The Yale expositor., 1896-05-22


The subject of this sketch has lived
in st. Clair county 40 years. He was
born in the state of Maine, from which
so many lumbermen came who were
pioneers of Michigan.
His first work was in the pine for
ests for Newell Avery, and afterwards
for Sweetster 81 Sanborn. He is fa-
miliarly known to all the operators
upon Black river. When the Port HUI
ron Log Driving and Booming associ-
alton was in its decadence, and much
complaint appeared among log owners
OH Black river Mr.. Runnels inagurated
a complete system of his own for the
rapid running of logs and their de-
livery at the mills for manufacture
into lumber. And for % years at
least he employed men and managed
that important business, always to the
satisfaction of the interests involved.
After the river ceased to carry tim
Der to Port Huron Mr.. Runnels en-
gagged largely in dock construction,
pile driving and work of that char
acter, of which he has had almost en-
tire charge ever since, building miles
of dock in Port Huron and all along
the river st. Clair, employing large
number Of men. And during all these
years the men who worked for him
were his staunchest friends, and al
ways eager to continue in his employ
ment. Mr.. Runnels has aimed at pay
ing the highest wages for labor, and
i'll that way sharing with his men the
profits of his business.
Mr.. Runnels has served the people
in many capacities with credit to him
self and to the city. lie was alderman
from the second ward six years, was
twice elected mayor of the city and
twice city treasurer He also served
six years on the water board when our
splendid water system was being eX
tended and made efficient.
He was married in Port Huron,
where his children were all born and
educated. and he takes commendable
interest in the schools of the city.
Mr.. Runnels has shown unusual
public spirit in assisting nearly every
church in tins vicinity, and in this way
has set cOmmendable example for
other public men, because liberality of
this character has an influence much
wider than is usually credited to it,
and gives public tone to all such
undertakings, which is very encOurag-
ing to the pioneers in church building.
The civil war left many claimants in
st. Clair county who had rights to ap-
peal for aid, counsel and guidance.
Other circumstances have also added
to our class of helpless people, and all
such have found Mr.. Runnels ever
ready to consider their situation and
aid their situation and aid their wants.
1t is within bounds to say that he has
expended more time and means in this
direction than any other citizen of our
county.
Mr.. Runnels is at present engaged in
various enterprises, including the Port
Huron Thresher company, sometimes
called "The Upton Works." which en-
ploys about 230 men. lie is also an
employer of labor in operating vessels
and tugs, and in building crafts suit
able for river navigation.
Mr.. Runnels accepted the nomina-
ton for register of deeds, as he did
the other positions or offices referred
to, at the earnest solicitation of his
party associates, and because at each
time his name was needed to add
strength to the ticket. In fact his
first election as register required the
reversal of 400 majority two years
before for his popular opponent, for
which reason the regular nominee Of
the convention had refused to make
the contest. Mr.. Runnels was selected
by the committee, and turned "for-
lOrn hope" into splendid party tri
umph, not only overcoming the big
majority two years before, but receiv
ing over 800 majority for himself and
pulling two others with him to success
upon the county ticket. Under all the
circumstances his success was phe-
nOmenal.
Mr.. Runnels seeks denomination up
on the ground that his selection will be
really within the rule according sec
ond nomination to q successful can
didate. His first nomination was not
in the party convention and was really
forced upon him by the party COM
mittee after all others had refused, so
that he has only been once before any
nominating convention, and that was
two years ago. There is, therefore no
third term" nomination for him. Be
sides it has not been usual TO retire the
register Of deeds after four years, as
appears by the election of John Thorn
for fourteen successive years. w. f.
Barron for six years, Fred II. Flood
twelve years, William II. Harrison six
years, and J. $. Dullle six years. In
fact, it is usual not to retire the regis
ter Of deeds, whose model has been
equalled, but whom it would be hard
to excel.
The general public are free in their
expressions of praise for the courtesies
shown and the neatness displayed 10y
Mr. Runnels and his associates in the
management Of the Office of register
of deeds. and it would be only just to
reward such services by renominating
him at the approaching county con
venton Notwithstanding the splen-
did Republican majority in ST. Clair
county, the party has no margin to
spare and cannot afford to retire its
best workers in the nnnrnachinp