James Vernor was born in Albany, New York on April 11, 1843, son of John Taylor and Polly (Smith) Vernor. He married Emily Walker Smith on October 1, 1873 and they had two children. Vernor came to Detroit at the age of three. On August 14, 1862, he enlisted as a hospital steward in the 4th Michigan Cavalry. He was taken prisoner and paroled in January, 1863. Commissioned as the 2nd Lieutenant of Company M on September 20th, 1864, Vernor was mustered out on July 1, 1865. Upon his return to Detroit, Vernor opened a pharmacy at Woodward St. and Clifford St., where he worked out the formula for the ginger ale which still bears his name. Vernor was a Detroit alderman and member of the Common Council for twenty-five years. An ardent promoter of rapid transit, he was author of the Civil Service Act for city employees. Vernor Highway in Detroit was named in his honor. James Vernor Died on Grosse Ile on October 29, 1927.
From the description of James Vernor papers, 1861-1934. (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 294854719
