History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 86

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 86

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He is a zealous member of the Congregational Church, and lives to oujoy the luxury of doing good, and to help build up those institutions of benevolence and Christianity which, in so short a period of time, have changed the wilderness, where only the swarthy Indian roamed, to the city whose schoolhouses and churches guard and develop the intellectual, moral and re- ligious culture of its thousands.

For the facts and incidents of the foregoing sketch of early French settlers of Port Huron, I am largely indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Petit, and their only daughter, Mrs. Louise Petit Smitlı.

PORT HURON.

THOMAS AISTROP, farmer, Section 20, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of England, and was born November 9, 1817. Upon reaching manhood he came to Canada in 1839, and lived there until 1852, when he came to this county ; bought the land where he now lives, and settled upon it, and cleared it, and made his farm, which contains tifty aeres, and has lived here thirty years. In 1841, he married Miss Mary James, a native of England; they have four children-John, Jane, Edward and Lottie; they have lost four children.

JOHN ALLEN, farmer, Section 7, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of New Hampshire, and was born in Cohoes County, May 6, 1816. he lived there until March. 1946, when he came to St. Clair County and settled in Port Huron, and engaged in lumbering, and was connected with that business until 1862. He bought the farm where he now lives in 1858, and since then has lived here and has been engaged in farming, and owns a

* Onick-nick.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

good farm of eighty acres-well improved. He has held office of Road Commissioner and school office. He married Miss Phebe Patridge October 11, 1849; she is a native of Pennsylvania; she came here in 1837 with her parents, who were early settlers here. They have nine children-Clara, Albert, Herbert, William, Edgar, Hattie, Minnie, Annie and Ida.

THOMAS A. ALVERSON, of the firm of Dunford & Alverson, ship builders, is a native of Wyoming County, N. Y., and was born August 7. 1844; his parents came to Oakland County, Mich., in 1845; he attended school and afterward began learning the trade of ship carpenter. He was foreman for Charles Mears, and was also foreman for Rust, King & Co., at Saginaw. He came to Port Huron in 1874, and was foreman of Fitzgerald's shipyard between two and three years; then engaged in business with his present partner; they em- ploy from 100 to 200 men at certain seasons of the year. In 1879, he married Miss Mary Ifannah Travis, a native of Canada; they have one son, Homer. Mr. Alverson's father is eighty-three years of age, and his mother seventy-three years of age; are both living with him.

CYRUS ANGEY, farmer, Section 31, P. O. Marysville, is a native of Canada, and was born below Montreal, December 12, 1829. He came to this State in 1848, and engaged in lumbering; he was in the em- ploy of Nelson Roberts for eighteen years. In 1871, he bought this farm and since then has been engaged in farming. He married Miss Mary Roberts, daughter of Nelson Roberts, in 1854; she died in 1861, leaving three children, only two survive-Louie and Rosa. In 1870, he married Miss Matilda Parket, of Montreal, Canada.

WILLIAM C. ANDERSON, dealer in wagons and agricultural implements, is a native of Canada, and was born August 3, 1853. His parents came to Michigan during his early childhood and he grew up and received his education in this State. The business of Anderson & Co. was established in 1874; their retail trade extends over St. Clair, Sanilac and Huron Counties, and their jobbing trade extends through the north- eastern part of the State, and to the Upper Peninsula. They have the agency of the Studebaker wagon's and Wood's mowers and reapers, and have a large and extensive trade, and also have a large trade in other agricultural implements, and transaet the leading business in this section of the State. This firm has branch houses at Mindon and Marlette, where they carry a full stock of goods for their trade. Mr. Anderson was united in marriage January 5, 1880, to Miss Ida F. Beard. daughter of the late James Beard, an early settler, and one of the most successful business men of St. Clair County. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have one daughter.

O'BRIEN J. ATKINSON, attorney at law, is a native of Canada; was born in the city of Toronto, May 24, 1839, and came to this State in 1854. Attended school here and entered the State University at Ann Arbor, where he completed his literary education. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1861; then engaged in the practice of law in Port Huron, and since then for the past twenty-two years has successfully practiced his profession here. Mr. Atkinson is a hard student and has won an enviable reputation for ability and eloquence as a pleader, and is a leading member of the legal circles of the State. Soon after being admitted to the bar, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of this county in 1861, and held that office four years, and has held town and school offices, and is now President of the village of Fort Gratiot. He is not an office seeker, but devotes his energies to his profession. Mr. Atkinson was united in marriage, November 4, 1862. to Miss Mary M. Jones, of Port Huron. His brothers, Col. John Atkinson and W. J. Atkinson, were formerly connected with the press and bar of this county.

B. D. AUSTIN, Superintendent of the Board of Public Works, is a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., and was born September 10, 1824; his parents came to Canada during his boyhood; after reaching manhood he came to St. Clair County in 1850, and settled in the town of Clyde and engaged in lumbering and farming. He has lived in this county, and been engaged in and connected with the lumber trade for one-third of a century. He has held the office of Commissioner of Highways and school offices, and is now Superintendent of the Board of Public Works. In 1847, he married Miss Mary Ann Bentley, a native of Canada. She died in June, 1865, leaving four children-Edward E., is freight agent of the P. H. & N. W. R. R .; James D., is with his father; Martin M., in railroad business in Minnesota; Maynard B., clerk in railroad office, Chicago. Mr. Austin married Mrs. Harriet Smith, a native of England, January 31, 1866. She has two sons-Stanmore Perley, clerk in railroad office, Chicago; Joseph W., machinist at Saginaw.

A. R. AVERY, attorney at law, is a native of Canada, and was horn November 14, 1846. He attended school there and came with his parents to St. Clair County in 1862. Ile attended the schools here and then entered the normal school where he completed his education and afterward engaged in teaching. Studied law and was admitted to the bar in December, 1871; after his admission he attended course of lectures at the law department of the State University. In the spring of 1872, he came to Port Huron and engaged in the practice of law, and since then has successfully practiced his profession here. In the fall of 1872, he was elected Circuit Court Commissioner, and in the fall of 1874, was elected Prosecuting Attorney, and in 1876 was re- elected to the same office. Mr. Avery was united in marriage to Miss Martha Locke, a native of Sanilac County, Mich., July 22, 1866. They have three children-Henry A., Minnie and Kittie.

STEPIIEN H. AVERY, Deputy Collector of Customs, is a native of Canada, and was born May 18, 1844. He attended school there and came to Port Huron in 1860. After the war broke out, he enlisted in Company K, Twenty-second Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and served about three years. After the war he returned here; in 1875, he was appointed Deputy Collector of Customs, and since then for the past seven years has held that position. He is connected with the State Militia, and is Captain Company F, Third Regiment Michigan State Troops. In 1867, Mr. Avery was united in marriage to Miss Emma Potter, a native of St. Clair County. They have four children-Howard, Nettie, Grace and George.

WILLIAM H. AVERY, engineer water works, is a native of New York State, and was born in the city of Buffalo, February 7, 1837. He learned the trade of machinist; after reaching manhood, came to Michigan and located at Jackson. He held the position of engineer in charge of the Jackson water works for several years; and came to Port Huron in 1873; when the water works was put in, he was appointed engineer in charge,

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IHISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

and since then for the past nine years has held that position. Mr. Avery married Miss Mary Maitland, of Guernsey County, Ohio, January 29, 1859; they have three children-Mathew Stanley. James Edward, Olivia Tracy.

CHIARLES BAER, merchant, dealer in groceries, corner Huron avenue and Bard street, is one of the oldest and most successful business men of St. Clair County. He is a native of Germany, and was born in the city of Dresden, the capital of the Kingdom of Saxony, January 26, 1831; he grew up and lived there ontil eighteen years of age, during which time he attended the common and commercial school in that city ; after- ward became clerk in a grocery store there. In May. 1819, a rebellion broke out in Dresden for the purpose of establishing a Republican government, in which he took an active part; the rebellion being not successful, he emigrated to America, and arrived in New York in August, 1849. He lived in Buffalo, and in 1851 came to Detroit, and was engaged in the grocery trade there. While living there, he married Miss Ernestine Pflugk. on the 22d day of September, 1855, a native of Leipsic, Germany. In April, 1857, they came to Port Huron and established his present business, and since then for a period of twenty-five years he has carried on the business here. He and Judge Saunders and Fred Weyers are the oldest merchants now in this line of business here; during that time he has always lived in the First Ward. He has for the past two years been engaged in the bottling business and has built up a good trade. When Mr. Baer began life, he had nothing, and his success is owing to his own efforts and good management. He owns the property corner lInron avenue and Bard street, where he lives and carries on his business, and owns a valuable farm, five stores and seventeen houses, besides the houses and a store he is building this year. He has been a Director in the Port Huron Saving Bank since its organization, and is a member of the Board of Estimates of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Baer have five children-Flora. now Mrs. Beardsley, of Stanton, Mich .. Clara. Oscar. Charlie and Lilly.

J. WARREN BAGLEY. farmer, Section 29, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in the town of Port Huron, November 14, 1839. His parents, Jesse and Johanna Bagley, were among the earliest settlers here. His father died in 1865, and his mother died December 28, 1578. He grew up and attended school here, and since his father's death has been engaged in farming here. In December. 1862, he married Miss Jane Corey, of Marysville. They have one daughter-Lucy.

FRANK A. BAILEY, manufacturer and dealer in confectionery and ice cream, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Cuyahoga County, November 15, 1842; his parents came to Michigan when he was only ten years of age, and he grew up in this State. After coming to Port Huron, he established his present business in Jnly, 1877, and since then has carried on the business here, and is the only person in the business here who manufactures all of his tine confectionery, and he has the leading trade. Mr. Bailey was united in marriage to Miss Emna Atherton, a native of Adrian, Mich., August 15, 1871. They have one daughter-Bertha.

HORACE BAKER. Clerk of the Circuit Court, was born in Orange. Essex Co., N. J., February 8, 1829, he came to Detroit in 1838, remaining three years, and went to Oakland County. He attended school in De- troit, where he had two uneles, and received his education there, when twenty-one year- of age, he came to Port Huron and went to work for James W. Sanborn; for five years was a clerk in the store of E. R. Sweet- ser, the first year worked for $100 and his board; in 1856, he engaged in clothing and general business, and continued for three years. Hle engaged in general mercantile business at Brockway Centre, and continued there seven years. In Ists, was elected to his present office. and in 1880 was re-elected to the same position. also re-elected in 1882 for third term. He held the office of City Treasurer for four years. Mr. Baker was united in marriage October 24, 1855, 10 Miss Mary A. Minnie, daughter of Joseph P. Minnie, one of the old settlers of this county. They have six children-Minnie A., Mary E., Hattie A., Fred A. Josephine A. and Horace Edgar.

THOMAS BALKWILL, wagon manufacturer, is a native of Canada, and was born in Toronto Novem- ber 2, 1833; grew up and learned his trade there. Located in Port Huron in 1863, and worked at his trade of carriage painter for six years; then engaged in wagon making, and has carried on the business since. In 1869, he married Bridget Ann Ryan, of this place. They have three children-Lizzie, Anna, Willie.

S. L. BALLENTINE, of the firm of $ L. Ballentine & Co., merchants, is a native of Calais, Me., and was born November 3, 1845; his parents came to Michigan when he was only twelve years of age; he spent three years on a farm, and in 1859 entered a store at Almont, and attended the high school. The following year, came to Port Huron and entered the store of Wallace & Gibson as clerk, and remained with this firm and with Charles P. Noyes, & Co., who succeeded them until 1867, when the latter firm sold out their business to Mr. Ballentine and his brother David, the firm being S. L. & D. Ballentine: they continued without change until the death of David, which occurred July 13, 18744. Mr. Ballentine continued the business until February, 1ss1, when his nephew, Albert R. Ballentine, was admitted a partner, and the firm became S. 1 .. Ballentine & Co., dealing largely in dry goods, boots and shoes, and clothing, and they have a large established trade. and their sales will reach $200.000 the present year. They carry a large stock and have long taken the leading position in the business here, and have built up quite a jobbing trade. Mr. Ballentine is a stockholder and a director in the Commercial National Bank, and was one of the original incorporators of the Narrow Guage Railroad, and one of its directors, and is actively identified with the commercial inter- ests of the city and county. Mr. Ballentine was united in marriage November 7, 1864. to Miss Caroline L. Farrand, daughter of B. C. Farrand, of this city. They have four children-Emma McAllen, Carrie Whit man. Catharine Forrest. Edward Farrand

WILLIAM LYMAN BANCROFT, was born at Martinsburg. Lewis Co., N. Y., August 12, 1525. The family removed to Michigan when William was seven years of age, and he received his education at the high school of Mr. D. B. Crane, well remembered by many of the old residents of Detroit, and at the then famous Amherst, Mass., Academy. His early ambition was for the study of law; but the vicissitudes of business took his father to Milwaukee, where we find William in ISI? in the office of the Courier, a newspaper of that then thriving village. But Mr. Bancroft appears to have felt more at home in Michigan, for two years later

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

he had established himself as editor and proprietor of the Observer, at Port Huron. where he remained until 1548. An opportunity then opening for him to enter upon the study of his chosen profession, he pursued it with assiduity and success under Ilon. W. F. Allen, then of Oswego. N. Y .. and afterward Judge of the Court of Appeals of that State. Returning to Port Huron in 1851, Mr. Bancroft at once entered upon a luerative practice, with every promise of gaining rapid distinction in his profession. Years of toilsome study however told upon his eyesight, and culminated in chronic inflammation soon after he entered upon his prac- tice. recurring with every renewed attempt at business. In 1854, his office, library and all his papers were destroved by fire, and in 1857. to avert total blindness. Mr. Bancroft abandoned the profession. Soon after- ward MIr. Bancroft established in Port Huron its first banking office, which was subsequently that of John Miller & Son, and is now merged in the First National Bank of that city; he was also engaged in the lumber business with very successful results. But it is the connection of Mr. Bancroft with the railroad enterprises of Michigan which entitles him to a prominent place in our category of her representative business men. We believe that few even of our ablest men would have faced the difficulties he encountered in pushing forward a great public project, and that there are fewer still who would not have failed where he succeeded. The story of the road may be briefly told, as a fine illustration of what one man can accomplish even under cir- cumstances the most adverse. and against influences the most powerful. in advancing a publie enterprise and also as comprising some of the most interesting portions of the history of railroads in Michigan. What. now forms the eastern division of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad was part of a scheme of internal im. provement origiuated by the State and abandoned in the days of its early financial embarrassment. It was then undertaken by a company under a special charter, while a new organization covering a part of the same line was formed, and failed, and passed under foreclosure. Meanwhile, the railroad interest of the State had grown to a vast power, including over two thousand miles of road. At that time the policy of the old roads was determined hostility to all new projects, while parties identified with some of the former dominated the political power of the State. The Port Huron & Lake Michigan Railroad was thus likely to pass under the control of interests inimical to Port Huron and Northern Michigan, when in 1865, Mr. Bancroft was induced to undertake negotiations in New York, which resulted in relieving the project of all entanglements, aud placing it under control of parties along the line. The scheme of municipal aid to railroad corporations was then new in Michigan, but it was popularly favored as a means of compelling large and avaricious land owners to contribute an equitable proportion toward needed improvements, and as the only available resource for se- curing the improvements themselves. Mr. Bancroft canvassed several counties and found the people ready to undertake for themselves what they had so long waited in vain for others to do for them. Legislation was necessary. and was secured at the session of 1865; but hostile interests clogged it with conditions not only in- jurious but inimical to the project. However, good use was made of it, and Mr. Bancroft then determined to make the enterprise a through line to Chicago. With that view he entered into informal affiliations with the Peninsular Company; at the next session of the Legislature, a municipal aid bill was passed. but vetoed by the Governor. Existing corporate interests united with politicians to sustain the veto. Notwithstanding, work was resumed in the spring upon the road which the veto was drafted to defeat, popular sentiment re- sulted at the next session, in a general law authorizing municipalities to aid railway enterprises. This gave a new impetus to the work, and Mr. Bancroft concluded contracts for rails and equipment covering the entire line from Port Huron to Chicago. Then came the decision of the Supreme Court declaring the aid law un- constitutional; this was followed by the failure of Eastern contractors of the company, and finally, its west- ern adjunct songht new affiliations. and was soon enveloped in clonds of embarrassment. Still Mr. Bancroft literally single handed, pushed on his road and completed it to Flint City, a paying point. Subsequently the Port Huron & Lake Michigan, and the Peninsular were consolidated, and only about fifty miles remained to be built to make a through line. The panic of 1874, next occurred to delay Mr. Bancroft's hopes. and thwart his plans. In 1×76, however, he built the road between Flint and Lansing, completing the through line. The general business depression of the country, has, of course, had its effects upon this road, but it will remain a lasting monument to MIr. Bancroft's enterprise and perseverance. Mr. Baucroft has held many positions of honor and trust, having been Secretary of the State Senate, Postmaster of Port Huron, Member of the House and Senate, as well as candidate for Secretary of State and for Congress. IIe was elected the first Mayor of Port Huron, and organized its city government: he was also for eight years Collector of the Port. and initiated the movement which resulted in constituting a new collection district. In politics, Mr. Bancroft has always been a Democrat of the conservative school, and has stood high in his party's counsels. He has been a member of its State and National committees, and three times a member of its National Con- ventions. He is a warm, unselfish friend, and a lively opponent. As a writer he wielded for years an influ- ential pen in the politics of the State, while as a speaker he ranks among the best. Ilis campaigns usually kept his opponents quite busy. and are remembered by many of both parties. He has a delightful home at Port Huron, and one of the finest private libraries in the State; in comfortable circumstances and surrounded by a large circle of relatives and friends, Mr. Bancroft ought to enjoy some of the fruits of a life of remark- ahle industry, enterprise and integrity.

WILLIAM BARDEN. farmer. Section 19, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of this county, and was born in this town September 20, 1857; his parents, Joseph and Emma Barden, came to this town in 1847, bought this land and cleared it out, and made a farm of it: he was also engaged in lumbering, and lived here until his death, which oceurred February 17, 1882; and his wife died three days after, February 20, 1882. and their daughter, Minnie, died February 16, 1882, and Amanda died June 5. 1882, and their son Christopher died February 3, 1882, and Joseph was killed with lightning August 9, 1863; and on February 4, 1874, their barn was burned and no insurance, loss, three horse teams, one pair of eattle, one fanning mill, one feed-cutter, thirty tous of hay, and oats, wheat, rye, barley and other small articles to numerous to mention. this was a total loss of about $4.000.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

HIRAM BARNETT, foundry and machine shop : is a native of Manchester, England, and was born February 15. 1-15. He emigrated to America in 143, and came to Detroit the same year, and from there went to Allegan, where he lived until 181; when he removed to Marshall. He came to Port Huron and engaged in his present business, January &, 1-53, and has carried on the business in his present location for the past thirty years. and i- the pioneer in the business here. IF married Miss Ann Sharp, a native of En- gland, October 18. 1-40. She dial June 22, 1550. He married Mr. Christiana .J. Palmer, of Auburn, N. Y. June 15, 1:52. They had one daughter, who died November 26. 1-64.

HI. G. BARNUM, Cashier First National Bank; is a native of New York State: was born in Onon- daga County. October 4, 1814. His parents came to Michigan in 1-52, and he grew up and received his edu a- tion in this State. Came to Port Huron in 1-65, and entered the bank of John JJohnston & Co In 1524, he became assistant cashier of the First National Bank, and in September, 1876, he was elected cashier, and since then, for the past six years, has held that position.

E. W. BARRETT. of the firm of Barrett & Goulding, wholes le and retail deal .r- in dry goods, notions. millinery and fancy good -: is a native of New York City : was born Angust 1. 1.1. He grew up and attended school there. and afterward entered the dry good- house of A. T. Stewart & Co. He came to Port Huron in 1875, and the firm of Barrett & Goulding established their present business in a small retail way with only one clerk; they now employ fifteen, and occupy a large store-three floors and basement-which is too small for the demands of their trade. They have a good wholesale trade; also have established branches of their business in Battle Creek, Michigan City, and at Manistee.

J. L. BARTHOLOMEW, dealer in hardware. stoves and tinware. is a native of Onondaga County. N. F, and was born April 24. 1519. He came to Hillsdale County, Mich., in 1-36; was one of the early set- tlers there. Remained a few years, then returned to New York: afterward went West to Wisconsin, and in 1960. came to Hillsdale: lived there six years, and in 1966 came to Port Huron and engaged in his pres .nt business, and has carried it on since then. In 1-40, he married Mis- Ann Eliza Foster. of Onondaga County. N. Y. They have two children-Washington Irving, and Demarius. now Mrs. Gasler.

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History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 86

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