-
ploj-ed in the Franklin Mills as machinist until 1879. In 1880 he as-
sumed charge of the Pewabic Stamp Mills of which he was superintendent
for three years, after which he had charge of the ]Michigamme mines
for one year. After leaving this position he had charge of the machinery
of the stamp mills at Huron mine for the Isle Royale Company, an
incumbency which he retained for three years. Thereafter he was em-
ployed in turn by Kleaves & Sons, owners and operators of a foundry
and machine shop at Hancock, and by the Carroll Brothers, engaged in
the same line of enterprise at Houghton. He resigned this position in
1903 and has since given his time and attention to his private business
interests. Mr. Vivian is a stanch Republican in his political proclivities
and takes a deep interest in public affaire of a local nature, although he
has never sought or held office. He has a large and attractive modern
residence on College Avenue, East Houghton and the same is the center
of most generous hospitality. He is identified with various social or-
ganizations and both he and his wife are communicants of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
On the 14th of July, 1886, Mr. Vivian was united in marriage to
Miss Jennie DeFoe, who was born in the city of Detroit, this state, and
who is a daughter of the late James DeFoe, who was for many years
engaged in mercantile pursuits in the Michigan metropolis, w^here he was
a citizen of prominence and influence. Mr. and j\Irs. Vivian are the
parents of three children : Ellen, who is the wife of Charles H. Moss,
cashier of the Citizens' National Bank, at Houghton; H. Daisy, who is
a student in the Houghton high school ; and Florence, who is also a
student of the Houghton high school.
C. Frithiop Larson, M. D., a skillful and able physician and surgeon,
and an enthusiastic worker in the medical profession, is one of the
leading practitioners of the Upper Peninsula, and not only has a large
private patronage at Crystal Falls, but is at the head of one of the best
managed hospitals of this section of Iron county. A son of Fredrik
Larson, he was born June 13, 1861, in Sodermanland, where he spent
his early life, being descended from a family, mostly farmers, who
trace their ancestry back in a direct line to the seventeenth century.
Fredrik Larson was a man of prominence in his community, and
served in various official capacities in Sodermanland, for several years
being chairman of the county jury, a position that he was filling at the
time of his death, in 1889. To him and his wife, whose maiden name
was Charlotte Anderson, four children were born as follows : Hilda,
wife of an officer in the Swedish army; C. Frithiof, the subject of the
sketch ; Arvid, engaged in farming in Sweden ; and Axel F., superin-
tendent of the Marquette Piano Works.
Laying a substantial foundation for his future education in the
public schools of Sodermanland, C. Frithiof Larson subsequently pur-
sued his studies in the Government College at Nykoping, where he
was graduated with the degree of B. S. He then attended the University
at Upsala two years, adding much to his knowledge of literature, art and
science, as well as pursuing his study of medicine.
The father having sustained severe financial losses, our subject con-
cluded to carve out his own future, and came to America in 1882. Mr.
Larson obtained employment in the Central Traffic Association, where
he advanced to the position of chief clerk in the report department, re-
maining until 1886, in which year he decided to finish his medical
1518 THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
studies. In 1888 he was graduated from Rush Medical College with
the degree of M. D., taking three prizes and one honorable mention for
his graduation essaj^s, and immediately thereafter began the practice
of his profession in Chicago. Going to Sweden the following year, Dr.
Larson spent several months practicing at various hospitals. Return-
ing to Chicago, he remained in that city until 1891, and during his stay
took a prominent part in the social life of the Swedish-American set.
He was one of the organizers of the celebrated Swedish Glee Club. He
also organized the first Swedish Gymnastic society in Chicago.
In 1891 Dr. Larson located at Iron Mountain, Dickinson county,
Michigan, where, with the exception of two years, from 1894 to 1896,
spent at Marinette, Wisconsin, he remained until 1899. Coming then
to Crystal Falls as physician for the Bristol Mining Company, he has
been in active practice here ever since, his skill and wisdom winning
him an extensive and lucrative practice. The Doctor is now surgeon
for the Chicago, ^Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, and is also
city and county physician, and while living at Iron Mountain was
health officer and member and secretary of the local school board.
Dr. Larson married in Chicago September 15, 1888, Emma Seaberg,
who was born in Sweden, a daughter of Carl Seaberg, and they are the
parents of three children, namely : Herbert, a student in Armour Insti-
tute of Technology, at Chicago; Bertil at Beloit College; and Evert.
The Doctor is president of the Iron and Dickinson Counties IMedical
Societies; member of the Michigan State Medical Society; of the Ameri-
can Medical Association ; and of the American Association of Railway
Surgeons. He is a staunch Republican, and in 1898 was elected chair-
man of the Dickinson county Republican committee. Fraternally he
belongs to Crystal Falls Lodge No. 385, F. & A. M. ; to Crystal Falls
Chapter No. 129, R. A. I\I. ; to the Detroit Consistory, and to various
other fraternal organizations. The Doctor and Mrs. Larson were reared
in the Lutheran faith, but now attend the Episcopalian church.
Rev. B. J. P. ScHEVERS is one of the efficient laborers in the cause
of Christianity in the Northern Peninsula, the pastor of St. Francis de
Sales Church at ^Manistique. He was born in Holland on the 7th of
February, 1874, and he spent his boyhood days in the land of his birth
and received his early educational training there. At the age of seven-
teen he entered St. Norbert's Convent at Heeswyk, Holland, made his
novitiate in Belgium, and returning to Holland, he was ordained to the
ministry in 1897. In the following year he came to America and entered
upon a pa.storate at the Catholic Church at Tonet, Wisconsin, which con-
tinued for a period of ten years. On the 15th of September, 1908, he
came to Manistique and entered upon his successful pastorate at St.
Francis de Sales Church, which he remodeled and enlarged by a two
hundred and sixty additional seating capacity. His parish consists of
families of many different nationalities and in connection with his
church is a parochial school numbering two hundred and sixty pupils,
with five teachers in attendance. For two years he was assisted in his
ministerial work by the Rev. A. A. Vissers, who had charge of the
missions, twelve in number, extending all the way from ^Manistique to
Trout Lake. Rev. Father Vissers was born at Green Bay, Wisconsin,
and he proves to be an able, zealous priest. He has recently been ap-
pointed paster of Oneida, Wisconsin, and his successor. Father Y. Savo-
geau, is an energetic young man. He was born in DePere, Wisconsin,
and belongs to the same order as Father Schevers.
While laboring as a pastor in Wisconsin, Rev. Father Schevers had
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1519
several charges in addition to the one at Tonet ; including the Champion
and Walhain Congregations. He was very successful in his work there,
adding many new families to the church membership. \t Touet he
built a splendid new parsonage and at Champion he remodeled and
decorated the church. He is earnest and sincere in his presentation of
the truth and his efforts have been wonderfully blessed.
Anton O'DilIj. — Noteworthy among the pioneer settlers of Norway
is Anton O'Dill, a successful agriculturist and a well known business
man, who has lived in this vicinity for upwards of thirty years, and who,
in 1878, established the first place of business in Norway, it having been
a shop in which he manufactured shoes. He was born, December 7,
1850, in Luxemburg, Germany, which was the birthplace of his father,
Peter O'Dill, whose ancestors as far back as can be traced were Germans.
As a young man Peter O'Dill learned the shoemaker's trade, which
he followed for many years. He accumulated some property, and dur-
ing the later years of his life was engaged in tilling the soil. He mar-
ried ]\Iary Robinette, a life-long resident of Luxemburg, and they reared
six children, as follows: Susie, Anton, Dominique, John, Henry, and
Margaretta. Susie, Dominique and John remained in their native land,
the others settling in the United States. Henry, for many years a resi-
dent of Cleveland, Ohio, now lives in Illinois. Margaretta is the wife of
Nicholas Resher, of Escanaba, Michigan.
Acquiring a practical education in the public schools of Luxemburg,
Anton O'Dill subsequently learned the shoemaker's trade under his
father's instruction, remaining at the bench until attaining his majority.
Immigrating then to the United States, he spent a few months in Wiscon-
sin, from there coming to Marquette, Michigan, where he followed his
trade for awhile. He subsequently worked on a farm two summers,
being afterwards employed in mining at the Republic Mine, in ]\Iarquette
county. Coming to the Menominee Range in 1877, Mr. O'Dill was one
of a party sent to explore on section 6, township 39-29, being thus em-
ployed from June until October. The present site of Norway was then .
a pathless forest, the railroad extending only as far as the locality now
known as Cedar, while in Quinnesec the only buildings were three houses
in process of construction. Returning to IMarquette county, Mr. O'Dill
continued there as a miner until July, 1878, when he came back to the
Range, and for a time engaged in mining at Vulcan. He then estab-
lished a shoe shop at Norway, it being the pioneer business house of the
place, and here followed his trade until 1882. Mr. O'Dill made then a
complete change of occupation, opening a dispensary, which he conducted
successfully until 1894. In the meantime he had purchased a large tract
of land within the city limits, and was carrying on general farming with
good results. In 1896 he began the manufacture of temperance bever-
ages, an industry which he has since continued in addition to his agri-
cultural labors.
Mr. O'Dill has been twice married. He married first, in 1881, Ger-
trude Cohn, who was born in Marquette, Michigan, a daughter of Conrad
Cohn, a native of Germany. She died in 1882, leaving one child, Frank
O'Dill. Mr. O'Dill married second, in 1884, Lizzie Bueholtz, who was
born in Luxemburg, Germany, and to them six children have been born,
namely : Annie, Ida, Henry, Joseph, Rosa, and Johnnie. Religiously
Mr. and Mrs. O'Dill are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Hon. William R. Oates. — Accounted as one of the foremost citizens
of Laurium, Hon. William R. Oates is widely known as one of the
Vol, III— 2 9
1520 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
brightest young lawyers in the Upper Peninsula, and as an active and
influential member of the State Legislature. A native of England, he
was born July 16, 1878, at New Quay, County Cornwall.
His father, Richard Oates, emigrated with his family to the United
States about 1891, coming directly, to the mining regions of the Upper
Peninsula.
Thirteen years of age when he came with his parents to IMichigan,
William R. dates continued his studies in the public schools of Calumet.
Deciding to prepare himself for the legal profession, he entered the law
department of the University of Michigan in 1896, and three years later,
in 1899 commenced the practice of law at Calumet.
Mr. Oates is interested in many of the leading enterprises of
Houghton county, and is a director of the First National Bank of Lau-
rium. He is secretary and counsel for the Wolverine & Arizona Mining
Company, which has mining properties in Bisbee, Arizona, and head-
quarters in Calumet. This corporation is already well estalalished, and
gives rich promise of yielding valuable returns.
Also holding in high regard the duties of citizenship, Mr. Oates has
cheerfully accepted the responsibilities of a public official and was for
six terms village attorney of Laurium. The Republican nominee for
Representative to the State Legislature in 1908, he was elected, and
served during the sessions of 1909 and 1910. An influential member of
that body of legislators, he was chosen as a member of several important
committees, being a member of the Judiciary Committee, and proving
himself at all times a faithful and wise representative of his district.
Politically a stanch Republican, Mr. Oates is a tireless and energetic
worker, and as an intelligent and fluent speaker is influential in party
campaigns, stumping the state. Fraternally Mr. Oates is a member of
Hecla Lodge, No. 90, I. 0. O. F., and of Elk's Lodge, No. 404, B. P. O.
E. He belongs to the Sons of Saint George, and to the Kappa Sigma
Fraternity.
Frank H. Atkins, of Eseanaba, Michigan, is entitled to be ranked
as the pioneer merchant of the town, he having been in business here
continuously longer than any other merchant. Mr. Atkins was born in
Dodge county, Wisconsin, October 1, 1854, son of Samuel and Elizabeth
(Bishop) Atkins, and of English descent, with a strain of Scotch blood
in the maternal ancestry. His grandfather, Sheldon Atkins, was born
in England. About 1848, he moved from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin
and settled in Fond du Lac county, where he engaged in farming. On
this removal he was accompanied by his son Samuel, who remained with
him until his death, which was about 1860. Samuel Atkins then took
up his residence in Dodge county. He was a carpenter and builder and
worked at that trade for years. During the Civil war he served two
years in the Union army. He is now a resident of Eseanaba. His wife,
a native of Ohio, came west with her parents to Dodge county, Wisconsin,
the same year the Atkins family settled there. She died in 1908, at a
good old age. Samuel and Elizabeth Atkins were the parents of five
children, three sons and two daughters, all living at this writing.
In this family Frank H. is the eldest. His boyhood days were spent
in his native place. March 9, 1871, he left the parental home and came
to the Northern Peninsula of Michigan, his first work here being as a
mining clerk. After spending about three years as clerk for a mining
company, he came to Eseanaba and took charge of the Eseanaba General
Store. That was April 1, 1874. In 1876 he engaged in business for
himself, wliich he has since continued. Thus his identity with the Upper
Peninsula covers a period of nearly forty years.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1521
Mr. Atkins has always been active in local politics and several years
ago filled minor offices. From 1878 to '79 he was clerk of the village.
Also he served three terras as a member of the County Board of Super-
visors.
July 22, 1879, Mr. Atkins married, in Eseanaba, Miss Elizabeth Ells-
worth, a native of Wisconsin, and daughter of Albert Ellsworth. They
have four sons and one daughter, Samuel, Robert, Elsa, Horace and
Francis. The eldest son, Samuel, is a resident of Duluth, Minnesota,
with the Oliver Iron and Mining Company.
Mr. Atkins has for years been active in Masonic work. He is past
master of Delta Lodge and is a past commander. The Chapter and Com-
mandery degrees were conferred upon him at Menominee, where he is
well known and held in high esteem by the fraternity. The family are
members of the Presbyterian church.
William Henry Thielman, of the firm of Armstrong-Thielman, lum-
ber dealers, is prominent in many circles and in many walks of life,
civic, industrial. Masonic, and others, and may be counted as a repre-
sentative citizen of Calumet. The industry with Avhieh he is con-
nected operates at Hubbell, Calumet and Hancock. Mr. Thielman was
born in Detroit, Michigan, July 12, 1866, his father, Christopher Thiel-
man, having east his fortunes with the copper region in 1858. Tracing
his ancestry back a matter of two generations we find that French
blood flows in his veins, his grandfather having been a native of France
who was killed while fighting under Napoleon against the Russians.
Mr. Thielman was raised at Rockland, Ontonagon county, where he
attended school. He early felt the responsibilities of life, for from
his tenth year he worked around the mines throughout the summer
months, his first employment being picking out small pieces of copper
ore from the rock pile.
When ]Mr. Thielman reached his thirteenth year all thought of
schooling had to be abandoned, for the family fortunes were at low
ebb, his father having lost his hard-earned savings through an unfortu-
nate endorsement. For the next two years he drove a team which
hauled wood to the mines and then entered upon an apprenticeship to
a carpenter. At the conclusion of the summer he started out for him-
self, and his first stop was at Duluth, where unable to find work at his
trade, he went to work loading lumber on vessels. In the fall he set
forth for the lumber camps of Cloquet, Wisconsin, where he found
employment until the next spring. As he was young and spirited and
felt sure now of his ability to earn his bread and butter in any sur-
roundings, he decided to drift about for awhile in quest of adventure,
which, it may be added, he found. He tarried a time in the Black
Hills and went to the Pacific where he tried gold pi-ospecting. He re-
turned to the copper country and for the next three years worked as
a carpenter at the Copper Falls mine in Keweenaw county. Growing
dissatisfied he went back to Montana, but .stayed only a short time,
being glad to return to Michigan. He w^orked at the copper smelters
at Lake Linden and then made a more ambitious venture at independ-
ence, starting a contracting business at South Lake Linden under the
Arm name of Kimball & Thielman. This continued for four years, and
for three winters during this time he attended the Academy of Archi-
tecture and Building at St. Louis. Missouri, and business college at
Valparaiso, Indiana. Another incident in this time was a trip to Dal-
las, Texas, where he assisted in starting a sash and blind factory. His
present business was established in 1891, when he formed a partnership
1522 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
with Thomas W. Armstrong under the firm name of the Armstrong-
Thielman Lumber Company, with yards at the three places previously
mentioned.
Mr. Thielman is vice-president of the State Savings Bank at Lau-
rium and was honored to appointment upon the staff of Governor
Warner. He stands high in Masonry, belonging to Montrose Com-
mandery, Knights Templar, of Calumet, and to Ahmed Temple of the
Mystic Shrine at jMarquette.
' Mr. Thielman is a Spanish-American war veteran, as first lieuten-
ant of Company D, Thirty-fourth i^Iiehigan Volunteers, having served
throughout the' conflict and seen some of the hardest fighting. The
Thirty-fourth IMiehigan is one of the regiments whicli won distinction
at Santiago. Prior to this date he belonged to the state militia, en-
listing as a private in Company D, Fifth Infantry, Calumet Light
Guard, and was promoted to second lieutenant. His was one of the
companies called out at the time of miners' strikes at Ironwood and
Ishpeming.
Mr. Thielman 's wife was. before her marriage. Miss Margaret M.
Grierson, of Calumet, daughter of James Grierson, a well-known citi-
zen. Their union was celebrated in 1900. They have three children:
Margaret Elise, William Grierson and Robert C.
William Webster. — Conspicuous among the citizens whom Sault
Ste. Marie has been called upon to mourn during the past few years,
none stood higher in the hearts of the people, or will be more genuinely
missed, than AVilliam AYebster. a lawyer of note, and a man of energy,
public spirit, rare ability and faultless integrity. A native of Ontario,
he was born February 10, 1863, at St. Helens, Huron county, and on
February 25, 1908, while yet in the very midst of life's most useful and
honorable activities, he was called from the scenes of his earthly en-
deavors, his death occurring at nine o'clock in the evening, at his home
on Chandler Heights.
Coming with his parents from Goderieh, Ontario, to Sault Ste. Marie
in 1877, AYilliam Webster took advantage of such opportunities as oc-
curred for advancing his education, but was unable to attend school regu-
larly, being forced to work, his first employment in the "Soo" ha^ang
been that of driving a mule during the building of the old waterpower
canal. He was afterwards clerk in the mercantile house of C. W. Givens
for awhile, later being in the employ of C. H. Pease imtil 1886. Embark-
ing then in business on his own account, he was for two years junior
member of the dry goods firm of Tubbs & Webster. In 1888 Mr. Webster
was elected county clerk by a majority of five hundred and thirty-eight
votes, and served in this capacity until 1896, at each succeeding election
receiving an increased majority of the votes cast, his majority in 1894
having been 1,152.
While thus employed, Air. Webster made excellent use of his leisure
time by preparing himself for the legal profession, and in September,
1893, was admitted to the Aliehigan bar. In 1895 he became associated
with H. AI. Oren, then attorney general, and Air. Aloore, under the firm
name of Oren, AYebster & Aloore. The junior member retiring, he after-
wards continued with Air. Oren, the firm name being Oren & AYebster,
and from that time until his death was one of the leading attorneys of
the city, winning professional prestige by reason of his ability and his
devotion to his chosen work.
Prominent in local affairs. Air. AYebster served as chairman of the
Board of Supervisors for six years, and in 1897 was elected mayor of
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1523
Sault Ste. Marie, an office which he soon resigned in order to accept the
position of postmaster. In this capacity he served wisely and well until
January, 1908, just before receiving the fall that undoubtedly caused his
death, the fall affecting his spine and brain. Mr. Webster stood high
in the ]\Iasonie Order, being a member, and past master, of the blue
lodge ; a member and past high priest of the chapter, R. A. M. ; and a
member of the commandery, K. T. He was also a member of the Knights
of Pythias. In his political affiliations, Mr. Webster was an uncompro-
mising Republican, and for several years rendered his party excellent
service as chairman of the Republican County Committee.
Mr. Webster married August 27, 1889, Bertha F. Bateman, who was
bom in Mariposa, Victoria county, Ontario. Four children blessed the
union of Mr. and Mrs. AVebster, namely: Bertha J., Bessie B., William
W., and Joy. Mr. Webster had two brothers and two sisters living at
the time of his death, Andrew Webster of Port Arthur, Ontario ; George
Webster of Sault Ste. Marie ; Mrs. Margaret Given of Goderich, Ontario,
and Mrs. Matlock, of Greenland, Michigan.
John 0. von Zellen, M. D. — Well born, well brought up and well
educated, John 0. von Zellen, M. D., of Marquette, IMichigan, is devot-
ing all of his energy and enthusiasm to the practice of his chosen pro-
fession, and is widely known as one of the more skillful and successful
physicians of the Upper Peninsula. A son of Oscar von Zellen, he was
bom, June 3, 1877, in Arvon township, Baraga county, Michigan, being
a lineal descendant on the paternal side of Count Lovenheflen and on the
maternal side of General Steinboek.
Dr. Oloff, the paternal grandfather of Dr. von Zellen, emigrated with
his family to this country, and soon after assumed the present family
name. Having made a close study of the cause and treatment of diseases
in his native land, he brought to this country the advanced ideas that dis-
ease was infused into the human system by germs, microbes, and micro-
organisms, a theory now well underatood throughout the civilized world.
After practising medicine for a time in New York city, he moved to
Richmond, Virginia, where he remained until after the breaking out of
the Civil war, when he removed to IMiehigan, becoming one of the firet
white settlers of Baraga county. There he and his good wife spent their
remaining j^ears, his death occurring at the venerable age of ninety-three
years, and hers at the age of ninety-one years.
One of a family of four children, Oscar von Zellen was born in
Stockholm, Sweden, and came to this country with his parents when
young. Receiving excellent educational advantages, he began his active
career as a teacher in the schools of Arvon township, Baraga county,
Michigan, where he afterwards preached for a time. He was then in the
employ of Charles Hibberd & Sons, lumber manufacturers and dealers,
for a number of years. Taking up land then, he cleared and improved
a good homestead from the wilderness, and was actively and prosperously
engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1908, when he gave up active
labor and has since lived retired. He married Anna Fredrickson, a
native of Sweden, and they became the parents of eight children, as fol-
lows: John 0., the special subject of this sketch; Dr. W. A., a practising
physician at L'Anse. Michigan; Sigrid A., who was educated at the Uni-
versity, being graduated in pharmacy with the class of 1904, and in the
literary class of 1910 ; Olga S., a graduate of the literary department
of the University of Michigan, is now principal of a school in Arvon
township, Baraga county, Michigan ; Iver O., graduated from the engi-
neering depai*tment of the same university; and Ernest A., Winnifred
1524 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Laura, and Ebba May, all of whom were graduated from the Northern
Michigan State Normal School in 1910. Acquiring the rudiments of
his education in the public schools of Baraga county, John 0. von Zellen
attended Augustana College, at Rock Island, Illinois, and in July, 1898,
was graduated from the medical department of the University of Michi-
gan, at Ann Arbor. Beginning the practice of his profession at L'Anse,
he remained there until 1907, meeting with good success, for five years
of the time being government physician and likewise county physician
for Baraga county. Locating in J\Iarciuette on January 1, 1907, Dr. von
Zellen has here built up an excellent patronage, his skill and professional
ability being respected and appreciated. The Doctor is a Republican in
politics, and is a member of the Ancient and Accepted Order of Free
Masons ; of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; of the Knights of
Pythias, and of other beneficial organizations.
Ira C. Jennings has a large and lucrative practice in Escanaba and
the Northern Peninsula, and as an active participant in public affairs
has filled various offices of trust and leadership. A son of C. M. and
Lucy (Tumey) Jennings, he was born at Jackson, Michigan, July 19,
1864. His grandparents, Charles and Evelyn Jennings, were early set-
tlers of Ingham county. New York, and the father accompanied them to
Michigan as a young man in 1843.
C. M. Jennings was born, reared and educated in Ingham county,
and having begun his life as a farmer, continued in that occupation
and located in Eaton county, Michigan, where he was for many years
a man of much influence and prominence. For^ twelve years he was
probate judge of Eaton county, and long served as a supervisor of his
township. A firm Republican, he became active in political circles, and
was for some time chairman of the Republican county committee. His
wife, a native of Michigan, of pioneer descent, bore him three children :
— Ira C, the special subject of this biography; Herbert K., of Charlotte,
Michigan; and Antha, wife of Judge W. T. Potter, of Ishpeming, this
state.
Brought up in Eaton county, Ira C. Jennings acquired his prelimi-
nary education in the rural schools of his district, after which for two
years he attended the University of IMichigan. Then turning his at-
tention to the study of law, he entered the office of Huggett & Smith, at
Charlotte, and in 1888 was admitted to the Michigan bar. Immediately
locating in Escanaba, Mr. Jennings has been in constant practice here
since, and has not only gained a fine practice, but a high place in public
affairs. For six years he was prosecuting attorney of Delta county ; for
four years served as city attorney ; and for the past ten years he has been
United States Circuit Court Commissioner, now holding both the last
named position and the city attorneyship. In his polities, i\Ir. Jennings
is zealously Republican. He is financially interested in the Escanaba
Traction Company, of which he is attorney and is a director in the
State Savings Bank.
On November 12, 1890, Mr. Jennings was united in marriage with
May L. Foreman, a daughter of George Foreman, of Charlotte, ]\Iichi-
gan. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted
Order of Masons, and of the Knights of Pythias, and personally sustains
the high standards of moral conduct and brotherly spirit which those
orders inculcate.
Henry Opal. — Among Hubbell's substantial and influential citizens
must be numbered Henry Opal, president of the First National Bank
77/ <W^
v^'t^n^
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1525
and one of the leading merchants of the town. Mr. Opal, together with
M. E. O'Brien, were the organizers of the bank which came into being
on ]\Iarch 15, 1908. It began with a capital stock of twenty-five thou-
sand dollars, and a surplus reaching the same figure. Upon the election
of officers Mr. Opal became president; Joseph Ethier and D. R. McDon-
ald, vice-presidents ; and S. B. Crary, cashier. The bank building, which
is owned by the bank, is a good-looking brick structure, two stories in
height and modern in all its improvements. It is thirty-one by fifty
feet in dimensions.
Henry Opal is a native of Michigan, born in Keweenaw county Au-
gust 31, 1862. His parents were George E. and Sarah E. Opal. The
father was born in Germany in 1828. When quite young he followed the
example set by many of his associates and, breaking home ties, set sail
for America. He came on to Keweenaaw county and for some time was
employed in the mines. In 1855 he settled at Eagle River and devoted
his energies to the lumber business. His death occurred in 1872. Henry
Opal passed his early boyhood at Eagle River, and attended the common
schools, where he gained the rudiments of an education. He later went
to Madison, Wisconsin, and entered a select school, where his education
was completed. Returning to Keweenaw county, he was occupied for
the next three years operating a diamond drill used in prospecting for
copper for the Cliff Mining Company. At the end of this time he re-
moved to Lake Linden and for two years was in the employ of the Calu-
met & Hecla Mining Company.
Mr. Opal by the exercise of thrift and good management was able
in 1892 to start a small store in Hubbell from his savings. He was suc-
cessful and could soon boast an excellent patronage, and in 1907 he
erected a fine brick building, two stories in height, and well stocked with
general merchandise. The upper story is utilized as a public hall, where
conventions, dances and the like are held. This is known as Opal's Hall.
Although ]\Ir. Opal's two-fold interest keeps him very active, he finds
time to study public matters and to extend valuable support to all causes
likely to bring about the greatest good to the greatest number. In pol-
itics he is a Democrat, though independent in local matters.
On October 11, 1892, M. Opal laid the foundation of a congenial
life companionship by his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Thiell, daughter of
Jacob Thiell, one of the well-known pioneers of the Upper Peninsula.
Three sons and a daughter have been born to them, by name: Earl J.,
Henry E., Clayton G. and Ruth.
James McMahon, of Baraga, now serving as judge of probate, has
been a resident of Baraga cnunty for upwards of a quarter of a cen-
tuiy, during which time he has contributed towards the advancement
of its industrial interests ; been regardful of the public weal ; and has
gained for himself the reputation of one who deserves the confidence
and trust of his fellow-citizens. A son of the late Simon McMahon,
he was born, May 2, 1859, at Port Huron, St. Clair county, Michigan,
coming for generations back of Irish ancestry.
His grandparents, Michael and Catherine (Sheedy) McMahon,
life-long residents of the Emerald Isle, reared six children, four sons,
and two daughters. The daughters spent their lives in their native
country, but the four sons, Michael, Thomas, John, and Simon, emi-
grated to America, the three older boys locating permanently in
Broome county. New York.
Simon McMahon was born in the village of Ennis, county Clare,
1526 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Ireland, where he lived until eighteen years of age, when he emigrated
to this country, coming on a fast sailing vessel, and being but eighteen
days on the water. Landing in New York city in 1847, he soon secured
work on the New York & Erie Railroad, which was then in process of
construction. He continued at railroad employment several years, be-
coming an engineer, and being employed in that capacity on different
roads, and in different places. Coming to Michigan in 1869, he took
up a homestead claim in ^Midland county, and began his career as a
farmer. Succeeding well, he cleared a large part of his land, erected
substantial buildings, and was there prosperously employed as a tiller
of the soil until his death, September 2, 1882. The maiden name of
his wife was Johanna O'Rourke. She was born in the village of Bal-
lenaty, county Limerick, Ireland, a daughter of Daniel and (Kane)
O'Rourke. She came to America as a girl of twelve years, being thir-
teen weeks in crossing the ocean. Landing at Quebec, she spent five
years in Canada, subsequently going to New York state. She is now
living on the home farm, in Midland county, a bright and active
woman of seventy-three years. To her and her husband, ten children
were born, namely: Francis B. ; James, the subject of this sketch;
John ; Mary, deceased ; Ellen ; Kate, deceased ; Simon ; Thomas, de-
ceased; Nora; and Joseph.
As a boy and a youth, James McMahon attended the public schools,
in the meantime being well drilled in the various branches of general
farming. Beginning life as a wage-earner, he worked in the lumber
camps and in saw mills for a while, afterwards becoming a fireman
on the Pere Marquette Railroad, and later being employed in rafting
logs down the SaginaAv river. In 1884 he came to Baraga county, and
for a year was in the employ of the Nester estate. Embarking then
in business on his own account, Mr. McMahon opened a dispensary,
and also engaged in the lumber business, continuing in both lines of
industry until elected judge of probate, a position which he still holds.
]\Ir. ]\IcjMahon married, in 1886, Annie Auge, who was born in
Baraga, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Auge, natives, respectively,
of France and England. Eight children have blessed the union of
Mr. and IMrs. JleMahon, namely: James F., Thomas C, William,
Helen, Frank, Charles, Elizabeth, and IMartha. Mrs. IMcMahon passed
to the life beyond June 17, 1904.
Mr. Mc]\Iahon is an unswerving Republican in politics, and has
served as judge of probate since 1902, having been re-elected in 1904.
and in 1908. He is now clerk of the village of Baraga ; has been sec-
retary of the Baraga Board of Education the past fifteen years : and
has served as postmaster of Baraga for seven years.
Walfred a. von Zetlen, M. D. — Possessing in an eminent degree
the professional skill, knowledge and ability that commands success,
AValfred A. von Zetlen, M. D., of L'Anse, holds an assured position
among the active physicians of Baraga county, in his efforts to lessen the
burden and lengthen the period of human life meeting with due I'e-
ward. A son of Oscar von Zetlen, he was born in Baraga county, Michi-
gan. October 28, 1879. of Swedish stock.
His grandfather, Olof von Zetlen, was born, reared and married in
Sweden. Accompanied by his family he came to the United States dur-
ing the Civil war, and resided in Richmond, Virginia, until after its
close. Migrating then to the Upper Peninsula, he settled at Skanee,
Baraga county, where he purchased a tract of heavily timbered land,
\vl\ich lie at once began to clear and improve. Succeeding well, he sub-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1527
sequently spent the remainder of his life on his homestead, dying at the
age of ninety-two years. He married and reared five children, as fol-
lows: John, now living in New Zealand; Olive, Oscaria, Agnes and
Oscar.
The youngest member of the parental household, Oscar von Zetlen,
who was bom in Westergothland, Sweden, was a lad of thirteen years
when he came with his parents to this country. Beginning his school
life in Sweden, he subsequently continued his studies in America, ac-
quiring a good education, and subsequently teaching school for awhile
in Skanee, Michigan. He afterwards embarked in agricultural pur-
suits, engaging in farming and lumbering, but now devotes his entire
time and attention to the management of his farm, which is advan-
tageously located in Skanee. He married Anna Frederickson, who was
born in Ostergothland, Sweden, a daughter of John T. Frederickson,
who emigrated with his family to Michigan, bought land in Skanee, and
on the farm which he cleared from the wilderness spent his remaining
days. Mr. and Mrs. Oscar von Zetlen reared eight children, namely:
John, Walfred A., Sigrid, Olga, Iver, Ernest, AVinuifred, and Mary.
Completing the course of instruction in the public schools of Skanee,
Walfred A. von Zetlen continued his studies for three years at the
Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Turning, as a man of his
mental caliber naturally would, to a professional life, his choice led him
to take up the study of medicine. Entering therefore the Medical De-
partment of the University of Michigan, he was graduated from there,
with the degree of M. D., in 1900. Immediately locating in L'Anse,
Dr. von Zetlen has since been in active practice here since, and in addi-
tion to attending to his professional duties owns and operates a drug
store.
The doctor was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, and
fraternally is a member of L'Anse Camp, Modern Woodmen of America.
Luther C. Brewer. — Holding a place of note among the younger
generation of wide-awake, intelligent and enterprising men who are
devoting their best energies to the promotion of the mining interests
of the Upper Peninsula is Luther C. Brewer, of Ironwood, who has
been associated with the Newport Mining Company since beginning
his active career, when but eighteen years of age. He was born,
August 10, 1879, in Negaunee, Marquette county, Michigan, a son
of Captain George and Elizabeth M. (Smith) Brewer, of whom a
brief biographical sketch may be found on another page of this
volume. He is of pure English descent, his father, his grandfather,
John Brewer, Jr., and his ancestors as far back as he can trace his
lineage having been natives of county Cornwall, England.
A lad of scarce six years when his parents settled in Ironwood,
Luther C. Brewer acquired his education in its public schools, com-
pleting his studies in the high school. In 1897 he secured a posi-
tion as clerk with the Newport Mining Company, and in the fulfill-
ing of the various duties devolving upon him in that capacity exer-
cised such good judgment and tact that he was soon advanced from
a minor position to that of chief clerk, thence to cashier, and in
1908 was made superintendent of the mine. The Newport Mine, form-
erly known as the Iron King, is one of the largest and best equipped
of all the independent mines on the Upper Peninsula, yielding satis-
factory profits to the company.
Mr. Brewer married, September 28, 1901, Dora Oxnam, who was
born in Ontonagon, Michigan, a daughter of James W. and Alice
1528 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
(Riddle) Oxnam, of Ironwood. She, too, is of English descent, a
brief account of her parents and ancestors being found elsewhere
in this volume. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brewer,
Luther and Alice Elizabeth. A strong Republican in politics, Mr.
Brewer takes much interest in current events, although he has never
sought public office. Fraternally he belongs to Ironwood Lodge,
No. 389, F. & A. M.; to Minerva Chapter, R. A. M. ; and to Gogebic
Commandery, No. 46, K. T.
Captain George Brewer. — Thoroughly acquainted with every branch
of the mining industry, Captain George Brewer, of Ironwood, is an
able representative of the intelligent and energetic men Avho are so
wisely developing the resources of the Upper Peninsula, at the pres-
ent time being mine inspector for Gogebic county. One of the very
early settlers of this part of the state, he has witnessed its rapid
transformation from a howling wilderness to a well settled country,
flourishing towns and cities having usurped the place of the forest,
while mineral wealth of inestimable value has been revealed to the
courageous explorer. In this wonderful change, he has been an
active participant, laboring not only for his own interests but for
the welfare of the town and county. A native of England, he was
born, Julj' 23, 1842, in the parish of Saint Teath, county Cornwall,
which was the birthplace of his father, John BrcAver, and the life-
long home of his grandfather, George Brewer, who was engaged in
farming on the small estate which he owned and occupied.
Beginning as a boy to work in the mines, John Brewer was en-
gaged in mining pursuits in coimty Cornwall until his death, which
was caused by an accident at the mine, when he was but thirty-five
years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Ann Parsons,
was born in the parish of Saint Teath, the daughter of Moses Par-
sons, a farmer. She married for her second husband John May.
By her first marriage she reared three children, namely: John, now
a resident of Pennsylvania ; George, the special subject of this brief
sketch; and Moses, who died in Australia. Of her second marriage
six children were born, one of whom emigrated to America, Frederick
William May, now living in Ironwood.
Very young when his father died, George Brewer began as a boy
to assist in the support of the family, until seventeen years old being
variously employed. Taking up then the pick and shovel, he worked
in the mines about seven years in his native county, but was scarce
satisfied with his pecuniary profits. Deciding, therefore, to try life
in a new place, he emigrated to America about 1866, and for three
years worked at the Bruce Mine, in the province of Ontario, Canada.
Coming in 1869 from there to Michigan, he continued his labors at
the mine in Ishpeming for another three years. Going then to
Negaunee, he was employed for a time at the Jackson Mine, after
which he had charge of the South Jackson Mine for ten years, the
ensuing year serving as captain at the Peninsula Mine in Houghton.
Returning to Negaunee, JMr. Brewer was captain at the Rolling Mill
Mine imtil the spring of 1885, when it closed. In Jiine, 1885, as cap-
tain, he came to the Gogebic Range to open the Aurora ]\Iine, which
was located in the midst of dense woods. The rails had at that time
been laid as far as Hurley, and workmen was busy ballasting the
road, getting it ready to run trains. The town site of Ironwood was a
wilderness, giving, even to the optimist, little promise of its present
prosperous condition. A few months later, Captain Brewer was joined
CHIPPEWA COUNTY INFIRMARY
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1529
by his family, and has since continued his residence here, in the mean-
lime contributing his quota towards the development and improve-
ment of the community, being ever a willing and effective supporter
of any plan calculated to benefit the general public. For seven years
he was captain at the Aurora Mine, then resigned the position, and
for several years was engaged in the furniture business. Disposing
of that, he was deputy mine inspector until 1907, when he was elected
mine inspector for Gogebic county, and has since retained the po-
sition.
Captain Brewer married, in 1865, Mary Ann Daw, who was born in
the parish of Linkinhorne, county Cornwall, England, a daughter of
James and Johanna (Bowden) Daw. She died in 1872, leaving one
son, Fred Brewer. The Captain married for his second wife Eliza-
beth ]\Iary Smith, who was born in South Hill parish, county Corn-
wall, England, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Secomb) Smith,
and to them three children have been born, Luther, Roscoe and Edith.
True to the religious faith in which they were reared, the Captain and
Mrs. Brewer attend the Episcopal church. Politically Captain
Brewer is identified with the Republican party, and for a number of
years served as a member of the city council, at the present time being
a member of the Ironwood Board of Education. Fraternally he be-
longs to Ironwood Lodge, No. 389, F. & A. M. ; to Bessemer Chapter,
No. 122, R. A. M.: to Gogebic Commandery, No.' 46, K. T. ; and to
Ahmed Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine, at Marquette.
John B. McDermid, superintendent of the County Farm and Asy-
lum for Poor, which is located at Sault Ste. Marie, is a man of promi-
nence among the countj' officials, possessing the discretion, trustworthi-
ness and force of character requisite for the responsible position he now
holds. A native of Canada, he was born December 19, 1869, in Bruce
county.
His father, Daniel McDermid, was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in
181-4, and was brought up and educated in his native land. He married,
in Roxburghshire, Scotland, Elizabeth Ballentyne, whose birth occurred
in that shire in 1824. Soon after their marriage they emigrated to
Canada, crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel, and being six weeks en
route. Locating in Bruce county, he bought land, built a log house,
and in the course of a comparatively few years reclaimed a farm from
the wilderness. Wishing to give his sons all possible advantages for
starting in life, he moved with his family to Chippewa county, Michigan,
in 1884, and having taken up a homestead claim in Pickford township
was here a resident until his death, in April, 1888. He was quite suc-
cessful in business, owning in addition to his IMichigan property tracts
of lumber in Canada. He was highly respected as a citizen, and in
politics was a Republican. His wife survived him, passing away in the
spring of 1909. Of the six children born of their union, three are living,
as follows : Jane, wife of James Reid, of Langdon, North Dakota ; Jessie,
wife of John Walker, of Pickford, Michigan, and John B., the subject
of this sketch.
Choosing the independent occupation to which he was reared, John
B. McDennid began life for himself at the age of twenty-one years by
buying land in Pickford township, ^Michigan, where he engaged in gen-
eral farming and stock raising. He began on a modest scale, first clear-
ing a space in which he erected a log cabin for himself and bride, and
ere long the ringing strokes of his axe could be heard as he leveled the
giant trees. Laboring with energy and perseverance, he succeeded in
1530 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
clearing and improving a good farm, placing a large part of his one
hundred acres of land under cultivation, and in 1900 erected a mod-
ernlj^-built frame house as a dwelling.
A man of acknowledged ability and intelligence, ]\Ir. McDermid be-
came active in local affairs when young, and in 1893 was elected com-
missioner of highways, an office which he held the ensuing four years.
Elected township clerk in 1897, he served five years in that capacity,
and in 1903 w-as made township supervisor. Resigning that office in 1908,
Mr. ]\IeDermid was elected superintendent of the County Farm of Chip-
pewa county, a position which he is filling most acceptably to all
concerned.
Mr. McDermid married ^Margaret Hannah, who was bom in Pick-
ford, Michigan, and has spent her entire life in Chippew^a county. Her
father, AVilliam Hannah, was born in Scotland, and as a young man
emigrated to Canada, where he followed his trade of a carpenter, and
was also employed as a tiller of the soil. About 188-1 he came with his
family to Chippewa county, Michigan, purchased a farm in Pickford
township, and was there a resident until his death in 1888. He mar-
ried Jeanette Neilans, a native of Scotland, and she survived him,
dying in 1906, leaving eight children, of whom I\Irs. McDermid is the
third child in order of birth. Five children have been born to j\Ir. and
Mrs. McDermid, namely: Bertha, Adia, Eva, Jewel, and J. Blaine.
Politically ]\Ir. ^IcDermid supports the principles of the Republican
party by voice and vote. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows ; of the Knights of Pythias, and of the L. 0. L.
Religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian church.
George Hall, one of Houghton county's prominent contractors,
has for many years been identified with its affairs as a progressive and
public-spirited citizen. He is capable of handling vast forces in the way
of men and matter and his contracting enterprises are frequently of
large proportions, including mining railroads, the excavation of streets
and the like. In addition Mr. Hall is a stockholder and director in the
First National Bank of Laurium ; director of the Calumet ^Mutual Fire
Insurance Company; president of the Calumet Brewing Company; and
is the o-ttTier of a fine six-hundred-acre farm in Schoolcraft to^^'nship,
Houghton county. He is a man of undeniable influence, w^hieh he exerts
in the best way possible and his opinions receive the consideration of
his associates.
George Hall is a Canadian by birth, having been born in the province
of Quebec, in 1819. His parents were Robei't and Jane A. Bagley Hall, of
the province of Ontario. In 1875, when he was about sixteen years of
age, he came to Houghton county, Michigan, and during his first winter
here made his livelihood by driving a team. He then went to Osceola and
woi'ked for his brother-in-law, John Bagley, contracting for the Osceola
^Mining Company. When he was still quite young he took steps to estab-
lish himself in business independently and did general contracting, rail-
road mining and grading at various mines. He proved himself to be
thoroughly fitted for enterprises of this character and has enjoyed great
success. He has gradually increased his equipment and at times employs
as many as one hundred and seventy-five men with teams. He has done
much building and repairing for the Mineral Range and other railroads ;
built the i\Iohawk Railroad for the I\Iohawk ^Mining Company in the
summer of 1900, the line extending from the mine to Traverse Bay, a
distance of twelve miles ; and for a number of years has been engaged
on the Copper Range with contracts for the Tamarack Mining Company.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1531
Mr. Hall also engages extensively in the lumber business, taking out
timber fi'om Houghton and Keweenaw counties, and for a number of
years he has furnished timber for the Wolverine ]\Iining Company.
As previously mentioned ^Ir. Hall is president of the Calumet Brew-
ing Company, having served in this capacity since its organization in
1899. He has large investments of real estate in the vicinity of Calumet
and at Laurium, in addition to his fine agricultural holdings. His pres-
ent fine lesidence in Laurium was erected in 1910, or rather he began
its occupation in March of that year, and it is modern in appointment
and handsome in appearance. Mr. Hall lived for a number of years at
Wolverine. He subscribes to the principles and policies of the Repub-
lican party, and holds membership in Lodge No. 1247, j\Iodein Woodmen
of America, of Calumet. Denominationally Mr. Hall and his family are
Methodist Episcopal and attend the church at Kearsarge.
i\Ir. Hall's wife was Miss Jane Alicia Bagley, of Canada, a daughter
of Robert and Jane Bagley. Their luiion was solemnized on April 26,
1881. Seven children have been born to them, of whom George Jr.,
Gladys Ella, and Ruth Blanche are at home and attending school. The
deceased are : Laura ^lay, Beatrice Jenny, Ethel Florence and Arthur
James.
One of ]\Ir. Hall's latest contracts is the excavating of the streets in
the village known as the Ulseth addition to Hancock.
Dr. Douglass Houghton. — Of all the noted pioneers of the Lake
Superior district, there is perhaps none so conspicuously identified with
the early history of the copper and iron districts of the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan as Dr. Douglass Houghton, who was the first to investigate,
scientifically, the mineral possibilities of the southern shore of Lake
Superior, and whose work was the foundation on which the vast iron and
copper mining industries of the state have been erected.
Douglass Houghton was born September 21, 1809, in Fredonia,
Chautauqua County, New York, of English lineage, the original Ameri-
can settler of the line having come from Bolton, Lancashire, England,
settling in Bolton, ^Massachusetts, about the middle of the Seventeenth
Century. Judge Jacob Houghton, the father of Dr. Houghton, settled
in Fredonia early in the Nineteenth Century, and was a successful at-
torney and judge until his death. He married ]\Iary Lydia Douglass,
who was born in New London, Connecticut, and died in Fredonia, leav-
ing a large family.
The education of Dr. Houghton was begun in the Fredonia public
schools, continued in the Fredonia Academy, and completed in the Van
Rensselaer Scientific School, at Troy, New York, where he graduated
with the class of 1828, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Being an
excellent scholar, he was appointed upon his graduation as tutor of
chemistry and natural history in the Van Rensselaer Institute, and won
early and marked distinction as an educator. In 1830, friends of science
in Detroit applied to Professor Eaton, of the Van Rensselaer Institute,
to recommend someone to deliver a course of lectures in their city on
chemistry and general science. Dr. Houghton was named for this work,
and his visit to Detroit on this mission led him to locate in that city as
a medical practitioner, for which he had qualified by a thorough course
of studJ^
The standing of Dr. Houghton in his adopted city was shown by his
election as the first mayor of Detroit. Shortly after taking up his resi-
dence in Michigan, he was selected as surgeon and botanist to a party
organized for the purpose of discovering the source of the ^Mississippi
River, and in that capacity traveled extensively in the northwest.
1532 THE NORTHEEN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Upon the organization of the state of ]\Iiehigan, Dr. Houghton was
appointed State Geologist, and in 1840, accompanied by his cousin,
Columbus C. Douglass, as assistant, he visited the Upper Peninsula, and
for the following five years, until his death, spent each working season
in the Lake Superior district. The appropriation made for Dr. Hough-
ton's exploration of the iron and copper districts was pitifully small,
even for that early day, and it has been the wonder and admiration of all
who have followed him, that with such meagre finances, he was able, not
only to cover so much ground, but to cover it so well and thoroughly
that his work has stood to the present day as a monument of energy,
accuracy and scientific acumen.
Dr. Houghton combined a linear and topographic survey of the iron
and copper districts, doing also an immense amount of detailed work of
remarkable accuracy along geological lines. For these labors he was un-
usually well fitted, combining rare mental and physical vigor with schol-
astic tastes and high scientific attainments. Unfortunately his work was
cut short October 13, 1845, when he was drowned in a storm while go-
ing from Eagle River to Eagle Harbor in a small boat.
The people of the Lake Superior copper district have showTi their
appreciation of the wonderful work done by Dr. Houghton by naming
for him the county of Houghton, which is the most populous in the
Upper Peninsula of ]\Iichigan ; the village of Houghton, which is the
financial and social center of the Lake Superior copper district ; the
township of Houghton, in the county of Keweenaw; the Douglass
Houghton Falls in the vicinity of Lake Linden ; the Douglass Houghton
School, in the western part of the village of Houghton, and several
copper mining companies also have taken the name of Houghton, and of
Douglass Houghton.
The work of Dr. Houghton will stand for centuries yet to come as
a noble example of what was accomplished by a pioneer scientist of in-
defatigable zeal, high attainments, and higher aims.
Courtney C. Douglass came to Houghton from New York City in
1887, to look after extensive landed interests. The earliest American
ancestor was William Douglass, who came from Scotland to Boston
about 1624. Judge Christopher Douglass, the grandfather of the sub-
ject of the present sketch, was born and reared in New London, Con-
necticut, removing from there to Fredonia. Chautauqua Coimty, New
York, and thence to IMaeomb County, ]\Iichigan, removing later to Wal-
worth County, Wisconsin.
Columbus C. Douglass, the father of Courtney C. Douglass, was born
August 22, 1812, in Fredonia, Chautauciua County, New York, removing
with his parents to Macomb County, ^Michigan, when twelve years of age.
When a young man he was made assistant to his cousin. Dr. Douglass
Houghton, who had been appointed as surgeon and botanist to a party
organized to search for the source of the jMississippi River, and accom-
panied Dr. Houghton on that expedition. On the appointment of Dr.
Douglass Houghton as the first State Geologist of ^Michigan, ]Mr. Doug-
lass, then a young man of twenty-eight, was made his assistant, and
continued in this position until the death of Dr. Houghton in 1845.
During this period of five years, ]\Ir. Douglass worked during the sum-
mer seasons in Lake Superior, then a wilderness, and spent his winters
in Boston, taking special work at the IMassaehusetts Institute of Tech-
nology, to qualify himself more thoroughly for work in the field. As a
result of his stuclies in Boston, and of his labors in the field, under the
very able guidance of Dr. Houghton, ]\Ir. Douglass became a practical
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1533
geologist, and, upon the unfortunate death hy drowning of Dr. Hough-
ton in 1845, began turning his attention to the praetieal exploitation of
the vast mineral wealth of the Lake Superior copper district, being one
of the very earliest pioneers in this field. For fifteen years, from 1845 to
1860, ]\lr. Douglass made his headquarters in Houghton, and was very
successful in interesting capital from the eastern states and also from
Europe, in Lake Superior copper mines, and it was largely due to his
energy, sagacity and indomitable perseverance, that the great mineral
resources of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan were developed. In 1860
Mr. Douglass removed to New York City, and died in Lonclon, December
17, 1874, the interests of his estate then devolving upon his son.
Courtney C. Douglass, the son of Columbus C. Douglass, was born
May 18, 1862, in Algonac, St. Clair County, Michigan, and was reared
and educated in Michigan and New York City, removing to Houghton
in 1887. Mr. Douglass has taken a prominent part in the further develop-
ment of the copper resources of the Lake Superior district, proving a
worthy successor to his honored father, and has been instrumental in
the organization of a number of copper mining companies, several of
which are now important producers, with others still in the development
stage.
John Campbell. — Possessing undoubted business ability, judgment,
and tact, John Campbell holds a position of prominence among the es-
teemed and valued citizens of L'Anse, being actively identified with its
mercantile interests, and ably serving his fellow-men at different times
in various public offices. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, December 14,
1850, of substantial Scotch ancestry.
His father, John Campbell, Sr., was bom and reared in Scotland,
but while yet a young man emigrated to America, locating in Canada.
Soon after his marriage he settled in Cleveland, Ohio, from there com-
ing a few years later to the Upper Peninsula. He secured work in On-
tonagon, Michigan, and not very long after lost his life in a shipwreck
on the lake. His wife, whose maiden name was Rebecca Turner, was
born in Scotland. She survived him, and married for her second hus-
band Edwin L. Mason, of L'Anse, ]\Iichigan. By her first marriage two
children were born, John, the subject of this sketch, and Florence, now
dead. By her union with Mr. Mason there were also two children, Will-
iam L. Mason, of whom a brief sketch may be found on another page
of this volume, and Edith.
A small boy when he came with his parents to Northern Michigan,
John Campbell obtained a practical bxisiness education in the public
schools, and began his active career as a clerk in the establishment of
Condon & Holland, general merchants at Hancock, Michigan. He subse-
quently clerked for R. A. Little & Co. at the Franklin Mine, and for
James A. Close in Hancock. Coming to L 'Anse in 1872, Mr. Campbell
was for some time a clerk in the bank of E. L. Mason & Co. In 1878 he
became manager of the mercantile business of Peter Ruppe & Son, hold-
ing that responsible position until the burning of the store, in 1896, a
period of eighteen years. Since that time Mr. Campbell has been suc-
cessfully engaged as a merchant on his own account, and has also carried
on a substantial business as a dealer in timber lands.
In 1876 Mr. Campbell was united in marriage mth Ella E. Curtis.
Her father. Rev. David Alonzo Curtis, was born in New York state, and
was there educated. Ordained in early life as a preacher in the Metho-
dist Episcopal church, he became a member of the Detroit Conference,
and held pastorates in various places in Michigan, preaching in Ontona-
1534 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
gon and Houghton counties as early as 1860. He spent his last years in
Petersburg, Michigan, dying in 1905, at the venerable age of four score
and four years. His wife, whose maiden name was ]\Iary Seal, was a
native of Michigan. Mrs. Campbell passed to the higher life in Septem-
bed, 1908, leaving six children, namely. Rebecca, Florence M., John C,
Frances E., Grace H., and Ellen Jean. Rebecca married Dr. Douglas
]McIntire, of St. John, Washington, and they have one son, Douglas ]Mc-
Intire, Jr.
A stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, Mr.
Campbell has ser\-ed as township treasurer and clerk ; as village presi-
dent and trustee; as school director; and for upwards of forty years has
been notary public. Fraternally he belongs to L'Anse Tent, K. 0. T.
M. M. ; and to L'Anse Camp, M. W. A.
Hon. Charles Henry Watson. — Bringing to the practice of his
profession a well trained mind, habits of industry, and much strength
of purpose, Hon. Charles Henry Watson, of Crystal Falls, is well worthy
of the rank which he has attained among the leading attorneys and
influential citizens of the Upper Peninsula. He has long been active in
public affairs, and in 1907 was president pro tem of the Constitutional
Convention. He was born October 29, 1870, at Binghamton, New York,
a son of Robert H. Watson, and grandson of Stephen T. Watson, a
native of Devonshire, England.
At the age of twelve years, Stephen T. Watson left his Devonshire
home, and having crossed the Atlantic located in New York state, where
he was variously employed for a few years. He subsequently received
an appointment as keeper at the Auburn State Prison, and later was
engaged in the transportation business, running a packet on Oneida
Lake. Removing from there to Wisconsin, he was a pioneer settler of
Weyauwega, Waupaca county. A short time later he settled as a pioneer
in Waushara county, Wisconsin, and having secured a tract of Govern-
ment land in Saxville township, built a log cabin in the midst of the
woods, and for a number of years there devoted his time to clearing
the land and tilling the soil. Subsequently taking up his residence at
Berlin, he lived retired until his death, at the advanced age of eighty-
eight years. He married Mary Apthorpe, who was born at Maidstone,
County Kent, England, and came to America in girlhood. She lived to
the venerable age of ninety years. She and her husband reared four
sons and three daughters.
Robert H. Watson was born in 1835, at Albany, New York. En-
dowed with much native mechanical ability, he became a locomotive
engineer, and for a number of years was a master mechanic in the em-
ploy of one of the eastern trunk lines. Subseciuently, while in the
employ of the St. Louis. Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad Company,
he was a resident of Little Rock, Arkansas. He spent his last years,
however, at Thayer, JMissouri, passing away in 1898. He married Ca-
lista Jane Rice, who was born in Vermont, sixteen years previous to
her marriage. She died in Saxville township, Wisconsin, in 1877, aged
thirty-three years, leaving four children, as follows: Mary Ella, Clara
Louise, Charles Henry and Jennie.
But six years of age when his mother died, Charles Henry Watson
was brought up in the home of his grandparents, receiving his rudi-
mentary education in the district school of Saxville township, and
afterwards attending the Berlin High School. While yet a student he
began his journalistic career as a carrier of the Berlin Evening Journal.
In 1888, at the age of seventeen years, he came to the Upper Peninsula,
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1535
entering the employ of Major Clark, publisher of The Pioneer, at Manis-
tique, working six months for his board and clothes. Having by that
time become familiar with the art preservative, Mr. Watson became a
compositor on the Sundaij Sun, published by Will Montgomery. About
six months later Mr. IMontgomery was taken ill, and ]\Ir. Watson, in
company with Ed. Jones, assumed the management of the paper, Mr.
Watson becoming editor of the sheet. Having changed the name to
The Manistique Neivs, these gentlemen ran the journal a year, and then
sold out to T. J. MacMurray, and established The Sunday Morning Star.
This venture did not prove profitable, and at the end of three months
the owners sold out.
Mr. Watson came in 1890 to Crystal Falls, Iron County, and for a
brief time worked in the office of the Diamond Drill. Going then to
Menominee, he had charge of the Menominee Democrat for a few months,
subsequently being city editor for awhile of the Ishpeming Daily Press,
at Ishpeming. Locating then in Chicago, Mr. Watson remained there
until June, 1891, when he returned to Crystall Falls, purchased an in-
terest in the Diamond Drill, which he managed in company with Mr.
Atkinson until the latter sold out his share to M. H. Moriarity, with
whom he continued until 1896, when Mr. Watson disposed of his interest
to Thomas Conlin. Having in the meantime devoted his leisure mo-
ments to the study of law, ]\Ir. Watson then entered the Law Department
of the University of ]\Iichigan, from which he was graduated with the
class of 1899. He immediately began the practice of his profession at
Crystal Falls, where he has gained a large and lucrative clientele.
Mr. Watson married in 1892, Blanche Campbell, who was born at
Adel, Iowa, a daughter of Charles G. and Mary (Carter) Campbell, of
whom a brief sketch may be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and
Mrs. Watson have one son, John Campbell Watson, a student. Mt.
Watson has served his fellow-townsmen in various official capacities.
He has served as city attorney and has five times been elected prose-
cuting attorney of Iron county. Fraternally he is a member of Crystal
Falls Lodge, No. 385, F. & A. M. ; of Crystal Falls Chapter, No. 129,
R. A. M. ; of Hugh McCurdy Commandery, No. 43, K. T. ; DeWitt
Clinton Consistory, and of Saladin Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Grand
Rapids.
Donald Erwin Sutherland. — The substantial and influential citi-
zens of Ironwood have no more worthy or respected resident than
Donald Erwin Sutherland, superintendent of the Norrie Mine. One
of the original settlers of this city, he has been associated with its
highest and best interests since its inception, contributing wisely
and well towards the development and advancement of its industrial
and financial prosperity, and taking an active part in the management
of public affairs. Of pure Scotch ancestry, he was born, November
19, 1859, in Glengarry, province of Ontario, Canada, which was like-
wise the birthplace of his father, George Sutherland.
His grandfather, Donald Sutherland, was born in Scotland, where,
as far as known, his parents spent their entire lives. Two of their
children, however, emigrated to Canada, John, -who has descendants
still living in Ontario, and Donald. Locating about two miles from
the Saint Lawrence river, in Glengarry, Donald Sutherland purchased
a tract of wild land, and having made an opening erected a log cabin
for himself and family. Railways had not then been thought of,
and Montreal, forty miles away, the nearest trading point, was
reached with teams only, .the roads being principally forest paths.
Vol. Ill— 3 0
1536 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Dividing his time between clearing the land and tilling the soil, he
resided there until his death, at the venerable age of ninety-six years.
The maiden name of his wife was Nelly Ross, who was of Scotch
descent. They reared five children, Kate, Margaret, Mary, Nelly and
George.
The only son of his parents, George Sutherland began as a boy to
assist his father on the farm, a part of which he subsequently inher-
ited, and during his active career was prosperously employed in ag-
ricultural pursuits, also taking a prominent part in public affairs.
Late in life he moved to Ironwood, Michigan, and here spent his last
days, passing away at the age of seventy-two years. He married
Eliza McCloud, a Scotch lassie who was born near Montreal, and
died, at the age of seventy-three years, in Ironwood, Michigan. Of
their union ten children were born and reared, as follows-. Caroline
and Margaret, twins ; Donald Erwin ; George ; Arthur ; Eliza ; Henry ;
Alexander ; Fanny and David.
Brought up and educated in Glengarry, Donald E. Sutherland be-
came familiar with the various branches when young, and until 1879
resided with his parents. In that year, being determined to find some
way of improving his financial condition, he came to Michigan in
search of work, his only available capital at that time having been
good health, a cheerful heart, and two strong and willing hands.
For two years he was employed in a saw mill at Fort River, after
which he gained his first experience as a miner at the Curry mine,
near Norway, Dickinson county, where he remained a short time.
He next went to the Marquette Range to explore for the Metropoli-
tan Company, making himself generally useful in the difi'erent
branches of exploring. In 1885 Mr. Sutherland was transferred to
Ironwood, coming here to open the Norrie Mine. Ironwood at that
time had no place on the map, the present town site and the surround-
ing country being a dense wilderness, through which he led the way,
with his axe chopping a trail through the site of the Norrie Mine,
The following year he was employed as time keeper at the mine, af-
terwards as captain opening the mine. He subsequently served as
assistant superintendent under the general superintendent, J. H.
McLain, for two years, and was then promoted to his present position
as superintendent of this mine, which is now included in the prop-
erty of the Oliver Mining Company. In this capacity Mr. Suther-
land has shown excellent judgment and great ability, his services be-
ing highly appreciated by the company.
Mr. Sutherland married, September 26, 1889, Anna Hartigan, who
was born in county Lambton, Canada, a daughter of Thomas and
Mary Hartigan, of whom a sketch may be found elsewhere in this
volume. Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland have two children, namely: Flor-
ence, a student in Notre Dame College, South Bend, Indiana, and Kath-
arine Elizabeth. ]\Ir. Sutherland is officially connected with two of
the leading business organizations of this section of the Upper Penin-
sula, being president of both the Lake Superior Mining Company and
the Gogebic National Bank. In his political views he was fomierly a
Democrat, but in 1896. being a believer of sound money for the people,
voted for William ]\IcKinley for president, and has since been iden-
tified with the Republican party. Taking a genuine interest in mu-
nicipal afl'airs, Mr. Sutherland has served with credit to himself and
to the satisfaction of his constituents in various offices within the gift
of his fellow-townsmen, having been a member of the City Board
for some time, coxmty treasurer two year-s and mayor of Ironwood
ten years.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1537
Albert Edward Petermann. — One of the most prominent and highly
esteemed members of the legal profession in this part of Michigan is
Albert Edward Petermann, who has recently retired from the office of
prosecuting attorney of Keweenaw county after a most praiseworthy
career of eight years, his splendid standing as a lawyer having been
stamped with highest approval by his elevation to such office. His
career in the profession has now numbered only about a decade, but that
period has been of sufficient duration to show his ability to meet grave
questions with entire adequacy.
The name of Petermann is one which enjoys no small amount of
honor throughout this and the nearby counties. The subject's father,
Ferdinand D. Petennann, established his home in the Upper Peninsula
as much as fifty years ago, and it almost goes without saying became
identified with the copper mining industry. Not only did the com-
munity come to look upon him as a good citizen and one whose right
hand was ever given to the advancement of all just causes, but he played
an important role in the mining world and among the important posi-
tions held by him was that of captain of the Calumet & Hecla Mining
Company. When he retired in 1888, he and his wife went to Buffalo,
New York, in which city they resided for over fifteen years. The charms
of the old home ever remained fresh with them, nevertheless, and in
1905 they returned to the Northern Peninsula, taking up their home in
Calumet, renewing old acquaintances, and taking pardonable gratification
in the fact that their sons have come to be leading citizens of the locality.
Ferdinand Petermann married Miss Caroline S. Bast. The children of
this worthy couple were six in number, one of the sons being recently
deceased. The eldest in point of birth is that popular and gifted gentle-
man. Colonel John P. Petermann, Spanish-American war veteran and
one of Michigan's most extensive merchant princes, his stores being
situated in six different towns and conducted under the name of the
J. P. Petermann Company. Colonel Petermann is mentioned on other
pages of this work as is also Fernando D. George H., who died in 1904,
was associated with Colonel Petermann in his large mercantile interests.
There are also two sisters : Caroline, wife of Rev. Frederick B. Arnold,
a minister of the Lutheran church at Laurium, and Emma, who resides
with her parents. Ferdinand Petermann has ever subscribed to the
articles of faith of the Republican party and he and his wife are loyal
members of the Lutheran church.
Thus we have seen that Albert Edward Petermann had the ad-
vantage of being well-born, and his boyhood was passed in Calumet, or
at least its earlier portion and he found much of engrossing interest in
the life of the busy mining center in its many picturesque aspects. His
father went to Buffalo about the time that young Albert was approach-
ing young manhood, and it was in that city that he attended the high
school, graduating with the class of 1896. In the fall of this same year
he matriculated at Cornell University, remaining within its famous
portals for the years included between 1896 and 1900, pursuing a liter-
ary course and being graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Philos-
ophy. Meantime a long gathering ambition to become a member of the
legal fraternity had reached crystallization and he returned to Calumet
and entered the law office of A. W. Kerr, of that city, in July, 1900.
The young collegian attacked his Blackstone with good effect, and his
patron being one of the most enlightened attorneys of the state, he made
fine progress and in October, 1901, was admitted to the Michigan bar.
Mt. Petermann and Mr. Kerr formed a partnership on the first day
of January, 1902, and practiced together for exactly nine years, coming
1538 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
to be one of the best known law firms in the Upper Peninsula. On
January 1, 1911, Messrs. Kerr and Petermann dissolved partnership and
the latter is now practicing alone, his office being in the First National
Bank Building of Calumet. He has a splendid equipment, a pleasing
personality, eloquence, the gift of selecting a few pointed facts and
making them tell, and the ability to win confidence. He is one of the
pillars of Michigan Republicanism, his loyalty being of the active, rather
than the passive type, for he is willing to go anj^where, to do anything
in his power, and of a legitimate nature for the support of "the Grand
Old Party." His election to the office of prosecuting attorney of Ke-
weenaw county occurred in 1902, and he succeeded himself on several
occasions, his tenure of office being from January 1, 1903, until January
1, 1911. His success in this most important office was of the most
unequivocal order and it is only probable that he has but entered upon
a career political and professional, which will make him one of the well
known young men of the state.
i\Ir. Petermann is one of the most popular of lodge men, and finds
great pleasure in his fraternal affiliations, which are with the great and
time-honored Masonic order, the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He was married July 2, 1903, to ]Miss Anna M. Grierson, daughter
of James and Johanna Griei*son. Their union has been blessed by the
birth of two children, a son and a daughter, both of whom can claim
Calumet as their birthplace. Albert Edward Jr. was born October 3,
1905, and Mary Locke, February 26, 1908.
Samuel F. Bernier. — For nearly a quarter of a century Captain
Bernier was identified with the government life-saving service on the
Great Lakes, and in view of his many hazardous experiences and her-
culean efforts in this service he can well appreciate the significance
of the ciuery, "Life-giving, death-giving, which shall it be. Oh breath
of the merciful, merciless sea?" Many of the sturdy sailors whose
vocation has been to "go down to the sea in ships" have reason to
extend tribute to Captain Bernier and his brave comrades for the
preservation of their lives, and few who have been actively concerned
with the United States life-saving service on the Great Lakes are
better known or held in higher esteem in navigation circles. After
twenty-two years and forty-seven days of continuous service in this
all-important and self-abnegating vocation Captain Bernier retired
from the position of keeper of the Vermillion Point station and en-
gaged in the grocery business in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, where
he has been identified Avith this line of enterprise since 1900. He has
well earned immunity from further perils and labors in behalf of his
fellow men and he is one of the honored and valued citizens of the
city which includes within its limits the place of his birth. He is a
member of one of the sterling pioneer families of Chippewa county,
and thus further interest attaches to the consideration of his career
in this publication.
Captain Bernier was bom in what is now the Fourth ward of the
city of Sault Ste. Marie, on the 19th of May, 1854, and is a son of
Edward and i\Iatilda (Boulie) Bernier, both representatives of stanch
French families founded in the Dominion of Canada many generations
ago. The father w^as born in the province of Quebec, Canada, in 1824:,
and died June 19, 1876 ; the mother was born in the same province, in
1825, and her death occurred on the 5th of May, 1872. The names of
the ten children of this union are here entered in the respective order
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1539
of birth: William, Calixte, Louis, George, Samuel F., Mary, Edward,
Alfred, Matilda and Joseph. Of the children six of the sons and the
one daughter are still living. Joseph and Philomena Bernier, the
grandparents of Captain Bernier, were likewise natives of the prov-
ince of Quebec, and they became the parents of two sons and three
daughters. Joseph Bernier followed the vocation of sailor, as did
also his father, Peter Bernier, who came to Canada from the city of
Paris, France, in the early part of the seventeenth century, when a
young man. Edward Bernier, father of the Captain, was reared to
the vocation of a sailor, and thus it may be seen that by inheritance
through three generations the latter had a predilection for the sea,
as exemplified in the navigation of the great inland lakes.
Edward Bernier came to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and
established his home in Chippewa county about 1835, two or more
years prior to the admission of Michigan to the Union and long before
Chippewa coimty was organized. He located on the site of the present
city of Sault Ste. Marie and here was engaged for some time in the
operation of a transfer tramway extending from a point below the
falls of the St. Mary river to a point above, this primitive method
being necessary for the accommodation of the early freighting busi-
ness between the lower lakes and Lake Superior, as no locks had been
even thought of at that time. The tramway mentioned was operated
by means of horses. Later this sturdy pioneer was employed for some
time, during the winter months, in transporting mail overland to Sag-
inaw, in the lower peninsula, whither he made trips once a month.
Finally he entered claim to a tract of land in sections 8 and 9, town-
ship forty-seven, securing the same from the government, where he
reclaimed a farm. The major portion of this tract of land is now in-
cluded within the city limits of Sault Ste. Marie. Edward Bernier
was a man of energy, industry and definite ambition and he became
one of the leading citizens of the little village of Sault Ste. Marie, of
which he was one of the first trustees. After maintaining his home
in his log house for many years he erected in the village a comfortable
frame dwelling, in which he maintained his home until his death. Both
he and his wife were earnest and devoted communicants of the Cath-
olic church, in whose faith they were reared and in whose discipline
they carefully trained their children.
Concerning the career of Captain Bernier the following brief rec-
ord is taken from the Marine Record, published in the city of Cleve-
land, Ohio, under date of February 6, 1896, about four years prior to
his retirement from the government life-saving service.
"A prophet may possibly be without honor in his own country, but
Captain Samuel F. Bernier, of the Vermillion Point Station, United
States life-saving service, has accomplished many deeds of heroism in
the neighborhood of his birth place, during a very lively career. He
was born May 19, 1854, at Sault Ste. Marie, and was given the best
schooling that the town afforded. In 1871, at the age of seventeen
years, he entered the general store of Trampe & Company, at the
Sault, as clerk. He remained there until June, 1873, when he went
tugging in the St. Mary's river, during that and the following season,
and during the seasons of 1874-5 he acted as captain on a ferry boat
across that river. In 1876 and 1877 he sailed on the steamers City of
Fremont and Annie L. Craig, of the Ward Lake Superior line, from
Buffalo to Duluth. He joined the life-saving service at the Vermillion
Point station on May 24, 1878, and continued as surfman until Octo-
ber 1, 1880, when he was appointed keeper. His records show that he
1540 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
has assisted a number of vessels in distress, including the steamer S.
F. Hodge, stranded in fog ; side-wheel steamer City of Green Bay, with
broken machinery; sloop Abbey, which swamped in the high sea,
when laden with merchandise ; steamer Mystic, lost rudder ; sloops
Hannah and Betsey, swamped; steamers India, Olympia, Hesper,
Nipigon and Marina, and schooners Melbourne and Delaware,
stranded in fog ; sloop Hannah, capsized ; steamer Margaret Olwill,
broken shaft ; steamer Huron City, broken cylinder ; steamer Mystic,
line in wheel. The crew also rescued at one time the schooner C. P.
Minch, which became surrounded by a raft of logs and was placed in
considerable peril. During this period not a single life was lost within
the scope of this station. The value of vessels and cargoes saved was
$538,500, as compared with $400 lost by jettisoning of cargo."
Other noteworthy deeds of valor were wrought by Captain Bernier
and his men, and it is but in justice due that reference be here made
to one most hazardous experience in which, against great odds, they
were able to save a number of lives. Early in the morning of Thurs-
day, December 2, 1894, the schooner Joseph Page went ashore above
Whitefish Point, in a heavy gale and was a total loss. The crew of
the ill-fated vessel had an almost miraculous escape from death, and
its members owe their lives to Captain Bernier and his comrades of
stations Nos. 9 and 10. The Page was the consort of the steam barge
Tuthill, downward bound. Such tempestuous weather was encoun-
tered that the Tuthill was compelled to cut loose from her consort
about one o'clock in the morning of the day mentioned and at a point
about twelve miles above "Whitefish Point. The jib-sail of the Page
had been lost and the foresail was so frozen that Captain Rose, in
command of the vessel, was unable to get it down or to furl any other
of the rigging. The vessel could not be kept to any definite course,
failing to respond to the rudder, and it gradually drifted toward the
shore, finally striking about one mile east of the life-saving station
No. 9, about three o'clock in the morning. The patrolmen were on
the ground and at daylight endeavored to shoot a line to the Page.
After several failures to reach the wreck by this means a life boat
was manned with five men from station 10 and a full crew from sta-
tion 9, all in charge of Captain Bernier. The valiant life-savers started
for the wreck at seven o'clock in the morning and reached it at ten
o'clock, after a fearful battle with the waves. Captain Rose and his
wife and two members of the crew were taken off and safely con-
veyed to the shore. In landing, a hole was broken in the lifeboat,
rendering it unfit for another trip. Another boat was promptly
launched and succeeded in landing the mate and the other members
of the crew, six in all, at three o'clock in the afternoon. Both the
rescued and the rescuers were covered with ice, as the temperature
at the time was but two degrees above zero. The brave life-savers
more than once felt that it would be impossible for them to save the
persons on the ill-fated boat, but they never wavered in their duty
and found ample reward when the work of rescue was successfully
completed. Their strength and endurance was taxed to the utmost,
and Captain Rose and his men could not find words to express their
gratitude and admiration. A tremendous sea buffeted them from
beginning to end and their efforts were further hampered by the icy
water which swept over their little boat. It is worthy of note that
Captain Rose, of the Tuthill, had at the time been sailing the Great
Lakes for a period of twenty-seven years and that this was his first
disastrous voyage.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1541
Captain Bernier retired from the life-saving service on June 1,
1900, and in Augiist of the same year he engaged in the grocery busi-
ness in Sault Ste. Marie, in partnership with his brother Edward. In
September following he purchased his brother's interest and he has
since continued the business in an individual way and with marked
success, having a well equipped and well managed establishment that
caters to an appreciative patronage.
In politics Captain Bernier is found arrayed as a stanch supporter
of the pi'ineiples and policies of the Democratic party, and he and his
family are communicants of the Catholic church. He is also identified
with the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic ]\Iutual Benefit Asso-
ciation. He is essentially loyal and public-spirited as a citizen, has
served one term as alderman from the First ward, to which position
he was elected in 1906, and he has been a member of the board of
public works of his home city since 1909.
On the 8th of October, 1878, was solemnized the marriage of Cap-
tain Bernier to Miss Victoria Rousseau, who was born in the province
of Ontario, Canada, on the 4th of February, 1858, and who died at the
family home in Sault Ste. Marie, on the 9th of November, 1907. She
was a devoted wife and mother and her memorj^ is revered by her
husband and children. She was a daughter of Edward and Susan
(Frichette) Rousseau, the former of whom was born in Sault Ste.
Marie, Michigan, and the latter in Traverse City, this state. They
now reside in Bruce county, Ontario, and both are of venerable age.
Captain and Mrs. Bernier became the parents of four sons and four
daughters, and concerning them the following brief record is given :
Matilda is the wife of A. C. Barclay, of Calumet, Michigan ; Edward
died at the age of eight years ; Maude remains at the parental home ;
Walter S. died in infancy; George, who made a cruise around the
world on the Revenue Cutter Tohama, now- resides in the city of
Seattle, "Washington ; and Eva, Margaret and Melbourne remain at
the parental home.
Robert H. Sturgeon, M. D. — Dr. Sturgeon was numbered among
the able and successful physicians and surgeons of the Upper Penin-
sula for many years and his professional work was practiced in con-
nection with the great mining industry of this section of the state. He
maintained his home at Iron River, Iron county, for a long period of
years and there he died on the 27th of September, 1906, as the result
of injuries received two days previously when he was struck by a rail-
road locomotive while returning from a professional visit. He was a
man of the highest integrity and honor and no citizen held a more
secure place in popular confidence and esteem.
Robert H. Sturgeon was born in the village of Keady, in county
Armagh, Ireland, about seven miles southwest of Armagh, and the date
of his nativity was October 21, 1858. He was reared to maturity in
his native land, where he remained until he had attained to his legal
majority, when he immigrated to America whither his mother and other
members of the family also came. For one year he was employed by
the great packing corporation of Swift & Company, in the city of Chi-
cago, but his health became impaired, and he was advised to seek a
change of climate. Under these conditions he went to Northwestern
Canada and secured a homestead claim near the city of AVinnipeg. His
mother and brother took up adjoining claims and the doctor there re-
mained a number of years, within which he effectively developed his
land. He finally returned to Chicago in company with his devoted
1542 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
mother and there he completed a course in the medical department of
the Northwestern University, in which he was graduated in Jime, 1891,
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Shortly afterward the doctor
came to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and located at Interior, Go-
gebic county, where he engaged in practice as physician and surgeon
for the Interior Lumber Company. Three and one-half years later he
became physician to the Stembaugh Iron Company and in 1895 he re-
moved to iron River, where he succeeded to the practice of Dr. Bond
and where he became the one physician of the village.
When the mines at this point were opened he was appointed physi-
cian and surgeon by the operating company and at the time of his death
he was associated with Dr. Edward N. Lilaby as physician and surgeon
for the Oliver, the ]\Iineral, the Buifalo & Susquehanna, the Oglebay,
Norton & Company and other mining companies, besides which he con-
trolled a large and representative private practice. His devotion to his
profession was of the most intense and self abnegating order and none
had a deeper appreciation of its dignity and responsibility.
Dr. Sturgeon was a man of alert mentality and strong intellectual
powers and he showed a lively interest in all that tended to advance the
civic and material welfare of the city in which he maintained his home.
He early made judicious investments in real estate in Iron River and
here owned the Sturgeon Block, one of the best business buildings in
the town. In 1899 he erected an attractive modern residence and he
also owned the Innis House, a hotel of Iron River, besides much other
improved and unimproved real estate. In politics the doctor was a
stanch advocate of the principles and policies of the Republican party
and he served as assessor and treasurer of the village of Iron River,
having been incumbent of these offices for two years each. He was
identified with the American Medical Association, the IMichigan State
Medical Society, and the Upper Peninsula Medical Society. He was
a trustee of the Presbyterian church in his home town, and was a zeal-
ous supporter of the various departments of its work, as is also his
widow who still survives him.
On the 1st of February, 1901, in company with Dr. Edward N.
Libby, Dr. Sturgeon was associated in the founding of Mercy Hospital,
the first and the only hospital of the town. This worthy institution
was opened with an equipment of six beds and now the equipment in
this line totals twenty-two beds. The hospital was originally opened
for the accommodation of the miners of this locality and had only one
ward and one private room. In the hospital at the present time are
employed four trained nurses and the facilities and accommodations
have been brought up to a high standard, making the institution one
of the best in the Upper Peninsula. Dr. Libby, the earnest and valued
coadjutor of the subject of this sketch, was born in the city of Chicago
and is a son of James S. Libby. He was afforded the advantages of
the public schools of his native city, including the high school, and in
1894, he entered the celebrated Rush College, in which he was gradu-
ated as a member of the class of 1898, and from which he received the
degree of Doctor of Medicine. His initial work in his profession was
done in the city of Chicago, but within a few months he removed to
Michigan, where he was associated with the work of St. Thomas Hos-
pital for two years, at the expiration of which, on the 1st of October,
1900, he took up his residence at Iron River, where he was closely
associated in practice with Dr. Sturgeon until the death of the latter.
In June, 1892, Dr. Sturgeon was united in marriage to ]\Iiss I\Iar-
garet Gandy, who survives him, as do also their four children. —
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1543
Margaret E., Andrew G., Robert H. and John S. After the death of
her husband Mrs. Sturgeon and her children removed to England, her
native place, and there they now reside in the city of Bedford.
William J. Reynolds. — Laurium is fortunate indeed in possessing
as one of her most prominent citizens, a man of the stamp of William
J. Reynolds, for it is only through the guidance of men vv^ho hold the
best interests of the whole body politic above that of the individual
that a community can reach its highest growth. Mr. Reynolds has
received a high tribute from his fellow citizens by being made presi-
dent of the village of Laurium. He is in addition vice-president of
the First National Bank of Laurium and conducts one of the largest
meat markets in the place. He was born at Quincy, Houghton county,
Michigan, September 5, 1869. His parents were William and Elisa-
beth (Adams) Reynolds, both natives of England. They were mar-
ried in England, but shortly afterward concluded to make a hazard
of new fortunes in the United States and accordingly emigrated in
1851. The father had been a man of consequence in his native place,
for years, and after coming to Michigan, he settled in Quincy, Hough-
ton county, where William J. was born. There the family remained
until 1869, when they came on to Calumet, Michigan, the father se-
curing a position with the Calumet & Heela Mining Company and
remained in their employ from that time until his death in 1883. Ilis
wife survived him for many years, her demise occurring in 1902.
William J. Reynolds received his education in the public schools
of Calumet, upon the attainment of his fourteenth year taking his
place in the ranks of the wage earners. His first position was with
Bear & Dymock who were engaged in the wholesale and retail meat
business, and with them he remained for the decade included between
the years 1883 and 1893. He then went into business upon his owti
account under the firm name of Gourd & Reynolds, meat dealers.
This partnership lasted two years, when Joseph Jefi'ery purchased
the interest of Mr. Gourd and the firm changed to Reynolds & Jef-
fery. In 1906 Mr. Reynolds purchased the interest of his partner,
thus becoming sole owner of the business. He has built up a large
trade and makes a specialty of high grade sausages.
Mr. Reynolds plays a prominent role in the social and political as
well as the business life of the community in which he resides. In
addition to his being vice-president of the First National Bank and
president of the village, he has for a number of years been a member
of the city council. He and his wife are members of the Laurium
Methodist Episcopal church of which he is a trustee. He exerts fur-
ther good influence as a director of the Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation of which he is also secretary. His genial manners and affabil-
ity of address have won for him many friends. Besides his business
he is the owner of certain valuable pieces of city property. He gives
an unwavering allegiance to the Republican party whose principles
and policies he believes untenable.
Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Miss Elisabeth Burley of
Calumet, Michigan, a daughter of Edward B. and Silana Burley.
They have six children, William, Roy, Mabel, Ethel, Hattie, Leslie
and Irving.
Thomas Hayes. — Especially worthy of mention in a work of this
character is Thomas Hayes, one of the very early settlers of Dickinson
county, and a respected resident of Iron Mountain for fully thirty
1544 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN
years. A native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, he was born, January 15,
1851, in the log cabin built in the forest by his father, John Hayes,
in pioneer days.
Born in Ireland, John Hayes came to America when young, and
for many years sailed the Lakes, carrying grain between Chicago and
Buffalo. He afterwards bought eighty acres of Government land in
Sheboygan county. Wisconsin, erected a log house for his family, and
was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1857.
He married Julia Shea, a native of Canada. She survived him many
years, living until sixty-three years old.
Leaving Michigan when nineteen years old, Thomas Hayes made
his way to Menominee, Michigan, where he was variously employed
for a number of seasons. In November, 1879, he made his advent into
what is now Dickinson county, being employed as cook at a lumber
camp in Spread Eagle. Three months later, in February, 1880, Mr.
Hayes came to Iron Mountain to work for Frank Ayers in the first
restaurant ever opened in this place. The following April he was
joined by his family, and has been a continuous resident here since.
Mr. Hayes married, in 1879, Ellen Garrity, who was born in Ver-
mont, where her father, Austin Garrity, settled on coming to this
country from Ireland. One of the pioneer settlers of Sheboygan
county, Wisconsin, Austin Garrity purchased one hundred and twenty
acres of timbered land from the Government, and was succeeding
well in the clearing and improving of a farm when he was acciden-
tally killed by the falling of a tree. His wife, whose maiden name
was Mary Finnegan, survived him six years. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes
have two children, namely : William P., born June 27, 1880, who was
the first child born in Iron Mountain; and Mary Julia, born Novem-
ber 16, 1882.
Peter Solheim. — Among the enterprising and progressive business
men of Norway, Dickinson county, Michigan, is Peter Solheim, the well
known photographer, who has here built up a large and lucrative pat-
ronage in his line of work, his artistic tastes and professional skill being
fully recognized and appreciated. He was born June 3, 1874, in the city
of Bergen, Norway, the descendant of an old and highly respected fam-
ily. He is a son of Nels Solheim and is the youngest in order of birth
in a family of four children, — Karsten, Adolph, Olaf and Peter, all of
whom are now residents of the United States except Karsten, Avho is a
noted modern organist and composer in his native land of Norway.
An ambitous student, Peter Solheim attended school in the city of
Bergen, Noi-way, until he had attained to the age of sixteen years, at
which time he began to study the art of photography. In 1893 he immi-
grated to the United States and immediately found employment at his
chosen profession in New York City, whence he later went to Chicago,
Illinois, where he was similarly employed for a time. Subsequently he
worked in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and thence he came to Michigan,
locating first at Iron Mountain. In 1899 he settled at Norway, Dickin-
son county, this state, and here opened a studio on the old town site,
meeting with the most satisfactory and gratifying success as a pho-
tographer. In 1910 he assumed possession of his present commodious
quarters on Nelson street, South Side, in a new brick building, with
rooms specially fitted for a photographic studio, and is here doing work
that finds high favor with his many patrons.
In August, 1910, ]\Ir. Solheim married ]\Iiss Julia Hanson, who was
bom in Memphis, Tennessee, a daughter of Michael and jMary (Field)
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1545
Hanson, natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Solheim have two children, —
Paul Field and Florence EveljTi.
James R. Ryan. — In this age of colossal enterprise and marked in-
tellectual energy the prominent and successful men are those whose
abilities and ambition lead them into large undertakings and to as-
sume the responsibilities of leadership. Among the native sons of the
Upper Peninsula of Michigan who are entitled to consideration
through their able and productive efforts as veritable captains of in-
dustry is James R. Ryan, of Sault Ste. Marie, which city has repre-
sented his home from the time of his birth. He is now identified with
various industrial enterprises of broad scope and importance and he
has long been an influential factor in public affairs in his home city
and where he has for a number of years been the active manager of
the large estate of his honored father, who located on the site of the
present city in the early pioneer days and who made such judicious
investments in local real estate as to realize therefrom a large and
substantial fortune. No name has been more closely or prominently
identified with the ciA'ic and material development and upbuilding of
Sault Ste. Marie than that of Ryan, and the subject of this review has
well upheld the prestige of the name. He is broad-minded, loyal and
public-spirited and has held various offices of trust, including that of
postmaster of his native city.
James R. Ryan was born in a home that stood within the present
corporate limits of the city of Sault Ste. Marie, on the 25th of May,
1858, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Anne (Warrington) Ryan,
whose marriage M^as solemnized in the year 1856. Thomas Ryan was
born in county Tipperary, Ireland, on the 21st of December, 1829, and
his death occurred at his home in Sault Ste. Marie in 1905. His wife
was born in county Cavan, Ireland, in 1836, and she died in Sault Ste.
Marie in 1898, shortly after her return from Ireland, whither she had
been taken by her devoted husband in the hope of securing to her
relief fi'om a complication of disorders which were the sequelae of
an attack of la grippe. Of the three children of this union the subject
of this sketch is the eldest; Mary E. is the wife of Lawrence E. O'Mara
and they reside at Waukegan, Illinois ; and IMargaret M. is the Avif e
of Dr. William S. Royce, v/ho is engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession in the city of Chicago.
Thomas Ryan was reared and educated in his native land and there
learned the blacksmith trade. In 1852, at the age of tAventy-three
years, he severed the ties that bound him to the fair Emerald Isle and
set forth to seek his fortunes in America. From the national metropo-
lis he made his way westward, and in the city of Chicago he gained
information concerning work then in prosecution on the first locks
in the St. Mary river at Sault Ste. Marie. Believing that he could
here secure profitable employment, he made the voyage up the lakes
on a schooner and arrived at his destination in Jul3% 1854. He as-
sisted in the construction w^ork on the locks and here he continued to
reside during the remainder of his life, having maintained his home
in Sault Ste. IMarie for more than half a century, within which he so
directed his energies and abilities as to become one of the most prom-
inent and influential citizens of the Upper Peninsula, even as he re-
tained at all times the inviolable confidence and esteem of his fellow
men. He early established himself in the general merchandise busi-
ness, in which he continued, with ever inerea.sing success, until 1885,
when impaired physical energies led to his retirement. Thereafter
1546 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
he gave his attention to the supervision of his extensive real estate
interests. Pie became one of the largest landholders in Chippewa
county, and through the great appreciation in value of the lands
owned by him in and near Sault Ste. Marie he gained a substantial
fortune. He was liberal and progressive in his civic attitude and by
influence and financial aid did much to further the development of
the city that represented his home and the center of his interests un-
til he was summoned to the life eternal. From the time of becoming
a naturalized citizen until the close of his life he manifested a lively
interest in local affairs of a public nature and he was long one of the
leaders in the councils of the Democratic party in this section of the
state. No citizen has enjoj^ed a greater measure of popular confidence
and approbation and he was called upon to serve in practically every
county office, including those of sheriff, county clerk, register of
deeds, supervisor, and even that of prosecuting attorney, to which
position he was elected as a practical joke and for which he refused
to qualify; his election, however, showed the popularity he enjoyed,
and many of the citizens of the county had unbounded confidence in
his ability to fill this office successfully, as he had all others. He
served as justice of the peace for nearly a quarter of a century and
he served as postmaster of Sault Ste. Marie during the first adminis-
tration of President Cleveland. He was a member of the city council
for several terms and as school director he aided materially in main-
taining at a high standard the public-school system of the county. He
was identified with many movements and enterprises that proved of
great benefit to his home city, and he showed that his constructive
powers and his strong mental forces were not narrowed in their func-
tions by self-interest, as he was leal and loyal in the support of every
measure that conserved the general welfare of the community. Gen-
ial and companionable, with ready wit and unfailing kindliness, he
filled a large place in his city and county, where his name will long
be remembered and honored. Both he and his wife were communi-
cants of the Catholic church and did much to further its interests in
their parish and diocese.
James R. Ryan was afforded the advantages of the parochial and
public schools of his native city and thereafter he continued his stud-
ies in Assumption College, conducted by the Basilian Fathers, at
Sandwich, Ontario, in which institution he was graduated as a member
of the class of 1876, after the completion of a course of four years.
He then became associated with his father in the general merchandise
business, and he also proved the latter 's valued coadjutor in many
lines of enterprise, including the handling of large real estate hold-
ings, the improving of the same, and the building of the street rail-
way line in Sault Ste. IMarie. In this important development Mr.
Ryan was the prime factor, and he had the distinction of here install-
ing the first electric street railway to be placed in practical operation
in the entire United States. This original line Avas constructed and
placed in operation in 1888 and constituted the nucleus of the present
excellent system of the Sault Ste. Marie Street Railroad Company.
Mr. Ryan had the management of his father's real estate at a time
when the same comprised five thousand acres of land, including much
property now within the best business and residence sections of Sault
Ste. Marie. He now has his olfices in the jNIcTavish building, which
stands on the site of the old home in which he was reared, at 110
Maple street. In 1887 he disposed of much of the realty of the family
estate, though there is still retained a large amount of city and subur-
ban property of valuable order.
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1547
As a progressive and public-spirited citizen Mr. Ryan has proved
a worthy successor of his honored father and he likewise has given
effective service in offices of trust. In 1889 he was elected representa-
tive of the First ward in the city council, of which body he was cho-
sen president, and he resigned his seat when he entered upon his
administration as postmaster, an office of which he continv^ed incum-
bent for four years, during the presidency of Grover Cleveland. Since
1896 he has been engaged in the furniture and undertaking business,
under the firm name of James R. Ryan & Company, and the estab-
lishment is metropolitan in all equipments and facilities. Mr. Ryan
has much inventive genius and has secured letters patent on a num-
ber of valuable inventions, inchiding the Lake Superior wrench, the
Ryan storm canopy for vehicles, the casket bearer, and an automatic
chicken feeder, besides the McKeone mineral separator. He is presi-
dent of the Ryan Storm Canopy Company, which was incorporated
July 1, 1907, with a capital stock of two hundred thousand dollars,
and is secretary and treasurer of the Soo-Nome ]\Iining Association,
which was incorporated on the 1st of April, 1904, with a capital stock
of fifteen thousand dollars. He is also secretary and treasurer of the
Gold-Platinum Dredge Company, w^hich is incorporated under the
laws of South Dakota, with an authorized capital of one million dol-
lars. This incorporation was formed in part to dredge for gold, plat-
inmn and other minerals, to separate the minerals with the McKeone
separator previously mentioned, and to carry on a general mining
business.
It is interesting to record that in 1867 Thomas Ryan, father of the
subject of this review, entered one hundred and sixty acres of govern-
ment land which is now included in the best section of Sault Ste.
Marie, where it is bounded by Easterday avenue, Ashmun street.
Eighth avenue and Swinton street. This property was sold by the
original o^^Tier to Robert N. Adams. Thomas Ryan was also the
owner of the land on which the city power plant stands, and at one
time owned fully four-fifths of the land now included within the city
limits.
In politics Mr. Ryan accords an unwavering allegiance to the
Democratic party, and he and his family are communicants of the
Catholic church. He is prominently affiliated with the Ancient Order
of Hibernians and the Catholic Order of Foresters, and served for
several years as president of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association
of his home city.
In Sault Ste. Marie, on the 16th of January, 1883, was solemnized
the marriage of Mr. Ryan to Miss Elizabeth A. Cody, who was born
in the city of Toronto, Canada, and who is a daughter of John and
Ann (Bertles) Cody, both natives of Ireland. Mr. Cody came with
his family to ChippcAva county, Michigan, in 1880, and here devoted
the remainder of his active career to agricultural pursuits. Both he
and his wife are now deceased, and of their thirteen children ten are
living. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan have three children: Thomas J. is chief
draughtsman of the Union Carbide Company, and is married to Miss
Eleanor Squire; Annie L., who has completed a special course in the
Thomas Normal School of Art, in the city of Detroit, is now at the
parental home, as is also John C, who is attending the local schools.
Judge Daniel Goodwin has acted a prominent part in the affairs of
the state, and especially of the Upper Peninsula during the formative
period of government and the initiation of great private and public busi-
1548 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
ne.ss enterprises. He was born in the state of New York in 1799, and
when twenty-six years old, in 1825, moved to Detroit and entered the
practice of law. Soon thereafter he was appointed by President Jack-
son, United States district attorney. He was a delegate to the Conven-
tion of Assent held in December, 1835, which accepted the conditions im-
posed by congress for the admission of Michigan into the Union, taking
in the Upper Peninsula in lieu of a strip of land on the south boundary
coveted by the states of Ohio and Indiana. He was appointed justice
of the supreme court, and judge of the first circuit in 1843, but after
three years on the bench he resigned and returned to private practice.
In 1850 he was a member of the convention to revise the state consti-
tution, and his ability and prominence are attested by the fact that he
was made president of that body in which were many very able men.
In 1851 he was elected judge of the district court of the Upper Penin-
sula, and on the division of the district into circuits he remained judge
of the circuit, including what is now the twenty-fifth, until 1881.
His last signature upon the court records of the several counties in that
circuit, appears appended to the records for that year and is a signature
as smooth as if impressed by a copper plate. Although Judge Goodwin
maintained his home in Detroit and never became a resident of the
Upper Peninsula, his thirty years' service and unblemished record in
this peninsula, at a time when precedents were being established and the
court was called upon to construe new laws, has so indelibly impressed
itself upon our records as to give him forever a prominent place in our
history. He was of small stature, dark complexion, of a quiet, even, de-
cisive temperament, great legal ability and unquestioned integrity.
During his long term of office in the Upper Peninsula he journeyed here
regularly twice a year, from Detroit, and made the rounds — first of the
counties within the peninsula that were organized for judicial purposes,
and thereafter of the counties within his circuit ; and this at a time when
traveling and hotel accommodations were in great contrast to those of
today. He always appeared in a conventional black suit, and was a typi-
caV example of the "old school." In matters of etiquette he was punc-
tilious to a degree, and he was highly respected by the settlers, who
looked upon the usual call of the judge as a pleasure and an honor com-
bined. His portrait which appears in the general chapter on the Bench
and Bar, is from a photograph as he appeared when he left the bench in
1881, at the age of eighty- two years. He was then in failing health and
he thereafter lived a quiet life, highly respected and esteemed, at his
home in Detroit, until his death in 1885. His just, able and upright de-
cisions, to be found in the records of his services as a judge, constitute
a better and more enduring monument than any pen can write or chisel
carve in his honor.
Robert E. Jennings. — the late Robert E. Jennings left a definite
impress upon the business and civic affairs of the city of Menominee
and he ever commanded the most unqualified confidence and esteem
of this community where he made his life one of productive activity
along normal lines of endeavor and where he was called upon to serve
in various positions of public trust. In his death, which occurred on
the 17th of March, 1906, the community manifested a uniform sense
of loss and bereavement, for his gracious personality has gained him
the loyal friendship of all with whom he came in contact in the various
relations of life.
Robert E. Jennings was born at Green Bay, "Wisconsin, on the 19th
of April, 1861, and was the son of Peter and Letitia Jennings. His
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1549
father was born in the Dominion of Canada, where he was reared and
educated and whence he came to the United States when nineteen years
of age. He first located at Racine, Wisconsin, and later resided in
turn in the cities of Chicago, Green Bay, Appleton and Menasha, in
which last named place he is now living virtually retired. He was for
many years actively engaged in the foundry business, in connection
with which he obtained a large measure of success.
Robert E. Jennings, the subject of this memoir, gained his early
educational training in the public schools of Wisconsin and after the
completion of a course in the business college at Appleton, that state,
he came to Menominee in 1882. Here he first secured a position as
bookkeeper in the office of the Ramsey & Jones Lumber Company and
later he was for a considerable length of time in the employ of the
Menominee River Lumber Company. In 1889 a distinguished tribute
to his integrity and marked executive ability was given by the late
Honorable Samuel M. Stephenson, who made Mr. Jennings general
manager of his interests in this section. Mr. Stephenson had lost his
only son, Samuel E., on the 31st of December, 1889, and the death of
this promising young man, who was then twenty-nine years of age,
led to the appointment of Mr. Jennings to the responsible position
noted. After the election of his distinguished employer to congress,
Mr. Jennings continued as general manager of the business affairs
and various capitalistic interests of Mr. Stephenson until the time of
his death, and his administration was marked by the utmost fidelity
and scrupulous care. In 1900 he became identified with the manufac-
turing of electrical appliances, but in 1903 he disposed of his interests
in this line and engaged in the canning business at Sturgeon Bay, Wis-
consin, where he became a member of a substantial stock company
that still controls a large business in the canning of various lines of
vegetables and fruits. Mr. Jennings also extended his operations
into the field of real estate dealing, was associated with Charles Law
in the drug business in Menominee, and was essentially progressive
and broad-minded as a business man and as a citizen. He served for
sometime as one of the board of the city supervisors and was also a
member of the board of aldermen and in each of these positions he
did all in his power to further good government and the advancement
of all the interests of the community at large. His political support
was given to the Republican party, and he was affiliated with Menom-
inee Lodge, No. 269, Free and Accepted Masons ; Menominee Chapter,
No. 107, Royal Arch Masons ; Menominee Commandery, No. 35, Knights
Templars. He and his wife attended the services of the Presbyterian
church, and the latter is a member of that denomination.
On the 6th of November, 1889, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Jennings to Miss Emma S. Stephenson, daughter of the late Honor-
able Samuel M. Stephenson, to whom a memoir is dedicated on other
pages of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings became the parents of
four children, — Samuel E., Antoinette S., Robert E. and Stephenson.
All of the children are living except the first-born, who died in
infancy.
Fred Hull Abbott. — A prominent and influential member of the
legal profession, Fred Hull Abbott is one of the leading attoineys-at-
law of the Upper Peninsula, and in his home city. Crystal Falls, has a
large practice. A son of Adrian 0. Abbott, he was born in ^Madison,
Madison county, New York, October 8, 1866. His grandfather, Orrin
1550 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
B. Abbott, was born at Oriskany Falls, Oneida county, N. Y., where
his grandfather, Jason Abbott, spent his declining years.
A man of superior business ability and judgment, Orrin B. Abbott
was for many years extensively engaged in the coal business at Oris-
kany Falls, and bj^ means of thrift and good management accumu-
lated a handsome property, being rated with the capitalists of those
days. He lived beyond the allotted three score and ten years of man's
life, passing away at the age of seventy-five years. His wife, whose
maiden name was Maria Wheelock, was born and bred in. Vermont.
Adrian 0. Abbott, a native of Oriskany Falls, New York, was there
educated, and as a young man developed considerable mechanical tal-
ent and inventive genius. In 1867 he engaged in the dry goods bus-
iness at Adrian, Micliigan, where, a few years later, he began manu-
facturing articles of his OAvn invention. Settling in Hudson, Michigan,
in 1878, he continued his manufactures, many of which are of great
importance, among them being the Abbott Voting Machine, the Abbott
Hub Borer, and various other devices necessary in the modern manu-
facture of carriages. He is widely known throughout that section of
Michigan, and his inventions are in use in many parts of the Union.
He married Mary Adelaide Hull, who was bom in Madison, N. Y.,
where her father was for many years a prominent physician, being
there actively engaged in the practice of his profession until his death,
while yet in manhood's prime. She passed to the higher life in 1876,
leaving two children, Fred Hull and Lulu Eva.
Receiving his preliminary education in the public schools of
Adrian, Michigan, and Hudson, Michigan, Fred Hull Abbott subse-
quently attended the Military Academy at Orchard Lake, for a year,
and in 1885 was graduated from the Ann Arbor High School. Enter-
ing then the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, he was graduated
from the Literary Department with the class of 1889, and from the Law
Department in 1891. In July, 1891, Jlr. Abbott was admitted to prac-
tice in the Supreme Court of the state, and immediately located at
Crystal Falls, where he has since continued in active practice, being
now one of the leading attorneys of Iron county. His knowledge of
legal matters is extended, and his best known literary work, "Abbott's
Michigan Practice," published in two volumes, by the Keefe-David-
son Company, of St. Paul, is of great value to the legal profession.
As a sound Republican in politics, Mr. Abbott invariably performs his
full duty at the polls, but he has never been an aspirant for public
office, the only official position in which he has served having been
that of citj' attorney.
On June 15, 1892, Mr. Abbott married Emma Ellis, who was born
in Middletown, New York, a daughter of A. C. and Mary (Parkill)
Ellis, and they have one daughter, Adelaide Abbott. Fraternally j\Ir.
Abbott is a member of Golden Rule Lodge, No. 153, F. & A. M., of Ann
Arbor and of Michigan Sovereign Consistory of Detroit, Michigan.
Hon. Solomon S. Curry.— In the foremost rank among the broad-
minded and progressive men who have been prominent in the upbuild-
ing of the city of Ironwood stands Hon. Solomon S. Curry, whose long
and upright business career has made him a conspicuous figure in the
industrial, financial and political life of the Upper Peninsula of IMieh-
igan.
He was born June 12, 1840, at Curry Hill in Lancaster township,
Glengarry county, Ontario, Canada, on the ancestral lauds granted by
King George the Third to his grandfather. John Curry, Sr., a Scotch-
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1551
man who migrated to Canada from the South at the outbreak of the
Revolution.
Mr. Curry's father died at the early age of thirty-three, six months
before the son who was named for him was born, leaving a widow and
three minor children, besides his unborn son. Mr. Curry's widowed
mother, nee Anna Southerland Wood, a direct descendant of the
Southerlands of Scotland, married Alexander McLeod and had five chil-
dren by her second husband.
Having received a meagre, but practical, education, Mr. Curry left
home at the age of sixteen to begin the battle of life for himself. Going
to Potsdam, New York, he served an apprenticeship of three years at
the trade of blacksmith. He then returned to the lumber regions of
Canada finding employment as supply clerk for "Long John Cameron"
of Trenton, Ontario. While there employed he followed a raft of tim-
ber cut in Simcoe county, Ontario, across Georgian Bay, Lake Huron,
St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River across the whole length
of Lake Erie, through the Welland Canal and Lake Ontario down the
St. Lawrence River to Quebec. This expedition was fraught with so
many dangers and accomplished at an expense of time and money so
great, that the experiment has not been attempted since.
He continued in the lumber business until 1861, when that part of
Canada was overrun by fugitives from the United States, a majority
of whom migrated to escape military duty in the Civil war. A "ske-
dadler" having appeared who was glad to take Mr. Curry's position
for less than a third the salary paid him, Mr. Curry decided to' move
on. He went first to Detroit, Michigan, and thence to Houghton where
he found himself caught as in a trap by the close of navigation. Winter
having set in, he could get no farther, nor could he get back, except
by a march on foot through an unbroken wilderness to Green Bay,
Wisconsin.
The Quincy & Pewabic mines were then being operated the year
round, however, and there being nothing else to do, he got a position
teaming for the Quincy Mining Company. Following this, he decided
to learn the mining business and started at the bottom as a common
miner with hammer and drill in the Old Albany & Boston Mine under
Capt. John Hoar.
Two years later, he left the copper country and went to Marquette
to take a position with the Grant Mining & Mfg. Co., and exploration
company backed by such men as Peter AVhite, Samuel J. Mather and
others. He then took charge of a small iron mine owned by E. B. Ward
of Detroit, who was represented by H. G. Williams. Through his
acquaintance with Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Mr. Curry first met Mrs.
Williams' sister, Elizabeth Stoup of Ann Arbor, Michigan, whom he
married in 1867.
After the panic of '73, Mr. Curry moved to Ishpeming where he
lived until 1880 when he made explorations in the Menominee Range
and opened up the Curry Mine now owned and operated by the Pen
Mining Company. The Metropolitan Iron & Land Co. was organized
in 1880, Mr. Curry being one of the organizers and S. P. Burt of New
Bedford, Massachusetts, its President. After the death of Mr. Burt in
1885, Mr. Curry was made president and general manager of the Met-
ropolitan Company.
Under Mr. Curry's able management, the policy of looking for a
profitable mine in the Felch Mountain district was abandoned and an
option on property owned by A. L. Norris of New York, situated on the
unopened deposits of iron ore in the Ontonagon Range was procured,
1552 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
and the company's energies were thereafter confined to opening up this
wonderful deposit of Bessemer iron ore which bids fair to prove the
largest and richest deposit in this country. With the growth and de-
velopment of this mine the city of Ironwood has grown from a wilder-
ness to be one of the finest cities of Northern Michigan.
With Mr. Curry's management the company first began to earn
dividends. Fifteen thousand tons of highest grade ore were marketed
at a profit the first year the mine was opened. Inside of seven years it
was the greatest ore producer in the world with an output of a million
tons a year. This enormous production was made possible by the im-
proved methods of mining by a system of timbering and caving from
the surface introduced by Mr. Curry. He kept his company earning big
dividends for its stockholders and paying hundreds of thousands of
dollars a j^ear to labor to and through the panic of 1896, when there was
not another mine on the whole Gogebic Range which was not either idle,
or in the hands of a receiver.
But the era of big consolidations Avas at hand, and Mr. Curry's Com-
pany was caught up by the general wave, although it had over a
million dollars overplus in its treasury when it was acquired by the
Oliver Mining Company, which has since operated it as one of the
subsidaries of the great steel trust.
Since losing control of the Metropolitan Iron & Land Company,
Mr. Curry has continued to live in Ironwood, where he is the largest
individual tax payer, being actively engaged in looking after his ex-
tensive holdings of real estate.
Always an earnest supporter of the principles of Democracy, Mr.
Curry has taken an active part in politics. While a resident of Isli-
peming he served as a member of the board of aldermen and also rep-
resented his district in the state legislature. Since coming to Iron-
wood he has been the candidate of his party for Congress and also for
lieutenant governor, being defeated for the latter by only 8,000 votes.
A thirty-second degree Mason, Mr. Curry is a member of the Ahmed
Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine.
George A. Rapin. — The worthy representative of a well-known pio-
neer family of Mackinac county, Michigan, George A. Rapin, of St.
Ignaee, is active in public affairs, and is now rendering excellent service
as sheriff of the county. A son of John B. Rapin, Jr.. he was born April
7, 1875, on St. Helen's Island. His grandfather, John B. Rapin, Sr.,
emigrated from Canada to Illinois, in 1858, settling in Chicago, where,
during the same year, his wife died with the cholera, leaving a family
of children, among whom was their son, John B. Rapin, Jr. The father
married his second wife in Montreal, and in 1865 removed to Mackinac
Island, where he was engaged in fishing for a number of years. In the
meantime, however, he purchased land, and on the farm which he im-
proved spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the venerable
age of eighty-seven years.
Bom in Montreal, Canada, in 1847, John B. Rapin, Jr., accompanied
his parents to Chicago in 1858, and there completed his early education.
He subsequently learned the cooper's trade in that city, and on coming
with the family to Michigan in 1865 worked at his trade on ]\Iaekinac
Island for awhile, during his leisure time employing himself in fishing,
a profitable industry in those days. He lived a few yeai-s on Saint
Helen 's Island, after which he purchased a tract of wild land in ]\Iacki-
nac county, and having erected a log house began the arduous task of
hewing a farm from the wilderness. Succeeding well in his labors, he
HORACE J. STEVENS
THE NOETHERN PENINSULA OP MICHIGAN 1553
replaced the original log cabin with a good frame house, and placed a
large part of his land under culture. Later, in order to give his chil-
dren better educational advantages, he erected a house in St. Ignace,
and there spent the long winter seasons, his summers being passed on
the home farm. He was a man of prominence, serving as the first su-
pervisor of Berrout township, as township treasurer, and for many years
being a member of the local school board. He was a steadfast Democrat
in politics, and a consistent member of the Roman Catholic church. He
married Mary Metty, who was born on Mackinac Island in 1850, their
union being solemnized in 1872. Twelve children blessed their marriage,
eight boys and four girls, and of these ten children are living, George A.
being the second child in succession of birth.
Spending his boyhood days on the home farm, George A. Rapin ob-
tained his first knowledge of the three "Rs" in the primitive log school-
house, with its limited accommodations. Beginning life as a wage-
earner at the age of sixteen years, he was engaged in hewing railroad
ties winters, and on a farm summers for five or six years, after which he
was employed in bridge building on the South Shore Railway for a time.
In 1899 Mr. Rapin embarked in the carriage business on Mackinac Is-
land, continuing it for seven summers. Being appointed in 1903 under
sheriff, he served for two yeai*s under Thomas E. Dolan, after which he
was first a fireman on the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railroad,
and later a scaler of lumber. In November, 1908, he was elected to his
present responsible position as sheriff of Mackinac county, an office
which he is filling ably and satisfactorily. He has never swerved from
the political faith in which he was reared, being a straightforward Demo-
crat, and is a valued member of the Roman Catholic church.
On June 1, 1903, IMr. Rapin was united in marriage with Katherine
V. Gallagher, a daughter of Cornelius and Sophia (Bushey) Gallagher,
the former of whom was a native of Ireland, while the latter was bom
and reared on IMackinac Island. She is the second child in a family of
six children, of whom three sons and two daughters are living. Mr. Gal-
lagher came to the United States with his parents when young, and here
learned the trade of a millwright, which he followed for some time, al-
though for the past few years he has been successfully engaged in tilling
the soil. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church, while in politics
he is affiliated with the Republican party. Mr. and ]\Irs. Rapin have
three children, namely : Katherine I., George A., and Mary A.
Horace J. Stevens, a national authority in copper in all its phases
- — scientific and practical — and since 1901 known especially as editor
and publisher of "Stevens' Copper Handbook," is a native of the
Empire state, born at Conewango, New York, January 5, 1866. A son
of David and Louise (Young) Stevens, he received his early education
in the common schools and in an academy. In his seventeenth year
he commenced to teach school in the country, later being employed as
carpenter, fireman, pumpman, engineer, miner and timekeeper at the
Beaufort mine, ]\Iichigan. This period of his practical experience cov-
ered the years 1884 to 1889 ; also his initiation into mining literature
as a reporter for the Marquette 3Ii)iiug Journal. Afterward Mr. Stevens
became manager and owner of the Peninsula News Bureau, whose head-
quarters were at Ishpeming and Houghton, ]\Iichigan; and this varied
experience thoroughly paved the way for the establishment, in 1901, of
his annual Handbook, which has since been generally recognized as the
highest authority on matters relating to copper mining and manufactur-
ing, wherever the industry is conducted. Office of publication and
residence of the editor. Houghton. I\Iichigan.
1554 THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Alvah Littlepield Sawyer, of Menominee, was bom at Burnett,
Dodge county, Wisconsin, September 16, 1854, of New England parent-
age. He is of English descent, his ancestors having come from Birming-
ham and settled in Massachusetts in 1648. One branch of the family-
settled at and founded Orford, New Hampshire. Hiram Sawyer, father
of Alvah L., was of the Orford branch and was bom in 1814. In 1836
he married Barbara A. Wilson of Haverhill, New Hampshire. In 1845
Hiram Sawyer migrated to AVisconsin and there settled upon a home-
stead which thereafter remained the family home at Burnett. He built a
log house, and in 1846 returned to New Hampshire for his family and
took them (his wife and four children) to the new home, where he there-
after always took an active part in matters of public interest. He was
unusually interested in educational matters and prominently connected
therewith, being a member of the school board a great many years. In
1866 he represented his district in the Wisconsin legislature. There
were twelve children in that pioneer family, seven of whom, four broth-
ers and three sisters, are still living. They are Hiram W. Sawyer, law-
yer of Hartford, AVisconsin ; Mrs. IMary S. Childs of Casselton, North
Dakota; Ransom J. Sawyer, druggist, of Menominee, Michigan; Mrs.
Hannah S. Mayhew, of Burnett, Wisconsin ; Alvah L. Sawyer, the sub-
ject of this sketch; Mattie S. Sherman, of Billings, Montana, and Lewis
M. Sawyer, druggist, of Bloomington, Illinois. Hiram Sawyer died in
1888 and Barbara A. Sawyer passed away at the old home in 1905.
As was the case with most farmer boys in those days, the Sawyer boys
worked on the farm, but attended school winters, and what time they
could be spared in the summer season. Alvah L. Sawyer received an
academic training at what was then Wayland Institute, at Beaver Dam,
Wisconsin, and then, after teaching school for one year, began the study
of law in 1876, in the office of his brother, H. AA^. Sawyer, at Hartford,
Wisconsin, having read law during his year of teaching. He was admit-
ted to the bar of Wisconsin in November, 1877, and in June, 1878, re-
moved to Menominee, Michigan, and entered vipon the practice of his
profession in which he has ever since been engaged. On starting he suc-
ceeded to the practice of Judge Ingalls, who was then principally en-
gaged in mining. In 1882 Byron S. Waite came to Menominee and en-
tered into partnership with Mr. Sawyer, under the firm name of Sawyer
& Waite, and in 1893 Wm. F. Waite was admitted to the partnership,
and the firm name became Sawyer, Waite & Waite, so remaining until
1895, when Byron S. Waite removed to Detroit and the firm name again
became Sawyer & Waite. It so remained until 1904, when the part-
nership was dissolved, since which time Mr. Sawyer has practiced in-
dividually, with the exception of one year when Fred H. Haggerson
was his partner and the firm name was Sawyer & Haggerson. Mr.
Sawyer has been president of the Menominee County Bar Associa-
tion for the past fifteen years and still holds that position. He has
served several years as school trustee, and eight years as library trustee,
and is now filling his seventh year as president of the Board of Trustees
of Spies Public Library. He was city attorney five years, having had
the honor to be the first appointed to that office after the incorporation
of the city, and he held the position during the years when most of the
public improvements found their beginning. He has been always a
Democrat but has not sought official preferment, rather giving his
attention to his private practice.
He was married, in 1880, to Josephine S. Ingalls, daughter of
the late Judge Ingalls, and they have had six children, four of whom are
now living — Kenneth I. Sawyer, county engineer of Menominee county,
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN 1555
Michigan; Meredith P. Sawyer, a senior law student in the Michigan
University ; Wilda A. Sawyer and Margery I. Sawyer, students in the
local high school. Irma, the second child, died an infant, and Gladys B.,
the third, died in 1907, while a senior in the high school.
Aside from an extensive law library, Mr. Sawyer has a large and well
selected private library and enjoys one of the many pleasant Menominee
homes.
259?i
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