USA > Michigan > Huron County > Portrait and biographical album of Huron county Michigan, Containing biographical sketches of citizens also a complete history of the county, from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 37
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obert Campbell, merchant at Adams' Cor- ners, Sherman Township, was born Jan. 24, 1828, in Glasgow, Scotland, and has been a resident of the Huron peninsula since 1849, when he located in Sanilac Township, in that county, where he was one of the earli- est of the pioneer element. He was there occupied in the shingle trade, and afterward proceeded to Port Sanilac, where he was interested in fishing as a voca- tion for 12 years. In 1864 he came thence to White Rock in this county, where he was again interested in his former occupation, traffic in shingles. After pursuing that business three years, he bought 80 acres of land in Paris Township, located on section 24. He entered into the manufacture of lumber and shingles, and not long after, he amplified his business connections by the establishment of his mercantile interests. He continued the management of his combined business operations until the completion of the Sand Beach branch of the Port Huron & North- western Railroad, when he transferred his interests to Adams' Corners. He bought a lot and erected a business building 40 x 60 feet in dimensions, in which he placed a stock of goods embracing the lines of articles requisite to the demands of a country trade, representing upwards of $5,000. His aggregated annual business amounts to $24,000. The landed possessions of Mr. Campbell embrace 200 acres of improved land in Sherman and Paris Town- ships.
The parents of Mr. Campbell, James and Eliza- beth (Patterson) Campbell, were natives of Scotland, of unmixed Scottish descent, the former of Highland origin, the latter belonging to the class designated as Lowlanders. The father died near Glasgow, in 1836, aged 55 years. The mother came to the United
States in 1849, and died at Carsonville, Sanilac County, in January, 1884, at the advanced age of 93 years. She was the mother of nine children,- William, James, Elizabeth, Archibald, John, Colin, Robert, Agnes and Buchanan.
Mr. Campbell was married in November, 1860, at Port Sanilac, to Margaret McMurdock, and they have been the parents of five children, one of whom is deceased. Elizabeth, Robert, Alice and Maggie are living; James is deceased. Mrs. Campbell is the daughter of James and Margaret (Cummings) Mc- Murdock, both of whom were of Scottish origin. They came to Michigan late in life, and died in Sherman Township. The death of Mr. McMur- dock was one of the most remarkable incidents in the local history of Sherman Township. He became lost in the bush one and a quarter miles from his home, and although search was not intermitted, eight months elapsed before his remains were discovered. Crowds of people engaged in the search, but of course their field of operation was more remote, under the reasonable supposition that he had wan- dered a long distance.
Mrs. Campbell was born in Scotland, emigrating when she was 16 years old to Huron County. She died at her home in Paris Township, in 1880. She and her husband were members of the Congrega- tional Church.
Mr. Campbell is a Republican, and has always been prominent in the general matters of his town- ship. After the fires of 1871 and 1881, he was made relief agent in this district.
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E hristoph Hahn, merchant and farmer at Sebewaing, was born Aug. 12, 1833, in Germany. His parents, Christian F. and Barbara Hahn, resided in Germany until their death. Mr. Hahn left his native land to be- come a citizen of the United States when about 18 years of age. He located primarily in the city of Philadelphia, where he resided two years, and while there was employed as a machinist. In 1855 he came to Sebewaing and entered the employment of John Muellerweiss, working for him on the farm and
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in his store. He went then to Washtenaw County, where he worked two summers by the month, and returned to Sebewaing, where he became a land- holder. He is now the proprietor of 100 acres of land in this township, on section 31, and 40 acres in Tuscola County. There are 100 acres under culti- vation. In March, 1884, he bought a stock of mer- chandise at Sebewaing, and is engaged in a profitable business. He is a Republican in political sentiment and action.
His marriage to Mary Wolf took place Jan. II, 1862, and they have two children,-Mary and Wil- liam. Mrs. Hahn was born in Germany. The family belong to the Lutheran Church. Mr. Hahn has been School Assessor nine years.
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atthew D. Wagner, of the banking firm of Noble & Wagner, at Sand Beach, was born Dec. 26, 1856, at Ogdensburg, N. Y. His parents, James H. and Mary A. (Potts) Wagner, came to St. John's, Clinton Co., Mich., and after a brief residence there, settled at Vassar, Tuscola Co., Mich., where Mr. Wagner, senior, is a farmer and dealer in stock. He was born May 10, 1832, in Jefferson Co., N. Y. The mother was born in 1835, in Prescott, Canada, near the line of the State of New York.
Mr. Wagner was a lad of 10 years when his parents transferred their family and interests to Michigan. He was early attracted to the study of law, and when about 17 years of age he entered the office of E. H. Taylor, of Vassar, and later that of B. W. Huston, of the same place, reading for his profession under their instructions, a little less than two years. In August, 1877, he came to Lexington and entered the banking house of B. R. Noble, where he remained until December, 1880, when the present banking establishment of Noble & Wagner was founded, at Sand Beach. Mr. Wagner owns a half interest in its affairs, and conducts its business relations, which includes the transactions common to general bank- ing. The firm also engage to some extent in lend- ing on real estate. They also manage an insurance business in the interests of the Atna and Phoenix,
of Hartford, Conn., the Liverpool & London & Globe, also the Firemen's Fund of California, one of the most substantial and reliable companies in the world. They deal extensively in real estate, im- proved and wild, and are the owners of about 1,000 acres within the county of Huron. The private property of Mr. Wagner embraces 200 acres of farm- ing land in Custer and other townships in Sanilac County, a fine residence and several lots at Sand Beach. The bank block of Messrs. Noble & Wag- ner was built in the summer of 1882; it is con- structed of brick, is 24 X 38 feet in dimensions, and is two stories in height, the upper story being devoted to office purposes. It cost $3,100.
The marriage of Mr. Wagner to Euretha A. Mitch- el occurred at Vassar, Mich., Nov. 24, 1880. Their children are Harry Leigh, born Feb. 19, 1883, at Sand Beach, and David Earle, born Nov. 10, 1884. Mrs. Wagner was born Dec. 3, 1855, in Ohio, and is the daughter of Festus C. and Harriet Mitchel.
Mr. Wagner is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Knights of Honor. He and his wife belong to the First Presbyterian Church.
tewart Van Buskirk, senior member of the firm of Van Buskirk & Monroe, lumber dealers at Sand Beach, was born Oct. 7, 1860, in Pine Run, Genesee Co., Mich. He is the son of Joseph and Mary (Wilbur) Van Buskirk, the former a resident of Rochester, N. Y .; the latter of Livingston County in the same State. Their family includes two children,-Stew- art and Minnie F. The latter is the wife of George N. Monroe, of Sand Beach. Mr. Van Buskirk, Sr., removed his family and business interests, in 1867, to Harrisville, Alcona Co., Mich., where he still re- sides, and is connected with the lumbering interests of the place where he is located. He is the proprie- tor of two saw-mills and two general mercantile es- tablishments, and is doing an extensive business, employing an average working force of 100 men.
Mr. Van Buskirk was trained to & complete un- derstanding of his business by his father, was a clerk
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in his store during his minority, and had the charge of one of his saw-mills through one season. His father established a lumber-yard at Sand Beach in June, 1882. In July, 1883, the son and son-in-law became proprietors of the yard by purchase, and built a planing-mill. It is 50 x 58 feet in size, and is fitted with a steam engine of roo-horse power. The mill requires the aid of three assistants besides the owners.
Mr. Van Buskirk is a member of the order known as the Knights of Columbia.
dward Mckay, farmer, section 24, Chan- dler Township, was born Sept. 15, 1825, in Argyle, Scotland. His father, Edward Mckay, was a native of Scotland, a farmer, and emigrated to York Co., Ont., where he died March 11, 1864, aged 86 years. His mother, Rose (McDermott) McKay, was born in Scotland, and died in 1877, in York Co., Ont.
Mr. Mckay was seven years of age when his parents came to Ontario, and he continued to reside in York County until May, 1878, when he disposed of his property in the Dominion and came to Michi- gan. He purchased 160 acres on section 24, Chan- dler Township, under partial improvements. He increased his estate by an additional purchase of 160 acres, situated adjoining on section 25. He sold 80 acres later, and has 80 acres under tillage. He is a leading agriculturist.
In political faith and action, Mr. Mckay is a Re- publican.
His marriage to Anna Kennedy took place March 21, 1865, in Kings Township, York Co., Ont. They are the parents of seven children, born as follows: Margaret A., Feb. 13, 1866; Rose, March 2, 1868; Mary, March 10, 1870; Jennie, Dec. 31, 1871 ; Susan C., April 22, 1874; Angus E., Oct. 23, 1877 ; Nettie M., Oct. 27, 1880. Mrs. McKay is the daughter of Angus and Margaret (Campbell) Ken- nedy, and was born in Caledan Township, Peel Co., Ont. She is the eldest living of a family of eight children. Her parents were in early life when they came to Ontario. They settled in York County, and
the father died there June 8, 1866. The mother is still living in Kings Township, York County, aged 62 years. The family are members of the Baptist Church.
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eorge W. Jenks, of the firm of J. Jenks & Co., at Sand Beach, was born May 9, 1838, at Crown Point, N. Y. He is the son of Jeremiah and Relief (Huestis) Jenks. (See sketch of J. Jenks.) Mr. Jenks was 16 years old when his parents removed, in 1854, from the Empire State to Michigan. They made a brief stay of eight months at St. Clair, and came thence to Lexington, Sanilac County. He became a sales- man in the general store of J. L. Woods and operated in that capacity until the country called on its sons to defend her in her peril from an internal conflict. He enlisted Oct. 1, 1861, as a private in Co. D, roth Mich. Vol. Inf., enrolling in Lexington. The com- pany was known as the "Sanilac Pioneers " and was under the command of Capt. Israel Huckins, who still survives. The regiment was mustered in at Flint. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant at Flint, April 22, 1862. His command was sent to Hamburg Landing, on the Tennessee River, and went thence to Corinth, and was present at the evacuation of that city. It proceeded to Tuscumbia, Ala., where it was stationed at Florence, and was on duty as ferrymen. Lieutenant Jenks was in charge of a steam-boat which plied up and down the river, con- veying troops and military supplies from Florence to Hamburg Landing. He received his appointment as Commander on the river from General Payne. The regiment went thence to Nashville, Tenn., where it was engaged during the siege. While there we was commissioned First ¿Lieutenant by Governor Blair, his credentials bearing date of July 5, 1862. He resigned Feb. 11, 1863, at Nashville, on account of sickness, and returned to his home, where he passed many months endeavoring to recover his health. A year after his return he attempted to re-enlist, but his application was rejected because of physical dis- ability. He received an appointment as Deputy Provost Marshal under William McConnell, of Pon- tiac, and retained the position until the spring of
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1864, when he resigned, and took charge of his father's saw-mill, five miles north of Lexington.
In the winter following, he entered the employ- ment of Pack, Jenks & Co., and went to Rock Falls, operating as general manager in the interests of the firm from Dec. 11, 1864, until Jan. 1, 1876, when the firm dissolved, and he received from his father one-half of his business, including all lands of Car- rington, Pack & Co., and Pack, Jenks & Co. A partnership was formed, which still exists and is known as " J. Jenks & Co." The firm are engaged in a general mercantile business and in the manu- facture of flour and salt, besides the transaction of an extensive business in real estate. They employ an average of 75 assistants in the various depart- ments of their business.
Mr. Jenks is Supervisor of Sand Beach Township, and has served several terms in the same position. He was elected Presidential Elector on the Republi- can ticket in 1884.
His marriage to Arabella Knapp occurred Oct. 15, 1867, at Jeddo, St. Clair County. Two children have been born of this union : George J., Feb. 13, 1869, and Anna Belle, Aug. 4, 1877. Mrs. Jenks was born July 19, 1848, at Bath, New Hampshire, and is the daughter of Henry and Mary Ann Knapp.
Mr. Jenks is a member of the Knights of Honor and of the Royal Arcanum. He was appointed dis- tributing agent at Sand Beach for the relief of the sufferers from the fires of 187 1 and 1881, and dis- charged the duties of the position with credit to himself and the general satisfaction of those inter- ested.
The publishers are happy to place in this ALBUM a lithographic portrait of Mr. Jenks, in proximity to the foregoing sketch.
kenry Jurges, farmer, section 10, Bingham Township, was born Jan. 27, 1835, in Han- over, Germany. His parents came to Amer- ica when he was 14 years old, and settled in Preston, Waterloo Co., Ont. In 1854 they made another change, removing to Huron County, where they passed their remaining years.
Mr. Jurges was married March 17, 1857, in On-
tario, to Catherine Miller, and they became the parents of eight children, all of whom survive the mother but one. Their births occurred as follows : Caroline, Elizabeth, Frederick, Mary, Catherine, Minnie, Emma and Henry. The latter is deceased. Mrs. Jurges died April 18, 1884, mourned by a large circle of friends who had known her many years and tested her value as a member of society.
After his marriage, Mr. Jurges located on a farm in the township of Paris, in Huron County, where he owned a farm and managed it three years. He after- ward sold the property and came to Bingham Town- ship, where he has since continued to reside without change. He bought 238 acres of land, 158 acres being situated on section 10 and included in his homestead, the remainder lying on section 9. He has improved 165 acres on the two places. He is one of the most skillful and capable agriculturists in the township, and has creditable and suitable farm buildings.
In political faith and action he is independent.
joseph Frantz, farmer, section 31, Bingham Township, was born April 2, 1830, in Al- sace (then belonging to France), near the River Rhine. At the age of 23 years he left his native land to come to America. He had received a good education in the French and German languages previous to the death of his father, which occurred during his minority. On reaching this county he proceeded to the city of Buffalo, where he made but a brief stay, going thence to Ontario, where he located in Oxford County. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits there three years, and in 1856 he set out for Michigan via Lake Huron, landing at Forestville, Sanilac County. He proceeded at once to the Government Land Office at Detroit, where he learned of the promising outlook of the Huron Peninsula; and, acting under the advice of Philip Link, of Minden, he purchased 160 acres on section 31, Bingham Township, under the terms of the Graduation Act. He set out to make the acquaintance of his newly acquired possession, and found that it lay in the depths of the unbroken
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forest, with no roads of any description for many miles. But he had resolved on having a home at all hazards, and he began to "lap the bush," until he found the location of which he was the proprietor. He was the first permanent settler in Bingham Township, and carried all his provisions and sup- plies on his back from Forestville, a distance of 24 miles, often conveying roo pounds of flour in one day. He was in fine health and possessed remark- able powers of endurance. After getting fairly started, he purchased 120 acres additional, making a tract of 280 acres, all of which he has retained, and has improved 130 acres. In the fire of 1881, he lost property aggregating $6,000, having at the time the best farm buildings in the township, in- cluding a large frame barn and a stone residence.
Mr. Frantz is a Democrat in political affiliation, and he has held various local offices in his town- ship. He was married Nov. 2, 1856, in Dereham Township, Middlesex Co., Ont., to Almira Gardner, and their nine children are all living. They were born in the order here named: Anthony, William, John, Joseph A., Sarah A., George, Lewis, Clara and Ambrose. Mrs. Frantz was born Sept 24, 1837, of Canadian parentage. The family are Roman Cath- olics.
ames Harvey, farmer, resident on section 23, Chandler Township, was born in 1852, in Liverpool, England. He is the son of James and Mary (Duggan) Harvey, natives of Ireland. (See sketch of James Harvey, Sr.) When he was six months old his parents went to the city of Cork, Ireland, and the family had their home in that city until 1860, when they came to Michigan, settling in Huron County in November of that year. Mr. Harvey was then about nine years of age, and has since been a resident of Chandler Township.
He was married Oct. 8, 1871, to Margery Melick, and they are the parents of six children,-James, Obed, Martha J., Minnie, Margaret and Joseph. Mrs. Harvey was born March 22, 1855, in the Prov- ince of Ontario.
Mr. Harvey is a Republican in political sentiment,
and he has officiated some years as Justice of the Peace in his township; he is present Treasurer (1884). He is the proprietor of 80 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation, his farming opera- tions being managed with a skilled judgment, which establishes his rank as developer of the agricultural resources of Huron County. He and his wife are communicants in the English Church.
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illiam C. Williamson, stock farmer and general agriculturist, on section 11, Hume Township, was born April 14, 1849, in Mercer Co., Pa. His father was a physician in early life. He married Selina C. Camp- bell, and settled in Milwaukee, Wis., where he died, in 1855, aged about 45 years. His wife died in 1878, in Chicago.
Mr. Williamson was educated in the public schools of Milwaukee until he was 11 years of age. His father died when he was seven years old, and he was under the guidance of his mother four years sub- sequently, when he went to work on a farm, and spent three years in that variety of labor. At the age of 14 years, he became a clerk in a store in Meadville, Pa., and operated in the capacity of sales- man three years, going thence to Erie in his native State, and later to Chicago, where he engaged as a
clerk in an insurance office. In 1867 he engaged in the interests of Woods & Co., for whom he officiated in the capacity of book-keeper and manager of their lumbering and mercantile enterprises. In 1879, he was one of an association that built the salt-block, now owned by Aikens & Soule. The firm was known as Williamson, Aikens & Co. The senior member sold his interest in 1883, to the present proprietors. Since that time he has given his attention exclusively to his agricultural affairs and the improvement of his stock. He owns 160 acres of land in Hume Town- ship, nearly all of which is improved.
In political sentiment, Mr. Williamson is in accord with the Republican party. He has officiated as Supervisor seven years,-from 1876 to 1883, serving the last two terms as Chairman of the Board.
His marriage to Clara A. Sinclair occurred Aug.
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12, 1877, and of their union two children, Harrie and William, have been born. Mrs. Williamson is the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Soule) Sinclair, the former a native of Scotland, the latter of New Eng- land parentage. (See sketch of T. Sinclair.) She was born Dec. 12, 1859, at Port Austin. She was educated at the common schools of Huron County, and afterwards attended the College at Flint, Mich.
ohn H. Tucker, farmer, section 22, Sand Beach Township, is a son of John and Roxy (Page) Tucker, natives of Vermont, who settled in New York State, where Mrs. T. died, May 2, 1844. Mr. T. afterwards came to Sanilac Co., Mich., and settled in Bridge- hampton Township, where he still resides.
The subject of this biographical sketch, John H. Tucker, was born in Clayton, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Aug. 28, 1827, remained at home until he was 18 years of age, attending the common school, then resided eight years in Canada, and in 1853 he came to Port Huron, Mich., and engaged in the millwright business, which trade he had learned in Canada. In 1858 he came to this county and for six years lived at Port Hope. In the fall of 1864 he moved to Sand Beach Township. He owned several small tracts of land, which he disposed of, and in 1880 he purchased 80 acres of land on section 22, where he settled and has about 20 acres improved and in good condition for crops.
With reference to national issues, Mr. Tucker takes Republican views. He has held the offices of County Surveyor, Justice of the Peace, etc.
July 3, 1850, in Walpole, Canada West, Mr. Tucker married Miss Martha, daughter of William and Monica Brown, of English ancestry. She was born in Canada, March 2, 1833. Of the 13 children born in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Tucker, the fol- lowing are living : William H., born May 13, 1853; Lucinda M., Nov. 18, 1854; John E., March 4, 1857 ; George F., June 15, 1859; Ida M., Feb. 4, 1866; Charles A., March 16, 1869; Herbert L., July 21, 1871; Francis E., Oct. 18, 1873. Four children are
deceased : Mary I., April 30, 1864, three months old; Jane, Feb. 19, 1867, at the age of five years; Albert and Adelbert in infancy.
imon Hoffman, manager of the mercantile establishment of J. C. Liken & Co., at Bay Port, was born July 7, 1851, in Waterloo Co., Ont., in the township of the same name. He is the son of Henry and Catherine (Die- bel) Hoffman, and both his parents are living near Wilverton, Perth Co., Ont.
Mr. Hoffman acquired a common-school educa- tion, and when he was 12 years old obtained a situa- tion in a store at New Dundee, and served an apprenticeship of nearly three years, for which he received $200 and his board. He continued in the same employment two years after the expiration of his indenture. Afterward he went to a place called Baden, where he was similarly employed more than a year. In March, 1869, he came to Bay Port and engaged with J. W. Snell, in whose interests he operated six months. His next employment was as school-teacher, and he taught two terms at the same place, after which he became a salesman in the store of John Muellerweiss at Sebewaing, with whom he remained three years. At the end of that time he engaged in the management of the Sert House at Sebewaing, going thence a little more than a year later to Bay City, where he embarked in a similar enterprise and managed the Sherman House about six months. Returning to Sebewaing he was ap- pointed to the position of Deputy Sheriff and Mar- shal of the village, in which he officiated until he entered upon the duties of his present position in 1880.
He was married Nov. 1, 1873, to Eliza Sert. She died May 14, 1874, and he was again married May 4, 1877, to Elizabeth Smith. . Two children have been born to them, as follows: Gertrude, June 27, 1878, and Charles Henry, Jan. 23, 1881. Mrs. Hoff- man is the daughter of Charles and Minnie Smith, and was born June 22, 1859, in Herkimer Co., N. Y. Her mother was born Nov. 3, 1823, and lives in Bay
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City. Her father died April 29, 1883, in Bay City. Both her parents were born in Germany.
Mr. Hoffman is an adherent of the Republican party. He is a Notary Public, and is present Post- master at Bay Port.
esse L. Jenks, deceased, was born April 7, 1812, in Newport, Sullivan Co., N. H., and was the son of Jeremiah W. and Hester (Lane) Jenks. His parents removed to Brid- port, Addison Co., Vt., and went thence to Crown Point, Essex Co., N. Y. (See sketch of J. Jenks.)
Mr. Jenks was brought up to the vocation of farmer, which he pursued a short time after he entered upon life in his own behalf, after which he kept a hotel at Crown Point, continuing to operate in that capacity several years. In the fall of 1860 he came to Michigan. He leased the Central Hotel at Port Huron, and continued its management one year. He next became interested in the City Hotel at St. Clair, which he conducted one year. He went thence in June, 1870, to Rock Falls, in Sand Beach Township, Huron County, where he had control of a stage route between Port Sanilac and Port Austin, and also conducted a hotel. He managed his various business enterprises four years. Meanwhile he became the owner of 40 acres of land, situated northwest of Sand Beach, whither he removed in November, 1874. His death occurred March 16, 1875, a few months after his removal from Rock Falls. The farm is in a finely improved and culti- vated condition, and the widow remained there resi- dent until 1879, when she became an inmate of the household of her daughter, Mrs. N. P. Arnold, of Sand Beach.
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