Legislator Details

Image of James William Belknap
Image Description:
James W. Belknap, portrait from Chapman (Le) p.[189]

James William Belknap
AKA:
Number of sessions served 2
Sessions served
Gender: Male
Age at election: 40

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 1/6/1842
City: Masena, NY
County: Saint Lawrence County, NY
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 10/31/1911
City: Greenville, MI
County: Montcalm County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 11/3/1911
City: Greenville, MI
County: Montcalm County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Forest Home Cemetery

Marital Information:

Number of Children: 3

Background

Religion: Methodist Episcopal
Military Service:
Occupation: printer, publisher, merchant, lumberman
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:

Biographical Sketch:
Eldest son of 10 children of James Albert & Mary Ann (Butler) Belknap. Of Irish descent. Raised in Racket Bridge, NY until 1855 when the family moved to Grand Rapids, MI. James worked at the Grand Rapids Herald until 1860. Moved to Greenville & 1st worked for, then bought, the Independent, which he published until 1865. He then entered the mercantile business &, in 1872, also ran a saw mill and sold lumber. He later bought lumber mills & became involved in real estate. Held several local offices, was mayor of Greenville twice and on the board of education for over 13 years..

Notable Facts:
Committees: Lumber Interests (chair); Industrial Home for Girls (chair); State Library; Enrollment & Engrossing; Special Comm. to investigate management of the Deaf & Dumb Institute. member of the Masons; I.O.O.F.

Sessions Served:

Thirty-Third Legislature, 1885-1886
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Appropriations and Finance, Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, Printing , Joint Committee on Election Laws, Engrossment and Enrollment, School for the Blind , Labor
Postions Held:

City of Residence:
County of Residence Montcalm
District: 21
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/4/1884
Date Sworn In: 1/7/1885
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Unknown
Notes:
Thirty-Second Legislature, 1883-1884
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: State Library , Lumber Interests, Engrossment and Enrollment, Reform School for Girls
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Greenville
County of Residence Montcalm
District: 21
District Description: Counties of Ionia and Montcalm

Date Elected: 11/7/1882
Date Sworn In: 1/3/1883
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected

Maritial Status: Married
Notes:

Bibliography:

Chapman (Le) p.188-90, portrait p.188; Manual 1883 p.400, 478-9; USCen 1880, 1900; SeekMI; MIBiog:1:72
View Bibliographical Sources