Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Portrait and Biographical Record of Northern Michigan Record Publishing Company, Chicago - 1895 -141- EDWARD BUCKLEY. Whoever labors to secure the development of his country, striving to bring out its latent resources; who is devoted to the general welfare of the people; who seeks to pro- mote the cause of justice and morality, and to advance our civi- lization through educational, religious, professionsal or com- mercial channels, becomes a public benefactor, and one worthy of special mention on the pages of history. Such are the character and record of EDWARD BUCKLEY, who has been identified with the business interests of Manistee since the spring of 1867. As President of the Manistee & Northeastern Railroad he has become widely known throughout Michigan. However, it is not alone his prominence in railroad circles that entitles him to mention in this volume, but his valor as a soldier, his enterprise as a business man, his progressive spirit as a citizen, and his fidelity as a friend. He is a wealthy and successful man, but has had his share of reverses, and knows how to sympathize with those who, in spite of their industry and perseverance, are defeated in their endeavors to gain prosperity. A native of England, Mr. BUCKLEY was born in Bideford, Devon- shire, August 8, 1842. He was a child of four years when taken by his parents to Montreal, Canada, remaining there until 1847. The following seven years were passed in Toronto, and during the residence of the family in that city his father died, having been an invalid for six years prior to his demise. The widowed mother then became the sole support of the little family, and nobly did she discharge the trust reposed in her, rearing her children for positions of usefulness and honor. She still lives and makes her home with her daughter ELIZABETH, Mrs. G. M. WING of Manistee. In 1854 the family removed to Sheboygan, Wis., and two years later EDWARD went to Milwaukee and became a student in a business college at that place. On completing his studies he learned the trade of tinsmith, and was thus engaged when the war broke out. He was intensely loyal to his adopted country, and, impelled by this spirit of patriotism, he enlisted, August 5, 1862, as a mem- ber of the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Infantry. One month later he joined SHERIDAN'S division of the Twentieth Army Corps. Among the engagements in which he participated were those at Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, the latter under the command of GENERAL GRANT. The winter of 1863-64 was spent in camp at Knoxville, and in the spring the regiment took part in the Atlanta campaign, being under almost constant fire every day for three months or more. Among the battles of this campaign were those of Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Altoona, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and the sieges of Atlanta and Jonesborough. About this time the corps was sent back to Pulaski, Tenn., in order to check the advances of HOOD. They fought in the battle of Spring Hill, and at Franklin took part in one of the most fierce and sanguinary engagements of the entire war. At Nashville, seven days later, they practically annhilated HOOOD'S army. The winter of 1864-65 was spent at Huntsville, Ala., the active campaign be- ginning again as soon as the weather permitted. The regiment served until the close of the war, and its record is one of which every surviving member should be very proud. In July, 1865, they were honorably discharged and left Nashville for their several homes. Mr. BUCKLEY ------------------------------------------------------------------- -142- was with his regiment from the day of his enlistment until mustered out, and took part in every engagement, but fortunately escaped un- injured, with the exception of a slight wound received at Kenesaw Mountain. On his return North Mr. BUCKLEY resumed work at his trade, and was in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company until the spring of 1867, when he came to Manistee under an engagement with a hardware firm. Shortly afterward he embarked in business for himself. In this for some time he met with the most flattering success, but the panic of 1873 drove him, with many others, to the wall. Undaunted by this misfortune, he commenced in the lumber business, and this he has since carried on. In 1879 he formed a partnership with WILLIAM DOUGLAS, under the firm title of BUCKLEY & DOUGLAS. The firm in 1886 purchased the extensive mill property and pine lands of Ruddick, Nettall & Co. The mill was situated in Manistee, and in it they invested $100,000. It now has a capacity of two hundred thousand feet of logs per day; and also cuts large amounts of heavy timber, for which there is a great demand from abroad. They were among the first firms who adopted the plan of building railroads for bringing in the logs, their first road being built in 1879. They are now the sole owners of the Manistee & North- eastern Railroad, of which more complete mention is made on another page of this volume. In the pine lands of Michigan and Minnesota Mr. BUCKLEY owns large undivided interests, and his real-estate possessions repre- sent considerable money. His attention has been given to his busi- ness so closely as to exclude other matters, and he has always re- fused official honors. He is an attendant at the Unitarian Church, and inclines to that faith. In the Masonic fraternity he has re- ceived all the degrees to the Thirty-second, and has held offices in the Royal Arch, Council and Commandery. In politics he is re- cognized as one of the leading Republicans of the state. In 1886 Mr. BUCKLEY was bereaved by the loss of his wife, a most estimable and accomplished lady, a leader in society, and one beloved by a large circle of acquaintances. She bore the maiden name of MARY D. RUGGLES, and was a native of Maine. On the 24th of October, 1874, she became the wife of Mr. BUCKLEY, and their wedded life was one of happiness until the bond was severed by death. She passed away in New York City, in March, 1886, mourned by the many friends to whom her noble qualities of heart and intellect had endeared her. In March, 1894, Mr. BUCKLEY married Miss J. SLONE, of Thomasville, Ga., and to them has been born a daughter, VIRGINIA. ===========================================================================