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 53
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F. B. Penney received his education in the schools of Washtenaw county, and his first employment was as a stationary engineer in the business of his father, he having learned that trade at Port Huron. Mr. Penney followed the same occupation until 1880, when he went to Huronia Beach, as one of the promoters, with Mr. Marcus Young, the present proprietor, to whom he later turned over all papers and for eleven years served as Mr. Young's custodian. He then moved to a farm two miles directly west of Huronia Beach, and was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits for a period covering twenty-one years, at which time he sold out to enter the business which now bears his name. Mr. Penney is a stanch Prohibitionist, serving as justice of the peace in Fort Gratiot township for twelve years, and was director of schools, drainage commissioner and overseer of highways. For many years he has been prominently identified with the work of the Baptist church. He was superintendent of the Sunday-school at Gardendale for many years, and was appointed as teacher of the mission under Dr. D. H. Cooper's administration for two years, during which time the present edifice, known as Calvary Baptist church, was built. He was then appointed
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a committee of one, by unanimous vote of the congregation, to select the ground, purchase it, collect all funds and appoint the building com- mittee. Later he organized the Emanuel Baptist Mission and Sunday- school at Gardendale, of which he was superintendent for ten years, and then organized what is known as Emanuel Baptist church, in which lie also held various offiees. Mr. Penney belongs to that type of true Christian who lives his religion every day. Possessed of fine feeling. broad and liberal in his views and a man of the kindest address, his name will be remembered and his memory kept green, as have the name and memory of his revered father. In his new enterprise he will be welcomed by the best business interests of Port IIuron, for he is known to be a friend of progress, and his activities will assist materially in developing the city along commercial lines.
In 1868 Mr. Penney was married to Miss Louise M. Ernst, who was born in Canada, a daughter of John Jacob and Louise ( Hoesley ) Ernst, he born in Switzerland and she in France, and both of whom are de- ceased, Mr. Ernst losing his life while a member of a Michigan regi- ment during the Civil War. He taught German and English in the Port Huron schools. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Penney, namely : Ada L., a graduate of the Port Huron high school, and for some years a school teacher of St. Clair county, who married Simon R. Beckwith, of St. Clair; Herbert F., of Ionia, Michigan, who married Grace Bertholf, and has two children, Larrimore and Franklin, and is an express messenger running from Ionia to Big Rapids in the service of the United States Express Company ; Edward O., a member of. the firm of F. B. Penney & Sons, who married Miss Maude Green, of Ruby township, and has one daughter, Marjorie Louise; Harold D., also a member of the grocery firm, single, and living at home with his parents; and Tassie B., who married P. II. Fergus, an agrieulturist of Burchville township, St. Clair county.
EDWARD M. OHMER. Numbered among the active business men who are contributing largely toward the development of the industrial in- terests of Saint Clair county is Edward M. Ohmer, a prominent and sue- eessful agriculturist, whose well-appointed and well-managed farm is advantageously located in Lynn township. A son of the late Philip Ohmer, he was born in Detroit, Michigan, December 18, 1873.
Born in Baden, Germany, May 6, 1840, Philip Ohmer eame to the United States in 1852, and for seven years resided in Pennsylvania. Lo- eating in Detroit, Michigan, in 1859, he lived there two years, and then settled at Grand Rapids. Subsequently offering his serviees to his adopted country, he enlisted in Company B. First Michigan Light Ar- tillery, in which he served three years, six months and six days, being then discharged with an honorable record for ability, bravery and fidelity. Returning home, he worked at common labor in Detroit for several years, and then, in 1877, purchased forty acres of wild land in Lynn township, Saint Clair county, and began the improvement of a farm. The first few years thereafter were especially hard ones for him, his land yielding him no returns of importance, and he, in order to secure money enough to pay his taxes, being foreed to work during the winter seasons in Detroit. Persevering and industrious, he finally over- come all obstaeles, and at his death, which oceurred on his farm in
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Lynn township, in July 1910, he had title to two hundred acres of land. He married Anna C. Brehm, who was born at Port Huron, Michigan, in 1845, a daughter of Anthony Brehm, a carpenter, and a pioneer settler of Port Huron. She died on the home farm in Lynn township, in 1908. Of the five children born of their union, four survive, as follows: Henry P., of Brockway township; Mary E., wife of William Beers, of Lynn township; Edward M., with whom this sketch is chiefly concerned; and Emma E., living with her brother Edward.
Having lived on the farm he now owns and occupies since three years old, Edward M. Ohmer reecived his preliminary education in the district schools, after which he continued his studies at London, On- tario, for six months. He subsequently assisted his father on the farm, becoming thoroughly acquainted with the various branches of agricul- ture, and now owns one hundred and twenty-one acres of the parental homestead, his father, who settled his estate prior to his death, having given him a deed to that part of the home farm. In addition to suc- cessfully managing his own land, Mr. Ohmer also supervises the opera- tion of eighty acres of land owned by his sister Emma, and as a general farmer is meeting with signal success.
Mr. Ohmer married, September 9, 1908, Elizabeth Gibb, who was born in Canada, September 24, 1885, and they have one child, Edward Clarence Ohmer, whose birth occurred March 2, 1910. Politically Mr. Ohmer is a sound Republican, and religiously both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
CAPTAIN JAMES TAYLOR, of Marine City, now retired from active life as a sailor, is one of the best known characters of this city. He has sailed the lakes since 1858, and has risen from the rank of a deck-hand to captain, and for years has been the owner of various steamers and has acquired financial interests in many of the most important enter- prises of his home city. His life, on the whole, has been of a particularly active order, but he has now retired, after fifty-four years of sailing, and is taking his ease after a life of well directed effort. He enjoys one of the fairest reputations of any in Marine City, and is a valuable and honored citizen of his community.
James Taylor was born in Lampton county, May 24, 1840. When he was one year old his mother died, and at the age of twelve the ad- venturesome spirit which forever shone forth in his life manifested itself in him, and he left home to make his own way in the world. He began sailing at the age of eighteen, and during the winter months for a few seasons he attended school, studying with Professor Jones on Grand River street. The seasons of 1858-9 he was engaged upon the schooner, "Harwick," and in 1860 upon the "E. K. Gilbert." In 1863 he went as a sailor upon a sailing vessel named "Chieftain," from Sarisia to Liverpool, his first salt-water experience; he returned with the vessel and took command of the schooner "Hazard," for a few months. In 1864 he was engaged as seaman of the schooners "Hubbard" and "Mil- waukee," and in the following year he was awarded his papers as pilot, with the rank of mate. He acted as mate of the tug "Tawas" in 1866, serving in a similar capacity in 1867 upon the tug "Satillac." In 1868, 1869 and 1870 he sailed a boat named "Stranger," and in 1871 he was mate of the steam barge "Nelson Mills." In 1872 he was master of the
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steamer "Mary Mills," and became part owner in her. He and his part- ner disposed of the "Mills" in the following year and Captain Taylor went on the tug "Wisslow," finishing the season as mate on the steam barge "Tempest." He then became part owner of the "Tempest," form- ing a company known as the Toledo & Saginaw Transportation Line, and he commanded the "Tempest" for fourteen years. In 1888 Captain Taylor went aboard the steamer "Aztee" as captain, and a new com- pany, called the Marine Transit Company, was formed, in which he took considerable stoek, and became manager of the company. They built the "Toltec," and in 1909 he became captain of her. Soon after they sold their boats and Captain Taylor sailed on the steamer " Myrtle Ross." In 1911 he sailed a portion of the time the steam barge "D. Z. Norton." All of this is ample evidence that his life has been a busy one, as con- nected with the lake interests.
Captain Taylor has given a share of his time to other matters, how- ever, and has held a number of prominent positions with business enter- prises of Marine City. lle was the first president of the Marine City Sugar Company, and was president and manager for years of the Crystal Flake Salt Company. He was president of the Ship Masters' Associa- tion of Marine City and is at present the treasurer of the organization.
In 1870 Captain Taylor married Miss Jane Nesbit, of Canada, and in 1878 she passed away, leaving no issue. Two years later he married Miss Sarah L. Smith, of Corunna, Lambton county, Ontario. Of this union the following named children were born: Ethel Burt, who was killed at the age of twenty by the accidental discharge of a gun : Emma, who died at the age of five years; Sadie, now the wife of John Milot, of Detroit, where he is engaged in the automobile business; Guy Harry, who has sailed with his father and in 1912 received his pilot's papers, and he is now a student in Milwaukee; Thomas Harold, still in the parental home and attending school in Marine City; Ruth Ada and Lydia Irene, also attending sehool in the home town.
The family are communieants of the Episcopal church, and Mrs. Taylor is president of the Ladies Auxiliary of that body. She is also a Lady Maccabee and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, her husband being a member of the Masonie fraternity.
THOMAS J. MILLIKIN. It is an axiom, demonstrated by human ex- perience, that industry is the keynote of prosperity. Sueeess eomes not to the man who idly waits, but to the faithful toiler whose work is characterized by sleepless vigilanee and cheerful eclerity, and it was by sueh means that Thomas J. Milliken, prominent druggist and groeer of St. Clair, has forged to the front and won an honored place among the substantial citizens of the eity and county. He is widely and favorably known as a man of high character and for a number of years his influence in the community has been marked and salutory. He has been identified with the business interests of St. Clair since 1870, and there are only two firms in the place which antedate his. These are Dr. George J. Ward and Strauss & Sons. He has been prom- inent in the business of St. Clair for more than forty years and that he has seen many changes it goes without saying.
Mr. Millikin was born in New Castle. Canada. July 11. 1848. the son of John and Mary (Jones) Millikin, the father from the north of
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Ireland. He was a man of versatility, being a farmer, preacher and teacher in the night schools. In 1850 the family moved to Moore, Canada, and there the subject had his first introduction to Minerva as a pupil in the country schools. He remained beneath the parental roof- tree until the age of fifteen years, when he went to Chatham, Canada, to begin an apprenticeship prior to becoming a druggist. He gave four years of faithful service and in 1870 came to St. Clair, where he acted as clerk for Henry Whiting & Sons in their general store and remained with them for six years. He then entered into partnership with George W. Bernard, as Bernard & Company, taking the stock of drugs and groceries carried by Whiting & Son and renting the south part of their store. This arrangement continued for three years, the partnership then being dissolved. Mr. Millikin then engaged in business for himself, establishing himself on Jay street, in October, 1879. Even at the first the business increased so rapidly that in 1881 he found it expedient to seek more commodious quarters and moved into the store he now oc- cupies. Six years ago fire visited his store and wiped it out, and during the period of its rebuilding, from February to June, he carried on busi- ness in the Trade Store on Jay street. It has been said of this gentle- man in an appreciation in a local publication :
"Different from many other business men, Mr. Millikin has never allowed himself to get in a rut. He never has the dust of ages to wipe off of any of his goods when he takes them down to serve his customers. In fact, his stock is as fresh, clean and up-to-date as if he had but re- cently started in business, and that is really one of his great secrets of success, for customers are always pleased with an article that looks fresh and new. His line is family groceries and drugs and medicines, and he runs the two in such excellent combination that one stepping into the store never notices but that the two lines are in perfect har- mony, as they surely are there. He is not only a thoroughly good busi- ness man, but keeps about him help that are prompt to wait on cus- tomers and pleasant to everybody. His store is counted one of the most substantial houses in the city."
On December 5, 1872, Mr. Millikin was happily married to Miss Annie F. Fox, of St. Clair, a native of this place. Their union has been blessed by the birth of five children. The eldest, Morris H., is now engaged in business in Philadelphia; Leslie W. is steward on the lake steamer, Lionesta; Raymond died in infancy; Helen D. is at home; and Jennie May is the wife of Oliver Huckle, of Reed City, Michigan, Mr. Huckle being editor and proprietor of the newspaper there.
Mr. Millikin has had a particularly commendable career in public affairs. He was for two years city clerk of St. Clair; he was the first water commissioner in the city, holding the office for three years, and for five years was a member of the county committee. He is a Master Mason for six years acted as Chapter high priest and master of the Blue Lodge. He is first worthy patron of the Eastern Star of the city and past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. He is one of the most popular and prominent lodge men in the city and well carries out in his own life the ideals of these organizations. Since the beginning of his voting days he has given hand and heart to the men and measures of the Democratic party, and he and his worthy wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
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THEODORE F. L. BELL. Among the many prominent and prosperous farmers of St. Clair county and Clay township, Theodore F. Bell takes foremost rank, and is a most worthy citizen of the community in which he has made his home since his early boyhood. A man of quiet in- stinets and gentle disposition, Mr. Bell has carried on his work in a re- tiring manner that would have meant isolation to a less popular man, but his many admirable qualities have so endeared him to the people of his town that he has for years occupied a place of most unequivocal popularity and favor. An honorable man, a true citizen and a genuine neighbor, Mr. Bell's place is secure in the hearts of his fellow men, and his influence has been felt in a most effeetnal way in and about Clay township for many years.
Mr. Bell was born in Fort Dearborn, now known as Dearbornville, Michigan, on July 12, 1872. He is a son of Louis and Lizette (Peters) Bell. Louis Bell is of English deseent, and came from Germany to the United States. He was in charge of the gardening and greenhouse de- partment at Dearbornville, which was the base of supplies during the Civil war, and his wife was in charge of the hospital at that place. They were busy and industrious people, and have ever lived lives of useful- ness and worth wherever they have made their home. In 1876 they re- moved to Clay township, and since that time they have been residents of this place, where they have been engaged in farming, and both still live at the farm home established a full quarter of a century ago. Two chil- dren were born to them, Mata, the wife of Nicholas Zaetsch, living at Al- gonae, Michigan, and Theodore F. L., of this review.
When the family removed from Dearbornville to Clay township Theodore Bell was four years of age. He attended the schools of his locality until he was sixteen years of age, when he gave up his studies and helped his father on the farm, until, with the passing of years, he established a home of his own and became a farmer independent of his former associations. Although he quitted his school at that early age, Mr. Bell has never ceased to study and learn, and he has acquired a goodly portion of book lore as a result of his studious habits. He has prospered with his agricultural interests and is one of the foremost men of his township in point of progress and prosperity.
Mr. Bell is a member of the Episcopal church and has served as a vestryman in that organization for the past fifteen years, and has held other offices as well. He is something of a fraternalist and is affiliated with the Masonie order, being a member of lodge No. 62, A. F. & A. M., and of Sam Ward Chapter, R. A. M. He is also a member of lodge No. 405, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a past noble grand of the order and a member of the Grand Lodge. Ile is a member of the Ancient Order of Gleaners, and holds the important office in that order as chairman of the law committee.
Mr. Bell has given valuable service to his township in various public offices. IIe is a Republican in his political views. but has no political aspirations, being content to serve his town in more humble ways, though quite as effectual. He has not married and makes his home with his parents. although he owns his own house. also other property, and does a loan and exchange business.
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FREDERICK C. KLUMPP. Among the useful and valued members of the farming community of Birchville township is Frederick C. Klumpp, a man of excellent character and ability, who has won well deserved suc- cess through persisteney of purpose, fidelity to his trusts, and honest dealings with all with whom he comes in contact, the respect in which he is held giving evidence of his upright and manly life. Of thrifty German ancestry, he was born on the farm which he now owns and occu- pies in section twenty-four, August 24, 1877.
His father, Frederick Klumpp, was born in Germany. Immigrating to this country when a young man, he first located in Sarnia and engaged in the butchering business. He lived with his mother until her death and then came to Port Huron, where he was engaged in the same busi- ness until his marriage. When ready to establish a home he purchased the land now owned by his son Frederick in Birchville township, and was here engaged in tilling the soil until his death. He married, at Port Huron, Michigan, Lena Lobes, who was born in Germany, and is now living on the home farm in Birchville township. Of the five chil- dren born of their union four survive, as follows: Charles F .; Louise, wife of Edward Kasemeyer; Frederick C .; and Emma W.
Leaving school at the age of eighteen years, Frederick C. Klumpp assumed the charge of the home farm, and has since devoted his time and attention to its improvement. He has two hundred and twenty- three acres of rich and fertile land, a large part of which is under cul- tivation, and as a general farmer and stock raiser he is exceedingly pros- perous, his farm, with its many improvements, being a very desirable piece of property.
On December 4, 1901, Mr. Khumpp was united in marriage with Jen- nie Atkins, who was born in Grant township, Saint Clair county, Oc- tober 9, 1877, a daughter of H. S. Atkins. Five children have been born of their union, namely: Clara, now, in 1912, ten years of age; Millie, seven years old; Ruth, five years old; Louise, three years of age; and Fred S., a bright little fellow of one year. Mr. and Mrs. Klumpp are members of the Ancient Order of Gleaners, in which both are insured. and Mr. Klumpp likewise carries insurance in some of the old line in- surance companies.
LESTER D. COLE. One of the many enterprising and progressive men who are extensively engaged in farming in Saint Clair county, Lester D. Cole has brought to his calling good business methods and excellent judgment, and is meeting with marked success in his undertakings. A native of Saint Clair county, he was born September 10, 1872, in Lake- port, a son of Isaac Cole. He comes of substantial New England an- cestry, his grandfather, Alpheus Cole, having been born and bred in Connecticut. He subsequently lived for a number of years in Canada, from there coming to Michigan and settling as a pioneer in Lakeport, where he spent his remaining years.
Born in Canada, Isaac Cole was a lad of fourteen years when he came with his parents to Saint Clair county, Michigan. Reared to agricultural pursuits, he became familiar with farming as a boy, and for many years was one of the active farmers of Birchville township, al- though as a young man he was for twenty years engaged in the lumber business, having been in partnership with his brother John. He married
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Emma Dunean, of Niagara county, New York, and into their house- hold three children were born, as follows: Lester D., the special sub- ject of this brief personal review; Leon P., who married Nora Graham and resides in Niagara county, New York; and Alta, wife of Charles Babcock, of Port Huron.
Brought up on the home farm, Lester D. Cole attended the rural sehools until about seventeen years old, acquiring a practical education. At the age of twenty-one years he partly assumed the management of the parental estate, a position for which he was amply qualified by experi- ence and training. Mr. Cole now owns and occupies a finely improved farm of three hundred acres. He carries on general farming and dairy- ing quite extensively, having erected on his farm a butter factory, the productions of which find a ready sale in the home markets, the supply scarce meeting the demand. Prosperity has smiled on Mr. Cole's every effort, and now, while in the prime of manhood, he has secured a fair share of this world's goods, and an assured position among the thrifty agriculturists of his community.
Mr. Cole married, in October, 1905, Mattie Lamb, who was born in Grant township, Saint Clair county, January 30, 1875, a daughter of Paschal Lamb. Mrs. Cole received fair educational advantages, and after leaving the Port Huron high school, in 1898, taught in the rural schools of her community a number of years, being very successful as a teaeher. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cole, namely : Donald L., born August 13, 1906; D. Laurenee, born March 4, 1908; and Leonard H., born June 9, 1910. Politieally Mr. Cole is one of the leading Prohibitionists in the county, and takes an aetive and intelligent interest in the cause of temperance. Religiously both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Jeddo, and among its most faithful workers. Mr. Cole is an ardent supporter of all projects tending toward the uplifting and betterment of the human kind, and his influence as a man of honor, integrity and true religious spirit is felt throughout the township, whose interests he has at heart, and for whose welfare he is ever laboring.
WILLIAM H. COOK. Many of the ablest men in America are ardent devotees of the great basic industry of agriculture, and it is well that this is so, because the various learned professions are rapidly becoming so erowded with inefficient practitioners that in a few years it will be practically impossible for any but the exceptionally talented man to gain a competent living therein. The independent farmer who, in addition to tilling the soil, cultivates his mind and retains his health is a man much to be envied in these days of strenuous bustle and nervons energy. He lives his life as he chooses and is always safe from financial ravages and other troubles of the so-called "cliff-dweller." An able and representa- tive agriculturist who has done much to advance progress and conserve prosperity in Clyde township, St. Clair county, Michigan, is William II. Cook, who owns and operates a finely improved farm of two hundred aeres in Clyde township, in seetion 10.
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