Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2014 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. ========================================================================== A History of the Northern Peninsula and its People, Vol. 2 Alvah Littlefield Sawyer, 1911 [963-964] FINLAY A. MORRISON. - Prominent among the foremost business men of Iron River is FINLAY A. MORRISON, general manager of the Morrison Mercantile Company, one of the most prosperous commercial organi- zations in the Upper Peninsula. A son of ALEXANDER MORRISON, he was born, April 8, 1858, at Miramichi, New Brunswick, of pure Scotch lineage. His grandfather, PETER MORRISON, a native of Perthshire, Scotland, emigrated about 1820 to America, coming with his family in a sailing vessel to New Brunswick. Locating in Miramichi, where he was a pioneer, he bought land that was still in its virgin wilderness, and in addition to clearing and improving a homestead devoted a large part of his time to fishing, which was one of the principal industries of the people of that region. About nine years old when he came with the family across the Atlantic, ALEXANDER MORRISON spent the remainder of his life of three score and ten years in Miramichi, New Brunswick, following fishing and farming, his death occurring in 1880. He married ELIZABETH LOGGIE, who was born in New York state, of English ancestry, and died, in Miramichi, New Brunswick, in 1901. Eleven children were born of their union, namely: MARY, ELLEN, MARGARET, PETER, JOHN, ELIZABETH, ALEX- ANDER, DONALD, MARGERY, JANE and FINLAY A. Having received a practical education in the public schools, FINLAY A. MORRISON began his mercantile training as clerk in a general store at Newcastle, New Brunswick. Then, in company with P. H. LOGGIE, he conducted a general store at Black Brook, New Brunswick, for a year, when he sold out. Going then to Denver, Colorado, MR. MORRISON was employed in a dry goods house in that city one summer, and then opened a hardware store in the mountains, and in addition to carrying on his store he prospected for the precious metal, remaining there some time. Subsequently locating at Pueblo, Colorado, he opened a restaurant and a ticket broker's office in that city, and there conducted a good business for a time. Selling out, MR. MORRISON was engaged in pros- pecting and mining in the territory of New Mexico for three years after which he again prospected in Colorado. Coming to the Upper Peninsula in 1888, MR. MORRISON located at Iron River and formed a partnership with his brother ALEXANDER, a provision dealer, and having added a line of groceries continued the business until the death of his brother. Subsequently succeeding to the entire business, MR. MORRISON added a complete line of hardware to his other stock. A short time later FRED H. WILLIAMS bought an interest in the business, which they conducted in partnership until 1901, building up an extensive trade. Incorporating in that year the MORRISON Mercan- tile Company, MR. MORRISON has since served as its secretary and trea- surer as well as its general manager, superintending the large busi- ness interests of the company in an able and efficient manner. He is also financially interested in the Fisher-Morrison Lumber and Fuel Company, of Iron River. MR. MORRISON married, May 21, 1888, CLARA O. WATERS, who was born in Westfield, New Brunswick, a daughter of JOEL and PHOEBE WATERS, and they are the parents of five children, namely: JOSEPHINE, ROYDEN, AUSTIN, MARJORIE and DONALD. Mr. and Mrs. MORRISON with their family are highly respected, and hold a prominent place in the hearts of their many friends. They are worthy members of the Presbyterian church, and are rearing their children in the same religious faith. Fraternally Mr. MORRISON is a member of Iron River Lodge, No. 457, F. & A. M..; of Crystal Falls Chapter, No. 129, R. A. M.; of Hugh McCurdy Commandery, K. T.; and of Iron River Lodge, K. of P. MR. MORRISON is identified with many of the leading financial and business organizations of Iron county, being a director of the First National Bank of Iron River; a director of the Menominee Power and Development Company; a director in the Iron River Realty Company and in the Caspian Realty Association; a director of the Business Men's Association; and a director, and the secretary, of the Michigan Mining Company. An uncompromising Republican in politics, he has served in the City Council and as member of the Iron River School Board. ===========================================================================