Jacob B. McNett, M.D. Pages 191-192 - JACOB B. McNETT, M. D., a retired physician, now living inGrand Haven, for many years successfully engaged in the practice of hisprofession and won an enviable reputation. On account of his advancing years,however, he has now laid aside all business cares, with the exception of servingas examining surgeon on the Pension Board. The Doctor was born in Jefferson County, N.Y., February 25, 1816, and comesof an old family of Scotch origin that was founded in America during Colonialdays. His father, Samuel McNett, was a native of Massachusetts, and served as aCaptain in the War of 1812. He became a noted politician and was prominent inpublic circles. He reached the advanced age of eighty-six and died in the EmpireState. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sallie Hutchins, was a native ofNew York. The Doctor is the eldest of ten children. He spent his childhood under theparental roof and acquired his education in the common schools and GenevaCollege, from which institution he was graduated in 1845. Wishing to enter themedical profession and make its practice his life work, he began reading withDrs. Frame & Powers, well-known physicians of New York. He entered uponpractice in his native State, and remained there until 1857, when he emigratedWestward. Casting his lot among the people of Grand Haven, Mich., he has sincemade his home in this city. Opening an office, he conducted a general practicefor more than a third of a century, and received from the public a liberalpatronage. Since 1892, however, he has lived a retired life. In 1846, Dr. McNett was married to Miss Louise Hunter, of Huron, WayneCounty, 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. TheDoctor makes his home at the corner of Franklin and Third Streets, in GrandHaven, where he expecte to spend his remaining days. He is comfortably situatedin life, having through his labors and enterprise in former years gained acompetence. In 1863, Dr. McNett enlisted in the service of his country as AssistantSurgeon of the First Michigan Sharpshooters, commanded by Col. DeLand, theregiment being assigned to the Army of the Potomac. Our subject was laterdetailed for hospital service, having charge of the Ft. Wayne Hospital. Afterthe close of the war, he was appointed surgeon of the Navajo Indian Agency, inArizona, where he remained about nine months. In 1882, he was appointedphysician 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 asCity Physician and Health Officer of Grand Haven for several years, and was oneof the pension examiners for the Fifth District for four years, and has recentlyreceived 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 prominentpart in politics and is a stalwart supporter of the Democracy. The cause oftemperance finds in him a warm advocate and one who is never weary of work inits behalf. Dr. McNett is both widely and favorably known in this community andhas a large circle of warm friends.

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

Transcriber: Susan Gates Davis
Created: 22 March 2003