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 51
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MAXWELL GRAY. The prosperous business man illustrates by his experiences and successes the ups and downs of life, its fascinating promises of reward and its equally abundant opportunities for failure. His extended relations with large business industries bring new capital to his community, and if he has sound judgment and is sufficiently con- servative to limit his investments to enterprises he feels sure will sue- ceed he is certain of gratifying success. Maxwell Gray, one of the leading business men of Port Huron, Michigan, is senior member of the firm of Gray & Son, dealers in shoes at No. 518 Water street, and in hardware at No. 333 E. Water street. JJe was born on a farm on Lot 4, Hibbard township, fourth concession, county Perth, Ontario, Canada, December 8, 1851, and is a son of Henry and Ann (Bell) Gray.
Mr. Gray secured a common-school education, and spent his boy- hood on the farm, where he assisted his father until he had reached the age of seventeen years. At this time he began to learn the trade of wagon maker in the town of Mitchell, Canada, and during his first year received thirty-five dollars and board, forty-five dollars and board the second year and sixty dollars and board in the third year. He then started work as a journeyman, being located at Cleveland, Ohio, for two years, after which he spent a like period in a meat market in Port Huron. Subsequently he was in charge of the carriage department of Anderson & Company's establishment, and later went on the road as
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a salesman of carriage supplies, for this concern, traveling all over Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and the Dakotas. In 1911, in company with his son, Robert Maxwell Gray, he formed the firm of Gray & Son, and they entered the shoe and hardware business in Port Huron. Mr. Gray is thoroughly conversant with all the details of his several lines of business, and he has made an enviable reputation as a man of sound judgment and unquestioned integrity. He is an ex- cellent manager and a friend of progress, championing and adopting any changes he believes will work for the benefit of all concerned. He is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, but has never sought nor desired public office for himself. With his family he attends the Methodist Episcopal church, and in fraternal circles is prominent as a member of Pine Grove Lodge, No. 11, A. F. & A. F., Cedar Camp, M. W. A., and Diamond Tent, K. O. T. M.
Mr. Gray was married at Sarnia, Canada, December 8, 1873, to Miss Loive Dorothy Whitmarsh, of Sarnia, who was born in eastern Canada, and four children were born to this union, one of whom died in infancy, while the survivors are: Norman H., who is now a shoe dealer; Rob- ert Maxwell, a resident of Detroit, who is his father's business partner; and Frank Elton, now a traveling shoe salesman, with residence in Port Huron. The Gray family residence is at No. 912 Crescent Place, where the numerous warm friends of Mr. Gray are always sure of a hearty and sincere welcome.
CHRISTIAN DANIELSEN. Many of the most thriving and enterprising farmers of Saint Clair county have come from the land beyond the sea, and of this number Christian Danielsen, of Lynn township, is a worthy representative. He was born October 1, 1855, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, being one of a family of fourteen children born to Ernest and Annie M. (Johanson) Danielsen, twelve of whom are now living. His father, a native of Germany, was born in 1822, and died in 1865, while his mother survived her husband, passing away in 1891, at the age of fifty-six years.
Brought up on a small farm in the Fatherland, Christian Danielsen attended the public schools until sixteen years old, and the very day that he was seventeen years of age sailed for America, a land full of hope and promise for the ambitious and industrious young lad. Locating immediately in Detroit, he found employment as a coachman, and held the position for ten years. Coming to Saint Clair county in 1883, Mr. Danielsen invested his earnings in land in Lynn township, and for a year carried on farming in partnership with one of his brothers. In 1884 he bought the farm which he now owns and occupies. It con- tained one hundred twenty acres, thirty of which had been cleared, while a small house and a log stable had been erected. With character- istic German perseverance and thrift Mr. Danielsen continued the im- provements already begun, and has since carried on mixed farming with unquestioned ability and success, his fine property, with its modern brick residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, ranking among the most valuable and well-kept estates in the township. He has added to the original area of his farm, now owning two hundred and eighty acres of rich and fertile land, from which he reaps rich annual harvests. Mr. Danielsen learned to read and write English by himself after com-
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ing to this country, and is an exceedingly intelligent man, keeping well informed on current events. He was two hundred dollars in debt when he settled in Detroit, but through his own efforts he has acquired a fair share of wealth, and may well be termed a self-made man.
Mr. Danielsen married, December 20. 1879, Mary A. Oberhauser. whose birth occurred near Saginaw, Michigan, November 26, 1858, and into their household four children have been born, namely: Anna, liv- ing at home; Emma, wife of A. M. Stirling, of Detroit; Grace, and Estella. All of these daughters are high school graduates, and have taught school or are now teaching. Independent in politics, Mr. Dan- ielsen has served as township treasurer for three years, filling the office most acceptably to all concerned.
WILLIAM SANBORN, perhaps the best known representative of St. Clair county in the Civil war, was born in Belgrade, Maine, November 2. 1834, the son of Dr. Benjamin Sanborn, an eminent physician of that place. In 1849 he removed to Detroit with his uncle, Charles Merrill, and through him became interested in pine lands. From the time he was eighteen years of age he located for different concerns a large amount of government pine lands in Michigan, displaying great skill and judgment in his selections.
In 1857 he moved to Port Iluron, which place continued to be his home during the remainder of his life. The following year he married Nancy E., danghter of John Howard, one of Port Huron's most promin- ent pioneers, and the two years 1859-60 he spent at Lansing as deputy commissioner of the state land office under his unele, James W. Sanborn. At the expiration of his term at Lansing he returned to Port Huron, where he remained engaged in business until the summer of 1862, when he took an active part in raising the Twenty-second Michigan Infantry, and was commissioned its major August 8, 1862. Owing to the death of Col- onel Wisner, before the regiment had seen any active service, Mr. Sanborn was promoted to lieutenant colonel, January 5, 1863, and as the colonel of the regiment was absent on detached service much of the time, Colonel Sanborn was in actual command.
The regiment after mustering in at Pontiac went to Covington, Ken- tneky, then to Lexington, and in the spring of 1863 to Nashville, where it remained until September, when it went to Chattanooga. It was in the famous hard fought and bloody battle of Chickamanga that the regiment and its commander displayed their gallantry and won the plaudits of the commanding general. On Sunday, September 23rd, while attached to General Whittaker's brigade of General Gordon Granger, General Stead- man, division commander, at a most critical time in the battle, the brigade was sent in to stop the enemy's advance: it succeeded but at a terrible cost of lives. The Twenty-second Regiment was nearly annihilated, nine of the eleven men composing the color guard falling. Colonel Sanborn, while at the head of his men, was seriously wounded in the foot and ankle. He was taken to Chattanooga. later to Nashville, and finally, home, and was never able to return to the field. The injury was of such a character. and the delay in giving it proper treatment so great, that it resulted in severe pain and weakness which aceompanied Colonel Sanborn during the remainder of his life and undoubtedly greatly shortened his days.
Ile was brevetted colonel March 13, 1865, for conspicuous gallantry at
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the battle of Chickamauga and on the same date also brevetted brigadier general, U. S., for "conspicuous gallantry and meritorious services dur- ing the war."
After returning home his recovery was very slow, but as soon as he was able he resumed his business pursuits, and in 1866 he was elected to the state senate and was an influential member.
He took into partnership with him his younger brother, James M. Sanborn, and erected a fine saw mill on St. Clair river at Marysville, to saw the pine timber owned by the firm in Iosco, Alcona and Oscoda coun- ties. His health gradually failed, however, and in the fall of 1873 he was compelled to go south, the following year to Colorado and later to Cali- fornia, where he died at San Diego, June 24, 1876. President Grant ap- pointed him secretary of Arizona territory in February, 1876, but his health was too poor to permit him to accept the position.
He left surviving him his widow and one daughter, Kate who married Frank D. Jenks. Colonel Sanborn was highly respected and beloved by his men, and the G. A. R. post at Port Huron bears his name, the strongest evidence of his popularity. As a soldier he was brave, honorable and com- petent, as a man and citizen no one stood higher with his fellowmen.
FRANK DYKE JENKS, born March 11, 1864, at St. Clair, Michigan, is the son of Bela W. Jenks and Sarah (Carleton) Jenks. He attended school at St. Clair, graduating from the high school in 1879. After graduation he spent one year in the office of the Wyandotte Rolling Mills, Wyandotte, Michigan, and two years in the lumbering operations conducted by his father near Allegan, Michigan, and then attended the Ann Arbor high school, graduating from it in 1883, while in the following fall he entered the University Literary Department, with the class of 1887. At the end of one year he left college, going into business at Port Huron in the summer of 1884, at which place he has since resided.
Although not taking an active part in politics, he has held several local offices, being alderman of the Second ward for two terms, from 1890 to 1894; a member of the board of water commissioners, 1895 to 1899; city controller in 1896; and city assessor from 1896 to 1899. He is a member of the Masonic Order and was master of Port Huron Lodge, No. 58, F. & A. M., and was for some years member of the board of control of the Michigan Masonic Home, and acted upon various com- mittees of the Grand Lodge. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, and also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
In 1889 Mr. Jenks went into the lumber business, and is president of three of the leading lumber companies in this section. For some years he has also been interested in boat property, and is president of the Port Huron & Duluth line of steamers, a prominent passenger and freight line operating out of Port Huron, and is also a stockholder and director in various other business enterprises.
He was married October 12, 1887, to Kate Sanborn, the daughter and only child of General William and Nancy (Howard) Sanborn. Her father was a prominent resident of Port Huron and served with distinction in the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Jenks have three children,
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William Sanborn Jenks, Carleton Howard Jenks and Francis Edward Jenks.
CLAIR R. BLACK is another of Port Huron's young lawyers who were born in Canada. Walford, Ontario, was his birthplace and his home until the age of seventeen. He was born January 29, 1879, his parents being Archibald N. C. and Sarah (. Moore Black. Clair graduated from the Walford high school and at the age of seventeen came to Port Huron, where he entered the law office of O'Brien J. Atkinson and Frank T. Walcott. Three years later he was admitted to the bar by examination, and in October, 1899, was entitled to practice this pro- fession.
During the year 1898 he was with the army in Cuba, as he had re- sponded to the call for volunteers and enlisted in the Thirty-third Mich- igan Infantry. He was made corporal and took part in battles at Sardineras and Aguadores on July first and second, 1898, and also in the general engagement at Santiago, under the command of General Duffield of Detroit. On December 30, 1898, he was mustered out. The regiment embarked at Santiago, remained two weeks at Montanck Point and were then given a two months' furlough. Mr. Black came to De- troit and then to Port IIuron.
After being admitted to the bar Mr. Black went to New York City and there spent a year and a half in the office of William D. Ellistone. Returning to Port Huron, he became active in the councils of the Re- publican party and in 1906 was elected assistant police judge. Ile served in that capacity until 1910, when, in the month of August, he resigned to become a candidate for the office of police judge, which position he now holds.
Mrs. Black was born and reared in Port Huron. Her maiden name was Miss Carrie MeElroy, and she changed this to Black on Septem- ber 30. 1902. IFer father is Captain MeElroy, and her mother, Jane Bairn MeElroy, both well known in Port Huron. On June 11, 1906. a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Black. They are attendants of Grace Episcopal church, and Mr. Black belongs to the Masonic order in Port Huron. Though only a young man, he has already attained distinction in his profession, and it is safe to assume that his star is still in the as- cendant and still far from its zenith.
PATRICK McMAHAN. A prominent and prosperous member of the agricultural community of Brockway township, Patrick McMahan is widely and favorably known throughout this part of Saint Clair county as a man of worth and honor, and as an excellent representative of those courageous pioneers who settled in the county while it was yet thickly wooded, and were active assistants in redeeming from the wilderness a portion of this beautiful country. Little do the people of this day and generation realize what they owe to those brave spirits of ohl, who first uprooted the trees, ploughed the sod, and made a broad track for the rapid advance of civilization. A native of Saint Clair county. Mr. McMahan was born March 17, 1850, in the town of Emmett, a son of the late Patrick MeMahan, Sr.
Patrick McMahan, Sr., was born in county Clare, Ireland, in 1832. and as a boy immigrated to the United States. Living in Albany, New
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York, until familiar with the customs of the country, he came from there to Saint Clair county, Michigan, in 1846, when the country round about was in its primitive wildness. Locating near Old Brockway, he pur- chased forty acres of heavily timbered land, and having hewed a few of the giants of the forest cleared a space, and in the opening thus made erected a log cabin for himself and family. Industrious and thrifty, he had made good progress in his efforts to improve a homestead when summoned to the life beyond, his death occurring in 1864, when but thirty-two years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine McMerny, was born in Ireland four score years ago, and is still living, as are three of her five children, as follows: Patrick, the subject of this brief biographical record; Catherine, wife of William Kennedy, of Saginaw; and Michael, of Brockway township. Left a widow at a com- paratively early age, the mother of this little family kept her children together, and with the assistance of her sons continued the improvements begun by her husband on the home farm. A woman of practical judg- ment and sound sense, she made money in her work, and having wisely invested all of her accumulations in land was at one time owner of three hundred acres, a large part of which she had under cultivation.
Brought up on the home farm, Patrick McMahan attended the dis- trict school during the winter terms, and at such other times as oppor- tunity offered, going every day when his help was not needed on the farm. After his marriage he began farming on his account, carrying on a part of his mother's farm for two and one-half years. Going then to Saginaw, Michigan, he worked there until 1892, when he returned to Saint Clair county, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Brockway township. Succeeding well in his agricultural opera- tions, he bought, in 1902, eighty-six acres of nearby land, in section six, Brockway township, and has now one of the best improved and most productive farms in the vicinity. For the past few years Mr. McMahan's health has not been very good, and he has relegated the management of his estate to his sons, who are continually adding to its improvements and enhancing its value.
Mr. McMahan married, in June, 1887, Rosa MeNerie, who was born in Riley township, Saint Clair county, where her parents, Michael and Ellen (Keldy) McNerie, settled on coming from Ireland, their native country, to the United States, locating there in pioneer days. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McMahan, and all are at home, namely : William, Minnie, James, Elizabeth, Blanche, Julia, Katie, Ella and Charles. Politically Mr. MeMahan supports the principles of the Republican party by voice and vote, and has served as road commis- sioner of Brockway township. Religiously, true to the faith in which he was reared, he is a Roman Catholic, and he and his family are mem- bers of the Sacred Heart church at Yale.
WILLIAM H. GOUGHI. An active and well-to-do agriculturist of Grant township, William H. Gough is widely and favorably known throughout this section of Saint Clair county as an upright, honest man, of sterling worth, and as one who deservedly enjoys the respect and confidence of his neighbors. A native of Saint Clair county, he was born March 25, 1858, in Birchville township, a son of William Gough, Jr. His paternal grandfather, William Gough, Sr., was born in Scotland, but was reared
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in the north of Ireland, where he lived until after his marriage. In- migrating then to America, he spent a short time in Canada, and then came to Saint Clair county, Michigan, where he and his wife spent their remaining years.
Born in Canada, William Gough, Jr., was there reared and educated. Hle came with his family to Saint Clair county, Michigan, at the same time as his parents, and for a time carried on general farming in Birch- ville township. Ile subsequently bought land in Grant township, and in the improving of a farm found enjoyment and profit. Ile married. in Canada. Ellen MeKinsey, who was born in Canada and died in Grant township, Michigan, in the fall of 1900. To them eleven children were born. as follows: Mary J., wife of Ilenry Zablitz: Anna, a widow : William II., the special subject of this sketch; George, who married Cora Irwin; Charles, who married Etta Guiles; Alexander, who mar- ried Edith Campbell, who died in early womanhood; Susan; Walter ; Edgar, who married Henrietta Fry ; Elsie, wife of O. J. Mckinney, of West Virginia ; and Elmer, twin brother of Elsie, was drowned.
Brought up on the parental farm, William II. Gough was educated in the district schools of Birchville and Grant townships, obtaining a practical knowledge of the fundamental branches of learning. At the age of fourteen years he found work in the lumber woods, beginning in a humble position, his wages being fourteen dollars a month, and grad- ually worked his way upward until made foreman of a lumber camp. a position which he held many years, the last nine years in which he was thus employed having been foreman of the Saint Clair Timber Company of Detroit. Giving up that industry, Mr. Gough went to Braxton county. West Virginia, where he was successfully engaged in the stave business on his own account for twelve years. Returning to Grant township in 1903, he purchased two hundred acres of land in section twenty-one, and in the improvement of a farm has met with un- (mestioned snecess.
Mr. Gough married, November 29, 1880, Florence Brothwell, who was born in Canada, near Port Hope, March 7. 1861. Her father, Lewis Brothwell, was born August 6, 1823, in Nottingham, England, where, at the age of eight years. he began working in the stables of the Duke of Portland. in whose employ he remained eleven years, becoming familiar with the care and management of horses. Inmigrating then to Canada. he qualified for a veterinary surgeon, and having bought land was there for a time engaged in the practice of his profession in connection with farming. In September, 1879, he came with his family to Saint Clair county, Michigan, and having located near Blaine, was there a resident until his death. Mr. Brothwell married. November 5. 1852, Jane Dixon, who was born in Canada, August 11, 1836, a daughter of Peter and Ellen (Berry) Dixon. Mr. and Mrs. Gough have one child. Frank D. Gough, who was born February 5. 1882, and who com- pleted the literary and musical courses at the Burnsville Academy. in West Virginia. Ile subsequently married Lottie Newberry, and is now engaged in farming in Grant township.
In his political affiliations Mr. Gough is a steadfast Republican. He served as councilman while living at Burnsville, West Virginia, and for four years served as highway commissioner of Grant township.
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Fraternally he belongs to Dresdon Lodge, No. 124, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
HENRY W. BURCH has been a resident of St. Clair county since 1888 and of Grant township since 1889. During the years of his identifica- tion with this township Mr. Burch has come to be recognized as one of the prominent men of his section in the agricultural and stock business. He was born in Canada, on July 2, 1863, and is the son of Calvin and Ellen (Wilson) Burch, the former a native of Canada and the latter of Vermont. He is the grandson of Calvin Burch and his wife, nee Schram, the former of the state of New York, while the wife and mother was of German nativity. Calvin Burch, the father of the subject, came to St. Clair county in 1889, where he passed the remaining years of his life. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are liv- ing at this time (1912). They are William, married and living in Blaine, Michigan; Henry W .; Arthur, deceased; Hattie, the wife of Mr. Morehouse; Frank, married and living in Grant township; and Eva, the wife of James MeCay.
Henry W. Burch was reared on a farm in Canada and attended the public schools of his community until he was about sixteen years of age. From then until he was twenty-one he assisted his father with the regular farm work. In 1888 he came to Michigan and located in St. Clair county. He ran a cheese factory for a year, following which he operated his father's farm in Grant township for fourteen years, en- joying a fair measure of success and prosperity in his labors. He then purchased the Quinn farm in section thirty-two, consisting of eighty acres, and he is now a general farmer and stockman.
On December 26, 1894, Mr. Burch was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Irwin. She, like her husband, was born in Canada and educated in the common schools of the community in which she was reared. Four children have been born to them. They are Percy, aged sixteen years; Edna, nine years old; Margaret, seven years of age; and Irene, aged four. The family are members of the Zion Methodist Episcopal church, and are conscientious and willing workers in the cause. Mr. Burch is a steward of the church, as well as a member of the board of trustees, and he is secretary of the Sunday-school and a teacher of a class in that body. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Gleaners, in which order he carries a life insurance policy. Mr. Burch is a Democrat in his political faith, and has held office in his township as a member of the school board.
Mr. and Mrs. Burch are quiet, unpretentious people, living lives of blameless character, and in every way possessing the unqualified respect and esteem of their community. In the years of their identification with this section of the county they have established themselves firmly in the hearts of the people and are regarded as being among the best citizenship of the township.
WILLIAM O'CONNOR. After many years spent in developing the resources of Berlin township, William O'Connor, pioneer settler, able agriculturist, patriotic soldier and conscientious public official has now retired from business cares and worries and is living a peaceful, re- tired life, enjoying the fruits of his early labors in the village of Allen-
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