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The village of Michigamme is situated in Town 48, Range 30, twenty-six miles northwest of Negaunee, at the extreme west side of Marquette County.
It is a bright, active mining town of 1,800 inhabitants, and derives its resources from several of the leading mines on the range. The site of the town borders on the west end of Lake Michigamme (Great Lake), and the surrounding scenery is very beautiful. The waters of the lake encircle many pretty and picturesque islands, and the scene, as a whole, is one that vividly impresses the mind with its wonderful natural beauty.
The pioneer of this locality is Jacob Houghton, Esq., who discovered the Michigamme Mine in 1872. The first test pits were sunk during this year, and mining operations were commenced in the month of August, 1872, at which time the work of stripping was begun.
The first building that graced the town site was a log building, erected for the shelter of the mining engineers on the lakeshore. The town was laid out by the Michigamme Mining Company in the fall of 1872, settlement commencing immediately, and, during the following winter and spring, the town built up very fast. The work of stripping the ore deposit was pushed vigorously forward, employing a large number of men.
In the winter of 1872-73, the saw-mill of Messrs. F. W. Reed & Co. was erected, and its product rapidly consumed in building the town.
The first frame buildings were put up by Messrs. Hayden and West.
A. F. Newnert opened the first store on Railroad street, in the early part of 1872.
Messrs. Hayden & West opened the second store, in the first frame building erected. The town was built so rapidly that it is all but impossible to decide which were first.
During the winter, ore was shipped from the mine by transporting it by water to the foot of the lake, by means of a steam tug and barges.
In the month of January, 1873, work was commenced on No. 2 Vein of ore, and the reputation of the mine fully established. The following season, the railroad was extended to Michigamme, and shipments of ore commenced in earnest. The times were most prosperous, and people were flocking hither to seek their fortunes in the town that soon promised to develop into a city.
On the 19th of June, 1873, a severe forest fire swept over the town site, leaving but one business house and two or three dwellings. This was a severe blow to its inhabitants, and many were compelled to give up, losing everything. The town was rapidly built up again, and, by the 1st day of the following September, nearly every building had been replaced. This calamity was followed by the panic of 1873, which began to be visibly felt during the month of October. The Michigamme Mine, which, a few months before, had employed a force of 300 men, reduced its force down to seventeen. Property, which brought almost any price during the spring, seemed now apparently worthless. The paper issued by the mining companies served as currency, and people struggled along bravely for a year, when good times began to come again. The mines increased their forces, by degrees at first, and soon the town was experiencing a boom in business life, that continued up to 1876. During this year, the price of ore fell off, the forces at the mines were again reduced, and the business of the town sank in a corresponding degree. In 187,9, trade again revived, and since that time prosperity has smiled upon it.
Michigamme was incorporated as a village in the fall of 1873, with Edward D. Hall as President; Trustees, Jacob Houghton, E. D. Hall, W. J. Doyle, Hans Blomgren and William Hayes.
The first school of the village was taught by F. O. Chamberlain, in a building owned by Messrs. Ryan & Gallagher, in the spring of 1873. Buildings were rented for school purposes until 1876, when the present building was erected. The schools are now in charge of Mr. J. A. Bassett, assisted by Misses Mary Canning and A. A. Neil.
The first church organization was effected by the Catholics, in the early part of 1873. A mission was established by Father Berube, and has since been attended by different clergymen. The church was erected at the organization of the society, during the spring of 1873. The Methodist Episcopal society was also organized about this time, and, within the past twelve months, the Swedish people have organized a Lutheran Church society, and erected a neat frame building.
IRVING A. BASSETT, Principal of school, is a native of Oakland County, Mich., and was born January 22, 1844. Attended school there and completed his education at the State Normal School. After reaching manhood, came to Lake Superior and located at Houghton, and entered the law office of Hon. J. A. Hubbell and began reading law, and remained there with him three years; then was appointed a special agent of the Etna Fire Insurance Company, and removed to Detroit and held that position two years; then removed to Flint and was engaged in business there two years; in 1873, returned to Lake Superior; was engaged in business at Houghton and in teaching at L'Anse until 1880, when he came to Michigamme and took charge of the schools here, and is also correspondent of the Mining Journal; he holds the office of Magistrate. Mr. Bassett was united in marriage, August 28, 1868, to Miss Hannah McKendrick, of the city of Detroit. They have five children—Florence L., William I., Robert J., John A. and Daisy.
GEORGE BLOCK, dealer in wines and liquors, was born in Alsace, France, May 12, 1838. Emigrated to America in 1861, and came the same year to Lake Superior, and located at Ontonagon, and only had 30 cents when he reached there; he worked in the Minesota Mine and other places, and lived there eight years; then came to Marquette County and worked four years in the iron mines; then came to Michigamme May 1, 1871, and worked at the Champion Mine, and engaged in his present business. He built the first finished building for business in Michigamme, and since then has been successfully engaged in business here, and has the oldest saloon here; he is a member of the school board. In 1865, he married Miss Anna Vilends, in Ontonagon; she is a native of Prussia. They have seven children—George, John, Mary, Katie, William, Lizzie and Antoine.
JOHN BRANDT, section boss, M., H. & O. R. R., is a native of Sweden, and was born September 21, 1824. Emigrated to America in 1869; lived in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and came to Lake Superior in 1873; he began working for the M., H. & O. R. R. in 1877; for the past three years has been section boss, and came to Michigamme to live in 1881. He married Johanna Jacobson October 25, 1851. They have had eight children; only three survive—Helena, Dorothea and George.
JOHN P. CHRISTOPHER, Captain of the Michigamme Mine, is a native of England, and was born July 1, 1844. Emigrated to America in 1863, and came to Lake Superior the same year and went to the copper district, Ontonagon County, and worked in the Aztec, Bohemian and Adventure Mines. In July, 1864,came to Marquette County, and was in the employ of the Jackson Iron Company, under Captain Henry Merry, eight years; then went to Missouri, and was in the lead mines for one year; after his return, worked for the Lake Superior Company, and was foreman of the Barnum and Captain of the Pioneer Mines three years, and nine months under the Iron Cliffs Company, Negaunee. In April, 1877, came to the Michigamme Mine, and since then has held his present position.
W. B. DAVIS, superintendent Spurr Iron Mine, is a native of Lake Superior, and was born in Ontonagon County August 13, 1857. His parents came here in 1846, and were among the earliest settlers on the Upper Peninsula. He received his education in Detroit, and was afterward on Isle Royale two years; came to the Spurr Mine as clerk in June, 1881, and after the resignation of his father, he was appointed, April 1, 1882, to succeed him as superintendent of the work of the company here.
ANTOINE DISHNOW, deceased, was a native of Canada, and was born in 1839. He grew up there and in New York State. In the fall of 1867, he married Miss Sarah La More, a native of New York. They came to Marquette County in 1872, and he engaged in wood business and contracting; he was one of the first men to locate here, and to go in business; he held the office of Highway Commissioner; his death occurred February 6, 1881, leaving four children—Emma J., Antoine, Eddie and Moses A.
ANDREW E. ERICKSON, general merchant, furniture and hardware dealer, is a native of Sweden, and was born August 30, 1838. He learned the trade of wagon-maker and blacksmith, and emigrated to America in 1868, coming to Marquette County the same year, and locating at Ishpeming; lived there five years and worked in wagon-shop at the Cleveland Mine. In 1873, he came to Michigamme, and worked at his trade until 1881, when he established his present business, and is building up a good trade. He married Miss Steina Jonas, a native of Sweden, April 24, 1864. They have three children—John Gustav, Carl August and Edward Emil.
GETZ & PARADISE, general merchants. The business of this firm. was established by Louis Getz October 1, 1879; he continued until May, 1882, when Maurice Paradise became a partner in the business, and since then the firm of Getz & Paradise have won a large trade. In June, 1882, they established a branch at L'Anse; they carry a large stock of goods; they are building a large store and warehouse for the accommodation of their business. Mr. Getz is a native of Russia; he emigrated to America in 1867, and came to Lake Superior in 1871. Mr. Paradise is a native of Poland, and was born October 1, 1859; emigrated to America in 1866; lived in Mississippi for a short time, and lived in Chicago six years and then came to Lake Superior.
JOHN HICKEY, general merchant, is a native of Ireland, and was born September 11, 1844. After reaching manhood, he emigrated to America in 1867, and came to Lake Superior in 1872; to Marquette County the following year; established his present business at Michigamme, and since then has continued in trade here, and is the oldest merchant in business here. In 1882, he married Miss Kate Fleming, of this place. He has two children—Alice and John, by a former wife.
PEDER JACOBSON, general merchant, is a native of Denmark, and was born August 23, 1852. After reaching manhood, he emigrated to America in 1873, and came to Marquette County in the same year; lived in Ishpeming four years, then came to Michigamme and began his present business in a very small way, with only a needle and thread; as he earned more money, he bought more goods. The next year he lost all he had by the failure of the Spun Mine, but he paid up all he owed for goods, and since then has increased his business little by little, until now he has a good stock and a nice trade. In 1876, he married Miss Christina Christensen, a native of Denmark. They have two children—Tineana Lourinc Josephine and Petrea Looise Nicolena.
DAVID JENKINS, saloon, is a native of Cornwall, England, and was born in 1844; emigrated to America in 1863, and came to Lake Superior in 1865; after a short time in copper district, came to Marquette County, and for the past six years has been engaged in his present business at Michigamme. In 1878, he married Mrs. Charlotte Feikel, a native of Germany. They have four children—George, Elizabeth, Anna and Ettie.
ANDREW JOHNSTON, of the firm of Hirschmann & Johnston, general merchants, is a native of Canada, and was born April 29, 1848. He lived there until sixteen years of age, then came to Hancock, Lake Superior, and remained in the copper district for many years. He came to Marquette County, and located at Republic in 1879, and recently came to Michigamme and engaged in trade, and has the management of the business here. Mr. Johnston was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Carter, of Port Henry, N. Y., March 22, 1868. They have one son—James.
MURRAY McCALLUM, manager lumber business of F. W. Reed & Co., is a native of Schenectady County, N. Y., and was born March 81, 1845. His parents came west to Winnebago County, Wis.. in 1852, and located at Neenah, and he lived there until he came to Marquette in April, 1873, and engaged in lumbering in and near Marquette; was connected with Eagle Mills five years, and was superintendent there. Since February, 1881 when the present mill was put in operation at Michigamme, by Messrs. Reed & Co., he has had charge of the business here. He held the office of Town Treasurer, at Eagle Mills, two years, and now holds the office of Justice of the Peace, and member of Village Board. He married Miss Sarah E. Ball, of Portage County, Wis., August 20, 1868. They have two children—Anna Agnes and an infant daughter. They lost one son, Amos H., who was drowned in 1881.
CAPT. A. C. McCONNELL, Superintendent Webster Mine, is a native of Trumbull County. Ohio, and was born May 2, 1845; his parents came to Lake Superior when he was only eight years of age, and located at Marquette. He grew up here, and for the past fifteen years has been connected with the mining interests; was with the Washington and Humboldt mines seven years; with the Winthrop two years, and was exploring for Chicago parties, and partially opened a mine for them on the range, and during the past year was appointed to his present position of Superintendent Webster Mine. He has held town offices. Capt. McConnell was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Jackson, of Lower Michigan, June 10, 1870. They have three children—Jennie, Carrie and Kate, and have lost one son, Albert M.
NELS OLSON, contractor and builder, is a native of Sweden, and was born December 17, 1841; emigrated to America in 1870, and came to Lake Superior in 1873, and located at Michigamme; has been in other places—Canada, Minnesota and Dakota—but has lived here most of the time, and is engaged in contracting and building. In 1875, he married Miss Clara Olson, who was born in Sweden. They have three children—Hulda Cecilia, Alexander and Friterof Marcus.
ISAAC TREDE, wines and liquors, is a native of Canada, and was born in 1845. He lived there until 1866, when be came to Lake Superior; settled in Marquette County, and was engaged in making charcoal, at Clarksburg, for eight years. He lived five years at Negaunee, and then came to Michigamme and engaged in butchering business, and has recently started his present business, He owns his property, and is preparing to build and start livery business. In 1865, he married Miss Sophia Biegrow, a native of Canada. They have five children—Fred, Isaac, Louise, Mack and John.
THOMAS H. TRACY, conductor accommodation train M., H. & O. R. R., is a native of Ireland, and was born in the city of Dublin March 13, 1852. His parents came to Wisconsin during his early childhood, and he grew up in La Fayette County. He came to Lake Superior in 1869, and for two years was with the Lake Superior Company; then entered the employ of the M., H. & O. R. R., and since then, for the past eleven years, has been connected with the line, and for six years has held his present position as conductor. In 1873, he married Miss Carrie Northey; she is a native of Wisconsin, but came to Lake Superior during childhood. They have two children—Thomas and Burney.
J. VAN DEVENTER, physician and surgeon for Michigamme Mine, is a native of Virginia, and was born February 6, 1847. He received his literary education in that State; pursued his medical studies in Virginia and Maryland, and graduated at the University of Maryland in 1869; after graduating, he attended the University of Pennsylvania. He practiced medicine in Virginia, and in April, 1873, he came to Lake Superior, and located in Marquette County, at Michigamme, and since then has successfully practiced his profession here, and is surgeon for the mining companies in this locality.
Republic, known also as Iron City, may properly be called a township village. In the village and neighborhood there is a population of about three thousand. The village is not incorporated, but the enterprising portion of the people are seeking such privileges, and will undoubtedly have their petition answered favorably. The beginning of the village may be said to have been made November 3, 1871, when Peter Pascoe directed the windfall which then encumbered the mining lands to be cleared off. He erected the first house on the location, which is still standing, in the rear of his present office. The mine was opened in the spring of 1872. Since that time, the settlement has grown with the growth of the mining interest, and now gives promise of an importance of which the settlers of a few years ago could not dream.
The majority of the men are miners. The numerical preponderance of males over females is great; but, with improved means of access to more densely settled communities, and the influx of immigrants, this inconvenience will right itself and disappear. The people are intelligent and enterprising. The most profuse gifts have been provided for the educational establishments; the schoolhouse is everywhere already. Books, newspapers, magazines and pamphlets are much read; the different religious societies are represented. The public peace has been but seldom disturbed, and for the most part of the time, the jails stand empty.
The village has been a prosperous business place for a number of years; it is the home of a quiet, yet enterprising, and well to-do community, with many respectable d cultivated families, and is free from the reckless and dissolute characters which pervade new mining camps.
The situation of the village of Republic and of the mines is by nature one of the most pleasing and romantic spots to be found. The Michigamme River, a stream of considerable size, has here a very rapid current, foaming over and among the rocks which obstruct its flow; but above the rapids, in full view from the location, the river spreads out into a broad, magnificent stream, which disappears to the north, between the rugged hills that come down to its margin and finally obscure it from view. Here, too, are several beautiful bays, formed by depressions in the surface adjoining the river, and high up in the northerly and westerly slope of the bold, rocky bluff, which, at a few hundred feet distance, surrounds on two sides the largest and clearest of these placid sheets of dark blue water, are the shafts of the Republic Mine. From the power which the Michigamme affords, the air-compressors of the Republic, West Republic and Columbia Mines are driven.
In the history of the county, the date of organization of the township and the names of Supervisors are given. The village is governed by the Township Board. In it is located the Town Hall, a large frame building, said to be the most elaborate affair of its kind in the Upper Peninsula. A large graded school is conducted by a corps of four teachers, while yet another large schoolhouse is being constructed at the West Republic Mine. The Catholic and Methodist societies have their church buildings at Republic. The Swedish religions society worships in the Methodist Church. The lodges of the Odd Fellows, Good Templars, and Scandinavian societies, are already established there. A literary society holds regular meetings during the winter months, so that in this matter of secret benevolence the village is well supplied. The stores are well stocked and kept.
St. Augustine's Catholic Church of Republic may be said to have been founded by the first missionary priest of Clarksburg, Rev. James F. Beinliz, November 28, 1871. He continued to visit the mission until October, 1873, when he was relieved by Rev. O. Comtois, who remained until January 22, 1874. In February, Rev. Beinliz resumed charge, and remained until Rev. Charles Guay, in March, 1874.
In June, 1874, Rev. Father Marceaux was missionary at Clarksburg. In July, 1877, Rev. J. W. Kelly was appointed. In August, 1880, Rev. M. A. Fox was appointed. May 28, 1881, Rev. M. Orth took charge of the mission stations of Republic, Greenwood. Clarksburg Church, Humboldt, Washington Mines, and remained in charge until May 7, 1882, when Rev. A. W. Deers, was appointed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Vertin to the charge of all these missions.
Under the direction of Rev. M. A. Fox, the present pastoral residence was begun. This building was completed during the administration of Rev. M. Orth. Since the coming of the present pastor, the church building was en larged, a gallery constructed, and a bell and belfry (the first in the district) introduced July 23, 1882. The congregations number 220 families.
In October, a movement was made to build a church, and on the 20th of that month. a contract was made between William Doyle and Rev. James W. Kelly, agreeing to build the church for $1,100. This building was completed in 1877, and opened for worship Christmas, the same year.
The Methodist society of Republic Village was organized February 22, 18 72. Rev. J. E. McClure was subsequently appointed to organize the mission work of Clarksburg Circuit, of which Republic was then a part. Mr. McClure remained. The first members included Alfred James, local preacher; John Allan, John H. Buddle, William Seymour and Thomas Trevarthan, who were also members of the first quarterly conference, 1872. In 1873, Rev. E. Steere was appointed, with Rev. Isaac Wilcox, assistant. Rev. Mr. Hodge served the Republic and Champion Mission three years; he wns succeeded by Rev. J. S. Paul. In 1880, Rev. Mr. Nicols came, and was succeeded in 1881 by Rev. Thomas Wilkinson. During the term of Rev. Mr. Paul, the first and only Protestant church building was constructed at Republic, at a cost of $2,300.
The citizens anticipate a business boom from the development of mining properties in the vicinity, on the line of the proposed extension of the M., H. & O. R. R.'s Columbia Branch. There is much reason to believe the expectation well founded. Republic is well supplied with enterprising business houses, and its business men are full of energy and push. They appreciate the importance of making the place a distributing point for the mining territory in the neighborhood about to be opened up. If they can hold the trade there from the region naturally tributary to Republic, there is little doubt of its rapid growth and permanent prosperity. Already the signs of greater activity in the future are manifest on every side. Merchants anticipate a large fall trade, and will be prepared to meet any demand that increased business will make upon them.
BYRON H. ANDRUS, time-keeper for Republic Iron Company, is a native of Vermont; his parents came to Lake Superior during his early boyhood; he has been connected with the Republic Company for ten years, and for the past nine years has held the position of time-keeper.
C. M. BABCOCK, attorney at law, is a native of Michigan, and was born in Berrien County August 23, 1854; his parents came to Lake Superior, and in 1861 he located in Marquette, where he grew up and attended school; he afterward entered the office of William P. Healey, at Marquette, and was admitted to the bar in 1881; after being admitted came to Republic, and since then has practiced his profession here.
GUST BERGSTROM, of the firm of Bergstrom & CO., undertakers, carpenters and wagon-makers, is a native of Sweden, and was born November 13, 1835; grew up and learned his trade there, and was engaged in building schools. He emigrated to America in June, 1870, and came to Lake Superior the same year, and worked in Ishpeming two years, and in Cascade one year; then went to Michigamme; was burned out there, and lost $1,800 in money, which was burned, beside his tools and clothes. He came to Republic in 1874, and established his present business in 1880, and during the present year Louis Larson became a partner with him, and they have a good trade.
W. J. DOYLE, contractor and builder, is a native of Canada, and was born September 4, 1840. When only sixteen years of age, came to Lake Superior, to Ontonagon, and went to work in the Adventure Mine; remained in that district two years, and went from there on snow shoes to Houghton, and remained some years; then went to Canada, and spent five years there; again returned to Lake Superior and located at Marquette, and engaged in building. In 1871, he came to Republic, and was the first carpenter at work in the Republic Mine; for many years, he has been successfully engaged in contracting and building, and built the Catholic Church, the town hall and many others, and is now building the large bridge near the water-works; employs from ten to fifteen men. He owns a farm near town. In 1875, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and since then has held that office. He married Miss Ellen Leddy, a native of Ireland, October 4, 1879. They have two children—William J., Jr., and Ellen.
ALBERT J. DODGE, boss carpenter at Republic Mine, was born in Addison County, Vt., June 4, 1841; grew up and learned his trade there, and then came to Lake Superior, to Marquette, and was at the Collinsville Furnace three years, and was also with the Morgan Furnace and at the iron kilns; came with the Republic Company August 8, 1872, and since then has been with this company, and for the past three years has held his present position. He married Miss Mary Carroll, a native of New York State, St. Lawrence County, January 1, 1870. They have three children—William, Ella and Fred.
EDWIN G. DUNGEY, master mechanic of machine shops Republic Mine, is a native of Cornwall, England, and was born March 26, 1833; emigrated to America in 1854, and two years later, in 1856, came to Lake Superior, and located in Ontonagon County; the following year went to Houghton County, and remained there until 1870; was Superintendent of mills and machinery and machinist at smelting works. He came to the Republic Mine in 1873, and erected the first hoisting apparatus for hoisting dirt out of the mine by steam, and since then has held the position of master mechanic of the shops. In 1858, he married Miss Elizabeth Hocking, of Cornwall, England. They have six children—Elizabeth A., Edwin G., John F., Fred M., Emma and Melissa.
E. ERICSON, general merchant, is a native of Sweden, and was born January 24, 1844; emigrated to America in 1869, and came to the Upper Peninsula the same year. In 1873, he came to Republic, and entered a store as clerk. In the spring of 1878, engaged in business for himself, and has built up a good trade; has held the office of Town Clerk. In 1871, he married Miss Hannah Olson, a native of Sweden. They have four children—Hilda, Jalmar, Hugo and Arthur.
THOMAS GAMBLE, surface boss and time-keeper, West Republic Mine, is a native of Canada, and was born March 18, 1840; he lived in Canada until 1870, then came to Marquette County and was with the Humboldt Mine three years, then went back to Canada. In 1880, he came to Republic, and since then has been with the West Republic Company, and since the mine was opened, has held his present position. In September, 1868, he married Miss Caroline Johnson, a native of Canada.
MATTHEW GIBSON, contractor, is a native of Ireland, and was born in the city of Belfast January 1, 1828. His parents came to Canada when he was only two years of age, and he grew up to manhood there, though he has been an American in principle since he was twelve years of age; he came to Lake Superior in 1866, and located in Marquette County, and worked at the Washington Mine for six years; then came with Mr. Breitung to the Republic Company, and was appointed surface boss when the mine was first opened; was surface boss at the Gibson pit, the first pit named after an individual; he has been with the company for the past ten years, and is now engaged in contracting; he owns one-half interest in the La Crosse Mine at Champion, and is now engaged in developing it; he owns one-seventh interest in the Pacific Mine, and also owns a one-eighth interest in Section Twelve, this property is only a short distance from the West Republic Mine; is considered very valuable. Mr. Breitung presented Mr. Gibson with one hundred shares of full paid stock in the Mastodon Iron Company of Crystal Falls. In 1854, Mr. Gibson married Miss Eliza Ann Gamble, a native of Canada. They have four sons and eight daughters—Elizabeth, Margaret, now Mrs. A. Heath; Esther, now Mrs. Thomas Ball; Annie, Clara Belle, Mary L., Gertrude and Ethel, Thomas, James, Thoburn and Matthew.
JAMES GREGORY, carpenter, Republic Mine, is a native of Devonshire, England, and was born July 25, 1837; served apprenticeship as carpenter and builder; emigrated to the United States in 1860; went to New York State, and when the war broke out, enlisted in the Forty-seventh New York Volunteer Infantry, Independent Regiment; after the war, went South to New Mexico and Mexico. In 1875, came to Lake Superior, and the following year came to Republic, and for the past four years, has been in the employ of the Republic shops. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He was married January 2, 1871, to Miss Carrie Langhammer, of the city of Philadelphia, Penn.
MICHAEL GLEASON, general merchant, is a native of Ireland, and was born in 1842. His parents emigrated to this country in 1845 and settled in New York State, and he grew up there, and came to Lake Superior in 1869; settled in Marquette County; engaged in business in Michigamme in 1873, and remained there until 1880, when he came to Republic, and since then has been engaged in business here. He held office of Highway Commissioner and Supervisor in Michigamme. In 1865, he married Miss Mary Wallace, a native of Ireland. They have eight children—Matthew, James, Michael, John, Mollie, Willie, Annie and Agnes.
ROBERT HART, of the firm of Hart Bros., general merchants, is a native of Germany, and was born December 27, 1847. He came to the United States in 1865, and came to Lake Superior the same year, and located in the copper district and remained there six years; in 1871, went to Chicago and remained there five years, and in 1876, came to Marquette County; located at Republic the following year; bought out the business of Mitchell & St. Clair, and since then for the past five years, the firm of Hart Brothers have transacted a very large business here; they have a large store admirably arranged for the different departments of their business; they carry a heavy stock of goods, and have a large warehouse for storage purposes; they also transact a large business in fresh and salted meats, and have a large patent refrigerator ice house in which they can place a car-load of dressed meat at one time. This firm do a leading business in the trade of the Upper Peninsula. Mr. Hart was united in marriage Juno 15, 1873, to Miss Carrie Leopold, daughter of Henry F. Leopold, of Chicago. They have four children—Edgar, Rachel; Arthur and Corinne.
EMIL HART, of the firm of Hart Bros., general merchants, is a native of Germany, and was born in 1854; came to the United States in. 1870, and coming to Lake Superior, he associated with his brother Robert, and engaged in general mercantile business, and since then, the firm of Hart Brothers have successfully carried on a leading mercantile business in the trade of the Upper Peninsula. In April, 1882, Mr. Hart was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Austrian, daughter of Julius Austrian, of St. Paul. They went abroad, and are now making an extended tour in Europe.
ALBERT HEATH, of the firm of Heath & Wilson, manufacturers and dealers in lumber, is a native of Jefferson County, Wis., and was born June 23, 1852. After reaching manhood came to Lake Superior, and located in Marquette County, at Republic, and began work for the Republic Iron Company, and was connected with the saw-mill of the company four years; then acted as shipping clerk until 1881, when he and Mr. Wilson engaged in lumber, wood and coal business and contracting. They operate a portable sawmill, two miles from town, with capacity to cut 10,000 feet daily; and have demand for all they make. Mr. Heath Married Miss Eliza Gibson, a native of Canada, and daughter of Matthew Gibson, a prominent citizen of this place, May 7, 1879. They have one daughter.
F, H.. KEARNEY, general merchant, is a native of Wisconsin, and was born in Columbia County, December 27, 1855. He grew up and attended school there, and lived in that State until 1876, when he came to Marquette County, and two years later established his present business hi Republic, and has built up a large trade. In 1880, he erected his large and commodious store, in order to meet the demands of his trade. It is well arranged and finely located, and is one of the most attractive stores on the Peninsula. He also has a warehouse capable of storing a large supply of goods.
JAMES A. KIRKWOOD, dealer in drugs, medicines and fancy goods, is a native of Canada, and was born October 12, 1852. His parents came to the United States, and settled in Wisconsin. His father was Dr. A. A. Kirkwood, a prominent physician, and practiced his profession many years. The subject of this sketch came to Negaunee in 1868, remained one year, and then went to Chicago; afterward returned to Negaunee, and was connected with the drug business there four or five years, then went to Western Iowa and was engaged in mercantile business in Dennison for four years, and transacted an extensive business there. He returned to Lake Superior, and October 1, 1881, came to Republic and established his present business, and is building up a large trade.
JOHN KNEEBONE, engineer at water-works of Republic Mine, is a native of Cornwall, England, and was born January 1, 1849. He grew up there, and for many years was engaged in sailing and following the sea as engineer on steam vessels. He emigrated to America in 1881, and came to Marquette County the same year, and since then has lived here. In 1865, he married Miss Ellen Williams, a native of Cornwall, England. They have three children—Thomas, Mary Ellen and Bessie.
WILLIAM H. KNIGHT, foreman blacksmith shops at Republic Mine, is a native of Cornwall, England, and was born April 22, 1825. He emigrated to America in 1848, and went to North Carolina; the next year went to Wisconsin, then went to Lake Superior, and reached Ontonagon September 11, 1850; was employed by the Minnesota Mine, and was with that company for eighteen years; then went to Houghton, and was with the Florence & Franklin Mine; then went to Negaunee, and from there to Escanaba, and was in the employ of the C. & N. W. R. R. In 1873, he came to Republic, and for the past eight years has held his present position of foreman of the blacksmith shop, and is one of the oldest mechanics on Lake Superior. He married Miss Martha Brooks, a native of Cornwall, England, August 2, 1842. They have five children—James B., William H., Ralph C., Ernest A. and Josephine.
LOUIS J. LARSON, of the firm of Bergstrom & Co., undertakers, carpenters and wagon-makers, is a native of Norway, and was born September 13, 1848. He emigrated to America in April, 1872; was in Chicago a short time, and came to Lake Superior same year, settling in Michigamme, and worked at the Cascade Mine; in 1873, went to Marquette and remained there six years; in 1879, took charge of the Magnetic Mine, and remained there three and a half years, and during the present year formed a partnership with Mr. Bergstrom in their present business. He married Miss Johanna Anderson, September 3, 1881. She was born in Norway.
ALEX LAXSTROM, proprietor Iron City Hotel, was born in Finland January 22, 1817. He emigrated to this country in 1869, and came to Marquette County in 1872; engaged in saloon business in July, 1874; afterward engaged in the hotel business, and since then Mrs. Laxstrom has had charge of the house and made it the best hotel here. He married Priscilla Bartle May 7, 1868. She is a native of Cornwall, England. They have five children—Ellen, Harry, Bessie, Alexander and William.
J. H. McCABE, dealer in hardware, house furnishing goods and manufacturer of tinware, is a native of Lake Superior, and was horn at Ontonagon January 24 1857. When ten years of age, he came to Marquette and attended school and learned his trade there; came to Republic in 1878, and established his present business. He only had $5 when he started, but by industry and economy has a good stock of goods, and has built up a good trade, and has the only hardware store here.
CARL W. MERTZ, watch-maker and jeweler, was born in Saxony, Germany, June 20, 1849; he learned the trade of watch-maker there, and emigrated to America in 1870; lived in Chicago three years. In 1873, he came to the Upper Peninsula, and lived in Escanaba one year, in Marquette one year and in Houghton three years, and came to Republic in 1878, and engaged in his present business. He married Miss Maria Schmidt, August 19, 1876. She was born in Prussia.
GEORGE MITCHELL, Mining Captain of the West Republic Mine, is a brother of Capt. J. P. Mitchell, of Negaunee, and Capt. Sam Mitchell, of the Saginaw Mine. He was born in Devonshire, England, in 1835, emigrated to the United States in 1864 and came to Lake Superior the same year, and spent five years in the copper-country; then came to Marquette County, and worked under Mr. Brighton, at Humboldt, one year; then went to Negaunee, and was contracting at the Jackson six years; then went to the Humboldt, and had charge of the working of that mine three years, and for two years was with the Saginaw Company at the Keystone; in September, 1881, came with the West Republic Iron Mining Company, and since then has held his present position as Captain of the mine. In July, 1856, Capt. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Bennallack, a native of Devonshire, England. They have seven children—George B., Samuel S., William Henry, Lillian Ann, Katie, Mary E. and Amelia Jane.
JOSEPH MITCHELL, dealer in fresh and salted meats, is a native of Cornwall, England, and was born in June 25, 1842, and, after reaching manhood, came to the United States in May, 1865; came to Lake Superior the same year, and spent two years in the copper region. In 1867, he came to Marquette County, where he has lived the past fifteen years. He came to Republic, and established his present business in 1878, and since then has carried it on. In 1871, he married Miss Jane Wasley, a native of Cornwall, England. They have two children—Joseph and Ethel Jane.
DAVID MORGAN, President and Manager of the Republic Iron Company, was born in Wales February 15, 1820. His parents, Walter and Hannah Morgan, emigrated to the United States in 1837, and settled in Tioga County, Penn. After reaching manhood, the subject of this sketch removed to Luzerne County, in the anthracite region, and lived there over twenty years, and was engaged in the anthracite business. In 1868, he removed to Jefferson County, Ohio; was engaged in building an iron furnace and rolling mill, and was identified with the manufacturing of iron there for some years; from there he came to Republic, Mich., in 1876, to build the compressing works for the Republic Mine, and since then has had entire charge of the development of this great mine, and for some years has been President as well as manager of the company. He has had a large, practical experience in the development of mines and the manufacture of iron. His ability and experience have added much to the great degree of success which has attended the working of the mine. He enjoys an enviable reputation for integrity, and his written bond is no better than his word. He had nothing when he began life, and his success is owing to his own efforts. In 1860, Mr. Morgan was united in marriage to Miss Jeannette Evans, of Pennsylvania; she died in 1867, leaving one daughter—Anna Jeannette.
PROF. JOHN NORTHMORE, Principal of schools, is a native of Devonshire, England, and was born September 26, 1831; he received his education at the Walkhampton Schools; after reaching manhood, he came to the United States in 1857, and the following year came to Lake Superior, and soon after engaged in teaching at Eagle River; he taught there and in that vicinity for seven years, and removed to Hancock, and taught there for three years. In 1870, he came to Marquette County, and was appointed Principal of the schools at Ishpeming, and had charge of the schools there for six years. In 1876, he came to Republic, and since then has had charge of the schools here. Prof. Northmore has had a large experience as an educator, having been engaged in teaching over twenty years on the Upper Peninsula. He is a member of the County Board of Examiners, and has served as Town and City Superintendent of Schools. In 1857, he married Miss Elizabeth Matters, a native of Devonshire, England; she died in July, 1881, leaving four children—Edith, John, Mary and Willie. He was united in marriage, August 4, 1882, to Mrs. Kate M. Robinson, of Brooklyn, N. Y.
PETER PASCOE, Captain of the Republic Mine, is a native of Cornwall, England, and was born February 16, 1831; when only ten years of age, he entered the mines. He emigrated to America in 1851, and went to mining in West Virginia for a short time; then went to Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in tunneling for a railroad, and was the youngest boss on the work, and got the highest wages. In 1857, went in the employ of the Cambria Iron Works, at Johnstown, Penn., and had charge of timbering in the mine. In 1861, he came to Lake Superior, and was with the Isle Royal Mine as first timberman for a short time, and then Captain. In 1835, he went to Copper Falls, and was the first Captain of the famous Calumet & Hecla Mine, and opened it up, and built the Torch Lake Tram Road. In 1869, came to Marquette County, and was connected with the Washington, now the Humboldt Mine, and for three years worked 100 men in taking out ore on contract; then came with the Republic Iron Mining Company, and opened up their property, and since then has had practical charge of the development of this great mine. He holds the office of Supervisor, and for the past two years has served as Chairman of the Board, and has held town and. school offices. Capt. Pascoe married Miss Jane Terrill, of Cornwall, England, February 3, 1853. They have nine children—Frank, Carrie. Bessie, Peter, Jr., Jennie, Richard, Millie, Day and Athie.
E. S. ROWLAND, Postmaster, is a native of Paris, Portage Co., Ohio, born April 11, 1815; he attended school there, and afterward went to Pittsburgh and took commercial course at the Iron City Commercial College; he came to Lake Superior in the fall of 1870, and was with the Iron Cliff Company, at Negaunee, four years, and was afterward connected with the Spurr Mine three years. He came to Republic in September, 1878, and received the appointment of Postmaster July 1, 1880, and since then has held that position with honor. He held the office of Township Treasurer of Tilden Township three years, and also of Spurr Township two years, and was elected Supervisor one year. He is a brother of William Rowland, of Marquette, present County Clerk. Mr. Rowland was united in marriage, April 29, 1872, to Miss Jennie Fairfield, of Macomb County, Mich. They have two children—Edith Stella and Jennie Florence.
JAMES O. ST. CLAIR, manager of the West Republic Iron Mining Company, is a native of Strongsville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and was born October 19, 1852. He is the son of Dr. James J. St. Clair, prominently identified with the interests of Marquette County and the Upper Peninsula. Mr. St. Clair, since reaching manhood, has been engaged with his brothers in mercantile and banking business. They are largely interested in mineral lands. Since the organization of the West Republic Mining Company, he has had the active management of the development of the mine.
DR. L. B. TAFT, physician and surgeon to Republic Mine, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, December 22, 1825. He attended school in Summit County and at Allegheny College, Meadville. Studied medicine in Ohio and attended lectures in Cleveland and at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and graduated in 1857. Previous to graduating, he came to Lake Superior, and for a short time was located at Ontonagon; then went to Houghton and was physician for the Isle Royal and Portage Mines and other mines for eighteen months; in 1863, returned to Ontonagon and was there two years; in 1837, went to Marquette and practiced his profession there for fifteen years; in 1883, was appointed physician for the Republic Mine, and came here to reside. In December, 1856, Dr. Taft was united in marriage to Miss Jane Howard, of Ashtabula County, Ohio. She died in November, 1870, leaving one son—Harry Howard, now attending the Michigan State University. In December, 1872, Dr. Taft married Mrs. Alice Miller, of Louisville, Ky. They have one son, Harvey.
WILLIS E. TYLER, freight and ticket agent, M., H. & O. R. R., and agent American Express, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Cincinnati May 29, 1833. For the past twelve-years, has been connected with the M , H. & O. R. R., and holds the position of freight and ticket agent and express agent here. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Warner, a native of New York State, December 5, 1876. They have one son—Clifford Warner.
H. UNTERNAHRER, watchmaker and jeweler, is a native of Switzerland, and was born in 1818; he learned his trade there, and emigrated to the United States in 1873; lived in New York for a time; then came to Chicago and lived there two years; then came to Lake Superior, and has since lived in Marquette County; he worked at his trade here for several years, and in 1881 engaged in his present business. In 1874, he married Miss Ernstine Siegler, a native of Germany. They have three children—Fred, Julius and Mary.
C. M. WICKER, manager Columbia Iron Company, is a native of Addison County, Vt., and was born August 25, 1815. After reaching manhood, came west to St. Louis in 1865, and for two years was connected with the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad; then received the appointment on the North Missouri Railroad of Chinese agent for securing coolie labor for the south; in 1869, was appointed Assistant General Freight Agent of the company; held that position until 1871, when he accepted the position of Assistant General Freight Agent of the Chicago & North-Western Railway. In addition to the duties of this position, he had charge of and settled the fire claims against the company resulting from the great fire in Chicago; held that position for five years; then accepted the position of General Agent of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad for Chicago and the West. One year later, was made Assistant General Freight Agent in charge of all freight matters west of the Ohio River, and during the same year was appointed Traffic Manager in charge of the freight, passenger and telegraph express business of the lines west of the Ohio River, and held that position for two years, when the whole department was removed to Baltimore and amalgamated with the general offices of the company at that point. In 1880, Mr. Wicker, with other capitalists, organized the Columbia Iron Company, and since then he has had the active management of the development of the interests of the company here, and at the same time looking after his own and other interests in Marquette County.
CARL WEINBERG, druggist, and jewelry and fancy goods, is a native of Sweden, and was born October 11, 1838. He grew up and learned the drug business, and passed his examination as druggist and apothecary at the Royal Pharmaceutical Institute, Stockholm. Ile came to the united States in 1870, and came to Marquette and located at Republic in 1876, and established his present business, and commands a large trade.
EDWARD WILSON, foreman yard and tracks M., H. & O. R. R., is a native of Ireland, and was born August 15, 1854. He emigrated to this country in 1872, and came to Lake Superior the same year and entered the employ of the M., H. & O. R. R., and since then, for the past ten years, has been connected with the company, and holds the position of foreman of yards and tracks.
THOMAS S. WILLIAMS, Republic Mine, was born in Cornwall, England, December 2, 1832. His parents emigrated to America in 1841, and he was brought up in Schuylkill County, Penn. He came to Lake Superior in 1857, and arrived at Eagle River June 16 that year; was engaged in copper mining for thirteen years. In 1870, came to Marquette County, and was with the Lake Superior Company two years, and for about two years had charge of the Albion property. In June, 1874, he began work at the Republic Mine, and since then, for the past eight years, has been with the company and had charge of risen, He has held the office of Town Treasurer and Justice of the Peace and school offices; was three years Moderator of the board; he has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for twenty-nine years, and is one of the oldest members of the order in Lake Superior. He married Miss Eliza Thomas, of Cornwall, England, July 24, 1851. They have seven children—Thomas H.. Elizabeth A., Richard, Samuel J., Margaret S., William A. F. and Edith C.
Champion is a village on the Marquette, Houghton & Ontonagon Railroad, in Marquette County, thirty-two miles west of Marquette and about seventy-five southeast of Houghton. The settlement was first made in 1863. The surrounding country is mountainous and but little cultivated, potatoes being the principal crop. Immense beds of iron ore exist here, and mining and smelting are extensively carried on. The product of the Champion Mine for 1871, as indicated by the shipments, was 67,588 tons of ore, and 5,094 tons of pig iron.
REV. THOMAS J. ATFIELD, pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart, is a native of Lake Superior, and was born in Marquette January 10, 1857; he attended school there, taking the high school course, and then went to Montreal, where he took his classical course; he went to Milwaukee, where he took his philosophical course and pursued his theological studies, and was ordained in Marquette by Bishop Vertin May 20, 1880, and was the first native of Upper Michigan ordained in the ministry of the church here; he was appointed assistant at Hancock, and in February, 1882, assumed charge of his present pastorate here and at Michigamme.
WILLIAM FISHER, dealer in fresh and salted meats and vegetables, is a native of Scotland and was born February 22, 1852; his parents came to Canada during his early boyhood; he came to Lake Superior in 1864, to the copper district, and he lived there sixteen years. In 1880, he came to Marquette County, lived one year in Ishpeming, and came to Champion and engaged in his present business in April, 1881, and has a large established trade. He married Miss Mary Jeffrey of Quincy, Lake Superior, November 6, 1880. They have two children—James E. and Clara E.
WALTER FITCH, agent of the Pascoe and Dalliba Mines, is a native of England, and was born in the city of London January 20, 1854. After reaching manhood he came to the United States in 1874, and came to Lake Superior the same year and located at Marquette; he was connected with the M., H. & O. R. R., and held the position of shipping agent for several years In 1881, he was appointed agent at the Pascoe and Dalliba Mines, and since then has held that position.
I. FREUND, physician and surgeon for the Champion Iron Company, is a native of Germany, and was born September 14, 1846; he came to the United States in 1855, and received his education at the State University at Ann Arbor; then studied medicine, and graduated from the Medical Department of the State University in 1872. After graduating, he came to Lake Superior, and located at Marquette, and practiced medicine there for a time; then removed to L'Anse, and practiced his profession there, and was surgeon for the M., H. & O. R. R.; he remained there until 1879, when he came to Champion, and was appointed surgeon for the Champion Iron Company, and since then has held that position. Dr. Freund was united in marriage October 9, 1870, to Miss Jennie Spaulding. She is a daughter of Judge Spaulding of Port Huron, Mich. They have two children—Ray S. and Jed Burt.
C. T. HAMPTON, local agent of the East Champion Iron Company, is a native of Auburn, N. Y., and was born January 1, 1860. His parents came to Lake Superior in 1868, and located at Marquette; he remained there until 1871; after spending a few years elsewhere, he returned to Marquette, and was with J. W. Spear and also F. B. Spear; he entered the employ of the East Champion December 1, 1881, and the following April was appointed local agent of the company at the mine.
GEORGE HUBER, dealer in fresh and salted meats. was horn in France, on the Rhine, seven miles from Strasbourg, November 27, 1843; he emigrated to America in 1850, and grew up in Portage City, Wis.; he came to Lake Superior in 1863, in the employ of the rail road company, with two car loads of horses, and landed at Flat Rock, near Escanaba, October 5, and poled them up the river to the mills; he was with the railroad company one year; then entered the employ of the Iron Cliff Company, and remained with that company twelve years; then started a butcher shop in Negaunee; in 1878, came to Champion, and established his present business, and has built up a good trade, and has built one of the best arranged markets on the Upper Peninsula; he married Miss Dora Muck, a native of Germany, November 5, 1872. They have four children—George, Henry, Nellie and Carrie.
WILLIAM LEHMANN, foreman carpenter shops, Champion Mine, is a native of Germany, and was born November 24, 1837; his parents emigrated to America in 1840, and came to Milwaukee; he learned his trade, and went South in 1853, living there six years; then came to Illinois; he came to Lake Superior in 1866, and since then, for the past sixteen years, has lived in Marquette County, and has been engaged in building; since May, 1881, has held his present position. In 1866, he married Miss Elizabeth Heppy, a native of Germany. They have three children—William, George and Albert.
JOHN M. LORD, real estate and mining, is a native of New York State, and was born in Rensselaer County May 29, 1825; he was raised in Washington County, and went to Cleveland in 1852, and lived there until 1858; then removed to Crawford County; he came to Lake Superior in 1866, and entered the employ of the M., H. & O. R. R. one year, and was with the Lake Superior Company two years, and came to Champion in 1869, and was with the Champion Company seven years, and had charge of the machinery; since then has been interested in mining and buying and selling lands. Mr. Lord married Miss Charlotte Youlen March 11, 1847; she is a native of Washington County, N. Y.
GEORGE McALISTER, book-keeper Champion Mine, is a native of Schenectady, N. Y., and was born September 27, 1845. He attended school in that State, and came West in 1861 to Berlin, Wis.; remained in that State until 1873, then came to Lake Superior. He was appointed to his present position in 1876. In 1859, Mr. McAlister was united in marriage to Miss Huldah Perrigo, of Lorain, Ohio. They have one daughter—Jessie.
B. T. McKAY, Postmaster, dealer in drugs and fancy goods, is a native of Canada. He came to Lake Superior in 1869, and located in Marquette County, at Humboldt, and remained there about eight years. He came to Champion, and since then has been engaged in business here. In 1877, he was appointed Postmaster of Beacon Post Office, and still holds that position; has held the office of Supervisor, and is now a member of the School Board.
GILBERT MARCOTTE, foreman railroad track of Champion Iron Mine, is a native of Canada, and was born in 1839 and lived there until 1861; then came to Marquette County, and entered the employ of the M., H. & O. R. R., and was with that company fifteen years, and for the past three years has held his present position at the Champion Mine. In 1870, he married Miss Dennese Dubaous, a native of Canada. They have five children—Gilbert, Zephrey, Mary. Emma and Dennese.
WILLIAM MENHENNITT, proprietor Champion Hotel, is a native of Cornwall, England, and was born September 4, 1815; after reaching manhood, was engaged in commercial life, and for twelve years was connected with a large seed house, and was afterward appointed agent for Vivian Sons, dealing. in copper ore and coal, and held that position for six years. He came to the United States in 1866, and lived in Massachusetts one year, and lived in Providence thirteen years. In May, 1882, he came to Marquette and located at Champion, and since then has kept the Champion House. In 1865, he married Miss Anna Maria Uren, a native of England. They have one son—Fred W.
JAMES PASCOE, Captain of the Champion Mine, is a native of Cornwall, England, and was born September 17, 1839. He came to this country in 1863, and was in Nova Scotia during the gold excitement, and had the management of a mine there. After the reported discoveries of silver lead at Lake Superior, he was sent up here to make an examination of them, and did so, and reported adversely. In 1815, he came to Marquette County; he was with the Edwards Mine for six years, and while at this mine was the first to introduce in Marquette County the present plan of underground mining, and was also the first to introduce and use wire cable for pumping purposes, while connected with the Pittsburg & Lake Angeline Company. He located the shaft and shaft-houses of the Champion Mine, and since July 1, 1875, for eight years, has been connected with the Champion Iron Company, and has held his present position in the active management of the working of their mines. His large practical experience, and his acknowledged ability, have added much to the degree of success which has attended the development of the valuable property of this company during the past few years. He has also discovered the Marine, the Dalliba, the Jim Pascoe, the North Dalliba and other valuable mines. In 1870, Capt. Pascoe was united in marriage to Miss Susan Behenna, who was born in England, but of Scotch descent, and came to this country when a child. They have five children—Edwin, Alma, Arthur. Freddie and Eber.
R. R. THOMAS, contractor and builder, is a native of London, England, and was born June 22, 1842. His parents emigrated to America in 1843, and came to Detroit. He first came to Lake Superior in 1857; before the war, he served on the revenue cutter J. B. Floyd on the lakes, and after the war broke out, he enlisted in Battery H, First Michigan Regiment, and served three years. He re-enlisted for one year; after the war, came to Detroit, and was there until 1870; went to Wyandotte, and was engaged for three years in building there. In 1873, he came to Marquette, and for three years and a half was foreman carpenter of the Marquette & Pacific Rolling Mills, and since then has been engaged in contracting and building. He married Miss Amanda Garlick, a native of Dundas, Canada, January 24, 1866. They have one son—Raphael, and lost three children—James W., Elizabeth A. and Charlotte.
THOMAS H. WALLACE, freight and ticket agent of the M., H. & O. R. R., is a native of Lake Superior, and was born in Ontonagon County June 15, 1857. His parents were among the early settlers on Lake Superior. They removed to Hancock during his early childhood. He came to Marquette County in 1869. In 1876, he entered the employ of the M., H. & O. R. R., and has held his present position since May 1, 1879. He holds the office of Postmaster; was appointed in July, 1879, and is also agent of the express company.
This is a settlement in the iron mining district, Marquette County. It is on the Marquette, Houghton & Ontonagon Railway, in Ely Township, twenty-eight miles west of Marquette. The mines of the Washington Iron Company are located here, the product of which for 1871 was 48,725 tons of ore. The Escanaba River flows through Humboldt. Settled in 1864.
E. P. ATFIELD, mining clerk Argyle Mine, is a native of Lake Superior, and was born in Marquette August 4, 1858. He attended school there, and completed his education elsewhere. He came to Humboldt in May, 1881, and since then has held his present position as clerk of the Argyle Mining Company. His father is one of the oldest settlers of the Upper Peninsula, and is now living in Marquette.
JAMES BALE, Captain Argyle Mine, was born in Devonshire, England, July 4, 1844. His parents came to Canada in 1848, and he lived there, near Toronto, and worked in the Bruce Mine on the north shore. He came to Marquette County in 1868, and worked at the Jackson Mine four years. In 1872, he went to the Winthrop Mine, and was inspector of ore there, and soon after was appointed superintendent of the rolling mill mine, and held that position until 1878. The next year he was with the Cambria Mine. In 1881, was appointed Captain of the Argyle Mine, and since then has held that position. In March, 1876, he married Miss Mary Ann Ross, a native of Canada. They have two children—Charles Ross and Amy C.
JOHN HOSKING, Mining Captain Humboldt Mine, is a native of Cornwall, England, and was born November 6, 1839. He emigrated to this country in 1859, and came to Lake Superior the same year, and engaged in mining at Ontonagon, and came to Marquette County in 1866. He has been with the Humboldt Mining Company since 1876, and was appointed Captain of the mine in September, 1879, and since then has held that position. He has held the office of Highway Commissioner and Justice of the Peace. He married Miss Ann Andrews, a native of England, July 12, 1843. They have nine children—Jane, Annie, Joshua, Clara, James, Samuel H., Carrie, Alma and Edna.
P. J. McNAMARA, freight and ticket agent of the Marquette. Houghton & Ontonagon Railroad, is a native of Lake Superior, and was born in Ontonagon County May 3, 1859. In 1871, he came to Marquette, and entered the employ of the Marquette, Houghton & Ontonagon Railroad, and was with the company there for nine years, and most of the time was in the office of the cashier, and was time keeper. In 1880, he was appointed freight and ticket agent at this place, and since then has held that position. He also holds the office of Postmaster and agent of the express company. He married Miss Abbe Harrington, of Marquette, October 18, 1881; they have one son—Edward Harold.
ALBERT J. MAAS, general merchant, is a native of Lake Superior, and was born at Port Washington December 9, 1852; he grew up and attended school in Marquette and Negaunee and learned the tinner trade; was in his father's hardware store, and afterward engaged in drug business. After the organization of the First National Bank, he held the position of cashier. He engaged in mercantile business in 1877, and since then has successfully carried it on here, and has built up a large trade; he was elected Town Treasurer and held that office two terms. In 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Quinn, of Negaunee. They have two children—Alberti and Angeline.
I. B. MAAS, manager of the Humboldt Mine, is a native of Germany, and was born July 6, 1826. After reaching manhood, he emigrated to America, in 1846, and came to Lake Superior in 1851, and located in the copper region at Eagle River; was engaged in butchering and stock-raising there for some years. In 1858, came to Marquette, and for six years worked in the shops of the Marquette, Houghton & Ontonagon Railroad. In 1864, he engaged in the hardware trade in Negaunee, and successfully carried on the business there for six years. In 1871, he and Capt. Mitchell and N. Lornsdorf leased the Saginaw Mine, and sold it out in 1872, realizing handsomely on their investment. In 1876, they, with Mr. Breitung, leased the Humboldt Mine, and since then have been successfully engaged in developing this mine, which is producing a large amount of ore, and will ship 40,000 tons this year. In 1872, Messrs. Maas, Lornsdorf & Mitchell organized the First National Bank of Negaunee. Mr. Maas is the resident manager of the Humboldt Mine, and is also opening the Star Hematite Mine at Negaunee. He is one of the oldest settlers of the Upper Peninsula. When he began life, he had nothing, and his success is owing to his own efforts. He has held town offices; served as President of the Village Board, Treasurer and Alderman. He married Miss Angeline Seion, a native of Germany, August 10, 1851. They have eight sons—Albert J. (merchant at Humboldt), Edward A. (superintendent Star Iron Mining Company, Negaunee), Rudolph J. (took royal diploma at Edinboro, Europe, and is now practicing physician in Chicago), Frank N. (in store at Humboldt), George J. (attending school of mines in Europe), William J. (machinist at Marquette), Walter L. (at home). They have one daughter—Ida M.
WILLIAM PELMIAR is a native of Cornwall, England, and was born May 25, 1836. He emigrated to America in 1858, and came to Lake Superior the same year; located at Ontonagon, and engaged in mining; lived there six years; then lived in other parts of the State about six years; came to Marquette County in 1870, and since then has lived here. He married Miss Caroline Terrell, a native of England, October 9, 1861. They have six children—Strevelina, Mary Jane, Nicholas, Carrie, Bessie, Edna.
Helena is a hamlet of Marquette County, on the Chicago & North-Western Railroad, thirty-five miles above Escanaba.
Forsyth, known also as Little Lake, is in the now township of Forsyth, Marquette County, nineteen miles south of Marquette in a direct line, and thirty-two miles by the Chicago & North-Western Railroad. It is forty-one miles north of Escanaba. The village was settled in 1863. In 1881, its population was set down at sixty; but, with its steam saw-mills, shingle and planing factories, schools, and prospective churches, this number is gradually increasing.
The hamlet called Plains, a short distance north of Forsyth, forty-six miles north of Escanaba, on the Chicago & North-Western Railroad, is the nucleus of a prosperous village.
Cascade, Theodore, Crystal Falls, Goose Lake, Chocolay, Tilden and Palmer are the names of other settlements in the county.
Harvey, a village in Marquette County, four miles-southeast of Marquette, on the lake shore, is the seat of the Northern Iron Company's blast furnace, which was built in 1860 and operated for several years, but which has been allowed to stand idle since 1867.
Morgan, seven and a half miles from Marquette, was simply the location of the Morgan Iron Company's blast furnace, which, in 1871, manufactured 4,702 tons of pig iron.
Greenwood Furnace, the next station west of Ishpeming, on the Marquette, Houghton & Ontonagon Railroad, is in Ely Township, Marquette County, twenty-two miles west of Marquette and nine miles west of Negaunee. It is the location of the blast furnaces of the Michigan Iron Company, the product of which for 1871 was about forty-five hundred tons of pin iron. The settlement was first made in 1865. The surrounding country is rough and rocky, and potatoes are almost the only crop cultivated.
Clarksburg, twenty-six miles from Marquette, on the Marquette, Houghton & Ontonagon Railroad, was first settled in 1862. The hamlet is located on a branch of the Escanaba River, in the midst of a rough and hilly but rich iron country. The village was platted in 1881, by George P. Cummings, for William Ward, of Pittsburgh, Penn.
J. R. HUMPHREY, physician and surgeon for the Boston and Sterling Mining Companies, is a native of Loudoun County, Va., and was born February 12, 1853. He received his literary education there and at Randolph, Macon College, and pursued his medical studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Md., where he was graduated in the spring of 1874. After his graduation, he engaged in the practice of medicine at his native place, and, in the all of 1880, took a special course in medicine and surgery in New York City. Receiving the appointment to his present position, he came to Lake Superior in 1881, and since then, has practiced his profession here.
The village of Iron City was platted in 1874. The Republic Iron Company's Addition was platted in September, 1879, by G. I. Cummings.
The city of Stoneville was surveyed and platted by E. M. Spalding, Civil Engineer, in July, 1876, for Robert Nelson.
The village of Theodore was platted for the Lake Superior Ship Canal, Railway and Iron Company, by J. A. Van Clive, in June, 1881.
The village of Metropolitan was platted in July, 1881, for the Metropolitan Mining Company.
The village of Crystal Falls was platted for George Runkel and James H. Howe, by John Pumpelly, in August, 1881.
The village of Stambaugh was platted in June, 1882, by John V. Snydam.
The village of Iron River was laid out during the summer of 1882, by the McKinnon Bros., and is rapidly building up a good town. Several large stores have already been erected, and, from its favorable location and wealth of mineral treasures, it will soon become one of the more important villages of the iron region. A saw-mill is also in successful operation, furnishing abundant building material.
Winthrop Village is located in the neighborhood of the mine of that name. Besides the quarter-section of which the company has the lease, it also controls the surface right to eighty acres adjoining on the north, the two forties cornering at the center. On these most of the houses and surface improvements are built, among which are included a fine, large schoolhouse and a new Methodist Church, etc.
Bancroft, Bruce, and Saginaw also belong to Marquette County, and each forms the center of a settlement. The above-mentioned villages, with the three important cities of Ishpeming, Negaunee and Marquette, may be said to form the county at present. The manufacturing village of Eagle Mills, where a large saw-mill is operated; the saw-mill at Teal Lake, and perhaps a few other small centers of population, are included in the county.
Both the Chicago & North-Western and the Marquette, Houghton & Ontonagon Railroads have branches into the location; about one hundred men were employed in 1882, and a sufficient number of comfortable houses are provided for their accommodation. The location is three miles from Ishpeming, in a southwest direction, and is connected therewith by an excellent wagon road.
At Eagle Mills, and, in fact, throughout all these villages, the spirit of improvement and go ahead is apparent. On every hand the observer notices changes in progress, and these changes add little by little to the general appearance of the neighborhoods of which they form a part. Here a wood-colored house is receiving paint; farther on, a new building, a little better than its fellows, is looming up, and it is a little farther removed from the street-way; that log concern in the street has been removed; here a culvert put in; a new awning ornaments the front of this store—and so the village marches on over the paths of progress.
WILLIAM K. DUNWOODY, foreman of F. W. Read & Co.'s mills; came to Lake Superior and located in Marquette County in 1876, and since 1880 has held the above position.
WALTER C. OLCOTT, book-keeper for F. W. Read & Co., Eagle Mills, born in New York in 1854; came West in 1870. Married Miss Hattie Rowe, of Waupaca, Wis., in 1872; came to Eagle Mills in 1881, since which time has held present position. Is Township Treasurer and Justice of the Peace.
F. W. READ, manufacturer and dealer in lumber, is a native of England, and was born November 9, 1849; he came to this country in 1861, and came to Lake Superior in 1868, and was employed with the M., H. & O. R. R. for four years, then with the Morgan Iron Company until the fall of 1873, when he engaged in the manufacture of lumber. The following year, the saw-mill burned; he rebuilt it again, and in 1875, the mill was again destroyed by fire; but nothing daunted by misfortune, he built another and larger mill which has been in successful operation since. The firm of F. W. Read & Co., in 1880, started another mill at Michigamme, and they manufacture from 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 feet of lumber annually, and transact a large business. Mr. Read has held the office of Supervisor for the past six years, and other town offices.
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Marquette MIGenWeb Site Links Index | Vitals | Military | Schools | Cemeteries and Places | Photos | Volunteer
Copyright © 2004-2011 all rights reserved on html coding and graphics by . Volunteers hold copyright to the material they have donated for this site. Not to be copied and used in any format to any other site or in any other media.
