USA > Michigan > A history of the northern peninsula of Michigan and its people; its mining, lumber and agricultural industries, Volume III > Part 28
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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 was 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 (MePherson) Hicks was born in the year 1845, receiving a collegiate education at Appleton, Wisconsin, and was a woman who gained and held the affectionate regard of all who came within the sphere of her gracions 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 huuber business in San Francisco, California; Dr. Walter R., who is the immediate subject of
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James a. O'trice
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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 Mrs. 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 wife 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 Mary Mulvana, who was born 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
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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 Mary Ann Anderson, was born in Colling- wood, Ontario, a daughter of William and Mary Anderson. Emigrat- ing 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 very successful, and as he accumulated money, made judicious investments, buying 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. While 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 Michigan, 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 Gogebie 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 firm name of O'Neill and Rogers. Fraternally Mr. O'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 was 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 family 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.
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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-six 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 years, 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 Michael 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.
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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 which 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 inauguration 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 when 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 Corps, 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 Upper 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 Mr. 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 way 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 new pump with its increased size, adding much more than its actual value to its usefulness 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-
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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. Ile 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. IIe 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 very 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.
LOUIS 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.
Born 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 born 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.
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Receiving his preparatory education in Bourbonnais, Illinois, at St. Viateur College, which 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 University 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. O. 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 large family of eight children, there was but one daughter, and she died in infancy.
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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.
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