USA > Michigan > A history of the northern peninsula of Michigan and its people; its mining, lumber and agricultural industries, Volume III > Part 66
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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 O., 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 department of the same university; and Ernest A., Winnifred
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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 O. 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 Marquette 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 Pythiias, 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 (Turney) 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 Michigan. 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, Mr. 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, Michi- 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
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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 March 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.
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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 Mr. 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- ities 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 county for upwards of a quarter of a cen- tury, 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,
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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 Saginaw 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.
Mr. McMahon 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 Mrs. McMahon, namely: James F., Thomas C., William, IIelen, Frank, Charles, Elizabeth, and Martha. Mrs. McMahon passed to the life beyond June 17, 1904.
Mr. McMahon 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, Walfred 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 re- 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, which he at once began to clear and improve. Succeeding well, he sub-
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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 born 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, Winnifred, 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, 1904, Dora Oxnam, who was born in Ontonagon, Michigan, a daughter of James W. and Alice
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(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 who are so wisely developing the resources of the Upper Peninsula, at the pres- ent time being mine inspector for Gogebie 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, July 23, 1842, in the parish of Saint Teath, county Cornwall, which was the birthplace of his father, John Brewer, 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 county 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, Mr. Brewer was captain at the Rolling Mill Mine until the spring of 1885, when it closed. In June, 1885, as cap- tain, he came to the Gogebic Range to open the Aurora Mine, 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
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CHIPPEWA COUNTY INFIRMARY
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by his family, and has since continued his residence here, in the mean- time 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 Gogebie 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 Mary 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 Gogebie 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 county 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 1814, 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 Michigan 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. McDermid 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
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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- ernly-built frame house as a dwelling.
A man of acknowledged ability and intelligence, Mr. 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 was made township supervisor. Resigning that office in 1908, Mr. McDermid 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 born in Pick- ford, Michigan, and has spent her entire life in Chippewa county. Her father, William 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 1884 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 Mrs. McDermid is the third child in order of birth. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McDermid, namely : Bertha, Adia, Eva, Jewel, and J. Blaine.
Politically Mr. McDermid 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. O. 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 owner of a fine six-hundred-acre farm in Schoolcraft township, Houghton county. He is a man of undeniable influence, which he exerts in the best way possible and his opinions receive the consideration of his associates.
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