Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Emily J. Burrows 2/13/1861; children: Edward E., Joseph M. and Emily B.; perhaps 2 other sons
Number of Children: 5
Background
Education:
Biographical Sketch:
He came to America at 7 years of age, landing with his people in 1885 at St. Joseph, MI. In 1839, he moved to the Grand River, and until 1845, followed lumbering operations, 9 miles West of Grand Rapids. In the Spring of 1846, he built a mill with his brothers at Silver Creek, and remained there some years. In 1849, leaving brother Peter to manage the mill, James became a lake navigator, carrying lumber to Chicago, prospering and buying vessel property. In 1857, he took charge for 1 year of Rev. Mr. Ferry's propeller, Ottawa, from Grand Haven to Chicago. In 1858, he resumed lumbering on White Lake. He was Supervisor of White River before he was 21. In 1857 Peter Dalton built a steam saw mill at Dalton's mill, which was burned June, 1880, after which James Dalton purchased the mill, known as the Bay Mill.
Notable Facts:
Exact date of birth not known; born about 1827 or 1828.. Died in before April 3, 1885
Mr. Dalton brought the first tug on White Lake, in 1857. He abandon sailing after his boat capsized around 1861.
First supervisor of White River.