Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Helen Manning, 3/10/1868 in Brockway, MI [she died 8/30/1880]; children: 1, Edgar L.
married Emma A. Keyes, dau. of Alpheus and Ann Keyes 4/6/1881, in Maple Valley, MI; children: 4, Arthur, Leanor [Nora] Helen, Russell Blain and Alice Emma
total children: 5
Number of Children: 5
Background
Education:
attended Rockwood Academy, Wellington Co., Canada
Biographical Sketch:
Of Irish ancestry. Son of John and Nancy (Anderson) Makelim. He struck out on his own in 1864, working on a farm in Illinois until he secured a job with the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis Railroad. He worked there until ill health forced him to return to Canada. There he continued his education, working for his room and board. In January, 1867, he moved to Brockway, MI and taught for several years. He moved to Maple Valley, MI in 1875, where he became a merchant and station agent for the Port Huron & Northwestern Railroad. He owned an grain elavetor in Valley Center. He served as postmaster, justice of the peace, township superintendent of schools, town clerk and supervisor. In 1900, he was living in Charlevoix Co.
Notable Facts:
Erected the first building in Valley Centre, 1881, for the first mercantile there.