USA > Michigan > St Clair County > St. Clair County, Michigan, its history and its people; a narrative account of its historical progress and its principal interests, Vol. II > Part 10
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The paternal grandfather of Mr. Clark, William Clark, was a pioneer of Jay county, Indiana, and lived to be fifty-four years old. He was buried in a coffin which was hewed from an oak log, and was laid to rest on the banks of the Salamonie river, in Jay county, a stream which has since become almost extinet. George Clark, who was a farmer by occu- pation, enlisted for service during the Civil war in Company C, Thirty- ninth Indiana Cavalry, and fought in "Fighting Joe" Hooker's com- mand, under General William T. Sherman, participating among other battles in the engagements at Lookout Mountain, Pittsburg Landing and Chickamauga, and also taking part in Sherman's famous "March to the Sea." He was a prisoner in Andersonville for thirty days, and at the time of his discharge had risen to the rank of captain. George Clark died May 15, 1875. In politics he was a Republican, and served as justice of the peace and supervisor and was his party's candidate for sheriff on one occasion, but lost the election because of a trick in print- ing the ballots, although he was defeated by only forty-seven votes.
Elihu Wilson Clark grew to manhood near his birth-place, and re- ceived a good common school education. At the age of fourteen years he began to work on an adjacent farm, receiving seven dollars for his first year's work, eight dollars and fifty cents for his second year, and for his third year two dollars more. His mother and father passed away when he was only fourteen years old. and he was compelled to make his own way in the world. In June, 1880. he went to Cassopolis. Michigan. where for two years he was engaged as a farm laborer, and then began his career as a railroad man, entering the service of the Michigan C'en- tral Railroad as an employe of the bridge construction department. After two years he entered the train service, and during the next four years he worked as a brakeman. then becoming a mail clerk in the mail service and having run between Kalamazoo and South Haven, and remained in the mail service three and one-half years. Having incurred the enmity of some official, Mr. Clark at this time had charges preferred against him for inefficiency, although he had been promoted three times and had passed an examination with a mark of 99.86 per cent. When ex-Gover- nor Bliss, who had preferred these charges, had been notified that Mr. Clark's average was the highest of any who had taken the examination. he preferred other charges, stating that Mr. Clark had secured his posi- tion through political influence, and the latter was forced to resign. Civil service examinations having become the law in the meantime, the charges were dated hack thirty days in order that he could have no chance to save his position in that way.
Having made numerous friends during his long and faithful service. Mr. Clark decided to enter the insurance field, but followed that occu-
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pation for only a few months, when he was offered a position by Assistant Trainmaster J. D. Clark, of the Michigan Central, and he eventually re- sumed braking on that line, continuing as such from August, 1889, to March, 1891, at which time he was the recipient of an offer of a position as guard at Jackson in the prison. Instead, he became a member of the police force at Jackson, and when he resigned, about five months later, he was highly recommended by both the chief and the police commission. For the next three years he followed braking on the Nickle Plate Rail- road out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and he then entered the service of the Grant Trunk, being for seven years a passenger conductor running to Port Huron.
Mr. Clark had been married at Kalamazoo, Michigan, August 3, 1886, to Miss Rosa B. Wing, and they had three children : Ralph, who is now yardmaster of the Grand Trunk Railroad ; Glenn, a bill clerk for the American Express Company, at Flint, Michigan ; and Milo, now a lad of twelve years, attending school. Mrs. Clark died March 11, 1902, and in May, 1903, Mr. Clark was married in Port Huron to Mrs. Rose Elliott (nee Elliott), who had a son, Fred, and a daughter, Pearl, by a former marriage. On April 20, 1911, Mr. Clark came to Port Huron and en- gaged in his present business, which is proving a very successful one.
In polities Mr. Clark is a Democrat, but he cast his first vote for James G. Blaine. He has been elected a member of the city council from a Republican ward, and served on the board of estimates. He and Mrs. Clark are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. The family home is at No. 1531 Oak street. Mr. Clark is a member of the Brother- hood of Railway Trainmen, of which he served as secretary for three years and as financial secretary for two years. He has attended the national conventions at Milwaukee, in 1901, at Denver, Colorado, in 1903, and at Atlanta, Georgia, in 1907, was alternate delegate to the national convention at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1911, and was elected gen- eral chairman of the adjustment committee in 1903, a position in which he served ably and efficiently for four years. He was also elected chair- man of the Eastern Association for the Grand Trunk Lines west of the St. Clair river, and assisted in organizing that association at Buffalo, New York, in 1907, the subordinate lodge endorsing the recommenda- tions of the association as presented at Buffalo, and holding its first reg- ular meeting in October, 1907. Mr. Clark is fraternally connected with the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery. Consistory and Shrine of the Masonic fraternity, and also belongs to the B. P. O. E., the K. of P .. the Modern Brotherhood of America and the K. O. T. M., in all of which he is popular.
Mr. Clark is one of the self made men of Port Huron, and can look back over a career that has been filled not only with usefulness but with action. He has always been energetic and progressive, and in his new line is liable to make his mark before many years have passed. Already he has introduced innovations in his business that have been trade gath- erers, and his ability as an organizer and executive will make him a very acceptable addition to the public-spirited citizens of Port Huron.
GEORGE MCINTYRE. How it is possible for an orphan boy, without in- fluential friends or any of the aids which fortune gives to those starting in life, to win his way through obstacles and reach a place of independ-
W. B. Robeson.
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ence and large influence in the business and civie community is illus- trated in the career of Mr. George MeIntyre, of Yale. In this city he is the leading dealer in farm implements, carriages, wagons and harness, and is honored and respected not only as a suecessful business man but also as a publie-spirited citizen who lends his aid and influence to the promotion of the best welfare of the community.
Ile was born in Port Huron, Michigan, February 17, 1864, a son of William and Mary (Moore) MeIntyre. Ilis mother died when he was born and he lost his father less than a year later, so that as an orphan he was reared by strangers, and when only a small lad had to hustle for himself. His early education was all obtained by dint of his own efforts between the times when he had to work for his living. At the age of sixteen the opportunity came which he utilized as the basis of his sne- cessful career. Ile was taken in by the firm of W. & J. Harris at Brock- way as apprentice to learn the carriage painting trade. For his first year's work he received fifty dollars, besides board, seventy-five dollars the second year, and one hundred dollars the third. At the end of his apprenticeship he was a skilled workman, and his ability resulted in his being placed in charge of the painting department of the firm at a sal- ary of ten dollars and a half a week. With increasing value to himself and the business he continued to serve this firm at Brockway until 1895. In that year a branch of the business was established in Yale, and Mr. McIntyre was transferred to the new shops. About a year later Mr. Wil- liam II. Harris, the head of the firm, died, and with the reorganization Mr. MeIntyre became a partner of P. H. IIarris, and continued the busi- ness at Yale as MeIntyre & Harris. This firm continued profitably for about eight years, when Mr. MeIntyre bought the entire establishment and has since been sole proprietor. His business methods and his enter- prise have built up the business to larger proportions every year, and it is now regarded as one of the largest if not the largest concern of the kind in St. Clair county. In 1908 he opened a branch store at Avoca, which contributes much to the annual volume of his trade.
As a citizen of Yale Mr. Melntyre served several years as councilman, and prior to the incorporation of the city was president of the village. He is a strong advocate of good public schools and is serving as a member of the Yale school board. Fraternally he affiliates with the Masonic or- der, the Woodmen of the World and the Royal Arcanum.
After lie had gained a good start in his trade with prospects of a suc- cessful future, Mr. MeIntyre was married, and the co-operation of his wife has been a valuable factor in his subsequent career. He married at Yale, January 1, 1886, Miss Della B. Butler. She was born in this county, July 27, 1866, a daughter of Salathiel and Lovina (Huntley) Butler, one of the old and respected families of the county. The first child born to their marriage. a daughter, died in infancy. Their son, Donald A., born August 25, 1899, is in school.
WILLIAM B. ROBESON. A prominent and well-to-do business man of Port Huron, William B. Robeson is contributing his full share to- wards the development and promotion of its industrial interests, and through his regard for the publie weal has gained for himself the rep- utation of one who deserves the confidence and trust of his fellowmen.
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A son of David Robeson, he was born December 25, 1854, in Toronto, Canada.
David Robeson was born in Scotland, and as a young man immi- grated to America, settling first in Canada. In 1863 he came with his family to Michigan, and has since been an honored and respected res- ident of Port Huron, being now a hale and hearty man of ninety-two years, well worthy of the esteem and regard in which he is so univer- sally held. His wife, whose maiden name was Helen Martin, was born in Quebec, and died several years ago in Canada.
Receiving his elementary education in the Port Huron common and high schools, William B. Robeson subsequently attended Quebec College for awhile. Beginning life then for himself, he was for three years mail agent for the United States government, after which he was for four years in the employ of the Standard Oil and Chemical Company at Cleveland, Ohio. Subsequently Mr. Robeson was for several years a commercial salesman for the above company, in that capacity traveling extensively in all parts of the Union. Locating in Port Huron in 1896, he established himself in business at 18 Butler street, in a large brick building built by his father, and has there since been successfully en- gaged in the manufacture of paints, chemicals and preserving mate- rials, having now a substantial and lucrative trade in the productions of his plant, which are well known as staple goods in leading domestic and foreign markets. This extensive business, of which Mr. Robeson is sole proprietor and manager, has been built up entirely by his indus- try and foresight.
Identified in politics with the Democratic party, Mr. Robeson has rendered his fellow-citizens appreciated service as alderman. Frater- nally he is a prominent member of the Free and Accepted Order of Masons, in which he has taken the thirty-second degree, and also belongs to the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Knights of the Modern Maccabees.
Mr. Robeson married, in 1881, Mary Palmerlee, who was born in Romeo, Michigan, a daughter of the late Amos and Clara (Taylor) Pal- merlee, who were born and reared in the state of New York. She died in Romeo, Michigan, in 1893, leaving one child, Vera Robeson, who was born in 1885, and is living at home with her father. Mr. Robeson mar- ried in 1897 Carrie Louise Rivard, who was born in Detroit, Michigan, a daughter of Maxime and Leora (Phillips) Rivard, who still reside in that city, Mr. Rivard being descended from one of the old and honored French people of that part of the state, while Mrs. Rivard is of Scotch ancestry. Mr. Robeson and his family reside at 1332 Seventh street. Both he and his wife are members of the Episcopalian church, to which his first wife also belonged during the later years of her life, although she was formerly a Congregationalist.
GEORGE E. WARREN. One of the active and successful, but peculiarly unassuming, business men of Port Huron, George E. Warren is widely and favorably known throughout the community as a man of integrity and worth, and of heroic courage and bravery. He was born in 1868, in Canada, which was likewise the birthplace of his parents, Artemas and Eliza (Kerr) Warren, and he is a direct descendant of Richard
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Warren who came over in the Mayflower. ITis father died at the age of eighty-three years. but his mother, a bright and active woman of four score years, is still living.
Completing his early studies at Saint Mary's School in Canada, Mr. Warren first worked for wages in a hardware store, where he afterward learned the sheet metal work; coming to Port Huron in 1886, he was afterwards a foreman for the Grand Trunk Railway for ten years, a part of this time while living in Detroit, Michigan. After leaving the employ of the railroad he was for three and one-half years connected with the department of public works, at the same time being employed in the real estate and insurance business. Locating again, in 1904, in Port Huron, Mr. Warren is here prosperously engaged in the same line of industry, having an office over the German-American Savings Bank, 201 Huron avenue. He is an extensive dealer in real estate, and carries on a general life and fire insurance business, in both lines being eminently successful. Ile is state manager of the Old Line Bankers Life Insurance Company of Lincoln, Nebraska, which is one of the most up-to-date and progressive insurance companies west of the Mississippi. Politically he is a Republican, and fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Knights of the Maccabees.
Mr. Warren married, in 1888. Martha E. Renwick, who was born in Canada, a daughter of John and Jane (Beek) Renwick, natives, respect- ively, of Canada and England. Mr. and Mrs. Warren have one child, Marjorie B., a pupil in the Port Huron high school. Mr. Warren and his family have a pleasant home at No. 2103 Stone street, and are regu- lar attendants of the Presbyterian church, where he has served as choir director for several years. One of Mr. Warren's uncles. Sheldon Warren, served as a soldier in the Civil war, and was later a land commissioner for the government.
An historian has recently said that the record of an honorable life not only perpetuates the deeds of him who has thus lived for his de- seendants, but is also most instructive as a guide and incentive to others. In writing this brief sketch we are, therefore, but doing justice to Mr. Warren to mention a few of his brave and heroic acts, in which he has rescued from peril many lives, risking his own life in so doing. While he was living in Detroit, in 1903, he perceived a child in imminent danger of being run over by a street car. Without a thought of his own danger he
seized the child, jumped on the fender of the car, and held the little lad until the ear was stopped. Subsequently, at a specially called meeting of the City ('onneil, in a report of the meeting, signed by Hon. William C. Maybury, mayor, and appearing in the Journal of the Common Coun- cil, the members of that body recognized the brave act of Mr. Warren by awarding him a handsome, solid gold medal, a testimonial to his heroism and which he highly prizes.
Mr. Warren has the distinction of having saved the lives of seven persons from imminent danger, and rescued one from a serious predica- ment. IIe saved a chum from drowning; and one night, while in bed, heard the eries of an intoxicated man of sixty years who had fallen into a reservoir. Going to his rescue, he pulled the man, who could just reach Mr. Warren's finger and grasp it, from his perilons situation, the man being so grateful that he vowed then and there to never drink liquor again. Several years ago in the excitement caused at the burning of
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the Detroit high school, Mr. Warren seized a pair of frightened horses and held them until the occupants of the cutter, young ladies, jumped out, the horses later completely demolishing the cutter. In 1901 Mr. Warren saved the life of Martha Curtis, an old lady, who was in a buggy when the horse ran away, he stopping the horse at the risk of his own life. On another occasion he saved an old lady from certain death by pushing her from before a runaway horse, and at another time pulled a child, who had fallen, from beneath a horse's feet. He also rescned by shovelling and hard pulling a working girl who had fallen into an excava- tion. Mr. Warren has rare presence of mind, is able to take in a sit- uation at a glance, and is quick to act, as is shown in the above recorded acts. He likewise was instrumental in saving the life of the janitor of the Meisel Building, in Port Huron, being in the hall at the time the elevator fell upon him. Acting quickly and with the help at hand he rescued him from certain death. Years ago Mr. Warren, who was ever fond of out- door sports, was pitcher of the old Fort Gratiot baseball team.
Mr. Warren is interested in literary and scientific subjects, being quite a student. He is a member of the Detroit Mycological Club, and also of the Port Huron Club, and is serving as the latter's president, a position for which his knowledge of fungi especially fits him. The Club makes many pleasant trips in hunting for mushrooms, which Mr. Warren is called upon to classify, doing so with rare judgment. He is a close student of astronomy, and has written articles of value on the subject, one having been in relation to Halley's comet.
A talented musician, with a fine tenor voice, he is very frequently called upon to sing, and gives much pleasure to his friends and to the public whenever he is heard. He also arranges pleasing programmes for New Year's, Christmas and Easter services, leading and directing their execution himself, in each of his cantatas inserting beautiful selec- tions from scripture, which enhance the charm of the composition. Mr. Warren is held in high esteem throughout his home city, and is widely known far beyond its limits, as is testified by the hundreds of letters that he has in his possession congratulating him for his many acts of heroism and valor. Although not a member of any church, Mr. Warren is a true Christian in the highest sense of the term, being broad and liberal in religion, and a firm believer in the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
GEORGE SHIRKEY. Among the sturdy and progressive farmers of St. Clair county is George Shirkey, who now operates the farm left him by his father, and is known throughout the county as a man of honor and ability. He was born on the farm which he now tills, in Wales township, on the 23rd of November, 1848. He is the son of Joseph and Sophronia (Woods) Shirkey. His father was born in Detroit, in 1811, and his moth- er's birth occurred in the state of Vermont, in about 1816. His father was always a farmer. When a young man he had come to Wales town- ship with his parents. At the death of his parents he was left with a large family of children to take care of. He arranged homes for all of them, and took up government land, and this he cleared and continued to im- prove until his death, in 1881, by which time he had accumulated a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He was also interested in the lumber business, and engaged in the business as a jobber at various
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places. His wife, the mother of George Shirkey, died on the okl place in 1879.
George Shirkey attended the public schools of Memphis, and there received the foundations of a solid education. In May, 1871, was sol- emnized the marriage of George Shirkey to Miss Alice Stephenson, who was born near St. Thomas, Canada, October 6, 1850. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth ( Theyer) Stephenson. Her father was a native of England and her mother elaimed Canada as her birthplace. Ifer father was by trade a butcher, but this he gave up when he came to St. Clair county. Ile settled in this county in 1858, and went on a farm in Wales township, where they spent the remainder of their lives.
At first Mr. Shirkey worked on his father's farm, and this he con- tinned to do after his marriage, staying on at the old homestead with his parents as long as they lived. Ile still resides at the same place, which is now fraught with all the dearest memories of his life. The farm consists of one hundred and fifty acres of arable land, which he uses in general farming and stock raising. He and his wife have been blessed with four children. Pearl, born in March, 1874, makes her home in the city of Detroit. Clayton, born August 22, 1877, married Elizabeth Engle, of New York City, in which place they now make their home, and where he is engaged as a builder and contractor. They are the parents of two children,-George, born in 1906, and Helen, born in 1910. Chester Shirkey, born March 4, 1881, married Miss May McCon- nell, born in McComb county, near Memphis, on December 5, 1882. They have one child, Wilber Clayton, born on the 1st of December, 1910. Gertrude Shirkey, born on February 12, 1884, passed to her eternal re- ward on the 5th of December, 1903. mourned by a large circle of devoted friends.
Politically Mr. Shirkey may be found under the standard of the Republican party, and for a number of years he served the community as a member of the school board, giving wise and appreciated service in that capacity. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Ac- cepted Order of Masons and of the Gleaners.
DR. GEORGE J. WARD. The history of the city of St. Clair is insep- arably blended with that of Dr. George J. Ward, a man whose compre- hensive natural talents and manifold interests in every department of activity, including business, professional, official and social channels, have made him one of the best and most favorably known citizens of this section of the state, his extensive acquaintance indeed including many admirers in all parts of the commonwealth of Michigan.
Dr. Ward's intimate connection with the commercial energies of St. Clair date from 1867, when as a young man in his twenties he came here to accept the responsible position of manager for J. W. Loucks, a drug- gist. He discharged his duties so satisfactorily in that' position and so convincingly proved his ability to build up and hold trade to the store that when in 1870 the business was purchased by A. J. Cummings he had made himself an indispensable adjunet to it and was retained in the same capacity by the new owner. Two years later he was invited to become a partner in the growing business and for a short time the store was conducted under the firm name of Cummings & Ward. On Novem- ber 22, 1873. however, Dr. Ward effected a deal whereby he became sole
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owner of the store, Mr. Cummings retiring, and from that date until the present time he has continued to be the leading druggist of the city, holding the distinction as well of having been engaged in business in St. Clair for a longer period than any other merchant here. This, briefly, covers the history of Dr. Ward's commercial activities in St. Clair, but suggests only in a meagre way, and very incompletely, the in- timate connection he has at all times maintained in a multitude of ways with the upbuilding of the city in every department of its growth.
Dr. Ward was born in Burford, Brant county, Ontario, on Novem- ber 25, 1844, the son of George G. and Elizabeth (Ward) Ward. His forebears were of sturdy, intelligent stock, who pushed themselves to the front as leaders of thought and action. The elder Ward who was a native of London, England, where he early became a hatter's appren- tice, became a resident of Canada in 1837, and during his life at various times held official positions, having been elected to the offices of justice of the peace and also county counselor.
The rudimentary education of Dr. Ward was secured at the district schools but he later attended high school at Sarnia, Canada. He pos- sessed an insatiable desire for knowledge, learned very rapidly and was fitted to gain entrance to the University of Michigan in October, 1862, at the youthful age of seventeen years. He completed his course at the University in three years, graduating therefrom in 1865. Immediately following his completion of his university course Dr. Ward took up the practice of medicine, acting as the assistant of a prominent physician. Not being of robust health he found it necessary to suspend the practice of his profession for a time, and in order to build up his strength and constitution entered a military school, remaining there for a year. He then became a resident of St. Clair, which city has ever since been his home.
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