STEPHEN BENEDICT GRUMMOND of Detroit, widely known in connection with extensive interests in lake navigation, was born near what is now Marine City, on the St. Clair river, September 18, 1834. and is the son of Stephen Benedict and Mary (Harrow) Grummond. His father, who was born in the western part of New York State, came to Michigan in 1807 and settled near Marine City, where he was engaged in farming, and kept a general store, the first on the river. He was successful in business, accumulated a competency, and was respected as an influential and useful citizen. He died in 1856. His wife, who died in 1877, was of Scotch descent, and was the daughter of Alexander Harrow, who came to Michigan while it was under British rule. For many years he was connected with the English navy as commander of His Majesty's sloop "Welcome"and other war vessels. He became one of the best known navigators of the lakes, and rendered efficient services to the English government. S. B. Grummond's early life was passed in St. Clair county. Possessing a restless and ambitious nature, at the age of fifteen he began his business career by securing a position on a vessel engaged in lake navigation; but when navigation closed, spent the winters at school. At the age of twenty-one, with the savings from his own industry and a little aid from his father, he purchased a vessel and sailed her for several years. In 1855 he retired from the command, came to Detroit, bought another vessel, and has ever since been engaged in buying, selling and running vessels of various kinds. His business has extended from year to year, until at the present time he is one of the principal owners of lake vessels, and his line of boats is well known and largely patronized. He is the proprietor of Grummond's Mackinac Line of steamers, and does the largest tug and wrecking business on the lakes. His efforts have resulted in the accumulation of a large fortune, which is invested in Detroit real estate and in various business enterprises. His success can be attributed to thorough mastery of his business, practical experience in all its details, good judgment and judicious management. Originally a member of the Democratic party ever since the election of Abraham Lincoln he has been an earnest supporter of the Republican party. His connection with political affairs as a public officer has not been the result of any desire on his part for political honors. Official trusts have only been assumed upon the urgent request of friends, and when he honestly believed the public good would be advanced thereby. In 1879 he was elected a member of the Board of Estimates, and at the expiration of his term in 1881 was elected a member of the newly created City Council or Upper House for the long term. After two years's service in this capacity he was made without solicitation on his part, and even against his wishes, the unanimous choice of his party as its candidate for Mayor. He was successfully elected, and during his term of office fulfilled the duties of the position in such a manner as to win the approval of the best element of the city. A practical business man, his administration was marked by the same good sense and sound business principles which in his private career had ensured success. He used all his influence towards getting the city affairs into a sound financial condition, and against public clamor had the courage to veto measures he believed against the public good; the result in almost every case has proved that the course he favored was with wise and prudent. His administration met the approval of the people generally, regardless of party. Near the close of his term of office the Detroit Free Press, the leading Democratic paper in the State, said: "He has been in the main an excellent Mayor, and has discharged the duties of his office, as he understood them, with painstaking fidelity, entire honesty, and no display of partisanship than would be naturally expected of an official chosen by partisan vote." This, from a paper politically opposed to him was praise indeed. As a business man, Mr. Grummond his main power lies in the spirit of perseverance with which his plans are pursued. That his undertakings, both in public and private affairs, have been sagacious, is undeniable, and his success in various directions has vindicated his business foresight. He is independent and courageous, but modest and unassuming; dislikes publicity, finds his chief enjoyment in the prosecution of his numerous business ventures, but is public spirited and progressive in his ideas, and readily gives his support to deserving public enterprises, and by his ability and integrity commands the confidence of his fellow citizens. He was married December 12, 1861, to Louisa B. Prouty, of Detroit. They have had eleven children, seven of which are living, four boys and 3 girls. Source: History of Detroit and Wayne County and Early Michigan By Silas Farmer 1890 NOTES: Stephen Grummond was born 18 September 1834 and died 02 January 1894. He is buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit. He married Louisa B. Prouty 12 December 1861. Headstone Photo by Josh Perry at Find-A-Grave