BERNARD E. DERSNAH

 

Although a man young in years, Bernard E. Dersnah, of Mt. Pleasant, Isabella county, is a man of marked business enterprise and capability, and he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He is an important factor in business circles and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unabated energy, unbending integrity and industry that never flags.

Mr. Dersnah was born in Harrison City, Clare county, Michigan, November 25, 1885. He is the son of William Dersnah, who was born in Ada, Ontario, Canada, in 1861, from which place he was brought to Michigan by his parents when four years of age, and he lived at Saginaw until he was twelve years old, then came to Clare county with his parents, where the latter lived until 1886. He was employed as assistant superintendent of a lumber concern in Clare county. He purchased eighty acres in Vernon town- ship, Isabella county, and lived on it twelve years, the family remaining there longer, the father, William, having moved to Mt. Pleasant to become assistant drain commissioner. He was supervisor of Vernon township three terms, then elected county treasurer two terms, after which he spent a year in Lansing, having been appointed a committee clerk at the capitol. After returning 'home he was elected drain commissioner, and be was holding this office at the time of his death, on June 18, 1909.  He was a very faithful public servant, serving in various capacities in the county for a period of twelve years consecutively. He married Maria Brazington, daughter of Seymour and Malinda (Wickins) Brazington, of Gilmore township, this county. She was born in Oakland county, Michigan, and moved to Gilmore with her parents about 1877, where she lived until her marriage, in 1881.  Mr. and Mrs. Dersnah lived at Farwell, Clare county, for a short time, and they lived at various places until they finally located on their farm in Vernon township. The following children were born to them:. Hattie married Ed. Hornby; Bernard, of this review; Eugene, who has remained single, is attending school in Mt. Pleasant; Seymour is living at home; Thelma is also a member of the home circle. The mother of these children is residing in Mt. Pleasant. William Dersnah was for many years prominent and influential in politics. He was an ardent Republican and was highly honored for his many sterling characteristics.

Bernard E. Dersnah was fifteen years of age when his parents moved to Mt. Pleasant. He attended the district school and was graduated from the local high school in 1906. He was a noted football player and always took an interest in general athletics. The year after he left high school he took a course in the Michigan Agricultural College, and while there he was the moving spirit of the football team. He returned to Isabella county, and taught school at Winn, Fremont township, one term, then assisted his father in his work as drain commissioner during the summer, and in the fall began teaching at Indian school, filling a vacancy for awhile, at the same time coaching-the Indian football team. On the following January he purchased the loaning business of J. A. Livingston at Mt. Pleasant; to this he added real estate and has continued both lines to the present in a very satisfactory manner. Considering the short time he has been in business, he has built up a very satisfactory real estate department, and the loaning department has increased noticeably.

As a real estate dealer he has been instrumental in raising the price of lands in the county, principally by advertising the land in different ways and in various states, thereby bringing in many buyers. He has three branch offices in Ohio, each of them soliciting buyers for the land in Isabella county.

Fraternally Mr. Dersnah is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 1164, at Mt. Pleasant; the Modern Woodmen of America camp at Mt. Pleasant; also the Loyal Guards of Mt. Pleasant. Politically he is a Republican. On February 1, 1908, Mr. Dersnah was married at Mt. Pleasant, to Grace A. Riley, a lady of education and refinement, the daughter of L. P. and Allie Riley, a prominent family here. Mrs. Dersnah was born in February, 1887, in Avery, Ohio. She moved to Isabella county with her parents in 1893 and settled in Union township, just outside Mt. Pleasant. This union has been graced by the birth of one child, Helen.