History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 96

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 96

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GEORGE P. PARSONS, of the firm of Parsons & Son, steamboat agents and forwarders, is a native of this State, and was born in the town of Gibralter, Wayne County, May 6, 1857. His parents came to Port Iluron in 1871, and he grew up and attended school here, and after reaching manhood, engaged in his present business, and now has the active management of the business here.

R. S. PATTERSON, jeweler, dealer in pianos, organs, books and stationery, is a native of Montgomery County, N. Y., and was born April 8, 1838. His parents came to Michigan and settled in St. Clair County in 1848. He entered the store of M. Walker in Port Huron, and was with him for fifteen years; then bought ont Mr. Walker and engaged in business on his own account, and has a large established trade in jewelry, pianos, organs, sewing machines, books and stationery, and is the oldest house in that business in Port Huron. In 1866, Mr. Patterson was united in marriage to Miss Evelina E. King, a native of this State. They have five children-Sarah Eugenia, Jesse D., Mary, Ida and Edith.

JOSHUA PENNEBAKER, contractor and builder, is a native of Canada, and was born March 18, 1842. Ile grew up there and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. Came to Port Huron in 1870 and engaged in building, and since then has carried on the business here. In 1864, he married Miss Jessie McDonald, a native of Scotland. They have six children-Francis, Robert, Lizzie, Charlie, C'ecelia, Leo.

EDWARD PERCIVAL, manufacturer of brooms and dealer in brushes, wooden ware, is a native of England, and was born August 12, 1836. Emigrated to this country in 1856, and came to Port Huron in 1858. Began working at his trade, painting. Afterward was clerk for Mr. Saunders. In 1863, engaged in butcher- ing for three years, and was in the grocery trade three years. In 1875, he began manufacturing brooms with only one man. Now employs twenty hands, and bis sales will reach $50,000 this year. Also deals in brushes and wooden ware. His early opportunities for obtaining an education were very limited. When he reached here he only had cleven shillings. His success is owing to his own efforts. His first wife was Frances Williams, of Kent, England. She died in 1867, leaving two children-John T. and Edward F. His present wife was Win- ifred Dougherty, of Dublin, Ireland. They have three children-Frances A., Fred A. and Winifred.

S. T. PERCY, agent of the American and Canada Express Companies, is a native of Ontario, Canada, and was born February 15, 1844. On attaining his majority, he engaged with Freeman P. White, the then Warden of the county of Ontario, who was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, and also did a large flouring business. He bought wool and grain, and sold eloth for him, taking charge of the whole bus- iness when Mr. White was away from home. On Mr. White's retiring from business, Mr. Percy, with his brother, bought a mill and some fine land in the north part of the county, and went into the lumber business.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

After one season, disposed of his interest to his brother, and engaged with the Canadian Express Company, as messenger. After running about eighteen months. he engaged in drug business at Exeter, Ontario, for two years, then sold out and returned to the express company again. He came to Port Huron on September 26, 1876, and was appointed their agent the February following, and since then has held that position. He is agent of the American Express Company, the Canadian Express Company, and the Port Huron & North Western Express Company. July 5. 1970, he married Miss Sophia Browning, of York County, Ontario, Canada. They have four children Clara, Lizzie, Lonie and Charlie.

FRANK P. PHENIX, fresh and salted meats, is a native of the city of Detroit, and was born January 23, 1837. His parents came to this county during his early childhood. He was engaged in farming for some years, and also in buying stock. Sice 1522. he has been engaged in business with his brothers af Fort Gra- tiot and Port Huron. He held the office of Treasurer at Fort Gratiot for three years. He married Miss Eliz- abeth Catherman, of Sandusky, Ky., November 16, 1866. They have one daughter, Olive. He has two children by a former wife-Duett and Bertha.

LIONEL PHENIX, of the firm of L. & N. Phenix, dealers in agricultural implements, organs and pianos, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born December 6. 1849. When only sixteen years of age. he engaged in business with his father, and since then has been actively engaged in business. Their present business was established in 1876, and they have built up a large trade, their sales amounting to $100, 000 yearly. In 1828, they built a large brick block containing five stores, on Butler street. In 1867, Mr. Phenix married Miss Helen Graves, a native of this county. They have three children-Elsie. Asa Flora.

NAPOLEON PHENIX, of the firm of L. & N. Phenix, dealers in agricultural implements, pianos and organs, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born January 24, 1851. Ile grew up and attended school in this county. When seventeen years of age, he engaged in grocery business with his brothers at Smith Creek. In 1871, came to Port Huron and went into the livery business for two years, then engaged in butchering and grocery trade, and afterward engaged in their present business, and they have built up a large trade. In 1878, he and his brother Lionel built Phenix Block, containing five stores. In 1848, Mr. Phenix married Miss Ien- nie Purdy, a native of Canada. They have one son. DeLos,

P. I]. PHILLIPS, attorney at law, is a native of the city of New York, and was born October 11, 1853. His parents came to Port Huron during his early childhood, and received his education in this State. Ile studied law in the office of Atkinson & Stevenson, and was admitted to the bar in 1878, and since then has successfully practiced his profession here. Mr. Phillips was united in marriage, June 14, 1882, to Miss Kate B. Atkins, of this city.

GEORGE POOLE, corner Willow and Bard streets, is a son of William and Mary Poole, and is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in Port Huron in 1858. He grew up to manhood here. When sixteen years of age he went to work in a saw mill, and since then. for the past eight years, has worked at that business, and runs lathe mill in Wells' mill. He has just completed nice house on his lots, corner Willow and Bard streets, and owns other property.

J. W. PORTER. Cashier Commercial Bank, is a native of Michigan, and was born in St. Clair County March 6, 1847. He received his education in this State. After reaching manhood, was appointed to a posi tion in the post offire by Gen Hartsuff, and remained there six years. In 15;, he established a savings' bank at Mt. Clemens, and was successfully identified with the banking business. He was there for six years, when he resigned and came to Port Huron. Upon the organization of the Commercial Bank, February 1. 1882, He was elected cashier, and has the active management of the bank. In 1875, Mr. Porter was united in marriage to Miss Alice E. Skinner, daughter of T. S. Skinner, Esq., of this place. They have one daughter -Rhoda E. They have lost one daughter, Addie, and an infant son.

ELBRIDGE S. POST. book-keeper, is a native of Summit County, Ohio, and was born July 20, 1843. He grew up and attended school in his native place until the breaking-out of the war, when he enlisted in the Forty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry ; served in that regiment and also in the Twenty-first Ohio, and the Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry ; remained in the service three years. His father and three brothers were all in the army, though none of them was subject to draft, and all returned. Mr. Post came to Port Huron in 1820 : entered a hardware store as clerk : in 18:3, he engaged in cigar trade, and carried on the business five years, and since then has been engaged as hook-keeper and accountant. He helped organize Company F. Third Regiment of the Michigan State Militia, gradually rising from private to Captain, and commanded the company two years. He was united in marriage February 21. 1871, to Miss Josephine A. Min nie, daughter of J. P. Minnie, one of the earliest settlers of this county. They have one daughter- Minnie .

STEPIEN T. PROBETT, manufacturer of line, is a native of England, and was born September 6, 1830 ; came to Detroit when only five years of age. Came to Port Huron in 1848, and engaged in mercantile business; continued in business for ten years. Then engaged in contracting and building, and carried on that business for many years. For the past four years has been engaged in manufacturing lime and brick, and has a large established trade. He has been in the City Council for the past seven years, and is the oldest member of the Board of Allermen. He has served twice as President of the Conneil, and now holds that position ; has been urged to become candidate for Mayor, but has refused Mr. Probett married Miss Amelia S Pettee, of Port Huron, October 21. 1850; they have three sons -Charles H. D., William G., Herbert : and four daughters-Minnie 1 .. Ida, Carrie. Edith.

PETER W. REED, eclectic physician and surgeon, was born in Hastings County, Province of Ontario, Canada, September 21, 1827 ; his early advantages for obtaining an education were limited, but he made the most of them. He bought a medical book at auction and became interested in it, and determined to study medicine ; in doing so he had many obstacles to overcome. Went to Indiana and settled near Terre Haute, when he formed a medical copartnership and continued two years, and then returned to Canada. Ile pre- pared and circulated a petition to Parliament for the passage of a bill recognizing the eclectic practice, and the bill became a law, and an Eclectic Board was established at Toronto which granted licenses to practition.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

ers of that school. In the spring of 1861, he came to Port Huron, and since then has practiced his profession here. In 1865, Dr. Reed obtained the degree of the Eclectic Medical College of Ohio. lle was instrumental in the passage of an act by the Legislature of Michigan, under which the State Eclectic Medical and Surgi- cal Association was organized, and was elected President of the association for two years.

ANDREW RICHARDSON, of the firm of Rudge & Richardson, is a native of England, and was born January 9. 1847 ; he grew up and learned his trade there ; came to Canada in 1869, and lived there ten years. He came to Port Iluron in the spring of 1882, and engaged in business with his present partner. He married Miss Emily West, a native of England. July 1, 1874. They have had three children, none of whom survive.

DANIEL ROBERTS, farmer, Section 31, P. O. Marysville, is a native of Genesee County, N. Y., and was born June 22, 1811. Upon reaching manhood, came West to Michigan in 1833 ; he came from Buffalo to Detroit on the steamer Daniel Webster ; he came to Port Huron, and reached here November 1, 1834. He stayed with the Greenfield family, and he and Mr. Greenfield built a tannery. After three years, he went to Macomb County, and lived there eight years ; then returned here and was in the tannery at St. Clair sixteen years ; then bought this farm, and since then has been engaged in farming ; owns 100 acres of land. In 1837. he married Miss Matilda Byron, of Port Huron. They have one daughter-Franees. now Mrs. King. NAPOLEON ROBERTS, wood dealer, is a son of Nelson and Rose Roberts, who came to Port Huron in 1852. Ile is a native of Oswego, N. Y., and was born April 20, 1844. Ile grew up and attended school here, and then engaged in lumbering with his father. Since 1872, he has been engaged in the wood business, an l has a large trade. He holds the office of Supervisor of the Third Ward. He was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Tracy, of Sandusky, Ohio, February 13, 1872. They have three children-Mary E., Nora and Rose.

D. ROBESON, ship chandler and dealer in vessel supplies, is a native of England, and was born Novem- ber 17. 1825. Ile was brought up in the city of Quebec and learned his business of his father, who was a ship chandler. Mr. Robeson came to Port Huron in 1868, and established his present business. ITis house is the only one of the kind here, and he has a large trade in sail-making and the general outfit of vessels. In 1875, he was elected a member of the Board of Education, and since then has held that position. Mr. Robe- son married Miss Eliza C. Gregory, from St. Catharines, Canada. They have five children-Henry J., Will- iam B., David M., Laura and Ethel.

PROF. HENRY J. ROBESON, Superintendent of Schools, Port Huron, is a native of Canada, and was born in the city of Quebec April 20, 1853. Ile attended school in Upper Canada, and prepared to enter McGill's College, Montreal. In 1868, he came with his parents to Port Huron, and for three years was with his father learning the business of sail-making. In 1871, he entered the State University af Ann Arbor, tak- ing a four years' eourse, and graduated in 1875. After graduating, he was engaged as Principal of the High School, and the following year was employed as Superintendent of the schools, and since then, for the past seven years, has held that position. Prof. Robeson was united in marriage, June 27, 1877, to Miss Agnes G. Moore, of Ann Arbor, this State. Mr. Robeson has but recently produced a popular work, entitled "Dia- grams and Salient Points of Parliamentary Rules." The first edition was exhausted within a fortnight after its appearance. The book is characterized by the press and by the best authorities in the land as "a very concise, useful, convenient and valuable work." The charts decide instantaneously any question, according to both Cushing and Robert. Mr. Robeson is also the inventor of a series of eight graded and scientifically arranged primary number charts, which begin with counting and conclude with fractions. These have been acknowledged by competent judges to be possessed of decided merit. Mr. Robeson has now in press a large volume, entitled "The Science, History and Philosophy of Value and Money." Ilis large and extensive private library will enable him to do unprejudiced justice to this important and much neglected subjeet.

DELL ROBINSON, Captain of the ferry-boat Grace Dormer, is a native of Livingston County, N. Y., and was born July 29, 1848. ITis parents came here in 1859, and three years later he began sailing, and since then, for the past twenty years, has been on the lakes. lle was on the "Sarnia " eight years, and sailed the W. D. Morton several years, and for the past six years has been Captain of the "Grace Dormer." In 1872, Capt. Robinson married Miss Ella Bragg, of Buffalo, N. Y. They have one son-Frank.

REV. A. HASTINGS ROSS, pastor of the First Congregational Church, is a native of Worcester Coun- ty, Mass., and was born in the town of Winehendon April 28. 1831. His early life was spent on a farm. He attended the common schools there and entered the academy. Hle afterward went to Oberlin, Ohio, where he entered Oberlin College, and graduated in 1857. After graduating, he entered the Theological Seminary at Andover, Mass., where he pursued his theological studies for three years. His first pastorate was at Boyles- ton, Mass., where he remained five years. Ile then accepted a call and was pastor of the Congregational Church of Springfield, Ohio, for seven years, and was afterward pastor of a church in Columbus, Ohio, for

two years. Hle then accepted a call from the Congregational Church at Port Huron, the largest church in the city, and he came here June 1, 1876. Mr. Ross has been lecturer on church polity in the Oberlin Theo- logical Seminary since 1871, and has recently been elected "Southworth lecturer on Congregationalism" at "Andover Theologieal Seminary " for three years. Mr. Ross was united in marriage, October 15, 1861, to Miss Mary M. Gilman, of Churchville, Genesee Co .. N. Y. She is a graduate of Oberlin College.

JOIIN RUDGE, of the firm of Rudge & Richardson, foundry, is a native of England. and was born Sep- tember 24, 1842. He grew up and learned his trade there, and came to America in 1869. He came to Detroit and lived there until 1873, when he came to Port Huron, and two years later engaged in the foundry business for himself. They manufacture iron store fronts, agricultural implement work, and all kinds of iron and brass castings. Mr. Rudge married Miss Alice Hickin, a native of England, June 9, 1865. They have three children-Annie, Amelia and John Herbert.

D. N. RUNNELS, steamboat and ferry owner, is a native of Somerset County, Me., and was born Decem- ber 18, 1835. Upon reaching manhood he came West in 1856 and located in St. Clair County, and engaged in lumbering, and was connected with the lumber business for twenty-three years. In 1875. he engaged in the

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They have had six children only two sons survive-Alfred IL. and Edward F., both engaged in business wi their father.

HON. JAMES W. SANBORN, merchant, was born at Falmonth, near Portland, Me., in April. 1513. 1 was the son of a physician, the third of a family of eleven children. In early youth, he gave evidence great energy of character and keen powers of observation. He chose, for his first venture, a seafaring lit and made frequent voyages to the West Indies; he also crossed the Atlantic ocean repeatedly. He abandon the sea after reaching the age of twenty one, and went to Port Huron in 1535, in company with Abner Cobur since Governor of Maine. Charles Merrill, late of Detroit, and Joseph 1. Kelsey. Together they locat. 25,000 acres of land in St. Clair and Sanilae counties; and Mr. Sanborn, then but twenty-two years of age, w left in charge of the purchases. The following year, 1836, heestablished himself at Metamora. Lapeer Count In 1838, and again in 1846, he was elected to the Legislature from Lapeer district. His thorough knowled of the State lands made him an elicient Representative. As a legislator he evinced the same habits of indi try and faithfulness which so eminently characterized him in private life. In 184, he was engaged in the d goods and lumber business at Port Huron, with his brother in-law. Alvah Sweetser; the death of the latti in 1864, raused a dissolution of the firm Mr. Sanborn had a large lumber interest on the Saginaw, the Mu kegon and its tributaries, the An Sable, Thunder Bay River, Pine River, in the Upper Peninsula, and on ti Cheboygan. Ilis business career was a successful one for himself and those associated with him. Besid his lumber possessions, he owned considerable real estate and personal property in Port Huron and Fo Gratiot. In business matters he had a quick perception and was far-sering, always combining promptne with caution. While keeping pace with the times in legitimate enterprises, he never allowed sound judgme to be overruled by speculative excitement. Just in his dealings with all. he expected and exacted the san from others; strong in his likes and dislikes, he never failed in proving the sincerity of his feelings to tho whom he onre recognized as friends. He numbered among his intimate associates many young men who we indebted to him for friendly counsel, as well as for substantial aid in their business undertakings. Earne in politics as in other matters, and originally a Whig, Mr. Sanborn stood among the foremost organizers of th Republican party. He represented his district as a delegate to that convention whose proceedings "under th oaks at Jackson " have been accorded a page not only in the annalsof State, but also of national history. In 185 he was elected to the House of Representatives, after a spirited contest, his opponent being the Hon. W. Mitchell. In 1858, he was chosen Commissioner of the State Land Office During his term he exposed tl Mckinney deľaleation and strenuously opposed all efforts to cover up the fraud under the plea of party polic. Bring an active worker in political campaigns, no man in his region was more liberal with his money fo proper political purposes. Mr. Sanborn married three times, and at his death, which occurred April 13, IST left a wife and three children. Although not a member of any religions denomination. he was for many yea actively connected with the Congregational Church. He was greatly attached to his family and home, an those who knew him most intimately knew best the kindness of his nature and the depth of his affection His influence, as affecting the growth and prosperity of the section of the State in which he lived and laborer will continue to be felt for years to come.

JOHN P. SANBORN. Collector of Customs, was born in Belgrade, Me., July 12. 1833. Ilis father w: Benjamin Sanborn. M. D., a graduate of Bowdoin College. Brunswick, Me. His mother's maiden name w; Emily .l. Pitts. Mr. Sanborn's early education was only such as was afforded by the common schools New England. Like so many other of the substantial men of the country. he was educated chiefly in pra tical business. Upon leaving school, he entered a general store as clerk and apprentice, acquiring therein th systematic habit- which have distinguished his later life. He came to Michigan and settled at Port Huro in 1945, and subsequently engaged extensively in mercantile and himbering operations, Mr. Sanborn wi Deputy Collector of Customs at Port Huron from 1862 to 1866. In March, IS6 ;. he was appointed to the Co lector hip, which office he still holds. In his administration Mr. Sanborn has proved himself one of the fir: ofliver- of his grade in the revenue service. Politically, he has always been a Republican. He married, Out ber 12. 1855, Miss Mary A. Wastell, daughter of Rev. W. P. Wastell. of Clinton, Mich.

PETER SANBORN, retired, is a native of Falmouth, Me., and was born March 13. 1802. He grew u to manhood in that State, and lived in Portland. He came to Michigan previous to the year 1835, to loo after his interests in pine lands; he remained here four years; then returned East and spent six years: the returned to Port Huron and engaged in general mercantile business, also in the lumber trade. He wa actively engaged in business for many years. He has since retired from business, and although over right. years of age, is as active and well preserved as many who are much younger.

P. B. SANBORN, proprietor of Sanborn's elevator, is a native of Falmouth, Me., and was born March I 183. Mr. Sanborn came to Detroit in 1852, and in 1562 located in Port Huron. During the war he enliste and served in the First Regiment of Berdan's sharpshooters, and was commissioned First Lieutenant. Com pany K After serving nine months, protracted illness compelled him to resign his commission. Subst quently Mr. Sanborn engaged in the hardware business, and for thirteen years was a member of the firms o

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

William Stewart & Co. and Sanborn, Carleton & Co., and in 1881 he engaged in the grain and elevator busi- ness. Sanborn's Port Huron Elevator is one of the most complete, for its capacity, in the State. It has every improvement for handling grain by river and the three lines of railroad which terminate at Port Iluron. The river frontage is 300 feet. Mr. Sanborn was one of the corporators of and is a stockholder in the Port Huron & Northwestern Railroad Company, and has been for many years actively identified with the commer- cial interests of Port Huron. Mr. Sanborn was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Willeger, of this city, Sep- tember 13, 1864. They have two children-son and daughter, named Alvah and Clare.

WILLIAM SAXE, farmer, Section 18, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Lower Canada, and was born March 18, 1835. Upon reaching manhood. came to this State and lived in Sanilae County about seven years ; then came to Port Huron and worked in Wells' saw-mill, and also worked four seasons for Bachelor in bis mill, and for the past two seasons has been foreman in Brooks & Joslyn's Mill. lle owns a farm of eighty- six acres, and has lived here since 1876. In October, 1864, he married Miss Mary Bowes, a native of Canada ; they have six children-William C., Elizabeth, John G., Ilattic, Allen, Ellen.

CHARLES SCHIEFFLER, of the firm of SchetHler Bros., fresh and salted meats, is a native of St. Clair County, and was born in Port Iluron March 16, 1864. He grew up. attended school and learned his business here, and engaged in business for himself in 1878 ; has carried on the business since then, and has built up a good trade ; is a member of the Order of Maccabees. In 1880, he married Miss Minnie Cook, a native of Strathroy, Canada.

PETER SCHWEITZER, lumberman, Section 5, P. O. Port Huron, is a native of Germany, and was born in Lorraine Angust 6, 1834 ; upon reaching manhood, he emigrated to America in 1854, and lived in Buf- falo six years, and then came to Port Huron, and since then, for the past twenty-two years, has heen connect- ed with the lumber business here ; he has held the office of City Alderman. Ile owns a good farm with ex- cellent improvements near the city. He married Miss Mary Zimmer, a native of Germany, April 8. 1858 ; they have two sons-Peter and John.

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History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 96

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