Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

CAPTAIN R. C. BRITTAIN

Capt. Ralph C. Brittain of Saugatuck was for many years closely identified with the business interests of the town and was widely known among boat-men of the great lakes.

Ralph C. Brittain was born at Susquehanna, Penn., Aug. 6, 1842, the son of William and Catherine Case Brittain. In 1845 his father moved to Waukegan, Ill., and in 1850 to Muskegon, Mich., where he engaged in the lumber business.

Ralph, at the age of fourteen, left his home to become a sailor on the high seas and for seven years served as ordinary seaman on ocean vessels, visiting many foreign ports.

In 1865 he became a vessel owner, buying the Merchant, which he sailed one year, then sold, that he might become master of a Mississippi river packet. In 1873 he bought the steamer G. P. Heath and then became a permanent resident of Saugatuck, engaging in the lake trade and ship-building, and he owned and operated many steamboats, and continued in the boat business until demise in 1905.

He was married to Miss Florence Snyder, Jan. 1, 1880, who died Jan. 6, 1884, leaving two infant sons, Leonard and Colborn, (the former survives).

In 1887 he was again married, to Miss Effie Spaulding, of Waukegan, I11., to whom were born three children, Cathleen (dying in infancy), Julia, who survives and William, who was accidentally killed while at a boys' school in Wisconsin.

Captain Brittain was an ardent member and Past Master of Saugatuck Lodge F. & A. M. of Corinthian Chapter No. 38 of Grand Haven and the Michigan Consistory of Grand Rapids. Also a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Pythian lodges; the Great Lakes Shipmaster's Ass'n.; and the National Master's and Pilot's Association.

He was a quiet, reserved man, considerate and devoted to his family and having the respect of the community in which he lived.