Excerpt from "Portrait and Biographical Record of Northern Michigan: Containing Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens" Pg. 224-25. Chicago: Record Publishing Co. 1895.
Chauncey B. Canniff
Prominent among the industries of Manistee County are its milling enterprises, and the men who have worked in that line have contributed effectively to the advancement of their communities. The Copemish Roller-mill Company, of which Mr. Canniff is President, has established and successfully conducted a flourishing business, and has gained a reputation for progressive methods and reliable dealings.
Mr Canniff. was born in Litchfield, Hillsdale County, Michigan, April 7, 1846, and was the son of Stephen and Maria (Bovee) Canniff, both of whom were born in New York State. He is one of a family of three sons and three daughters, five of whom are still living. Susan M. is the wife of Joel M. Valentine; Helen married James Dicks; Chauncey B., of this sketch, was the next in order of birth; Charles B. is a resident of Oregon; and Julia L. is the wife of George Lovejoy.
The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation, and in order to carry on that vocation more profitably he located in Michigan, making the trip here in 1840. For a short time he lived in Wheatland, Hillsdale County, and then, returning to his home in the East, remained there until 1844, when we again find him a resident of Michigan. On his return hither he carries on farming near Litchfield, where he died in 1876, aged sixty-four years. His good wife survived him until 1887, when she, too, passed away, aged sixty-seven years. They were devoted members of the Congregational Church, in which the father served as Deacon and Trustee. Among his fellow-townsmen he was very popular, which fact was evidenced by his election to the State Legislature in 1866. For a period of two years he filled that responsible position, representing his constituents in a manner highly satisfactory to them. For eleven years he was Supervisor of his township, and socially was highly regarded as a man of integrity.
The maternal grandfather of our subject was Jacob Bovee, who for a number of years made his home in Mohawk County, New York, but later in life was a resident of Genesee County, New York, where is death occurred at the age of seventy years.
Chauncey B. Canniff was reared upon his father's farm in Hillsdale County, and when quite young attended the district schools of that locality. Later, however, he supplemented the knowledge there gained by a course in the village schools. For two years after attaining his majority he lived at home, and then, starting out in life for himself, purchased a tract of eighty acres in Berrien County, near Three Oaks. A year later he sold this farm, and with the money thus obtained bought forty acres in Cass County, where he made his home for about three years.
February 15, 1874, Mr. Canniff came to Cleon Township, then a part of Wexford County, but now within the bounds of Manistee County, where he became the proprietor of a quarter-section of land, and this he placed under excellent tillage, and still has in his possession. His marriage, February 18, 1869, united him with Miss L. W. Perry, daughter of Peter and Rhoda (Shulters) Perry, and to them were born three sons and two daughters. Those living are Faith L. and Perry F. Mr. and Mrs. Canniff are worthy members of the Congregational Church, and he is serving as Deacon and Trustee in the church at Copemish. He is greatly interested in Sunday-school work, and for twenty-four years was Superintendent of that department of church work.
It was the 26th of April, 1890, that Mr. Canniff came to Copemish. The previous winter he had aided in the erection of the flouring-mill, and is now the President of the company that operates the concern. Since coming to this place he has given his undivided attention to securing the successes of the business. The mill has a capacity of fifty barrels of flour per day, and in connection with this the company has a feed mill and buckwheat stone. The officers, besides our subject, are R. Williams, Vice-President: and F.W. Clark, Secretary and Treasurer.
At the present time Mr. Canniff is filling the position of President of the Village Board, and has been School Director ever since the organization of the district to which Copemish belongs. He was elected Supervisor of Cleon Township in 1877, filling the office eight years successfully, and for three years was President and Treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of Manistee, Benzie, and Mason Counties. In politics he is a stanch supporter of Republican principles. He is a man of good business ability, well informed, and has the regard of the entire community.
More on Chauncey B. Canniff
.png)
From the notes of Leila Faith Canniff, descendant of Jacob Bovie, posted on Ancestry.com:
"The first five years after marriage spent in southern Michigan, then moved to 160 acre farm in Cleon Township, Manistee County. In 1890 the family moved to the new village of Copemish, in same township 5.5 miles to take charge of the gristmill being built. Mr. Canniff owned a share and was the president and manager. They owned 83 acres on edge of village. In 1895 moved to Benzonia, Benzie County, until 1899. They moved back to the farm until 17 Mar 1904. Then to Helena Two., Antrim Co. In 1908 moved to Bellaire. In 1909 Clam Lake again. On 18 Feb 1910 to Traverse City on Sixth Street until 1912 (1915?) south of city. Moved to 855 Webster Street until death of spouse. Chancy was the Superintendent of Sunday Schools in Congregational church wherever they lived. Belonged to Grange, Odd Fellows, and Forresters. Took prominent place in Community. The Canniff family moved to Benzonia, Benzie County on May 1st 1895 where they owned 12 acres, rented some. Was Supt. of S.S. there and active in other public work, Supervisor there and later. He belonged to Grange O.O.O.F and I.O.F. She belonged to Grange and Rebekahs, was Noble Grand at one time. In 1899 spring they moved back to their 160 acre farm in Cleon Township, Manistee County, lived there until 1904. To farm in Helena Township, Antrim County on Clam Lake. 1906 they moved to Bellaire, 1907 back to Perry's part of the farm on Clam Lake. 1908 they moved to 6th. St., Traverse City later to farm south of City then 855 Webster St. 1915 until her death on April 7, 1919. He lived there a time then moved to 'Pnys' Helena Twp., Antrim County until death Oct 12, 1921."
