CHAMBERS BROTHERS is the name of one of the best-known mercantile firms of St. Ignace. prominent not only in the business affairs of the city, but connected with its development in many ways. This firm succeeded that of J. Chambers & Brothers, whose career began about the close of the civil war, and marks an important chapter in the history of modern St. Ignace. This city has three distinct historic periods. It was founded about the time Philadelphia sprang into existence, and the mission reports indicate it to be a village of sixty- houses all in a row, in which lived ten professors and five hundred students. This was as early as 1700. The second period of its existence is embodied in no written account, and the destruction and the destiny of its inhabitants can only be conjectured. The period of its modern existence begins with the latter half of the nineteenth century, when it again became a commercial point.

Fishing and lumbering for many years furnished the only means of subsistence to the inhabitants of St. Ignace, and fish and lumber were the articles of commerce which were sent from out this northern country in sufficient quantities to make men wealthy. Chambers Brothers saw here an opportunity of doing a good business, by supplying the fishermen with needed articles, and to that end opened a small store. Not long afterward they extended their operations by buying, packing and selling fish, and still later they, too, engaged in fishing, using the gill net and old pound net. In the height of their career as fishermen they operated two tugs besides numerous small boats, and their shipments reached 2. $00 packages to one point at a shipment. They thus accumulated snug fortunes and abandoned fishing only when the supply of trout was greatly exhausted. In the meantime their mercantile business had largely grown, and for some time they also conducted a branch house at Naubinway, which was discontinued as recently as 1894. In 1874 the firm supplied the public need by building a dock. They have also erected a number of stores, have greatly improved the residence property in this city and are now extensive owners of real estate.

The present firm is composed of Patrick and Michael Chambers, both of Irish birth and sons of John Chambers, a native of county Mayo, Ireland. The family came to the Upper Peninsula in 1849 and located on Mackinac island, where the father was at times a sailor and farmer. He had little means at the time of his arrival, but successfully managed his business interests and became well-to-do. His death occurred in Saint Ignace in 1890, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. He taught his children the essential elements of industry and straightforward dealing, which have led them to prosperity and financial independence.

Patrick Chambers was born in 1842. His two older brothers, William and John, are both deceased. The latter left two children, William and Aggie. There is also a deceased sister, Bridget, younger than Patrick, and Michael was followed by a sister, Mary, who has also passed away, while Kate and Charles complete the family. In the school of experience Patrick and Michael Chambers acquired their knowledge, and through contact with the world they have become practical business men. During youth they engaged in fishing for others, and when they had attained their majority began business for themselves. They are self-made men in the truest sense of that often misused term, and their honorable and enviable career reflects credit upon their sagacity and business ability. Michael was once a member of the Michigan Legislature, and in 1871 Patrick was elected Supervisor of Ignace township, in which capacity he served for nine years, resigning to accept the position of County Treasurer, to which he had been elected. He concluded his long service in that office in 1883. and has since devoted his energies alone to his business. Any worthy enterprise promotes the welfare of the community in which it is located, and by their business interests and in many other ways the Chambers brothers have aided in the development and upbuilding of the historic and interesting city of St. Ignace.

Memorial Record of the Northern Peninsula 1895