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 11
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It was in 1877 that Dr. Ward was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ann Grace, of St. Clair, the daughter of a prominent attorney of the city at that time, Mr. William Grace, and Catherine (VanRiper) Grace. In Mrs. Ward's veins flow the bluest of American blue blood, and she is proud to be able to trace through both branches of her family tree direct connection with Revolutionary ancestors, which gives her the enviable distinction of holding membership in the society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is at the present time holding the office of Regent of Otsiketa Chapter of the National Society at St. Clair. She is likewise a leading member of the Order of Eastern Star, of which organization she was matron for several years and in which she now holds the office of chaplain. Dr. Ward is a Mason of high rank and was for twelve years secretary of the Blue Lodge.
Dr. and Mrs. Ward are the parents of two children. One daughter, Alice Grace, lives under the parental roof, while the second, Mary Jen- nette, is the wife of Henry Patterson; of Detroit, and the mother of one child, Lucretia.
In performing his duty as a citizen Dr. Ward has repeatedly been called upon to accept official position and has at all times acquitted him- self with personal honor and supreme satisfaction to his constituents. He was for three years a member of the Board of Supervisors, was city clerk four years and for a long period of years was a member of the school board, being a director from the district in which he resided.
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Dr. Ward has many possessions of which he is pardonably proud, one which he values very highly being a document comprising the original assessment roll of taxable property in St. Clair town on July 30, 1830. The historieal paper shows that on that date there were fifty-five resi- dent taxpayers in St. Clair, with taxable property of a total valuation of $33,978, while the taxable property of the twenty-six non-resident property holders was valued at $9,670. The document bears the names of John Miller and Samuel F. Hopkins, assessors.
In a professional way also Dr. Ward has achieved a goodly share of honors. and his position at the forefront of Michigan pharmacists was fittingly recognized by his fellow members of the State Pharmaceutical Association in their election of him to the office of president of the or- ganization for one term.
There are few men who are endowed with talents fitting them to so creditably discharge a wide variety of important duties as has fallen to the lot of Dr. Ward during his career, and that he has been able to gain and maintain an unimpeachable position in the high esteem of a host of friends and acquaintances is due to his stauneh integrity, fearless facing of every emergency and invariable determination to maintain his per- sonal dignity and honesty in every position of private or public trust to which he was called.
FOSTER BROTHERS. Frederick L. and William A. Foster are the pro- prietors of one of the leading establishments in the city of Port Huron, handling boots and shoes. Frederick L., the elder, was born in Detroit, July 13, 1860. The father, Andrew Foster, was born in Ireland, but left his native country at the early age of seven and eame to Toronto Canada. Here he had a paternal uncle, with whom he made his home and from whom he learned the trade of boot and shoe making. He grew up in Canada and was married at Guelph, and about 1859 eame to De- troit. Here his eldest child, Frederick L., was born. In Detroit Andrew Foster worked as a eutter for C. C. Tyler until 1862, when he eame to Port Huron and entered the employ of Boekins. This gentleman had a store on the corner opposite the one where the Foster Brothers are now located. Andrew did not long continue to work for wages. At the end of three years he purchased a stock for himself. and on the present site of the Stewart Block he began his career as a merchant. After he had been there only about one year a fire destroyed his stock. It was only a little while, however, until he started up again, in a place across the street. From here he moved to a building on Mill street and was there for about twelve years.
In the meantime his sons and daughters were growing up, and when Frederick was eighteen he had completed the common school course and went into his father's store. In June. 1880, they moved to the present location. A year or so later Frederick L. beeame a partner in the busi- ness. the firm name being Foster & Son.
William A. Foster, three years younger than his brother Frederick L., was born in Port Huron on April 13. 1863. After completing the public schools he attended Bryant and Stratton's Business College for two terms. Both he and his brother have scholarships in that institu- tion. At the age of fifteen he went with the Port Huron Journal and learned to set type. He spent four years at this trade, and then, as the
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increasing business of his father's store necessitated more help, he went in with him, and when he became of age was taken into the firm, which then became Foster & Sons.
In March, 1892, another stock of goods was purchased, and a store was opened on Huron street. The following year the partnership was dissolved; the father then took the Huron street store and the sons re- mained in charge of the store where they now do business. The father did not live long after this, as his death occurred on October 7, 1892. He is buried at Lakeside Cemetery.
Frederick L. Foster was married on the 27th of January, 1885, at Mt. Clemens, Michigan, to Miss Lillian A. Stickney, who is a native of Illinois. Of this union three children have been born: Grace, Frederick S. and Mary. The first named is a graduate of the Port Huron high school, and she is now the wife of Lee M. Knill, who also lives in Port Huron. The son is now in Chicago, where he is taking a course in art, with a view to becoming a cartoonist. Mary, the youngest, is now a student in the Port Huron high school.
Mr. William A. Foster was married on February 2, 1911, to Miss Estella Whitford, of London, Canada. She was born at Lakeport, Michigan.
Andrew Foster was an independent Republican in the matter of politics, and his sons both follow the same policy. Like him, they are neither one office seekers, but devote themselves to the management of their business. Frederick L. is a member of the Modern Woodmen and of the Modern Maccabees.
Besides the two boys, two daughters of Andrew and Elizabeth (Knott) Foster grew to maturity. Three other children died in child- hood. Minnie Foster became Mrs. Fred Wright and Edith married Frank Holland.
WILLIAM A. CAVANAGH. The self-made, substantial and public- spirited citizens of Saint Clair county have no more worthy representa- tive than William A. Cavanagh of Brockway township, who began life for himself with neither means nor influence, and by sturdy application of his abilities to the duties devolving upon him has attained prominence not only in business and agricultural circles, but in the field of politics, having held various offices of trust and responsibility, at the present time being a member of the board of county drain commissioners. He was born April 28, 1859, at Port Huron, Michigan, coming from excellent Irish and Scotch descent.
His father, Andrew Cavanagh, was born and reared in the north of Ireland, his birth occurring in 1834. Immigrating to America in 1847, he spent a short time in Norfolk county, Ontario, and afterwards lived awhile in New York state. He then went back to his Canadian home, and a few years later settled at Port Huron, Michigan, where he was em- ployed as a farmer and lumberman until 1861, when he located on a farm in Kenockee township, Saint Clair county. Coming from there to Brock- way township in 1864, he bought a tract of land heavily covered with hardwood timber, and on the farm which he hewed from the wilderness spent his remaining days, passing away in 1882. He had but a meager education, but he became quite successful in his undertakings, at one time being the owner of three hundred acres of land. He was a Repub-
EJ. Blackney
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lican in politics, and a member of the First Church of Christ of Brockway township. He married Hannah Mckay, who was born in Scotland sev- enty-two years ago, and is still living on the homestead. Eight children were born of their union, namely : William A., of whom we write; Isabelle, living with her mother; Sarah, wife of Lewis Armstrong, of Yale, Saint Clair county; J. D., of Yale; John, residing in Brockway township : George, of Yale; Justin, also a resident of Yale; and Wesley, living in Wisconsin.
The oldest child of the parental household, William A. Cavanagh, was but four years of age when brought to Brockway township. The nearest school house being two miles from his home, he had but limited educa- tional advantages, attending school occasionally during a short term. He was well trained in agriculture while assisting his father, and for five or six years after the death of his father had charge of the home farm. Lo- cating in Yale, Saint Clair county, in 1887, Mr. Cavanagh was there en- gaged as a dealer in farming implements for four years, and was after- wards in the furniture business until burned out. Taking up then the carpenter's trade, which he had previously learned, he followed it until he had partially recovered his losses, when he entered the political arena, being elected both township clerk and city clerk, positions which he filled most acceptably to the people. He was subsequently for four years as- sessor of Yale, and the ensuing five years was town and township super- visor. Being then elected city supervisor, Mr. Cavanagh served most creditably until 1910, when he resigned to accept his present responsible position as county drain commissioner. From 1902 until 1909 he was also actively engaged in the grocery business at Yale. Selling out his mercantile interests in November, 1909, he bought his present farm, lying on the eastern border line of Yale, and has since occupied it, the estate being one of the best in regard to its appointments and improve- ments of any in the vicinity.
Politically, Mr. Cavanagh is a straightforward Republican, and fra- ternally he belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons ; to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Knights of the Macca- bees; and to the Independent Order of Foresters.
In January, 1883, Mr. Cavanagh was united in marriage with Miss Alice Presley, who was born in Canada, and they have one son, Charles A. Cavanagh. Mrs. Cavanagh is a most estimable woman, and a valued member of the Church of Christ.
ELMER T. BLACKNEY. It is scarcely to be gainsaid that there is no office carrying with it so much responsibility as that of the educator who moulds and fashions the plastic mind of youth; who instills into the formative brain those principles which, when matured, will be the chief heritage of the active man who in due time will sway multitudes. lead armies, govern nations or form the laws by which civilized na- tions are governed. A section is fortunate which has at the head of its educational affairs a man of enlightened ideals combined with the faculty of making them fine realities, and such a man is Elmer T. Blackney, county commissioner of schools. He is progressive and his services have been of the most satisfactory character.
Mr. Blackney, whose home is situated at 318 Fifteenth street, Port Huron, was born on Grand Island in Niagara river, Erie county, New Vol. II-6
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York, August 9, 1863, the son of William W. and Frances M. (Bell) Blackney. The father, who was in early life a teacher and later a contractor, removed to Clio, Genesee county, Michigan, when Elmer was about five years of age, and in Clio the son was reared and there received his common school education. His days of irresponsibility had an early termination, for his father died when he was thirteen and for the ensuing five years he worked as a farm hand in order to assist in the support of a large family of eight children, of whom he was the eldest save one. His wages were seven dollars a month. He subse- quently clerked in a store in Clio and continued in such capacity for five years, receiving a dollar a day at the start. Most of his earnings he gave to the family, and when he put into action a long-cherished ambition to attend college he had but fifty-nine dollars to support him meantime. He entered the Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, when twenty-two years old. After successfully making his way through college and receiving a diploma from the teacher's course, he began teaching in the country schools in Genesee county, Michigan, and later taught in the village schools of Bridgeport, Saginaw county and Swartz Creek, Genesee county, teaching at the latter place three years. In 1894 he was chosen superintendent of schools at Capac, a position he successfully held for nine years, at the end of which time he was elected to his present important position, the general recognition of the value of his work receiving manifestation in his re-election four years later, in 1907, and again in 1911. He is a stalwart Republican, having from his earliest voting days given hand and heart to the men and measures of the "Grand Old Party." He served for two years as village clerk of Capac and has been sent as delegate to various county conventions. He has brought about many good things during his years as commis- sioner, for one matter, securing the adoption of uniform school books throughout the county, a movement which his predecessor inaugurated. In 1907, he outlined a course of study for rural schools, whereby all the teachers are doing the same work at the same time.
On March, 29, 1898, Mr. Blackney was married at Capac to Maude G. Curtiss, of that place, where she was born and reared. She is a grad- mate of the Capac high school. Mr. and Mrs. Blackney have two sons, Forest G., born in Capac, and Willard Curtiss, born in Port Huron.
While residing in Capac Mr. Blackney became a Master Mason and served as worshipful master of the Blue Lodge for five and a half years. He is a member of Almont Chapter and Lapeer Council, and has been active in the fraternity. He and his wife belong to the Eastern Star, in which Mrs. Blackney was associate matron, and Mr. Blackney was at one time patron of the order.
DONALD A. FRASER is Scotch, as his good old Highland name would indicate. He was born in Inverness-shire. Scotland, on the fourth day of April, 1856. His father and mother, William and Anna Ross Fraser, were sturdy Scots who lived on a small farm where their parents before them had lived and died. Here Donald grew to boyhood, attending the local school. Before he was seventeen, however, he began to feel cramped on the small farm and to dream of the big new country to which his older brother had gone and concerning which he wrote such glowing letters. This country, with the vast estates for the lowly as well as the
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high in rank, so appealed to the sturdy Scotch youth of seventeen that he prevailed upon his parents to permit him to cross the water and try his fortune in the "New Britany."
In the spring of 1873 he came to Park Hill, Middlesex county, Canada, and joined his brother. Donald at once found employ- ment in a dry goods house, where he received five dollars a week and board, very good wages for a lad in those days. For two years he held this position, when a friend offered him better wages as an assistant in his grocery and liquor business. When only well started in his new work, he was called to Forest, Ontario, where he again entered the employ of a dry goods merchant. After several years with the same firm in On- tario he went to Sarnia and became a member of a dry goods firm there. Meanwhile, like most young men, he was ambitious to conduct an inde- pendent business, so, together with his brother, he purchased a grocery store in Point Edward. One year showed the brothers that the grocery business was not to their liking. They sold out to good advantage and came to Port Huron, Michigan, where Mr. Fraser of this sketch has since remained.
Before leaving Ontario, Donald Fraser had married Miss Mary E. Everest, of Arkona, Lambton county. At the time of his marriage, in the spring of 1874. he had been in America eleven years and had become so attached to the new land that his only remaining dreams of Scotland were of visiting the old homestead in company with his young wife. After making a home for her in Port Huron he entered the service of Mr. S. L. Ballentine, one of the largest clothing merchants then in the little city. When Mr. Ballentine was ready to dispose of his business Mr. Fraser had found the line of work for which he was most excellently adapted. He immediately engaged in business and laid in a new stock of goods amounting to five thousand dollars. That five-thousand dollar stock of goods looked very large at the time to both Mr. Fraser and his associates. They dared not dream that in 1911 he would carry, in the same place of business, a stock amounting easily to twenty-five thousand dollars.
Mrs. Donald Fraser is the daughter of George M. Everest and Ann Stephenson Everest. She was born and educated at Millbank, Canada, her people being English Canadians of some prominence. She and Mr. Fraser are the parents of one child, a daughter, whom they named Ethel E. Miss Ethel has lived her entire life in Port Huron. She grad- uated from the Port Huron high school and shortly afterward married Mr. Thomas Major. They live in their home city, in close proximity to Mrs. Major's parents, and are themselves the parents of one little girl, Fay Etta Major.
Mrs. Fraser is a member of the Methodist church, of which her hus- band is a donor and regular attendant. Mr. Fraser is a Republican in his polities, but has never aspired to hold offiee. Next in his affections to his religion and his family comes his Masonic Lodge. Not only is he a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Pine Grove Lodge, No. 11, but he is most active in the work of the Chapter, Port Huron, No. 27. He has filled every chair in the local lodge except that of worthy master, and to this high office he was elected during the late seventies, but as he was at that time starting into business for himself, he felt it imperative to deeline the honor. Masonry is so all-embracing to Mr.
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Fraser that he belongs to no other organization except the insurance or- der of the Woodmen of the World.
In both his business and social career Donald Fraser may be pointed to as another example of the foreign youth who finds success in this, our land of the free.
J. L. CHESTER, M. D. The profession of medicine is universally hon- ored and it is an established fact that among the medical practitioners of a community will probably be found the most useful and stable cit- izens. They are usually educated men, and their training has broadened their understanding and given them conceptions of life and conditions of living that may not so surely appeal to the layman. Frequently, on account of this efficiency, public office is tendered them, but a busy and interested physician is very apt to decline honors of this kind unless the position has some connection with his professional life. Among the re- liable and representative men of Emmet, St. Clair county, Michigan, is Dr. J. L. Chester, health officer, who has been established at this place as physician and surgeon since 1900. He was born March 27, 1868, at Le- roy, Genesee county, New York, and is a son of Patrick and Mary (Casey) Chester.
Patrick Chester and wife were born in Ireland and he was eighteen years of age when he came to New York, and she was brought to the United States by her parents when three years old, they locating imme- diately in Genesee county. They were married in New York and moved to Carson City, Michigan, when their son J. L. was five years old. The father of Dr. Chester is now deceased but the mother survives and re- sides at Carson City.
J. L. Chester was graduated from the high school at the age of eigh- teen years, after which he attended a normal school and prepared him- self for the profession of teaching and for six years afterward was en- gaged in educational work. Having a natural inclination toward med- icine, he studied under a preceptor for two years and completed the pre- liminary work before entering the Michigan College of Medicine, at De- troit, where he was a close student for two years, later completing his course at the Saginaw Medical College, from which he was graduated, with his well earned degree, in 1900, in the same year locating at Em- met, and during the subsequent twelve years has built up a very satis- factory practice. Dr. Chester is still an enthusiastic student and fre- quently avails himself of opportunities offered for special scientific inves- tigation, and has taken post-graduate courses at the Polyclinic Medical College, Philadelphia, and at the Illinois Post-Graduate Medical School. He is a member of the St. Clair County Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the Clin- ical Congress of America. He is medical examiner for all the insurance companies doing business at Emmet. He maintains fraternal relations with the M. W. of A. and the A. O. H. organizations.
Dr. Chester was married to Miss Catherine Butler, who was born and reared in St. Clair county, Michigan, and is a daughter of William H. Butler. Dr. and Mrs. Chester are members of the Roman Catholic church, in which faith they are rearing their young son and daughter, William and Virginia. In his political views Dr. Chester is a Republi-
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can. He is much interested in the progress and development of Emmet and has made property investments here, recently completing a hand- some residence of modern style of architecture, which is equipped with the latest improved conveniences in building.
JAMES M. RANKIN. Among the enterprising citizens and business men of St. Clair who owe their success and advancement in life to their own industry and well-directed efforts is James M. Rankin, proprietor of the St. Clair Milling Company. IIe hails from Canada, but since the year 1895 has resided in the United States and is very loyal to Repub- lican institutions. As one of the aggressive, substantial and up-to-date business men who are aiding in the upbuilding of the community he is well entitled to representation in this volume.
Mr. Rankin was born in Kent county, Ontario, Canada, December 31, 1864, the year of his nativity being separated by only a few hours from 1865. His parents were farming people, and were by name Robert J. and Eliza J. (Jackson) Rankin. He received his early education behind a desk in the country district schools and in those seasons of the year when the farmer is busiest he assisted in the manifold duties to be encoun- tered upon the farm. In 1895 Mr. Rankin took that important step which brought him to the United States, and he chose as his location the city of St. Clair, whose advantages were very apparent to one of his foresight and acnmen. Shortly after his arrival he organized the Ran- kin & Davidson Milling Company, of St. Clair, and the new company purchased the building at present occupied by Mr. Rankin. The build- ing had been erected as a woolen mill, but the enterprise had proved abortive and the milling company found it well suited to their needs.
Mr. Rankin continued in association with Mr. Davidson for about seven years and then disposed of his interest to Mr. Fra Jerome, the name of the concern at that juncture being changed to the St. Clair Mill- ing Company. Upon the disposal of his milling interests at St. Clair Mr. Rankin went to Wallaceburg, Canada, and there entered upon a new line of endeavor, namely, the gentlemen's furnishing and clothing busi- ness. His return to the Dominion, however, did not mean his permanent residence there, for the charms and manifold advantages of St. Clair remained vividly with him and in 1906 he sold out his Canada business and came back to St. Clair, buying back the mill and taking up the old threads again. Since then he has made many improvements and has extended and modernized its scope. He is both practical and progressive in his methods and to his energy and perseverance is attributed the gratifying success which has attended his efforts.
On April 25, 1888, Mr. Rankin laid the foundations of a happy union and congenial life companionship by his marriage to Miss Anna J. Trot- ter, of Kent county, Canada. Wentworth, their only child, was born on the fifth anniversary of their wedding day-April 25, 1893-and is now attending school. Mr. Rankin is prominent and popular in Odd Fellow- ship and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his polit- ical faith he is Republican, but takes in public affairs only the interest of the intelligent voter. He and his wife are in sympathy with all good things and their circle of friends may be said to be coincident with that of their acquaintances.
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