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 15
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Palmer S. Carleton was born in Rensselaer county, New York, in the town of Iloosie, his father's farm being the scene of his nativity. Not far distant was the spot upon which the battle of Bennington (Vermont) was fought in Revolutionary days, General Stark on August 16, 1777, leading the American forces to victory and bringing the colonists nearer to the independence which was their ambition. The date of the subject's birth was November 29. 1830. and his parents were Sanford and Phoche (Barker) Carleton, both natives of the Empire state. Sanford Carleton was for many years a captain in the New York state militia.
When young Palmer was seven years of age the family removed to Granville, Washington county, New York, and there in the country schools his edueation began. He subsequently entered the academy at Granville and finished its eurrienlum, being graduated from the insti- tution in due time. He entered upon the career of a country pedagogne, teaching school in the winter months, and for a part of the time being engaged throughont the full school year. In 1851 he came to Michigan to visit a brother. George W. Carleton, who had east his fortunes with the newly opening Northwest in 1849. It was a momentous visit, for he was so favorably impressed with the country that its eharm abided with him for many years after he returned, and in 1866 he decided to
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take up his home in this section. He came to St. Clair county and here purchased one hundred and fifty-three acres of land and engaged in farming, and as success visited him he added ninety acres more. He en- gaged in farming until 1890, when he retired and removed to his fine residence in St. Clair.
Mr. Carleton has been identified in definite fashion with the growth and prosperity of St. Clair county ever since his first settlement here and has proved himself one of the most publie-spirited of citizens. His pub- lie services have been of the most enlightened character and have ever reflected credit upon him and profit to his constituents. From the first he made his influence felt, and that beneficially. For twenty-five years he was supervisor of St. Clair township; he was eounty assessor for one year; and in 1878 he was delegate from St. Clair county to the state board of equalization. In 1879 and 1880 he represented the interests of St. Clair county in the state legislature.
On January 5, 1864, Mr. Carleton was united in marriage to Miss Carrie M. Safford, a native of Vermont, her parents, John and Jane Safford, also being natives of the Green Mountain state. Her father's farm was situated in two states, three counties and four townships and each lot of land was adjoining, or, in other words in one body. This is now occupied by the fifth successive generation of Saffords. In his political allegiance Mr. Carleton is devoted to the interests of the Dem- ocratie party and in religious conviction he is a Quaker, and his mater- nal ancestors were also Quakers.
A. EDGAR WEST, general manager of the Port Huron Engine and Thresher Company, one of Port Huron's largest industries, whose plant is situated just outside of the city limits, is an excellent example of what may be accomplished by a man of enterprise and energy through the force of his own persistent labor. He is one of those men of business to whom snecess is bound to come, a success that is the result of his own individual exertions, and not of that "luck" which the world (little understanding what the word imports) so often ascribes to those who rise unaided to distinction. No man knows better how to time his efforts, and while he has never wasted his force on worthless and unattain- able objects, he well knows how to take advantage of opportunities prom- ising advantages to his business. Mr. West was born on a farm near Bondhead, county Simcoe, Province of Ontario, Canada, near Georgian Bay, October 29, 1876, and is a son of Wakefield and Matilda (Vance) West, the former a native of Canada and the latter of Irish descent.
Mr. West's parents came from the farm near Bondhead to Sanilae county, Michigan, in 1878. settling on a farm in Worth township and later going to Croswell, where the father died, Edgar being then about fourteen years old. The family remained in Croswell until he was in grammar school, when they came to Port Huron, and here young West attended school and graduated from high school with the class of 1895. Association with their father taught the boys, early in life, the habit of thrift. By handling the subscription department of the Threshermen's Review (printed at that time in Port Huron) young West practically worked his way through high school. In January, 1896, he first entered the employ of the firm which he now represents, accepting a position
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as clerk, and continuing in the home office until June, 1896, when he went to Cedar Rapids, lowa, and took charge of the books of the com- pany there. In 1897 he went to Terre Haute, Indiana, to take charge of the company's office for one year, but returned to Cedar Rapids to accept the assistant managership. In January, 1901, the Cedar Rapids branch was moved to Des Moines, and Mr. West was one of the organi- zers of the Port Huron Machinery Company, Limited, of which he was made treasurer, a position in which he has served to the present time. In 1907 he was further honored by election to the office of general man- ager of the Northwestern Port Huron Company, located in Minneapolis, which controls the sales for the company in the northwest, and at the same time he took over the management and handling of sales in Cali- fornia of the company's line of roadmaking machinery. In August, 1910, he was elected general manager of the works at Port Huron. In the prime of life, with his best years before him and with a past record on which there is not the slightest stain or blemish, Mr. West may well look forward to an exceptionally brilliant business career, and take a justifiable pride in what he has accomplished in the years that have passed.
Politically he has always supported the principles of the Republi- can party, but he has never aspired to nor cared for public office. He is a member of Capital Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Des Moines, and the Knights of Pythias. Star of the West Lodge No. 1. of Cedar Rapids, and is also a charter member of the Port Iluron Golf Club.
WILLIAM A. SILVERTHORN. Among the capable, intelligent and self- reliant men who materially assist in maintaining the reputation of St. Clair county as a fine agricultural and stock-raising region is William 1. Silverthorn, who is properously engaged in his chosen vocation on section three. Brockway township. He was born, May 15, 1867, in Elgin county, Ontario, Canada, which was likewise the birthplace of his father. Eli Silverthorn.
Born April 21, 1843, Eli Silverthorn grew to manhood in Elgin county, Canada, and there began his active career as a farmer. Coming with his family to St. Clair county, Michigan, in the spring of 1882, he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Brockway township, on section two. and was there employed in mixed husbandry until after the death of his good wife, since which time he has lived retired, mak- ing his home with his son William. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Grow, was born in Canada, in 1849, and died on the home farm in Brockway township, St. Clair county, May 19, 1898, leaving five children, as follows: William A., with whom this brief sketch is chiefly concerned : Ensley, a resident of Detroit ; Bertha, wife of Burt Travers, of St. Clair county ; Leslie, of Brown City, Michigan ; and Frank, re- siding in Chicago, Illinois.
Receiving his rudimentary education in the public schools of Canada, William A. Silverthorn, at the age of fourteen years. came with his parents to Brockway township, where he assisted in improving a farm. remaining beneath the parental roof-tree until 1891. Going then to Chicago, he embarked in the dairy business, for eleven months working for a dairyman and afterwards being in the milk business on his own account. Disposing of his dairy interests in the fall of 1903, Mr. Silver- thorn returned to St. Clair county and assumed possession of the eighty
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acres of land which he had purchased while he was living in Chicago. This land lies in section three, just across the road from his father's estate, and Mr. Silverthorn operates both his own and his father's farm. He devotes much of his attention to stock raising, having now a fine drove of Chester White hogs, while he is rapidly establishing a herd of thoroughbred cattle.
Mr. Silverthorn married, February 22, 1893, Ellen Carless, who was born in Brockway township, and they have two children, Lloyd and Pirie. In his political relations Mr. Silverthorn is always a Republican, and uniformly supports the principles of that party.
WILLIAM F. HAND. In the death of William F. Hand, which oc- curred November 29, 1910, the city of Port Huron, Michigan, lost a business man whose operations did credit to himself and to his com- munity, and a citizen whose first thoughts were ever for the welfare of the city and county. He became widely known as a man whose kindly, generous nature made him beloved by all and whose Christian spirit made him ever ready to assist those less fortunate than himself. Mr. Hand was born at Burchers Creek, Port Huron, October 15, 1844, and was a son of Michael and Bridget (Lavine) Hand, natives of Ire- land.
The parents of Mr. Hand came to the United States in 1835, bring- ing their four children: Christie, John, Jane and Margaret, and later nine children more were born to them, of whom William F. was the youngest. With two others, Michael Hand established the Catholic church in Port Huron, and the first mass was read in his home. He became one of the prominent citizens of Port Huron, naming Military street and surveying the first railroad between this city and Detroit. He had been well educated in his native country, and after coming to this country followed the trade of tanner and conducted a boot and shoe store. Michael Hand passed away in 1861, at which time he was one of the wealthiest men in this city.
William F. Hand received his education in the public schools of Detroit and the University of Michigan, and was to be educated for the priesthood. He was a brilliant student and the third best penman in the state, and as a youth kept the books for his father and worked in his leather store. Mr. Hand was seventeen years of age when his father died, and at that time he went to Ann Arbor and learned marine engi- neering, at which he worked for a number of years as an employe of the Weilds. On returning to Port Huron, he began running on various boats, and this occupation he continued for twenty-three years, during which time he lived at Port Huron, Sheboygan and Bay City. On retiring from activities as an engineer Mr. Hand returned to the scene of his boyhood days, and in 1903 established himself in the grocery business at No. 201 Butler street, buying the old building at that num- ber, and there continued to carry on business until his death. He was a Republican in politics, but reserved the right to vote for the man whom he deemed best fitted for the office. He was a member of the C. M. B. A. for sixteen years, and was religiously connected with the Catholic church, being the first altar boy in the county. As a kindly, Christian gentleman his life can be held up as an example to the youth of today. HIe was always glad to be able to assist the unfortunate, and the extent
Omolay
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of his charities will probably never be known, as the greater part of his assistance was given in a quiet, nnostentatious manner, thoroughly characteristic of the man himself. His home life was beautiful, and he was mourned not only by his immediate family and friends, but by all with whom he had come in contaet.
On August 7, 1878, Mr. IIand was united in marriage with Miss Katherine Cain, who was born in Ogdensburgh, New York, daughter of Richard and Ann (Little) Cain, natives of Ireland. Mr. Cain was engaged in the transfer business in New York, traveling from one town to another and exchanging horses and teams. Mrs. Hand's maternal grandfather was a judge in Ireland. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cain, of whom three survive: Sarah, the widow of John T. Cunningham, living in Buffalo, New York; Katherine, who married Mr. Iland; and William. who lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mrs. Cain resided for thirteen years in Port Huron with her daughter and son-in-law, but died in Bay City, Michigan, where she was buried. Mrs. Hand received her education in the public schools and a eonvent in New York. She now resides in a modern residenee, situated at No. 1022 Michigan street, and is condneting the groeery establishment and settling up her husband's affairs, and is the owner of a tenant house on Huron street. Like her late husband, she is of a generous, Christian disposition, and does much missionary work in her neighborhood. She and her husband had no children, but reared a nephew, John Cunning- ham, who served during the Spanish-American war. His military fer. vor was inherited, no doubt, from his unele, Mr. Hand, who ran away from home to join the Union army during the Civil war, and after being taken baek home by his mother ran away again and managed to be accepted, later becoming one of Grant's sharpshooters.
A. MORTON SLAY. As great record keeper of the Knights of the Mod- ern Maccabees, Mr. A. M. Slay holds one of the important offices of one of the largest fraternal orders of America, and one that is especially iden- tified with the city of Port IInron. Mr. Slay has been a member of this order nearly a quarter of a century, and his success and ability in pro- moting the welfare of the fraternity have resulted in his promotion to this important office.
The career of Mr. Slay is the record of a man who has won success through difficulties. The ambition to perform an honorable serviee in life has been with him a propelling force that has never swerved from the path of accomplishment however ardnous were the difficulties before it. Ile was born on a farm in Penn township, Jay connty, Indiana, May 6, 1862. a son of Anthony W. and Mary (Farrington) Slay. A short time before this event in the family the father had gone into the army, and six months later the mother died, leaving three older children besides this infant. The father was still in duty as a soldier, and the youngest child was taken to the home of his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Maria Mendenhall, with whom he spent the next thirteen years of his life on her farm. He attended school during the winter, but from the time he was able to ride a horse his services were employed in the farm work. When he was six months old his nurse in earrying him to the bedside of his dead mother dropped him, disloeating his hip, an injury which made him a eripple for life, and it was this handicap, in addition to the pri-
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vations of orphanage, that gives such high comparative value to the re- sults of his efforts in winning an influential place in the world.
On March 25, 1875, he began working for a step-son of his grand- mother, at five dollars a month, and at the end of three months took his pay in an old sow. At his next place of employment he bought corn at thirty-five cents a bushel to fatten her in order to get his money. Dur- ing the winter of 1876-77 he attended school. On July 28, 1878, he be- gan work for Joseph M. Paxson, with whom he remained two months.
In this way his time was spent in farm work in Jay county until the fall of 1880, when, on account of his former injury, he was obliged to desist from this kind of labor. So at that time he moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, and for a time attended business college during the evening and split wood and did other chores during the day. In March, 1881, he was apprenticed in the paint department of the Nichols & Sheppard factory, at wages of a dollar a day, and continued work through the various stages of this department until 1893, when he was promoted to foreman and held that position until July, 1898. He was one of the most skilful workers at his trade, and throughout enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his employers and his subordinates. He resigned his po- sition in order to accept the appointment by the city council to the office of city treasurer, and he was re-elected to this office annually for four years. In October, 1902, having been appointed great record keeper of the Maccabees, he resigned his office in Battle Creek and moved to Port Huron, where he has since resided. The latter position he holds at this writing, having been elected unanimously four times without op- position, the last time in 1910 for four years.
Mr. Slay became identified with Calhoun Tent, No. 54, K. O. T. M., on February 15, 1888. In his home tent he held the various minor of- fiecs and in 1892 was elected its commander. During that year he won the $150 prize banner for the largest net increase in membership in this jurisdiction. In February, 1894, he was elected finance keeper, and held that office until he came to Port Huron. His work with the Maccabees has been an important factor in the large prosperity of the order, and he is one of the best known of the general officers.
His activity in other fraternal organizations is also notable. He still holds his membership in the Knights of Pythias in Castle Lodge, No. 35, at Battle Creek. In 1896 he became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Battle Creek, and took all the degrees and filled all the chairs of the lodge, and he and his wife also took the Rebekah degrees. In 1902 he became a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Battle Creek Camp, No. 911, but has since transferred his mem- bership to Port Huron. In 1904 he joined Cedar Wood Camp, No. 4. of the Woodmen of the World. In April, 1903, he was initiated in Port Huron Lodge, No. 343, B. P. O. E., and in July, 1906, became a member of Primary No. 4, of the Patricians. In politics Mr. Slay has always ad- hered to the Republican principles, and cast his first vote in 1884 for James G. Blaine. He and his family are members of the Congregational church, which he attends.
On the 29th of July, 1883, Mr. Slay was united in marriage with Miss Bertha C. Tichenor, who was born and reared at Battle Creek, a daugh- ter of Alfred and Mary (Caldwell) Tichenor. They have had a very happy married life, which has been blessed by three children, each of
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whom has received the best advantages of home training and schooling and is now honorably and usefully placed in life. Louis C. was born at Battle Creek, May 16, 1884, went through the grades and the high school of that city. and was graduated from the Battle Creek Business College. He is a publie accountant and is a resident of Detroit and employed by the Detroit Trust Company. He was married in Port Huron to Miss Myrtle MacDonald, who died May 13, 1909. Maude E. Slay gradnated from the Port Huron high school and is now the wife of Oliver W. Hayes. who is assistant manager of the Little Giant Paper Press Company at Alma. Michigan. They have one son, Robert Morton. Mildred L., the third ehild. is a graduate of the Port. Huron high school and married Edward C. Shoults, of Port Huron. They have one child. Morton W. Shoults, born February 9, 1908.
DEMPSTER T. COWLES. As keeper of the County Home of St. Clair county, Dempster T. Cowles occupies a place of note among the county officials, possessing in an eminent degree the discretion, trustworthiness and force of character requisite for the responsible position which he has so well filled during the past eight years. A native of this county, he was born August 16, 1877. in Wales township.
ITis father, Harvey E. Cowles, was born and bred in Canada, com- ing from there to Michigan in his youthful days. Buying land in Wales township, he cleared and improved a farm, as a tiller of the soil meet- ing with well merited success. He was a Republican in politics, and served several terms as township treasurer. A citizen of worth, his death, which occurred September 3, 1910, was a loss to the community. Hle married Emma Appley, who was born in Wales township, and is still living there on the old homestead. They became the parents of five children, as follows: Dempster T., the special subjeet of this brief bio- graphical review; A. W., of Wales township, married Blanche Pester; Gertrude, wife of Edward Coggan, of Goodells; Florence, who was graduated from the Memphis high school and is now a school teacher ; and Ora, attending the publie schools.
Attending the district schools of Wales township during the days of his boyhood and youth. Dempster T. Cowles also received a practical training in the varions branches of agriculture on the parental home- stead. After leaving school he continued farming nntil accepting, on August 1, 1904. his present position as keeper of the Connty home, an office for which he is eminently qualified, and which he is filling satis- factorily to all concerned.
Mr. Cowles married. November 27. 1902, Pearl B. Dunsmore, who was born in Wales township. St. Clair county, Michigan, a daughter of Franeis Dunsmore, and a step-daughter of James Dunn, and they have one child. Franklin C. Cowles. Active in polities. Mr. Cowles invar- iably supports the principles of the Republican party by voice and vote. Ile carries a life insurance of $2,000, and Mrs. Cowles is insured in the Ancient Order of Gleaners, of which she is a member. Mr. Cowles and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mrs. Cowles is the organist.
THOMAS H. SAWHIER. One of the ablest representatives of profes- sional life in St. Clair at the present time is Mr. Thomas II. Sawher, Vol. II-S
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the brilliant young attorney whose ability and legal knowledge have been so conspicuously demonstrated during the comparatively short time he has been engaged in active practice. He has attained a place at the forefront among the men of his profession, many of whom have been expounders of the law for years greatly outnumbering his own. St. Clair people consider Mr. Sawher as particularly one of their own, since he is a native of that city, his birth having occurred there on Septem- ber 25, 1882. Mr. Sawher's parents were John Sawher, a Pennsylvanian by birth, and Ester L. (Carleton) Sawher, born in New York. They came to Michigan immediately after their marriage, locating at St. Clair, where they still reside, and Mr. Sawher, senior, is now chief engi- neer at the N. & B. mills. During the Civil war Mr. Sawher responded to his country's call to arms and patriotically performed his duty as a soldier in that great conflict.
Thomas H. Sawher was fortunate in having had good educational advantages during his boyhood and early young manhood. He grad- uated from the St. Clair high school when quite young and subsequently attended a business college at Port Huron, where he devoted himself diligently to his studies and soon mastered the commercial branches. His career as a salaried man began when he entered the employ of the Detroit Evening News, his service in the newspaper profession extend- ing over but a single year, however, as the young man's talents had come to the attention of Mr. Louis Himes, county clerk of Wayne county, and Mr. Sawher was asked to accept the position of deputy under that official. He accepted the position and continued to fill it with eminent satisfaction to Mr. Himes and the public and with honor to himself for four years. Mr. Sawher's ambition was toward the legal profession, however, and during his incumbency of the office of deputy county clerk he assiduously devoted his spare moments to the study of law and attended the night classes of the Detroit College of Law, from which he graduated on June 13, 1906.
Mr. Sawher allowed no grass to grow under his feet, as the expres- sion goes, and the day following his graduation, on June 14, 1906, he was examined by the judges of the supreme court of Michigan, who at onee admitted him to practice in that state. He went immediately to St. Clair, opened up his office and has rapidly acquired a large clientele. The future doubtless holds many good things for this ambitious and talented man, and he has already been honored by the citizens of St. Clair, who have given to him the official position of city attorney.
On July 23, 1907, Mr. Sawher was united in wedlock to Miss Lulu D. Dullam, a native and resident of Flint, Michigan, the daughter of John and Anna (Holmes) Dullam, her father before his demise having been a prominent druggist of Flint.
Mr. Sawher is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Woodmen of the World fraternal orders. Politically he affiliates with the Demo- cratie party. The leading social and religious circles of St. Clair count Mr. and Mrs. Sawher among their most valued members.
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