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. =========================================================================== SOURCE: History of St. Clair County, Mich. A. T. Andreas & Co., Chicago - 1883 [563] EZRA C. CARLETON, Port Huron. A short distance northward from the city of St. Clair, where the river bank rises suddenly to a height of about thirty feet, is a region of rich, well-cultivated farms, with larg, comfortable houses and capacious outbuildings, indicating thrift and plenty. For several miles this district was settled by emigrants, chiefly from New England, and it affords abundant evidence of the industry and judgment which pilgrims from the Eastern slopes bear wherever they go. The high and shady banks, the pellucid waters of the St. Clair flowing swiftly by, a picturesque island at just a sufficient distance to awaken interest in it, the bolder line of the Canadian shores and the rural comfort on every hand, form a picture of tranquil and enduring beauty. The name "Yankee Street" was early given to all this portion of the river road, and here have lived and died many of the most honored pioneers of St. Clair County. Among these pioneers, none were better known than the CARLETONS, several families of whom came to St. Clair from New Hampshire more than fifty years ago. They were of English descent, and one of them, ISRAEL CARLETON, was born at Llandaff, N.H., in 1788; marrying MARY DEMING of Cornish, in the same State, they came to Michigan in 1831, and settled at St. Clair, where they passed the rest of their lives, and where their youngest son, EZRA C., the subject of this sketch, was born September 6, 1838. The boyhood of Mr. CARLETON, beyond the usual routine of farm life and attendance at the district school; there was nothing to vary it. In 1856, feeling the importance of better educational advantages, he came to Port Huron; where he gradu- ated at the high school in 1859, and immediately entered, as a clerk, upon his chosen pursuit of mercantile life. In 1863, he went into the employ of WILLIAM STEWART, one of the largest hardware dealers in Michigan. The year 1867, saw him a partner in the business, and in the fall of 1881, Mr. STEWART, being succeeded by his son, Mr. CARLE- TON became head of the present firm of CARLETON, STEWART & Co. Though clear and firm in his political convictions, and always a decided Democrat, Mr. CARLETON never was a politician. His advent into politics dates from the spring of 1881. The finances of the city had sunk into a deplorable condition, and the Democrats nomi- nated him as an earnest of reform. His efforts to fulfill public expectations were measurably successful, but he met the usual fate of honest reformers on the canvass for his re-election. The memorable forest fires which devastated the "Little Peninsula," lying between Lake Huron and the southern shores of Saginaw Bay, awakened the live- liest practical sympathy among the citizens of Port Huron, and, as Mayor, Mr. CARLETON promptly headed the movement for relief of the ten thousand sufferers. The policy he adopted was justified by its results, and met the warm approval of those for whose benefit it was undertaken. It also developed traits of character which turned the attention of his friends to him as a fit candidate for Congress. At the election of 1882, he was unanimously nominated, and after holding the proposed honor under advisement for several days, finally accepted it in a manly letter, notable for its probity and frankness. A spirited campaign resulted in his election by a large majority in a district which, at the preceding election, had given his opponent a decided majority. As a legislator, it is expected that his attention will be given to all economic topics, which his long experience in mercantile life and business abilities especially fit him to treat. Progressive without radicalism, and the unflinching foe of centralization, job- bing and every form of monopoly, Mr. CARLETON'S representation will reflect honor upon the district. Industrious, resolute and temper- ate, he brings to his important duties the leading essentials of success; vigorous in person, clear in mind, fortunate in his private, as in his public life, he has deserved, and will continue to merit such civic honors as his fellow citizens can bestow. Mr. CARLETON was married, July 8, 1862, to Miss ELLEN S. SMITH, daughter of AARON SMITH. They have one daughter -- JENNIE EDITH. =========================================================================== If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access more information about St. Clair County, Michigan by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/mi/stclair/ ===========================================================================