Jackson County, MI
'M' Biographies

John T. Main, physician and surgeon, was born in Albion, Maine, May 25, 1831. His father, Josiah Main, was a professional teacher most of his life, and under his instruction his son was chiefly educated; graduated from China Academy, Maine. A few years after, he became its Principal, and continued in that position there and of Freedom Academy several years. At the age of 23 he was chosen a member of the State Legislature, and was several times re-elected to that body. He read medicine in Waterville, Maine; became a student in the medical department of Harvard University, from which he graduated in 1857. The Doctor began practice in China, Me., subsequently moved to Unity, Me., remaining until he came to Jackson in July 1872. In 1859 Doctor Main married Miss Feroline M. Williams, of Thomaston, Me. Fred W. Main is their only child. Doctor Main entered the army as Surgeon of the 2d Reg. Maine Vol. Inf. just before the battle of Fredricksburg, but failing health compelled him to resign a few months later. The Doctor is a member of the Maine State Medical Society, the State Medical Association of Michigan, and of the American Microscopical Association. Is Republican in politics.

David Markham, farmer, Jackson, Mich., was born in Avon, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 1, 1804; was reared on a farm and received a common-school education; remained with his parents until he was 23 years old. In 1826 he married Miss Clarissa Noble, of Vermont; she was born in 1807, and died March 12, 1847, leaving 8 children - William D., Marcus, Levant, Frank, Milo, Norman, Ransom and Ada; Luther is deceased. Mr. M. afterward married Miss Anna A. Birch, who was born in Seneca county, N. Y., in 1818; there were by this marriage 9 children - Darwin F., Charles C., Wayne, Clarence E., Emma (dead), Ellen, Ida and Gertie, (one died in infancy), making 18 children, 15 of whom are living. In 1832 Mr. Markham came to Jackson to see the country. His father, who was with him, was not favorably impressed, and returned to New York. In 1836 Mr. M. moved to Jackson, and located on sec. 21, where he built a house and commenced to make a farm, - at that time there was but one frame building in Jackson. For their milling they went to Dexter and Adrian. They came with an ox team as did several others, and were 15 days in making the trip. In an early day he was a leading man in the county, taking a lively interest in all the affairs of the county pertaining to its elevation. He has held the office of Supervisor, and several local offices of trust; has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for over 50 years.

Charles B. McAlvey, proprietor of the Bolinger Manufacturing Works, was born in Washtenaw County, Mich. in 1850. He was educated in the schools of Ann Arbor, completing the high school course, and at 15 years of age entered the employ of the National Bank, of that place, as collector for a time, then went to Northern Michigan, and, being of a mechanical turn, engaged in machine work, and later, ran an engine two years in a mill in Huron County; returning to Ann Arbor, he sand the artesian well in the city. In March, 1872, Mr. McAlvey entered the employ of Tyson, Robinson & Co., Manistee, Mich., as engineer for their lumber manufactory, turning out 130,000 feet per day. Two years later he came to Jackson, and assisted in putting the machinery into the Pulp Works, and was the engineer for the company until February 1880. In May following he, in company with John D. Vance, bought the Bolinger manufactory. They make a specialty of models, patterns, and general light machinery. In October 1847, Mr. McAlvey married Emma H. Jefferson, of Jackson County. They have had 2 sons and a daughter. Mr. McA. Is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Lodge 17, and of the Knights of Honor, Lodge 999.

Although Michigan was the thirteenth state admitted into the Union after the thirteen original colonies had formed themselves into states and established the federation, it is, nevertheless, not generally considered an unlucky state. It is quite certain that hundreds of thousands of its inhabitants, some of whom were residents of the region at the time of its admission, are not only lucky, but the descendants of those very people are among the most fortunate, so far as material wealth, financial prosperity and domestic happiness are concerned, of any who may be found in the entire union. A trip through almost any part of Michigan, more especially through Jackson County, will have a very strong tendency to shake the faith of the most credulous believer in the potency of the figures thirteen as being an unlucky number. The father and grandfather of the subject of this review, Leander L. McCain, had been residents of Jackson County seven years when, in 1837, the state was admitted. There the family has resided from that time to the present, have grown with the country, enhanced their material wealth and enjoyed every blessing that the average citizen of any state could desire or wish for.

Leander L. McCain was born on a farm in Jackson County, Michigan, July 9, 1850. His parents were Alonzo and Sophronia (Waite) McCain, natives of Batavia, New York, the father born in 1825, and his wife about three years later. The paternal grandfather of the subject, Leander McCain, was also a native of Batavia, New York, where he was reared. He was born in the year 1794, and soon after marriage, in 1831, came to Jackson county, where he entered land, and about two years later brought his family out and established a home. There he resided until his death and there the descendants who survive him still reside. He took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, four miles west of the geographical center of Jackson county, which is still a part of the possessions of the family. Leander McCain,-, the progenitor of the family in Michigan, died at the family home in 1842.

Alonzo, father of Leander L. McCain, grew to manhood in Jackson County, and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He was a thrifty, enterprising, prosperous citizen, who aided his father in the cultivation of the farm until he found it necessary, through the death of his father, to take complete charge. He was only seventeen years old when his father died, but manliness and self-reliance being characteristic of the family, he did not hesitate to face the responsibility thus thrust upon him by relentless fate. Within a very short time after the burial of his father the youth of seventeen became the thoughtful, methodical head of the family.

On attaining man's estate, in 1847, Alonzo McCain was united in marriage to Miss Sophronia Waite, a native of Batavia, New York. They took up their home upon the homestead, continued to engage in farming and stock raising and prospered most gratifyingly. The good wife and mother died March 6, 1871, while he survived her about twenty-six years, having departed this life January 29, 1897. He had added to the original quarter section left by his father, until the farm at present comprises four hundred acres, splendidly improved, upon which he erected a fine residence, furnished it luxuriantly and built all other necessary and desirable buildings on the place. It is well stocked with various kinds of domestic animals, horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, and suitably equipped with all necessary farming implements. To Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo McCain the following children were born: Delores, widow of Frank J. Laverty, who resides on her farm in Jackson county, six miles south of the city of Jackson; Leander L., who is the subject of this review and who occupies the farm located upon by his grandfather and so splendidly increased and improved by his father; Almira, wife of George Bright, resides at Spring Arbor, Michigan; Helen is a resident of California, and Arthur married May Watts and resides in Jackson.

Leander L. McCain has spent the entire years of his life, which now number fifty three, upon the farm whereon he was born. He attended the common schools, was a good student, and made very satisfactory progress in his studies. While he was mastering the various common school branches, he was also aiding his father in the work of the farm. Industry has always been one of his most distinctive traits of character and that, coupled with good judgment and unflagging energy, has guaranteed him a most successful career.

March 26, 1873,  McCain was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia L. Bright, a native of Michigan, born in Springport, January 2, 1851. Her parents were William and Julia A. (Wells) Bright, natives of New York, who settled in Michigan more than half a century ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Leander L. McCain three children have been born, viz: Clarence, who is cultivating the old homestead; Marjorie, wife of Fred C. Hall, a farmer who resides near Jackson, and Frank L., who still lives at home with his parents.

For more than three generations farming has been the business of the family. It need, therefore, be no surprise to the reader to be informed that Leander L. McCain is one of the best enlightened and most progressive farmers in Summit Township. Of course it is easy for him to be successful, for he has everything that is requisite for the proper conduct of his business at his immediate command. He is not only a public spirited man and has filled a number of the local offices, but he is a worthy citizen and most estimable man. In every relation of life, but more particularly in the home circle, is he all that could be desired, a father who is loving and indulgent, a husband, devoted and true.

Mrs. McCain's parents moved from New York state to Michigan in 1849, settling near Springport, where they resided a short time. They subsequently settled in Spring Arbor Township, however, where they purchased land, and afterwards resided until their death. He died November 11, 1874, at the age of sixty-three years, and his wife survived him until March 25, 1880, when she also passed to the other world, at the age of sixty-three. They were the parents of ten children, viz: Sarah J., William, deceased, Eliza, deceased, Horace, deceased, Elizabeth, deceased, John M., deceased, George W., Cynthia L., Edward R. and Dora J.

Oscar H. McConnell, of the firm of McConell & Smalley, hardware merchants, was born in Jackson (burgh) in 1833, and probably is the oldest living native of the city. His father, John McConnell, was from Niagara County, N.Y., where he married Celicia Turner, and came to Jackson County in 1830, when Jacksonburgh contained but one log house, and settled just outside of the corporate limits, where his parents died, after a residence of more than 40 years. They had 6 children, and the 5 living are all, save 1, citizens of this county. Mr. McC. Enjoyed such school privileges as those pioneer times afforded; left the farm at the age of 20, and began clerking in the hardware store of Bennett & Rice, in Jackson; at the end of four years becames a member of the firm of Rice & McConnell, in the same line of trade, continuing over 16 years, when Mr. Rice sold out to his brother. The new firm close out business three years after, in December 1877. In August 1880, he formed a partnership with W. J. Smalley, which still exists. They handle a general line of hardware and stoves of the most approved patterns. Mr. McConnell is the oldest hardware man in the city. He has been twice married, first in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1864, to Eleanor Tindall, who died little more than a year, leaving a daughter, Ella. In 1868 Mr. McC. Married Harriet L. Burdick, in Kalamazoo, by whom he has 2 daughters and a son. He has been prominently identified with the First Baptist Church for a third of a century; is Past Master of the Jackson Masonic Lodge, No. 50; is Past High Priest of the chapter; and was first Junior Warden of the Jackson Commandery.

Hon. Melville McGee, attorney at law, 117 West Main Street, is one of the earliest settlers now living in Jackson County, having come with his parents, who settled in what is now the town of Concord, in June 1832. His father, Thomas McGee, was a native of Colerain, Mass., and married Polly Stow, of Granville, N.Y. Their family consisted of 7 sons and 3 daughters, Mr. McGee being the eighth child and sixth son. He was born Jan. 4, 1828, in Bolton, Warren Co., N.Y. Their first residence in Concord was a rude log cabin; when first occupied had neither windows nor doors. When the question arose of naming the town, Thomas McGee suggested Concord, which was adopted. His son, Frederick, was the first child born in the town, Feb,. 21, 1835, and his daughter, Sarah J. McGee, was the first to marry in the western tier of towns in Jackson County, which took place in 1833. Melville McGee's school opportunities were limited to the district school, and one term in Spring Arbor College. After attaining his majority, in the spring of 1851, he commenced studying law in the office of Hon. Austin Blair, of Jackson; was admitted to the Bar in the fall of 1853; practiced a year in Detroit as a partner with W. K. Gibson, at the close of which he returned to Jackson and served as Deputy County Clerk nearly three years; practiced law in company with G. T. Gridley a year or two; in the fall of 1864 was elected Judge of Probate, and twice re-elected, serving 12 years in all. Mr. McGee was the first to hold the office the second term in the country. Since retiring from the office of Judge, has continued the law practice. In politics he has ever been a staunch Republican since the birth of the party. Mr. McGee married in Jackson, in November 1855, to Charlotte King, born in New York State. They have a family of 6 sons, all alive. Charles, the eldest, was run over by the cars, causing the loss of a leg, when eight years of age. He graduated from Michigan State University in the class of 1880. Mrs. McGee is the inventor and patentee of an improved corset, bearing her name, and is a joint proprietor in the Cornet Corset Co., engaged in its manufacture. Its claims for superiority are easily demonstrated, and it promises to work a reform for women's comfort. Mr. McGee's father was many years Justice of the Peace in Concord, and served the county as Probate Judge from 1857 to 1860, inclusive. He died July 6, 1869, aged 79 years and 6 months.

James L. and Alexander T. McGregor, McGregor Brothers, boiler manufacturers, 156 and 158 Mill Street, are successors to their father, Moses McGregor, who established the factory in Jackson in 1867, and conducted it in his name until January 1880, when he turned it over to his sons. They manufacture and repair all kinds of boilers and sheet-iron work; employ from six to ten men, and do a business of $5,000 to $6,000 a year. Moses McGregor is a native of Scotland; married Jennie Crawford in Glasgow; came to America more that 32 years ago; settled in Camden, N.J., for a time, where James L. was born in 1851; removed to Detroit, Mich.; here Alexander T. was born in 1854. After about 12 years' residence in that city they came to Jackson, and here the sons both learned the trade of boiler making. Mr. and Mrs. McGregor are the parents of 3 sons and 2 daughters. Mr. McG. is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders.

James McKee, a retired farmer of Jackson city, was born in Washington County, N.Y., in 1803; his father, Wm. McKee, immigrated to Seneca County in 1814, when the country was a wilderness; purchased wild land, which he developed into a farm, and here remained until his death. He was a soldier of 1812. In 1826 James married Lucinda Southwell. She was born in Seneca County, N.Y., Nov. 26, 1810. They have 7 children, viz: Elizabeth, Thomas, William, Sarah A., Martha, Laura, and Emma J. Mr. McKee came to Jackson County in 1832, via Lake Erie from Buffalo to Detroit; thence to Ann Arbor, Grass Lake and Jackson. He returned to New York until 1836, and then made his second trip West and located in Hanover Twp., where he lived two years, and removed to within two miles and a half of Jackson city, and there made it his home for 30 years. The occupation and development of this farm was fraught with many trials and discouragements, but like a true pioneer they were all overcome and success crowned their efforts to become independent. In 1866 he came to Jackson city, where he still lives.

Robert McKinstry, of McKinstry & Wilson, coal and wood merchants, 137 Mill Street, was born in Kalamazoo County, Mich., and is 43 years of age. During youth he resided several years in Schoolcraft, that county. After attaining his majority he traveled in the far West two years; one year of the time carried the United States mail between Independence, Mo., and Santa Fe, New Mexico, during which he had a number of severe skirmishes with, and narrow escapes from the Comanche Indians; and on one occasion constructed an earth work on the plains, since known by his name - Fort McKinstry. After returning he sold goods in Schoolcraft until the spring of 1861, when he enlisted in the 70th New York Infantry. Mr. McK. was wounded by a gunshot in the arm at Williamsburg; and again at the battle of Seven Pines, before Richmond, June 25, 1862, with a gunshot in the right knee, by which he lost his leg. In December 1865, he formed a partnership with T. J. Wilson, and opened a wood and coal yard at their present location. After several changes of partnership the present, with James A. Wilson, was entered into in May 1879. They handle 3000 tons of coal and 1000 cords of wood a year. Mr. McKinstry is general agent for the Michigan Aid Association, of Kalamazoo, and local agent for the Mutual Benefit Association, of Kalamazoo, and local agent for the Mutual Benefit Association, of Detroit. He married Elizabeth Wilson, of Fairbury, Ill., in April 1867. Have 1 living son aged 10 years; lost a son in infancy. His parents, col. Andrew and Eliza (Cross) McKinstry, live in Jackson, aged 83 and 81 years respectively.

Col. J. H. McLaughlin, the champion wrestler of the world, was born in Oriskany, Oneida Co., N. Y., June 8, 1844. His father was of Scotch, and his mother of Irish ancestry. His first wrestling match was when he was 15 years old; he was then a large boy, weighing 185 pounds. Hiram McKee, a brawny Scott, of twice his years, was his opponent and was defeated for a stake of $100 a side. Since that time he has contested some 26 matches, for money, medals or bets, and has always been victorious, with one exception: Homer Lane had the honor of beating him. Previous to this he defeated Lane and also conquered him since; so he can make the just claim of having defeated every opponent who has thus stood before him. The following are a list of men whom he has met since he became a professional wrestler: D. S. Watson, Troy, N. Y.; H. McKee, Binghamton, N. Y.; L. P. Morgan, Baltimore, Md.; F. Corrigan, Philadelphia, Pa.; D. Wilcox, Green, N. Y.; B. Fisher, Albany, N. Y.; D. S. King, Milwaukee; H. P. Comstock, Washington, D. C; J. I. Beupau, Washington, D. C.; Homer Lane, of New York, three times; James De Witt, Pacific slope; N. S. Dorance, Chicago, 111.; Mort. Bentley, St. Louis; G. C. Orr, L. Ainsworth, and P. Dalton, Connecticut; Mark Slatter, Buffalo; Dan Hagerty and William Harrison, of Pittsburg; Julius Thompson and Barry Smith, Canada; Orrin Dart, Chicago; Michael Whalen, San Francisco. The Colonel received his title for honorable service in the Union army during the Rebellion. He enlisted as a private when 17 years of age at the outbreak of the war, and had risen to the rank of Major before he was 21. The Governor of Michigan, after the regiment was mustered out, brevetted him Colonel. Col. McLaughlin is six feet one inch in height, and ordinarily weighs 265 pounds. He is a splendid specimen of muscular manhood, and notwithstanding his great weight, there is nothing stiff or ungraceful in his movements. He is 36 years old, has never tasted liquor nor used tobacco in any form, and to his good habits he no doubt owes his fine physical condition.

Miar McLaughlin, M. D., was born in Ontario Province, Canada, in 1840. His father was a native of Ireland, mother of New Jersey. Being left an orphan boy, he supported himself and obtained a fair education in the schools of the Dominion; began reading medicine at the age of 20; attended lectures at Victoria College, Canada, and at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, N. Y., from which he received the degree of M. D., in 1865. Doctor being a student of Dr. L. A. Sayer, had been appointed Assistant Surgeon of St. Schuyler McDougal Hospital in June, 1864; served till fall and resigned from ill health. After graduating, he returned to that position and remained till August 1865; when, the war having closed, he was discharged and went to Fingal, Canada, and practiced till Dec. 20. 1869; spent a season reviewing, chiefly at Bellevue; March 12 shipped on board the Isaac Webb, as her Surgeon, for Liverpool; visited the principal points of interest in Ireland, Scotland and England, and returned to New York the latter part of the summer; located in Jackson the last of August. In December following he went to Fingal, Canada; spent two months on business, returning Feb. 28,1870. Dr. M. has a large general practice, and has paid special attention to the diseases of the eye and ear; was a member of the Jackson County Medical Society while it existed. Some four years ago he engaged in the drug business in connection with his practice, and conducts a fine store in the Hibbard House Block. The Doctor married Miss Emma Cromon, of Jackson, April 21, 1S75, by whom he has 2 living children, 1 dead.

Frank McLean, hardware and stove merchant and manufacturer of copper and sheet-iron ware, South Jackson Street, was born in Jackson in 1847; is the son of Dr. John and Harriet (Lawrence) McLean, natives of New York State. They came to Jackson in 1837, where Dr. McLean practiced medicine for a third of a century, being one of the pioneer physicians of the place. He died in March 1879. Frank began to learn the tinner's trade in Jackson at the age of I8, and alter completing it worked as a journeyman until he started business at his present location, in September 1877. Mr. McLean does quite an extensive job work in the season, and employs three men besides himself; does a hardware and stove trade amounting in the aggregate to about $9,000 a year. He married Angie O. Curtiss, of Saratoga County, N. Y., in December 1873. They have a daughter and 2 sons. Mr. McL. has a brother and sister living; his mother died several years ago.

Moses Archibald McNaughton, M. D., a native of Argyle, Washington Co., N. Y., was born January 3, 1813, and is the youngest of 11 children of Robert and Isabella (Watson) McNaughton, both natives of Washington county, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Doctor's grandfather, John McNaughton, settled in that county in 1765 and his mother's people two years earlier, both coming from County Antrim in Ireland, whence they had moved from Scotland. He attended school at Middlebury Academy, at Salem, Washington Co., and two years in Union College; read medicine in Medina, Orleans Co., and attended three courses of lectures at Fairfield Medical College, graduating in the spring of 1840. During the last course Doctor M. was demonstrator of anatomy in the institution. In April 1841, he came to Michigan and settled in Jackson, where he passed 10 years in the active duties of the profession, then turned his attention to real estate and retired from practice. He became the owner of large tracts of land, and laid out several additions to the city of Jackson. Doctor McNaughton was also a prominent actor in the projection and building of a number of the railroads centering here, among them the branch of Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, the Grand River Valley, and the Air Line; was General Manager for the company during the construction of the latter, and is now its Treasurer. Doctor was elected on the Free Soil ticket to the State Senate in 1853, and has served the city as Mayor in l866-'67. He is President and one of the principal stockholders of the Bonanza Gold and Silver Mining Co., which owns five silver and one gold mine in Arizona; that from present developments give promise of rich returns. In 1848 Dr. McNaughton was united in marriage to Miss Mary Turner, of Jackson, a native of Pittsfield, Mass., but moved from Hartford, Conn., to Jackson in 1846. They are the parents of 4 children. 3 living. Their eldest son, Charles D., graduated from Yale College with flattering honors at 20 years of age, and died the fall of the same year. Robert, second son, is married and shares the parental mansion; Archie W. is taking a law course in Michigan State University; Miss Mary Bell is at home. Doctor and his amiable wife occupy one of the most beautiful and palatial residences in central Michigan in the northwest part of the city, erected in 1871- '73 at a cost of nearly $70,000.

Thomas McQuillen, grocer, Main Street, was born in the city of Jackson, in that portion now occupied by the State's prison, and was 33 years old in May, 1881. He is the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Riley) McQuillen, who were natives of Ireland, coming to America after marriage, and to Jackson, March 1, 1873. His brother was killed at a street crossing by a railway train. The mother is still living in this city on the old homestead. He engaged in the business of a grocer May 1,1873, and has a retail trade of $12,000 yearly. He was nominated in the Greenback caucus in 1879 for Alderman of the seventh ward by six majority, but the nomination was not declared. He was re-nominated in 1880 for the same office by the Democrats and came within 16 votes of being elected. In June, 1S7S, he went to Hot Springs, Ark., where he remained several months under treatment for rheumatism. He went there on crutches, the local physicians declaring his case incurable, and returned in August nearly recovered.

Charles McRoberts, engineer Michigan Central railroad, was born in Marshall, Michigan, Sept. 8, 1850; was raised on a farm, attending the common schools in winter. In 1864 he engaged on the railroad as fireman, and was in that capacity a short time, when he went into the shop at Marshall and learned the trade; was promoted to engineer in 1872. His father, James McRoberts, was a native of Ireland, and his mother of New York; they came to Michigan in an early day. The subject, Mr. McR., married Miss Elizabeth Perkins, daughter of J. L. Perkins, who was born at Rome Center Feb. 19, 1850. They have 2 children-Oracie and Charlie. Mr. McR. is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Hugh McRoberts, engineer Michigan Central railroad, was born in Hoboken, N. J., Jan. 12, 1832. When he was a boy his parents moved to Boston and remained a short time, thence to Norwich. Conn., where he followed the business of railroad contractor; thence to Cohoes Falls, and shortly after came to Michigan and located in Marshall in 1840, when the terminus of the Michigan Central railroad was at Jackson; after coming to Marshall he learned the trade of tinner, and in 1854 commenced railroading as fireman. Soon after, while running an emigrant train over the Michigan Central, about three-fourths of a mile from Marshall, the engine blew up, killing two engineers, one by the name of Cooley, on his way to Kalamazoo, and Engineer Robinson, who had charge of the engine. Mr. McRoberts was blown over 15 rods, and landed in a hazel-bush patch; was very badly hurt, his clothing almost entirely torn off, nothing remaining except the wristbands, shirt collar and one sock; had on a new pair of boots made by a man named Blake, who warranted them not to rip; while looking up the pieces, found some portions of his boots and part of his shirt. He married Miss Barbara Ann Petrie, who was born in Little Falls, N. Y., Feb. 21, 1829, and died in Marshall, leaving 4 children, Feb. 15, 1874; the children arc Carrie, Edward, Lena and Zella. Mr. McR. enlisted in 1863 in the 28th Regiment, Michigan Volunteers, Company A, under Col. Wheeler; participated in the battles of Nashville, Tenn., and Kingston, N. C.

Levi G. Merriman, real-estate dealer, is a son of Dr. Titus and Polly (Bacher) Merriman. His father was a native of Connecticut, born Oct. 9, 1786, and of Scotch descent; was a practicing physician in Onondaga county, N. Y., over 50 years. His mother was born in Amsterdam, N. Y., May 10, 1S05. The subject of this sketch was born in Eldridge, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1827. In 1843 he came to this county and engaged in clerking in the dry goods and grocery business for his brother, and remained with him until his death, which occurred in 1853; he then engaged in business under the firm name of Merriman Bros., and continued in the same for 20 years; he is at present engaged in the real-estate business, owning some very valuable property in the city, among which is Rustic Hall, which was built in 1874 as a pleasure resort, and was used for that purpose until 1876, when it was changed to a health resort. There are certain leading features in the business interests of all communities, and certain elements that lead to prosperity, and it is no reflection upon the many and various commendable establishments of Jackson, when we say that the house in question embodies all the desirable elements essential to success and to the wants and requirements of the general public. Mr. M. has been identified with the interests of Jackson for nearly 40 years.

Volney V. B. Merwin, attorney at law and Circuit Court Commissioner, is a native of Portage, Genesee Co., N. Y., born in June 1833; is the son of Dr. Smith C. and Minerva S. Merwin, nee Williams, who moved to Michigan and settled in Moscow, Hillsdale Co., in 1838, where Dr. Merwin has practiced medicine constantly since Mrs. M. died, some years ago. Volney was chiefly educated in Spring Arbor College; began reading law at the age of 16 years, at which time he also commenced teaching school, and continued a number of terms; also clerked in a store for a time; was commissioned Recruiting Officer at the opening of the civil war, and enlisted a great number of volunteers; was some time in the oil business in Canada; traveled several years selling goods; did a heavy real-estate business in company with Mr. Davis, and later with Mr. Cady, for some three years each; read law without a preceptor; was admitted to practice in 1874, after receiving a high compliment from the Judge upon his legal attainments. Mr. M. has been in active practice since; was elected Circuit Court Commissioner in 1878, and re-elected in 1880; was a Republican in earlier years, but severed his connection with the party about five years ago, and became an active adherent of the Greenback party, and has been prominent as a local exponent of those principles from the stump. His first election to his present position was due to that party, but was chosen the second term regardless of party lines, because of proven efficiency in the office. Mr. M. has been twice married, first when 23 years old; was left a widower with 1 son, five years after; was married again in Jackson, in 1862, to Miss Martha A. Knight. They have a son and a daughter. Mr. M. is a member of the Masonic order, Moscow Lodge.

John Millard, proprietor of meat market, 119 North Mechanic Street, Jackson, Mich., was born in Somersetshire, England, Nov. IT, 1837, where he received a common-school education, and when 19 years old came to America. When first coming to this country he worked on a farm. In 1861 he came to Jackson County bought a farm, and later came to this city, where he has followed his present business since. He uses 500 head of cattle and about the same number of small stock, and does a business of $20,000 per year. He married Miss Margaret Rowan, born in England May 18,1837. They have 3 children-William, Edward and Mary; is a member of the Foresters, of Jackson, Lodge No. 4.

Frederick C. Miller, coal and wood merchant, northeast corner Mechanic and Washington streets, son of D. C. F. Miller, of Atlanta, Ga., was born in Charleston, S. C. and is 32 years of age. He left the South in 1864, and came directly to Jackson, Mich.; clerked over a year in a grocery, a few months in a crockery store, then hired to McKinstry & Wilson, with whom he remained more than 12 years; left them in July, 1878, and Sept. 23 following established his present business. Mr. Miller handles all kinds of the best hard and soft coals and marketable wood, and in the building season ships and sells brick at wholesale. In 1880 he sold over 1,000 tons of coal and nearly 500 cords of wood. He married Susie De Graff, of Amsterdam, N. Y., March 24, 1875; had 2 children. 1 living - Susie Mabel, a year and a half old. Mr. Miller is a member of the I. O. O. F., Jackson Lodge, No. 4, Wiley Encampment, No. 5, and also of Chosen Friends, Council No. 6.

John Z. Mitchell, M. D., is a native of Southbury, Conn., born in 1823, and descended from English ancestry on the paternal and French on the maternal side. His father, William Mitchell, was also born in Connecticut, and married Eunice Lewis, of that State. They had 3 sons and a daughter, of whom the Doctor is the youngest son and third child. He was educated in the academy at Syracuse, New York, where he also read medicine; attended one course of lectures at Yale College, then attended the New York College of Physicians, from which he graduated in 1846. After practicing four years in New York City, he came to Jackson in 1850, and has been active in the profession here since. Dr. Mitchell was a member of the Jackson County Medical Society about 25 years. He has been a prominent member of the Masonic order about 29 years; has taken all the degrees that are conferred in Jackson; has filled the office of Master of Lodge No. 50, nine years; has been High Priest of Chapter No. 3, four years; was Eminent Commander of Commandery No. 9, two years. In politics Doctor has always been a Democrat. He served as School Inspector a number of years; was physician to the State's prison one year; Town Clerk two years; was the first City Recorder, and in 1880-'81 is Alderman from the first ward. He has been a delegate to every county convention since 1852. Doctor's parents came to Jackson in 1848; father died here in 1867; mother resides in the city, aged 85 years.

John B. Morris, proprietor of the Hibbard House barbershop, is a native of Sandusky, O., and is 38 years of age. He began working at the barber's trade in Cleveland, O., at the age of 17; was several years in that city, and while there learned the printer's trade in the office of the Plaindealer. He went to Minnesota and remained a number of years in St. Paul and vicinity; was three years and a half in the employ of the Northwestern Express Co., as messenger and clerk. On Oct. 9, 1870, he established a barber shop in Toledo, O., and conducted the business until coming to Jackson in August, 1872, since which time he has occupied his present quarters. Business at first scarcely warranted keeping one man; now he employs six experts, and has more than they can do. His work and his shop are among the finest in the Northwest. Mr. Morris married Miss Minerva B. Roark, a native of Dayton, O., in Fort Wayne, Ind. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and has filled every official chair in the local lodge.

Patton Morrison, retired capitalist, was born in Orange county, N. Y., Jan. 7,1816, and is the son of Francis and Matilda Morrison, nee Patton, of that county, where his father resided until his death. His mother came to Jackson, and died here a few years ago. Patton's early life was passed on the farm, and his education obtained in the district school. In October 1838, he came to Jackson. Before starting west he had earned and saved $400. On reaching Rochester N. Y., he found he had not money enough besides that to defray his traveling expenses, consequently he deposited the $400 with John Mains, a broker, for safekeeping, and remained there at work over a year. When ready to proceed to Michigan Mr. Mains gave Mr. Morrison his check for the amount, which document he has preserved in a frame as a relic of his first banking business and a reminder of his early struggles in search of a fortune. Upon arriving in Jackson he worked at whatever employment could be obtained for about 50 cents per day', paying $1.50 a week for board, and later $1.75 per week. After a year or two, becoming somewhat expert in the use of carpenter's tools, he was able to command 75 cents per day. His original capital of $400 was invested in land, and after some speculations, and loss from a year's illness with the ague, he lost all and began anew. After regaining his health Mr. Morrison engaged to pack the pork taken by Messrs. Allen, Bennett & John Sumner, merchants, in exchange for goods or on account, he to do all the work, and they to pay all expenses gave his labor, the gross amount to be charged to Mr. Morrison, and to be repaid when sale of the pork was made, after which the net profits were to be equally divided. By holding over he received a neat sum as profit, which enabled him to buy in a small way on his own account, in addition to their purchases. With the results of the business at the close of that year, he bought the ground on which the Morrison Block now stands, on West Main W Street, investing all his capital but $40, and with a stock of goods worth $800, all bought on credit save the $40 he started in the grocery trade. Mr. Sumner gave him a strong letter of recommendation to New York and Boston merchants, which enabled him to purchase such goods as he needed until he got a start. Mr. Morrison met his obligations promptly, but felt the $800 to be a much heavier burden than ten times that amount has been frequently since. He continued in business prosperously until three years ago, when he sold out and retired from a successful mercantile life of more than a third of a century. During the past 10 years Mr. Morrison has lost $75,000 by signing paper for accommodation; and has an estate of over $100,000 remaining. He has erected seven business blocks in the city, and some resident property. While pursuing the grocery trade he entered a section of land in the town of Rives, which he improved and farmed for 10 years. He did a jobbing business in groceries for 17 years, during which his net gains averaged $10,000 a year. Since retiring from commercial life, in April 1879, Mr. Morrison has been chiefly employed in taking care of his estate. When about 34 years of age he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Mortimer, in Jackson, by Elder Marcus Harrison, of the old-school Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Morrison is a native of Rochester, N. Y., but resided in Adrian, Mich., previous to their marriage. They are the parents of 3 children, all deceased. They have reared from infancy or early childhood, and educated 13 boys, all grown to man's estate, and established in life; and have two adopted sons now with them-Frank Patton Morrison, aged 16 years, attending Notre Dame College, South Bend, Ind., and George D. Morrison, aged 14 years, in school in Jackson. Besides the cheerfully assumed care and labor of bringing up this large family of friendless children, Mrs. Morrison has dispensed charities with remarkable liberality to other needy ones, and carried sunshine to many homes and hearts. Mr. Morrison has been for many years a member of the Masonic Order.

Marvin Myers, of the firm of Brown & Myers, dealers in agricultural implements, W. Pearl Street, was born in Erie County, N.Y., May 27, 1833. He is the son of Alexander and Hester Ann (Bailey) Myers, of N. Y. They came to Michigan when Marvin was three months old and settled in Leoni village, where they lived 24 years, removing thence to Columbia, where they died. Mr. Myers, Sr., was Constable and Collector in Leoni 21 years in succession. His son was educated in Leoni College, and followed agricultural pursuits 22 years. In 1875 he came to Jackson to engage in his present business. In March 1880, the present partnership was formed. The firm did a business last year of over $20,000. Mr. Myers was married Oct. 30, 1859, to Angeline Every, of Columbia, whose parents came to this county when she was a few months old. Her father still lives in Columbia, aged 78 years. Mr. Myers' mother died in the fall of 1860, on the day of Lincoln's first election. His father died in December 1872. His grandfather, Stephen Myers, died in this county in the winter of 1879, aged over 93. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have 1 daughter, Maud, 15 years of age. 

Copyright © Genealogy Trails All Rights Reserved with Full Rights Reserved for Original Contributor