Jacob B. McNett, M.D.

Pages 191-192 - JACOB B. McNETT, M. D., a retired physician, now living in Grand Haven, for many years successfully engaged in the practice of his profession and won an enviable reputation. On account of his advancing years, however, he has now laid aside all business cares, with the exception of serving as examining surgeon on the Pension Board.

The Doctor was born in Jefferson County, N.Y., February 25, 1816, and comes of an old family of Scotch origin that was founded in America during Colonial days. His father, Samuel McNett, was a native of Massachusetts, and served as a Captain in the War of 1812. He became a noted politician and was prominent in public circles. He reached the advanced age of eighty-six and died in the Empire State. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sallie Hutchins, was a native of New York.

The Doctor is the eldest of ten children. He spent his childhood under the parental roof and acquired his education in the common schools and Geneva College, from which institution he was graduated in 1845. Wishing to enter the medical profession and make its practice his life work, he began reading with Drs. Frame & Powers, well-known physicians of New York. He entered upon practice in his native State, and remained there until 1857, when he emigrated Westward. Casting his lot among the people of Grand Haven, Mich., he has since made his home in this city. Opening an office, he conducted a general practice for more than a third of a century, and received from the public a liberal patronage. Since 1892, however, he has lived a retired life.

In 1846, Dr. McNett was married to Miss Louise Hunter, of Huron, Wayne County, N.Y. She died in Grand Rapids in the year 1878, leaving two sons, William, now a resident of Utah, and Frank, who is living in Omaha, Neb. The Doctor makes his home at the corner of Franklin and Third Streets, in Grand Haven, where he expecte to spend his remaining days. He is comfortably situated in life, having through his labors and enterprise in former years gained a competence.

In 1863, Dr. McNett enlisted in the service of his country as Assistant Surgeon of the First Michigan Sharpshooters, commanded by Col. DeLand, the regiment being assigned to the Army of the Potomac. Our subject was later detailed for hospital service, having charge of the Ft. Wayne Hospital. After the close of the war, he was appointed surgeon of the Navajo Indian Agency, in Arizona, where he remained about nine months. In 1882, he was appointed physician at the State House of Correction, which is located at Ionia, Mich., serving in that capacity two years. The appointment was made by Governor Begole, and at that time D. R. Waters was Warden of the house. He has also served as City Physician and Health Officer of Grand Haven for several years, and was one of the pension examiners for the Fifth District for four years, and has recently received the appointment again. Socially, he belongs to Grand Haven Lodge No. 13, A. F. & A. M., and also to the chapter. He has taken quite a prominent part in politics and is a stalwart supporter of the Democracy. The cause of temperance finds in him a warm advocate and one who is never weary of work in its behalf. Dr. McNett is both widely and favorably known in this community and has a large circle of warm friends.

Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company

Transcriber: Susan Gates Davis
Created: 22 March 2003
URL: http://ottawa.migenweb.net/biographies/1893/mcnettjb.html

Contact County Coordinator: Evelyn_Sawyer@msn.com