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 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56
Mr. Kelley was married to Miss Rosina Norton, who was born in Berlin township, St. Clair county, February 3, 1851, the daughter of Levi L. and Clarissa (Davis) Norton, and granddaughter of David and Matilda (Churchill) Norton. The Norton family originated in Connec- ticut, from whence they moved to London, Canada, near which place Levi L. Norton was born. He and his wife, who was also born near London, came to St. Clair county in 1850, settling in Berlin township, where they resided until 1862, and in that year moved to Antrim countv. Michigan. They had five children, of whom four are living: Minnie, the wife of Ralph Wilsie; Cyrus A., residing at Black Rock, Oregon ; Robert D. ; and Mrs. Kelley. She received an excellent educa-
ERvincent
549
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY
tion in the common schools and the Almont High school, and for some time previous to her marriage was a teacher in the schools of St. Clair and Lapeer counties. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have had nine children : Rose A., the wife of John Grave; Roger, who married Susie MeNaught ; Roscoe, residing in California; Roy, a resident of Oregon; Clara, a graduate nurse, single and living at home; Elizabeth, a graduate of the Capac High school and a former teacher, and now the wife of George H. MeKinzie, of Burtehville township; Ina M., a student at Hillsdale College; Peter R., who was educated in the Capac schools; and Cora B., a teacher and gradute of the Capac Iligh school.
The family is well and favorably known in religious circles, being connected with the Baptist church, in which Mr. Kelley is a deacon and a member of the board of trustees, while Mrs. Kelley is an active mem- ber of the Willing Workers, a charitable organization made up of ladies of the congregation. He is a member of the Gleaners, the K. O. T. M., and Forest Lodge No. 126, A. F. & A. M. He gives his political sup- port to the Republican party, but takes little interest in public affairs outside of doing his duty as a good and public-spirited citizen.
EDWARD L. VINCENT. One of the oldest and most prominent fam- ilies of St. Clair county is represented by the present county treasurer, Mr. Edward L. Vincent. The family has been identified with this vicinity since pioneer times, and his father was distinguished in public affairs from before the Civil war until recent years. Mr. Vincent him- self has been a successful farmer and a business man of Port Huron, and is one of the ablest of the present county officials.
Hle was born at the old family homestead in Clyde township, St. Clair county, September 20, 1860, a son of Edward and Agnes Gibb (Aitken) Vincent. His father, who spent his last days on the old farm, where he passed away April 22, 1911, was born at St. Armand, province of Quebec, near the Vermont line, both his parents being natives of New York state. The mother was born at Lambton, Ontario, the Aitkens being Scotch, and all of her five sisters and one brother were born in Scotland. The Aitken family moved to St. Clair county about 1835, and the Vincent family in 1836. Here the parents of Edward L. were reared, and were married in Clyde township, Mareh 23, 1854. Mrs. Vincent, the mother, died on her seventieth birthday. September 29, 1902.
During the early days the late Mr. Vineent was a lumberman in this eounty and later followed farming as his business vocation. being the owner of abont four hundred acres of land. In politics he was first a Whig and then a Republican, and during his career held many offices of trust and responsibility. He was elected clerk of Clyde township in 1848. his personal popularity overcoming the normal Democratic ma- jority of the township. By re-elections he continued in this office until 1854. when he was elected township supervisor, and held this office al- together about twenty-nine years, having been defeated only twice when he was a nominee. In 1877 he was appointed county treasurer on the defaulting of John Johnson, and after serving the unexpired term was elected for one full term. In 1882 he was elected a member of the legislature. IIe was a candidate in this Democratie district for the office four times, succeeding once in being elected. He was a man of
550
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY
ability and the highest integrity, and his death marked the passing of one of the fine old pioneer citizens of St. Clair county.
Mr. Edward L. Vincent is the fourth of a family of nine children, all of whom are living, all residents of St. Clair county and six of them in Clyde township. His boyhood was passed on the home farm, and after finishing at the common schools he attended the Goldsmith Com- mercial College of Detroit, where he graduated in 1879. Up to 1890 he was successfully engaged in farming, and since then has been a resi- dent of Port Huron. He was in the flour and feed business until 1897, and in February, 1898, became connected with the St. Clair County Sav- ings Bank, with which institution he was identified over ten years. In January, 1909, he became deputy county treasurer, and at the general election in November, 1910, was elected for a full term in that office. From 1905 to 1911 he represented the Sixth ward as alderman.
On September 1, 1897, Mr. Vincent was married to Miss Florence L. Moore, of Fort Gratiot township. Mrs. Vincent is a member of the First Congregational church of Port Huron, and he is one of the liberal contributors to this church, fraternally he is a member of the Forest- ers of America, having filled all the offices of the local lodge, and for eleven years was grand treasurer of the Grand Lodge of the state. He is a past master of Port Huron Lodge, No. 58, F. & A. M., and is also affiliated with Huron Chapter, No. 27, R. A. M. He has been a member of both branches of the Maccabees and is a member of Port Huron Lodge, No. 343, of the B. P. O. E.
WILLIAM GIBSON. Undoubtedly travel and experience are helpful in the successful pursuit of any calling, for in this way the mind is broadened, new ideas are introduced and unknown methods are given a trial. Few business men of Port Huron, Michigan, have been given better opportunities in this line than has William Gibson, the proprietor of one of the leading plumbing establishments of the city, located at No. 1104 Military street, a veteran of the Civil war and a self-made man in all that the word implies. Mr. Gibson is a product of New York state, and was born December 5, 1846, a son of Michael and Ann (Skelly ) Gibson, natives of Ireland, both of whom are deceased.
William Gibson received a somewhat limited common school educa- tion in his native state, where he first secured employment as a rope- maker. Later he became engaged in glass-blowing, but eventually turned his attention to the plumbing trade, which he learned in New York City, remaining there for ten or eleven years. During the time he lived in New York he enlisted as a member of the Fifty-third Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for eighteen months, participating in numerous battles, among which were Newberne, North Carolina, Roanoke Island, Kingston, Goldsboro and Raleigh. On re- ceiving his honorable discharge he returned to his trade in New York City, but eventually went to California as a journeyman plumber, and later to Mexico, South America and the Isthmus of Panama. Returning to New York, he remained there for several years, and in 1878 came to Michigan and settled in Port Huron, where he entered the employ of George Dole, and was associated with the Plumbing and Gas Company for a long period. In 1906 Mr. Gibson decided to engage in business
551
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY
on his own account, and he has done work in some of the principal build- ings in the city, in addition to much work throughout St. Clair county. lle installed furnaces and an excellent hot water heating system in the City IIall, but his work has been principally done in residences. Ile employs the services of only skilled mechanics, uses the most modern methods in his operations, and all work done by him can be absolutely relied upon. It is but natural that a man who has worked as faithfully and conscientiously as has Mr. Gibson should succeed, and that he is so popular among his fellow citizens is but the proof that he is re- garded as a good, public-spirited citizen. llis many years of industry and perseverance have been rewarded by the accumulation of a satis- factory competeney and a prosperous business, and his many warm, personal friends in Port Huron are gratified at his success. His ex- tensive travel has given him an insight into human nature that is en- joyed by but few men, and he has learned to be tolerant of the opinions of others and thoughtful of the rights of his fellow men, Politically he takes an independent stand, voting rather for the man than the party, and he himself has never been an office seeker. He erected his own home, at No. 733 Chestnut street, where his many friends are al- ways sure of a hearty welcome.
In 1883 Mr. Gibson was married to Miss Elizabeth Ringler, who was born in St. Clair county, Michigan, daughter of William Ringler, and they have had three children, all born in Port Huron : Winifred S., born in September, 1895; Grace S., born May 30, 1898; and Edward S., born August 24, 1899. Mrs. Gibson is a member of the German Lutheran church, and has been active in religions and charitable movements.
E. HARVEY DRAKE, For many years one of the prominent leaders in business and public affairs of this county has been Mr. E. Harvey Drake, the present postmaster of Yale. His career has been a busy one, and his activities and services have identified him prominently with this locality.
Mr. Drake is a native of New York state, born in St. Lawrence county January 1, 1860. As the family became permanent residents of St. Clair county when he was ten years old, he was educated here, at- tending the Capac high school and also being trained under his father, a well-known educator. When he was seventeen years old he himself be- gan teaching and followed that honorable vocation for several years. For a larger field of activity he sought the law, and in 1882 entered the law department of the University of Michigan, where after examina- tion he was admitted to the bar, and in 1884 began his career as a lawyer, the profession which he has followed ever since, though varied by his business enterprises and his publie service. Mr. Drake is one of the older members of the St. Clair bar and is one of the most highly esteemed members of the profession in the county.
Ile began his practice at Yale. In 1886 he formed a partnership with Jesse A. Morrell and established the Yale Cigar Factory, a business in which he was interested for two years. In 1889 he and William R. Gillette founded the Yale Democrat, that being his first venture in the field of journalism, and he has since been well known as a newspaper man. After a year and a half he sold his interest in the Democrat to James Brown, of Yale. Mr. Gillette was his law partner at this time. Vol. II-5
552
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY
and in 1891 Mr. Drake moved to Port Huron and established an office of the firm in the Stevens Block of that city. In December, 1892, he was removed from this county for three and one-half years. At Richmond, this state, he was engaged in practice and also conducted the Richmond Review for a year, until failing health caused by overwork caused him to move to Lewiston, where he was retired for several months. He then resumed the practice of law there, and was also engaged in the meat business with John Kerr.
In June, 1895, returning to Yale, he opened his law office and has been connected with the profession in this city ever since. Among other interests he conducts a small farm near town. In 1896, with Arthur M. Johnson as partner, he established the Yale Hustler, a weekly newspaper that was conducted by him for three years. In 1905 Mr. Drake became one of the incorporators and was for two years connected with the Yale Creamery Company. In May, 1906, under the Roosevelt administration, he was appointed postmaster of Yale and has held this office ever since. His official record has been marked by a steady improvement in this office both in receipts and service, and he is both a popular and efficient official. In fraternal affairs he is a member of the Masons and the Mac- cabees.
Mr. Drake's family record is a subject of interest in the history of this county. His parents were Darwin and Lodema (Burch) Drake. His father, who died near Yale, March 29, 1905, was a citizen of broad usefulness and a man of the highest character. He was born in New York state July 14, 1835. In St. Lawrence county of that state he was married in 1858 to Miss Burch, who was born in New York April 24, 1841, and is still living, being a resident of Yale. In 1863 they came to Michigan, settling in St. Clair county and purchasing land in Wales township. A short time later they moved out to Chickasaw county, Iowa, and lived there three years. Then, in 1868, they returned to St. Law- rence county, New York, but two years later again came to St. Clair county, which was thereafter their permanent home. The father pur- chased land near Goodells, but a few years before his death moved to a place near Yale.
The late Darwin Drake was a man of education and gave most of his life to a career of public service. He was a graduate of the Wesleyan Seminary of Gouverneur, New York, and at the age of sixteen began teaching, a profession which he followed more or less actively for forty years, and in three states. His learning and his personal integrity were honored by his fellow citizens through his frequent choice for positions of honor and trust, and he spent many years in office. He served as justice of the peace, township clerk, supervisor and commissioner of schools. He and his good wife were members of the Baptist church for many years, but in later life united with the Church of Christ. They were parents of two children, E. Harvey being the oldest. His brother, Charles B., is a resident of Lewiston, Michigan, and by an interesting coincidence in their public careers he is also incumbent of the postoffice at that place.
Mr. Harvey Drake was married on June 5, 1883, to Miss Alice J. Ballentine, who has since been his very capable adviser and co-worker in reaching a successful position in the world. Mrs. Drake was born in Brockway township of this county August 3, 1863. Her parents, William
554
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY
successful. With his earnings he later went into the boot and shoe busi- ness in Port Huron, but this venture was not a success and he lost what he had saved. The next fifteen years Mr. Graves was salesman for a wholesale grocery house, and at the end of that period he became a part- ner in the Armstrong and Graves Wholesale Grocery, whose location was at Port Huron. Until the Cuban war he continued in this line of busi- ness and then he became associated in fraternal work with the Maccabees. When Mr. Graves left this work he organized the Maccabee Protective Association, and later, when the Patricians were organized, induced them to add an accident department. He then transferred the Maccabee Pro- tective Association membership to them and he has since devoted him- self to this matter. He now has charge of the entire force of deputies in the field, and is vice president of the order. Mr. Graves is also a Knight Templar and a Mystic Shriner of the Moslem Temple at De- troit. He and his wife are both members of the Eastern Star.
The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Graves is Grace Loretta, the wife of Robert McMorran Meisel, who is associated with his father, Mr. G. C. Meisel, in the dry goods business in Port Huron. Mrs. Meisel was born and educated in Port Huron. They have one daughter, Eleanor Sylvia. Meisel.
Mrs. Graves is no less prominent in lodge work than her husband. As a girl she attended the academy in Marine City and then went for a year to St. Mary's Convent in Monroe, Michigan. Her work in fra- ternal orders began in 1891, when, on May 24th, she became a charter member of Riverview Hive, Ladies of the Modern Maccabees. She was elected to the office of finance keeper of her Hive and in September, 1892, she was sent as delegate to the Grand Rapids convention and at that meeting was elected great finance keeper of the Ladies of the Mod- ern Maccabees. The same year the Supreme Hive, Ladies of the Macca- bees of the World, was organized and Mrs. Graves became a member and was appointed chairman of the board of auditors, which position she held until 1904. She was also made installing officer and installed the supreme officers at their first regular convention. Mrs. Graves has the distinction of giving the largest bond required of any woman in the United States, hers being greater than that required by the United States treasurer. She has collected and disbursed over $8,000,000.00. She is a member of the Louise St. Clair Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution of Detroit, and the W. R. C., and is eligible to the Colonial Dames.
David H. Westcott, the father of Mrs. Graves, was born in Living- ston county, New York, in 1823. Left an orphan at an early age, he was brought up by a maternal uncle living at Cleveland, Ohio. In 1842 he came to Michigan, and three years later became a sailor on the old steamer Huron. Some time afterward he bought a large farm one mile south of Marine City, where he built wooden docks and for ten years furnished wood to the lake steamers. During this time he built six large vessels for Captain Eber Ward, his brother-in-law. These were the "Saginaw ;" the "Keweenaw;" the "R. G. Coburn," which was lost on Lake Huron in 1871; the "St. Paul;" the "Minneapolis," and the "Northerner." In 1844 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Ward,
555
IIISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY
daughter of Zael Ward. Mrs. Westcott was born January 21, 1826, and is still living at her beautiful home called "Riverview," on the banks of the St. Clair river. She has just passed her eighty-sixth birthday, is a lovable, charitable old lady and much loved by all who know her. David HI. Westcott, Mrs. Graves' father, was a man respected and looked up to, and he held many official positions in the town where he resided for over sixty years. The blameless life that he had filled to overflowing with good works and deeds of charity won him hosts of friends and his name is destined to live in the history of St. Clair county as one of the strong characters of the nineteenth century. In 1888 he moved to his farm on the banks of the St. Clair river, where he resided until his death, in 1906.
It is on the west bank of this same river that Mr. Albert Graves has his summer home, on a farm of eighty acres. His beautiful place is known as "Gravenhurst" and is a station on the D. U. R. Railroad. In Port Huron Mr. and Mrs. Graves reside at 1317 Seventh street. In his home town Mr. Graves has been prominent in the councils of the Dem- ocratie party and has been alderman and mayor of Port Huron. In all respects he and his wife are classed among the foremost citizens of the county.
FRANK A. HALSTED. Possessing excellent business qualifications, and noted for his industry, integrity and many sterling traits of char- acter. Frank A. Halsted holds high rank among the substantial men of Port IInron, and through his honest, upright dealings has gained the confidence of his fellow-men to a marked degree. He was born October 3, 1875, in Ontario, Canada, where he spent the days of his boyhood. Ilis father, A. M. IIalsted, traces his ancestry back to the Norsemen of the thirteenth century, and is justly proud of his lineage. Ile located at Port Huron, Michigan, in 1887, and was here for many years engaged in the nursery business, but is now living retired from active pursuits. He married Mary Teeter, who came from English and Canadian an- cestry.
But twelve years of age when he came with his parents to Port Huron, Frank A. Halsted continued his studies in the public schools for three years, and at the age of fifteen years began life for himself as a sailor. shipping as a cabin hoy and gradually working his way upward until he filled the position of mate of a lake steamer. Leaving the Lakes he embarked in his present business, for two or more years traveling as commercial salesman through the New England and western states. Succeeding well in this capacity, his employers had such confidence in his ability that he was made secretary of the firm of the G. B. Stock Xylite Grease & Oil Company, lubricating dealers in oils and greases, and was given charge of its selling department. Upon the death of Mr. Stock, in May. 1910. Mr. Halsted was made manager and treasurer of the corporation, a position for which he is amply qualified by native tal- ents, industry and experience, and is carrying on the business with eminent success.
Mr. Halsted married, in 1901, Lillie Stock, of Port Huron, a daugh- ter of G. B. Stock and Abigail Stock. Fraternally Mr. Halsted is very
556
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY
prominent in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge, the Chapter, the Council, and to the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In his political relations he is a steadfast Republican, and religiously he is a member of the Episcopal church.
WILLIAM LEWIS SCHOALES, M. D. The physician who would succeed in his profession must possess many qualities of head and heart not in- cluded in the curriculum of the schools and colleges he may have at- tended. In analyzing the career of the successful practitioner of the healing art it will invariably be found to be true that a broad-minded sympathy with the sick and suffering and an honest, earnest desire to aid his afflicted fellow men have gone hand in hand with skill and able judg- ment. The gentleman to whom this brief tribute is given fortunately embodies these necessary qualifications in a marked degree and by en- ergy and application has built up an enviable reputation and drawn to himself a large and enthusiastic patronage.
Dr. Schoales was born in Huron county, Ontario, Canada, September 27, 1854. His parents were Francis H. and Jane (Robison) Schoales. The former taught school when he first came to Canada and then en- gaged in farming, and was a respected citizen of his community. He was a native of Ireland and, like so many of his young countrymen, an- swered the beckoning finger of Opportunity from the shores of the New World. He was a youth when he took up his residence in this country and he was brave enough to come with almost no money, having, in- deed, but a dollar and a quarter when he landed in Canada. The birth of the immediate subject of this review occurred in a log house of small proportions. He early in life became acquainted with the manifold duties of farm life and his elementary schooling was received behind a desk in the district school room. His father died in 1870, when he was about sixteen years of age, and upon his and his elder brother's young shoulders fell the burden of conducting the affairs of the farm. He con- tinued engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1875, when he severed his connection with the Dominion and came to Michigan. He had decided to become a doctor and has chosen as his alma mater the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, matriculating in its medical department. He finished there on March 27, 1878, and received the well-earned degree of Doctor of Medicine. He first hung up his shingle at Young America, Indiana, and he remained at that location, successfully engaged in prac- tice, until 1881. Coming to White Rock, Michigan, in 1883, his residence at that point continued until 1888. In the year last mentioned he ar- rived in St. Clair city, and has ever since engaged in practice here, winning high prestige with both laity and profession.
On September 28, 1886, Dr. Schoales was happily married to Miss Cynthia E. Ferguson, of White Rock, Michigan. She was born at Port Sanilac, Michigan, her parents being Labin and Martha (Waterbury) Ferguson, of the Empire state, the former engaged in the hotel business. Dr. and Mrs. Schoales have no children of their own, but share their hospitable and cultured home with an adopted son, whom they took as their own when three months of age and whom they named Neil Stover Schoales. He is now a promising young man seventeen years of age and is attending school, his profession as yet being undecided. Fraternally
557
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY
the Doctor is a member of the Maccabees and the Foresters and also of the St. Clair County Medical Society and the Michigan State Society. He and his wife enjoy general confidence and esteem.
ELIHU WILSON CLARK, who since April, 1911, has been engaged in the grocery business at No. 1115 Military street, Port Huron, has for many years been one of the best-known railroad men in this part of the country, and has filled positions of importance in various conventions of railroad men all over the United States. He was born May 30, 1860, at Portland, Indiana, a son of George and Eleanor (Allen) Clark.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.