The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1913-02-26
JAS. MERCER OF
0NT0NACON DIES.
Old Resident and Former leeisIa-
N tor Passes This Morning

James Mercer, one of Ontonagon's
pioneer residents, and at one time a
member of the state Legislature.
passed away this morning at his home
in Ontonagon. death coming al G.l5
o'clock Mr.. Mercer. who was 50 years
Of age, was stricken with paralysis on
Friday Feb. "a He gradually grew
weaker. Up To the time of his seizure
he was enjoying good health, and the
word of his death came as "A great
shock To his many friends throughout
the copper country.
Life Of James Mercer.
James Mercer was born In London,
Eng, on Sept D. 1880 He emigratcd
10 the United States with his parents
when he was three years old The
family settled in Detroit, but later re-
moved To Canada where Mr.. Mercer
lived until he was fifteen years old.
AT this age he returned to Detroit,
where he was employed as a salesman.
II was as steamboat clerk that Mr..
Mercer first became acquainted with
the Lake Superior region, visiting this
ulSliltt III Nlldl DflNffH loHN
and 1853. In 1853. 1854 and 1855 he
was employed as mine clerk at the
Albion, Montgomery and Howard
mines. He then followed the lakes for
another season as steamboat clerk and
i'm 1857 located in Ontonagon and took
position as clerk in the warehouse
of IN. LiVermore. He continued with
l.g.. 81
1862, when he was taken into part
nership. In 1874 MIR. Mercer took over
the business continuing II for many
years.
In the State Legislature.
Mr. Mercer also served for a term in
the state legislature, representing a
now obsolete district composed of on
tonagon. Baraga. Keweenaw and Isle
Royale counties. In the legislature he
was Instrumental in getting a law
passed confirming a land grant that
made possible the construction of the
old Ontonagon and Brule River rail-
road. now a part of the st. Paul sys-
tenn.
Mr.. Mercer retired from active bust
ness q number of years ago and since.
that time he has been living on a
beautiful farm home about two miles
from Ontonagon. His only business
interests of late have been his connec-
tions with the banking institutions IF
Ontonagon county lie helped organ
iZc the Ontonagon bank and was for a
number Cf years It's president. Later
he wsfs associated with the organiza-
ton of the Rockland bank and with
the Mercer ana Meilleur bank at
Greenland. now the Greenland bank.
Was a Picturesque Figure.
Mr.. Mercer was picturesque figure,
tall and stately in bearing. He always
wore n long flowing beard and dressed
with such distinction that he was al
WAYS "A prominent figure wherever he
appeared. He was always highly re-
spected throughout Ontonagon county
and throughout the entire copper
country and leaves "a host of friends
who will mourn his loss.
Mrs Mercer died i'm 1894 and Mr..
Mercer is survived by the following
children. Harry r. Mercer, of Paines-
dale, chief engineer for the Champion
Copper company; r. c. Mercer, of Chi
cago: Walter Mercer of Mexico. AMI
Mrs. John q. Parker, of Ontonagon
Mr.. Mercer was member OF the
following lodges: Ontonagon Lodge
f.. and A. NJ, Ontonagon Chapter K.
A. NJ. Palestine Commandery, knights
Templar of Houghton, and Hancock
Lodge Il. Il. q. T..