You may have known that our beloved Haslett was named for James H. Haslett, a tailor from Boston who started a spiritualist camp on Pine Lake (Lake Lansing) in the late 1800s. But how much do you know about the man? Found this fascinating obituary online that tells a great story. Read on! Port Huron Daily Times Port Huron, Mich., Wednesday, June 24, 1891 OBITUARY. Interesting Facts in the Life of James H. Haslett--His Body Will be Cremated. The death of Mr. James H. Haslett, which occurred yesterday at about the hour the Times went to press, prevented us from publishing as full a notice as might be expected in the case of so prominent a citizen. Mr. Haslett was born in the state of Pennsylvania Nov. 1st, 1825. His father died when the subject of this sketch was but 11 years old. Soon after the death of his father the boy Haslett was placed with an uncle to learn the trade of tailor. After learning the trade he followed the business in different parts of the country until he was 20 years old, or until the year 1845, when he came to Port Huron in company with A. L. Dewey, also a tailor by trade, and the two formed a partnership and located in what was for years known as the Tontine block, afterwards occupied by Judge Saunders as a grocery store. In 1874 Mr. Haslett was married to Miss Louisa Partridge. Three children were born of this marriage. One child, a boy, was drowned in Black river when but four or five years of age. One son, Frank J. Haslett, now resides in Boston, and Miss Belle Haslett, a beautiful and accomplished young lady, who passed away in 1876. During the great liquor excitement which occurred in Port Huron about 1850 Mr. Haslett took a very prominent and active part on the side of temperance and was among those who were burned out by the infuriated dealers in rum. Soon afterwards Mr. Haslett located on his present business site, where he continued to be in active business up to the day of his death. The present beautiful structure which bears his name was built in 1883. This building was his special pride, and it is generally considered to be the best fitted and the most convenient establishment of its kind in Michigan. During the year 1862 Mr. Haslett became convinced of the truth of spirit communion and up to the day of his passing away he was an earnest and honest advocate of the spiritual philosophy. He always had the courage of his convictions, and upon all occasions he was ready and willing to defend his religious opinions, and the principle aim of his life for the past twenty years was to further the cause of his much cherished philosophy. In 1887 Mr. Haslett purchased the camping grounds at Pine Lake, near Lansing. This resort was formerly called Nemoka, and after its purchase the name was changed to Haslett Park. The names of the railway station and the postoffice at that point have also been changed and they each have the name of Haslett Park in honor of him who gave so bountifully of his means to make this resort the home of liberal thought. His object in the purchase of this property was to establish an art gallery, a school, and eventually a sanitarium, and further to make it the headquarters for Spiritualism in Michigan. During each year since its establishment thousands of Spiritualists from various parts of the United States have congregated on the banks of the beautiful lake at Haslett Park and during the months of July and August meetings have been addressed by the ablest advocates of the Spiritual philosophy. This year, as usual, these meetings will be held at the Park. On March 4th, 1880, Mr. Haslett married Miss Sarah Shaw, of Detroit, who survives him and who has been his earnest helper to establish permanent rendezvous for Spiritualists at Haslett Park. Mrs. Haslett fully sympathized with the views of her late husband on the subject nearest to his heart, and to her untiring efforts is largely due the progress so far made toward establishing a home for free thought. In all matters relating to the welfare of Port Huron Mr. Haslett always took a lively interest. He gave liberally of his means to encourage public improvements, and he lived to see the home of his choice arise from a small sleepy village to a large and bustling city. In politics Mr. Haslett was a life long Democrat and although he had a genial smile for everybody he was firm and unyielding when anyone came to question him politically. Mr. Haslett was in every sense of the word a positive man and the strength of his friendship was proverbial. On all occasions he would resent a slight to one of his friends as quickly and energetically as though it were directed to him personally. The universal verdict will be a good man has passed away. The time of holding the funeral has not yet been decided upon. His son Frank is expected from Boston this evening. Before his death Mr. Haslett requested that his body be cremated, and it is probable that his wishes will be carried out. [Haslett, Ingham County, Michigan named for him.]
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 22:03:29 +0000
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