ISHPEMING — A well-known and influential Ishpeming native in his day, John W. Jochim is virtually unknown today.

Jochim was born in Sweden on October 12, 1845. He emigrated to the United States in 1869, coming straight to Marquette County. He worked for a time at the Washington Mine in Humboldt and then moved to Ishpeming, working in retail. In 1874 he went into business for himself, opening a hardware store in the 100 block of north Main St., the John W. Jochim Hardware company. Through hard work, his firm became the leading hardware merchant of the city.

“Mr. Jochim was kind of heart, with only friends. He took a great interest in the development of the city, engaged heartily in all its movements for progress, served as alderman, as a member of the school board, and always paid his share cheerfully.

“In the pleasures of life he engaged as willingly as in the duties of business, was fond of out-of-door sports, being associated with the local ski and snowshoe clubs, and was also a member of the local order of Elks, the only secret society with which he was affiliated.” (Iron Ore, January 21, 1905)

In 1892 he was elected Secretary of State for Michigan and spent time in Lansing. Unfortunately, his term came to a premature end.

“In view of the fact that full particulars concerning the error discovered in the returns made on the constitutional amendments voted on at the last spring election had not yet been presented here The Mining Journal called on Mr. Jochim to obtain the desired information.” (Mining Journal, January 22, 1894)

“The governor at once informed Deputy Lindholm that the files in the executive office must be made complete and a copy was at once made out and sent to his office. The governor then directed his private secretary and executive clerk to examine them carefully, and they discovered the discrepancy in the footings and informed the governor.” (Mining Journal, January 22, 1894)

After examining the files, Governor Rich ordered the board of canvassers to appear before him, although it took a few days for them to arrive in Lansing.

“They (the board of canvassers) were dumbfounded at the disclosures the governor made, but a careful examination convinced them that the figures, as corrected, did not lie.

“They could, however, offer no explanation. They said they had not personally proved the returns, but had accepted and signed them as submitted by the clerks who made the canvas. The latter were sent for, “Frank A. Potter, a Democratic holdover from Soper’s administration and George Warren of Charlotte. They were advised of the situation and asked for an explanation, but could give none. They said the errors, if they existed, were purely clerical.” (January 22, 1894)

“While the affair is a very unfortunate one and places the members of the board of canvassers in a very embarrassing position and the Democratic press may be expected to make a loud howl and charges of everything less than murder, the worst thing that can be said is that the members, collectively and individually, were careless and negligent in not more fully inspecting the work of the clerks in Jochim’s department.” (January 22, 1894)

“The canvass as made by the board of canvassers showed that the amendment had carried by a small majority, and consequently, since last April the salaries as increased have been drawn and must now be returned. It will now make a very snug sum.”

“Governor Rich has given Secretary of State Jochim, Treasurer Hambitzer and Commissioner of the State Land Office Berry his ultimatum. They must either resign or be removed. They constitute the state board of canvassers. They have admitted that they signed the falsified canvass without verifying it, and by so doing pleaded guilty to gross carelessness, for which the governor has full power to remove them.” (Mining Journal, February 5, 1894)

Jochim would stand trial for his part in the matter.

“In the trial of ex-Secretary of State Jochim for falsifying the salaries amendments return testimony was offered tending to show that Jochim knew the canvass was false when he signed it.” (Mining Journal, April 12, 1894)

“The theory of the defense is that the ex-secretary took no interested whatever in the canvass, and signed without question whatever his clerks presented to him for his signature. It alleges that Haven’s trips were made at the instance of Marcus Peterson, formerly clerk of the board of auditors, of which Jochim was chairman, and the board allowed his bill for expenses. Three witnesses swore that Peterson kept tab on the amendment vote as received from the counties and knew from day to day just how the totals stood. He is under indictment for conspiracy in connection with the frauds.” (Mining Journal, April 12, 1894)

The first trial ended in the jury disagreeing on a verdict.

“Another trial will now be necessary, and this will entail additional expense on Mr. Jochim, who has already been a heavy sufferer financially by reason of his having unfortunately consented to allow himself to become a candidate for state office ‘for the good of the party.’ Of his final vindication there is hardly a doubt, but he is being forced to make a hard fight for his good name and liberty though even those who have put him to this cruel necessity admit that they do not believe he was guilty of any intentional wrongdoing in connection with the salary amendments fraud.” (Mining Journal, April 18, 1894)

It does not appear that a second trial was ever held due to further developments in the case. Jochim continued as usual and shortly after the trial was diagnosed with diabetes. It wasn’t until January of 1905 that Jochim began to fail. He became seriously ill and on the 17th of January passed away.