History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 104

Author: Western historical company, Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas & co.
Number of Pages: 814

USA > Michigan > St Clair County > History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.. > Part 104

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).

HEMAN CLARK, farmer. Section 29, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of New York, and was born in the city of Buffalo August 81, 1818. After reaching manhood. he came here in 182%, and since then has been on paged in farming, and owns a farm of ninety-five aeres. Ile married Miss Emma L. Stevens November 9, 1871 ; she was born on the farm where they now live, and is a daughter of Henry and Mary Kimball Stevens, who were carly settlers here. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have three children- Delbert IL., Edith E., Milo V.

L. D. COLLINGE, house and sign painter, is a native of Watertown, N. Y., and was born May 24, 1:53 : when twelve years of age went to Canada, and lived there eight years , bogan learning his trade in Chicago. Ile was afterward engaged in his business at Big Forest, Canada, five years, and came here to Fort Gratiot in July, 1878, and since then has been engaged in business here, and has the leading trade. le belongs to the order I. O. O. F. He married Miss JJulietta Fleetham October 6, 1576: they have two children Neil A., Walter I).

JOSEPH DAVIS, Deputy Collector of Customs, is a native of Maine, and was born July 9, 1529. Upon reaching manhood, came to St. Clair County and remained one year; then returned to his native State; and in 1851, married Miss Mary Ann Abbott, of that State: in 1855, they came to Port Huron and remained here four years; after the war broke out. he enlisted and served in Battery C. Harris Battery Illinois Artillery : was discharged on account of disability. In 1564, enlisted in the Tenth Regiment Michigan Infantry : served until elose of war; he returned here in 1868; he has held the office of Justice of Peace eight years, and has also held offiee of Township Clerk, and for some years Superintendent of Sabbath school. He was appointed Deputy Collector November 1. 1530; and since then has held that position.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

P. M. EDISON. merchant, is a native of Vienna, Canada, and was born October 23, 1833. Upon reaching manhood. he went to Wisconsin, and in 1857, he went to Minnesota and engaged in the stock business, and buying and selling land, and remained there several years, and came to Fort Gratiot in 1865 and engaged in mercantile business. In 1871, he built his store on Main street, and it was destroyed by fire in January, 1877; he rebuilt the same year, and the store was again destroyed by fire in July, 188t, and was immediately replaced by the present fine three-story block. Mr. Edison is also engaged in mercantile business in Minne- sota.

SAMUEL EDISON, father of the renowned electrician, Thomas A. Edison,* was born in the town of Digby, county of Annapolis, Province of Nova Scotia. August 16, 1804. Ile came to Canada in early life, and lived there until the rebellion in 1838, when he came to Michigan and lived in Detroit one year, then removed to Ohio, where he lived until 1852, when he came to this county, and since then for over thirty years has resided here. Ile was engaged in the lumbering business for many years, and has also been engaged in fine copying or drafting for a honse in New York. He has held the office of magistrate for seven years. Mr. Edison was united in marriage September 15, 1828, to Miss Nancy Elliott, a native of Chenango County, N. Y. She died April 10, 1871, leaving three children-two sons-William Pitt, living here; Thomas A., the famous electrician, of New York; one daughter, Marian, now Mrs. Page, of Milan, Erie Co., Ohio. At present, 1883, he is in the enjoyment of robust health, and actively engaged in business in Fort Gratiot, being associated with a Mr. G. W. Halfman (an excellent chemist) in the manufacture of laundry and toilet soaps, baking pow- ders, bluing, flavoring extracts, etc., the works being known as Fidelity Chemical Works. His energy is unimpaired by age, and he shows more enterprise in his various undertakings than many a man of forty.

CAPT. JOHN EGAN, of the Grand Trunk Ferry Line, is a native of Canada, and was born September 23, 1810. lle began sailing in 1857, and three years later he began on the railroad ferry, and since then for the past twenty-two years has been connected with it, and for the past eleven years has sailed as master of the International and the Huron. He has been in the marine service twenty-three years. In 1866, Capt. Egan married Miss Margaret A. Crawford, of the city of Detroit. They have seven children-Annie, John. Maggie, Nellie, Cornelius, Lonise and Leo.

LUCIUS E. FARRAR. dealer in coal and wood, is a native of Fairfax, Vt., and was born July 23, 1847; his parents removed to Canada in 1856: he was brought up there, and attended school at St. Johns and Mon- treal; learned the French language: he entered the employ of the Grand Trunk Railroad, and was with the line six years; he came to Fort Gratiot in 1879; he established his present business in 1882, and is building up a good trade. He is a member of the Village Council, and is Secretary and Treasurer of the United Presby- terian church. He was married August 12. 1874, to Miss Elizabeth Dow, a native of Montreal, Canada. They have two children-Lillian S., Alexander I).

JOIIN FRENCH, assistant foreman of car repairs, was born in England, January, 30, 1839. His parents came to this country in 1843, and he grew up and learned his trade in Canada, and came to Port Huron in June, 1865, and since 1867, has been connected with the shops here. He was in the locomotive department for some time. He was appointed in 1881, to his present position as assistant foreman of car repairs. Mr. French married Miss Dinah C. Vickers, of Canada, March 4, 1862. They have three sons-Fred G., Robert E., infant; aud three daughters-Mary Ann, Eliza Jane and Henrietta.

ROBERT E. FRENCH, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, is a native of England, and was born January 20, 1835. He came to Canada in 1842, and grew up and learned his trade there. After reach- ing manhood, he came here in 1861 and began working at his trade, and since then for the past twenty-two years has carried on the business here, and is the oldest in actual business here. In 1870, he was appointed postmaster and has held that office for twelve years; has also held the office of Justice of the Peace for seven years, and then resigned; has served as Town Treasurer. In 1854, Mr. French married Miss Henrietta Not- tingham, a native of England They have three children-Timothy, George and Mary.

FRED GARBUTT, is a native of Toronto, Canada, and was born March 14, 1848. Ile received his liter- ary education there and afterwards took a commercial college course; he came here in 1870, and was engaged in teaching for four years, and then was connected with the Grand Trunk Railroad. In 1879, he accepted the position of principal of the school here, and held that position until July, 1882; he holds the office of Vil lage Clerk. Mr. Garbutt was united in marriage March 18, 1869, to Miss Sarah A. Savage, a native of Toronto. Canada. Thay have four children-Florence E .. George E., Harry and Russel. They lost one daughter- Mabel Clare, and one son, Fred.

JULIUS GRANGER, .Instice of the Peace, is a native of Ontario County. N. Y., and was born May 15, 1824; his parents came West to Michigan in 1836, and settled in St. Clair County in the town of Columbus. Upon reaching manhood he worked in the saw mill at St. Clair, and was connected with that business for eight years; then went to Mackinaw with his father, who was appointed keeper of the "Boy Blue Island Light House." He remained in Mackinac and vicinity for twelve years: while living there was elected Sheriff of that county, and held that office during the Morman trouble, and had the men who shot Strang under his charge; they were delivered to him by the Captain of the United States steamer, Michigan. Mr. Granger also held the office of Collector and Treasurer: he came to Fort Gratiot in 1870, and since then has resided here, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for the past twelve years, and is a member of the School Board. Ile married Miss Ann Baker, of Columbus, February 27. 1848; they have four children-Charles L., Henry N., Julius N. and George A.

JAMES ILALL, farmer, Section 29, P. O. Fort Gratiot, is a son of James and Mary Hall. His father was born near New Haven, Conn., and his mother was born in Lower Canada. They came to this State and settled in this county in 1825. He lived on the river, near Judge Bunce, for a short time, then removed to St. Clair and remained several years, and then came here and settled on Black River. He died in Cleveland in 1840.

. For biographical sketch of Thomas A. Edison see page 6!s.

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IHISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

His wife still survives him, and is eighty-three years of age. Of a family of thirteen children, only three sur- vive, James, George and Phebe. James, the oldest son living, was born in Rochester, N. Y., April 24, 1824. and came here with his parents in 1825. After reaching manhood he engaged in lumbering for some years, and afterward engaged in farming, and has since lived on his present farm. He has sold considerable land, but still owns 183 acres. Has held the office of Justice of the Peace and school offices. Mr. Hall married Miss Mary King, October 11, 1851, she is a native of New York State. Her parents came to Michigan in 1831. and settled in Monroe County.

HENRY HARRINGTON, farmer. Section 31. P. O. Port Huron, is a son of Jeremiah and Polly Fay Harrington. His father was born in Greenfield. Mass., October 29, 1774, and died in St. Clair County, Mich. Ilis mother is a native of Ohio: they came to Michigan and arrived in this county in 1820, and were among the earliest settlers here. His father was in the employ of the Government, and carried the mail in Ohio during the war of 1812. After they came here he engaged in hunbering. Ile died March 30, 1853, his wife still sur- vives him and lives in Port Huron, and is eighty eight years of age. Henry was born within one mile of where he now lives April 24. 1821. As there were only a few families of white people here then, his play- mates were mostly Indian boys; he could speak the Indian language as well as his own, and has not yet forgotten it. He engaged in lumbering and afterward engaged in farming, and a part of the land of the farm where he now lives was pre-empted from Government by his father in 1822. A part of the land is noted for producing large erops, and Mr. Ilarrington raises a larger crop of potatoes than any farmer in St. Clair County. and has raised more corn on an equal amount of land. Mr. Harrington is the oldest native born settler of the county now living here. He has always been fond of hunting, and has probably killed more deer than any other one man in the county. During the winter season he dresses and tans furs and deer and bear skins. He has held town and school offices. In 1846, he married Miss Nancy Sbirkey, a native of Romeo, Mich. They have three children-Mary, now Mrs. Benson: Henrietta. now Mrs. Baldwin, of Almont, and Henry at home.

JOIN HARRINGTON, farmer, Section 28, P. O. Port Huron, is a son of Uriah and Catharine Harring- ton, and was born in New York State October 19, 1826. lle came here with his parents, who arrived in this county in 1831, and were among the earliest settlers; they settled in the town of Clyde; his father died in 1878. and his mother is still living. After reaching manhood he has been engaged in lumbering and farming, and now owns a farm of sixty-seven acres. Ile has held school offices. Ile married Mrs. Ennice Harrington Fol- som. a native of New York State, April 29, 1851: their children are: Catharine. George, John, William and Cyrus.

CAPT. GEORGE HARTMAN. deceased, was born in Tioga County, Penn., May 13, 1830, he was a son of George and Catharine Hartman. His mother died when he was seven years of age. lle came to Fort Gratiot with his father's family in 1843. Ile began sailing when twenty years of age; after learning the trade of ship carpenter in Buffalo, he built the " Free Democrat" and sailed her four years. In 1855, October 21, Capt. Hartman was united in marriage to Miss Maria C. Holland. a native of Connecticut, a daughter of John J. and Charlotte Bishop Holland. Capt. Hartman and brother built the " Hibbard" and sailed her four years, then bought the schooner Home and was master of her fourteen years, until his death, which occurred Feb- ruary 12, 1880. Capt. Ilartman was in the marine service over twenty-nine years, lle left a wife and five children, three daughters and two sons-Ida, at home: Mary, now Mrs. George Dowson, living here; Carrie. at home: Daniel and George.

ROBERT HAYZELWOOD, turner, round house Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad, was born in Newton, Yorkshire, England, November 25. 1820, he came to Canada in 1831, and grew up there, below Toronto. In 1853, he went in the employ of the Great Western Railroad. and was with that company five years, and in 1858, he entered the employ of the Grand Trunk Railroad, and since then for the past twenty-four years has remained in the employ of the company, and for twenty years has been in the round house, and during that time has never been fined or suspended. He married Miss Sarah Marsh, a native of Devonshire, England. horn March 29. 1845. They have six children-Grace, Elizabeth, Thomas, Harriet. John and Sarah Ann.

STEPHEN HILL, farmer. Section 31, P O. Port Huron, is a son of Hostel and Mary Hill, who were among the earliest settlers here. Ile was born on Black River in this county October 8. 1838; he grew up to manhood here and engaged in lumbering, and afterward engaged in farming, and owns a farm of eighty acres. Ile raises a large amount of strawberries, over 100 bushels the past year. He is a large bee keeper, and has over 100 swarms, which yield a large amount of honey. Hle has for many years held various school offices. He married Miss Annie Thompson, of Detroit, October 12. 1858 ; they have eight children -- Marietta, Emma. Isaac, Ella, Lilah. Norman, Avery and Manly.

R. F. HOLLAND, fisherman, Section 26, P. O. Fort Gratiot, is a native of Connecticut, and was born in New Haven Inne 10, 1811. Upon reaching early manhood he came West in 1831 to Cleveland, and the fol- lowing spring came on the fishing boat Defiance to Port Huron, and stopped at the light house with Paul (. Cross and engaged in fishing. He was one of the earliest settlers here; there were plenty of Indians here then. In 1840, he took a fishing crew of ten men and went up north of Mackinac, and took an interpreter and had an interview with " Bear Skin, " the head chief of the Chippewa nation; during the season he put up 2,600 barrels of white fish. Mr. Holland has been engaged in fishing for one-half a century, and is the oldest in the business in the State. except John Clark, of Detroit. In 1836, he married Miss Elizabeth Cross, of Onondago County, N. Y., she died November 16, 1876, and left six children-Ransom S., Elizabeth, now Mrs. Moriarty, of Kansas; Henry, Frank, Mary Ann, now Mrs. Davidson, of Bay City. Robert T. Mr. Holland married Mrs. Grace Ann Seymour, of Lower Canada, February 6, 182. He has held town offices

JOHN R. JJOHNSTON, freight house Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad, is a native of England, and was born in the County of Westmoreland March 4. 1818 He emigrated to the United States in 1818. 11e went back to England and returned here in 1851, and was in the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad

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IIISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

six years. In 1857, he entered the employ of the Grand Trunk Railroad, and was on the survey of the line. and since then, for the past twenty-five years, he has remained in the employ of the company and is one of the oldest employes of the line. In 1837, he married Miss Elizabeth Foster, a native of Cumberland, England. She died in 1874. In 1881 he married Mrs. Lovena Kane, a native of Canada.

TIIEODORE C. KAESEMEYER, dealer in fresh and salted meats, is a native of St. Clair County and was born in Port Huron July 24, 1862; he grew up here and learned his business in his father's market. In 1881. he succeeded to the business, and has a good established trade; it is the oldest meat market here.

JAMES KERWIN, is a native of Ireland, and was born in 1817, and emigrated to America in 1849, and came the same year to this county and began working in saw mill; he was fireman and ran engine in mill for thirteen years: afterward engaged in farming for some years. In 1880, he built his present home and since then has resided here. He owns town property. In 1840 he married Miss Mary Connors. She was born in Ireland. They have had eleven children: only two survive-Richard and James II.

TOWNSEND LYMBURNER. farmer, Section 18, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Canada, and was born in Lincoln County, Ontario, May 2, 1832. Ile grew up and lived there until 1861, when he came to Detroit, and the following year in June, came to this county, and afterward engaged in lumbering; he bought the land where he now lives and came on the place in 1866, and since then has been engaged in farming; owns 200 acres of land. He held the office of Supervisor eight years, and was Highway Commissioner three years, and served on School Board many years. Mr. Lymburner married Miss Alice Stevens, a native of Oakland County, Mich., July 13, 1867. They have six children-Sadie, Millie, Arza, Grace, Charlie, Florence.

WILLIAM MCCLARY is a native of Ireland, and was born in County Antrim January 7, 1843. He emi- grated to the United States in 1861, and came to this county and entered the employ of the Grand Trunk Railroad: was foreman for several years, and for fifteen years held the position of engineer, and was one of the oldest engineers in the employ of the company. He belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. IIe married Miss Catherine Morrow August 15, 1870. She was born in County Antrim, Ireland. They have three children-Mary, Margaret and Elizabeth.

DUNCAN MCKELLAR, Fort Gratiot, Mich., was born in Argyle, Scotland, in August 12, 1819: came to Canada 1831; lived there eighteen years, came to Port Huron in 1849; in 1853 waselected Marshal of the place; was for twenty-five or thirty years in the hotel business: in 1843 he built a brick hotel in city of Port Huron, cost $20,000. 1876, moved to Fort Gratiot, and is now Marshal and Street Commissioner of the village. In 1846, he married Miss Phebe MeElroy, a native of Ireland; have had six children, only one survives, a daugh- ter-Eliza.

GEORGE B. MANN, Deputy Collector Customs, is a native of Ohio, and was born in the city of Toledo July 15, 1845. His parents came, during his infancy, to Port Huron upon the breaking out of the war. When only sixteen years old, he enlisted in the Second Michigan Cavalry, under command of Col. P. II. Sheridan, and served his term of enlistment; then re-enlisted in the same regiment and served until the close of the war, and was mustered out of the service in August, 1865. After the war, returned here: in 1822. was appointed Deputy Collector of Customs, and since then for past ten years, has held that position. Mr. Mann married Miss Mary Fitzgerald, a native of the city of Cleveland, November 14, 1877. They have one son- George B. ; and lost one daughter-Florence A.

CHRISTIAN MAY, farmer, Section 32, P. O. Port Iluron, was born in Prussia, Germany, January 6, 1528. Emigrated to this country in 1854, and the following year came to Port Huron and bought land and engaged in farming, and has lived here twenty-seven years. He owns a good farm-150 acres of land; he has held school ofhees for past fifteen years, and other town offices. He married Miss Mary Iloffman, a native of Germany, August 27, 1857. They have six children-Jacob, Mary, Christian. Katie, Maggie and Minnie.

CAPT. JAMES A. MAY, of the Grand Trunk Ferry Line, is a native of Scotland, and was born Novem- ber 30, 1831. His parents came to this country in 1837, when he was only six years of age, and settled on the Niagara River three miles below the Falls. He began sailing at an early age; the first steamer he was on was the Emerald; then was on the steamer London, with Capt. VanAllen, and was also with him on the Canada and the Mayflower; afterward with him on the Ploughboy and the Wave; and when only twenty years old was Captain of the Clifton; then went on the ferry boat International between Fort Erie and Buffalo, and remained there for nineteen years; until the International bridge was completed, when he was removed here, and since then has been Captain of the International Railroad Ferry boat. He has sailed as master for six- teen years, and has been in the marine service over one-third of a century. In 1869, Capt. May married Miss Belle McDonald, of Bay City. They have one daughter-Anna Belle; and lost one daughter-Margaret.

JACOB MILLER, deceased, whose oldest daughter is Mrs. Charlotte Montross, living on Section 30, P. O. Port Huron, was a native of the State of Pennsylvania. He was a brother of John Miller, the banker. Hle came to this State, and was one of the earliest settlers here. In 1833, he married Miss Henrietta Cox. a native of New York State, and was born in Cayuga County July 4, 1813. She came here with her brothers and sis- ter in 1830, and they lived in St. Clair. She used to paddle a canoe with the skill of an Indian. They were married in the town of St. Clair, and. removed to Desmond, now called Port Huron; and her husband was engaged in lumbering and farming until his death, which occurred August 10. 1860. He left four children, only two of whom survive, one daughter- Charlotte; and one son-Benjamin. Charlotte, the eldest daughter, is a native of this county; in 1853, she married James Montross. He was a native of St. Thomas, Canada: and came here in 1451. They lived in Port Huron for many years and he was engaged in the livery business, and on account of his health came on the farm where he lived until his death, which occurred June 21. 1874. Ile left three children-Ben. A., married; Jacob, Ella, now Mrs. Maloney, living in Chicago.

DANIEL MOONEY, farmer, Section 18, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of the Province of New Bruns- wick, and was born December 18. 1818. He grew up and lived there and in the State of Maine until 1848. when he came to Michigan and settled in St. Clair County, and entered the employ of D. B. Harrington. He continued lumbering for him on Black River for some years. He bought the land where he now lives in 1852,

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

and cleared it of timber and made this farm, and since then has been engaged in farming and lumbering. His home farm contains 160 aeres, and he also owns 120 aeres elsewhere, all the result of his own efforts. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace, In ISIS, Mr. Mooney married Miss Mary Wright, a native of Frederickton, New Brunswick. They have five children-Jane, Harriet, Eva, Charles and ida.

STEPHEN MOORE, farmer. Section 19, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of the Province of New Bruns wiek, and was born December 11, 1829. He is a son of William Moore, a native of Manchester, N. H., and Jane Gilman Moore, a native of Maine. He began lumbering for himself when only sixteen years of age. He came to Michigan and settled in St. Clair County in 1848, and engaged in lumbering. He entered the em- ploy of Avery & Murphy, and has been connected with the extensive business of the firm for over a quarter of a century. In 1874, he went to Jersey, county seat of Osceola County, and held a responsible position in connection with extensive lumibering interests. He remained there seven years, and then returned to his farm. This is the first winter he has not been engaged in lumbering since he was sixteen years of age. In 1856, he bought the land where he now lives, 280 acres, and moved upon it the following year and has it well improved. He has held the office of Supervisor two years. Mr. Moore married Miss Eliza Ann Thompson August 5, 1856. She is a native of the Province of New Brunswick. They have twelve chillren-seven sons -George W., Fred T., Stephen, Burt, John, Nathaniel, Roy, and five daughters-Clara, Florence, da, Grace and Vina.

ROBERT MORRISON, pattern maker for the (, & G. T. shops, is a native of Canada, and was born in October, 1829. He came here in 1865. In 1820, he entered the employ of the G. T. R. R., and since then, for the past thirteen years, has been in the shops of the company. He was married in 1854 to Miss Jane Hen- derson. a native of Scotland. They have five children-Mary, who is now Mrs. George Rettie; Robert, who is an operator in Silverton, Colo .: Lizzie: William, who is billing clerk for the C. & G. T. R. R., and Charles Runnels.

IL. MORSE, chief train dispatcher G. T. Railway, was born in Ontario September 17, 1839. Commenced telegraphing at Chippewa, Ont., in 1855. Worked on D. & M. Railway in 1859. Two years on G. W. Rail way at Clifton, Ont. Three summers at Clifton House, Niagara Falls, Worked in Louisville, Ky., when the war broke out. He entered the service of the G. T. Railway February 22, 1862, and was train dispatcher at Toronto eight years, and Assistant Superintendent Detroit Division from 1870 to 1875, when some of the offices were consolidated, and chief train dispatcher Detroit Division since 1875. He is one of the Aldermen of the village. Mr. Morse was married to Miss JJane Lindsay, of St. Hilaire, Quebec, in 1864. She died in 1870, and left two children-Marion and Ada. He married Mrs. William Jones, of Toronto, in 1823. They have one son-Fred H. Morsc. Mrs. William Iones had a daughter (Enma Jones) when married to Mr. Morse.

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History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 104

Author: Western historical company, Chicago. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas & co. Number of Pages: 814

Author: Western historical company, Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas & co.
Number of Pages: 814