MICHAEL S. HOTTON is recognized as one of the prominent business men of Sault de Ste. Marie, and is at present the efficient City Treasurer. He was born in this city, then a village, March 27, 1868 and is a son of John Hotton, one of the pioneer settlers of Chippewa county. He (John Hotton} was born in England, and after coming to this country located a homestead which has now been in his possession for thirty-three years. His present residence is in Sault de Ste. Marie. He was married in this country to Miriam Fisher, a lady of Scotch birth and a daughter of Richard Fisher. Their children are Andrew, Richard, John, Michael S., George, Kate, James and Tom. The first, third and fourth named are proprietors of a meat market, and Richard is in the Government employ.

We now return to the personal history of Michael S. Hotton, knowing that it will prove of interest to many of our readers, for he is a popular and well known citizen of Chippewa county. His educational privileges were limited, but by experience and observation in later years he has become a well informed man. Ere he had attained his majority he became associated with his brothers in the meat business and the undertaking was crowned with a high degree of prosperity. His genial nature and warm-heartedness, his integrity and his unfaltering industry, have all aided materially in bringing into prominence and popularity this business, and the firm now enjoys a very lucrative trade.

From the time he attained his majority, Mr. Hotton was interested and active in political affairs. A stalwart advocate of Republican principles, he took great interest in securing the election of its nominees, yet his campaign work was always so conducted that he won friends even among the opposite party. When in March, 1895, the Republicans met to nominate candidates for the city offices, Mr. Hotton was chosen on the first and informal ballot for City Treasurer, and the nomination was then made unanimous. The Democracy placed one of their strongest men against him, and while party ties and party lines were overshadowed by local issues and almost obliterated on the final count on the 1st of April, he was found to have a majority of seventy-eight, and soon entered upon his duties, which he is now faithfully discharging. He is true to every trust reposed in him, whether public or private, and all respect and esteem Mr. Hotton.

Socially, Mr. Hotton is connected with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Bethel Lodge, No. 358, J F. & A. M.; and Sault Ste. Marie Chapter, No. 126, R- A. M., both of this city; and Ahmed Temple Commandcry. No. 45, A. A. O. N. M. S.. of Marquette. His entire life has been passed in Sault de Ste- Marie, and he is a very popular young man, esteemed by all who know him. He is public-spirited and progressive, the embodiment of that type of western advancement which has placed this region on a par with the older East.

Memorial Record of the Northern Peninsula 1895