Antoine Ephrem Cartier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Antoine Ephrem Cartier
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| Born | 16 May 1836 Trois-Rivières, Canada
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| Died | 1 March 1910 |
| Resting place | Pere Marquette cemetery, Ludington, Michigan |
| Occupation | businessman, lumberman |
| Known for | developing Ludington, Michigan |
| Title | General Manager |
| Spouse(s) | Eliza N. Ayers |
| Children | nine |
Antoine Ephrem Cartier (1836–1910) was a successful businessman. He is known for helping to build up the town of Ludington, Michigan, in the 1800s.
Contents
Biography
Antoine was born in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada, on May 16, 1836. He was baptized the next day in Maskinongé village. As a boy, he worked on his family's farm in Canada. But he was not interested in farming. He had little schooling because he spent so much time helping on the farm.
In 1852, when Antoine was 16, his father passed away. He left the family farm in Canada. In the fall of 1854, he moved to Chicago. There, he worked with lumber. After a few months, he moved to Manistee, Michigan. He first worked as a logger. This meant he helped guide logs down the Manistee River. Later, he did the same job on the Pere Marquette River near Ludington.
Antoine became a citizen of the United States. His Naturalization papers show this happened on February 27, 1870. He was the first person in his Cartier family line to become a U.S. citizen.
Marriage and Family
Antoine married Eliza N. Ayers in Manistee on December 3, 1859. They had eight children when they moved from Manistee to Ludington in 1877. They also had a ninth child, a daughter, who died when she was a baby.
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Antoine E. Cartier
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Eliza Ann Ayers
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Desire
born January 31, 1871 -
Charles
born March 24, 1875 -
George
born May 26, 1869 -
Ida
born November 8, 1867 -
Louis
born January 6, 1863 -
Rosa
born March 31, 1861 -
William
born February 5, 1873 -
Warren
born January 12, 1866
Ludington House
In 1878, Antoine built a large home in the Victorian style. It was located in Ludington near the downtown area. Today, this house is a Bed and Breakfast called "Ludington House."
Family History
Antoine's father was Jean-Baptiste Cartier Jr. His grandfather was Jean-Baptiste Cartier Sr. Antoine's mother was Rosalie (Courchesne) Cartier. He had six brothers and two sisters.
Antoine's family history can be traced back 400 years. He is related to Jacques Cartier. Jacques Cartier was a famous French explorer. He claimed what is now Canada for France. A detailed family history book is on display at the "Ludington House." It shows Antoine's family line going back to Jacques Cartier.
Businesses
In 1873, Antoine became a partner in the Dempsey-Cartier company in Manistee. They bought and fixed up a sawmill. They used it to make lumber from white pine trees. The company's name was changed to Cartier & Dempsey.
Around 1877, Antoine bought the Stanchfield mill. He also bought a lot of timberland and property near Ludington. In 1882, he sold the mill. Then, he bought out other owners of the Cartier mill. By 1892, he had created the Cartier Lumber Company.
Around 1878, Antoine also partnered with D. L. Filer. They formed a large lumber company called Cartier & Filer. It had a sawmill and a store. By 1882, Antoine owned half of Danaher & Cartier, which made wood shingles. He was also part of Dempsey, Cartier & Company in Manistee.
From 1904 to 1910, Antoine owned many shares in the Northern Michigan Transportation Company.
Antoine had simple rules for his businesses:
Pay every working man in cash, and at once when it is due.
No orders, no store truck.
Politics
Antoine served as the mayor of Ludington in 1880 and 1881. He was also a member of the city council in Manistee for four years. Antoine supported the Democratic political party.
Religion
The Cartier family has been Catholic for hundreds of years. Antoine was also Catholic. He supported the local St. Simon church in Ludington, where he was a member.
Cartier Family Sayings
The Cartier family had many wise sayings:
- A poor workman faults his tools.
- Do not throw an opportunity over your shoulders.
- Never buy anything you cannot use, no matter how cheap it is.
- When I cannot walk, I'll crawl. When I cannot crawl I'll roll; but I'll get there.
- And it is wisely written - arise from your sleep with a smile on your lips and a song in your heart.
- I have never seen a successful man who lies in bed in the morning.
- It is true - you are not fully dressed until you have put on a smile.
- If you owe a dollar, pay it. If someone owes you, collect it.
- The world's work starts at 8 A.M. Get at it!
- Always have a leaning post - always! If you have no one to lean on, you have to be IT. And when you are IT, you are alone and it is tough.
- All mankind are heir to troubles and no one is interested in yours, so keep them to yourself.
- I would sooner come to a decision and be wrong, than vacillate.
- A Gentleman takes two cocktails before dinner. Period.
- Quit moaning and count your Blessings.
- Never be afraid of anyone or anything.
Death
Antoine Cartier passed away on March 1, 1910. He was buried in the Pere Marquette cemetery in Ludington on March 4.
