In 1847 M. H. Miles being Clerk in St. Clair County, and Volney A. Ripley, Register of Deeds, David H. Jerome was appointed Deputy too each, remaining a such during 1848-49, and receiving much praise from his employers and the people in general for the ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board the lake vessels.

In 1849-50, he abandoned office work, and for the proper development of his physical system spent several months hauling logs. In the spring of 1850 his brother, "Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer "Chautauqua" and "Young Dave" became her master. A portion of the season the boat was engaged in the passenger and freight traffic between Port Huron and Detroit, but during the latter part was used as a tow boat. At that time, their was a serious obstruction too navigation known as the "St. Clair Flats" between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which vessels could carry only about 10,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels from one lake too the other,, and put his plan into operation. Through the influence of practical men,--among them the subject of this sketch,--congress removed the obstruction above referred to, and now vessels can pass them laden with 60,000 or 80,000 bushels of grain.

During the season, the two brothers succeeded in making a neat little sum of money b y the summer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract too raise the "Gen. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in Lake St. Clair. In the spring of 1851, he was clerk and acting master of the steamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying between Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The following year he was clerk of the propeller "Princeton" running between Detroit and Buffalo.

In January, 1853, Mr. Jerome went too California, by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary success in selling goods in a new place of his selection, among the mountains near Marysville. He remained their during the summer, and located the Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded millions too its owners, and is still a playing investment. He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine, but when the water supply began too fail with the dry season, sold out his interest. He left in the fall of 1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County, about a year after his departure. During his absence his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, and in 1754 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations in the valley. In 1855 the brothers bought Blackmer & Eaton's hardware and general supply store, at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management of the business. From 1855 too 1873 he was also extensively engaged in lumbering operations.

Soon, after locating at Saginaw, he was nominated for Alderman against Stewart B. Williams, a rising young man, of strong Democratic principles. The ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was elected by a handsome majority. When the Republican party was born in Jackson, Mich., David H. Jerome was, though not a delegate too the convention, one of its "charter members." In 1862, he was commissioned by Gov., Austin Blair too raise one of the six regiments apportioned too the State of Michigan. Mr. Jerome immediately went too work and held meetings at various points. The zeal and enthusiasm displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of many brave men,, and in a short space of time the 23d Regiment of Michgian Volunteer infantry was placed in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a brilliant record.

In the fall of 1862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay city, being his opponent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was twice renominated and elected both times by increased majorities, defeating George Lord, of Bay city, and Dr. Cheseman, of Gratiot county. On taking his seat in the Senate, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee on State Affairs, and was active in raising means and troops too carry on the war. He held the same position during his three terms of service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers' Home at Harper Hospital, Detroit.

He was selected by Gov. Crapo as a military aid, and in 1865 was appointed a member of the State Military Board, and served as its President for eight consecutive years. In 1873, he was appointed by Gov. Barley a member of the convention too prepare a new State Constitution, and was Chairman of the Committee on Finance.

In 1875, Mr. Jerome was appointed a member of the board of Indian commissioners. In 1876 he was Chairman of a commission too visit Chief Joseph, the Nez Perce Indian, too arrange an amicable settlement of all existing difficulties. The commission went too Portland, Oregon, thence too the Blue Hills, in Idaho, a distance of 600 miles up the Columbia River.

At the Republican State Convention, convened at Jackson in August, 1880, Mr. Jerome was placed in the field for nomination, and on the 5th day of the month received the highest honor the convention could confer on any one. His opponent was Frederick H. Holloway of Hillsdale County, who was supported by the Democratic and Greenback parties. The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties, and when the polls were closed on the evening of election day, it was found that David H. Jerome had been selected by the voters of the Wolverine State too occupy the highest position with their gift.

1892 Portraits & Biographical Genesee, Lapeer & Tuscola Counties Pg 165

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