See also
1 John Edgar PRIDGEON1,2,3 (1875-1878) [2671]. Born 5 Jun 1875.1,2,3 Died 28 Mar 1878.1,3 Cause: Heart disease. Buried Woodmere Cemetery, Detroit, MI.1
Listed on tombstone as "Son of John Pridgeon Jr. Born June 5, 1875, Died March 28, 1878. O, for the touch of a vanished hand and the sound of a voice that is still."
Date of death is given as 26 March, 1878 in the Woodmere Cemetery Research project.
2 John PRIDGEON , Jr.4 (1853-1929) [2628]. Born 1 Mar 1853, Detroit, MI.5,6 Marr Henrietta Cora Steevens EDGAR 10 Dec 1874, Detroit, MI. Div 10 Feb 1911, Detroit, MI.7 Div. Marr Edna Jane TANNER 14 Feb 1911, Boston, MA.4,8 Marr Blanche Rose PRIDGEON 2 Jun 1915, New York, NY.6 Died 16 Mar 1929, Cambridge, MA.6 Buried Woodmere Cemetery, Detroit, MI.2
From the Sandusky Daily Register (Sandusky, OH).
July 5, 1899 - "DETROIT, Juy 4, - At a citizens' meeting held yesterday afternoon a committee of fifteen was chosen with Mayor Pridgeon as chairman to attend the annual encampment of the G.A.R. at Milwaukee for the purpose of securing next year's encampment for this city. The project is looked upon with favor both in the city and throughout the State."
From the History of the Great Lakes, published 1899, Pages 507-508 - "JOHN PRIDGEON, Jr. The first steamboat owned by the late John Pridgeon was the United, in which he hauled sand from Ft. Wayne to be used in the first paving ever done in Detroit. On this boat he lived with his wife and child, and here1 while a babe in arms, John Pridgeon, Jr., had his first experience in steamboating. In later years1 when the elder Pridgeon had disposed of all this vessel property, he frequently urged his son to follow his example, but the latter's love for the business1 the charm of it, perhaps, caused him to decline and he is to-day an extensive owner of vessel stock.
Our subject was born August 1, 1852, in a cottage on what was then known as the fair ground, near what is now called Sycamore street. When but a little over sixteen years of age he was at work on hoard the propeller B. F. Wade, as clerk. a position he held about four years. He then shipped as clerk on the City of Duluth, running between Chicago and Duluth, and after a time came ashore, and took charge of the office of the Chicago, Sarnia & Grand Trunk line at Ft. Gratiot. His father had a controlling interest in the line, which consisted of the steamers B. F. Wade, Sun, Montgomery, S. D. Caidwell and Antelope, and he remained in the Ft. Gratiot office until the Chicago & Grand Trunk railway was completed, and the connection between Sarnia and Chicago abandoned.
Mr. Pridgeon then returned to Detroit and went into his father`s office, where he remained until the latter had disposed of all his vessel property. At the death of the father the son was made one of the executors of the estate. Mr. Pridgeon is largely interested in Detroit real estate, and is a director of the Detroit River Savings Bank. He is also an officer of the following vessel companies: President of the State Transportation Company, propeller John Pridgeon, Jr.; vice-president of the Red Star line, steamer Greyhound; vice-president of the White Star line, steamer City of Toledo; president of the Pridgeon Transportation Company, propeller A. A. Parker and barge B.W. Parker.
Soon after his return to Detroit from Fort Gratiot he became interested in politics, and December 23, 1879, he was appointed a member of the first park commission, instituted by Mayor Langdon. This commission took charge of Belle Isle Park immediately after the purchase of the island by the city, but owing to some defect in the law the Supreme Court overturned the act of creating it, and the board went out of office. He was elected member of the city council in 1886, and was a member of that body when it was abolished by the legislature, September 26, 1887. At the election of that year he was the Democratic nominee for mayor9 and, being elected, served during 1888 and 1889. He was subsequently appointed a member of the Metropolitan Police Commission by Governor Luce, serving until July 1, 1892, when the old commission gave place to a new one appointed by the mayor.
In his public life Mr. Pridgeon earned the respect and good will of the people. His administration of the mayor's office was clean, dignified and conservative, and few incumbents of that position have conducted it with less friction and more general satisfaction"
From an account of Detroit and Wayne County.
"Concerning the family history of this well known and popular citizen and business man of Detroit pertinent data appear in the memoir of his honored father, the late John Pridgeon, Sr., on other pages of this work, so that a recapitulation of the same is not here required. The subject of this review has been concerned with the lake marine business from his youth to the present time and has valuable interests in this important department of industrial enterprise. Mr. Pridgeon has the distinction of being a native son of Detroit, where he was born on the 1st of August, 1852, and in whose public schools and Professor Bacon's private school he secured his early educational discipline. About the year 1871 he assumed the position of clerk on one of his father's boats, and he continued to serve in that capacity until 1874. From 1876 to 1879 he was agent at Port Huron for the Chicago and Grand Trunk line of steamers, running between Chicago and Port Edward, his father having been the owner of the controlling interest in this line of vessels. When the line was discontinued, Mr. Pridgeon returned to Detroit, where he became intimately associated with his father in their extensive business of buying, selling and operating tugs, sailing vessels and propellers. They owned and operated the Detroit ad Windsor Ferry line for years. He has since continued his operations in this line and has had full control of the enterprise since the death of his father. He is the largest stockholder in the White Star line of steamers and is treasurer of the company, and he is a large stockholder in the Dime Savings Bank, of whose directorate he is a member. He has other capitalistic interests of an important order and is one of the city's substantial and representative business men. Mr. Pridgeon has ever accorded a staunch allegiance to the Democratic party and though he has manifested no office-seeking proclivities he has willingly done his part in connection with the administration of municipal affairs, having been a member of the board of police commissioners until the same was abolished and having also served for some time as a member of the board of park commissioners. To the former office he was appointed by the late Governor Begole. He is prominently identified with the time-honored Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained to the thirty-second degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and he also holds membership in the Detroit Club and other social and civic organizations. In 1885 he was elected to a seat in the city council, where he was proved a loyal and valuable working member, and in the autumn of 1887 the voters of his native city honored him by electing him to the mayoralty. He gave a most progressive and businesslike administration, and his record as chief executive of the municipal government is one which reflects credit both upon himself and the city. In December, 1874, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Pridgeon to Miss Cora Edgar, who was born in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and of this union were born two sons, both of whom died in childhood."
From: History of Detroit and Michigan, 1889 by Silas Farmer.
"JOHN PRIDGEON, Jr., was born at Detroit, August 1, 1852, and is the son of John and Emma (Nicholson) Pridgeon. His father is of English descent and has been for many years largely interested in vessels of various kinds. John Pridgeon, Jr., attended the public schools of Detroit and about 1871 was first employed as clerk on one of his father's boats, continuing in this position for about five years. From 1876 to 1879 he was agent at Port Huron of the Chicago and Grand Trunk line of steamers running between Chicago and Port Edward. When this line was discontinued he came to Detroit and has since been interested with his father in their extensive business of buying, selling, and operating tugs, sailing vessels, and propellers. In 1885 he was elected a member of the City Council, serving two years, and in the fall of 1887 was elected Mayor of the city. He was married in December, 1874, to Cora Edgar. She was born in Pittsburgh. They have had two sons, neither of whom now living. His wife is a member of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church."
From the Detroit Free Press
November 5, 1889 – “A few minutes after 8 o’clock President Murphy introduced the first speaker, Mayor John Pridgeon Jr. Mayor Pridgeon, GREETED WITH LOUD CHEERING stepped forward and said, very pointedly and briefly: “The Mayor is made responsible for many things which he is in no wise responsible. A defi is offered to any man who dare challenge the record of Mayor Pridgeon! [Cheers.] Our majority, let it be a grand one! Let every Democrat be at the polls on Tuesday?” [Loud and prolonged applause.]
The next speaker was Hon. Wm. C. Maybury, who was likewise saluted with tremendous huzzas. Acknowledging the splendid reception, Mr. Maybury settled down to a ringing speech. Among other ideas he advanced the following: The finest complement the opposition can pay to Mayor Pridgeon is the fact that he has a father. [Hurrah.] Let us hope that Mr. Pingree has a father too. But let such a father show a record as unimpeached as that of John Pridgeon, St. [Cheers.] If that father has money he has honestly earned it. And all this in the way a Republican reasons why Mayor Pridgeon should not be re-elected. [laughter.] When you embark in public life, see to it, young men, that you have a proper father and proper grandfather. [Applause.]
Whatever John Pridgeon (Cheers) did he did with his whole might. Never has a Mayor Stood out so prominently before the people. We know where he will stand tomorrow. [Cries of we do! we do! and loud cheering.] John Pridgeon strikes out straight from the shoulder and forever do we know where to find him. [Applause.]”
From The Book of Detroiters: A Biographical Dictionary of Leading Living Men of the City of Detroit, 1914. "Pridgeon, John Jr., vessel owner; born, Detroit, August 1, 1852; son of John and Emma (Nicholson) Pridgeon; educated at Barstow public school, academy of Prof. Bacon, and Detroit Business University; married at Detroit, December 10, 1874, Cora, daughter of William M. Edgar, of Pittsburgh, Pa. In early life was associated with his father in the transportation business, and when his father withdrew, he became connected with Parker Bros., organizing and operating transportation companies; sold out and was one of the organizers of the White Star Line, of which he is now vice-president; owned Detroit and Windsor Ferry Co., with his father, for years, and sold to present owners. Director Dime Savings Bank, Detroit and Milwaukee R.R.; executor estate of John Pridgeon; was member Detroit Park Board from 1883 until board was abolished; member City Council, Detroit, 1885-87; mayor of Detroit, 1889-90; police commissioner from 1890 until the police government was turned over to the city. Mason (32°), Shriner. Club: Detroit. Recreations: sailing, fishing, athletic sports, whist, fine dogs and horses. Offices: 15 Atwater St. W. Residence: 456 Woodward Avenue. Summer Residence: Martha's Vineyard, Mass."
From the Duluth News-Tribune (Duluth, MN).
October 15, 1913 - "DETROIT, Mich., Oct. 14 --John Pridgeon, Jr., was elected president of the White Star Line at a special meeting of the company's directors yesterday to fill a vacancy created by the recent death of Byron W. Parker, president and general manager. Charles F. Bielman, who has been connected with the company 40 years, is given the work of general manager in addition to his office as secretary. L.C. Waldo was maed vice president to succeed Mr. Pridgeon."
From the New York Times, June 4, 1915 - "PRIDGEON-CATE WEDDING. Ex-Mayor of Detroit Marries Mrs. Blanche Pridgeon Cate. Mrs Blanche Pridgeon Cate, widow of Earl Hotes Cate, who was a classmate of President Wilson at college, was married Wednesday night in Grace Church to John Pridgeon Jr., former mayor of Detroit, Mich., and until recently President of the White Star Line of lake steamers. He is a distant relative of the William P. Pridgeon, the bride's father, and first met the bride about a year ago through a family death notice, which led to an inquiry from Mr. Pridgeon. The couple are staying at the Hotel Biltmore, and will leave soon on their honeymoon trip. On their return they will spend the Summer at Mr. Pridgeon's country home at South Kingham, Mass."
From the Detroit Free Press, July 8, 1928 - "Pridgeon Home Doomed. Today the wreckers are busy with the old home of the late John Pridgeon, Jr., likewise former mayor of Detroit, holding office during 1888-89. When the Pridgeon home was built on the southeast corner of Woodward avenue and Alfred street, it was the center of the most fashionable section of the city. There were no stores in the neighborhood, and hotels in the district were unthinkable. A fashionable boarding house was later established on the on the west side of Woodward avenue, not far from Afred street and here was the forerunner of what might be termed Detroit's first exclusive family hotel - - though the place was called a mere boarding house in the old days. The lumber and interior trim of the Pridgeon home is undoubtedly the pick of Michigan's famous timber lands, as are the interiors of many of the old Woodward avenue mansions.".
4 John Edward PRIDGEON9 (1828-1894) [2625]. Born 15 Apr 1828, Friskney, Lincolnshire, England.10,11 Marr Emma NICHOLSON 5 May 1851.9,11 Died 6 Dec 1894, Detroit, MI.10,11 Buried Woodmere Cemetery, Detroit, MI.11
From the Detroit Free Press
August 30, 1862 – “A GENEROUS ACT – Some forty-five of the volunteers belonging to the Twenty -second Regiment, who were in this city on Thursday, received a furlough of a few days to go and visit their friends at Algonac and that vicinity, but before they were ready to leave, the river boat had taken her departure, much to their disappointment. Captain J. Pridgeon, seeing the strait they were in and the anxiety of reaching their homes as soon as possible, very generously tendered them a free ride on his steamer, the J.P. Ward, which was most thankfully and gratefully accepted. Such an act on the part of Captain Pridgeon speaks for itself?
From the Racine Daily Herald (Racine, WI)
March 1, 1879 - "Capt. John Pridgeon has purchased the schooner Michigan from the Detroit Dry Dock Company for $35,000 cash. It is said that Capt. Pridgeon intends to put the MIchigan and the schooner E.A. Nicholson behind the tug Crusader this summer, and that he will keep them both in the grain trade between Chicago and Buffalo."
From the Lake Superior and Weekly Tribune (Minnesota city unknown).
July 23, 1887 - "A. Booth & Son no longer own the prop Vernon. She was built for them a year ago at a cost of $78,000, but Wednesday the United States Marshal at Detroit sold her at public auction. The sale was made by the order of the United States district courn on a libel filed against the Vernon by the owners of the schrs S.V.R. Watson and Senator. Several weeks ago the Vernon towed these two vessels on a reef at Detour, and their owners claimed damages aggregating $33,000. Booth and Son suffered the Vernon to be sold, and under the act limiting the liability of vessel owners all claims against the Vernon can be paid with the proceeds. John Pridgeon, of Detroit, was the highest bidder. He got the boat, free of debt, for $23,350."
From the History of the Great Lakes, published 1899
Pages 421-422
"CAPTAIN JOHN PRIGEON, for many years one of the most important characters in the marine interests of Detroit, was born in Lincolnshire, England, where his father operated a small rented farm. His parents came to America when he was seven years of age, settling in Greenfield township near Detroit. Here he attended school a short time and this, together with some early trade in England, formed the whole of his early education. When he was thirteen years of age Captain Pridgeon came to Detroit, and first found employment as a teamster for E. Ferguson, afterward becoming manager for a man named Fields, who did general hauling business. He next drove stage between Detroit and Mt. Clemens for Burrell & Rose, and the following year engaged as cook on a Detroit river scow, earning twelve dollars a month. For three years he drove teams during the winter, and sailed in the summer. When John Robinson built the steamer Boston, he went on board as decksweeper, and was afterward deckhand. He sailed on the Boston one summer for twelve dollars per month, and worked in a livery stable that winter. During all this time, no matter how small his earnings, a portion was saved and put by for the future, thus laying the foundation for a substantial large fortune. Captain Pridgeon all this time had a predilection for the sea, and at the age of eighteen he went to New York and signed as an ordinary seaman in the United States navy. After a course of training on the receiving ship North Carolina he was put on board the United States sloop Albany, of the South Atlantic Squadron. While on this vessel he visited most all of the southern ports, including those of the West Indies and South America. In 1851 the Albany returned home with a number of American citizens who had been engaged in the Lopez insurrection in Cuba, they having been surrendered to the United States authorities by the Spanish government, and Captain Pridgeon returned to Greenfield with about $500, the savings of his three, years cruise. He soon after came to Detroit and shipped on the small steamer Telegraph as wheelsman. In the winter he bought a team and a pair of bob sleds, and worked in the lumber woods near Lexington. At the end of the winter he came to Detroit with a capital of $8oo. He continued working in this way for two or three years, teaming and sailing, and finally found himself worth about $3,000. At length he sold his horses, wagons and tools, and bought a little steamer, the United, with which he did a profitable towing business for a couple of years. He cleared $4,000 the first season, about $3,000 the second,and sold his steamer for $4,000, leaving him with about $12,000, which included his home.
The next season he purchased of Oliver Newberry the propeller Napoleon for $6,000 cash, and for two years did a general towing business in the North channel, at St. Clair flats. He subsequently sold the Napoleon and purchased the steamer Canada, which he also used in the towing business. From 1866 to 1884 Captain Pridgeon was probably the largest owner of tugs, steamers and sailing vessels at the port of Detroit. His investments were almost universally successful and at the time of his death, which occurred December 6, 1894, his estate was valued at over $1,000,000. During the latter years of his life, he converted his business into that of contracting, disposing of vessels when he could do so to good advantage; but the firm of John Pridgeon & Son still continued to do a large and profitable vessel trade.
Captain Pridgeon married Miss Emma Nicholson, daughter of a Canadian farmer, who lived about nine miles back of Windsor. Mrs. Pridgeon is still living, together with two children, John Pridgeon, Jr., and a daughter, Mrs. Harry Milward. For a period of eight years Captain Pridgeon was a member of the Board of Water Commissioners of Detroit; the period of his service being marked with many improvements in the water works, to all of which he gave a great deal of his time and attention. He was cordially esteemed by the employers of the board, and at the expiration of his term of service he retired from public life with the respect and goodwill of his associates and of the public."
From: Michigan Pioneer and historical Collections, 1894-95.
"December 6, 1894, Captain John Pridgeon, aged 64 years. Captain Pridgeon was a self made man; born on a farm in Lincolnshire, Eng., he emigrated at the age of 7 with his father, who settled first on a farm in Greenfield. From the date of his arrival in the United States he began the work of life on his own account, all the education he ever received was obtained by close observation and experience. He was a wonderful judge of character and early scrutinized the manner and methods of successful men, whom he chose for his models in the operations of his life. He was generous, but was careful in the dispensation of his gifts and first learned the use that was to be make of them. His employees were always treated justly, but were expected to perform their part honestly. He was the father of ex-Mayor John Pridgeon, Jr."
The following information is from the Shipwreck Database (Version 6.0): http://www.oakland.edu/boatnerd/swayze/shipwreck/ by David D. Swayze Great Lakes Researcher and Historian
W.R. MUIR
Other names : also seen as W.K. MUIR*. Built as HAMILTON MORTON(qv), renamed in 1863
Official no. : C46226
Type at loss : propeller tug, wood
Build info : 1854, Geo. Colyer, Buffalo
Specs : 110x20, 123 t.
Date of loss : 1867, Sep 18
Place of loss : Near the mouth of the Black River.
Lake : St. Clair R.
Type of loss : explosion
Loss of life : 7 of 12
Carrying : none [bark CITY OF BUFFALO and another vessel in tow]
Detail : Her engineer, noticing the water was low in her boiler, stopped her engine and began to douse her fires. The captain of her CITY OF BUFFALO, coasting up behind, frantically signalled her to get out of the way. When she restarted her engine, a terrific boiler explosion resulted. Canadian registry, but owned out of Detroit by J. Pridgeon. Two of his brothers died in the explosion.
Burned at Detroit and sunk in Nov, 1858. Raised in 1863, rebuilt and enlarged, becoming a Canadian bottom in 1864.
Raised and returned to U.S. bottom after this accident, US#26249
*There was a tug W.K. MUIR built at Milwaukee, 1862, abandoned 1881 [US#26367]. She had a major fire at Milwaukee, July 4, 1867..
Sources: nsp,lhl,hgl,mmgl,clu,st,mpl,rsl,nsp,bb
From The Palmer Scrapbook, volume 27, Burton Collection, Detroit Public Library:
" Incident, Anecdote, Personal Comment
by David M. Carey
One of Detroit's notable elections resulted in making John Pridgeon jr., her mayor. His Republican opponent was the late Dr. Yemens. Neither had ever figured largely in politics, and the man who won out never cared a rap for the game. He likes business, is adapted to it and knows the ins and outs as behooves a man of affairs in this rapidly moving age. It was as clear a case of paternal pride as ever came within my observation.
Capt. "Jack" Pridgeon had done well for his part in making Detroit. He was one of those sturdy characters that put the hallmark on American life and that we love to read of in American fiction where the imagination has fact to work upon. Nothing daunted him, and when his ambition set a stake he reached it in carrying out his plans. Plain, blunt and tenacious of purpose, endowed with the strongest common sense and wonderfully capable, he was a good man for a friend and a bad one for his enemies.
It is all to the credit of this man's memory that he fought his way to the top as he did. an illustration will help to a conception of his character. He landed a big load of cordwood and delivered it on dock as per order from Capt. Ward. Capt. "Jack" wanted the money under his scheme for enlarging his business, and had been promised cash on delivery. He went twice to the quarters of Capt. Ward and was informed that the gentleman could not be seen. No three times and out for Capt. Jack. He brushed aside the understrappers and landed in the presence of the marine mogul. the latter was not accustomed to having his orders disregarded, and he played his hand the higher, because he saw a very determined looking man before him.
"Do you know who I am?" he shouted. "I'm Capt. Ward, sir and I consider this intrusion d_____d impertinent, sir."
"I don't care a ripperty rapperty rip if you're a dozen Capt. Wards billed as one. I'm Captain Jack Pridgeon. You ordered a cargo of wood and it's on the dock. If you don't give me your check I'll give you a rough handling on the sidewalk by way of the window. Don't ring that bell, or by the living ippity ip I'll wring your neck."
The check was given then and there and each man profanely warned the other never to cross his hawser again, but characters like that warm to a good fighter, and they did an enormous volume of business afterward.
This gives you a line on the man who said that his son must someday be mayor of Detroit. It was no empty boast from a strong man accustomed to victory. The son was worthy and the father determined. The campaign organization was simply perfect. "Cash" Taylor at headquarters exemplified his Christian name. It was not a race but a runaway, for Pridgeon carried every ward and had an overflow vote nearly big enough to elect another mayor.
The old gentleman was delighted and the people were well served by a safe, conservative, conscientious chief executive who stopped leaks and kept the machinery running smoothly without scandal and extravagance."
Excerpts from an article in the Grand Traverse Herald, May 3, 1867.
"Chicago and Sarnia Line. As the Boats in this Line will touch at Northport during the season, the following notice of them, which we find in the Detroit Advertiser and Tribune, may not be uninteresting to our readers:
This popular and prosperous line, running in connection with the Grand Trunk Railway, is now owned and managed by Capt. John Pridgeon. It is composed of the B.F. Wade, Montgomery, Sun and City of Fremont.
The B.F. Wade is known round all the lakes as being one of the most magnificient vessels that float these waters. She is 1,256 10-100 tons burthen, length overall 245 feet, breadth of beam 33 feet, and depth of hold 15 feet.
The Montgonery laid up last winter in Chicago, and has been entirely refitted, and to a considerable extent refurnished - She is a splendid boat, 1,104 tons burthen, and ranks next to the Wade in the line.
The City of Fremont is a new boat, which came out last June. She was built in Cleveland by Qualo and Martin, for the Fremont Transportation Company. She is of 600 tons burthen, 165 feet in length overall, 27 feet six inches beam and 11 feet six inches hold.
The Sun laid up last winter at Buffalo. She has also been refitted and will come out this season decidedly improved. She is of 650 tons burthen and has as captain Robert A. Jones and as clerk Wm. MItchell."
Some references to the Captain from the Journal of the Senate:
Journal of the Senate of the United States of America, 1789-1873
MONDAY, May 30, 1864.
Mr. Chandler presented the petition of John Pridgeon, of Detroit, Michigan, and a petition of citizens of Michigan, praying that an American enrollment may be granted to the Canadian-built propeller "Michigan," under the name of the propeller "Michigan;" which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Journal of the Senate of the United States of America, 1789-1873
THURSDAY, January 11, 1866.
Mr. Chandler presented the memorial of John Pridgeon and William K. Muir, owners of the steam-tug Michigan, a foreign-built vessel, praying that an enrollment and license may be granted to said tug as an American vessel; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Mr. Chandler presented the petition of John Pridgeon, owner of the steam-tug W. K. Muir, praying that said tug may be enrolled and licensed as an American vessel; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Journal of the Senate of the United States of America, 1789-1873
SATURDAY, January 20, 1866.
Mr. Chandler, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom were referred the petition of John A. Sloan, and the petition of John Pridgeon and William N. Muir, reported a bill (S. 89) to issue American registers to the steam vessels Michigan and Dispatch; which was read and passed to a second reading.
From the Stevens Point Journal (Stevens Point, WI), October 23, 1886.
"SUNK IN A FOG - Two Steamers Collide on Lake Michigan - One of Them Sinks in Fourteen Fathoms of Water - Five of Her Crew Missing and Presumably Drowned.
Milwaukee, Wis., Oct. 13, A special from Sheboygan to the Evening Wisconsin, says: "The steambarge Selah Chamberlain, of Cleveland, collided with the steamer John Pridgeon, Jr., Wednesday night between eight and nine o'clock when about three miles northeast of this place and sunk in forty-two feet of water. Five men are missing and are supposed to have gone down with the Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain left Milwaukee Wednesday afternoon and was bound for Escanaba for iron. She had the schooner Fayette Brown in tow. The Pridgeon arrived here yesterday morning.
Captain Greenley, of the lost steambarge Selah Chamberlain, says the Chamberlain was struck on the port bow, and was cut down to below the waterline. She immediately began to sink and Captain Greenley ordered the boats lowered. The five men who were lost jumped into one of the boats, when the davits broke, and they were dumped into the lake and drowned. The Chamberlain lies about three miles east of Sheboygan Point."
From the Waukesha Freeman (Waukesha, WI), October 21, 1886.
"The owners of the sunken propeller Selah Chamberlain have filed in the district court at Chicago a bill for $85,000 against the John Pridgeon, on which claim the latter was seized by the marshal."
From the Fort Wayne News:
1894-12-06 - "Captain John Pridgeon, one of the best known vessel owners on the lakes, died at his residence, in Detroit, this morning. Mr. Pridgeon was about 70 years old and had been engaged in the vessel business for more than thirty years."
The following information has been extracted from a short manuscript contained in the manuscript collection at the Detroit Public Library.
""Wishing to settle down he married Emma Nicholson, daughter of a farmer who lived nine miles back of Windsor and bought a lot 30 x 100 feet of Crane & Wesson at 261 Franklin street. There he built a cottage and made his home for many years."
"Capt. Pridgeon built a large brick mansion of the southwest corner of Cass and Brainard street and his third home there. Previous to that he had a home at 443 Jefferson avenue and his latest home was at 456 Woodward avenue, old numbering. At the time of his death he was said to be worth $1,250,000 of which about $500,000 was in Detroit real estate which has grown enormously in value since 1894.".
8 John Hayes PRIDGEON12 (c. 1798-c. 1879) [436]. Born c. 1798, Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire, England.12,13 Bap 22 Sep 1799, Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire, England. Marr Maria ROBSON 26 Dec 1826, Horkstow Church, Lincolnshire, England.12 Died c. 15 Jan 1879, Birmingham, MI.14 Buried Royal Oak Cemetery.14
Hayes and Maria and family left Liverpool, England on the ship "Carolin Auguste", arriving in New York on October 27, 1837. Nat'l Archives Series No. M237, Microfilm Number 35, List No. 898 as follows:
"Hayes PRIDGION 40 yrs, Occupation: Farmer, Maria 34 yrs, William 11 yrs, Henry 10 yrs, Hayes 9 yrs, Mary Ann 1 yr, Country of Origin: England. Country of Destination: Michigan. Ship Name: Ship Carolin Auguste Port of Departure: Liverpool. Port of Arrival: New York Arrival Date: Oct 27, 1837"
From the Detroit Free Press, January 16, 1879. "Died. PRIDGEON - In this city, on the morning of the 18th inst. at the residence of his son-in-law, Henry Fuller, 478 East Congress st., Hays Pridgeon, father of Capt. John Pridgeon, aged 81 years. Funeral at Royal Oak, on Friday the 17th inst., at 1 o'clock p.m."
From the Birmingham Eccentric, January 24, 1879. "Friday January 17th the funeral of Hayes Pridgeon of Detroit, father of Captain John Pridgeon was held in the M.E. Church of this village. Sermon by Rev. S.E. Warren after which the remains were interred in the Royal Oak Cemetery.".
9 Maria ROBSON12 (c. 1807-bef1870) [437]. Born c. 1807, England.12 Died bef 1870.
5 Emma NICHOLSON9 (1828-1925) [2629]. Born 25 Jun 1828, South Cave, Yorkshire, England.1 Died 2 Nov 1925, Detroit, MI at the home of her son in law, Harry Milward.14 Buried 4 Nov 1925.14
From Dau's Detroit Blue Book and Ladies Address Book, 1905.
"458 Mrs. Emma N. Pridgeon, nee Nicholson. Receives Monday.".
10 Robert NICHOLSON ( - ) [2662].
11 Ann Rachel PICKERING ( - ) [2663].
3 Henrietta Cora Steevens EDGAR1,3,5,15 (1857-1914) [2630]. Born 20 Apr 1857, Pittsburgh, PA.1,5,14,15 Died 1 May 1914.1 Buried Woodmere Cemetery, Detroit, MI.1,14
From Dau's Detroit Blue Book and Ladies Address Book, 1905.
456 Mr. and Mrs. John Pridgeon, Jr. Summer Residence: "Sur-La-Mer," East Chop, Marthas Vineyard, Mass. Receives Monday. Mrs., nee Edgar, Mr., (34-124)."
From the Warren Evening Mirror (Warren, PA).
December 9, 1909 - "After 35 Years Sues For Divorce. Detroit, Dec. 9, -- After 35 years of apparantly happy married life, Mrs. John Pridgeon, Jr., who is a daughter of William M. Edgar of Pittsburg, is suing her husband for divorce. Mr. Pridgeon is an ex-mayor of Detroit, a vessel owner, active in business in a widely known clubman. Mr. Pridgeon inherited his marine holdings from his father."
Obituary from a Detroit newspaper, May 1914.
"Pridgeon, Mrs. Cora Edgar - Prominent for years in the womens club life of the city and active in church and philanthropic work, Mrs. Cora Edgar Pridgeon, wife of John Pridgeon, Jr., a former mayor of Detroit, died Friday morning in her apartments in the Addison. Mrs. Pridgeon was born in Pittsburgh in 1852, and had been a resident of Detroit for 46 years. She was a member of the Twentieth Century club and of the Ladies' guild of St. Paul's cathedral. Her illness extended over six months. Mr. Pridgeon, mayor of Detroit in 1888 and 1889 lives in Boston. No other near relatives are known. Services will be held in St. Paul's cathedral Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Dean D. S. Marquis and Rev. Dr. John McCaroll officiating. Interment will be in Woodmere cemetery.".
6 William M. EDGAR14 ( - ) [2673].
7 Marion H.S. ?1,15 (1825-1888) [2800]. Born 3 Apr 1825.1 Died 12 May 1888.1
Death notice from the May 13, 1888 Detroit Free Press:
"Edgar - In this city, May 12, Mrs. Marion Edgar. Funeral from the residence of her daughter, Mrs. John Pridgeon, Jr., 627 Cass avenue, Monday, May 14 at 2 p.m.. Burial private.".
| 1 | "Tombstone located by David Gustner". |
| 2 | "Woodmere Cemetery Research project". |
| 3 | "A Genealogy of the Lineal Descendants of John Steevens, compiled by Charlotte Steevens Holmes, 1906". |
| 4 | "WikiTree site on Edna (Tanner) Hill-Pridgeon by Jillaine Smith". |
| 5 | Silas Farmer, 1889, "History of Detroit and Michigan". |
| 6 | "Obituary of John Pridgeon Jr. in the Detroit Free Press, March 17, 1929". |
| 7 | "Michigan Divorce Records of John and Cora Pridgeon". |
| 8 | "Marriage story of John Pridgeon and Edna Jane Tanner in the Detroit Times, April 26, 1911". |
| 9 | "Cyclopedia of Michigan, 1900". |
| 10 | 1894-95, "Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections". |
| 11 | "Obituary of Capt. John Pridgeon from the Detroit Free Press, December 7, 1894". |
| 12 | "Information provided by Richard Brothwell". |
| 13 | "Ward 4 city of Detroit 1870 census". |
| 14 | "Newspaper obituary". |
| 15 | "Death certificate of Cora Stevens Edgar Pridgeon". |