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 95

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 95

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583

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

Pontiac, the Buckeye, the Vincennes, the Big Hubbard, propeller City of Madison, barque Mary Stockton, the H. P. Bridge, schooner Harvest Queen, steam barge Mary Howard, the Fessenden and the F. C. Leighton. He sailed for one firm in Sandusky twenty-four years, and has been in the marine service forty-three years. He has lived in Port Huron since 1846, and in 1847 Capt. McGowen married Miss Mary Krombley, a native of this county. They have six sons and seven daughters-Edward J., Edgar D., Hugh, Fred, Harry, Garibaldi, Mariette, Annie, Julia, Mary, Kate, Alice, Minnie.

DR. J. B. McGREGOR, dental surgeon, is a son of John McGregor, an early settler and prominent man- ufacturer of the city of Detroit, and was born in that city April 30, 1855. He attended school there, and in 1874, entered the State University at Ann Arbor, where he remained three years and graduated in 1877 in the first class of graduates in dental surgery. The following year, he came to Port Huron and since then, has successfully practiced his profession here. Dr. McGregor is secretary of the Michigan Dental Association and is also President of the Michigan University Alumni Association.

JOHN D. McINTOSH, dealer in groceries, corner Pine Grove avenue and Stone street, is a native of Canada and was born September 2, 1833. He came to this county in 1850, and went to lumbering in winter and sailing summers. He was foreman for John Copeland in lumber business fourteen years. In 1877, he engaged in the grocery trade at the bridge and was there three years. Then was City Marshal one year, and in 1880 started business in his present location. He owns his store and several houses and lots adjoining. In 1866, he married Miss Theresa Wilt, a native of France. She died in 1869, and left two children-Mary Theresa and Rose M. In 1870, he married Louise Cameron, a native of Canada. They have three children- Flora, Georgiana and Charlie.

DUNCAN MCKENZIE, horseshoer and blacksmith, is a native of Scotland, and was born October 28, 1844. He attended school and learned his trade there, then went to England and joined the expedition of royal engineers who went abroad for the purpose of making explorations in Jerusalem and throughout the Holy Land under Col. Warren. He held the position of Corporal on the staff. He speaks the Arabic lan- guage, and acted as interpreter. He was connected with the expedition three years and four months. He came to the United States in 1870 ; lived in Chicago a short time, then went to Detroit. In September, 1871, he came to Port Huron, and established his present business. He is a superior mechanic, and has built up a large trade. As evidence of his workmanship, he was awarded the first prize for horseshoeing at the State Fair of Michigan, held at Saginaw in 1875. Mr. Mckenzie married Miss Charlotte Cameron, native of Scot- land. August 27, 1872. They have five children-William A., Nellie J., Charles I)., Rosa C. and Tillie Blanche.

D. C. McNUTT, dealer in groceries and provisions, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in the town of Clyde, December 26, 1851. He attended school in this county. In 1876, he entered the clothing store of S. Goodman, and remained there over five years ; then engaged in his present business. He was united in marriage January 20, 1879, to Miss Maria L. Hitchings, a native of the township of Port Huron ; they have one daughter, Lela Irene.

GEORGE R. McPHERSON, Captain of the ferry boat Beckwith, is a native of Canada, and was born near London, March 23, 1860 ; he came here in 1873, and soon after began sailing on the tug Mocking Bird, and then was on the Beckwith three years after she was rebuilt, and on the Baird for several seasons ; during the present year was on the Conger for a short time after she was completed, and was then appointed to his present position as Captain of the Beckwith.

CAPT. HUGH McTAVISH is a native of Scotland, and was born in Argyleshire, December 2, 1812 ; when sixteen years of age, he went to sea. Came to the United States in 1837, and was in the McKenzie war, and held a commission of Lieutenant in Her Majesty's navy, and was stationed at Malden, and was there when the little armed schooner Ann came to take that place, and she was captured. Capt. McTavish en- gaged in sailing before the mast, as mate, and sailed as Captain for eleven years; also, as pilot up the Georgian Bay. He was in the marine service thirty-nine years In 1847, Capt. McTavish married Miss Maggie Morri- son, a native of New Brunswick; they have two sons-Alexander and Hugh Allan; and one daughter, Maggie; one son, Donald, while mate of the Equinox, was lost on Lake Michigan.

WILLIAM A. MALLORY, farmer, Section 6, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of the State of Connecticut, and was born in Sharon. Litchfield County, March 26, 1812; after reaching manhood, he came to Ohio in 1830; the following year came to Michigan ; but returned to Ohio, and lived there until 1850; then went to Illinois, and lived there and in Wisconsin until 1856, when he came to Port Huron and lived there about fifteen years, and then bought the land where he now lives, and engaged in farming. He has been twice elected Justice of the Peace. In 1839, he married Miss Sarah Larned, a native of New York State; they have four children- Larned, living in Cleveland ; Genie, now Mrs. Van Crane; Idell, at home ; Frank, living in Detroit.

CAPT. A. E. MANUEL, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of this county, and was born in Port Huron Octo- ber 8, 1847. His parents, F. D. Manuel and Harriet Huling Manuel, were among the early settlers of this county. He began sailing when fourteen years of age on the schooner Somerset ; afterward went as mate of the Clipper Vision. In 1863, sailed Captain of the Lucy King. of Bay City, and since then has owned and sailed the Henry Young, O. T. Wilcox, Idaho, H. S. Hyde. He has been in the marine service over twenty years. In 1877, he married Miss Annie Muehler, a native of the State of Ohio. His father, F. D. Manuel, was born in Canada in 1817, and came to this county in 1833; he married Miss Harriet Huling, a native of this county, in 1844. He held the office of Deputy Sheriff some years, and died February 28, 1878; left six children-Eliaphant, Stephen, Maria, Florence, Fred, George ; all married except one. Mrs. Manuel owns a farm of thirty acres.

HENRY C. MANSFIELD, Register of Deeds, is a son of David Mansfield, one of the early settlers, and was born January 13, 1842. He grew up and received his education here. In 1860, went to Illinois ; upon the breaking-out of the rebellion, he enlisted in the Eleventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and went out in the three months' service. He served four years and a half, and was in many severe battles ; after the

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

war he returned here. He held the office of Town Treasurer ten years ; was Town Clerk two years; was Justice of the Peace seven years ; and held the office of Postmaster at Memphis ten years ; was Village Treasurer six years, and Assessor of School District five years. He was elected Register of Deeds in 1878, and re-elected to the same office in 1880. Mr. Mansfield was united in marriage to Miss Hettie Granger, of Memphis, May 5, 1869 ; they have one son, Lewis G., born June 24, 1871.

E. G. MANUEL lives on Section 21, township of Port Huron, was born at Long Point, Can., February 13, 1821. At five years of age he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and remained in Northern Ohio until August, 1842, at which time he went to Northern Indiana and commenced business in Valparaiso, in 1843, and was married at La Porte, March 4, 1847, to Miss Sarah Alsop, a native of England; remained in Northern Indiana until December, 1858, but his health having become impaired, hoping for good results, he came to Michigan, and settled on a farm near Mount Clemens, Macomb County, where he stayed two years, and in May, 1861, moved to this county, and settled on the St. Clair River, and since then has resided here without engaging in any particular business. Commenced life poor, and if he has met with success, it is the result of the com- bined efforts of himself and wife. Although something of a worker in his party, has never become an office-holder to any extent; has, however, held the office of Highway Commissioner several times, also Town Clerk, Justice of the Peace, etc., and has served as School Director in School District No. 3, for seventeen con- secutive years; owns 170 acres of land adjoining the city limits of Port Huron. They have but one child, Fred W.

R. MARENGO, foreman in charge of painting shops of Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad, is a native of Canada East. and was born at Eberville, September 6, 1839. His father was a fine ornamental and miniature painter, and he learned his trade of him ; was brought up in the business from early boyhood. He was in the shops of the Grand Trunk Railroad at Montreal for fifteen years. His brother was foreman of the paint- ing department, and he was assistant foreman with him for many years. He came here in April, 1880, and since then has held his present position as foreman in charge of the painting department, and also is the designer of all their fine work in this department. In 1861, he married Miss Thaise Normandin, a native of Eberville, Canada East. They have six sons and two daughters-Raphael, Alexander, Rodolph, Henry, Eusebe, Emile, Emeline and Evelina. Lost one daughter.

ANTWINE MARONTATE, was born in Canada, December 19, 1825 ; in 1843, when eighteen years of age, came to Port Huron, and went in the lumber woods ; after working for a few days by the month, took a job to cut logs by the thousand feet, twenty cents per thousand, and board himself; cut logs all winter and helped take the drive down to Port Huron, and then went to work in a saw-mill for J. & J. Beard, on Black River, now called Ruby ; worked for this firm a number of years, both in their mill and in their lumber yard in Detroit ; after which he worked by the month and by the job for Mr. Hibbard five years ; then Mr. Hibbard placed him in his store, where he remained until Mr. H. sold out to P. & J. P. Sanborn, and was with them until they sold out to William Sanborn & Co. Mr. Marontate managed the business for that firm, who sold out to Sanborn & Howard ; they were succeeded by William Sanborn, A. Marontate and J. Wasatel, the firm being William Sanborn & Co. They continued in business until the breaking out of the war, when they sold out. Mr. Marontate was in the Custom House three years, then engaged with W. B. and J. Hibbard in the lumber business, and remained with them for eleven years ; he then took charge of the street railway as Superin- tendent, and had charge of the ticket office, and held that position until 1879, and since then has been associated with Mr. Howard in the lumber business. He has held the office of City Treasurer six years : was Alderman one year, and Clerk of the Board of Education twenty years. He was married to Miss Almira Lapine from Lower Canada, May 27, 1847. They have three daughters-Mary, now Mrs. Bondy, Agnes J., now Mrs. Marontate. of Windsor, Can., and Hattie. They have lost two sons. Anthony and Willie A., and lost one daughter, Matilda M.

HENRY MARX, SR., is a native of Germany, and was born March 3, 1825. He emigrated to America in 1854, and lived in Buffalo, N. Y., for three years, and came to Port Huron in 1857, and began laboring. He was in the employ of John Johnson for six years, and has been in the employ of John P. Sanborn since 1871 ; when he came here, he did not have $5, and by his industry and economy, has accumulated a nice property. He married Miss Elizabeth Kessel, a native of Germany. They have three children-Mena, who is married and living here ; Henry, clerk in store ; Adam, clerk in store.

HENRY F. MARX, dealer in fresh and salted meats, is a native of Germany, and was born April 28, 1856. He came to the United States in 1867, and came to Port Huron the same year ; began work in a butcher shop. In 1876, he engaged in business for himself, and has carried it on since then, and has built up a good trade. He has also opened a shop in the Sixth Ward. He is Secretary of the German Aid Society, and Mar- shal of St. Stephen Society. He married Miss Victoria Gram, a native of Canada, September 3, 1878; they have one daughter, Hattie.

MATHIAS MATZEN, foreman Michigan Mills, is a native of Germany, and was born June 21, 1838. He grew up and learned his trade there, and emigrated to the United States in 1869, and came to this State the same year. He came to Port Huron in 1877, and since then has been in the employ of the Michigan Mills ; was assistant foreman three years, and since then, has held his present position of foreman. He mar- ried Miss Maria Peterson, a native of Germany, February 15, 1871. They had four children-Maria, Chris- tian, Charles and Sophia.

JOHN MEIER, dealer in wines and liquors, was born in Switzerland, May 20, 1844, and emigrated to the United States in 1871, and came to Port Huron the same year, and afterward began butchering business in 1876. He engaged in hotel business, and kept the City Hotel until 1879, then bought the hotel property, corner Butler and Fort streets, and run the business until the present year, when he rented the hotel. He belongs to the Order of Knights of Pythias In 1875, he married Miss Louise Dendlar, a native of Switzer- land. They have four children-John, Flora, Frances and Willie.

CHRISTIAN G. MEISEL, the senior partner in the dry goods house of C. G. Meisel & Brother, although not one of the old residents, so-called, deserves a place in our record, from the indomitable energy and per-

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

severance which have put him among the foremost men of the day, notwithstanding the many difficulties and hindrances that constantly beset his path during the years when boys need and receive help and en- couragement. He was born in Germany, July 22, 1841, where, according to German rule, he attended school as soon as old enough, receiving, before emigrating to this country at the age of ten with his parents. the rudiments of a good education. The family settled in Hampton, now Bay City, and young Meisel so rapidly acquired the English language as in the next year, when only eleven, to be intrusted with the charge of the post office and to attend the store where the office was kept. He left that place to come with his parents to Port Huron at the age of thirteen, where he attended school some and busied himself in such ways as he could to help himself, until at seventeen he went to work in a general store, and liked the business so well that he resolved to make it his life work. He worked hard and saved his wages, until he had sufficient funds to enable him to take a mercantile course of book-keeping at Bryant & Stratton's College, Detroit, where he received his diploma, then returned home and resumed his place, keeping books for the store, and also a set for a steamboat and forwarding and commission business. At the age of twenty-one, he rented a snug little store on Water street, put in a choice stock of dry goods, and has continued the business ever since with some changes. In the course of time, Mr. James A. Davidson, and afterward Mr. James B. Farrand, became associated with him in a larger store on Military street. The firm dissolved, and Messrs. Davidson & Farrand afterward turned their attention to other branches of business, but Mr Meisel returned to Water street and commenced again with his younger brother, under their present firm name, and were so successful as to soon require more room. When the Times block was built two stores were arranged for their especial purpose, which they still occupy. These two young men found what men rarely do find, a business to which they were thoroughly adapted. They know what is wanted and what will be suitable to the majority of their patrons, and are therefore eminently successful in satisfying. They are also unwearied in their efforts to procure what is called for, willing to take any pains and trouble to accommodate, and there is no limit to their patience and pains-taking. They are true Christians; just and fair in all their dealings, generous to a fault almost, public spirited, always ready to contribute to the welfare of the city and country, and open- hearted in all charitable work. Active and energetic in their church work, Mr. C. G. Meisel has for some years assisted in maintaining a Sunday school three miles out of town, going every Sunday in spite of fatigue, bad weather or any other obstacle, until ill health imperatively demanded that he should give up all extra exertion. In May, 1867, Mr. Meisel married Miss Cordelia E. Chadwick, of Philadelphia. They have had three children, two girls and one boy, the oldest, a girl, being the only one now living. Their home is on the bank of the St. Clair, a little below the city, a most charming situation, offering the peace and quiet in all respects that are so much needed by one in such an active everyday life as that of Mr. Meisel.

GOTTLEIB C. MEISEL, younger brother of C. G. Meisel, and the junior partner in the same house, was also born in Germany, May 22, 1849, and was only two years old when the family emigrated to this country. He attended school from the age of five years until eleven in Port Huron, then went to Detroit for a year, perfecting himself as far as possible, in both German and English. At that time his brother com . menced business for himself, and young Meisel entered the store as clerk, being then twelve years old, and continued as clerk with his brother until twenty-one, when he became a partner. Since then, the two brothers have worked indefatigably together, and what is said of one may almost exactly be said of the other, as regards characteristics. In all business and public affairs, they work together. They seem bound in many respects by stronger ties than usually unite even brothers, and perfect harmony seems to prevail in all their walks in life. Mr. G. C. Meisel married in May, 1873, Miss Anna H. McMorran, and two sons have been born to them. They have a cozy little home on Sixth street, near the store.

CAPT. F. I. MERYMAN, manager of submarine wrecking business of S. A. Murphy & Co., and Cana- dian Wrecking Co., is a native of Brunswick, Me., and was born November 3, 1841. When fifteen years of age, he began sailing, and followed the sea for five years, then commenced submarine diving. He had charge of the Coast Wrecking Company, of New York, and had the entire management of their business on the lakes for nine years ; then engaged in business for himself. He associated with H. McMorran and E. B. Har- rington and bought the inland department of the Coast Wrecking Company, and carried on the business for two years. They then sold out to S. A. Murphy, of Detroit, and since then Capt. Meryman has had charge of all the business of S. A. Murphy & Company, and the Canadian Wrecking Company. He has had a large and successful experience in submarine work. Capt. Meryman came to Port Huron in 1869, and the follow- ing year was united in marriage to Miss Emma Corbishly, of this city. She died in July, 1879. February 5, 1883, he was married to Miss Mina Wheeler, of Port Huron. Capt. Meryman will carry on the wrecking business alone this season, 1883.

HON. JOHN MILLER, son of John and Anna (Riest) Miller, was born on the 1st of February, 1818, at Sugar Loaf in Upper Canada. His parents were of German descent, and were natives of Pennsylvania ; they spoke English and German equally well. They removed to Buffalo, N. Y., and then to Canada, where their son John was born. When he was quite young, they removed to Rochester, Oakland County, Mich. Mrs. Miller was a Mennonite, of which sect her brother, John Riest, now residing in Buffalo, was a missionary and leader. She died in February, 1868. Her husband died some years before. The school privileges of John Miller were very limited, ending when he was thirteen years old. He was well endowed intellectually, and had a reflective, as well as an inquiring mind. He spent his leisure hours in reading, thus making up for his lack of educational advantages. He became well informed in matters pertaining to business and politics ; and as a business man, had more than ordinary ability. At the age of thirteen, he went to St. Clair County, and worked with his oldest brother, Jacob Miller, in the lumber business ; soon after, he was employed by the Black River Steam-mill Company, as clerk in the business pertaining to their mill, in Port Huron. He re- mained many years, filling the several positions of Clerk, General Manager and Superintendent ; after which he undertook a business of his own of the same character. In all his enterprises he was more than ordinarily successful, accumulating property easily and rapidly. His investments were made with excellent judgment,

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

and his plans were executed with energy and ability. His general information and good judgment so rec- ommended him to the people, that he was chosen to represent them in the Legislature, and was three times elected Mayor of the city. October 29, 1843, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Flora Hull, of Middlesex County, Conn. She had been educated at Bissell's Academy, then a flourishing school on the Western Reserve, in Ohio. Though of retiring and unobtrusive manners, she possessed much energy and ambition. Mr. Miller did not fail to recognize and acknowledge her influence. He is remembered to have said, that whatever of success he has attained was due to his wife. They had two children-a son and a daughter. The oldest, Clara Miller, died in 1863, at the age of seventeen years. The son, John Edgar, succeeded his father, as cashier and manager of the First National Bank. Within the last year, however, realizing that his health required. for a time, freedom from the absorbing care and confinement, he retired from the business, Mrs. Miller now occupies the family mansion which her husband erected a few years before his death, in the fall of 1873. Mr. Miller was a constant attendant, a Trustee, and a generous supporter of the Congregational Church, but was very liberal in his religious views. In politics, he was a Democrat, but was quite conserv- ative. He was not extreme in any of his opinions. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was a Knight Templar. Mr. Miller must be regarded as having had a successful life, which, when his opportunities are considered, affords a worthy example to future generations.

J. E. MILLER is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in Port Huron September 11, 1847. His father, John Miller, was one of the earliest settlers of this county, coming here about the year 1831 ; his mother came here in 1840 ; he received his education in this State. Upon reaching manhood, he took the po- sition of cashier in his father's bank, and afterward became a partner in the business. In September, 1871, upon the organization of the First National Bank, he became Assistant Cashier ; upon the death of his father in 1873, he succeeded him as cashier in the bank, and held that position until 1876, when he resigned. He was elected City Treasurer, and held that office two years. Mr. Miller was united in marriage August 15, 1868, to Miss Sarah Barnes, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y. They have three children-John B., Clara, Frank E.

STEPHEN MILLER, contractor and mover of buildings, is a native of St. Catharine's, Canada, and was born October 4, 1822 ; he went to New York during his boyhood, and came to Port Huron in 1854, and went to lumbering, and afterward carpenter and joiner ; since 1865, he has been engaged in moving buildings, and does the principal part of that business here. and has had a large experience. His father had an experience of thirty years in the same business. Mr. Miller married Miss Mary White, of St. Catharine's, Canada, June 21, 1852 ; they have three children-William, Marietta and Stephen.

H. R. MILLS, physician and surgeon, was born in Saline, Washtenaw County, Mich., July 11, 1837; he . attended school there, and entered the State University at Ann Arbor, where he completed his education ; then commenced the study of medicine, but in 1862, before graduating, entered the army in the Twentieth Regiment Michigan Infantry. Remained until the close of the war. He graduated in 1866 at the State Uni- versity, and received his degree, then was in the regular service for three years ; he was appointed Post Sur- geon at Mackinaw, and held that position for some years. He came to Port Huron in 1871, and since that, has successfully practiced his profession here. He has served as Pension Surgeon and Marine Surgeon and is now Supervising Inspector of Emigrant Inspection Service. In 1865, Dr. Mills was married to Miss Alida B. Riggs, of Detroit. They have two sons-Thomas Henry and Albert Beekman.

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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 95

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