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 Pub. Co., Chicago; 1895 -147- JAMES E. SOMERVILLE, a member of the firm of SOMERVILLE & WOOD, is one of the enterprising business men of Manistee. The firm handles all kinds of school and college textbooks and fancy articles, wall paper, holiday goods, blank books, stationery, etc. The busi- ness was established in 1878 by Mr. SOMERVILLE, who operated it alone until two years ago, when Mr. WOOD became a member of the firm. They do an extensive business, and run two stores in the city, one being located in the ENGLEMAN Block and carrying simi- lar goods is stock. A native of Pontiac, Mich., J. E. SOMERVILLE was born March 7, 1855, and received the main share of his education in the public and high schools of Lansing. His parents were JAMES and MARGARET J. (HAIT) SOMERVILLE. The father was born in the northern part of Ireland in 1824, and came to America in early manhood. The mother was born in New York State in 1831, and was married in this state. Of their three children, EMMA is the wife of GEORGE I. WOOD, who is the junior member of the firm to which our subject belongs. FRANK is engaged in the coke and coal business in Chicago. In 1869 the parents removed from Lansing to Manistee, where the father died in January, 1883. ------------------------------------------------------------------- -148- His wife is still living, making her home in this city. JAMES SOMERVILLE, Sr., was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, but retired, and for ten years prior to his death was engaged in mercantile business. During the late war he served for three years, in the capacity of Chaplain, with the Sixth Michi- gan Cavalry. From the privations and exposure incident to army life he incurred serious disability, from the effects of which he never fully recovered, and which probably led to his death a few years late. August 12, 1880, JAMES E. SOMERVILLE married Miss JENNIE TUXWORTH. She is a native of Canada, and a daughter of GEORGE and RUTH TUXWORTH, both of whom are now deceased. She came to Michigan with her parents in childhood, and here grew to maturity, receiving her education in the mean time. Five children have come to bless the union of our subject and his estimable wife, two sons and three daughters, named as follows: HARRY, RUTH, ELLA, BESSIE and ARTHUR. In questions of national importance, Mr. SOMERVILLE uses his vote for Republican candidates and principles. He is a true patriot and a good citizen, being interested in educational matters and whatever tends to the elevation of his fellow-men and to the betterment of society. By continued and unremitting effort he has won a competence, and through his sterling and honorable methods of doing business has gained the respect and confidence of the entire community. ==========================================================================