James A. Lunney

James A. Lunney, farmer, Osceola Township, section 14, was born Nov. 7, 1847, in Halton Co., Ont. His father, Hugh Lunney, was born in the north of Ireland. He married Ann Noble in his native land, and when 22 years of age came to Ontario, where he became a lumberman of prominence, and resided until his death, Sept. 19, 1868, at the age of 49 years. The mother is 58 years old, and lives in Gaylord, Mich.

Mr. Lunney was sent to the public schools of Ontario until he was 16 years old, and he passed three succeeding years assisting his father in lumbering. In 1866 he came to Saginaw and became a member of the lumber firm of J. Henry & Co. The relation existed seven years, the company transacting extensive operations in lumber and shingles at Hemlock City, Saginaw County. In 1877 he came to Osceola County and purchased 160 acres in Osceola Township, a part of which was under cultivation. He has added by later purchase to his home place until he holds 300 acres, and he also owns 700 acres in Clare County, Mich., which is principally in timber. He has been engaged to a considerable extent in lumbering operations since he settled in this county. The mill of the firm with which he is connected, situated on section 2, Hartwick Township, was recently destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of several thousand dollars. Mr. Lunney has improved 115 acres of his homestead, and is now erecting an elegant residence designed to cost $5,000, and finished throughout the interior in hard wood of Beautiful grain. He aims to put his entire surroundings over which he has control in the best possible condition. His business firm owns 1,400 acres of land, in which he holds an interest. It comprises both pine and hardwood, and is all situated in Osceola County. Politically Mr. Lunney is a Republican. He was married Sept. 11, 1869, in Holly, Oakland Co., Mich., to Mary Ennes. They have had two children: Vernon H. was born May 11, 1873, in Hemlock City; and Elmer M., Sept. 26, 1880, and died Feb. 29, 1884. Mrs. Lunney is the daughter of James R. and Catherine (Reed) Ennes, natives of New York. They reside at East Saginaw, where her father is manager of a carriage factory. Mrs. Lunney was born Nov. 5, 1846, in Erie Co., Ohio. Her parents became residents of Holly in 1869.

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