Genesee-Shiawassee County MI Archives Biographies.....McKercher, John M. 1840 - 
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Author: Chapman Bros. (1892)

JOHN M. McKERCHER. Retired from active business, our subject is at present
County Superintendent of the Poor. He is also Secretary of the School Board,
having occupied that position for three years. Mr. McKercher was born in
Livingston County, N. Y., January 14, 1840, and is the son of Daniel and
Florence (McCandlish) McKercher, the father being a farmer.

  When but four years old. our subject was brought to Flint by his parents, the
senior Mr. McKercher having located one hundred and sixty acres of land
south-west of the city of Flint. The land was in its primitive state, there not
even being roads cut through and our subject well remembers the trying times of
that period. The father remained on this place for thirty years; the mother died
when our subject was but twelve years old. Daniel McKercher was Clerk of Flint
Township and was respected wherever known.

  Our subject was given the advantages of a very good education, which, with the
training he received on the farm, enabled him to make a good start for himself.
He apprenticed himself to learn the trade of a carpenter and joiner and was very
successful in his work in this county. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War Mr.
McKercher enlisted in Company B, First Michigan Engineers, and was assigned to
the Army of the Cumberland, but afterward was changed to the Army of the
Tennessee. He saw much active fighting, having participated in the battles of
LaVergne, Tenn., Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and many others and after a
brave and loyal service of three years was discharged.

  After his return from the army Mr. McKercher again located in Flint and
followed his trade a few years when he entered the carpentry department of the
deaf institution, remaining there for a term. In 1883 he opened a general
merchandise store in New Lothrop, Shiawassee County, conducting the same for two
years, when he again returned to Flint and engaged in the same business for two
years more. Our subject was then elected City Treasurer and having a good
opportunity to dispose of his business he did so and served his city two terms
in the above-named office, giving satisfaction to all. Previous to this time he
acted as Supervisor of his Ward for two years. Socially he is identified with
the Genesee Commandery, K. T., No. 15, is the present Master of Flint Lodge, No.
23, High Priest of Washington Chapter, No. 15, and thrice Illustrious Master of
Flint Council, No. 56.

  John M. McKercher was married January 11, 1867, to Miss Matilda E. Atkin,
daughter of the Hon. R. P. Atkin. Mrs. McKercher was born in Flint Township,
December 21, 1847. They have become the parents of one child, a daughter, Grace
I. Both our subject and his wife are prominent members of the Episcopal Church
and are most highly respected residents of Flint.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

Portrait and Biographical Record of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties,
Michigan, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the Governors of the State, and of
the Presidents of the United States

Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1892

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/genesee/bios/mckerche953gbs.txt

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