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Biographical sketch of JOHN CHAMBERLAIN from the book entitled, "Biographical Memoirs of Saint Clair County, Michigan," published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Publishers in Logansport, Indiana.
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This bio spans three (3) pages: 606-608
JOHN CHAMBERLAIN
In the respect that is accorded to men who have fought their own way to success through unfavorable environments we find an unconscious recognition of the intrinsic worth of a character which not only can endure so rough a test, but gain new strength through the discipline. The gentleman to whom the biographer now calls the reader’s attention has by his own efforts, in spite of the unfavorable circumstances attending to his life, gained a position for himself and family which is well worth attaining.
John Chamberlain was born in China township, February 7, 1844, a son of Porter and Lovicia (Worden) Chamberlain, who came to Michigan from New York in 1829. Porter Chamberlain, who was born February 22, 1810, has always been a farmer and when he came to Michigan as a pioneer settler he began looking about for a suitable location. The Worden family were originally from Massachusetts, where the daughter was born and later came to the state of New York, where she was married to Porter Chamberlain. In 1835 the young husband and wife entered land in China township and settled down to a life of frontier hardships. Their first possessions amounted to eighty acres, which were soon cleared and increased to one hundred and sixty. The lumber from this netted him a sufficient sum to enable him to make other investments and sometime after he came to Michigan he purchased a tract of pine land in Casco township. This also proved to be a valuable acquisition and the struggle which dominated his early life in this county was practically at an end. At the time of his death, September 9, 1887, he was in comfortable circumstances and had been instrumental in promoting many interests of his neighborhood. Five children were born to this couple: Jane was the wife of John E. Robertson, but both are deceased; Calvin was a farmer and merchant at Saginaw, Michigan, but is also deceased; John; Ellen first married Robert Campbell and later married A. C. McMillen and lives in China township; Ada is the wife of Nelson Robbins, of China township. Mrs. Chamberlain, who was born April 20, 1816, in Ontario county, New York, died in China township, February 16, 1898. They were faithful and enthusiastic members of the Methodist Episcopal church and had many friends among the members of the congregation. Mr. Chamberlain was a Democrat and was an ardent worker in political affairs. He at one time held the office of justice of the peace and was also a member of the school board.
John Chamberlain was educated in the township schools and lived at home until the age of twenty-eight. For four years he sailed the lakes as master of a boat, but as the life did not suit him he again took up farming. June 1, 1867, he was married to Miss Blanche E. Kenyon, who was born in East China township March 21, 1850. She was the daughter of Myron and Barbara (Mitchell) Kenyon, the former of whom was born April 20, 1824, in Warren county, New York. The Kenyon family came to Michigan in 1832 and located on the St. Clair river, and there Myron Kenyon was reared. He helped to clear his father’s farm, got out cord wood and lumber and in many ways helped the family in their efforts to establish a footing in the wilderness. For many years he sailed the lakes and later in life became the owner of a line of boats. He was also one of the first men to build a steamer, he with several others building the steamer “Porter Chamberlain.” His first wife died in 1852 and he then married Sarah Mitchell, and later he took Mrs. Catherine White, a widow, for his third wife. Mr. Kenyon died October 16, 1896. By his first marriage he was the father of but one child, Blanche E. His second wife bore him one child, Maria, the wife of Thomas Wood, of St. Clair township. Seneca, who is farming the old place, and Mary C., the wife of D. Smith, [of St. Clair, White, a widow, for his third wife]. [This line is a misprinted replication of a previous line. The proper wording here probably alludes to the children that Mr. Kenyon had with his third wife, those children being Seneca and Mary C.]. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain are the parents of two children, Catherine B., the wife of George Martin, who farms the old place in China township, and Myron, captain of the steamer “Mariposa.” He has been a sailor for many years and was married some years ago to Miss Nora Springborn, of St. Clair county. Mr. Chamberlain has always been a farmer, but for many years has had an interest in some of the boats plying the river. In 1874 he, with Myron Kenyon, John C. Robinson and T. Schnuk, built the steamer, “Porter Chamberlain,” which ran on the river for a number of years. In 1877 he sold his interest in the boat and devoted his attention to farming. Mrs. Chamberlain was also a boat-owner, having an interest, until 1902, in the steamer “Oscar T. Flint.”
Mr. Chamberlain has always taken a lively interest in political affairs, and has held several offices under Democratic administration, those of township clerk, supervisor and justice of the peace having all been filled by him with credit to himself and to his party. He is a charter member of Palmer Lodge No. 20, K. P., at St. Clair. Since 1899 he has lived a comparatively retired life, enjoying, in his beautiful home on the banks of the St. Clair river, the ease which is the just reward of a busy and fruitful life.
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PLEASE NOTE: I do not have any personal interest in researching the CHAMBERLAIN surname or the St. Clair county, Michigan location. I am merely posting a select number of the biographical sketches found in the above-referenced book *upon specific written request* as a service to the genealogical community; these transcriptions are intended for personal use and are not being done for profit. Please do not contact me with regard to research interests in the above as I have no personal ties. Thank you.
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