History of St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources, its war record, biographical sketches, the whole preceded by a history of Michigan, Part 94

Author:
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, A.T. Andreas & Co.
Number of Pages: 818

USA > Michigan > St Clair County > History of St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources, its war record, biographical sketches, the whole preceded by a history of Michigan > Part 94

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The following tribute to ex-Gov. Jerome, by an intimate acquaintance, is well worthy of record: "Mr. Jerome is a man of great force of character, careful and deliberate in the formation of his opinions, but steadfast in them when formed, and persevering in carrying them out in practice. He is kind and genial in his social nature, and well calculated to exercise a powerful and genial influence over the popular mind. He is every day the same courteous and cultivated gentleman. He is ever keenly alive to every scheme aiming at the moral, intellectual and material advancement of his fellows, and ever ready with labor and money to co-operate. He deserves and enjoys the distinction of being a pleasant, social gentleman, a model business man, and a public-spirited and exemplary citizen, who displays in his public capacity all the virtues that adorn and beautify his daily life."

CHARLES A. JEX, grocer and wholesale confectioner, is a native of Hamilton, Ontario, Can., and was born November 16, 1842. When only thirteen years of age, he went on the lakes on the old schooner Pilot, and for twenty-one years was engaged in sailing on the lakes, and during nine years was master. The last vessel he had command of was the J. H. Rutter, at that time the largest on the lakes. In 1876, he built a store and engaged in the grocery and provision trade, and since then has carried on the business. In Janu- ary, 1882, engaged in the wholesale confectionery business with P. C. Coy. Mr. Jex has also successfully been engaged in the wrecking business for the past three years. He was united in marriage January 6, 1874, to Miss Sarah Barron, of St. Clair, this county ; they have three children-William Arthur, Ina Nettie and Charles Albert.

CAPT. H. N. JEX, master of the Victoria, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in Port Huron, June 18, 1851 ; he began sailing on the schooner Idaho when only thirteen years of age; when twenty years old, he sailed Captain of the schooner Hanson, and has also sailed the Troy, the Curlew, and several others, and has owned several of them. He is now master of the Victoria. He has also been successfully engaged in the wrecking business for the past four years. Capt. Jex was united in marriage October 1, 1879, to Miss Rosena Robb, of the city of Port Huron, a native of London, Can.

WILLIAM JOHNSTON, of the firm of Bondy & Johnston, dry goods and clothing, is a native of Can- ada, and was born in 1824 ; during his early manhood he went South, and spent about eighteen years in the State of Alabama, a part of the time in the city of Mobile. In 1866, he came to Port Huron, and since then has been engaged in the business of merchant tailor ; in May, 1877, he associated with Mr. Bondy, and has had charge of this department of the business of Bondy & Johnston for the past five years. In 1868, Mr. Johnston was united in marriage to Miss Mary Shepherd ; she is a native of England.

DENNIS JONES. of the firm of W. W. Campfield & Co., is a native of St. Clair County, and was born at Fort Gratiot, November 29, 1840 ; his parents, John R. and Mary Donovan Jones, were among the earliest settlers of this county ; he grew up and attended school here ; after reaching manhood, worked in a saw-mill, and was afterward in the grocery trade. In January, 1878, he associated with Mr. Campfield, and engaged in their present business, and they have a large trade. Mr. Jones is a member of the present Board of City Aldermen. He married Miss Mary Murphy, a native of Canada, October 4, 1862 ; they have seven children-John, Monicy, Clara, Oliver, Kate, Louise and Mary.

S. A. JONES is a native of Berkshire County. Mass., and was born December 6, 1817. His father, Elisha Jones, emigrated to Ohio in 1825. The family came up the Erie Canal during the month of June ; on the way met Gen. LaFayette on a boat, and Mr. Jones remembered distinctly the appearance of the distin- guished man. Arrived at Buffalo the night before the Thayers (father and two sons) were hung for murder- dering a man by the name of Love. They came to Grand River, Ohio, near Painesville. In 1830, when only thirteen years old, Mr. Jones began to take care of himself, and in 1832 began learning the trade of saddler and harness-making, and worked at it for five years ; then came to Michigan. and arrived in St. Clair County, June 24, 1837, and located at Newport, now Marine City. Soon after occurred the patriot war, which made exciting times for the early settlers. He engaged in the wood business. He has a record of the name of every steamer, and the date it passed up and down, for five years, between Buffalo and Chicago. In 1846, he

580

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

came to Port Huron to superintend the building of the steamboat America, and after that engaged in the grocery trade, and carried on that business for some years, and was for many years connected with the lum- ber trade ; also interested in vessel trade. He was an officer in the custom service three years, and has been connected with the street railroad company for the past four years. While living in Newport, Mr. Jones married Miss Abigail Alexander, a native of New York State, July 11, 1844 ; they have six children living- Anna, Amelia, E. Selden, Theodore J., May M., Edmund H. and Frank A.

W. W. JONES, of the firm of Allardt Gernt & Co., agents and dealers in real estate, is a native of Can- ada, and was born at Park Hill, Ontario, December 5, 1855. He grew up and received his education there, and came to Port Huron in 1877, and since then has been engaged in his present business. He has the active management of the real estate business of the firm of Allardt Gernt & Co. They deal mostly in lands in Sanilac and Huron Counties, and Tennessee. Mr. Jones is also interested in saw-mill and lumbering, with his brother, at Richmondville.

OTIS JOSLYN, of the firm of Brooks, Joslyn & Co., manufacturers and dealers in lumber, is a native of New Hampshire, and was born in Sharon August 5, 1835. He grew up and attended school there. He then went to Boston and was engaged in business there eight years. He came to Port Huron in 1869, and engaged in the manufacture of fish barrels and packages, and afterward established their present business, manufactur- ing and dealing in lumber. They cut from four to five million feet annually and have a good established trade. Mr. Joslyn has held the office of Supervisor and served as member of the City Council. In 1864, he married Miss Sarah J. Libby, a native of Maine. They have four children-Ada B., Otis W., Clarence and Lees.

WILLIAM H. JOWETT, farmer and fruit raiser, Section 29, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of England, and was born January 27, 1826. His parents came to Canada when he was only eight years of age. In 1844, he came to this State, and lived in Sanilac County about ten years. He then returned to Canada and lived there twelve years, and in 1866 came to this county, and since then has resided here and engaged in farming and raising small fruits. He holds the office of Justice of the Peace and has served on the School Board. In 1852, he married Miss Caroline James, a native of England. They have six children-William A., Thomas R., Jennie A., John J., Duncan H. and Carrie M.

JOHN M. KANE, attorney at law, is a son of Thomas Kane, one of the early settlers of this State, and was born in St. Clair County July 24, 1855. He received his education in this county and afterward engaged in teaching. He studied law and graduated from the law department of the State University in 1882. He was elected Justice of the Peace in April, 1881, and since then has held that office.

BENJAMIN J. KARRER, now City Treasurer of Port Huron, was born in Switzerland. Canton Bern, August 16, 1842, and came to the United States in 1847. He was a butcher by profession. In 1861, he enlisted in First Michigan Cavalry as a private. November 3, 1862, he was commissioned as First Lieutenant in the Ninth Michigan Cavalry. He resigned his commission January 17, 1864, on account of disability, at Knox- ville, Tenn. He then returned to Detroit and engaged in cattle breaking. In 1866, he came to Port Huron, there again butchering. He built a driving park in the township of Port Huron, and was Commissioner of Port Huron Township in 1875. In 1878. he went back to the city of Port Huron and engaged in the hotel business up to date. In 1873, he was Alderman in this city, and at our recent election he was elected City Treasurer of Port Huron. In 1873, he married Miss Louise Saety, of this city. They have four children- Frances. Louisa, Katie and Benjamin.

JOHN C. KAUMEIER, JR., architect and superintendent of buildings, is a native of Monroe County, Mich., and was born June 19, 1855. He grew up and learned his trade in this State. He came to Port Huron in 1874, and since then has been engaged as architect and superintendent of buildings. He married Miss Minnie Bowman, a native of Canada, January 12. 1880. She died in June, 1882. They lost one son-Willie.

J. D. KENNEY, Deputy Collector of Customs, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born August 25, 1842. His parents removed to Oberlin, Ohio, during his early childhood, and came to Michigan in 1848. He grew up and attended school in this State. Upon the breaking-out of the war, he enlisted in August, 1861, in the First Michigan Cavalry, and served four years and eight months. After the war he returned to this State, and in 1875 was appointed Deputy Collector, and since then has held that position. In 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Woolhouse. of Lapeer, Mich. They have two children-Fred and Guy.

CHRIS KERN, proprietor of Union Brewery, is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and was born No- vember 7, 1848. He emigrated to this country in 1867, and came to Port Huron in 1870, and engaged in the brewing business in 1879. He built his new brewery in 1882. It has a capacity of from two to four thousand barrels. In 1879, he married Miss Mary Mesley, a native, of Wurtemberg, Germany. They have two chil- dren-Otto and Tillie.

HENRY KESSEL, dealer in groceries and provisions, corner of Eighth and White streets. IIe was born in Germany August 3, 1839. He emigrated to the United States in 1854, and came to Port Huron in 1858. He worked for James Beard and W. L. Bancroft for many years. In 1872, he engaged in the grocery and provision trade, and since then, for the past eleven years, has successfully carried on the business here. He owns the corner he occupies; and also owns several other houses and lots. He is a member of the Board of Estimates, and also holds church offices. He married Miss Annie Haws, from Buffalo, N. Y., May 23,1865. She was born March 25. 1843, and died January 21, 1878, and left six children-Henry, born January 27, 1866; Minnie, born December 10, 1867; Edward, born June 3. 1869; Adam, born May 12, 1870; Lena, born August 4, 1872, and died December 24, 1881: Charlie, born June 3, 1875; Joseph, born January 20, 1878. He married Mary Sheck, a native of Germany, October 28, 1878. They have two children-Laura, born 'August 3, 1879; Louise, born November 25, 1880.

JOHN KEYES, dealer in fresh and salted meats, corner Lapeer avenue and Twelfth street, is a son of J. Keyes, and was born in Port Huron April 1, 1863. He grew up here. In 1878, he began learning his business of Henry Marx, and remained with him four years. During the present year, he engaged in business for himself, and is building up a nice trade.

581

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

JARED KIBBEE, dental surgeon, is a native of Orange County, Vt., and was born November 14, 1820 ; received his education in that State and came to Michigan in 1844 and located at Mount Clemens, where he had three brothers. He studied medicine and graduated at the Cleveland Medical College and engaged in practice of medicine at Mount Clemens. In 1854, went to Detroit, and the following year came to Port Huron and engaged in the practice of dentistry. He began to practice dentistry here in 1847, and is the oldest in the profession in active practice in this section of the State, except Dr. Farnsworth, of Detroit. Dr. Kibbee has held the office of Mayor of the city, and has also served as President of the School Board, Comp- troller, Justice of the Peace and Alderman. He was united in marriage March 23, 1852, to Miss Fannie E. Gillingham, from Philadelphia. They have four children-Ada F., now Mrs. Wright; Lucy E., Henry Clin- ton and Fannie L.

JOHN S. KIMBALL, born at Bath, N. H .. December 7, 1806; engaged in farming and rafting on Con- necticut River until 1832; came to Michigan, staying at or near Port Huron until fall of 1834, when he cut first road from Bartlett Mills, on Pine River, to site of farm, where he spent latter part of his life; commenced lumbering and clearing land. This section of territory was first included in township of Clyde, afterward divided, and township of Kimball formed, named after subject of this sketch. He held various town offices for many years, and was once a candidate for County Sheriff. Married Sarah Jane Coddington, of Armada, Macomb County, Michigan, October 18, 1845; had three children-Guy, Ella E., now Mrs. George Fish, and Sarah Jane, now Mrs. George Hudson, all living. His wife died March 11, 1851. He then married Clarrissa . M. Chase, who survives him, February 15, 1852, by whom they had Anna E., who died August 14, 1855, aged one year and nineteen days; Clara, now Mrs. Charles B. Waterloo; John S., Jr .; Susie, now Mrs. Albert Stev- ison, and Frank; engaged in lumbering and farming after came to Michigan. He died October 26, 1880, aged seventy-three years, ten months and eighteen days, after a two days illness from the effects of an accident caused by walking after dark into an outside entrance to a cellar, at a farm near Romeo, Mich.

GUY KIMBALL. dealer in flour, feed and seeds, is a son of John S. Kimball, one of the early settlers of St. Clair County, and for whom the township of Kimball was named. Guy is a native of this county, and was born November 14, 1846. He grew up and attended school liere, and afterward took a commercial course at Eastman's National College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., then engaged in farming, teaching school winters and lumbering. In 1874, engaged in the milling business in Port Huron, and carried on the business here and at Pontiac for some years ; then established his present business. Has held the office of Alderman, and is now a member of the Board of Education. Mr. Kimball married Miss Florence Williams, daughter of Myron Williams, of Marysville, June 5, 1872. They have four children-Addie. Myron, John and Guy.

R. J. KING, foreman Botsford's elevator, is a native of Painesville, Ohio, and was born January 12, 1843. His parents came to this State the same year and settled in Monroe County. He grew up in this State; was a photographer at St. Clair for a number of years, coming to Port Huron in 1879, and since then has held his present position. He is a member of the Order of Knights of Pythias. He married Miss Emma Bristol, a native of Chicago, October 3, 1866. They have two children-Edgar R. and Lottie Louise.

SIMON KING, farmer, Section 31, P. O. Marysville, is a native of Monroe County, N. Y., and was born in the city of Rochester February 16, 1809. After reaching manhood, he was united in marriage, March 18, 1833, to Miss Cynthia Lewis, a native of Otsego County. They came West, to this State, in 1836, and settled on Belle River, near Almont. They removed to Oakland County, and two years later, went back to New York State, and lived there until 1854, when they returned to this State, and lived in the town of Lapeer until 1861, when they came to St. Clair, and since then has lived in this county ; owns a good farm of seventy acres. He has held school offices. Mr. and Mrs. King have five children-Emma, now Mrs. Norton ; Ezra, in Vicks- burg ; Henry, in Marlette ; Clarence A., at home, and carries on the farm ; Graham, at home.

CHESTER KINNEY, dealer in ready-made clothing, hats and caps and gents' furnishing goods, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born December 15, 1848. He grew up and attended school here. After reaching manhood, engaged in business. He established his present business October, 1882. In 1874, Mr. Kinney married Miss Jennie Montross, a native of this county.

H. J. KUHN, manufacturer of harnesses, wholesale and retail, and dealer in harness, saddles, trunks, satchels, whips, robes, horse clothing, etc., is a native of Michigan, and was born in the city of Detroit May 5, 1860 ; came with parents to Port Huron and grew up and learned his trade here. He engaged in business for himself during the present year, and has a good trade.

ASA LARNED, Deputy Collector of Customs, is a native of Ontario County, N. Y., and was born August 25, 1808 : grew up to manhood in that State ; in 1831, came to Geauga County, Ohio, and cleared up a farm ; remained there until November, 1852, when he came to Michigan and located at Port Huron ; engaged in the hotel business ; opened the Larned House, then the prominent hotel here. He continued in the hotel business over twenty-six years, and always kept a temperance house, and still owns the property. He held the office of Justice of the Peace over twenty-five years, and Coroner for same length of time. Mr. Larned was united in marriage to Miss Ann M. Mallory, a native of Sharon, Conn., in 1831. They have two daugh- ters-Alvena S., now Mrs. Gen. William Hartsuff, of this city, Francis I., now Mrs. S. Goodman, of this place.

JOHN LAWLER, livery and boarding stable, is a native of Canada, and was born June 1, 1848. His parents came to Michigan in 1853. He learned the blacksmith's trade; after working at it, he engaged in butchering. In 1875, he engaged in the livery business on Huron avenue, and continued until October, 1878. when he was burned out. He started again. and since then has carried on the business and has a good trade. In 1872, he married Miss Eliza Phillips, of Philadelphia, Penn. They have two children-Lela and Mary.

CAPT. NELSON LITTLE, Section 21, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Canada, and was born on the St. Clair River April 6, 1833. He began sailing when twelve years of age on the schooner Comet. When eighteen years old he was mate of the Smead and the Tom Corwin for two years, and in 1853 sailed Captain of the Tom Corwin, and since then has sailed master of the Scott, Storm, Barclay, Forwarder, the tug Kate

582

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

Moffatt, the Kate Richmond. He has been in the marine service thirty-five years, and is one of the oldest Captains sailing from this port, and has lived here on the river twenty-nine years. He owns a farm of forty acres where he lives, and forty acres near home. In 1854, he married Miss Salomi F. Stone, a native of Ver- million, Erie County, Ohio. They have one son, John, living in Port Huron.

THOMAS M. LOMASNEY, merchant tailor, is a native of Ireland, and was born June 23, 1853. He came to Detroit during his boyhood, and learned his trade here. He remained in that city until March, 1882, when he came to Port Huron and engaged in business here, and is building up a nice trade. He married Miss Ella Fisher, a native of St. Clair County, January 27. 1880. They have two children-Ella and Martin.

WILLIAM LOVE, of the firm of Love & Schofield, boiler manufacturers, is a native of Ireland, and was born September 7, 1837. He came to the United States in 1854. and served his time in the city of New York, and worked at his trade there. Came to Port Huron in 1873, and was foreman of shop here two years, and in 1876 established his present business. The following year he admitted his present partner, and they have built up a good trade in marine and shore work. Mr. Love has represented the First Ward in the City Coun- cil, and now holds the office of Supervisor from the Fifth Ward. He married Miss Minnie Gay, a native of Canada, in 1874. They have five children-Willie, George, John, Robert and Albert.

D. McARRON, manager of Western Union Telegraph Office, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in Port Huron March 4, 1856. He attended school here and in Detroit, and when seventeen years of .age entered the telegraph office here in 1873, and since then for the past ten years has been connected with it. In September, 1880, he was appointed manager of the office and business at Port Huron, and since then has held that position.

CAPT. DUNCAN McCAIG, master of propellor Henry Howard. is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in Marysville May 12, 1848. Upon reaching manhood he began sailing on the Forester; the following year he went on the propeller Sanilac as watch, and sailed on her for ten years as wheelman, second mate, mate, and afterward Captain of the Sanilac for three years; he sailed the Ogeman one year, and the past year has been master of the propeller Henry Howard. Capt. McCaig married Miss Emma Moore, a native of this county, February 22, 1879. They have one son, Milton MeCaig, born December 18, 1880, and one daughter, Mabel McCaig, born January 24, 1883.

A. B. McCOLLOM. of the firm of MeCollom & Sweetzer, druggists, is a native of Canada, and was born July 28, 1844. Upon reaching early manhood, he came to Port Huron in 1863, and entered the drug store of Dr. Parker. In August, 1864, he enlisted in the new Third Michigan Infantry and served until the close of the war, and was connected with hospital service. After his return, entered the drug house of Henry C. Hill, of Detroit; the following year returned here and was with Dr. Parker for six months; then engaged with William Wastell and was connected with the management of his business for seven years. He established his present business in May, 1876, and has built up a large trade. He is a member of the City Council. Mr. McCollom was united in marriage to Miss Eunice A. Inslee. a native of Ann Arbor, Mich., December 20, 1865. They have four children-Blanche E., Gage A., Sylvester W., Charles F.

JOHN McCORMICK, harness-maker, is a native of Ireland, and was born May 3, 1847; came to this country in 1863, and came to Port Huron the same year; served apprenticeship in harness-making; in 1867, engaged in business with his employer, the firm being S. & J. McCormick. In 1869, he engaged in business on his own account, and has built up a large trade. He manufactures largely, and employs from twenty-five to thirty hands, doing the largest business of the kind in the State. His wholesale trade extends throughout the State and in New York, Illinois, Wisconsin and as far west as Kansas City, and has built it all up by his own energy and application to the interests of his business; he had only one dollar when he began to learn his trade; this success is owing to his own efforts. He has held office of Alderman three years. In 1869, Mr. McCormick married Miss Ursula V. Inman, of Port Huron. They have three children-Elmer, Byron J., Arthur.

SAMUEL McCORMICK, manufacturer and dealer in harness, is a native of Ireland, and was born in County Longford October 20, 1839, emigrated to America in 1849 and came to Port Huron the same year, and learned the trade of harness-making. Three years later, he bought out his employer and engaged in business for himself. Hehas carried on the business here for the past thirty years, except a few years when suffering from ill-health, and is the oldest in the business here. In 1855, he married Charlotte E. Westbrook, daughter of John West- brook. She died in 1861, leaving two children-Annie and John. In 1863, he married Nancy J. Kimball, from Algonac, this State. They had one son-Chester, who died.

DAVID McDONALD, engineer Michigan Mills, is a native of Scotland, and was born in 1834. His parents came to the United States in 1835, and he grew up in Canada, in Montreal and Dundas, where he Îcarned his trade, and lived in the latter place twelve years. In 1861, went to the oil region and was there five years; from 1866 until 1873, was chief engineer of the car ferry boat between Windsor and Detroit; he came to Michigan in 1876, and since 1880 has been engineer of the Michigan Mills. He married Miss Annie H. White, a native of Scotland, December 7, 1864. They have five children-Margaret A., William D., Alexander R., Isabella H., Evyleen G.

ALEXANDER McDONALD, engineer of Grand Trunk ferry boat Saginaw, is a native of Canada, and was born in Montreal February 26, 1845. He was raised in Dundas, and learned trade of machinist. In 1869, he went on the lakes and since then has held the position of engineer on steam vessels, and for the past eight years has been engineer on the Saginaw. In 1872, he married Miss Maggie McBean, of Lancaster, Canada. They have five children-Annie B., Duncan A., Charles W., Donald G., Norman P.

EDWARD McGOWEN is a native of Ireland, and was born in County Donegal April 10, 1818. His parents emigrated to the United States in 1826, and came to Buffalo. He began sailing in 1835, when only seventeen years of age, on the schooner Haver, from Buffalo to Chicago. He saw, during that year, the first brick building erected in Chicago. He ran the schooner Texas three years, and on the J. J. Willis and Atlas; was mate of the Ontonagon three years; sailed Captain of the schooner Baltimore, and also sailed the

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources, its war record, biographical sketches, the whole preceded by a history of Michigan, Part 94

Author: Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, A.T. Andreas & Co. Number of Pages: 818

Author:
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, A.T. Andreas & Co.
Number of Pages: 818