Brother of Ernest Fisher (1859-1937)(#157286067) & Elroy Fisher (1877-1968)(#91553363).
HEADSTONE says born 1865; obituary says 1866.
OBITUARY Iron River Reporter Nov 8 1929 “Last Rites For N.E. Fisher At Home At 2 P.M.: Simple Ceremonies Are Prescribed For Pioneer” page one
Iron River will pay mournful homage this afternoon to N. E. Fisher, 63, for 41 years identified with the industrial and social life of Iron River and for whom last rites will be held this afternoon at the family residence, two miles west of iron River. Death occurred Wednesday morning at 2:30 o’clock following nearly three weeks’ illness with pneumonia from which developed an abscessed lung condition after the pneumonia crisis had been successfully passed.
Services will be conducted by the Rev. Marcus Brown, pastor of St. John’s Episcopal church, at 2:00, and interment will be in Resthaven cemetery, just across the highway from the Fisher residence.
In deference to his memory the First National bank, of which he was president since Feb., 1924, will close at 1:30 o’clock today, and many business places will cease business during the hours of the funeral service.
ENDS ACTIVE CAREER Mr. Fisher’s death brought to an end an active career in the financial and industrial growth of the Iron River district which began when he arrived in March 1888, to file on a homestead near the Peter Paul place at Atkinson.
His business acumen foresaw the tremendous development of mining, lumbering and agriculture of this primitive section, and he give it impetus by wise investment and energetic and sound business sense. In 1912 he retired from the retail business to devote his time in a rapidly expanding interest in real estate, mining, and the many associated enterprises with which he had previously linked himself. Closely allied with him in many of those activities were E.J. VanOrnum, F.A. Morrison, W.H. Selden, I.W. Byers, and others to whom, more than anyone else, the financial direction of large affairs here fell.
Success attended him in most of these ventures and he accumulated a substantial fortune.
While proving his government claim at Atkinson, he worked part time as clerk in Hunter’s grocery store, spending the winter on his claim. In February, 1889, he took a position as clerk in the Minckler general store and in May, when Mr. Minckler desired to sell, engaged in his first business transaction here by forming a partnership with Peter Erickson which purchased the Minckler store on contract. Five years later, Mr. Erickson died and Mr. Fisher purchased the interest of the widow and changed the firm name of Fisher and Erickson to N. E. Fisher.
SELLS STORE IN 1912 He continued in this business until 1912 but meanwhile he had expanded his interests and associated himself with other developments. He became active in real estate and mineral exploration on a small scale but this activity was destined to command almost his entire attention after his retirement from the mercantile field.
One of his first business disappointments occurred about this time. For several years he had been fighting for the timber holdings on his homestead against claims filed by the Copper Country Canal company, which contended it had prior government rights by virtue of a land reward for its canal construction. Overtures of settlement had been made by the Atkinson Lumber Co., then engaged in harvesting the splendid white pine tract of the district. Mr. Fisher refused a sum of $10,000, believing he held valid title, and the question was ultimately forced to the supreme court where a decision adverse to him and other land owners was handed down. As a result the timber was a total financial loss in a day when payment meant a fortune.
Mr. Fisher’s insight into affairs and conditions and a pronounced aptitude for leadership brought him many executive offices within the companies he helped form and direct. For many years he was president of the Fisher-Morrison Lumber Co., the Iron Range Light and Power Co., and in recent years became president of the First National bank. He was a director in the Caspian Realty company, the Riverside Realty Co., the Iron River Realty Co., all of which have been merged into the Iron River Realty Co., with him as its president; the Menominee Range Power and Development Co., the Citizen’s Land and Development Co., and the Michigan Iron and Mining Co. Several of the earlier organizations are now defunct, or merged with other interests.
He was one of the six founders of the Iron Range Light and Power Co., now owned by the Central Public Service corporation. This same group purchased and platted the townsite of Caspian and financed its early development. His activities spread over a broad field and he was a dominant factor in decisions which, for the most part, proved judicious.
MARRIED IN 1904 On June 15, 1904 he married Miss Lucia Milker of Burlington, Iowa, a teacher in the Iron River public schools. The wedding was performed in Chicago and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the event was celebrated in Iron River this year. He is survived by Mrs. Fisher, Leslie of the Northern Trust Co. of Chicago, Miss Aileen L. of Chicago, and Lucia M. and Beth, of Iron River. Two brothers, Ernest S. of Plainesille, Wis. and Elroy of Tacoma, Wash., and one sister, Mrs. Lida Williams of Bear Lake, Mich., also survive him.
Mr. Fisher was born in Palmyra, Lenawee county, Michigan, on February 3, 1866. He received his early education in the Palmyra public schools and subsequently took a business course at the Adrian Business college. Leaving home in 1889, he came direct to Iron River, being attracted by the land grants and the business opportunities of the new country.
Tribute to his excellent citizenship, sympathy and magnanimous spirit have been profusely expressed by his close friends.
“The longer you knew him the better you valued his worth”, said Mr. VanOrnum, a close business associate. “I know of no one who has done more for the district and for his neighbors and friends.”
FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter Nov 8 1929 “Fisher Rites Held”
Last rites for N E. Fisher, 64, for 41 years a prominent resident of Iron River, were held Friday at 2 o’clock from the Fisher residence on U.S. 2, two miles west of the city. In the presence of a large gathering of friends, the Rev. Marcus J. Brown, pastor of the St. John’s Episcopal church, conducted the service. Casket bearers were long friends of Mr. Fisher.
Interment was in Resthaven cemetery.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Nov 12 1929 “Lions Tribute Given Fisher: Crystal Falls Rotarians Join In Paying Respect To Late Banker”
Tribute to N. E. Fisher, former club member whose death occurred November 6, was paid Tuesday evening by the Iron River Lions club in a resolution, presented by L. A. Lyon, past president.
Thomas Conlin and J. E. Oswald, visiting Rotarians of Crystal Falls, paid further tribute to Mr. Fisher, who was prominently known throughout the county.
The resolution follows:
“WHEREAS, it has pleased Almighty God to call from his labors on earth, Nelson E. Fisher, a member of this club, and,
“WHEREAS, in the death of Brother Fisher this club and each member thereof has lost a friend and one of his ablest members, and,
“WHEREAS, during the many years that our brother Fisher has resided in this community he has been a district asset in community life, an honorable and upright citizen, and during his membership in this club he has been an active and valued member thereof.
“Now, therefore, I move the club that the heart-felt sorrow of each member of the Iron River Lions club in relation to the decease of our former member be spread upon the records of this club as an endearing tribute of the affection and esteem of the members of said club, and that the secretary of this club be instructed to spread this resolution upon the minutes of this meeting and to send a copy of this resolution, properly engrossed, to the widow of Brother Fisher and cause the same to be published in the Iron River Reporter.”
A.E. McCornock, Secretary
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "Families: Nelson E. Fisher" page 395 with photo
Nelson Fisher was born February 3, 1865 at Palmyra, Lenawee County, Michigan. Receiving his early education in the public schools of Palmyra, Michigan, he subsequently took a business course at the Adrian Business College. Leaving home in 1888, he came to Iron River, having taken up a homestead nearby. In February 1889, he accepted a position as a clerk in the grocery and provision store of P.N. Minckler, and the following May, in partnership with Peter Erickson, bought out Mr. Minckler, and continued the business under the firm name Erickson & Fisher until the death of Mr. Erickson five years later. Mr. Fisher became sole proprietor of the business, which he managed with great success until 1912, when he sold it. Meanwhile he expanded his interests and associated himself with other developments. He became active in real estate, and mineral exploration on a small scale.
One of his first business disappointments occurred about this time. For several years he had been fighting for the timber holdings on his homestead against claims filed by the Copper County Canal Company, which contended it had prior government rights by virtue of a land reward for its canal construction. Overtures of settlement had been made by the Atkinson Lumber Company, then engaged in harvesting the white pine tract. The supreme court, however, handed down a decision adverse to him and other land owners and as a result the timber was a total financial loss.
Mr. Fisher held many executive offices within the companies he helped form and direct. For many years he was president of the Fisher-Morrison Lumber Company, the Iron Range Light and Power Company, and later he became president of the First National Bank. He was a director in the Caspian Realty Company, the Riverside Realty Company, the Iron River Realty Company, all which merged into the Iron River Realty Company, with him as its president; the Menominee Range Power and Development Company, the Citizen's Land and Development Company, and the Michigan Iron and Mining Company.
On June 15, 1904 he married Miss Lucia Milker of Burlington, Iowa, a teacher in the Iron River public schools. They had four children: Aileen L., Leslie, Lucia M. and Beth. Mr. Fisher died in November 1929.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "The Homestead Dispute" page 55 with photo
Early in the year 1888, the Atkinson area was the scene of a homestead land rush. (Atkinson township was centered in the sawmill town of Atkinson that flourished for a few years on both banks of the Paint River where Gibbs City later slumbered on the south bank.)
The land rush action was precipitaed by rumors of favorable Congressional action toward the forfeiture of unearned grant lands of the early-days Ontonagon & Brule Railroad that was originally proposed to pass through the Iron River valley on its way to Wisconsin.
In the year 1875 however, the Governor of Michigan had released 15,000 acres of these lands to selection by the Lake Superior Ship Canal, Railway & Iron Company, known more commonly as "The Canal Company."
The governor released the acreage in payment for the construction of a ship canal across the Keweenaw peninsula between the villages of Houghton and Hancock. Action was finally taken by Congress on March 2, 1889 in a demand that these lands be returned to the public domain.
But a clause in the Act stipulated that:
"It shall not be construed to prejudice any right of the Portage Lake Canal Company or ... of the Ontonagon & Brule Railroad or any person claiming under them."
In the year 1889, the battle became a three-way struggle when the Canal Company sold the timber from the disputed lands to the Metropolitan Lumber Company which erected a large mill at Atkinson and began logging the pine from the lands.
The fight was a long, bitter and futile one for the homesteaders. Only a few were successful in holding their lands.
The last case was not settled by the courts until the year 1916.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "Businesses: Food and Beverage Stores: Minckler's Grocery Store-Fisher and Erickson Grocery-Fisher Grocery-Friend and Peterson Grocery" page 294 with photos (excerpt)
Paul Minckler owned and operated a grocery store known as Minckler's Grocery Store. It was located on Adams Street, where Dave's IGA is now located. Nelson Ebert Fisher worked for Paul Minckler in his grocery store, and after working for a year or two, Paul Minckler made N.E. Fisher a proposition to buy him out. Fisher and Peter Erickson bought out Minckler's store and it became Fisher and Erickson Grocery. A year later, Peter Erickson died and Fisher and his brother George went into business together. A meat market was right next to the grocery store, and they eventually moved the meat market around and put it on the east side of the grocery and connected the two. When George died, Fisher continued the business. In 1912, N.E. Fisher sold the business to George Friend and Leonard Peterson, a partnership. The grocery became Friend and Peterson grocery.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "Businesses: General Merchandise Stores: Fisher-Morrison Lumber and Fuel Company-The Phoenix Lumber and Supply Company" page 300 with photo (excerpt)
The Phoenix Lumber and Supply Company was a pioneer building supply yard, having taken over the Fisher-Morrison Yard, an earlier enterprise owned by F.A. Morrison and N.E. Fisher in 1910. H.J. Fisher was proprietor. The Iron River firm, located on Fourth Avenue at Ross, expanded into a chain of yards located in Stambaugh, Iron Mountain, Escanaba and Gladstone.
WEBSITE National Register of Historic Places "Nelson E. Fisher House-High Banks"
Located on US2. "High Banks" was built in 1912 for Nelson A. [E.] Fisher, a leading Iron River businessman and one of the "Big Five." Iron River's Big Five together organized the Iron Savings and Loan Association in 1905, the Iron River Realty Company, the Iron Range Light and Power Company, and platted the Village of Caspian in 1907. Fisher's daughter Aileen Fisher later became a notable children's author, and her childhood memories of High Banks are reflected in her writing.
OBITUARY of Leslie Fisher 2002 says Nelson Fisher was his father.
HEADSTONE says born 1865; obituary says 1866.
OBITUARY Iron River Reporter Nov 8 1929 “Last Rites For N.E. Fisher At Home At 2 P.M.: Simple Ceremonies Are Prescribed For Pioneer” page one
Iron River will pay mournful homage this afternoon to N. E. Fisher, 63, for 41 years identified with the industrial and social life of Iron River and for whom last rites will be held this afternoon at the family residence, two miles west of iron River. Death occurred Wednesday morning at 2:30 o’clock following nearly three weeks’ illness with pneumonia from which developed an abscessed lung condition after the pneumonia crisis had been successfully passed.
Services will be conducted by the Rev. Marcus Brown, pastor of St. John’s Episcopal church, at 2:00, and interment will be in Resthaven cemetery, just across the highway from the Fisher residence.
In deference to his memory the First National bank, of which he was president since Feb., 1924, will close at 1:30 o’clock today, and many business places will cease business during the hours of the funeral service.
ENDS ACTIVE CAREER Mr. Fisher’s death brought to an end an active career in the financial and industrial growth of the Iron River district which began when he arrived in March 1888, to file on a homestead near the Peter Paul place at Atkinson.
His business acumen foresaw the tremendous development of mining, lumbering and agriculture of this primitive section, and he give it impetus by wise investment and energetic and sound business sense. In 1912 he retired from the retail business to devote his time in a rapidly expanding interest in real estate, mining, and the many associated enterprises with which he had previously linked himself. Closely allied with him in many of those activities were E.J. VanOrnum, F.A. Morrison, W.H. Selden, I.W. Byers, and others to whom, more than anyone else, the financial direction of large affairs here fell.
Success attended him in most of these ventures and he accumulated a substantial fortune.
While proving his government claim at Atkinson, he worked part time as clerk in Hunter’s grocery store, spending the winter on his claim. In February, 1889, he took a position as clerk in the Minckler general store and in May, when Mr. Minckler desired to sell, engaged in his first business transaction here by forming a partnership with Peter Erickson which purchased the Minckler store on contract. Five years later, Mr. Erickson died and Mr. Fisher purchased the interest of the widow and changed the firm name of Fisher and Erickson to N. E. Fisher.
SELLS STORE IN 1912 He continued in this business until 1912 but meanwhile he had expanded his interests and associated himself with other developments. He became active in real estate and mineral exploration on a small scale but this activity was destined to command almost his entire attention after his retirement from the mercantile field.
One of his first business disappointments occurred about this time. For several years he had been fighting for the timber holdings on his homestead against claims filed by the Copper Country Canal company, which contended it had prior government rights by virtue of a land reward for its canal construction. Overtures of settlement had been made by the Atkinson Lumber Co., then engaged in harvesting the splendid white pine tract of the district. Mr. Fisher refused a sum of $10,000, believing he held valid title, and the question was ultimately forced to the supreme court where a decision adverse to him and other land owners was handed down. As a result the timber was a total financial loss in a day when payment meant a fortune.
Mr. Fisher’s insight into affairs and conditions and a pronounced aptitude for leadership brought him many executive offices within the companies he helped form and direct. For many years he was president of the Fisher-Morrison Lumber Co., the Iron Range Light and Power Co., and in recent years became president of the First National bank. He was a director in the Caspian Realty company, the Riverside Realty Co., the Iron River Realty Co., all of which have been merged into the Iron River Realty Co., with him as its president; the Menominee Range Power and Development Co., the Citizen’s Land and Development Co., and the Michigan Iron and Mining Co. Several of the earlier organizations are now defunct, or merged with other interests.
He was one of the six founders of the Iron Range Light and Power Co., now owned by the Central Public Service corporation. This same group purchased and platted the townsite of Caspian and financed its early development. His activities spread over a broad field and he was a dominant factor in decisions which, for the most part, proved judicious.
MARRIED IN 1904 On June 15, 1904 he married Miss Lucia Milker of Burlington, Iowa, a teacher in the Iron River public schools. The wedding was performed in Chicago and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the event was celebrated in Iron River this year. He is survived by Mrs. Fisher, Leslie of the Northern Trust Co. of Chicago, Miss Aileen L. of Chicago, and Lucia M. and Beth, of Iron River. Two brothers, Ernest S. of Plainesille, Wis. and Elroy of Tacoma, Wash., and one sister, Mrs. Lida Williams of Bear Lake, Mich., also survive him.
Mr. Fisher was born in Palmyra, Lenawee county, Michigan, on February 3, 1866. He received his early education in the Palmyra public schools and subsequently took a business course at the Adrian Business college. Leaving home in 1889, he came direct to Iron River, being attracted by the land grants and the business opportunities of the new country.
Tribute to his excellent citizenship, sympathy and magnanimous spirit have been profusely expressed by his close friends.
“The longer you knew him the better you valued his worth”, said Mr. VanOrnum, a close business associate. “I know of no one who has done more for the district and for his neighbors and friends.”
FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter Nov 8 1929 “Fisher Rites Held”
Last rites for N E. Fisher, 64, for 41 years a prominent resident of Iron River, were held Friday at 2 o’clock from the Fisher residence on U.S. 2, two miles west of the city. In the presence of a large gathering of friends, the Rev. Marcus J. Brown, pastor of the St. John’s Episcopal church, conducted the service. Casket bearers were long friends of Mr. Fisher.
Interment was in Resthaven cemetery.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Nov 12 1929 “Lions Tribute Given Fisher: Crystal Falls Rotarians Join In Paying Respect To Late Banker”
Tribute to N. E. Fisher, former club member whose death occurred November 6, was paid Tuesday evening by the Iron River Lions club in a resolution, presented by L. A. Lyon, past president.
Thomas Conlin and J. E. Oswald, visiting Rotarians of Crystal Falls, paid further tribute to Mr. Fisher, who was prominently known throughout the county.
The resolution follows:
“WHEREAS, it has pleased Almighty God to call from his labors on earth, Nelson E. Fisher, a member of this club, and,
“WHEREAS, in the death of Brother Fisher this club and each member thereof has lost a friend and one of his ablest members, and,
“WHEREAS, during the many years that our brother Fisher has resided in this community he has been a district asset in community life, an honorable and upright citizen, and during his membership in this club he has been an active and valued member thereof.
“Now, therefore, I move the club that the heart-felt sorrow of each member of the Iron River Lions club in relation to the decease of our former member be spread upon the records of this club as an endearing tribute of the affection and esteem of the members of said club, and that the secretary of this club be instructed to spread this resolution upon the minutes of this meeting and to send a copy of this resolution, properly engrossed, to the widow of Brother Fisher and cause the same to be published in the Iron River Reporter.”
A.E. McCornock, Secretary
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "Families: Nelson E. Fisher" page 395 with photo
Nelson Fisher was born February 3, 1865 at Palmyra, Lenawee County, Michigan. Receiving his early education in the public schools of Palmyra, Michigan, he subsequently took a business course at the Adrian Business College. Leaving home in 1888, he came to Iron River, having taken up a homestead nearby. In February 1889, he accepted a position as a clerk in the grocery and provision store of P.N. Minckler, and the following May, in partnership with Peter Erickson, bought out Mr. Minckler, and continued the business under the firm name Erickson & Fisher until the death of Mr. Erickson five years later. Mr. Fisher became sole proprietor of the business, which he managed with great success until 1912, when he sold it. Meanwhile he expanded his interests and associated himself with other developments. He became active in real estate, and mineral exploration on a small scale.
One of his first business disappointments occurred about this time. For several years he had been fighting for the timber holdings on his homestead against claims filed by the Copper County Canal Company, which contended it had prior government rights by virtue of a land reward for its canal construction. Overtures of settlement had been made by the Atkinson Lumber Company, then engaged in harvesting the white pine tract. The supreme court, however, handed down a decision adverse to him and other land owners and as a result the timber was a total financial loss.
Mr. Fisher held many executive offices within the companies he helped form and direct. For many years he was president of the Fisher-Morrison Lumber Company, the Iron Range Light and Power Company, and later he became president of the First National Bank. He was a director in the Caspian Realty Company, the Riverside Realty Company, the Iron River Realty Company, all which merged into the Iron River Realty Company, with him as its president; the Menominee Range Power and Development Company, the Citizen's Land and Development Company, and the Michigan Iron and Mining Company.
On June 15, 1904 he married Miss Lucia Milker of Burlington, Iowa, a teacher in the Iron River public schools. They had four children: Aileen L., Leslie, Lucia M. and Beth. Mr. Fisher died in November 1929.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "The Homestead Dispute" page 55 with photo
Early in the year 1888, the Atkinson area was the scene of a homestead land rush. (Atkinson township was centered in the sawmill town of Atkinson that flourished for a few years on both banks of the Paint River where Gibbs City later slumbered on the south bank.)
The land rush action was precipitaed by rumors of favorable Congressional action toward the forfeiture of unearned grant lands of the early-days Ontonagon & Brule Railroad that was originally proposed to pass through the Iron River valley on its way to Wisconsin.
In the year 1875 however, the Governor of Michigan had released 15,000 acres of these lands to selection by the Lake Superior Ship Canal, Railway & Iron Company, known more commonly as "The Canal Company."
The governor released the acreage in payment for the construction of a ship canal across the Keweenaw peninsula between the villages of Houghton and Hancock. Action was finally taken by Congress on March 2, 1889 in a demand that these lands be returned to the public domain.
But a clause in the Act stipulated that:
"It shall not be construed to prejudice any right of the Portage Lake Canal Company or ... of the Ontonagon & Brule Railroad or any person claiming under them."
In the year 1889, the battle became a three-way struggle when the Canal Company sold the timber from the disputed lands to the Metropolitan Lumber Company which erected a large mill at Atkinson and began logging the pine from the lands.
The fight was a long, bitter and futile one for the homesteaders. Only a few were successful in holding their lands.
The last case was not settled by the courts until the year 1916.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "Businesses: Food and Beverage Stores: Minckler's Grocery Store-Fisher and Erickson Grocery-Fisher Grocery-Friend and Peterson Grocery" page 294 with photos (excerpt)
Paul Minckler owned and operated a grocery store known as Minckler's Grocery Store. It was located on Adams Street, where Dave's IGA is now located. Nelson Ebert Fisher worked for Paul Minckler in his grocery store, and after working for a year or two, Paul Minckler made N.E. Fisher a proposition to buy him out. Fisher and Peter Erickson bought out Minckler's store and it became Fisher and Erickson Grocery. A year later, Peter Erickson died and Fisher and his brother George went into business together. A meat market was right next to the grocery store, and they eventually moved the meat market around and put it on the east side of the grocery and connected the two. When George died, Fisher continued the business. In 1912, N.E. Fisher sold the business to George Friend and Leonard Peterson, a partnership. The grocery became Friend and Peterson grocery.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "Businesses: General Merchandise Stores: Fisher-Morrison Lumber and Fuel Company-The Phoenix Lumber and Supply Company" page 300 with photo (excerpt)
The Phoenix Lumber and Supply Company was a pioneer building supply yard, having taken over the Fisher-Morrison Yard, an earlier enterprise owned by F.A. Morrison and N.E. Fisher in 1910. H.J. Fisher was proprietor. The Iron River firm, located on Fourth Avenue at Ross, expanded into a chain of yards located in Stambaugh, Iron Mountain, Escanaba and Gladstone.
WEBSITE National Register of Historic Places "Nelson E. Fisher House-High Banks"
Located on US2. "High Banks" was built in 1912 for Nelson A. [E.] Fisher, a leading Iron River businessman and one of the "Big Five." Iron River's Big Five together organized the Iron Savings and Loan Association in 1905, the Iron River Realty Company, the Iron Range Light and Power Company, and platted the Village of Caspian in 1907. Fisher's daughter Aileen Fisher later became a notable children's author, and her childhood memories of High Banks are reflected in her writing.
OBITUARY of Leslie Fisher 2002 says Nelson Fisher was his father.
Brother of Ernest Fisher (1859-1937)(#157286067) & Elroy Fisher (1877-1968)(#91553363).
HEADSTONE says born 1865; obituary says 1866.
OBITUARY Iron River Reporter Nov 8 1929 “Last Rites For N.E. Fisher At Home At 2 P.M.: Simple Ceremonies Are Prescribed For Pioneer” page one
Iron River will pay mournful homage this afternoon to N. E. Fisher, 63, for 41 years identified with the industrial and social life of Iron River and for whom last rites will be held this afternoon at the family residence, two miles west of iron River. Death occurred Wednesday morning at 2:30 o’clock following nearly three weeks’ illness with pneumonia from which developed an abscessed lung condition after the pneumonia crisis had been successfully passed.
Services will be conducted by the Rev. Marcus Brown, pastor of St. John’s Episcopal church, at 2:00, and interment will be in Resthaven cemetery, just across the highway from the Fisher residence.
In deference to his memory the First National bank, of which he was president since Feb., 1924, will close at 1:30 o’clock today, and many business places will cease business during the hours of the funeral service.
ENDS ACTIVE CAREER Mr. Fisher’s death brought to an end an active career in the financial and industrial growth of the Iron River district which began when he arrived in March 1888, to file on a homestead near the Peter Paul place at Atkinson.
His business acumen foresaw the tremendous development of mining, lumbering and agriculture of this primitive section, and he give it impetus by wise investment and energetic and sound business sense. In 1912 he retired from the retail business to devote his time in a rapidly expanding interest in real estate, mining, and the many associated enterprises with which he had previously linked himself. Closely allied with him in many of those activities were E.J. VanOrnum, F.A. Morrison, W.H. Selden, I.W. Byers, and others to whom, more than anyone else, the financial direction of large affairs here fell.
Success attended him in most of these ventures and he accumulated a substantial fortune.
While proving his government claim at Atkinson, he worked part time as clerk in Hunter’s grocery store, spending the winter on his claim. In February, 1889, he took a position as clerk in the Minckler general store and in May, when Mr. Minckler desired to sell, engaged in his first business transaction here by forming a partnership with Peter Erickson which purchased the Minckler store on contract. Five years later, Mr. Erickson died and Mr. Fisher purchased the interest of the widow and changed the firm name of Fisher and Erickson to N. E. Fisher.
SELLS STORE IN 1912 He continued in this business until 1912 but meanwhile he had expanded his interests and associated himself with other developments. He became active in real estate and mineral exploration on a small scale but this activity was destined to command almost his entire attention after his retirement from the mercantile field.
One of his first business disappointments occurred about this time. For several years he had been fighting for the timber holdings on his homestead against claims filed by the Copper Country Canal company, which contended it had prior government rights by virtue of a land reward for its canal construction. Overtures of settlement had been made by the Atkinson Lumber Co., then engaged in harvesting the splendid white pine tract of the district. Mr. Fisher refused a sum of $10,000, believing he held valid title, and the question was ultimately forced to the supreme court where a decision adverse to him and other land owners was handed down. As a result the timber was a total financial loss in a day when payment meant a fortune.
Mr. Fisher’s insight into affairs and conditions and a pronounced aptitude for leadership brought him many executive offices within the companies he helped form and direct. For many years he was president of the Fisher-Morrison Lumber Co., the Iron Range Light and Power Co., and in recent years became president of the First National bank. He was a director in the Caspian Realty company, the Riverside Realty Co., the Iron River Realty Co., all of which have been merged into the Iron River Realty Co., with him as its president; the Menominee Range Power and Development Co., the Citizen’s Land and Development Co., and the Michigan Iron and Mining Co. Several of the earlier organizations are now defunct, or merged with other interests.
He was one of the six founders of the Iron Range Light and Power Co., now owned by the Central Public Service corporation. This same group purchased and platted the townsite of Caspian and financed its early development. His activities spread over a broad field and he was a dominant factor in decisions which, for the most part, proved judicious.
MARRIED IN 1904 On June 15, 1904 he married Miss Lucia Milker of Burlington, Iowa, a teacher in the Iron River public schools. The wedding was performed in Chicago and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the event was celebrated in Iron River this year. He is survived by Mrs. Fisher, Leslie of the Northern Trust Co. of Chicago, Miss Aileen L. of Chicago, and Lucia M. and Beth, of Iron River. Two brothers, Ernest S. of Plainesille, Wis. and Elroy of Tacoma, Wash., and one sister, Mrs. Lida Williams of Bear Lake, Mich., also survive him.
Mr. Fisher was born in Palmyra, Lenawee county, Michigan, on February 3, 1866. He received his early education in the Palmyra public schools and subsequently took a business course at the Adrian Business college. Leaving home in 1889, he came direct to Iron River, being attracted by the land grants and the business opportunities of the new country.
Tribute to his excellent citizenship, sympathy and magnanimous spirit have been profusely expressed by his close friends.
“The longer you knew him the better you valued his worth”, said Mr. VanOrnum, a close business associate. “I know of no one who has done more for the district and for his neighbors and friends.”
FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter Nov 8 1929 “Fisher Rites Held”
Last rites for N E. Fisher, 64, for 41 years a prominent resident of Iron River, were held Friday at 2 o’clock from the Fisher residence on U.S. 2, two miles west of the city. In the presence of a large gathering of friends, the Rev. Marcus J. Brown, pastor of the St. John’s Episcopal church, conducted the service. Casket bearers were long friends of Mr. Fisher.
Interment was in Resthaven cemetery.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Nov 12 1929 “Lions Tribute Given Fisher: Crystal Falls Rotarians Join In Paying Respect To Late Banker”
Tribute to N. E. Fisher, former club member whose death occurred November 6, was paid Tuesday evening by the Iron River Lions club in a resolution, presented by L. A. Lyon, past president.
Thomas Conlin and J. E. Oswald, visiting Rotarians of Crystal Falls, paid further tribute to Mr. Fisher, who was prominently known throughout the county.
The resolution follows:
“WHEREAS, it has pleased Almighty God to call from his labors on earth, Nelson E. Fisher, a member of this club, and,
“WHEREAS, in the death of Brother Fisher this club and each member thereof has lost a friend and one of his ablest members, and,
“WHEREAS, during the many years that our brother Fisher has resided in this community he has been a district asset in community life, an honorable and upright citizen, and during his membership in this club he has been an active and valued member thereof.
“Now, therefore, I move the club that the heart-felt sorrow of each member of the Iron River Lions club in relation to the decease of our former member be spread upon the records of this club as an endearing tribute of the affection and esteem of the members of said club, and that the secretary of this club be instructed to spread this resolution upon the minutes of this meeting and to send a copy of this resolution, properly engrossed, to the widow of Brother Fisher and cause the same to be published in the Iron River Reporter.”
A.E. McCornock, Secretary
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "Families: Nelson E. Fisher" page 395 with photo
Nelson Fisher was born February 3, 1865 at Palmyra, Lenawee County, Michigan. Receiving his early education in the public schools of Palmyra, Michigan, he subsequently took a business course at the Adrian Business College. Leaving home in 1888, he came to Iron River, having taken up a homestead nearby. In February 1889, he accepted a position as a clerk in the grocery and provision store of P.N. Minckler, and the following May, in partnership with Peter Erickson, bought out Mr. Minckler, and continued the business under the firm name Erickson & Fisher until the death of Mr. Erickson five years later. Mr. Fisher became sole proprietor of the business, which he managed with great success until 1912, when he sold it. Meanwhile he expanded his interests and associated himself with other developments. He became active in real estate, and mineral exploration on a small scale.
One of his first business disappointments occurred about this time. For several years he had been fighting for the timber holdings on his homestead against claims filed by the Copper County Canal Company, which contended it had prior government rights by virtue of a land reward for its canal construction. Overtures of settlement had been made by the Atkinson Lumber Company, then engaged in harvesting the white pine tract. The supreme court, however, handed down a decision adverse to him and other land owners and as a result the timber was a total financial loss.
Mr. Fisher held many executive offices within the companies he helped form and direct. For many years he was president of the Fisher-Morrison Lumber Company, the Iron Range Light and Power Company, and later he became president of the First National Bank. He was a director in the Caspian Realty Company, the Riverside Realty Company, the Iron River Realty Company, all which merged into the Iron River Realty Company, with him as its president; the Menominee Range Power and Development Company, the Citizen's Land and Development Company, and the Michigan Iron and Mining Company.
On June 15, 1904 he married Miss Lucia Milker of Burlington, Iowa, a teacher in the Iron River public schools. They had four children: Aileen L., Leslie, Lucia M. and Beth. Mr. Fisher died in November 1929.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "The Homestead Dispute" page 55 with photo
Early in the year 1888, the Atkinson area was the scene of a homestead land rush. (Atkinson township was centered in the sawmill town of Atkinson that flourished for a few years on both banks of the Paint River where Gibbs City later slumbered on the south bank.)
The land rush action was precipitaed by rumors of favorable Congressional action toward the forfeiture of unearned grant lands of the early-days Ontonagon & Brule Railroad that was originally proposed to pass through the Iron River valley on its way to Wisconsin.
In the year 1875 however, the Governor of Michigan had released 15,000 acres of these lands to selection by the Lake Superior Ship Canal, Railway & Iron Company, known more commonly as "The Canal Company."
The governor released the acreage in payment for the construction of a ship canal across the Keweenaw peninsula between the villages of Houghton and Hancock. Action was finally taken by Congress on March 2, 1889 in a demand that these lands be returned to the public domain.
But a clause in the Act stipulated that:
"It shall not be construed to prejudice any right of the Portage Lake Canal Company or ... of the Ontonagon & Brule Railroad or any person claiming under them."
In the year 1889, the battle became a three-way struggle when the Canal Company sold the timber from the disputed lands to the Metropolitan Lumber Company which erected a large mill at Atkinson and began logging the pine from the lands.
The fight was a long, bitter and futile one for the homesteaders. Only a few were successful in holding their lands.
The last case was not settled by the courts until the year 1916.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "Businesses: Food and Beverage Stores: Minckler's Grocery Store-Fisher and Erickson Grocery-Fisher Grocery-Friend and Peterson Grocery" page 294 with photos (excerpt)
Paul Minckler owned and operated a grocery store known as Minckler's Grocery Store. It was located on Adams Street, where Dave's IGA is now located. Nelson Ebert Fisher worked for Paul Minckler in his grocery store, and after working for a year or two, Paul Minckler made N.E. Fisher a proposition to buy him out. Fisher and Peter Erickson bought out Minckler's store and it became Fisher and Erickson Grocery. A year later, Peter Erickson died and Fisher and his brother George went into business together. A meat market was right next to the grocery store, and they eventually moved the meat market around and put it on the east side of the grocery and connected the two. When George died, Fisher continued the business. In 1912, N.E. Fisher sold the business to George Friend and Leonard Peterson, a partnership. The grocery became Friend and Peterson grocery.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "Businesses: General Merchandise Stores: Fisher-Morrison Lumber and Fuel Company-The Phoenix Lumber and Supply Company" page 300 with photo (excerpt)
The Phoenix Lumber and Supply Company was a pioneer building supply yard, having taken over the Fisher-Morrison Yard, an earlier enterprise owned by F.A. Morrison and N.E. Fisher in 1910. H.J. Fisher was proprietor. The Iron River firm, located on Fourth Avenue at Ross, expanded into a chain of yards located in Stambaugh, Iron Mountain, Escanaba and Gladstone.
WEBSITE National Register of Historic Places "Nelson E. Fisher House-High Banks"
Located on US2. "High Banks" was built in 1912 for Nelson A. [E.] Fisher, a leading Iron River businessman and one of the "Big Five." Iron River's Big Five together organized the Iron Savings and Loan Association in 1905, the Iron River Realty Company, the Iron Range Light and Power Company, and platted the Village of Caspian in 1907. Fisher's daughter Aileen Fisher later became a notable children's author, and her childhood memories of High Banks are reflected in her writing.
OBITUARY of Leslie Fisher 2002 says Nelson Fisher was his father.
HEADSTONE says born 1865; obituary says 1866.
OBITUARY Iron River Reporter Nov 8 1929 “Last Rites For N.E. Fisher At Home At 2 P.M.: Simple Ceremonies Are Prescribed For Pioneer” page one
Iron River will pay mournful homage this afternoon to N. E. Fisher, 63, for 41 years identified with the industrial and social life of Iron River and for whom last rites will be held this afternoon at the family residence, two miles west of iron River. Death occurred Wednesday morning at 2:30 o’clock following nearly three weeks’ illness with pneumonia from which developed an abscessed lung condition after the pneumonia crisis had been successfully passed.
Services will be conducted by the Rev. Marcus Brown, pastor of St. John’s Episcopal church, at 2:00, and interment will be in Resthaven cemetery, just across the highway from the Fisher residence.
In deference to his memory the First National bank, of which he was president since Feb., 1924, will close at 1:30 o’clock today, and many business places will cease business during the hours of the funeral service.
ENDS ACTIVE CAREER Mr. Fisher’s death brought to an end an active career in the financial and industrial growth of the Iron River district which began when he arrived in March 1888, to file on a homestead near the Peter Paul place at Atkinson.
His business acumen foresaw the tremendous development of mining, lumbering and agriculture of this primitive section, and he give it impetus by wise investment and energetic and sound business sense. In 1912 he retired from the retail business to devote his time in a rapidly expanding interest in real estate, mining, and the many associated enterprises with which he had previously linked himself. Closely allied with him in many of those activities were E.J. VanOrnum, F.A. Morrison, W.H. Selden, I.W. Byers, and others to whom, more than anyone else, the financial direction of large affairs here fell.
Success attended him in most of these ventures and he accumulated a substantial fortune.
While proving his government claim at Atkinson, he worked part time as clerk in Hunter’s grocery store, spending the winter on his claim. In February, 1889, he took a position as clerk in the Minckler general store and in May, when Mr. Minckler desired to sell, engaged in his first business transaction here by forming a partnership with Peter Erickson which purchased the Minckler store on contract. Five years later, Mr. Erickson died and Mr. Fisher purchased the interest of the widow and changed the firm name of Fisher and Erickson to N. E. Fisher.
SELLS STORE IN 1912 He continued in this business until 1912 but meanwhile he had expanded his interests and associated himself with other developments. He became active in real estate and mineral exploration on a small scale but this activity was destined to command almost his entire attention after his retirement from the mercantile field.
One of his first business disappointments occurred about this time. For several years he had been fighting for the timber holdings on his homestead against claims filed by the Copper Country Canal company, which contended it had prior government rights by virtue of a land reward for its canal construction. Overtures of settlement had been made by the Atkinson Lumber Co., then engaged in harvesting the splendid white pine tract of the district. Mr. Fisher refused a sum of $10,000, believing he held valid title, and the question was ultimately forced to the supreme court where a decision adverse to him and other land owners was handed down. As a result the timber was a total financial loss in a day when payment meant a fortune.
Mr. Fisher’s insight into affairs and conditions and a pronounced aptitude for leadership brought him many executive offices within the companies he helped form and direct. For many years he was president of the Fisher-Morrison Lumber Co., the Iron Range Light and Power Co., and in recent years became president of the First National bank. He was a director in the Caspian Realty company, the Riverside Realty Co., the Iron River Realty Co., all of which have been merged into the Iron River Realty Co., with him as its president; the Menominee Range Power and Development Co., the Citizen’s Land and Development Co., and the Michigan Iron and Mining Co. Several of the earlier organizations are now defunct, or merged with other interests.
He was one of the six founders of the Iron Range Light and Power Co., now owned by the Central Public Service corporation. This same group purchased and platted the townsite of Caspian and financed its early development. His activities spread over a broad field and he was a dominant factor in decisions which, for the most part, proved judicious.
MARRIED IN 1904 On June 15, 1904 he married Miss Lucia Milker of Burlington, Iowa, a teacher in the Iron River public schools. The wedding was performed in Chicago and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the event was celebrated in Iron River this year. He is survived by Mrs. Fisher, Leslie of the Northern Trust Co. of Chicago, Miss Aileen L. of Chicago, and Lucia M. and Beth, of Iron River. Two brothers, Ernest S. of Plainesille, Wis. and Elroy of Tacoma, Wash., and one sister, Mrs. Lida Williams of Bear Lake, Mich., also survive him.
Mr. Fisher was born in Palmyra, Lenawee county, Michigan, on February 3, 1866. He received his early education in the Palmyra public schools and subsequently took a business course at the Adrian Business college. Leaving home in 1889, he came direct to Iron River, being attracted by the land grants and the business opportunities of the new country.
Tribute to his excellent citizenship, sympathy and magnanimous spirit have been profusely expressed by his close friends.
“The longer you knew him the better you valued his worth”, said Mr. VanOrnum, a close business associate. “I know of no one who has done more for the district and for his neighbors and friends.”
FUNERAL NOTICE Iron River Reporter Nov 8 1929 “Fisher Rites Held”
Last rites for N E. Fisher, 64, for 41 years a prominent resident of Iron River, were held Friday at 2 o’clock from the Fisher residence on U.S. 2, two miles west of the city. In the presence of a large gathering of friends, the Rev. Marcus J. Brown, pastor of the St. John’s Episcopal church, conducted the service. Casket bearers were long friends of Mr. Fisher.
Interment was in Resthaven cemetery.
NEWS ARTICLE Iron River Reporter Nov 12 1929 “Lions Tribute Given Fisher: Crystal Falls Rotarians Join In Paying Respect To Late Banker”
Tribute to N. E. Fisher, former club member whose death occurred November 6, was paid Tuesday evening by the Iron River Lions club in a resolution, presented by L. A. Lyon, past president.
Thomas Conlin and J. E. Oswald, visiting Rotarians of Crystal Falls, paid further tribute to Mr. Fisher, who was prominently known throughout the county.
The resolution follows:
“WHEREAS, it has pleased Almighty God to call from his labors on earth, Nelson E. Fisher, a member of this club, and,
“WHEREAS, in the death of Brother Fisher this club and each member thereof has lost a friend and one of his ablest members, and,
“WHEREAS, during the many years that our brother Fisher has resided in this community he has been a district asset in community life, an honorable and upright citizen, and during his membership in this club he has been an active and valued member thereof.
“Now, therefore, I move the club that the heart-felt sorrow of each member of the Iron River Lions club in relation to the decease of our former member be spread upon the records of this club as an endearing tribute of the affection and esteem of the members of said club, and that the secretary of this club be instructed to spread this resolution upon the minutes of this meeting and to send a copy of this resolution, properly engrossed, to the widow of Brother Fisher and cause the same to be published in the Iron River Reporter.”
A.E. McCornock, Secretary
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "Families: Nelson E. Fisher" page 395 with photo
Nelson Fisher was born February 3, 1865 at Palmyra, Lenawee County, Michigan. Receiving his early education in the public schools of Palmyra, Michigan, he subsequently took a business course at the Adrian Business College. Leaving home in 1888, he came to Iron River, having taken up a homestead nearby. In February 1889, he accepted a position as a clerk in the grocery and provision store of P.N. Minckler, and the following May, in partnership with Peter Erickson, bought out Mr. Minckler, and continued the business under the firm name Erickson & Fisher until the death of Mr. Erickson five years later. Mr. Fisher became sole proprietor of the business, which he managed with great success until 1912, when he sold it. Meanwhile he expanded his interests and associated himself with other developments. He became active in real estate, and mineral exploration on a small scale.
One of his first business disappointments occurred about this time. For several years he had been fighting for the timber holdings on his homestead against claims filed by the Copper County Canal Company, which contended it had prior government rights by virtue of a land reward for its canal construction. Overtures of settlement had been made by the Atkinson Lumber Company, then engaged in harvesting the white pine tract. The supreme court, however, handed down a decision adverse to him and other land owners and as a result the timber was a total financial loss.
Mr. Fisher held many executive offices within the companies he helped form and direct. For many years he was president of the Fisher-Morrison Lumber Company, the Iron Range Light and Power Company, and later he became president of the First National Bank. He was a director in the Caspian Realty Company, the Riverside Realty Company, the Iron River Realty Company, all which merged into the Iron River Realty Company, with him as its president; the Menominee Range Power and Development Company, the Citizen's Land and Development Company, and the Michigan Iron and Mining Company.
On June 15, 1904 he married Miss Lucia Milker of Burlington, Iowa, a teacher in the Iron River public schools. They had four children: Aileen L., Leslie, Lucia M. and Beth. Mr. Fisher died in November 1929.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "The Homestead Dispute" page 55 with photo
Early in the year 1888, the Atkinson area was the scene of a homestead land rush. (Atkinson township was centered in the sawmill town of Atkinson that flourished for a few years on both banks of the Paint River where Gibbs City later slumbered on the south bank.)
The land rush action was precipitaed by rumors of favorable Congressional action toward the forfeiture of unearned grant lands of the early-days Ontonagon & Brule Railroad that was originally proposed to pass through the Iron River valley on its way to Wisconsin.
In the year 1875 however, the Governor of Michigan had released 15,000 acres of these lands to selection by the Lake Superior Ship Canal, Railway & Iron Company, known more commonly as "The Canal Company."
The governor released the acreage in payment for the construction of a ship canal across the Keweenaw peninsula between the villages of Houghton and Hancock. Action was finally taken by Congress on March 2, 1889 in a demand that these lands be returned to the public domain.
But a clause in the Act stipulated that:
"It shall not be construed to prejudice any right of the Portage Lake Canal Company or ... of the Ontonagon & Brule Railroad or any person claiming under them."
In the year 1889, the battle became a three-way struggle when the Canal Company sold the timber from the disputed lands to the Metropolitan Lumber Company which erected a large mill at Atkinson and began logging the pine from the lands.
The fight was a long, bitter and futile one for the homesteaders. Only a few were successful in holding their lands.
The last case was not settled by the courts until the year 1916.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "Businesses: Food and Beverage Stores: Minckler's Grocery Store-Fisher and Erickson Grocery-Fisher Grocery-Friend and Peterson Grocery" page 294 with photos (excerpt)
Paul Minckler owned and operated a grocery store known as Minckler's Grocery Store. It was located on Adams Street, where Dave's IGA is now located. Nelson Ebert Fisher worked for Paul Minckler in his grocery store, and after working for a year or two, Paul Minckler made N.E. Fisher a proposition to buy him out. Fisher and Peter Erickson bought out Minckler's store and it became Fisher and Erickson Grocery. A year later, Peter Erickson died and Fisher and his brother George went into business together. A meat market was right next to the grocery store, and they eventually moved the meat market around and put it on the east side of the grocery and connected the two. When George died, Fisher continued the business. In 1912, N.E. Fisher sold the business to George Friend and Leonard Peterson, a partnership. The grocery became Friend and Peterson grocery.
FRAMES FOR THE FUTURE IRON RIVER AREA MICHIGAN 1981 centennial book "Businesses: General Merchandise Stores: Fisher-Morrison Lumber and Fuel Company-The Phoenix Lumber and Supply Company" page 300 with photo (excerpt)
The Phoenix Lumber and Supply Company was a pioneer building supply yard, having taken over the Fisher-Morrison Yard, an earlier enterprise owned by F.A. Morrison and N.E. Fisher in 1910. H.J. Fisher was proprietor. The Iron River firm, located on Fourth Avenue at Ross, expanded into a chain of yards located in Stambaugh, Iron Mountain, Escanaba and Gladstone.
WEBSITE National Register of Historic Places "Nelson E. Fisher House-High Banks"
Located on US2. "High Banks" was built in 1912 for Nelson A. [E.] Fisher, a leading Iron River businessman and one of the "Big Five." Iron River's Big Five together organized the Iron Savings and Loan Association in 1905, the Iron River Realty Company, the Iron Range Light and Power Company, and platted the Village of Caspian in 1907. Fisher's daughter Aileen Fisher later became a notable children's author, and her childhood memories of High Banks are reflected in her writing.
OBITUARY of Leslie Fisher 2002 says Nelson Fisher was his father.
