Mecosta County MI Archives Biographies.....Brackett, George January 7, 1844 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Jan Cortez http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00020.html#0004939 April 16, 2009, 1:55 am

Author: Chapman Brothers

GEORGE BRACKETT, proprietor of the Brackett House, Big Rapids, was born in 
North Hermon, Me., Jan. 7, 1844.  He is a son of George and Eleanor (Kelley) 
Brackett, and was reared a farmer, that being the vocation of his father.

At the age of 17 he became a soldier for the Union, and enlisted in Bangor, 
Me., Nov. 23, 1861, in Co. A., 13th Maine Vol. Inf., under Capt. Fred A. 
Stevens, and was in the service a little more than three years.  Among his war 
experiences were the fights under Gen. Phil Sheridan, in the Shenandoah 
Valley, up the Red River with Banks, at Pleasant Hill and Sabina Cross Roads, 
at the taking of Fort Esperanzr, in Texas, and in 1863 was in Washington 
during the attempted raids.  He was in 13 engagements and in numerous 
skirmishes, receiving his discharge Jan. 7, 1864, at Augusta, Mr.  On his 
return to his home he engaged as a drover and butcher until November, 1867, 
when he came to Big Rapids, and engaged four years in lumbering.  He was then 
employed at the Big Rapids Furniture Factory, and at the end of one year was 
made foreman, which position he held five years.

In 1876, Mr. Brackett built the hotel where he is now operating, and rented it 
until 1879, when he opened a furniture store therein and managed it until the 
fall of 1880.  It was then remodeled into a hotel, to which purpose it has 
since been devoted.  The house has 30 rooms for guests, also a sloon with 
liquors and cigars.  He also erected a building adjoining, where he keeps a 
restaurant and bakery.

Mr. Brackett was married in Croton, Newaygo Co., to Ellen Stengel, a daughter 
of Joseph and Ellen Stengel.  They are the parents of five children:  Fred T., 
Lillie B., Cora, Edna and Charles P.  George Arthur is deceased.  Mr. Brackett 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Additional Comments:
1883 Portrait & Bio Album of Mecosta Co.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/mecosta/bios/brackett522nbs.txt

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