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. ========================================================================== Marine History, The Lake Ports, Historical and Descriptive Review of the Lakes, Rivers, Islands, Cities, Towns, Watering Places, Fisheries, Vessels, Steamers, Captains, Disasters, Early Navigators, Mineral Wealth, Trade, Commerce, Transportation, Etc., Etc. DETROIT: Historical Printing Company - 1877. [Page 43] WM. STEWART & CO. Wholesale and Retail Hardware Merchants In the year 1849, when most of the business interests of Michigan west of Detroit were in their infancy, and laying the foundation of the vast manufacturing and commercial industries that now add brilliancy to the annals of the Peninsular State, WM. STEWART embarked in the hardware busi- ness in partnership with DAVID McCALL. Although the firm possessed none of the gigantic proportions at its start that adorn it to-day it was the only one of its kind in the county and consequently enjoyed not only a large in- land trade but derived a large share of its support from the vessels that navigated the St. Clair River on their passage to the various Lake Huron and Superior ports. The premises first occupied by the firm was a frame building on Military street. The partnership formed with Mr. McCALL was destined to be of short duration, terminating at the end of one year, when Mr. STEWART purchased a part of the Tontine building and conducted his business alone for the succeeding four years. From this, as his business increased, necessitating more convenient premises, he removed to the corner of Water street, purchasing the Hatton property, where two years later Mr. JOHN MILLER became associated with him in the business. This partnership, like the former, continued but one year. From this time until 1861 Mr. STEWART continued the sole proprietor, and under his skilful management it rapidly increased in extent and popularity until still more extensive premises became an absolute necessity. Recognizing this fact, he purchased the valuable property on the north side of Military street, west of Water street, and built the handsome red brick stores now occupied by the present firm. Four years after he took possession of his new stores, Messrs. P. B. SANBORN and EZRA C. CARLTON, both gentlemen possessing an enviable repu- tation as thoroughly reliable and trustworthy business men, became associated with him as partners. By the united energy of these gentlemen this mammoth house has extended its trade throughout the greater part of Eastern Michigan, and to the indomitable pluck of this house may be attri- buted the origin and rapid growth of the wholesale trade of Port Huron. Mr. STEWART'S business career has few parallels in the annals of commercial success. Commencing in a new country, with a small capital, and contending with unflinching energy and will with all the mercantile disasters that in- vaded the rising merchant of those early days he succeeded not only in sur- mounting all obstacles but did so without compromising his commercial honor or failing to meet any obligation. Enjoying a handsome competency, the fruits of his unceasing labors and careful management, he has retired from active co-operation in the prosperous business he established more than a quarter of a century ago. But the acknowledged integrity and ability of the active partners, Messrs. SANBORN & CARLTON, are sufficient guarantees [Page 44] that the princely house of SANBORN, CARLTON & Co., will continue to hold its own and merit increased patronage. ___________________________________________________________________________ STEWART HARDWARE HOUSE WILLIAM STEWART} PETER B. SANBORN} General Special.} EZRA C. CARLTON } Partners SANBORN, CARLTON & CO., SHIP CHANDLERS AND HARDWARE MERCHANTS, IRON, NAILS, STOVES. PLUMBERS AND STEAM FITTERS, TIN AND COPPER WORKS. STEWART BLOCK, 8 & 10 MILITARY ST., PORT HURON, MICH. ==========================================================================