John Forester Letters

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: MS-709

Staff Only

Collection Scope and Content Summary

Letters, after 1864-before 1899, written by John H. Forester to the editor of the Portage Lake Mining Gazette, a local paper published between 1864 and 1899 in Houghton, Michigan. Written as recollections of early life in the Copper Country of Michigan, always signed as "A Pioneer".

Dates

After 1864-Before 1899

Access

Available for use in the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections.

Biography

John H. Forester was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on May 29, 1822. As a young man he was a law student and schoolmaster, later becoming a civil and mining engineer, explorer, geologist and finally a farmer where he was engaged in the breeding of Jersey cows and other choice stock. He was Assistant Engineer for the United States survey of lakes, river and harbor improvements; was involved with the Mexican boundary survey from 1848-1849; spent six years as special engineer of Michigan for the construction of Portage Lake and Lake Superior Shipping Canal; and was superintendent of copper mines. In addition to being a Forester was also a Judge of Probate in California, Justice, Postmaster and member of the board of control of Michigan Mining School. He passed away at his home in Williamston, Michigan in 1894 (excerpted from Michigan Biographies, Vol. 1, p. 303, F565. M62 v.1).