History of Michigan, / by Charles Moore. [Vol. 3]

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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN

service of the different lines, and finally was one of those most instrumental in bringing about the organization of the Detroit United Railway
Company in 1901, and the consolidaion of the various street railways of
Detroit. His position as vice president of the new corporation was vacated in January, 1902, when the directors elected him president, and his
technical and administrative ability has been employed for twelve years
in the improvement and extension of the great system of urban lines
now controlled by the United Railway. It is conceded that Detroit now
has one of the best systems of urban transportation among all the cities
of America, and those who are in a position to know ascribe this achievement to Jere C. Hutchins, the president. While he has been loyal as
representing immense financial interests invested in the property, Mr.
Hutchins has likewise been guided by a due sense of responsibility to
the public, and has afforded the best service and facilities consistent
with the rules of business economy and stability. Mr. Hutchins has a
number of other business interests in Detroit, and among them he is a
director in the People's State Bank of this city.
Essentially a business man, he has had no ambition for public office,
but takes an active interest in civic and professional organizations. He
belongs to the Detroit Board of Commerce and various city clubs and
social organizations, is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, affiliates with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, having
reached the Knight Templar degree in the York Rite and has taken
thirty-two degrees of the Scottish Rite.
Mr. Hutchins in April, I88I, married Miss Anna M. Brooks of Waco,
Texas. Her death occurred in July, 1900. In June, 1903, Mr. Hutchins
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah H. Russel, daughter of the late
Dr. George B. Russel, the Detroit pioneer, physician and business builder
whose career is sketched elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Hutchins is one
of the prominent social leaders in the city.
JOHN FRANCIS MAHER. A well-known and popular resident of the
city of Jackson, and one of the leading representatives of the prosperous
merchants of that city, John Francis Maher is joint proprietor, with his
brother, Thomas J. Maher, of the music store, and of Music block, in
which it is located, at No. 120 East Main street. The eldest son of James
Maher, he was born October 26, I866, in Saginaw, Michigan, where he
was reared and educated.
James Maher was born in Canada, of Irish parentage. On February
8, I864, he was united in marriage with Miss Rose Bowles, who was
also born in Canada, of Irish parents, their marriage having been celebrated at Saint Catherines, province of Quebec. Soon after that event
he migrated with his bride to Michigan, locating in Saginaw, where for
many years he carried on a thriving business as a retail dealer in meat
and groceries. Subsequently moving with his family to Jackson, he continued in the same line of business until I9II, when he retired from
active pursuits. On February 8, 1914, he and his good wife celebrated
the golden anniversary of their wedding, the occasion having been one
of great pleasure to them and to their children, relatives, and many
friends. Of the twelve children born of their union, eight are now living, as follows: Mary, wife of Albert Crosier; John F., the special subject of this brief sketch; Catherine, wife of W. C. Hallock; Thomas J.,
of the firm of Maher Brothers; Mabel, wife of Roy D. Bates; Sister
Mary Clara, of Saint James' Convent, Bay City, Michigan; De Witt J.;
and Gladys C.
Brought up and educated in Saginaw, John F. Maher entered public
life at the age of twenty-one years, from 1887 until I890, serving as city