USA > Michigan > Early history of Michigan, with biographies of state officers, members of Congress, judges and legislators > Part 7
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fine farm and buildings in the town of Ray, near Romeo, Macomb county, which has been his family home. In politics a Republican.
LOREN MAYNARD,
Senator from Calhoun county, sessions of 1846-7, was born in Madi- son, N. Y., December 22, 1801. By occupation a farmer, politically a Democrat. He settled in Marengo, Mich., in 1833, erected a log house and opened a tavern. The first ball in the town was given there in 1834. He built a better hotel in 1836, which he kept until 1844. He was sheriff of Calhoun county from 1839 to 1842. Held the offices of postmaster and supervisor. Died December 5, 1855.
PERRY MAYO,
Senator from Branch and Calhoun counties in 1837, was born in Hancock, N. Y., June 14, 1829. Settled on a farm with his father in 1850 at Convis, Mich., had a fair education. and was a teacher for some years. Served three years as a private in the second Michigan infantry, and was twice wounded. Now resides on a farm in the town of Marshall. Has been town superintendent of schools, and lecturer and general deputy for the Michigan state grange. A Re- publican in politics.
ANDREW C. MAXWELL.
Representative from Bay county in 1865, was born at Pompey Hill, N. Y., July 11, 1-31. In 1844 his father settled on a farmi at White Lake, Mich. From 1849 to 1852 he was a student at Oberlin college. He taught school at Lapeer in 1852. Studied law at Pontiac and was admitted in 1853. practiced at Lapeer, and was prosecuting attorney in 1854. In 1857 removed to Bay City and is still there in practice, also farming and real estate. Many years a supervisor. Has twice been a candidate for the state senate, and ran for congress in 1832. In politics a Democrat.
GEO. C. MCALLISTER,
Representative from Barry county in 1879, was born in Norfolk, N. Y., June 12, 1833. He received a common school education; came to Hickory Corners, Mich., in 1556. In 1860 he went to Sonora, Cali- formia, and worked in the mines four years. Returned to Michigan
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in 1864. Removed to Ft. Wayne, Ind., and engaged in insurance business, first as deputy secretary, afterwards as director and general agent of the Ft. Wayne insurance company. Returning to Prairie- ville, Mich., in 1866, he engaged in farming. In politics a National.
WILLIAM MCARTHUR,
Representative from Cheboygan and other counties in 1877. was born in Steuben county, N. Y., April 13, 1825. He received an academical education, and was a resident of Rochester, N. Y., 1860-70, and of Chicago, Ill., 1870-3. Settled at Cheboygan, Mich., in 1873. Since 1850 was largely engaged as a contractor on railroads, canals, etc. Since 1866 has been the head of a large lumber firm at Cheboygan. In politics a Democrat.
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SANDS MCCAMLEY,
Representative from Calhoun county 1837-43, and Senator in 1839-40, was born in Orleans county, N. Y., and came to Nottawa Prairie, Mich., in 1831, then went to Marshall, and in 1834 bought land form- ing part of the site of Battle Creek, Gen. Convis being his partner. He dug the long race. built a saw-mill and made other improvements. He was county associate judge 1833-6. A man of intellect, sagacity. sound judgment and resolute will. Died April 30, 1864.
THOMAS MCCARTY,
Representative from Saginaw county in 1850, was born in Boston, Mass., September 10, 1810. He came with his father to Saginaw county in 1835, and settled as a farmer in the township of Tittabawas- see. He was several terms a supervisor. In politics a Democrat. Died September 22, 1855. .
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HUGH MCCLELEND.
Representative from Wayne county in 1885, was born in Toronto. Ontario. October 27, 1851; received a common school education : learned the trade of cigar making, and removed to Detroit in 1971. In 1972 took a trip east. working in several towns in New York state: returned to Detroit in 1575, where he has since remained working at his trade. In politics Labor-Republican.
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ROBERT MCCLELLAND.
No man in our history rendered so varied a public service during the first quarter of a century of the state's existence as Robert McClelland. He was born at Greencastle, Pa., August 2, 1807. As a teacher he acquired means to take the course at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., from which he graduated in 1820, and in 1831 was admitted to the bar at Chambersburg, Pa .. coming to Monroe, Michigan. in 1833. He there entered upon practice. His subsequent political career may be thus calendared: 1835, member of the first constitu- tional convention; 1839, member and speaker pro tem of the lower House of the legislature; 1840, again member of the House; 1843, member and speaker of the House; 1843 to 1849, elected for three consecutive terms as member of congress. serving through the twenty-eighth, twenty-ninth and thirtieth congresses; 1850, member of the constitutional convention of that year; 1851, elected governor of the state for the then short term of one year, and in 1852 re-elected for the term of two years; 1853, appointed March 4, secretary of the interior by President Pierce, serving the full term of four years, having of necessity resigned the office of governor, the term extend- ing to Dec. 31, 1854. being filled by Lieut. Governor Parsons. Here was a period of twenty-two years during fifteen of which Gor. McClelland was in the public service, and during the last twelve of these years consecutively, receiving continuous promotion. His last public service was as a member of the constitutional convention of 1867 from Wayne county, where he was then a resident. He was thus a member of the three conventions that have been held to con- struct or revise the fundamental law of the state. During his congressional term Gov. McClelland was a member and then chair- man of the committee on commerce, and favored and procured in some degree legislation for the improvement of lake harbors.
Gov. McClelland supported John Quincy Adams in his demand for the right of petition, and voted to receive a bill offered by Mr. Giddings for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, also supported the " Wilmot Proviso," designed to prohibit slavery in newly acquired territory. As secretary of the interior Gov. Mc- Clelland introduced many reforms, and his administration of the department was above reproach. He was a pure man, both in his official, his professional, and his personal life. He was a delegate to the national conventions in 1848 and 1852. At the close of his term as secretary of the interior he settled in Detroit, doing some office practice, though mainly giving his attention to private business. IIe made a European tour in 1820, and died at his home in Detroit, August 30, 18-0.
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HENRY F. MCCORMICK,
Representative from Kent county in 1879, was born July 18, 1844, at Alcott , N. Y. He removed with his father's family to Grand Rapids, in 1856. Was in the army during the war. He was supervisor of Grand Rapids five terms. He received an academical education. Occupation, farming. Politics, Greenback.
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JAMES W. MCCORMICK,
Representative from the first district of Allegan, was born at Allegan, Michigan, Feb. 22, 1838. He is at present engaged in farming and fruit growing, is a member of the bar, but has never made the practice of the law his means of support. Mr. McCormick has held the office of justice twenty-four years, supervisor fifteen years, and was elected to the legislature of 1885-6 on the Republican ticket, and re elected for 1887-S by a vote of 1,946 to 1,710 for E. R. Reid, and 545 for N. W. Lewis, Prohibitionist.
WILLIAM B. MCCREERY,
State treasurer, 1875-9, was born at Mt. Morris, N. Y., Aug. 27, 1826. Came with his father to Genesee county, Mich., in 1838, and received a common school and academical education. Worked in his father's saw-mill until 1852, then was chief clerk to his father, as county treasurer, six years. Studied law, was admitted in 1860, and began practice at Flint. He went into service as a private in 1861 in the d Michigan infantry. He was gradually promoted to lieutenant colonel, was transferred to the 21st Michigan, and became colonel. He was three times wounded, and confined in Libby prison, from which he made his escape. He resigned from ill health in 1864, the acceptance by Gen. Thomas being the most noteworthy received by a Michigan soldier. Ile was mayor of Flint 1865-6, and in 1871-4 internal revenue collector. For several years past has been an efficient member of the state board of agriculture, in charge of the state agricultural college. Politically a Republican, and a delegate to the republican national convention of 1898.
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HUGH MCCURDY,
Senator from Shiawassee county in 1865, was born in Hamilton. Scotland, in 1829. Came with his parents to Birmingham, Mich., in
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1837. Learned the trade of a cooper, and worked at it for years. Attended select school, was a freight agent, and from 1847 taught several years. Attended Romeo academy, studied law, was admitted in 1854, settled in practice at Corunna, where he now resides. Has been prosecuting attorney, judge of probate, many years supervisor, and from 1865-73, president of the national bank at Corunna. In politics, a Democrat. Is a prominent Mason, and has held all the high offices in that order, and was lately grand general issimo of the grand encampment of the United States. He laid the corner stone of the state capitol as grand master in 1872.
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WARREN MCCUTCHEON
Was born at Epsom, N. H., Sept. 17, 1815. By occupation a farmer. In politics, a Whig until 1854, since a Republican. He emigrated to Ohio where he held local offices, and settled at Ransom, Hillsdale county. He was ten years supervisor, and a representative in 1867. Died May 10, 1876.
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JOHN MCDERMID.
Senator from Hillsdale county in 1861-2, was born in Ballston, N. Y. in 1808. He was a farmer and miller. and a Republican in politics. Came from Livingston county, N. Y., in 1835, and settled in Cambria, Hillsdale county. The village of Cambria Mills takes its name from the mills built by him. When he settled there were no traces of civilization. Died May 16. 1869.
JOHN MCDERMOTT,
Representative from Detroit in 1859, was born in Ireland in 1826. and came to Detroit in 1844. He was a ship-builder by occupation and was connected with vessel interests until 1861, when he raised a company which was mustered into the service as company "A" of the twenty-third Illinois infantry, and formed part of the famous "Mulligan brigade." in the war of the rebellion. He was taken prisoner at the siege of Lexington, Mo., resigned his captainey in November, 1861, and in January, 1862, was appointed lieutenant colonel of the fifteenth Michigan infantry, serving until September 18. 1863, when he was mustered out at his own request. In 1864 Col. MeDermott removed to Bay City, and was deputy collector of cus- toms at that port from 1>06 to 1953. He is now engaged in the
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insurance business at Bay City. He was a Democrat prior to and during his legislative term, but a Republican during and since the war.
JAMES McDONALD.
Representative from Lenawee county in 1840-46, was born August 11, 1796, and died August 19, 1848. A farmer, in politics a Whig. Settled in Lenawee county, Mich., in 1837.
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JOHN McDONNEL
Was a native of Scotland, born in 1779. The time of his coming to Michigan is not known, but he was in business in Detroit during the war of 1812, and thoroughly Americanized. His name appears with those of other residents signed to a protest against an order of the British commandant, Proctor (after full's surrender), requiring a number of leading citizens to leave the country. He also rendered much benevolent service in ransoming American captives from the Indians during the British occupation. He was appointed an associ- ate justice of the county territorial court in 1817: was a member of the legislative council. 1828-34: a member of the constitutional con- vention of 1935, and of the first "convention of assent" (or dissent) in 1836: was a member of the state senate 1855-67. and collector of the port of Detroit, 1839-41. He held besides, the local offices of alder- man, justice, etc. Politically he was in sympathy with the national administration during the period of his public life. He died October 1, 1846.
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MALCOLM MCDOUGALL,
Representative from Lenawee county in 1853, was born in the state of New York, in May, 1813. A farmer. in politics a Democrat. He came to Bridgewater . in 1838, where he still resides. He has been a justice in that town for thirty-six years.
CROCKETT MCELROY.
Senator from St. Clair county in 1877-9. was born December 31. 1835. near Dundas, Ontario. He received a common school education: came to Michigan in 1818: lived about five years in Detroit; ten years in St. Clair county: ten years in Macomb county, then in St. Clair City. He has been supervisor, justice, school inspector and com- missioner of highways, village trustee, a postinaster, and mayor of
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St. Clair city. He has been clerk, teacher, merchant and manu- facturer. For many years he was extensively engaged in the manu- facture of cut staves and circled heading, and president and general manager of the Marine City stave company. In politics a Re- publican.
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JAMES McFARLANE,
Representative from Wayne county in 1847, was a native of Scotland, born May 10, 1810. He came to the United States at the age of eighteen, residing for brief periods at Paterson, N. J., Hudson, N. Y. and Peru, Ill., and in 1839 settled in Greenfield, Mich. He was supervisor ten years. A democrat in politics, although voting for Fremont in 1856 and Lincoln in 1860. Occupation, farmer. Died March 30, 1880.
NEAL McGAFFEY,
Representative from St. Joseph county in 1837, settled at White Pigeon in 1829, and was the first lawyer in St. Joseph county. having been admitted to practice August 17, 1830. He was one of the four who owned and recorded the plat of the village of White Pigeon in 1830. He taught the first school at White Pigeon in 1831. He built a house in 1830 and planted the first apple tree. He was town clerk in 1830-31, justice of the peace from 1829 to 1835, and was public prosecutor in 1539, and president of the village in 1837. After practicing over a quarter of a century he removed to Texas.
PATRICK MCGINNIS.
Representative from Wayne county in 1877. was born in 1820, at the village of Aranghantareghan, Ireland. In 1834 he emigrated to the United States and settled at Mt. Clemens, Michigan. He afterward removed to Detroit and went to work in the printing office of the old Morning Post in 1836. He subsequently went into the mercantile business, afterwards selling out and removing to Laingsburg, Mich., where he kept a general store and traded with the Indians. Hereturned to Detroit and went into the real estate auctioneering business. He was deputy city marshal and city marshal, and for three years an alderman. In politics, a Democrat, Deceased.
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JAMES McGONEGAL, .
Representative from Detroit in 1871-2, is a native of Ireland, born in 1821. He came to Detroit when a young man and engaged in active business, being for many years a wood dealer, receiving supplies by the cargo by means of the river boats. He was an alderman, 1863- 67. In politics, a Democrat, although affiliating with the Greenback- ers, 1876 to 1880. Now in business at Kansas City. Mo.
JAMES H. MCGOWAN,
Representative in congress 1877-81, was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, April 2, 1837. He graduated at the Michigan University in 1861, became principal of the high school at Coldwater, in 1862 enlisted as a private in the 5th Michigan cavalry, was captain in the 9th cavalry, and served until 1864. He studied law and wasadmitted to practice in 1867, graduating from the Ann Arbor law school in 1868. He practiced at Coldwater, was prosecuting attorney four years and senator in 1873, and regent of the university. Now in law practice at Washington, D. C. Politically, a Republican.
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THOMAS MCGRAW
Was born in county Armagh, Ireland, March 1, 1783, where he learned the trade of linen weaving. Being dissatisfied with the union of Ireland and England, which took place early in 1801, he left Ireland that year and came to Orange county, N. Y., married and lived there weaving and farming until 1830, when he removed to Bloomfield, Michigan, settling on a farm, where he died April 19. 1838. He was a Democrat in politics, and a Representative in 1847.
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JOHN A. MCGREGOR,
Representative from Saginaw county in 1985-7, was born in that county September 7, 1839. He received a good common school education, is a farmer, and a Republican. A supervisor six years. and town treasurer two years.
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JAMES R. MCGURK,
Senator from St. Clair county in 1851-2, was born in Belfast, Ireland. March 16, 1843. Came with his parents to Hamilton, Canada, in 1848.
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Received a good education and studied medicine in Canada, Ann Arbor and Detroit. He was a teacher six years. Graduated at the Detroit medical college and in 1870 commenced practice at Capac, Mich. Many years town superintendent of schools. In politics a Republican.
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DONALD MCINTYRE,
Representative from Washtenaw county in 1855, was born in Johns- town, N. Y., June 5, 1807. He received a common school and academical education, studied law, was admitted in 1826, and com- menced practice. He was the first judge of the new county of Fulton. He opened a banking office at Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1845, and continued in that business until 1872, then returned to Johns- town, N. Y., and is now president of the Johnstown bank. He was for six years a regent of the University. In politics a Republican.
DUGALD MCINTYRE,
Representative from Sanilac county in 1881-2, was born in Argyle- shire, Scotland, July 15, 1840. He received a common school educa- tion: came to Michigan in the fall of 1860, and engaged in lumbering. He is now engaged in farming. He was elected supervisor of the township of Argyle in 1878, which office he held several years. He has been chairman of the board of supervisors. Politically a Republican.
GEORGE R. MCKAY
Was born in 1817, and came to Michigan in 1852. He purchased and lived upon a farm in Marengo, Calhoun county. He was supervisor, master of the grange, and a Representative in 1865. Now a resident of Chicago.
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ROBERT G. MCKEE
Was born in Arlington, Vt., January 10, 1813. He received an academical education and attended Rensselaer institute at Troy, N. Y. He came to Michigan in 1836, and followed his profession, sur- veying roads and farms in the central part of the state. While a resident of De Witt, he was nominated by the democrats and elected a Representative in 1839, being the youngest member of that body. his district comprising Genesee, Shiawassee and Clinton counties, In
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1852 he went overland to California, where he remained until 1856. Of late years he has followed farming, and lives in the village of Laingsburg.
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SILAS D. McKEEN,
Representative from Lapeer county in 1837, came to Lapeer county from New Hampshire and began practice. He had ability and would have risen to wealth and high station except for his habits. Died many years since.
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ANTHONY McKEY,
Senator from Lenawee county in 1837-8, was born in Delhi, N. Y .. Jan. 3, 1800. When nine years old his father removed to Chemung county, N. Y., where he worked until eighteen, when he commenced teaching school. He came to Michigan in 1826, taught school for a time at Monroe, and in 1828 settled on a farm in Deerfield (then Blissfield). In 1828 he was appointed postmaster at Kedzie's Grove (now Deerfield), and held that position until his death, Jan. 28, 1849.
He was a surveyor and prominent contractor on the Lake Shore road, located and surveyed several state roads, and was seven years a supervisor. In politics a Democrat, and an intimate friend of Cass, Barry and McClelland. Of fine person, and a typical Scotch gentle- man of culture.
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JOHN Q. MCKERNAN,
Representative from the Upper Peninsula in 1863-4-5-7-9-70, was born in Little Britain, N. Y., Jan. 10, 1823. He came to Washtenaw county in 1832, lived in White Oak from 1837 to 1818, then removed to Houghton county. Has lived in several towns there, and is now postmaster at L'Anse. In politics a Democrat. He was four years sheriff of Houghton county, has been supervisor, justice, village president, superintendent of poor, and held many other offices. He was a delegate to the constitutional convention of 1867. By trade a carpenter, but has been a lumberman, surface agent of copper mines, etc.
JAMES L. MCKIE,
Representative from Berrien county in 1885-7, was born in Neshoba county, Miss., Feb. 10, 1837. Lived in Illinois from 1944 to 1854 , since at Three Oaks, Mich .. except two years a clerk at Niles. Now
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in mercantile business. Has been supervisor five terms, and held many village and town offices. In politics a Democrat.
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JOHN MCKINNEY
Was born in Pennsylvania in 1803. He came to Michigan in 1837, settled in VanBuren county, where he died July 10, 1870. He was Representative in 1848; State Senator in 1849-50; secretary of state 1855 to 1859; state treasurer in 1859 and 1860. In politics, first a Democrat, a Republican after 1854. Deceased.
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SHELDON MCKNIGHT,
Representative from Detroit in 1857, was born in Herkimer county, N. Y .. in 1810. Came to Detroit in 1820, learned the trade of a printer, in 1827 took an interest in the Detroit Gazette, which was merged in the Free Press in 1830, and edited by him until 1836. He was postmaster of Detroit 1836 to 1841. In 1845 he was appointed by President Polk agent to examine the mineral resources of the Upper Peninsula, took up his residence at the Sault, established a line of vessels, and was the chief factor in building a railroad around the rapids, which was the means of transit until the canal was built. Politically a Democrat. He was efficient in the establishment of the insane asylum at Kalamazoo, and was one of its first board of trus- tees. Died at Washington, July 21, 1860.
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DYCKES MCLACHLIN,
Representative from Monroe county in 1875, was born in the town of Ayr, Scotland, June 26, 1814. He came to Whitehall, N. Y., in 1822, and in 1850 he removed to Summerfield, Mich .. where he has been engaged in farming, lumbering and selling goods. He has been a justice, notary public, and supervisor. In politics a Republican.
JAMES MCMAHON
Was born in county Clare, Ireland. April 4. 1819. He received his education there, leaving college before graduating. Settled in Ann Arbor in 1537, and worked as a blacksmith, a trade learned by him when a boy. He was a Whig, but became a Republican at the organization of that party. He studied law and served fourteen years as justice, with over 5,000 cases on his docket. He was super-
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visor and chairman of the county board for several years; circuit court commissioner two years; and during the war provost marshal two years. He was Representative from 1857 to 1861, and was an able and influential member. Deceased.
JOEL W. McMAHON,
Senator from the counties of Sanilac and Huron in 1883, was born in Sanilac county, June 29, 1848, and has never had a residence outside of that county. He was admitted to the bar in 1873, since which time he has resided at Marlette, engaged in the practice of his pro- fession. He has served as prosecuting attorney one term. He is a Republican.
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DANIEL D. MCMARTIN,
Representative from Allegan county in 1863-4, was born in Amster- dam, N. Y., February 8, 1808. By occupation a farmer, in politics a Republican. Came to Michigan in 1838, and settled in an unorgan- ized town in Allegan county, since called Martin, a part of his name. Afterwards removed to Gunplain, where he lived until 1865. Now resides at Kalamazoo. Has been justice four terms, and six times a supervisor.
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NEAL MCMILLAN.
Representative from Kent county in 1877, was born at Godman- chester, Quebec, December 25, 1845. He has been a resident of Michigan since 1850, was formerly farmer and teacher, is now a druggist, has held the offices of supervisor, county superintendent of schools, village recorder, treasurer and alderman, and was elected Representative as a Republican, for 1887-8, by a vote of 2,209 to 1.578 for James Ward, and 652 for Charles Oldfield, Prohibitionist.
JOHN W. MCNABB,
Representative from Newaygo county in 1879-85, was born in Wyan- dotte county, Ohio, January 20. 1846. His parents moved to Indiana in 1831, where he attended the common schools and academy until seventeen, when he entered Fort Wayne college. After one year in that institution he entered Wabash college, and remained two years: taught school one year; studied medicine three years at Rochester, Indiana, then entered the medical department of the University of
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Michigan. He returned to Indiana and practiced medicine one year. after which he removed to Newaygo county, Michigan, where he has since been engaged in his profession. Dr. McNabb has held the office of justice, township clerk, and superintendent of schools; was elected to the legislature in 1878 on the national greenback ticket, and again in 1984, receiving 2,155 votes to 1,903 for William T. Carpenter, Republican, and 214 for Jas. H. Edwards, Prohibition. He was one of the most humorous speakers that ever held a seat in the House.
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