Legislator Details

Image of James W. Milliken
Image Description:
Portrait captured from Find-a-Grave.com 12/11/2024

James W. Milliken
AKA:
Number of sessions served 1
Sessions served
Gender: Male
Age at election: 50

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 5/20/1848
City: Denmark, ME
County: Oxford County, ME
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 6/19/1908
City: near Poughkeepsie, NY
County: Dutchess County, NY
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date:
City: Traverse City, MI
County: Grand Traverse County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Oakwood Cemetery

Marital Information:
married Callie Thacker, 1881; children: 1, James

Number of Children: 1

Background

Religion: Congregationalist
Military Service:
Occupation: businessman; merchant
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:
common schools of Saco, ME

Biographical Sketch:
Son of Joseph & Mary Ann (Buck) Milliken. He grew up in Saco, ME. Left school at 15 to clerk in a dry goods store for 3 years before moving to Traverse City, June 1868. He was employed by Hannah. Lay & Co., for five years, when the firm of Hamilton , Milliken & Co. was organized to do a drygoods and clothing business around 1874. Increasing trade made it desirable to separate the 2 stores, which was done in 1892. They ended the partnership but he continued operating his dry goods store. He served as an alderman in Traverse City for a single term, declining re-election.

Notable Facts:
Birth date given in Michigan Biographies: 5/30/1848; 1899 Manual says May 20. Elected to the State Sen. to fill a vacancy in 1897 to replace Sen. George G. Covell & re-elected for a full term. Died on a train enroute to New York City following a stroke [apoplexy]. Father of Sen. James W. Milliken and grandfather of Governor William G. Milliken.

Sessions Served:

Fortieth Legislature, 1899-1900
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Banks and Corporations , Counties and Townships , Immigration , Railroads , Fisheries , State Public School
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Traverse City
County of Residence Grand Traverse
District: 27
District Description: Counties of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Wexford

Date Elected: 11/8/1898
Date Sworn In: 1/4/1899
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: Unknown
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Married
Notes: Elected to fill vacancy caused by resignation of George G. Covell

Bibliography:

Sprague p.448-50; Manual 1899 p.624; USCen 1900; Find-a-Grave.com, includes portrait; DFP 6/20/1908 p.8
View Bibliographical Sources