The name of this gentleman is inseparably connected with the history of Sault de Ste. Marie. The business interests of the city have been greatly promoted through his efforts, and as an official of Chippewa county he has done much for its upbuildiog and advancemcot. Today he is numbered among her most valued and esteemed citizens, and the record of the city would be incomplete without a sketch of his life.

As his name indicates, Donald McKenzie comes of a good old Scotch family. He was born in Rossshire in the north of Scotland, the natal day being in February, 1842. His father was a farmer and is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. In the family were six children, four of whom still survive, two being residents of the United States—Donald andJohn Murray,— the latter a resident of Detour, Chippewa county.

At the age of sixteen Donald McKenzie entered upon an apprenticeship to the trade of ship carpenter, and when he had completed his term of service went aboard one of the Allen line steamers, remaining in the service of that company for seven years. He then joined the old Morgan line, plying between Havana, Nassau and New York city. The vessel was used for carrying mail and made regular trips for a number of years. Mr. McKenzie remained on that vessel for eighteen months, and then worked at his trade on land at various points. He was in Toronto, Canada, building railroad cars for the firm of Hamilton & Son, and in Chicago was employed by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company in the old Wells street yard. Before locating in the latter city he had passed through this locality while on a trip to Manitoba and the Canadian Northwest, and was much pleased with the country, so that when ready to locate he determined to secure a home in Sault de Ste. Marie.

Mr. McKenzie went from Chicago to Toronto, where his promised bride was awaiting his coming, and in 1875 he led to the marriage altar Miss Elizabeth Pittmao, a most estimable lady who has been to him a true helpmeet and faithful companion. They came at once to Sault de Ste. Marie, where they have since made their home and are now numbered among the most highly respected citizens.

Mr. McKenzie possessed no capital at that time, but had a robust constitution and a strong determination to succeed, and entered upon work here with an energy and resolute spirit which have characterized his entire life. During the first year of his residenre he foliowrd his trade in connection with Dumont & Stonehouse, and met with a good degree of success, so that the following season he was enabled to engage in business for himself. He purchased the Central House and for seven years did a prosperous hotel business, cunducting a first-class house, which won favor with the traveling public and was therefore well patronized. As his financial resources have increased be has made judicious investments in real estate, and now has some valuabte realty from which he realizes a handsome income. He has erected some of the most sabstantial buildings of the city, which now stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He erected the Arlington Hotel, at a cost of $20,000. He also owns the Milwaukee House and some residence property, and the rental from these various buildings adds materially to his income.

It was while carrying on the hotel that Mr. McKenzie was first called to public office, thus beginning a career which has made him one of the prominent figures in che local political world of Chippewa county. White engaged in steamboating in New York he had taken out his firsc naturalization papers, and while working in Chicago he cast his first presidential vote for Horace Greeley, whose advice to young men to go “West” he had followed and found it profitable. During six years of the time he was in the hotel he acceptably and creditably filled the office of Marshal of Sault de Ste. Marie, and in the fall of 1886 was nominated by the Democracy of Chippewa county for the office of Sheriff. He won the election, and on the expiration of his first term of two years was re-elected. In 1890 he was nominated for the office of County Treasurer, and as he gave up the keys to the jall, he was handed those of the county’s money vault. So falthfutly and conscienciously did he perform his duties that his fellow townsmen again honored him with an election, and thus for eight consecutive years he was in the public service, one of the most efficient and trusted officials the county has ever known. His record is untarnished by even a shadow of wrong, and he won the commendation of even his political opponents. Mr. McKenzie wan appointed Superintendent of St. Mary’s Canal by the administration of President Cleveland before his term an County Treasurer expired, and to this position he is now giving his entire time.

Mr. McKeszie takes quite an active interest in civic societies and is an honored member of the Odd Fellows society, and belongs to Sheboygan Chapter, Petoskey Commandery and Grand Rapids Consistory of the masonic fraternity. In manner he is genial and affable; in disposition, warm­hearted and generous, of pleasing address, and wherever he goes wins friends, while his friendship is most prized by those who know him best.

Northern Peninsula of Michigan 1895