White, Peter, 1830-1908

Born in Rome, Oneida Co., N.Y. Early settler of Marquette, MI; merchant, lawyer, established First National Bank of Marquette, state representative, and state senator.

Marquette, Michigan businessman, Democratic state senator, and Republican regent of University of Michigan.

Marquette, Michigan businessman, Democratic state senator, and Republican regent of University of Michigan.

Peter Quintard White was born in Rome, New York, on Oct. 31, 1830, the son of Dr. Stephen and Hariette (Tubbs) White. The family moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin when he was about twelve years old. At the age of thirteen, White left home and went to Mackinac Island. After a ship on which he worked was wrecked, he arrived at Detroit where he worked in a store and as a timekeeper. In 1849 White went to the sault with the party of Robert Graveraet. From there they continued to the site of the present City of Marquette, which was to be Peter White's permanent home. In 1850 he took charge of the general trading store of the Marquette Iron Company. He held the position of postmaster, as well as many other official posts, at various times. White took an active part in pressing for the construction of the Soo Canal and other projects to benefit the area. In 1853 he started a banking business which later became the First National Bank of Marquette. In 1853 he started a banking business which later became the First National Bank of Marquette. In 1857, after being appointed Register of the Land Office and Collector of the Port, White began the study of law, forming the law firm of White & Maynard. He was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. That same year he was elected to the State Legislature where he was an advocate of the University of Michigan and the St. Ignace to Marquette Railroad. White also pushed through projects such as the semi-centennial celebration of the Soo Canal, the re-survey of the Michigan-Wisconsin boundary, and other matters which would benefit the State of Michigan. In 1857 White married Ellen S. Hewitt; they had six children. Peter White died in Detroit on June 6, 1908 and was buried at Marquette. (from MPHC v. 37, p. 620-639) (blue index cards

Peter White was born at Rome, New York on October 31, 1830. Around 1838, he moved with his family to Green Bay, Wisconsin. At age fourteen, he left home to seek his fortune first in Mackinac Island, then later in Detroit where he was employed as a clerk in a general merchandising firm. White remained in Detroit for a brief period of time then returned to Mackinac Island, again working as clerk. In 1849, he joined a party headed by Robert J. Graveraet to explore the newly discovered Iron Mountains of Lake Superior. Settling in the region, White became one of the first settlers of Marquette and it was here that he would make his fortune. In 1850, he took charge for the Marquette Iron Company of its general trading store. With the postoffice in the rear of the store, White also served as postmaster for the young community. In 1853, he commenced his banking business establishing the firm of Peter White & Co. This later in 1863 became the First National Bank of Marquette.

In the midst of this activity, White studied and practiced law. In 1856, White and Matthew H. Maynard formed a partnership to sell insurance and practice law. The difficulty which the partners faced in their insurance endeavor was finding insurance companies willing to risk the hazards of insuring a wilderness community like Marquette. In addition to problems associated with fire insurance, marine insurance for the transport of pig iron and iron ore was an essential ingredient in the burgeoning economic growth of the area. White early realized the resource riches of the Marquette area sought to involve himself in every aspect of the iron mining business, not just insurance but also finance, production and marketing.

White also had various political and civic reponsibilities. In 1857, he was elected to the state house of representatives as a Democrat from the Upper Peninsula;and in 1875, he was elected to the state senate. Additionally, in 1892-1893, he was a member of the Board of World's Fair Managers for Michigan; also he was a member of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, and a member of the State Board of Library Commissioners. In 1903, he was elected as a Republican to the board of regents of the University of Michigan. He died June 6, 1908.