There is no branch of industry in which such rapid
progress and improvement have been made in recent years as in the
production of artistic household furniture. Mr. Balbirnie, who is
engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Muskegon, Mich., is one of the foremost and successful business
men of the city. The latter business is of the utmost importance to society, and every consideration suggests that its
representatives shall be reliable, sympathetic and experienced. Mr. Balbirnie has all these qualities. He is a native of Canada, born in
Ontario April 21, 1838,and is the
eldest son of James and Jane (Linch) Balbirnie. James Balbirnie was also born in Canada,
and followed hotel-keeping there for
many years. In that country he met and married Miss Linch and subsequently moved to Michigan, locating
in the city of Muskegon, where his
death occurred in 1866. His wife survived until 1885. The boyhood of our
subject was passed in his native
country, and his primary education was received in the common schools of the
same. Later he attended school at
Ottawa, Canada, and after attaining his majority he settled in Ottawa, where he
embarked in the undertaking business. This he continued up
to 1865, when he removed to Muskegon. Mich., and continued the undertaking business up to 1869. At that date he added a
stock of furniture, and since has increased his business and added furniture from the best manufacturers, until now he has one of the
best-equipped establishments in the place. He
has furnished over seven thousand caskets for persons in the city and in
Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, and has
secured a liberal and influential patronage by honestly deserving it. He
is well known and popular as an undertaker as
well as a dealer in furniture.
Our subject selected his wife in the
person of Miss Ella Watson, of Ottawa, Canada, daughter of William Watson, and their
union was celebrated in 1861. Three
children have been born to this union:
Ellen Theressa, James and Lillian Maude, the latter at home. In
politics, Mr. Balbirnie is a Republican. He was the first
Supervisor of his ward and was a member of the Board in 1892. In 1893 he
was a prominent candidate for Mayor, but
withdrew in favor of Mr. Torrens. In Masonry he is very prominent and is
a Knight Templar. He is also a member of the
Mystic Shrine, and Lodge No. 92,
I. 0. 0. F. Mr. Balbirnie
is a fine conversationalist and a good specimen of physical manhood. He is sociable and genial and has a
host of warm friends in the county. He has ever been active in politics, especially in county politics, and takes much interest in the election of his
friends. His home and surroundings are all
that could be desired
Portrait & Biographical
Record of Musekgon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan
1893, Chicago: Biographical
Publishing Company
Submitted by Doris Rake and
Bill Moore