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 [1003-1005] JEROME B. SCHWARTZ. - A pioneer resident of Crystal Falls, Iron county, JEROME B. SCHWARTZ has been a prominent and influential factor in developing the rich mineral wealth of the Upper Peninsula, during his active career having been associated with the opening of various valuable mines. A native of France, he was born, November 25, 1844, in Lorraine, about fifteen miles north of Zaarburg, which was the birthplace, likewise of his father, GEORGE SCHWARTZ, whose parents spent their lives in that locality. Learning the trade of a shoemaker when young, GEORGE SCHWARTZ re- mained in his native land until 1848, when, accompanied by his wife and five children, he came in a sailing vessel to the United States, landing in New York after a voyage of two months. Starting westward, he proceeded up the Hudson river to Albany, thence by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo, from there coming by lake steamer to Detroit, Michi- gan, where he lived for a time. He then bought forty acres of land, lying three miles from the City Hall, the land being now included within the city limits. Moving with the family into the log house standing on the place, he devoted his energies to tilling the soil, and met with success that in due course of time he was enabled to build a large barn, and erect a commodious frame house. He had made a fine start, when in 1854, both he and his wife were stricken with cholera, and died. They had six children, namely; JOHN L., NICHOLAS J., JACOB, JEROME B., GEORGE and NICHOLAS, the second, the latter of whom was the only one born on American soil. JEROME B. SCHWARTZ was but ten years old when his parents died, and the following two years he resided with an uncle in Detroit, and at- tended the public schools. Beginning the battle of life for himself at the age of twelve years, he found employment on a farm near Wind- sor, Province of Ontario, where, for his summer's work, he received his board and a pair of shoes. Returning in the fall to Detroit, he entered the employ of R. P. THOMAS, making himself useful about the house and in the office, receiving his board and clothes for a year. He afterwards worked in the office of JUDGE BLODGETT a few months, and the next year was employed in a brick yard, where he first received money for his services. Coming to the Upper Peninsula in 1860, MR. SCHWARTZ was for awhile engaged in shoemaking at Hancock, after which he worked in the rock house, at the Quincy mine, for a few months. He subsequently returned to Detroit, from there going to Broomfield, Oak- land county, for awhile. In the spring of 1861, MR. SCHWARTZ returned to Hancock, Houghton county, and for awhile worked at the Quincy mine. Locating in Negau- nee, Marquette county, in September, 1864, he became mine captain for the Iron Cliff Mining Company, of which SAMUEL J. TILDEN was presi- dent, and T. B. BROOKS vice-president, the mines being five miles south of Negaunee. At the end of a few months, MR. SCHWARTZ began ex- ploring for that company, and explored and opened the Foster Hematite mine, and also the Barnum mine at Ishpeming. At that time this com- pany owned a tract of land twenty-five miles long and twenty miles wide, on which were several mines, and twenty charcoal pits and smelt- ing furnaces, all in operation. This company offered MR. SCHWARTZ the superintendency of the entire property, but, he not caring to assume the entire responsibility, declined the offer, although he continued in the employe of the company until 1867. In that year, in company with his brother, he took a contract to mine at Number Seven, and continued the work about a year. Then, on account of the ill health of his wife, he sold out, and went to Port Washington, Wisconsin, where he embarked in the wholesale produce business. The venture proving a failure, MR. SCHWARTZ sold out in the spring of 1868, and made a trip to Europe, and while there visited the principal points of interest in England, France and Germany. After an absence of a few months, he returned home, and until 1873 was a con- tractor at the Jackson mine. In the meantime he had explored and opened the Hemrod, Allen, Ada, and Gilmer mines, near Negaunee. He was later employed as captain at the Cascade mine for a few months, and then returned to the Jackson mine, where he continued until 1877. Becoming captain then for the Menominee Mining Company, he opened the Breen mine, which, after fifteen thousand tons of ore had been taken, failed to pay. MR. SCHWARTZ was then placed in charge of all at the Vulcan mine, and the Cyclops, and that part of the Vulcan known as the West Vulcan. Coming to Crystal Falls in January, 1882, MR. SCHWARTZ purchased the lot situated at the northeast corner of Superior and Second streets, erecting a two-story frame building, and became one of the original householders of this place. Continuing his search for ore, he subsequently explored the Muskegon, Wisconsin, Brule, Blaney and Alpha mines. In 1884 he embarked in the mercantile business, and con- ducted a general store until 1889, when he sold out. In 1888 MR. SCHWARTZ had formed the Lincoln Iron Company, and under this name had leased, from the Pfister Land and Iron Company the Lin- coln mine, which was located in the west half of the southwest quarter of section twenty-one, townships forty-three and thirty-two, and this company worked that mine until 1893, MR. SCHWARTZ being one of the owners. In 1889 he purchased from the Crystal Falls Iron Company a tract of land adjoining the city, and platted as the J. B. SCHWARTZ First Addition to Crystal Falls. Since 1893 he has devoted his atten- tion to real estate transactions, and to the care of his private in- terests, being kept busily employed. MR. SCHWARTZ married first, in 1866, MARGARET OSWALD, who was born in Luxemberg, Germany, a daughter of NICHOLAS and MARGARET OSWALD. She lived but a short time after their marriage, passing away in 1868. The Captain married second, in 1870, FRANCES OSWALD, a sister of his first wife. She died August 5, 1907. Fraternally MR. SCHWARTZ is a member of Crystal Falls Lodge, No. 128, K. of P. of Crystal Falls Lodge, No. 50, Uniform Rank; Northern Tent, No. 505, K. O. T. M.; and of Crystal Falls Lodge, No. 6, Sons of Hermann. He is a member of the Catholic Church. In 1891 he was president of the village board and has been continuously in public office since coming to Crystal Falls. ===========================================================================