JAMES HOAR

JAMES HOAR, general manager of the leading general mercantile firm of Lake Linden, Houghton County, Michigan, that of The E. F. Sutton Company, was born in Ontonagon County, Michigan, October 13, 1858. He is a son of Joseph and Mary (Rouse) Hoar, both of whom were born in Cornwall, England, and came to the United States about 1848. Joseph Hoar was a miner by occupation and sought employment at the "Soo," in Canada, where he entered the Bruce mines. Later he removed to Ontonagon County, Michigan. His death occurred in 1865, at the age of 56 years. He was a man of exemplary life, honest and industrious. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity. In religious views he was a Methodist. The mother of our subject died January 1, 1900, at the age of 85 years. Of the parents' 13 children three survive, as follows. Ellen is the widow of H. D. Wilson, of Lake Linden, Michigan; James, of this sketch; and George, of Calumet, Michigan, chief time keeper for the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company. James Hoar was educated in the common schools of Rockland, Ontonagon County, leaving his books at the age of 13 years to begin work in the old National mine, where he continued several years, and then removed to Lake Linden, Houghton County, where he entered the mercantile establishment of North & Briggs, in the humblest capacity. His industry and ability soon secured promotion, and he was made first a clerk, then bookkeeper, and in 1901 was made general manager. In the meantime the firm had been re-organized as The E. F. Sutton Company, incorporated, and one of the largest concerns in Houghton County. The immense stock of this company is housed and displayed in a building that has a frontage of 100 feet and a depth of go feet, with three floors and warehouse. Some 18 employees are kept engaged and the stock carried covers almost every branch of general merchandise. To ensure the proper handling of this stock expeditiously, economically and satisfactorily is but a part of Mr. Hoar's duties. He seems the right man in the right place, and by years of honest effort has secured the confidence and approbation of his employers. As a citizen he is much esteemed, taking part in movements for the general good and supporting heartily all home enterprises.

In 1888 Mr. Hoar married Mary E. Trembath, who was born in 1865 in Keweenaw County, Michigan, and is a daughter of James and Mary Trembach. One son has been born to this union, James, Jr. In politics Mr. Hoar is identified with the Republican party. He is one of the prominent Masons of the State, being a Knight Templar and Shriner, and is also an Odd Fellow.

Source: Biographical Record, Houghton, Baraga and Marquette Counties.  Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company, 1903.