21 Facts About Perry Hannah

Perry Hannah was an American politician, businessman, lumber baron, merchant and banker, who was well involved in the settling and early industrialization of the Grand Traverse Bay region of Michigan.

Perry Hannah is often referred to as the "Father of Traverse City".

Perry Hannah was born on September 22,1824, on a farm outside Erie, Pennsylvania, to Elihu L Hannah and Anna McCabb, both of Scottish descent.

In 1827, Perry Hannah's mother died, prompting his father to send him to his grandmother's house while attending public schools in Erie County.

In 1840, a young Perry Hannah relocated to Port Huron, Michigan, following his father, who had moved there for work some years prior.

Subsequently, in 1846, Perry Hannah moved to Chicago to work for Jacob Beidler, one of Chicago's wealthiest lumbermen.

In 1849, Hannah partnered with A Tracy Lay and James Morgan, both other Chicago lumbermen, to found Hannah, Lay and Company, a lumber firm with property at the head of the Grand Traverse Bay and along the Boardman River, then known as the "Ottawa River".

Perry Hannah's company improved the now-dilapidated mill, increasing its investment and promise, thus attracting workers and settlers to Northwest Michigan.

Perry Hannah built much of the infrastructure along Front Street and the Boardman River, a majority of which still stands today.

In 1857, Perry Hannah ran for and won a seat in the 19th legislature of the Michigan House of Representatives, as a Republican representing the newly formed Grand Traverse County.

Perry Hannah served on the Federal Relations and Indian Affairs committees.

Perry Hannah was a supporter and ally of Abraham Lincoln and the Union during the American Civil War.

In 1862, Perry Hannah gave a speech addressing 25 Union enlistees departing Traverse City, stating that they were "gallant men who have left their families and their workshops to fight the battles of their country".

Perry Hannah was a Republican elector from Michigan in the elections of 1864,1888, and 1900.

Furthermore, Perry Hannah was a delegate to the Republican National Convention from Michigan in 1872,1880, and 1888.

In 1881, the small community of Traverse City became a village, and Perry Hannah became the town's first village president.

Perry Hannah served two nonconsecutive terms, separated by Benjamin D Ashton, a fellow Republican, physician, and Clermont County, Ohio native.

Perry Hannah famously used his political influence to secure its location in Traverse City.

In 1852, Perry Hannah married Anna Amelia Flint of New York City.

Perry Hannah died at age 79 on August 16,1904, at his home in Traverse City, after suffering a stroke.

In 2015, a statue of Perry Hannah was unveiled at the corner of Sixth and Union Streets in downtown Traverse City.