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 99

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 99

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C. B. STOCKWELL, physician and surgeon, is a native of the State of Pennsylvania, and was born in the town of Friendsville May 5, 1851. His parents came to Port Huron the same year. His father, Dr. C. M. Stockwell, has for many years been one of the leading physicians in this section of the State. The boyhood of Dr. Stockwell was spent in Port Huron. After attending school here he entered Olivet College, and grad- uated in 1873. For two years he taught in the schools here. He then entered the Harvard Medical School, taking a three years' course, and graduated in 1878. He afterward took a post graduate course, and since then has been successfully engaged in the practice of medicine here. He was chosen Secretary of the St. Clair, Sanilac and Lapeer County Medical Societies. Dr. Stockwell has given much attention to the study and cultivation of music, and for the past three years has been musical director of the Port Huron Musical Society.

C. M. STOCKWELL, M. D., born in Colesville, Broome Co., N. Y., June 20, 1823. Educated at Oxford Academy, following which he taught at different times in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Studied medicine in Binghamton. N. Y., graduating from Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Mass., in 1850. After practicing one year in Pennsylvania, removed to Port Huron, Mich., in 1851, where he has since resided. At that early day, he found his chosen profession one entailing considerable hardship and exposure, as he was frequently required to ride forty and even sixty miles. Dr. Stockwell is now the oldest practitioner in the county, and still actively engaged. He is well identified with the profession of the State, has twice been the President of the State Medical Society, several times the executive of the Northeastern Medical and Scientific Association, and likewise a Regent of the State University for some years-1864 to 1871. With the outbreak of the civil war he was voluntarily tendered a commission by Gov. Blair, and succeeded to the Surgeoncy of the Twenty-seventh Infantry ; subsequently was Acting Assistant Surgeon at Fort Gratiot, and is now United States Pension Surgeon, a position he has filled for twenty years. He was married at Bainbridge, N. Y., Oc- tober 21, 1845, to Miss Clarissa C. Stockwell, a native of that village, the union being crowned by five chil- dren, of whom the following are living : G. A., Charlie B., both physicians, and the latter associated with his father ; Clara V. and Martha E.

CHARLES E. STUART, proprietor of Stuart House, is a native of Scotland, and was born August 20, 1833. He came to Canada in 1853, and lived there until 1866, when he came to Michigan. He came to Port Huron in 1873, and since then, for the past nine years, has been engaged in the hotel business, and since 1879 has been in his present location. He owns this hotel, and also owns a farm in Sanilac County. In 1859, he married Miss Margaret Cheeseman, of St. Catharines, Canada. They have eight children-William A., Thom- as J., Cordelia A., Ellen J., Charles E., Collin HI., Edith R. and Maud M.

ELI SWARTOUT, Assistant Engineer of City Water Works, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born April 22, 1838. in the village of Algonac. After reaching manhood he began sailing, and for twenty-two years was Chief Engineer on the great Northwestern lakes and rivers. In 1880, he was appointed Assistant Engineer of the City Water Works, and since then has held that position. He is one of the oldest native- born citizens of St. Clair County now living here. He was united in marriage December 18, 1867, to Miss Katie A. Traphagan, of Oakland County, Mich., who was born August 31, 1847. They have two sons-Edgar J., born June 26, 1869, and William C., born November 18, 1878.

N. B. SWEET, carpenter and builder, is a native of Canada, and was born June 12, 1847. He grew up and learned his trade there, and came to Port Huron in 1869, and began working at the furniture trade. He afterward engaged in the business, and carried it on for some years. He then engaged in building. In 1871, he married Miss Eliza Holt, a native of Canada. They have three children-Irwin E., Lillie B. and

- Myrtie B.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

CHARLES F. TAYLOR, dealer in hardware, stoves and tinware, is a native of New York State, and was born in Erie County September 17, 1849. He was brought up and received his education in that State. He then entered a store in the city of Buffalo, and was connected with the hardware business there for eight years. He came to Port Huron in 1880 and established his present business, and is building up a large and successful trade. Mr. Taylor married Miss Carrie Lapey, from Niagara Falls, N. Y. They have one daugh- ter-Winnifred.

GEORGE TEBO, Captain of the steamer Saginaw, is a native of Port Huron, and was born in 1845 ; when sixteen years of age, he began sailing on the lakes. One year after, he enlisted, March 11, 1862, in the First Regiment Michigan Sharpshooters, under Col. DeLand, and served three years ; after his return from the service, he went on the lakes, and since then has been in the marine service. He was master of the pro- peller Neptune three years, and master of propeller Elmira one season ; then bought an interest in a ferry- boat and ran it between one and two years, when it burned ; he is now sailing the second year as master of the Saginaw. Capt. Tebo married Miss Adele Paille, of this city, September 20, 1866 ; they have two chil- dren-Albert A. and Freddie G.

E. THOMPSON, retired, is a native of Seneca County, N. Y., and was born March 4. 1813 ; when seven- teen years of age, he went to Ballston Springs, and learned the trade of tanner and currier. In March, 1836, he came West to Detroit for the purpose of looking for land for himself, Thomas Alcott, Cashier of Albany Bank, Gov. Marcy, of New York, and others; two years later he came to St. Clair County, in 1838, and en- gaged in the tanning business at Wadhams. In the spring of 1843, his tannery was burned, and a few months later he came to Port Huron, and bought fifty acres of land, finely located on St. Clair River, where he now lives, then away out of town, but now within the city limits, and started a tannery, and successfully carried on the tanning business until 1870, when his business was again destroyed by fire. He afterward en- gaged in the furniture business, and established a good trade. His son William succeeded to the business during the present year. He has been prominently identified with the Congregational Church since its organ- ization. In 1841, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Jane M. Greenfield, formerly Miss Jane Bettys, a native of Saratoga County, N. Y. She came to Port Huron in 1834, and located on the same place where they now live, and has lived there forty-nine years. They have six children, five sons and one daughter-Charles, living in Alpena ; William, engaged in furniture business here ; Montgomery, Chicago ; George Hoyt; Ella, now Mrs. W. E. Rodgers, of Alpena. Mrs. Thompson has one daughter, Frances Greenfield, now Mrs. A. C. Sloan, of this city ; Horace Greenfield, living in Lee County, Ill.

WILLIAM THOMPSON, furniture dealer, is a native of St. Clair County, Mich., and was born in Port Huron September 5, 1845, and grew up and received his education here. During the war, he enlisted and served in the Third Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry. After his return from the service, he went to Northern Illinois and located at Dixon, and afterward at Warren ; was also engaged in lumber, grain and stock business in Iowa. In March, 1882, he engaged in his present business, which was established by his father in 1875. He carries a large stock of furniture, and has the leading trade. Mr. Thompson was united in marriage January 1, 1874, to Miss Evelyn Platt, daughter of Judge Platt, of Warren, Jo Daviess Co., Ill., an old settler and an honored citizen of that county ; Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have two children-Nathan Platt and Edith Evelyn.

J. W. THOMSON, Agent of the Lake Superior Transit Company, was born in Scotland April 6, 1817. He emigrated to this country in 1841. He came here in the spring of 1852, and was purser and clerk of the steamer Ruby. At that time, there was no means of communication with the outer world, only by the steamers Ruby and Pearl, except by stage. In 1854 and 1855, these boats were replaced by two large boats, the For- rester and the Forest Queen. Mr. Thomson was connected with the boats until 1858. Was appointed agent of the Ward Line, and held that position until 1869, and then went to Detroit, and was appointed agent there of the Lake Superior Steamboat Company. He returned to Port Huron and took the agency here of the Lake Superior Transit Company, and is also agent for the Union Steamboat Company, the Western Transportation Company, and the Saginaw Transportation Company, and transacts a large business. Mr. Thompson held the office of Deputy Collector of Customs here during President Lincoln's administration, and a part of Johnson's, and is now a member of the Board of Education.

HARRY TRAVER, of the firm of E. G. Spalding & Co., insurance agents, is a native of Rochester, N. Y., and was born December 24, 1845. His parents came West to Michigan in 1847, and he grew up and re- ceived his education in this State. During the war, he enlisted as private in Company G, Third Regiment Michigan Infantry ; promoted to Second and First Lieutenant, acting as Adjutant when regiment came home. After the close of the war, he came to Port Huron, and was appointed by Col. Atkinson to a position in the Custom House, and remained there eleven years, when he resigned and associated with E. G. Spalding in in- surance. He has the active management of the business, and their agency includes all of the oldest and best fire, marine and life companies. Mr. Traver was united in marriage December 14, 1868, to Miss Marie Louise Crellin, of Port Huron ; they have had two children, neither of whom survive.

PETER S. TRESE, of the firm of Trese & Smith, dealers in fresh and salted meats, is a native of Cana- da ; was born October 30, 1852 ; during his boyhood, he worked on a farm, and during the winters worked at lumbering ; he came to Port Huron in 1879, and was in his brother's market, where he learned his business ; he recently engaged in business with his present partner, and they are having a good trade.

PHILO TRUESDELL, proprietor of the Port Huron Marble Works, is a native of Indiana, and was born May 27, 1853. In early boyhood removed to Canada, and grew up there and in New York State. He came to Michigan, and was connected with the hardware and agricultural implement business for eight years at Howell, Livingston Co. He came to Port Huron in 1877, and learned his present business, and in 1880 en- gaged in business for himself. He deals in all kinds of marble and granite and slate and marble mantels and grates, and cut building stone ; employs ten men, and has built up a good trade in this section of the State. Mr. Truesdell was united in marriage July 17, 1873, to Miss Helen M. Axtell, from Howell, Livingston Co., Mich. They have two children-Nina A. and Walter R.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

GEORGE E. TWISS, Deputy Collector of Customs, is a native of Ireland, and was born in 1837. His parents came to Port Huron in 1848, and he grew up and attended school here. In 1870, he was appointed Deputy Collector Customs, and since then for the past twelve years has held that position. In December, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Kittie M. Taylor, from Mount Clemens, Oakland County, Mich.

JOHN W. TWISS, auctioneer and dealer in clothing, notions, fancy goods and jewelry, is a native of Ireland, and was born in 1840. His parents came to the United States in 1845, and came to Port Huron in 1848. His father engaged in business here and continued in trade until his death, which occurred in August of the present year. John W. entered his father's store during boyhood, and has been engaged in business for the past twenty years. He is an auctioneer, and buys stocks of goods, and sells at auction, and has a good trade. In 1870, he married Miss Adelaide King, a native of Ireland. They have six children-Lilly, Edward, Willie, May, Addie, Pearl.

OSWALD UNGER, manufacturer and dealer in guns, pistols and fishing tackle, was born in Saxony, Germany, April 23, 1830; grew up and learned his trade there; emigrated to America May 16, 1854, and came to Michigan. Reached Port Huron July 5, 1856; began working at his trade, and since then for the past twenty-six years has carried on the business here. He married Miss Mary Wolfe, from Prussia, June 29, 1856, in Milwaukee. They have six children-Louise, Julia, Anna, Herman, Otto and Mary; have lost three chil- dren-Adolf, Henry and Oscar. He belongs to the Order of Knights of Pythias and the German Aid Society.

REV. FATHER E. VAN LAUWE, pastor, is a native of Belgium, and was born in the city of Ghent, October 13, 1836. His early education in Latin was received at the college of St. Barbe, Ghent, under direc- tion of the Jesuit Fathers. In 1858, having decided to enter the ministry in the United States, he entered the American college of Louvain, devoted himself to the study of the English language, and pursued his phil- osophical and theological studies in the famous University of Louvain; was ordained priest by His Eminence Cardinal Sterks, of Malines, Belgium, July 26, 1862, and the same year received his diploma as Baccalaureus in theology from the hand of Monseigneur de Ram, then Rector Magnificus of the University. In September of the same year, he started for America and arrived in Detroit November 22, 1862, and was first assigned to the cathedral in that city; after one year, commenced a new mission in Lenawee County, where he resided in Clinton, and organized three other missions there, and built and completed churches there. He came to Port Huron March 13, 1867. and since then has had charge of his present pastorate.

MRS. WILLIAM H. VARNEY, whose maiden name was Miss Mary E. Hoffman, is a native of Sara- toga County, N. Y. Her father, Thomas J. Hoffman, was a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and her mother, Fannie J. Hoffman, was a native of Saratoga County, the same State. They were brought up there and married in Saratoga County. Mr. Hoffman engaged in lumbering at the foot of the Adirondacks; estab- lished saw mills and operated them, and carried on an extensive business for many years. He became finan- cially embarrassed and was obliged to suspend; after his failure he removed to western part of the State; while living there, the death of his wife occurred at Port Byron. She was a devoted wife and mother, a devout Christian woman, beloved by all who knew her. Mrs. Varney received her education in New York State, at Syracuse. She came to Port Huron with her brother, Wesley L., in 1855; her elder brother, John M., having preceded them here several years previous. She came to engage in teaching, and was connected with the schools here four years and a half; then went East to accept a position in the Adams School, in the city of Boston, and held that position two years and a half; and was then united in marriage January 1, 1862, to William H. Varney, a native of Wolfboro, N. H. He went to Boston during his early boyhood; received his education there and studied naval architecture, taking a four years course, after completing his profession. He was appointed Assistant Naval Architect, in the Government service in 1869, and was after- ward promoted to the position of Naval Architect, and now holds that position at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Va .; while in the South, at Pensacola, he was superintendent of the naval reserved timber lands. Mr. Varney has published a standard work on naval ship-building. Mr. and Mrs. Varney have one son-William W., now entering college.

GEORGE P. VOORHEIS, attorney at law, is a native of Oakland County, Mich., and was born Au- gust 20, 1848. He received his education in this State, and graduated in classical course at the State Univer- sity in 1872. Studied law and graduated in the law department in 1874. After completing his law studies, went to Lansing and was Clerk for Hon. Isaac Marston, Attorney General of the State, and now on the Su- preme bench. He was Clerk of the Judiciary Committee, Legislature in 1873, and during the extra session of 1874. Mr. Voorheis came to Port Huron the following year, and was associated with A. E. Chadwick in the practice of law until October, 1877. In November, 1877, he associated with Frank Whipple, and they were together until. April, 1881, and since then Mr. Voorheis has been alone in the practice of his profession. He received his nomination for Prosecuting Attorney of the county at the recent Republican convention, Mr. Voorheis was united in marriage May 14, 1874, to Miss Anna Burton Boyce, of Ypsilanti, Mich. They graduated together at the Union School at that city, in 1868. They have four children-Ethel A., George B., Priscilla Ray and Paul D.

J. R. WADSWORTH, Superintendent Port Huron & Northwestern Narrow Gauge Railroad, is a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., and was born February 13, 1843. Wlien only sixteen years of age, he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad: when the war broke out he enlisted and served nine months in the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment Volunteer Infantry, and afterward re-enlisted for three years and served in the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment Volunteer Infantry, and served until the battle of the Wilderness, where he was wounded; upon his return from the service, he resumed his position with the rail- road again, and remained with that company fourteen years; then resigned and took charge of the freight business of narrow gauge railroad in Pennsylvania, and occupied that position five years, and on July 1, 1880, was appointed Superintendent of the Port Huron & Northwestern Railroad, and since then has held that posi- tion. While living in Pennsylvania he held town offices, and was a member of the School Board for many years. Mr. Wadsworth was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Fowler, a native of Pennsylvania, Septe m-

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

ber 13, 1866. They have six children-three sons-Harry W., Hall McL. and Frank 'O. , and three daughters- Nellie Grace, Blanche May, Nettie.

ELI R. WHEELER, of the firm of Henry Howard & Co., manufacturers and dealers in lumber, is a native of the State of Maine, and was born April 27, 1845. He attended school in that State, and lived there until 1864; then went to the State of Pennsylvania, and the following year, in April, came to Port Huron; entered the employ of his uncle, L. B. Wheeler, inspecting timber, and remained with him nine years; then engaged in the same business on his own account. In 1877, he removed to Bay City, and for four years was extensively engaged at East Tawas in Shipping lumber. In January of the present year, he returned to Port Huron and became a member of the firm of Henry Howard & Co., manufacturers of lumber. Mr. Wheeler has had a large practical experience in inspecting timber. There are few men in the business better known in the Saginaw Valley and to the lumber trade in Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland and Buffalo. He is fre- quently called upon to arbitrate differences and is recognized as authority in all matters pertaining to the inspection of logs and timber. Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage in 1870 to Miss Angie Spalding, a native of Port Huron. Her parents are among the oldest settlers now living here. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have three sons-Clement C., Edwin B., Rolla.

M. WALKER, hydraulic engineer, is a native of Canada, and was born July 5, 1835. His parents were natives of Vermont. They came here during his boyhood. He entered a machine shop to learn the machin- ist's trade, and afterward engaged in building steam engines and setting up machinery in saw mills and bridge building. In 1857, he engaged in the jewelry trade, and carried on the leading business here for over twenty years, and during this time was engaged in building machinery. He has given the study of hydraul- ics a great deal of time and attention. In 1873, he built the water works for the city of Port Huron, and for the past six years has served as member of the Board of Water Commissioners, and had charge of the Vol- unteer Fire Department for ten years. Three years ago, he invented Walker's System of Water Works, and for the past three years has built and put them in fourteen towns and villages. In 1859, he married Miss Mary E. Innes, a native of Wayne County, Mich. They have two children-one son, Herbert A., now liv- ing in Denver, Colo .. and one daughter, Alma D., at home.

JOSEPH WALKER, Superintendent of Port Huron Gas Works, is a native of Ireland, and was born February 4, 1841. He emigrated to this country in 1856, and went to Missouri, and learned his business in St. Louis. He has had a large experience in manufacturing and managing gas works. He was Superintend- ent of gas works at Shreveport, La., three years. He came to Port Huron in 1872, and since then, for the past ten years, has had charge of the works here. He has served as member of the Board of Health, and has been a member of the Board of Water Commissioners for the past six years. Mr. Walker married Miss Mary Wright, of Minneapolis, Minn.

L. W. WALLACE, dealer in clothing, hats, caps and gents' furnishing goods, is a native of Scotland, and was born January 12, 1842. After reaching manhood, he came to the United States in 1864, and two years later came to Port Huron and engaged in his present business. He has built up a good trade, dealing in clothing, hats and caps, and gents' furnishing goods. He was united in marriage to Miss Christine Bunt- ing, of Niagara, September 5, 1872. They have one daughter-Grace Bunting Wallace.

WILLIAM WANLESS, foreman of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad Shops, is a native of Canada, and was born in Montreal September 28, 1835. He learned his trade there. After reaching manhood, he went to Chicago in 1857, and worked in the car shops of the Chicago & Galena Railroad two years. He then went South to Memphis, and worked in the shops of the Memphis & Charlestown Railroad until the war broke out; then came North. In 1862, he came to Port Huron, and since 1876 has been in the car shops of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad, and for the past three years has held his present position of foreman. He has served as member of the City Council, and was elected Ward Collector. In 1867, he married Miss Eliza Gain, of London, Ontario, Canada. They have two children-George and Susie.

C. A. WARD, President of the Commercial Bank, is a native of Battle Creek, Mich., and was born Octo- ber 11, 1849. Ile attended school there and then entered Racine College, where he completed his education. After reaching manhood, he engaged in the grain trade at Battle Creek. He came to Port Huron in 1877, and built the Grand Trunk elevator, and was engaged in the grain and elevator business until October, 1881. Upon the organization of the Commercial Bank he was elected President, and since then has held that posi- tion. Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Belle Hinman. of Battle Creek, Mich., October 15, 1875. They have one daughter-Anabel.

OWEN WARD, farmer, Section 30, P. (). Marysville, is a native of Ireland, and was born August 1, 1827, and emigrated to the United States in 1854, and came to this county the same year and worked in the saw- mill. Was in the employ of Judge Bunce seven years. In 1862, he bought land and made a farm, and since then has been engaged in farming. He owns a good farm of sixty acres. In 1852, he married Miss Ann Masterson, a native of Ireland ; they have four children-John Francis, Catharine, Mary, Peter. Mr. Ward has given his children good educational advantages. His daughters are both engaged in teaching, and his youngest son is now attending school, and all of them are given to studying.

WILLIAM WASTELL, druggist, is a native of England, and was born in the city of London May 21, 1830 ; his father, Rev. William P. Wastell, Is a Congregational minister. William came to Port Huron in 1854, and for one year was in the employ of W. H. B. Dowling. He afterward associated with Dr. C. M. Stockwell, and engaged in the drug business, and afterward bought the interest of Dr. Stockwell, and since then has successfully carried on the business in his present location. It is the first exclusive drug business. established in Port Huron. Mr. Wastell was one of the incorporators of the street railroad, and is the only one now living. He has never been an office seeker, but has been actively identified with the interests of the. city. Mr. Wastell was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Gillett, of this city, and a native of Vermont; they have two sons-John G. and Frederick William.

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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 99

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