Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Emily Boltwood in 1853; only one of their children, Wm. B., survived at the time of his father's death;
married Mrs. Binnie M. Brown in 1893.
Number of Children: 6
Background
Education:
Studied law at Manchester per undocumented obitutary found in 1867 Manual
Biographical Sketch:
When 16, studied navigation his father William was a seaman) for 2 years. Was described as a "commanding presence": tall, erect, broad shouldered with the strength of a giant and with dark eyes, black hair and mustache.
Settled in Hastings in 1851.
Several years before James' death, William B. Sweezey entered into partnership; together they practiced law under the name Sweezey and Sweezey.
Became prosecuting attorney in 1856, served 4 years, was reelected to this position in 1892 and 1894. He was the Director of the National Bank when it originated and his conttibutions to the city included building a 3 story building known at the Boltwood block which housed his law office. He also built a home on his 500 acre farm south of the city.He was a Mason nearly 40 years; was an Odd Fellow; organized the Barry Lodge of the Knights of Pythias and served as its first commander and also served as Vice Chancellor and Chancellor in the State of Michigan. Once wealthy, he died a poor man.
Notable Facts:
James was believed to be the oldest practicing attorney in Barry county at the time of his death.