A history of Van Buren County, Michigan a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests

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A HISTORY

OF

VAN BUREN COUNTY

MICHIGAN

A Narrative Account of its Historical

Progress, its People, and its

Principal Interests.

BY
CAPTAIN O. W. ROWLAND

VOLUME II

ILLUSTRATED

PUBLISHERS

THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY

CHICAGO AND NEW YORK
1912

HISTORY OF

VAN BUREN COUNTY

Pbvnk N Wakeman.— Born and reared on a farm, or as a f arm-
or's son, obtaining a good high school education, then teaching
school for a number of years and afterward filling an important
county office with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the
people for two terms, Prank N. AVakeman came to the duties he now
performs as editor and publisher of a progressive newspaper with
his faculties well developed and trained in an extended and varied
experience. In all the lines of endeavor he has followed from his
boyhood he has been attentive to their requirements and studied
them with an earnest intention to obtain as thorough a mastery ot
hem as possible. This wise and fruitful method of procedure has
made him ready for almost any kind of work mvol^ang menta
acuteness, scholarship and good judgment, and is one of the strong
elements of his success in his present exacting and important

''""llf Wakeman 's life began in Lawrence, Van Buren county,
Michigan, on July 4, 1870, and he is a son of Nathan B-/nd Isa-
belle (Braybrooks) Wakeman, the former a native ot the state ot
New York and the latter of England. The father, who was a farmer
all his life, and for a number of years was also engaged m Jjiismg
live stock for the markets, came to Van Buren county m 1864 and
located on a farm in Lawrence township, o^^^^^'^^ he passed the
remainder of his days, dying in February, 1901 At the t.rne of
his death he owned eighty acres of land especially we a.daP;f ^ to
general farming and raising stock. The mother is still living and
has her home in this county. She and l^^r husband were the par-
ents of seven children, all of whom are residents of this county but
one. They are: Frank N., the immediate subject f this review ;
Nellie the wife of A. H. Abrams; Jennie, the wife of C. J. Kowlee,
Carrie, the wife of A. E. Abrams ; Cora, the wife^of William Nower :
Veda the wife of Irvin D. Moore, and Abbie. who is living at home
with her mother. Nellie, Jennie, Carrie and Cora all live m Law-
Tenee, and Veda has her home in Hillsdale, Michigan, one of the
attractive cities of the state.

After the death of their father the mother married a second time,
uniting herself in this union with James H. Brown, of Lawrence
where she now resides, finding great comfort m being near and
associating freely with several of her children, and enjoying m a
Sed degree, in company with her husband, the regard and
good will of all classes of the people, among whom she is well known

631

632 HISTORY OF VAN BUEEN COUNTY

and warmly appreciated for the excellence of her character and
her cordial interest in everything that ministers to the comfort
and betterment of the inhabitants of the town and county.

After his graduation from the Lawrence high school Frank N.
Wakeman taught a district school for two years, then was superin-
tendent of the schools in Covert for six years. At the end of that
period he was elected county clerk, and at the end of his term was
re-elected, holding the office four years in all. When he retired
from the public service he started an abstract business in Hillsdale,
and this he conducted for two years. His ability and careful at-
tention to all his duties in public and private life won him a high
reputation to all his duties, resourceful and capable man, and opened
the way to him for his present engagement as editor and publisher
of the True Northerner, a newspaper published in Paw Paw under
the direction of a stock company of which he is one of the leading
members. He is, in fact, the controlling spirit and real inspiration
of the paper, directing its policy and giving expression to its views,
and by his clearness and force as a writer he has made it influential
and popular, while his business acumen has made it prosperous
financially.

On July 31, 1895, Mr. Wakeman was united in marriage with
Miss Mamie E. Cross, a daughter of Oeorge A. and Mary L. (Jen-
nings) Cross. Her father was born in Michigan and her mother
in the state of New York. They have had five children, four of
whom are living: Mrs. Mamie Wakeman; George and Ina, twins,
George having died in infancy, and Ina being now the wife of N.
Nicholas, a resident of Arlington township ; and Harry A., who is
at present (1911) county clerk of Van Buren county. Mr. and
Mrs. Wakeman have one child, Wynn Francis, who was born on
April 2, 1908. Mr. Wakeman is a Republican in politics and an
energetic and efficient worker for the success of his party in all
campaigns. Fraternally he is an enthusiastic member of the Ma-
sonic order in all the branches of the York rite. He belongs to the
Lodge and Chapter in Paw Paw, the Council in Lawrence and Pe-
ninsular Commandery, Knights Templar, in Kalamazoo. He also
belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the order of the Eastern
Star in Paw Paw, and in all the stages of his Masonic affiliation he
takes a deep interest and a serviceable part in the work of each.
He is universally known as one of the most useful and representa-
tive citizens of the county from every point of view, and well de-
serves his rank.

Jerome C. Warner. — Following the peaceful and productive
occupation of a quiet farmer until his services were required in
the army in defense of th*e Union, then going valiantly to the field
and rendering the best service he could to the cause he had es-
poused, Jerome C. Warner, of Paw Paw, has shown in his career
as a man and a citizen that he is ready for any call to duty and
can be depended on to perform his part ably and faithfully, what-
ever it may be. When he returned from the war, bearing on his
person the mark of his service in the scar from a dangerous wound
received in one of the late battles of our sanguinary and disastrous
sectional strife, he again turned his attention to farming for a

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 633

short time, then became a merchant. In this last line of endeavor
he has risen to high rank in the part of the state in which his
operations are conducted, and has thus given another proof of
his adaptibility to circumstances and capacity to meet require-
ments, even in hitherto wholly untried fields of labor.

Mr. Warner is a native of Van Buren county and has passed the
whole of his life within its borders, except during the period of
his military service. He was born on a farm in Almena township
on December 14, 1840, and is a son of Rev. Junia and Arminda
(Merry) Warner, natives of Herkimer county. New York. They
came to Michigan and located on the Van Buren county farm in
1835, the place of their son Jerome's birth. On their arrival in
this county they entered three hundred acres of land belonging to
the government and on that they made their home and bestowed
their labor until the death of the father in 1847. After this event
the mother remained on the farm and continued cultivating it and
rearing her children to usefulness in life by having them perform
their full share of the work in conducting it. She survived him
thirty-six years, surrendering her trust at the behest of the Great
Disposer of Events in 1883. Nine children were born in the family,
three of whom died in infancy and four of the others have since
died, the latter being Philura, Elam L., Francis and Mary. The
two still living are Jerome C. and his brother Wilbur F., who lives
in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both were educated in the district
schools and reared on the farm. Both have also sought other pur-
suits in life and have won gratifying and well-deserved success in
them.

Jerome C. Warner remained on the farm until 1864. On Jan-
uary 1, that year, he enlisted in Company H, Thirteenth Michigan
Infantry, as a volunteer to fight for the preservation of the Union.
This company was connected with the army corps commanded by
General Sherman and he remained in active service until the battle
of Bentonville, North Carolina, when he was wounded and removed
to a hospital in New York city, where he remained about three
months, or until the fall of the Southern Confederacy and the close
of the war, being discharged in June, 1865. When he left the
army he returned to the farm and conducted its operations for a
short time. Finally he sold it and moved to Paw Paw, where for
a number of years he was extensively and profitably engaged in
merchandising, which business is now carried on by his sons. He
now owns one of the largest and most imposing brick business
buildings and one of the most attractive and valuable private resi-
dences in the city. He also owns one hundred and thirty acres of
fine farming land, which he has purchased since he became a mer-
chant and to the cultivation of which he gives his personal atten-
tion to the extent of supervising and directing it.

Mr. Warner has taken a great interest in the affairs of the city,
township and county of his hoine and has rendered their people
excellent service in several important and responsible public offices.
He has been under sheriff of the county, township treasurer two
terms, township supervisor nine years and successively president,
treasurer and assessor of Paw Paw. In fraternal circles he is con-
nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he also

634 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. His religious fealty
is given to the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Republican
of pronounced convictions and zealous in the service of his party
at all times.

On May 24, 1876, Mr. Warner united in marriage with Miss Jen-
nie Kelly, and by this union became the father of five children, all-
of whom are living at Paw Paw. Wilbur J., who is conducting
the business formerly carried on by his father, married Vivian,
daughter of R. W. Broughton, of Paw Paw. They have one daugh-
ter, Jean. Glenn E. and Guy are twins, the former being a lawyer
and the present prosecuting attorney of Van Buren county, and
the latter in the furniture business at Paw Paw. Guy married
Mabel Showerman, of Paw Paw. Leland is associated with his
brother Wilbur J. in business, and the youngest member of the
family is Blaine. Glenn E., Leland and Blaine still reside be-
neath the parental roof-tree and assist in making the household
one of the most popular in the neighborhood and an attractive
resort for numerous admiring friends of the family. All the
members stand high in the regard and good will of the people
and are looked upon as among the best and most useful citizens
in the county. They are accepted everywhere as worthy representa-
tives of its sterling manhood and the enterprise and progressive-
ness which distinguish its inhabitants and sustain its excellent
reputation in all parts of the state.

Oscar Adams. — This sterling citizen of Van Buren county has
passed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, and more
than half a century of his life has been passed in the county which
is now his home and in which he is known and honored of men.
He may well be designated as one of the pioneer citizens of the
coimty and he has done his part in furthering its industrial and
civic development and upbuilding, the while his earnest and well
directed efforts as one of the world's productive workers have not
been denied a gracious fruition. He has long been known as one of
the representative exponents of agriculture in Keeler township and
his fine homestead well shows the thrift and good management that
have been brought to bear by him, the while he here finds himself
surrounded by all that should compass old age. He is passing the
gracious evening of his life in peace and prosperity and surrounded
by friends that are tried and true and to whom his loyalty is in-
violable. Such are the citizens whose careers merit special con-
sideration in publications of this nature, and it will be a source
of gratification to many residents of Van Buren county to find
within these pages a brief review of the worthy life record of him
whose name introduces this paragraph.

Oscar Adams was born in Allegany county, New York, on the
22d of March, 1839, and is a scion of one of the staunch old fam-
ilies of the Empire commonwealth, which has given to Michigan
m large and valuable a contribution, many of the early settlers of
the southern part of the state having come from New York, as the
annals of Michigan well indicate, as do also names of towns, cities
and villages which in their titles give honor to old homes in New
York. Mr. Adams is the youngest in a family of three sons and

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 6B5

two daughters born to Willard and Esther (Baker) Adams, and he
is now the only surviving member of the immediate family. His
father was born in Vermont and was a representative of one of the
pioneer families of that state, as well as one established in New
England in the colonial days, when that section was the matrix in
which was cast so much of the early history of the nation. Wtillard
Adams was reared to adult age in the old Green Mountain state,
and after he had passed his legal majority he accompanied two of
his brothers in a migration to the state of New York. Owing to the
exigencies of tim^ and place he had received but limited educational
advantages, but he had the intrinsic elements for the gaining of
v»-orthy success and made for himself a secure place in connection
with economic industry. He acquired land in Allegany county,
New York, where he reclaimed a productive farm and where he
became a citizen of prominence and influence in his community.
Upright in all the relations of life, industrious and God-fearing,
his career was one marked by earnestness, sincerity and worthy
accomplishment, as well as by temporal prosperity that was justly
his due. In politics he was a Jeffersonian Democrat, he was affili-
ated with the Masonic fraternity. Esther (Baker) Adams was
likewise a native of Vermont but was a child of seven years at
the time of the family removal to the state of New York, where
she was reared to womanhood and where her marriage was solemn-
ized. Her father, Thaddeus Baker, was graduated in a college
in England and was a man of much ability, and he became one
of the prominent pioneers of Allegany county. New York. He
secured a tract of wild land in the southwestern part of that
county and there developed a good farm. He found much re-
quisition for his services as a skilled surveyor and was called
upon to serve in various offices of public trust. He was for many
years a justice of the peace and also served for a number of years
as judge of the probate court of his county. Willard and Esther
(Baker) Adams continued to reside in Allegany county until their
death and both attained to venerable age.

Oscar Adams was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm
and his early educational advantages were limited to a somewhat
irregular attendance in the common schools of his native county.
When but fifteen years of age he manifested his youthful inde-
pendence, self-reliance and ambition by severing the home ties
and setting forth alone to seek his fortunes in Michigan. He
made the voyage by lake steamer to Detroit and thence came on
the Michigan Central Railroad to Decatur, Van Buren county,
where he arrived in March, 1857, with his cash capital reduced
to less than ten dollars. The venturesome lad was ready to turn
his attention to any honest employment and he soon secured work
on a neighboring farm, where he received fourteen dollars a month
for his services, this being the first money he had ever earned in
an independent way. For six years he continued to be thus em-
ployed as a farm hand,— in Hamilton and Keeler townships,—
and for three years of this period he worked for Philotas Haydon,
one of the well known pioneers of the county. He had carefully
saved his earnings and at the expiration of six years he made his
first purchase of land, securing one hundred and sixty acres, for

636 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

which he paid one-fourth of the purchase price and assumed in-
debtedness for the remainder. The land was but slightly im-
proved and he set himself vigorously to the task of metamorphos-
ing the same into a productive farm. He has continued in pos-
session of this land during the long intervening years and the same
constitutes his present homestead, which is recognized as one of
the valuable farms of the county, with excellent improvements and
with every evidence of thrift and prosperity.

The first dwelling owned by Mr. Adams represented an expendi-
ture on his part of the sum of twenty-four dollars. This was a
wing of an old house and was transported to his farm by means
of an ox team. At that time deer, wild turkeys and other native
game were still plentiful, and he was enabled to add much to his
larder from this source. His experience also compasses the use
of the old-time cradle, which he has swung from sunny morn
till dewy eve in the garnering of grain and he utilized the old-
fashioned scythe in cutting hay, both kinds of products being
raked up by hand. He has witnessed the marvelous development
in agricultural machinery and implements and finds satisfaction
in the use of modern improvements and facilities, though he ever
reverts with pleasure to the ' ' dear, dead days beyond recall, ' ' and
appreciates the generous friendships and mutual helpfulness that
marked the associations of the pioneer epoch. He still has in his
possession one of the grain cradles of the old times and the same
is worthy of preservation as a family heirloom. By the use of this
primitive implement he made a record of cutting two and one-
half acres of grain in a day, and his memory constitutes a link
between the pioneer past and the present era of opulent prosperity
and manifold advantages. The first schoolhouse in the vicinity
of his home was erected in 1858, and he drew the stone for the
foundation of the same. He has used the goose-quill pen, prior
to the manufacturing of steel pens, and has fashioned many of
these quills for such use. As a boy he absorbed wisdom from
DaboU's arithmetic, Kenyon's grammar and Town's spelling-book,
and few of the present day remain to recall these early text-books.

Within three years after the purchase of his farm Mr. Adams
had labored so industriously and had so carefully husbanded his
resources that he could have met all indebtedness. He had bor-
rowed money of his friend and former employer, Mr. Haydon, and
he toiled and planned until he was able to pay back dollar for
dollar, the while he was laying the secure foundation for future
independence and prosperity. Hard work, integrity of purpose
and fairness and honor in all things have characterized the career
of this sterling pioneer, and he has not only won but also deserved
success, as well as the high regard of his fellow men. In the stern
school of experience and through self -discipline he has gained
valuable lessons, and he is one of the well informed men of his
county, taking a lively interest in its affairs and also in the ques-
tions and issues of the day. He has done his part in the further-
ing of enterprises and measures advanced for the general good of
the community and is known as a broad-minded and public-spirited
citizen. Mr. Adams cast his first presidential vote for Stephen
A. Douglas, and his second was in support of the immortal Lin-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 637

coin, but since that time he has been unwavering in his allegiance
to the Democratic party. He served several years as justice of
the peace of his township and for thirty-three years has been an
official of his school district. He has shown deep interest in educa-
tional matters and has done much to forward the upbuilding of
the public schools in the county that has so long been his home.
He is a zealous and consistent member of the Methodist Episco-
pal church and has been earnest in its work. He assisted in the
erection of the first church building in the vicinity of his home,
and this was used by those of the various religious faiths, without
discrimination, tolerance and unity of spirit being in evidence
and the cause of the Divine Master being held as the one essen-
tial. He has been an official member of the Methodist church
at Keeler for many years, having served as one of its trustees
and having been liberal in his contributions to the various depart-
ments of its work. He has thus shown a high sense of steward-
ship, as has he also in the daily walks of life, and this church
is still open for the use of all denominations at funeral and other
occasions. Mr. Adams' fine homestead is located nine miles distant
from the city of Dowagiac and eight miles from Decatur. It
comprises ninety acres and the' attractive home is known for its
generous hospitality, being a favorite rendezvous for a wide circle
of friends whom he has "grappled to his soul with hoops of steel.''
Mr. Adams has been twice wedded. On the 16th of February,
1862, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Sarah Geer, who was
born in Van Buren county, on the 2d of April, 1839, and who
here passed her entire life, her death having occurred on the 20th
of February, 1894. She was a member of one of the well known
and honored pioneer families of Hamilton township and her life
was one of loving consecration to home and family. Concerning
the nine children of this union the following brief record is given :
Isabelle B. is the wife of Fred H. Baker, who is one of the repre-
sentative business men of Dowagiac, where he is one of the princi-
pal stockholders in the Colby Milling Company, and his wife is
the owner of large land interests in Van Buren county as well
as the owner of a landed estate of one thousand acres in Manitoba,
Canada. Mrs. Baker was afforded excellent educational advan-
tages, including a course in an excellent academic institution at
Goshen, Indiana. Prior to her marriage she was a successful
teacher in the schools of her home township and she is now a promi-
nent factor in the leading social activities of the city of Dowagiac,
being a woman whose culture has been enhanced by the extended
travels which she and her husband have indulged through the
various sections of the country. Oliver, the eldest of the sons,
is one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of Keeler town-
ship, where he secured his early education in the public schools.
He married Miss Nora Someral and they have five children, —
Wesley, Isabelle, Dorothy, Allen and Oscar. Wesley L., the sec-
ond son, is engaged in mining enterprises in Alaska and is located
thirty-four miles distant from Fairbanks, that territory. He was
afforded the advantages of the Northern Indiana Normal School,
now known as Valparaiso University, and has been in Alaska since
1898. Deyo, the youngest of the children, is in active charge of

638 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

liis father ^s old homestead farm and in this connection he has
shown an energy and judgment that have made him justify the
name which he bears. He is a Republican in politics, and he is
affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married
Miss Valorie Earl and they have one son, Maurice.

On the 26th of March, 1896, Mr. Adams contracted his second
marriage, having then been united to Mrs. Marcia (Buck) Beattie,
who proves a most gracious chatelaine of their beautiful rural
home. She was born and reared in Van Buren county, and is a
daughter of the late Lucius E. and Celina (Wise) Buck, w^ho
came to this county from the vicinity of Geneseo, New York, and
who here passed the residue of their lives, secure in the high re-
gard of all w^ho knew them. Mrs. Adams is a specially earnest
and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a
woman of marked culture and social attractiveness. She has served
as both president and vice president of the Thursday Literary
Club, in the village of Keeler, and for twenty years prior to her
marriage she w^as one of the valued and loved teachers in the
public schools of her native county, where her circle of friends
IS coincident with that of her acquaintances. She is a pleasing
public speaker and has been a popular factor in social and literary
circles for many years. By her first marriage she became the
mother of one child, Mrs. Nellie B. Sill, of Billings, Montana, and
she has two daughters, Beatrice and Margarie. Since their mar-
riage Mr. and Mrs. Adams have visited various sections of the
Union, including the Pacific coast and the eastern states, and they
have thus found both enjoyment and information, the while they
have shown the proper recognition of the uses of such temporal
prosperity as is theirs. Mr. Adams is a man of unassuming and
thoroughly democratic bearing but his mind is a veritable store-
house of knowledge and mature judgment, with a specially large
department from which may be drawn most interesting reminis-
cences toucliing the pioneer days in Van Buren county.

John M. Ridlon. — Lacking but a few months of l)eing ninety
years of age, and in the long period of his earthly existence having
liad often trying, sometimes hazardous, and always instructive
experience in several lines of useful endeavor; having started on
life's journey in the remote East, and being, within a short time
at the utmost, about to end it in the Middle West of this great
country, and having also seen something of its Farther West
by residence among its people for some years ; having taken up arms
in defense of the Union when civil war threatened its dismember-
ment, and devoted all the remainder of his years to augmenting its
X)ower, increasing its prosperity and promoting the w^elfare of its
people by fruitful industry in the domain of peaceful production,
John M. Ridlon, of Lawrence, this county, presents in his career
an epitome of American history itself.

He saw the nation in the infancy of its life and has witnessed
its struggles with the wild forces of nature and with foreign foes,
and its triumph over both. He has seen it terribly torn and dis-
tressed by internecine strife, and ending that to its far greater
glor}^, progress and prosperity, and elevating its people through

HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY 689

the baptism of blood to a higher ('oneeption and standard of hu-
manity. He has beheld its mighty triumphs in every department
of human activity, mental, moral and material, and to the tull
measure of his capacity and his opportunities he has aided in
bringing about the great achievements the American people have
written so luminously and in such large and enduring phrase m
the annals of mankind. . ^, ^ x

Poetry sparkles, Heroism glows, Tragedy darkens in the texture
of his long life, and the golden thread of sentiment runs brightly
through its woof. Wide gulfs of time and space are compassed
in its range and made as naught. Since it began— since the hardy
New Englander first saw time and tide between him and his an-
cestral home— distant countries have become near neighbors the
Atlantic has been made a narrow frith across which the Old World
and the New shake hands, the Pacific has been bound to it with
hoops of steel, and our own East and West have learned to look
into each other's windows. The great Northwest, at the com-
manding might of mind, has risen from her slumber ot centuries,
and clad in comeliest habiliments, has come forth to greet her
lord, the Genius of an advanced and progressive civilization and
laid all her treasures at his feet. And he who has lived that lite
and helped to make this record, is still among us m active vigor
and usefulness, reminding all who know him of some genual year,
proceeding to its close undoubtedly, but with its seasons ot warmth,
and bloom and fruitfulness not yet wholly spent.

Mr. Ridlon was born on May 16, 1822, in York county Maine,
not far from the town of Bonny Eagle. He is a son ot Joseph
and Mary (Hopkinson) Ridlon, also natives of that county, and
belonging to families domesticated there for generations Joseph
Ridlon was a son of James, the second son of Mathias Ridlon, who
was the third son of Magnus Ridlon. The last named was born
and reared on the Shetland Islands off the north coast of Scotland,
where his life began in 1698. In 1717, when he was nineteen years
of age, he came to America and located in New England. There
he reared a family and started the name in this country.

His grandson, Joseph Ridlon, the father of John M. was born m
York county, Maine, on May 26, 1782, and in March, 1802, was
united in marriage with Miss Mary Hopkinson, the daughter ot
William Hopkinson, of that county. They became the parents
of five sons, who were, like themselves, constant and honest in
their industry, clean, upright and moral in their lives, and steadily
useful to the people around them in their several localities^ 1 hev
were all reared in their parental household, and all but John M.
passed their lives on their native heath. He alone sought new
scenes and associations and a new field of opportunity, and he is
the only member of the family now living.

John M. Ridlon grew to the age of eighteen m his father s home
and by the time he reached that age he had already taught school
three terms, although his own facilities for education were limited
to those furnished by the primitive schools of the rural regions
m his boyhood and youth. At the age of eighteen he found em-
ployment as a clerk and salesman in a store in the town ot borham
Cumberland county, but not far from his home. He remained

640 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

in the store six years, and at the end of that period decided to
eome West. He located at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with very little
in the way of worldly wealth or capital for business, and took up
one hundred and sixty acres of land which was still virgin to
the plow and had never heard the persuasive voice of the husband-
man. He cultivated this land for one year, then came to the con-
clusion that he could do better in some other occupation.

The lumber trade was then assuming large proportions and a
very active condition in that neighborhood, and he sold his farm
and embarked in this line of mercantile business. He remained
in the lumber trade four years, and during this period he was
happily married to Miss Sarah M. Phelps, the daughter of A. H.
Phelps, at that time a resident of Lawrence. The marriage took
place in 1852, fifty-nine years ago, and both parties to the con-
tract are still enjoying the union which made them one so long ago.

In 1854, two years after his marriage, Mr. Ridlon moved his
family to Lawrence in this county, and bought a farm of ninety-
four acres of land on the outskirts of the village or hamlet, as it
was then, and in June, 1855, just one year after his arrival, he
assumed the duties of deputy county treasurer of Van Buren
county, under A. H. Phelps, his father-in-law, who had been elected
treasurer. Mr. Ridlon served as deputy two years, and was then
elected treasurer, being a candidate on the ticket which contained
the name of General John C. Fremont as a candidate for the presi-
dency of the United States, and was the first national ticket of the
Republican party. His services were so acceptable to the people
that they gladly elected him for a second term in the office of
county treasurer.

This term expired on December 31, 1861, and on August 27,
1862, he was commissioned first lieutenant and quartermaster in
the Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry, then enlisted for service dur-
ing the Civil war. He served in the army three years, lacking
forty days, and was honorably discharged at Salisbury, North
Carolina, on July 13, 1865. His services as quartermaster were
rendered for a time at the headquarters of General Schofield in
Ohio and at Knoxville, Tennessee, and afterward at the depart-
ment headquarters of Kentucky in Louisville, of which General
John M. Palmer was in command, and in performing them he was
so capable and faithful to duty that he won the commendation of
both these generals.

In 1866 Mr. Ridlon took up his residence in the village of Law-
rence, building for his use the dwelling in which he now lives.
He entered mercantile life again, and was in business for him-
self five years, after which he gave up his establishment and worked
in stores of other merchants until 1888, when he and his wife went
to live with their daughter, Addie, who is the wife of James H.
Yund and resides in Grand Island, Nebraska. Mr. Yund owns a
store in that city, and Mr. Ridlon assisted him in its management
eight years.

At the end of that time he returned to Lawrence, and here he
and his wife have lived ever since. He has for a number of years
been retired from active pursuits, ex:cept that he has acted as
agent for several insurance companies. He and his wife have

HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY 641

three children, thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchil-
dren. Their children are: Jennie F., who is the wife of S. M.
Hess, of Lawrence ; Addie B., who is the wife of James H. Yund,
of Grand Island, Nebraska, as has been stated; and Charles A.,
whose home is at Roulette, Potter county, Pennsylvania, where he
is superintendent of a stave factory, which carries on an extensive

Mr. Ridlon and all the members of his family belong to the
Congregational church. He and his wife hold their membership
in the church in Lawrence, of which he had long been one of the
deacons, and will in all probability continue to be as long as he
lives. His father was a deacon in his church, the Baptist, for
many years, and was always spoken of as ''Deacon Joseph'' in the
community of his home. This official connection with the church
in father and son probably covers nearly a century of time, and
furnishes a strong proof of their genuine worth, the uprightness
of their lives and their steadfast interest in the welfare of the
people among whom they lived and labored.

From his youth the venerable patriarch who is the interesting
subject of these paragraphs has felt an interest in the affairs of
his country and given special attention to the moral side of its
government according to his convictions. He was a member of
the Know Nothing party during its brief and stormy existence,
and has been strong and steadfast in his devotion to the principles
and candidates of the Republican party from its birth "Under
the Oaks" in Jackson, Michigan. His loyalty to it has not been
based on any hope of personal reward, but on his abiding faith
in the virtue of his party and in its beneficence as an instrument
in promoting good government, whether it be that of his county,
his state or the nation. In political matters, as in all others, duty
has thundered in his soul, and he has obeyed its supreme mandates.

Harry L. McNeil.— A lawyer by profession and an abstracter by
occupation, H. L. McNeil, of Paw Paw, is connected with two
lines of work in which the interests of the county and its people
are deeply involved. He is serviceable to those interests in both,
and in the latter the people have come to depend on him for full
information concerning the titles to their real property, and to
demand his services almost constantly. But he attends to their
wants cheerfully and with alacrity, and gives them information
and papers on which they can rely with full confidence as to their
correctness and completeness.

Mr. McNeil is a native of Paw Paw, where he was born on
April 21, 1870, and has passed nearly the whole of his subsequent
life among its people. His parents were Allen F. and Alzma
(Halsted) McNeil, the former a native of Michigan, born in 1844,
and the latter, a native of Ohio. The father was a blacksmith
and worked at his trade all his years after acquiring a knowledge
of it. He died in 1909, at the age of sixty-five years. The mother
is still living and has her home in Paw Paw, where she has lived
many years and is well known and universally esteemed for her
fidelity to every duty and the uprightness of her long career of
quiet but effective usefulnes.

642 HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY

They were the parents of but one child, the subject of this brief
inemoir. He obtained a high school education, being graduated
in 1889, and then entered the office of Judge Heckert in Paw
Paw, under whose direction he began the study of law. He passed
one year in this office as a student, then entered the law depart^
ment of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which
he was graduated in 1892. During the next four years he de-
voted himself wholly to the practice of his ^profession. At the
end of the period mentioned he bought the only abstracting busi-
ness in Van Buren county, and since becoming the proprietor of
this he has made it his chief concern and used his enterprise to
make its operations co^extensive with the county and so com-
plete as to meet every requirement of the people in its line of
work.

Taking a broad and comprehensive view of his business, Mr.
McNeil has made every effort to increase its usefulness and ex-
pand the volume of its trade. He helped to organize the Michi-
gan Abstract Association, and served as its secretary for four
years. He was also one of the founders of the National Associa-
tion of Title Men, of which he was the first national secretary.
He is now a member of the National Judiciary Committee of that
Association. His extensive and accurate knowledge of the law
governing real property, and his careful and exhaustive study
of his business have given him great weight and made him an
accepted authority on all questions connected with or growing
out of the subject of real estate titles in Van Buren county and
also in a general way. .

On October 18, 1893, Mr. McNeil was united m marriage with
Miss Jennie Towers, a daughter of E. C. and Ella A. (Fuller)
Towers, both natives of Michigan and the parents of two chil-
dren Mrs McNeil and her brother Lewis E., a resident of JMat-
tawan in this county. Mr. and Mrs. McNeil have but one child,
Azel A., who was born on February 8, 1899. Mr. McNeil is in-
dependent in politics, giving consideration in all campaigns only
to the general welfare and ignoring partisan interests altogether.
He is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows and during the
year (1911) held the office of Grand Warden of the state m the
order and in October of that year, at the annual session held m
Saginaw he was elected deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge.
He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
He is in the first rank as a citizen, and the esteem bestowed on
him is general and cordial.

Willis V. Hall.— This gentleman, who is now one of the enter-
prising and progressive merchants and highly esteemed citizens
of Paw Paw, has lived in the city but five years, but m that
period has made an excellent reputation as a business man, up-
right and independent in all his transactions, but wide-awake to
the needs and interests of the community, and full of public spirit
in helping to provide for them and promote the comfort, con-
venience and general welfare of all classes of its residents.
' Mr Hall has been in business, either for himself or as man-
ager for some one else, ever since he left school and like that of

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 643

most business men his life has passed through quiet scenes of
daily routine and been uneventful in large measure. But unlike
many business men, he has made the most of his opportunities
for his own advancement and the service of the locality in which
he has lived. Every step of his progress has been the result of
his own efforts, unaided by favors of fortune or adventitious cir-
cumstances.

He was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on February 14, 187b, and
is a son of John H. and Louisa (Kingman) Hall, the former a
native of Vermont and the latter of England. The father was a
machinist and followed his trade to the end of his life, which
came on May 12, 1881. The mother is still living and now re-
sides in Chicago. They were the parents of two children, Willis
V. and his brother George E., a resident also of Chicago, where
he is a bookkeeper for the Apsley Rubber Company.

Willis V. Hall obtained a high school education in Kenosha,
and then attended the Illinois College of Pharmacy in Chicago.
After his graduation from that institution he followed the drug
trade in Kenosha, Wisconsin, for six years. At the end of that
period he moved to Chicago, where he became assistant manager
of one of the stores of the Dearborn Drug Company, a position
which he held continuously for five years. He next passed a
number of years in drug supply work in Chicago.

In 1906 he moved to Paw^ Paw and bought a store, arid m this
he has ever since been conducting a general merchandising busi-
ness with a steadily advancing volume of trade and an intensify-
ing hold on the confidence and regard of the people of the city
and the surrounding country. He has shown himself to be a
thorough master of his business, and has conducted it with a
close and satisfying study of the wants of the community in his
lines of trade and the best method of supplying them. In this
way he has made his store extensively popular and won great
credit for himself as an energetic, enterprising and up-to-date
merchant.

On July 30, 1900, Mr. Hall united in marriage with Miss Mira
A. Grennell, a daughter of M. J. and Catherine (Morgan) Gren-
nell and a native of Michigan. Two children have blessed the
union and brightened the household, AVilbur Vern and Gilbert
Kingman. The father is ind^endent in political affairs, but is
always deeply interested in the progress and improvement of the
city and county of his home. He was elected village clerk of
Paw Paw in 1911, and his ability in the office and devotion to
duty with unswerving fidelity have brought him high encomiums
for the value of his w^ork and his close attention to the interests
he has in charge. In fraternal relations he is a Freemason, and
in church affiliation a Methodist, with ardent interest in the wel-
fare of both his lodge and his church, taking an earnest and help-
ful part in the work of each, as he does in connection with all other
moral agencies at work among the people around him.

Bangs F. Warner. — Selected for his appointment to the post-
mastership of Paw Paw in 1900, because of his supposed special
fitness for the office, Bangs F. Warner has demonstrated in his

644 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

continuous service in the position since his first appointment that
there was wisdom and good judgment in the selection, and the
expectations involved in making it have been fully met in the
capable and faithful performance of his official duties. He came
to the office with his faculties well trained and his knowledge of
public affairs expanded to considerable magnitude in a long and
varied previous experience in several lines of usefulness, in all
of which he has exhibited a high sense of duty and every quality
of upright and enlightened manhood in the performance of it
in an able and satisfactory manner.

Mr. Warner's life began in Almena township, Van Buren county,
Michigan, on June 24, 1858. His parents, Elam L. and Charlotte
M. (Bangs) Warner, were born in the state of New York, and
further mention of the genealogy of this prominent family is made
in the biographical sketch of Jerome C. Warner, uncle of the sub-
ject, which is found on other pages of this work. In this locality
the father of Bangs F. Warner grew to manhood, was married
and reared his offspring. He died in 1902, at the age of seventy-
four years. The mother is still living and has now reached the
age of seventy-seven. The father was a farmer all his life and
at the time of his death he owned one hundred and sixty-six acres
of fine farming land in this county, which showed the benefit of
his well-applied industry throughout a long series of years in its
high state of development and cultivation, the complete and com-
fortable character of its buildings and other improvements, to-
gether with its general attractiveness and value as a farm and a
rural home. The mother is still living in Van Buren county and
is now the oldest of its people in continuous residence within its
boundaries. She is venerated as a veritable "Mother in Israel"
on this account and she also enjoys the high regard of all classes
of the population because of her integrity of character, upright-
ness of life and strong American womanhood. She and her hus-
band were the parents of four children, one of whom, Roy E.,
died an infant. Those living are: Frances A., who resides in
Paw Paw; Bangs F., the immediate subject of this brief memoir;
and Junia J., who resides in Oakland, California, and is the
general passenger and freight agent of the Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe railroad in that city, having held said position for a
number of years.

Bangs F. Warner grew to manhood and was educated in this
county, having been graduated from a high school in 1876, at the
age of eighteen. After completing his education he became a
farmer during the summer months and taught school in the win-
ters of several years. He conducted schools at Kendall, Breeds-
ville and other places in this county and at Middleville in Barry
county, continuing in the profession until 1883, when he moved
to Paw Paw and turned his attention to insurance as an occupation
and means of advancement.

In 1889 he went to Idaho, and there for three years he bought
range horses for shipment to the eastern markets. In 1893 he
returned to his farm of one hundred acres in Waverly township,
this county, where he remained until 1897, and made a specialty
of dealing extensively in hay. In the year last mentioned he

ISAAC W. VAN POSSEN

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 645

again moved to Paw Paw, but continued his transactions in hay
and has done so to the present time (1911). He has also been
the postmaster of the city continuously since 1900, as has been
noted, and enjoys an excellent reputation and general popularity
for the manner in which he conducts the office and provides for
the comfort and convenience of the people, whose welfare he makes
the first consideration in the performance of his official duties
within the law and the regulations governing the services, which,
of course, he is obliged to obey.

Mr. Warner was married on November 2, 1882, to Miss Clara
Bray, a daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca (Clark) Bray, and
by this marriage became the father of one child, his son Leo E.,
who is now a bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Paw Paw.
The father is a Republican in his political faith and allegiance
and always loyal to his party, but he never allows party consider-
ations to interfere with the faithful and impartial discharge of
his duties. In fraternal relations he is affiliated with the Masonic
order, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of
America.

The people of Van Buren county esteem him highly for his
upright and commendable manhood, his enterprise and public-
spirit as a citizen, and his ability and fidelity as a public official.
He also ranks high in business circles as a progressive and far-
seeing dealer, modern in his methods and strictly square in all
his transactions. He well deserves the rank they accord him as
one of their leading and most representative men and in every
feature of his daily life exemplifies it.

Isaac W. Van Fossen. — The venerable and venerated patriarch
to whom these paragraphs are dedicated and the story of whose
long and highly useful life they briefly chronicle, entered upon
the great field of newspaper work at the age of sixteen and con-
tinued in it until long after he passed the meridian of life. Dur-
ing the extended period of his connection with that spectacular
and sparkling line of human endeavor our country expanded and
grew in power and importance as nothing in human history has
ever done. It planted new commonwealths of vast expanse and
almost boundless resources where but a little while before the
Red Man roamed, the panther leaped, the deer disported, in a
security that was undisturbed save by the ravages of one upon
another. While it was passing, too, opposing political theories
and their advocates were making history on our soil with the ele-
vation of Man, the betterment of the race, as the prize of the con-
tests.

The hereditary lord of the soil, although for the greater part
of the time sullenly accepting his fate, occasionally rose against
the advancing march of civilization, and our people had to reduce
him to subjection, sometimes at a great sacrifice of life and treasure.
The majestic march of mind, the advance of science and art, the
progress of discovery and invention, the expansion of education for
lofty and lowly, and all the other concomitants of a militant and
strident civilization kept pace with the flight of time and the se-
quence of events. And throughout the whole of it Mr. Van Fossen
Vol. n— 2

646 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

was in touch with the leading thought and some of the leading ac-
tors in the great progressive performance. His life is like a
mighty bridge, spanning a wide, swift current of running water.
Its one abutment rests on the undeveloped condition of the coun-
try and its simplicity in life during our earlier days; and the other,
when it shall have been completed— for he is still among us— will
have its base in the full flower and fruitage of our twentieth cen-
tury advancement and all that is involved therein.

Mr Van Fossen was born at Livonia, Livingston county, New
York, on July 24, 1826, and is a son of Isaac and Mary (Codding)
Van Fossen, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of
New York. ' They were the parents of eleven children, of whom
only Isaac W. and his brother Thomas D., of Springfield, Missouri,
are living. The father and his elder brother, John, owned large
mills at Livonia, New York, and were the most prominent men m
that locality. Through the failure of banks in 1829 they lost their
business and property and then came to Michigan. After a pros-
pecting tour of the wild western territory, which was to be his
future home and that of his family, the father returned east and
reported conditions and prospects. In 1831 he and his brother
William, who lived in Ann Arbor, purchased a section of land
where Concord, in Jackson county, Michigan, now stands. He was
still in the east and from there shipped the machinery for a new
mill to his brother William, who had moved to the new section on
Kalamazoo river. In 1833 the family came to this state, where he
had erected a new log house, journeying by way of the Erie canal
to Buffalo, and thence over Lake Erie by steamboat to Detroit. On
their arrival in the Detroit river they found it full of Indian ca-
noes, the dav of their arrival being one on which the Indians re-
ceived their annual allowance of money and presents from the gov-
ernment. The family secured horses and wagons in Detroit and
then made the journey overland to their new home in Jackson
county, a distance of ninety-five or a hundred miles, as the crow
flies, and the greater part of it through an almost unbroken wilder-
ness in which there were no conveniences of travel.

Isaac W. Van Fossen, who was then about seven years of age,
stopped with an uncle at what is now Ann Arbor, and which re-
ceived its name in honor of his uncle's wife, Ann Van Fossen. As
soon as the family was settled in its new home the brothers be-
stirred themselves to get things in order for the beginning of their
business as millers. William had already begun damming the Kala-
mazoo river at Concord to get power for the mill and as soon as the
dam was completed and the mill erected operations were begun
in a new industry which was soon appreciated as one of the great-
est conveniences and benefactions of the region.

Mr Van Fossen 's mother died on November 30, 1839, but his
father lived to the age of eighty-seven. He remained at home, aid-
ing in breaking up the farm with ox teams and with the other
farm work, until the death of his mother. He then took up his
residence with a relative, Mr. Morgan, who lived at Homer m the
adjoining county of Calhoun. From Homer he went a few months
later to Spring Arbor, riding a two-year old colt as his means of
transportation. He worked at Spring Arbor about eighteen months,

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 647

then moved to Jackson, where he secured employment in a window
and other woodwork factory for a short time. Here his newspaper
career began. He got into the office of the Jackson Democrat,
George W. Raney, editor and proprietor, as an apprentice, and re-
mained in connection with the paper three years, having his home
with his employers. .

They sold the paper to Messrs. Story & Cheney, proprietors ot
the Jackson Patriot, and Mr. Van Fossen worked for them two
years. His father owned a mill at Waterville, Ohio, and he went
there on a visit. For about a year and a half he worked on the
Maumee City Times and after that his engagements on newspapers
were numerous. He was on the Toledo Blade, and later on the
Detroit Advertiser, During the campaign of 1848, when General
Cass was the Democratic candidate for the presidency, he worked
on the Jackson Patriot. While working on the one last named he
wrote an Indian story dealing with events in the history of the
Ottawa and Pottawattomie tribes, which had been at war between
themselves. The story made a great hit, for the war between the
Indians had excited universal interest at the time.

During his wanderings Mr. Van Fossen attended school at odd
times, w^hen he had the chance, and kept on improving his educa-
tion. On one occasion he rode from Jackson to Lansing on horse-
back, stopping over night at Mason. There he found a gentleman
who had a Washington iron hand printing press, but did not know
how to set it up. Mr. Van Fossen put it in working order for him
and it was soon thereafter dispensing the news and keeping the
people enlightened. At the request of Messrs. Story & Cheney, of
Jackson, his old employers, he went to Leslie, Ingham county, and
took charge of a publication to secure the ''Tax List," of that
county and was successful. The material and appliances he had
to work with were very crude, but he did the best he could with
them, as he had always done under all circumstances, no matter
what the difficulties. t • i,+

While living in Jackson he was first corporal of the Jackson Light
Guards for six years, and was then promoted quartermaster of the
jyJighteenth Brigade, Ninth Division, of the Michigan Militia, now
known as the Michigan National Guard. During a session of the
state legislature in 1852 (December 23) he began work on the
State Journal, published in Lansing, Michigan, by Hedges & Peck,
state printers. He remained with this paper and after the legisla-
ture adjourned he assisted in getting out the reports of the work
of the legislature during that session as one of the three composi-
tors who were chosen. A position was offered him in Detroit by
Bagg, Patten & McDonald, printers, book-sellers and dealers m
stationery. Here he had charge as foreman of the book and job
office While here, on November 5, 1853, he joined the Detroit
Typographical Union and is today probably its oldest living mem-
ber.

He remained with the concern until June, 1854. At that time
John R. Baker, the district attorney of Van Buren county, arrived
in Detroit, having been sent there by the business men of Paw
Paw to secure a man to take charge of the Paw Paiv Free Press,
which they had recently bought from S. T. Conway. Mr. Baker

648 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

had been a student with Mr. Patten and he laid the situation be-
fore him, and he immediately recommended Mr. Van Fossen for
the place and granted him leave of absence to come to Paw Paw
and look into the situation. He did so, and as a result of what he
saw he, in June, 1854, moved to the village and bought the paper
and office.

The Free Press was at that time the organ of the Democratic
party and the only paper published in the county then in the
control of the political situation in Van Buren county, but in 1855
the state passed into the hands of the Republicans and Mr. George
W. Fitch, of Kalamazoo, was induced to send a printer-lawyer
named Butler to Paw Paw to edit and print what was then and
is still known as The True Northerner^ and which was at once
given the political and official patronage of the political party
then coming into power.

Mr. Van Fossen still continued and, being a thoroughly practical
man, his business increased and at the end of six months he was
compelled to put in another press to take care of his increased busi-
ness and job printing. In 1858 his office was destroyed by fire, but
he succeeded in saving his newspaper files and books and imme-
diately bought new material and continued the paper some months
later. This continued until 1875, when he sold the paper to Land-
phear & Matthews, after which he went to Florida and assisted in
establishing a new Democratic paper, The Pensacola Advance.
He then returned to Paw Paw, where in the meantime had been
formed a central Greenback club, which had begun the publication
of a paper — the Michigan Independent — ^but it had not been a re-
markable success and w^as discontinued. He was solicited to buy
an office and start a new paper, which he did on June 1, 1880, called
the Paw Paiv Herald, and this he continued to publish until De-
cember 31, 1889. He then retired from the publication of this and
later published for awhile a campaign paper called the ''People's
Alliance" for Sullivan Cook, the editor, of Hartford, Michigan.
He also operated a job office up to 1902, when he sold out
and retired from active business. His newspaper career covers a
period of fifty years, in which time he has seen many advances
and reverses in the course of his connection with it, and has es-
tablished himself firmly in the esteem of newspaper men wherever
he and his work are known.

Mr. Van Fossen purchased his present residence and was mar-
ried on June 23, 1858, to Miss Irene P. Simmons, the first white
girl born in Paw Paw, then called the town of Lafayette, and by
this union he became the father of three children, namely: Zell,
who died in infancy ; Vern, who is a dentist and living at home ;
and Rena R., who is a school teacher in Rossville, Illinois. The
father was an ardent Greenbacker in the day when the Greenback
issue was a prominent one in our politics, and he still adheres to
the doctrines of the party. For some years he has not been active
in political matters, but he still retains all his old-time interest
in public affairs. In 1858 he was appointed deputy United States
marshal for the District of Michigan by U. S. Marshal John S.
Bagg. In 1866 he was made Department Collector of Revenue for
the Second District. In 1884 he was nominated by the Greenback

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 649

and Democratic parties for the State Senate, in opposition to C.
J. Monroe, Republican, and was defeated by a small majority.

Fraternally he is a Freemason, having been initiated in the Jack-
son Lodge, No. 17, on February 8, 1849, and soon thereafter took
the R. A. M. degrees. When he became a resident of Paw Paw
he took a demit from the Jackson lodge and joined at Paw Paw,
July 15, 1855, and from the chapter in 1860. He holds the rank
of past high priest in his chapter and is the only charter member
now living. He was also a member of Peninsular Commandery,
Knight Templars, of Kalamazoo. His religious connection is with
the Episcopal church.

C. Ray Pugsley. — Pursuing the even tenor of his way as a quiet,
unostentatious farmer and breeder of fine registered cattle, with
comparative indifference to the great, wasting currents of life
outside of his peaceful domain; with no desire to mingle in or be
a part of its bustle, hurry and distracting cares, yet alert always
to the needs of his own community and zealous in his efforts to aid
in providing for them, C. Ray Pugsley, of Paw Paw township,
in this county, has lived to this time a useful and productive life,
and given to those around him a fine example of sturdy manhood
and serviceable citizenship of the kind that the welfare of the
country mainly depends upon.

Mr. Pugsley was born on a Paw Paw township f arm, , in fact on
the one he now lives on and cultivates, and the whole of his life
to this time (1911) has been passed within the boundaries of Van
Buren county. The date of his birth was February 12, 1883, and
he is a son of William H. and Sarah A. (Harris) Pugsley, the
former a native of England and the latter of Jackson county,
Michigan. The father came to Michigan in 1857, when he was
but ten years of age, and he has been a resident of the state ever
since. He has been actively and profitably connected with the
farming industry of the state for more than thirty years, and is
even now deeply interested in it, although he has turned the man-
agement of his home farm over to his son Ray. In 1880 he bought
the eighty acres on which the family is now established, and to the
cultivation and improvement of this tract he devoted all his time
and energy until 1904, when his son took charge of the place and
he retired from active pursuits. He and his wife are the parents
of three children, all of whom are living. They are: Verne M.,
the wife of L. H. Weldon, of Battle Creek, Michigan; May, the
wife of F. A. Dibble, of Paw Paw; and C. Ray, the interesting
subject of this brief review.

The last named obtained a high-school education in Paw Paw
and remained at home working for and under the direction of his
father on the farm until he reached the age of twenty-one. He
then took over the management of the farm himself, under an
agreement with his father, and since that time he alone has culti-
vated it and conducted all the operations pertaining to it. His
father was a first-rate farmer and he received good instruction
while working under his direction. Yet he is a progressive man
and studies his business with a view to securing the best possible
returns for his labor and keeping in touch with the progress in

650 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

what he has discovered his business to be — one of the most rapidly
improving' industries among men.

He is something of an enthusiast on the subject of stock im-
provement, and in accordance with his theories he makes a spe-
cialty of breeding fine registered Guernsey cattle, conducting this
department of his enterprise both for his own satisfaction and ad-
vantage, and also for the good of the country around him. He
also feeds and ships live stock in general, and carries on a general
farming industry with the utmost vigor and all the information
concerning his operations he can gather from judicious reading
and reflective and analytical observation.

On October 25, 1905, Mr. Pugsley was united in marriage with
Miss Frances Du Bois, a daughter of J. E. and Lucy Du Bois,
liighly respected residents of Paw^ Paw. They have had six chil-
dren: Milly, who has been dead several years; Frances, the wife
of Mr. Pugsley; Claude; J. C, whose home is in Van Buren
county ; Vernon, who is also a resident of this county ; and Gert-
rude, who is still living at home with her parents.

Mr. Pugsley has always taken an earnest interest and an active
part in all commendable projects involving the development and
improvement of the township and county of his home. He is a
progressive and public-spirited man, and at all times eager to
see Van Buren county as far forward in advancement of a whole-
some character as judicious efforts can put it. The public affairs
of the township and county interest him as a good citizen, but
not as a man ambitious for public station or prominence among his
fellows. Therefore, although he is a firm believer in the princi-
ples of the Democratic party and does his part to secure their
adoption for the government of the country, general and local, he
has never sought or desired a political office for himself. His
farming and live stock industries interest and occupy him in a
leading way, and he prefers to leave the direction of public affairs
to those who like such employment. In church relations he is a
Baptist and one of the mainstays of the congregation in which he
holds his membership. All who know him esteem him and he is in
all respects worthy of their regard, confidence and good will.

Benjamin A. Murdock. — Having rounded out the full score
of years allotted to man by the sacred writer, and almost one more,
the late Benjamin A. Murdock, of Paw Paw, who died on Novem-
ber 29, 1895, surrendered his trust at the behest of the Great Dis-
poser of Events after working out a career that was interesting
in all and remarkable in some of its features. He was for many
years a school teacher, and although persons who follow that pur-
suit, especially those who teach in country or district schools,
usually eke out only a slender living, he became a man of extensive
possessions in a worldly way. He was a traveler of some note for
the period in his young manhood, yet he passed the greater part of
his subsequent life almost wholly in the locality of his home and
warmly attached to its attractions. His life began soon after the
close of the war of 1812, in fact but nine days after its latest and
greatest victory was won for the citizen soldiers of our country,
and he lived through two other wars of magnitude the arbitrament

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 651

of fate forced on our people, and in addition through a number of
Indian wars, some of them of great atrocity and at times of threat-
ening proportions. He also witnessed the expansion of our terri-
tory, the marvelous increase in our population, our wonderful
strides in the arts and sciences and all the broadening and improve-
ing forces of education, and to these he did his part to bring about
the results that have no parallel in human history.

Mr. Murdock was born in Hamilton, New York, on January 17,
1815, a son of Ariel and Tryphosa (Bonney) Murdock. The father
was the captain of a company of volunteers in the war of 1812,
but did not long survive the w^ar, dying in September, 1826, when
his son was less than twelve years old. His wife belonged to the
Bonney family of distinction and had an extension and varied ex-
perience. Their children are all now deceased : Sophia, Benjamin
A., Hannah and Carey. Benjamin obtained a first-rate education,
being graduated from Hamilton College at Clinton, New York, and
for some years thereafter taught school in that state. He came to
Michigan in 1836 and located in Van Buren county, taking up one
hundred and sixty acres of government land near South Haven.
During the next two years he taught school in that vicinity, and
in 1839 made a visit to his native state and afterward an extended
tour through the South.

In 1842 he returned to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and for some
months was the companion and chum of James Fennimore Cooper,
the celebrated novelist. He again turned his attention to teaching,
and continued his devotion to the profession for twelve years. At
the end of that period he became a druggist in Paw Paw. In this
business he was occupied until failing health induced him to retire
and from that time until his death he gave his time and attention
to looking after his large farming interests. At one period of his
life he ow^ned more than sixteen hundred acres of Michigan land,
and at the time of his death possessed between six and seven hun-
dred acres.

On May 1, 1859, Mr. Murdock was married to Miss Mary Vic-
toria Anderson, a daughter of LeGrand and Catherine (Shaw) An-
derson, natives of Virginia and the parents of ten children : Cor-
nelius, Lydia Anna, William, George, John, Eliza, Harriet and Le-
Grand, all deceased, and Mary, who married Mr. Murdock, and
Jane, who is now Mrs. Dewey and living in Van Buren county,
Michigan. LeGrand Anderson, the father of these children, came
to Michigan in 1828 and located near Decatur. In 1832 he brought
his family to his new home in the wilderness, and several Ohio
families with them, whom he induced to settle in the same neigh-
borhood. He bought five hundred acres of Government land, to
which he added by subsequent purchases until at the time of his
death, which occurred in July, 1869, he was the possessor of about
one thousand acres. His wife died in 1842. Mrs. Murdock was
well educated in her youth, living for a time in Ohio and having
as her first tutor in that state Professor John Purdue, the founder
of Purdue University at Lafayette, Indiana.

Mr. and Mrs. Murdock became the parents of two children, their
daughter Mary Eva, who died at the age of a few months, and
their son Benjamin LeGrand, who lived to be only two years old.

652 HISTOEY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Although their own home was childless, they found comfort in
ministering to the happiness of the children of other households
and made themselves foster parents to many, so to speak, by
their numberless acts of kindness to them and their interest in
everything that ministered to the happiness of all who came within
the reach of their generosity and proved worthy of it.

Mr. Murdock was a Republican in politics from the founding of
the party and prior to that was a Whig. He was always warmly
interested in the success of his party and worked to win it, but
he did not care for official station for himself. His regular affilia-
tion was with the Christian church, of which he was a devout and
zealous member, and in whose work of making men and women
better and happier he was an active participant, a wise counselor
and a greatly valued aid.

An incident of special interest in the history of the Murdock and
Anderson families should not be overlooked: Mr. Lambert, the
private secretary of John Quincy Adams, came to Kalamazoo for a
rest. Later two nephews of George Washington, Spottswood and
George by name, who were then being educated at West Point, left
there on a vacation and came west looking for Mr. Lambert. The
latter in the meantime had moved to the home of Mr. Anderson,
and there they found him. They later obtained positions as school
teachers in that section. Spottswood Washington taught the school
nearest the home of Mrs. Murdock 's father, Mr. Anderson, and
lived in the family. His brother George taught another school a
short time in the same neighborhood, and he also was a member
of the Anderson household.

Kev. James Hatt Rennie. — Although the life of this divine
lasted only forty -one years, and ended when it should have been
in its prime and full of promise, and although his health was fail-
ing for several years prior to his demise, he accomplished a great
deal of good, and made every year of his activity fruitful in serv-
ice to the cause of his Master and beneficial to the peoples among
whom he ministered from time to time.

Mr. Rennie was a native of Scotland, born on October 8, 1862,
at Nether Tuloch, near Meldrum, the son of Robert and Anna
(Hatt) Rennie. He completed his academic education at Park
College in Parkville, Missouri, and his professional preparation
for his great work in life at Auburn Theological Seminary, Au-
burn, New York. After leaving this institution he was engaged
in his sacred calling for a few years in the East, and then the
hand of Providence turned his face in the direction of the setting
son.

In the autumn of 1894 he came to Michigan, and in 1895 located
at Paw Paw, where he served the Presbyterian church as pastor
for one year. He then went to Colorado and took up his work
at Ouray in that state, remaining until 1898. During the next
year he was in charge of a church of his creed in Omaha, Nebraska,
and at the end of that period decided to rest from his labors for a
year and seek to regain his health and strength. He returned to
Michigan for the purpose, and here he remained until his death,
which occurred on November 22, 1903.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 653

On June 28, 1899, Mr. Rennie was united in marriage with Miss
Clara Susanne Anderson, the daughter of Le Grande Redmond
and Susanne (Morris) Anderson. In domestic life, as in all other
relations, he was a pattern of excellence and won high commen-
dation. In politics he was by no means an active partisan, but
in his faith adhered to the principles of the Republican party, and
usually voted for the candidates it placed in the field for public
office. In other respects besides the exercise of his suffrage he
took a good citizen's interest in public affairs, and strongly favored
everything that he thought likely to advance the welfare of the
community in which he lived and promote the moral, mental or
material progress of its people.

He w^as a modest and unostentatious gentleman, of high char-
acter and elevated tone, genial in manner, obliging in disposition,
cultivated in intellect and rich in all the bland amenities of life.
While he was able he was also tireless in his pastoral work and
energetic in doing all he could to make it as effective for the good
of his flock as possible. Wherever he lived he was greatly beloved,
and his untimely death was deeply regretted in every pastorate
he ever served. His memory is enshrined in the hearts of all who
knew him, and the example he gave of upright living and earnest
spiritual striving toward a higher and better life is still a poten-
tial force wherever it was exhibited and exerted its influence while
he walked, labored and counseled among men.

Milton H. Pugsley. — One of the enterprising and progressive
general farmers of Van Buren county for a number of years, and
now one of the leaders and most successful of its fruit growers, Mil-
ton H. Pugsley, of Paw Paw township, is contributing to the ad-
vancement of the county and its mercantile and commercial influ-
ence in a very material and substantial way, and has been doing so
for a long time. He has tried his hand at other occupations and
made a success of them, too. But his inclination has always been
in the direction of the farm, and notwithstanding strong tempta-
tions to remain away from it he returned to the vocation of the
patriarchs and has never had occasion to regret his choice.

Mr. Pugsley has a special interest in the welfare and progress
of Van Buren county and Paw Paw township, for here he was
born, grew to manhood and was educated. Here also he was mar-
ried and established his domestic shrine, and here he has kept the
fires burning brightly on it ever since. His life began in Paw Paw
township on December 29, 1856, and he is a son of Henry M. and
Mary A. (Prater) Pugsley, the former a native of England, born
in 1823, and the latter of the state of New York.

The father came to Michigan in 1845 and located in Van Buren
county. He bought first eighty and then forty acres of land, and
to this he added by subsequent purchases until, at the time of
his death in 1901, when he was seventy-eight years of age, he
owned two hundred and eighty-three acres. His widow survived
him five years, passing away in 1906. They were the parents of
seven children : William H., who is a resident of this county;
Alice E., the wife of Harland P. Waters, of Paw Paw; John K.,
deceased; M. H., the subject of this writing; Dora M., the wife

654 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

of Charles Lake, of Paw Paw; Myra A., the wife of L. E. Shepard,
of Paw Paw; and Eliza, who died in infancy.

Milton H. Pugsley remained with his father until he obtained
a high-school education, pursued a course of instruction at the
Normal College at Valparaiso, Indiana, and was graduated from
a business college. He had obtained his first certificate after
leaving the district school, and began this profession at that time,
teaching at intervals, up to the time he was graduated from the
business college. He then taught school six winters, and at the
end of that period was offered an excellent position as a teacher.
But he preferred to return to the farm, of which he then took
charge, being twenty-four years of age at the time. The next year
he married and continued his farming operations, in which there
has been no break since, except that he followed general farming
for years, but is now making a specialty of fruit growing, grapes
in particular, having forty acres of these under cultivation, and
keeping from fifteen to forty employes during the fruit season.
He has gradually been drawn into this interesting and profitable
line of production.

Mr. Pugsley was married on May 24, 1882, to Miss Jennie F.
Cash, a daughter of Erastus and Jennie (Pierson) Cash, an ac-
count of whose lives will be found in this volume. They were the
parents of three children, Mrs. Pugsley and her sister Carrie, who
is the wife of C. L. Bowen, of this county, and a child that died
in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Pugsley have had three children : Earl,
who is a lawyer in good practice at Hart, Michigan; Henry Paul,
who died at the age of two years; and Clifford Gale, who is still
living at home with his parents.

The oldest son, Earl Pugsley, was graduated from the Paw Paw
high school and then taught in a district school one year and in
the high school two years. While teaching he prepared himself
to enter the law department of the University of Michigan, and
from that institution he was graduated and admitted to the bar in
1909. The father is a Republican in his political belief and a
faithful worker for his party, although he does not seek or desire
any of its honors or emoluments for himself. In religious faith
and church affiliation he is a Baptist, and has long been active
and effective in church work, being associated with the church in
Gliddenburg. He also takes an active part in the work of the
Sunday-school, and has been the teacher of a class of about twenty-
five young people for many years and takes an interest in all that
tends to improve the people around him and minister to their wel-
fare in any way.

Mr. Pugsley has taken a very earnest interest and a very active
part in matters of importance to the community connected with
his business and some that are not. He is president of the Farmers'
Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Van Buren county and the
Wolverine Nursery Company, and he is also one of the directors of
the Southern Michigan Fruit Association. Wide-awake, alert,
progressive and intelligent, devoted to the welfare of his town-
ship and county, elevated in his citizenship and useful and loyal
in all the relations of life, he is universally conceded to be one of

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 655

the best and most representative men in Van Buren county, and
lie is fully deserving of his rank.

Hugh Brockway. — New York has given Michigan a number of
her best citizens and the newer commonwealth cheerfully ac-
knowledges her indebtedness to all the older states who have sent
their enterprising sons w^estward in the track of the course of
empire, and to none does she render sincerer thanks than to New
York state. Mr. Brockway is a typical representative of these
adoptive citizens of Van Buren county and though he was not
early enough to be called a pioneer, yet he has lived here long
enough to have been a factor in the advancement of the region.

Hugh Brockway was born in Delaware county. New York, on
December 5, 1865. His father, Delos Brockway, and his mother,
Mary Gillespie Brockway, were both also natives of New York
state. Both are now deceased. Hugh is the eldest of four chil-
dren. Alexander, the next oldest, is dead ; Cora and Frederick M.
still reside in Delaware county, New York, the former being the
wife of David Calhoun. The father was a farmer all of his life
and the children grew up in the country.

A district school education constituted Mr. Brockway 's school-
ing and until he was eighteen he remained with his father. In
1893 he came to Paw Paw and bought one hundred and four acres
of land and on this place he does general farming and makes
a specialty of dairying. His cattle are of the Durham variety
and of an unusually fine strain. His methods are those approved
by the best modern authorities and his success is not due to
chance, but to intelligent and scientific application of the prin-
ciples of agriculture.

Mrs. Brockway is Allie, the daughter of Aaron and Maria
(Labardie) Harrison. She was married to Mr. Brockway Decem-
ber 31, 1901. There were ten children in the Harrison family
besides Mrs. Brockway. Their names and places of residence
will be found in the sketch of their father, Aaron Harrison. The
family of Mr. and Mrs. Brockway consists of two daughters and
one son. Genevieve E. was born June 27, 1903 ; Delos A., Au-
gust 8, 1905 ; and Charlotte E., January 12, 1911.

Mr. Brockway is a Republican in politics. He and Mrs. Brock-
way are loyal supporters of the work of the Christian church,
of which she is a member. In the lodges of the county Mr.
Brockway belongs to the Modern Woodmen.

Isaac Gerow. — Having taken up the battle of life for himself
when he was but eight years of age, and in the beginning of the
struggle worked laboriously in the pine woods of Maine getting out
timber for the industries; then living in various places and work-
ing at several different occupations for a number of years under
great difficulties, but with his eyes steadily fixed on the goal of his
ambition, Isaac Gerow, of Paw Paw township, this county, is en-
titled to high credit for the progress he has made and the success
he has won, wholly by his own efforts, unaided by any of Fortune 's
favors or propitious circumstances at any time. He is now a man
of substance in a worldly way, and a citizen of consequence in the
township and county of his home.

656 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Mr. Gerow is a native of the state of Maine, where his life began
on October 10, 1855. His parents, Isaac and Martha (Taylor)
Gerow, were also born and reared in Maine, and both are now
deceased. The lather was a farmer from his youth. He and his
wife were the parents of three children ; Isaac, of this review ; Isa,
who died in 1891 ; and Phebe, who died two years ago. Isaac was
compelled by the condition of the family estate to begin earning
his own living when he was only eight years old, as has been stated,
and his educational opportunities were necessarily of the most
limited character. At the age of fourteen he secured employment
in the pine woods of his native state in the logging or lumber busi-
ness, to which he adhered for six months. The work was hard, the
pay was meager, and the privations and hardships of his situation
were numerous and burdensome. But he bravely toiled on and
saved his earnings in the confident belief that he would in time
secure better chances for advancement. At the end of the season
in the w^oods he returned to his home and gave his attention to
farm work, ^hen he was twenty he went to the oil regions of
Pennsylvania, where he remained tw^o years in search of the profits
which did not come his way.

In 1880 he came to Michigan and worked on farms and at what-
ever else he could find to do. He kept this up five years, and at
the end of that period rented forty acres of land in Arlington
township. Van Buren county. He remained on this farm two years,
then moved to one of one hundred and fifty-five acres in Law-
rence township, which he also rented, but gave up at the end of
the first year of his tenancy. His next venture was on another
farm of forty acres, which he occupied two years, and his next
on one of one hundred and twenty-three acres, on which he lived
five years. From Lawrence township. Van Buren county, he
moved to Oklahoma, but returned at the end of eight months to
this state and Lawrence township, for another residence of one
year, follow^ed by one of a year on a rented farm in Paw Paw
township.

By this time he was able to select and secure a permanent home
of his own, and bought fifty acres of first-rate land in Paw Paw
township, and on this he has ever since lived, made extensive im-
provements and conducted a highly progressive farming and
stock-raising industry. His farm is in section 30, and the fine
improvements he has made on it and the high state of produc-
tiveness to which he has brought it have made it one of the most
valuable and desirable of its size in the township, and he has not
yet made it all he intends it shall be if industry and good man-
agement can bring about the conditions for which he is striving.

Mr. Gerow was married on February 7, 1878, to Miss Louisa
Gilger, and by this union has become the father of five children:
Isa, who is a resident of South Dakota ; Daniel, whose home' is in
Kalamazoo; Millen, who also resides in this state; Martha, the
wife of Emory Hulbert, who lives in Bloomingdale township ; and
Orvilla, who has her home in South Dakota.

The father is a firm and faithful working member of the Re-
publican party in his political faith and activity, and has filled
a number of township offices as such, but has administered them

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 657

all for the good of the township and the welfare and betterment
of its people. Mrs. Gerow's church connection is with the Meth-
odists, and in the congregation is one of the reliable and energetic
workers for its advancement and general well being. Mr. Gerow is
zealous and effective in his support of all worthy agencies working
in his community for the progress and improvement of the region,
and is esteemed on all sides as one of the sterling, sturdy and repre-
sentative men in the citizenship of all Van Buren county.

Jason J. Lyle. — Having passed the whole of his life to this time
(1911) in Van Buren county, and Paw Paw township, Jason J.
Lyle has an unusual and impressive interest in its welfare and
that of its people. He has mingled with its residents from child-
hood, obtained his education in its schools, taken his place and
faithfully filled it in its industrial life, and contributed his full
share to its improvement and advancement and the proper ad-
ministration of its civil affairs through his activity as a citizen.
He is therefore in full sympathy with its people, and one of their
most representative and useful men, as well as one of their most
progressive and successful farmers and live stock breeders and
dealers.

Mr. Lyle is a native of Van Buren county and Paw Paw town-
ship, and his life began here on August 4, 1879. He is a son of
Marshall and Mary (McWilliams) Lyle, also natives of Van
Buren county, and a grandson of John and Ann (Armstrong)
Lyle, who came to Michigan from their former home in England
in 1848. More extended mention of the family may be found in
the sketch of Levi N. Lyle elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Lyle's
father, Marshall Lyle, passed the whole of his life in the town-
ship, and on the farm with his father. They were stock breeders
and general farmers, and made steady gains in their business as
the years passed by. The father died on April 3, 1899, leaving
his father, the grandfather of Jason, then well advanced in years,
in charge of the business. His widow, Jason's mother, is still
living, at the age of over sixty years.

They were the parents of two children : Jason J. and his sister
Ethel, who is now the wife of Dr. W. E. Collins, of Kalamazoo,
Michigan. Jason attended the district school near his home and
afterward the high school in Decatur, this county. His course
of instruction at the latter was cut short, however, by the death
of his grandfather, which laid upon him the burden of taking
care of the farm and conducting its operations. He has managed
it ever since, and in addition to this two hundred and thirty acres
he has one hundred and sixty of his own, which he cultivates ac-
cording to the best methods of present-day farming. On this he
is extensively engaged in raising live stock, having ever in view^
the large and active dairying business he is carrying on in con-
nection with his other industries. For this he breeds Holstein
cattle, of which he has a fine herd.

On October 30, 1901, Mr. Lyle was united in marriage with
Miss Maud Goodenough, a daughter of Nelson and Adella
(Wright) Goodenough, natives of Michigan, and their only child.
Her father had been married before, and to his first union one

658 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

child was born also, his son Ralph, who is a resident of Cass
county, this state. The grandparents of Mrs. Lyle came to Michi-
gan and located in Cass county, and were among the most re-
spected residents of that portion of the state, filling their places
and performing their duty as builders and improvers of the state
in full measure according to their powers and opportunities.

Mr. and Mrs. Lyle have one child, their son Kenneth Marshall,
who was born on February 18, 1906. His father is a Republican
in politics and earnestly loyal and serviceable to his party. He
desires no place on the ofacial roster of the township or county
for himself, but takes an interest in public affairs for the purpose
of doing what he can to promote the best interests of the people.
In church connection he is a Methodist. He is universally rec-
ognized as one of the best and most useful citizens of the county.

Harry J. Lurkins. — Representing the third generation of his
family in continuous ownership of the same farm in Van Buren
county, and never having known any other home, Harry J. Lurkins,
of Paw Paw township, has an especial interest in this part of Mich-
igan and the country. He was born and reared on this farm ; he
was educated in the public schools of the county ; he acquired his
social training in association with its people ; and he is indebted to
its industrial opportunities for all he possesses in the way of worldly
wealth. He is therefore wholly a product of the county, and in his
career as a farmer, a citizen and a man he is a credit to the region
of his birth.

The farm upon which he now resides has been in the family tor
three generations. It was formerly owned by his grandfather, who,
when he died, left it to his son Charles, who resided upon it until
his death, in 1889, and it is now owned by Mrs. Charles J. Lur-
kins and her two sons, George W. and Harry J., and is known as
the Lurkins Keepsake Home.

Mr. Lurkins' life began on November 9, 1878, and he is a son of
Charles H. and Angle (Sanders) Lurkins, the former a native of
Geneva, New York, born in 1850, and the latter of Canada, born
in 1854. The father was brought to Michigan and Van Buren
county when he was but four years old by his parents. His wife,
the mother of Harry J., was brought to this county by her parents
in 1864. She is still living on the old homestead in Paw Paw and
Harry J. has his home with her. Three children were born in the
family: Harry J.; his older brother George W., who now lives in
Ypsilanti, Michigan, and his younger sister, Maud B., who died
when she was ten years old.

Harry J. Lurkins obtained a high school education in Decatur,
being graduated in 1897. He at once returned to the farm and
has ever since lived on and cultivated it. He does general farming,
emploving a judicious succession of crops to secure the best results,
and raises live stock for the general market on a scale of some mag-
nitude. Of late years he ha^ been giving special attention to the
production of grapes, an industry of recent introduction m this
part of the state, but one which promises to become a leader and a
source of great profit to those engaged in it and of decided benefit

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 659

to the inercantile interests of the county. Mr. Lurkins' farm com-
prises two hundred and twenty-eight acres, including the interests
of the other members of the family in it, but he cultivates it all and
m so progressive and enterprising a way that he makes every acre
yield its due tribute in return for the intelligent and careful labor
bestowed upon it.

In the public affairs of the township and county of his home Mr.
Lurkins takes a warm and helpful interest. He is always ready to
aid in promoting any worthy undertaking for the improvement of
the locality and the welfare of the people, and he gives attention
to the government by doing a good citizen ^s duty in reference to
political matters, according to his convictions. Firm in his faith
in the principles of the Republican party, he supports its candi-
dates in all campaigns, if they are worthy, and does what he can to
secure their election and keep up the general strength and spirit
of the party. But he desires no political office for himself. His
mother ^s church affiliations is with the Baptists. In all the relations
of life he gives a fine example of progressive, enterprising and in-
dustrious manhood and elevated American citizenship, and the
people of the county esteem him as one of their most useful, up-
right and representative men, ahvays faithful to every duty and
sincerely devoted to the best interests of the region in which he
lives.

Charles Hood, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in sec-
tion 29, Paw Paw township, is one of the successful farmers of Van
Buren county, and the owner of one hundred and forty acres of
fine land. The farms of this section are as well regulated as any
to be found in the state, and Mr. Hood's land is no exception to this
rule, as he is a skilled agriculturist and through years of hard,
faithful endeavor he has brought his tract into an excellent state
of cultivation. Charles Hood was born July 4, 1861, in county
Norfolk, England, and is a son of Samuel and Rachel (Butcher)
Hood.

Mr. Hood came to the United States as a young man, and was
followed four years later by his brother, George Hood, who is now
engaged in farming in Paw Paw township. Charles Hood has
always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and he is now the
owner of good land. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and
his friends credit him with being an advocate of more liberal edu-
cational facilities and stringent laws governing the same. He has
won the respect of his fellow citizens for his fair dealings and hon-
est methods, and is self-made in the full sense of the term, having,
from a start of nothing, accumulated the comfortable property
which he now enjoys and richly deserves.

On April 14, 1897, Mr. Hood was married to Miss Annie Kay,
daughter of Joseph and Jennie (Sheppard) Kay, and one child
has been born to this union: Max, who was born March 7, 1904.
Mr. Hood is a popular member of the Gleaners, and socially no
family in Paw Paw township stands higher.

Frank G. Hudson. — The son of a druggist who passed thirty-
three years of his life in the trade in Paw Paw, and himself for

660 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

some years engaged in the same department of mercantile enter-
prise, Frank G. Hudson, now one of the leading retail merchants
of Van Buren county, has seen a considerable amount of human
suffering and been able to minister substantially to its relief. In
his present mercantile enterprise, handling clothing, boots and
shoes for the general trade, he is engaged in providing for the
comfort of his fellow men in another way, and his services in
the latter are as highly appreciated as those in the former were
when he was rendering them. For in all undertakings he is faith-
ful to every requirement and leaves nothing undone on his part
to secure the best results for his patrons and himself.

Mr. Hudson is a native of the Pacific slope, having been born
in Sacramento, California, on April 22, 1857. His parents. Major
G. J. and Maria (Prater) Hudson, were born in the state of New
York. The father came to Michigan, and located in Almena
township. Van Buren county. He later moved to Paw Paw and
in company with Mr. Kilmer, opened a drug store, the firm being
known as Hudson & Kilmer, and this he kept without interrup-
tion, except during the four years of the Civil war, until his
death, which occurred in 1883. His connection with the drug
tra4e in one locality covered a full generation of human life, and
as he had fine qualifications for the business, and a stern sense
of duty in the use of them, he always gave satisfaction to the
patrons of his store and stood high in the regard of the com-
munity, both as a business man and a citizen.

He was a major in the Third Michigan Militia when the Civil
war began, and his regiment was one of the first to offer its ser-
vices to the government for the defense of the Union. He was
in the war four years, and although he faced death on many a
hard-fought field in the sanguinary sectional strife, he escaped
unharmed and was mustered out of the service at the close of
the war. He and his wife were the parents of three children, all
living and all residents of Michigan: Charles H., who lives at
Marcellus in Cass county; Frank G., the immediate subject of
these paragraphs; and Lizzie, the wife of Dr. J. C. Reynolds,
whose home is in Battle Creek.

Frank G. Hudson obtained a high school education m Paw
Paw, and after leaving school entered the drug trade and con-
tinued his connection with it for a number of years. He then
turned his attention to farming, desiring a more outdoor life, and
in this interesting but exacting pursuit he passed the next twenty
years of his life agreeably and profitably. At the end of that
period he determined to return to merchandising, and came back
to Paw Paw for the purpose. He opened a clothing and shoe
store and this he has been conducting ever since, with increas-
ing advantage to the community and good results for himself.
His store is one of the most satisfactory and popular m the
county. The people find it always up-to-date in the completeness
and variety of its stock, the reasonableness of its prices and the
strict integrity that controls every transaction.

Mr Hudson is not an active partisan m politics, but a good
citizen in attention to public affairs and the performance of his
duty to the city, county, state and nation. He is an Episcopalian

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 661

in church connection, and full of zeal for the advancement of
the best interests of the community in every way. His father
was very active and prominent in the Masonic fraternity, and at
one time was Grand Master gf the state.

Charles C. Searls. — This venerable citizen of Paw Paw town-
ship, Van Buren county, who has passed the age of four score
years and is now living retired from active pursuits, making his
home with his son John, has been a resident of Michigan for over
forty-four years, and has passed the most of them in this county.
His life has been long and useful, and the people of the county
esteem him highly for the genuine worth of his manhood, the
services he has rendered in several lines of active effort and pro-
ductiveness, for his patriotism which took him to the battlelield
during our Civil war, and for his sterling, upright and estimable
demeanor in all the relations of life.

Mr. Searls is a native of Genesee county. New York, where his
life began on March 3, 1830. He is a son of John and Hannah
(Stocking) Searls, the former born in the state of New York
and the latter m Connecticut. The father passed his life on a
farm and cultivated it with skill and energy. Both he and his
wife died in 1875. They were the parents of four children, all of
whom lived to good old age, and two are still living, well ad-
vanced in years. These are C. C, who is eighty-one, and his
brother Isaiah, who is still a resident of Genesee county, New
York, and is eighty-three. Their sister Clarissa died at the age
of eighty-five, and their brother Stephen D. in 1909, aged ninety-
one. •

C. C. Searls remained on the home farm with his parents until
he reached the age of thirty-seven. In 1867 he came to Michigan
and located in the southern part of the state, where he remained
until 1871. In that year he changed his residence to Paw Paw,
and here he has been living ever since except for some years,
which he passed in Grand Rapids. In his active years he was a
builder and contractor, and worked at that occupation here and
in Grand Rapids, and also in other places.

On July 4, 1849, Mr. Searls was married to Miss Hannah Shep-
pard, who died on December 31, 1909, after sixty years of peace-
ful domestic life and faithful devotion to the interests and wel-
fare of her household. *She and Mr. Searls were the parents of
two children: Mary, the wife of C. L. Fitch, of Grand Rapids,
who has been the clerk of the United States court in that city
during the last twenty-five years ; and John, who is a resident and
prosperous farmer of Paw Paw township, this county.

C. C. Searls is a firm and faithful Democrat in political rela-
tions. He served two terms as assessor, and has been of value
to the people in other ways by his fidelity in serving them and
the force of his excellent example as a man and citizen. He be-
longs to the Grand Army of the Republic and enjoys the meet-
ings of his post in the organization. They bring vividly to his
mind the memories of the Civil war, in which he served for a
time, until a serious rupture disabled him from further military
duty. He enlisted in April, 1861, in Company F, Twenty-eighth
Vol. n— 3

662 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

New York Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged on Septem-
ber 29 of the same year on account of the disability already

'^^ John Searls, the only son of C. C. and Hannah (Sheppard)
Searls, was born in Byron, Genesee county. New York, on April
29 1857 He received a high school education m Paw Paw, and
when he reached the age of twenty began farming, continuing
his operations in this pursuit two years. At the end of that time
he ioined his father in contracting and building, and m Grand
Rapids had entire charge of the building operations of the firtn
for twelve years. In 1898 he returned to this county and bought
eighty acres of good farming land in Paw Paw township. He
has increased his farm by subsequent purchases until he now
owns one hundred and sixty acres, on which he does general
farming and raises live stock for the markets.

On January 3, 1878, John Searls wa« united in marriage with
Miss Carrie Adams, daughter of John Q. and Caroline (Tower)
iXras, natives of Ihe state of New York. The mother died m
1893 aud the father in 1896. They had three children Susan,
who is the wife of J. D. Benson, of North Dakota; Josephine,
who has been dead a number of years; and Carrie, who is now
Mrs. John Searls. She and her husband are the parents of two
children: Their daughter Mary, who was born on July 8, 188»,

and is now the wife of 6. W. Lewis of «-f , I^^^i.^U^i^tK
and their son Charles C, who was born on July 15, 1889, and is
also now a resident of Grand Rapids. ,-^- ^ t -.u

Like his father. John Searls is a Democrat in his political faith
Mnd alliance and an energetic and effective worker for the good
of his party His occupation as a builder for a number of years
deeply impressed him with the value of improvements m his com-
munity, and he has always been full of enterprise and progress-
"ss in helping to bring them about. He and his wife and
chSn are very useful as citizens, and are universally esteemed
bv all classes of the people in their county.

Stephen D. Searls the brother of C. C, was also a highly ap-
nreciated citizen and prosperous farmer of Van Buren county for
SioretSnwenty-five years. He located in Paw Paw township
ri865 and here he owned and cultivated one hundred and six
acres of land in section 22. In 1890 he sold this farm and moved
to North Dakota, and from there to Spokane mshington, where
he paLed the remainder of his days, dying there m 1909, at the
advanced age of ninety-one years.

J B Breed.— The Almena township citizenship is fortunate in
the possession of the Breed family, of which Joshua B. Breed, a
prominent gentleman, is an estimable member of society ax.d a repre-
sentative of the agricultural industry. He is one of Van Buren
countyl pioneers, having resided here since 1835, the year of his
Sh His eyes first opened to the light of day on July 5 of the
year mentioned, in the state of New York, and while he was a babe
fn arms his parents severed old associations in the Empire state and
setS in Van Buren county, Michigan. His parents were Silas
and Nancy (Bangs) Breed and their coming to this section was in

J. B. BEEED

MRS. J, B. BREED

IIISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 66B

the pioneer days, when Van Buren county was original ground. It
goes without saying that the first years w^ere filled with the hard-
ships encountered by the representative pioneers, but there was
doubtless ample recompense in the wholesome life, the generous
spirit of good-will which characterized the dealings of the people
of the time and section. The original Breed home w^as at Breeds-
ville, on the Black river. The subject's father erected a mill there
(a saw-mill) which he operated for about four years, then removed
to Antwerp and buying a farm there. At the latter point he re-
sided for four years ; then went to another farm and after a short
time disposed of that land and took up his residence within the
borders of Almena tow^nship, where his son lives now^ He spent the
remainder of his days here, his demise occurring in 1877. The de-
mise of his w^orthy wife, the mother of the subject, was many years
previous, when Mr. Breed was a little lad but four years of age.
Of the five children of that union but two survive, the other being
Albert T., of northern Michigan. After the death of his first wife
Slias Breed was united in marriage to Mary (Jones) Miller, and
the three children born to them all survive, namely: Nancy, wife
of George W. Meyer; Mina, wdfe of Dr. Bennett, residing in north-
ern Michigan ; and Silas A.

When J. B. Breed was a lad he attended the district school for
two or three months out of the year, educational facilities being
somew^hat meagre at that time, and there being much need of his
assistance in the affairs of his father's farm. He attended school
until his eighteenth year and then until his majority he worked
tor his father. He then determined to establish himself upon an
independent footing and for a year or two managed his father's
place, subsequent to that buying a farm in Vv^averly township.
Here he engaged successfully in farming for eight years and then
came to Almena township, where he bought a farm and has ever
since made his home upon it. It is very desirably situated and has
been brought to a fine state of improvement by its owner.

At the age of twenty-three years Mr. Breed was married, his
chosen lady being Marie Clark, daughter of Thomas Clark, Sr.,
the date of the celebration of their marriage being the year 1858.
An ideally happy life companionship w^as terminated in 1907 by the
death of the beloved and devoted wife. Three children were bom
to them, two of w^hom are living at the present time, namely : Bur-
dette L., w^ho is identified wdth the Van Buren County Fire In-
surance Company as secretary and w^ho makes his home in Paw
Paw ; and Lester E., who remains at home with his father, conduct-
ing the affairs of the farm.

Mr. Breed is a member of the Masons at Paw Paw and exempli-
fies in his own living the ideals of moral and social justice and
brotherly love of that order. He is also connected with the Order
of the Eastern Star, as was his wife before her death. Both were
members of the Baptist church, in w^hose affairs Mr. Breed is still
active. He gives heart and hand to the men and measures of the
Republican party and at one time took a leading part in political
affairs of the county. However, of recent years he has lived a re-
tired life. He has held all of the township offices and has ever en-
joyed and merited the confidence and respect of the entire com-

664 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

munity. He is a man of pleasing and accommodating nature, will-
ing and ready to do all he can for his neighbor. Mr. Breed owns
one hundred and sixty acres of land in this to\Miship, his estate
being an eminently valuable and well-ordered one.

Frank Van Blaricon. — Orphaned at the age of three years by
the death of his father, and with his mother in moderate circum-
stances so that she could not do all for her children she wished in
the way of preparing them for advancement in life and providing
them with opportunities for making it, Frank Van Blaricon, one
of the enterprising and prosperous farmers and live stock men of
Paw^ Paw^ township. Van Buren county, was thrown on his own re-
sources early in life, and has been ever since obliged to make his
own way in the world. But he has met his responsibilities coura-
geously, and confronted all the difficulties of his progress with a
determination to overcome them.

Mr. Van Blaricon is a native of Wayne county, New^ York, where
he was born on February 23, 1863. His parents were John and
Margaret (Van Awken) Van Blaricon, also natives of Wayne
county. New York, and both now deceased, the father having died
in his native state in 1866, and the mother in this county in 1911.
There were but tw^o children born in the family, Frank and his
older sister Mary, who is now the wife of William Rickerson, of
Paw Paw. In 1871, when Frank was eight years old, his mother
brought him to Michigan and located in Paw Paw. When he
reached the age of twenty-one he bought eighty acres of land in
section 27, Paw Paw township, and started a farming industry,
which he conducted for a short time, then turned his attention to
electrical work.

He was engaged in this interesting but hazardous occupation for
twelve years in Minnesota, Cleveland, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan.
In 1906 he returned to his farm, and ever since then has been profit-
ably occupied in cultivating that, raising live stock for the general
markets and operating a busy and remunerative peppermint dis-
tillery which he owns.

On October 8, 1901, Mr. Van Blaricon was united in marriage
w^ith Miss Anna Paulson, a native of Sweden, the daughter of Nel-
son and Eleanor (Morton) Paulson, and the first born of their seven
children. The others are : Mary, the wife of Fred Jarl, of St. Paul,
Minnesota ; John, Olaf , Albert and Jonas, all of whom are also resi-
dents of St. Paul; and Emma, whose home is in Litchfield, Meeker
county, Minnesota. They are all doing well in their several occupa-
tions and giving the communities in which they live excellent ex-
amples of worthy, upright, progressive and useful citizenship.

Mr. Van Blaricon is a Republican in his political allegiance and
always warmly interested in the success of his party. He is a faith-
ful worker for its welfare because he believes firmly in its principles,
and not with a desire for public office of any kind, although he has
filled a number of township positions at the behest of the people,
and has done it in a manner creditable to himself and beneficial to
the township. He has for many years been an active member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and taken great interest
in the work of his lodge and the order in general.

HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY 665

Prosperous in his business undertakings, zealously interested in
the progress and improvement of his township and county, and
performing all the duties of citizenship in an estimable manner, he
has earned by his merit the general esteem in which he is held by
the people and proven himself worthy of their regard in every
way. He is not ostentatious in his life, but sterling in his charac-
ter and every manifestation of it, and is a good representative and
sturdy product of the elevated and reliable manhood of Van Buren
county that has given it its high rank in the state.

George H. Myhan. — Born in this country of Irish parentage,
George H. Myhan of South Haven has had the inspiration of his
life from two of the most interesting countries in the world, both
teeming with high examples and historical suggestions of the most
impressive character. A native of Massachusetts and afterward a
resident of New York, where he lived until he reached the age of
thirteen, and now for nearly fifty years a factor in the industrial
and civil life of Michigan, the East and West have commingled in
his experience, and given him additional incentives to ambition
and the effort necessary to realize all it pointed him to and prom-
ised as a reward for his endeavors.

Mr. Myhan 's life began in Massachusetts on April 13, 1850. His
parents, James and Ann (O'Hara) Myhan, were born in Ireland,
the former on May 1, 1815, near the city of Cork, and the latter
in County Antrim on April 8, 1822. The father died in October,
1899, and the mother in 1890. They were married in Burlington,
Vermont, and became the parents of nine children, six of whom
are living, their son George having been the third in the order
of birth, and being the only one of the lot living in this state and
taking part in its activities.

The father lost his parents by death in his native land when he
was a boy, and Avhen he was nine years old crossed the Atlantic
in a sailing vessel to Quebec, Canada, arriving in that city in 1824,
and remaining there sixteen or seventeen years. From Quebec
he went to Vermont, and there he learned the tanner's trade, which
later he worked at in the state of New York. In 1863 he came
to Michigan and located in South Haven, where he put up one of
the first tanneries erected and operated in this part of the state.
He remained in the business and had personal charge of his tannery
in every detail of its operation until 1890, when he retired from
all active pursuits. He took a decided interest in public affairs,
but was not allied with either of the two great political parties,
always remaining independent of party connections and free from
partisan preferences.

George H. Myhan began his education in the schools of New York
and completed it in those of South Haven. After leaving school,
he learned the tanner's trade under the instruction of his father
and was associated with him in business until his retirement in
1890. The son then took charge of the tannery and continued to
control and manage it until 1903. In that year he was appointed
postmaster of South Haven, a position which he has filled ever since,
performing its duties in a way that has given the patrons of the
office great satisfaction and been very creditable to himself. He

666 HISTORY OF VAN BIJREN COUNTY

has also been a member of the school board and the city council
of South Haven and in each of these positions has also rendered
acceptable service.

Mr. Myhan was married on October 81, 1880, to Miss Cora C.
Grimes. She was born in Paw Paw, Michigan, and is a daughter
of C. D. Grimes and P. L. (Bushnell) Grimes, who were born in
Vermont and came with their parents to Michigan in 1836. These
families were pioneers in the part of the state in which they set-
tled, and when Mr. Grimes, the father of Mrs. Myhan, grew to
manhood and began working at his trade as a carpenter, he found
plenty of demand for his services. But he also had a farm and
cultivated it with industry and good judgment.

Mr. and Mrs. Myhan have had two children, their son James,
who died at the age of five years, and their daughter Ruth, who
is living, and is still at home with her parents. Mr. Myhan is a
Republican in his political connection, and while he cannot be
called a very active partisan, he is always loyal to his party and
renders it effective service.

Nelson Rowe. — The history of Van Buren county must of ne-
cessity remain an incomplete record of the growth of that favored
section of the state, without at least a brief mention of the life and
worth of Nelson Rowe, since 1855 a resident of Hartford until the
time of his demise, which sad event occurred at Hartford on Decem-
ber 20, 1907, when the fine old pioneer had attained the patriarchal
age of ninety-(me years, six months and six days. Settling in Hart-
ford when it was n dense wilderness, Mr. Rowe was one of the few
who lived to see it emerge from its pristine state into a thriving
little city, and to him and his sturdy and honest effort much of
the credit for this metamorphosis is undeniably due.

Nelson Rowe was the son of Daniel and Polly (Grossman) Rowe.
He was born on June 14, 1816, in Cayuga county, New York, and
was reared there to the age of fourteen years. When he had
I'eached that age, his parents migrated to Oakland county, Mich-
igan, where the father settled on a wilderness farm. Here Nelson
Rowe, aided by an older brother, labored for years in hewing out
of the new country a home for themselves, and in time the Rowe
farm became one of the beauty spots of Oakland county. It was
in 1855 that Nelson Rowe came to Van Buren county and pur-
chased the farm in southwest Hartford which was his home for
so many years thereafter. As before, the farm was not a farm un-
til the labors of Mr. Rowe reduced the forest to a goodly acreage
of tillable soil. Before he might build his house, it was necessary
for him to clear away a spot sufficient for that work to be done,
and it goes without saying that the making of a fertile farm out
of a tract of dense forest land is a task that would call forth
every drop of energy, fortitude, perseverance and courage with
which a man might be by nature endowed, and that only the pos-
session of those traits in a generous degree would render such an
accomplishment possible. The state of his beautiful Hartford
farm at the time of his death speaks eloquently of the rugged and
untiring character of the man, and will remain a monument to
his unremitting labors of earlier years. I\rr. Rowe was a success-

HISTORY OF VAN BITREN (BOUNTY 667

ful man in the broader meaning of the word. Although he did
not amass a fortune, he accumulated a fair competence, and he was
always known as a liberal and generous giver to any cause con-
ducive to the betterment of the communal life. He was a man of
enterprise, and the onward march of development was never re-
tarded by any untoward influence emanating from him; he rather
aided and abetted every movement that might be calculated to
result in the advancement and upbuilding of the civic life of the
community. After settling in Hartford in 1855, Mr. Rowe's en-
tire life was passed in that place, with the exception of two oc-
casions when he made western trips, each covering a period of per-
haps two years. These trips took place between the years 1859
and 1864, and were made by ox train, his passage across the plains
})eing attended by many hardships and perilous encounters with
bands of marauding Indians. Barring these two trips, his life
from 1855 was confined to the home place.

Mr. Rowe was twice married. His first wife was Martha Ann
Sibley, the marriage occurring on October 24, 1849. His second
wife was Ann E. Wood, the daughter of George and Lucretia
Wood, of Keeler, Michigan. Of this latter union three children
were born. They are Jay M., born April 3, 1858, and who died
September 20, 1887 ; George IL, born July 28, 1865, and Alma A.,
|)orn March 29, 1868, who is now the wife of Rev. Samuel H.
Taylor, LL.D., of Avon, Illinois, and her mother, now seventy-four
>ears of age, makes her home with Mrs. Taylor. George U., the
only surviving son, lives on the farm which his father was in-
strumental in bringing to its present flourishing state, and is carry-
ing on the good work in a manner worthy of such a man.

George Ulysses Rowe. — This prosperous, progressive and rep-
resentative farmer of Hartford township. Van Buren county, is a
native of the township and has passed almost all his life to this
time (1911) within its borders. He has been deeply interested in
the welfare and development of the township and county and al-
ways ready and alert in his support of every worthy undertaking
designed to advance their interests or promote the good of their
residents. To him the locality of his home is the dearest part of
the world, and he is sedulous and energetic at all times in doing
what he can to make it better and increase its prosperity, influence
and importance.

Mr. Rowe's life began on July 28, 1865, and he is a son of Nel-
son and Ann (Wood) Rowe, natives of the state of New York. Un-
like his son, the father was something of a wanderer, but not to his
detriment, for he made his wanderings profitable to himself and his
family. When he was a young man he came to Michigan and
located at Milford in Oakland county. A few years later he
changed his residence to Van Buren county, purchasing of B. A.
Olney the farm in Hartford tow^nship on which his son now lives.
In 1850 he went to Calfornia under the influence of the gold ex-
citement of that time. He was absent from this state some years,
and during his absence traveled over all the western states. He
accumulated some additional capital, and on his return to this
county bought more land. He then went back to California and se-

668 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

cured about four thousand dollars in gold during his two years'
stay in that state. When he again came to Michigan after his sec-
ond trip to the Pacific coast he determined to remain here, and he
passed the rest of his life on the farm, where he died in 1908. He
also passed some time during his absence from this state in the em-
ploy of lumber boats on the Mississippi river. His widow is still
living and makes her home with her daughter at Avon, Illinois.
They were the parents of three children, two of whom are living:
George U., the subject of this review, and his sister Alma, who is
the wife of Dr. Samuel Taylor, a Congregational minister who
came to this country from England and was in charge of the church
of his sect in Hartford some years. The other child in the Rowe
family, Jay Rowe, died in 1887, at the age of twenty-nine years,
passing away in Hartford township, in which the whole of his life
was spent. His widow is still living in this township, but one of
his two children. Nelson Vance Rowe, died in Kalamazoo in 1907.
The other one who was formerly Miss Lea Rowe, is now the wife
of Monroe Chatterson and resides at Three Oaks in Berrien county.
They have one child, Arlo. Dr. and Mrs. Taylor have two children,
their son James Rowe Taylor, and their daughter, Alice Hope Tay-
lor.

George Ulysses Rowe grew to manhood in his father's home and
obtained a part of his education in the country school in the neigh-
borhood. When he was sixteen he moved with his parents to the
village of Hartford, and here he attended the high school until
near his completion of its course of study, then went back to the
farm, to which the family returned at that time. He was married
on April 9, 1885, to Miss Jennie Eby, a daughter of George W.
and Gertrude (Pierce) Eby, of Grand Rapids. Her father was a
native of Canada of German parentage, they living for a time in
the state of Indiana.

Mr. Rowe became acquainted with his wife while she was on a
visit to this county in the vicinity of his father's farm, and music
was the medium through which they came into close communion.
After the return of the lady to Grand Rapids he went to that city
and they were married there. Eight children have been born of
their union, all of whom are living and enjoying robust health, like
their parents. They are Eby D., Glorian G., Perry P., G. Nelson,
Ardise L., Paul V., Lynn C. and Mary Elizabeth. All the mem-
bers of the family belong to the Congregational church in Hart-
ford.

In his political views Mr. Rowe is liberal, looking always in the
bestowal of his suffrage to the genuine welfare of the township
and county, and not being bound by partisan considerations. In
his farming he is enterprising and progressive. He owns one hun-
dred and sixty-five acres of land in Hartford township. In his citi-
zenship he is attentive to every public and private duty, and
throughout the county he is esteemed as one of its most useful,
creditable and estimable residents, and as representing in an ad-
mirable manner the best attributes of sterling American manhood.

Arthur W. Haydon. — The subject of this text is one of the lead-
ing agriculturists of Van Buren county and is a native son and

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 669

scion of one of the oldest and most highly respected of its families.
He was born here April 22, 1844, and is the younger of two chil-
dren bom to Philotas and Mary A. (Broughton) Hay don. He is
also the only survivor. His brother, Charles B., was a volunteer
soldier at the time of the Civil war and gave up his life upon the
battlefield in defense of the Union. The father was a native of
Montgomery county, New York, where his birth occurred in the
year 1810, and he removed to Vermont when but a boy. There he
was reared to young manhood and engaged in agriculture. His
advantages were meagre and he was for the most part self-educated.
He married in the Green Mountain state and came to Van Buren
county in 1836 with his father-in-law. They purchased lands and
the subject still possesses an ancient parchment deed. The first
habitation was a rude log cabin and deer and wild turkeys were
plentiful. For a long period everything was marketed at St. Jo-
seph, where it was hauled with ox teams, and then Kalamazoo be-
came the market. At that time wheat sold at forty cents a bushel.
The father was a very successful man and ere he died he accumu-
lated more than a thousand acres of land in Hamilton township.
He was an old-line Whig and cast his vote for the first Republican
president. He and the subject took an active part in campaigns, the
father being an able speaker. Mother Haydon was a native of
Vermont and was reared to young womanhood in that state. Both
she and her husband died in Hamilton township and here their re-
mains are interred.

Arthur W. Haydon is an active agriculturist and one of the well-
known stock breeders of the county. He has made a specialty of
Merino sheep (Registered) and for the last twenty -five years has
been a breeder of Percheron horses. He received his education in
the common schools and in the Kalamazoo high school, completing
the full course and graduating. He received a higher education,
being a member of the class of 1867 of the University of Michigan
at Ann Arbor, where he pursued a scientific course. He came home
at his father's death to assume charge of the estate, and thus did
not quite finish his course. He is thoroughly progressive and keeps
pace with the latest discoveries in the agricultural field.

Mr. Haydon was united in marriage to Mary E. Baker, their
union being solemnized on October 19, 1868, and it has resulted in
the birth of two children, an infant being deceased. The daughter
lone is at home with her parents. She was educated in the high
school of Decatur and is a member of the graduating class of 1891.
Her father 's alma mater became her own and she was graduated in
1896 from the University of Michigan. She is still a student of
good books, in w^hich, as Emerson says, she finds her best compan-
ionship.

Mrs. Haydon is the representative of one of the well-known fam-
ilies. She was born December 12, 1847, and is the daughter of
Hiram and Hannah L. (Head) Baker. There were three children
in her father's household, two being sons and one a daughter.
Her brother Fred is one of the leading business men of Dowagiac,
Michigan. Mrs. Haydon was a student in the Decatur high school.
Her father, Hiram Baker, was a native of Andover, Allegany
county, New York, and was an agriculturist. He was reared and

670 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COILNTY

(Hlucated in the Empire state and came to Michigan in 1853, Van
Buren county being his objective point. Here he and his brother
accumulated considerable property. He was a Jackson Democrat.
His wife was a native of New York. The remains of both are in-
terred in Keeler.

When Mr. and Mrs. Haydon began life it was on the present es-
tate and their home is known as ' ^ Shady Knoll. ' ' They have seven
hundred and forty acres, all in this township, and the fine improve-
ments thereupon have been achieved by the subject and his wife.
The former is a Republican and his first presidential vote was cast
for Grant. He is a " progressive ' ' in his ideas. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Haydon are believers in the Spiritualistic faith and meet with the
society established in Hamilton township fully seventeen years
ago. There are one or two meetings each year, when some of the
leading lecturers of the faith appear before them.

Mr. and Mrs. Haydon and their daughter are active members of
the Hamilton Grange. There are seventy members. At one time
there was a membership of over three hundred. The Grange Hall
is located in the center of the township.

]Mr. and Mrs. Haydon are leading citizens and come from old
and well-established families. They are held in highest esteem by
all who know them and none are more worthy of recognition in
this volume.

The father of the subject was one of the most active Republicans
in his localit}^ and represented his people in the state legislature
from 1844 to 1851, and in 1859 he held the office of state senator.
He was supervisor of the township and this office was given into
his keeping as long as he would hold it. He wns a Christian gen-
tleman in act and principle and did mueli for the furtherance of
the general welfare. After the death of his first wife he married
again, Miss Eliza Buck becoming his wife on October 24, 1880. A
son and two daughters were born to them and the son and a daugh-
ter survive. F. Mortimer is a resident of Hamilton township, re-
siding on the old estate and being engaged in agriculture. He mar-
ried Frances Skinner. Addie M. is the wife of Dr. F. C. Williams,
a resident of Syracuse, New York, and a graduate of the University
of Michigan. He is a very successful physician and surgeon. Dr.
and Mrs. Williams have a son, Harold.

William M. Traver. — To create something out of nothing is held
to be impossible for human power to accomplish, yet to the casual
observer that is what William M. Traver, of Hartford, Van Buren
county, Michigan, seems to have achieved. He was the creator
and has from the start been the proprietor and motive power
of the Traver Cannery in Hartford, which is one of the largest
in the state. The enterprise is devoted to canning all kinds
of fruits and vegetables, has a capacity of one hundred and
fifty cars a season, and always has more orders than it has fa-
cilities to fill at once. The business is very extensive and ac-
tive, and the cannery is a source of great benefit to the county
in the employment it gives to labor, the ready market it affords
for local products in its lines of raw material, and the large

HISTORY OF VAN HVREN COUNTY 671

amount of money it keeps continually in circulation in the com-
munity in which it operates so extensively and successfully.

Mr. Traver did not, however, create this big enterprise out of
nothing. It is true he had no capital, in the way of money, to
start with, and Fortune has never bestowed upon him any of her
special favors. He began the battle of life as a poor young man
forced to make his livelihood by whatever means he found avail-
able, and to work for very meager compensation while getting
a start. But he had that within him which was better than money
capital, and the business he has established and built up to such
magnitude is the result of his native energy, capacity, strong
determination to make circumstances his obedient slaves, his quick-
ness of observation in seeing and alertness in seizing opportunities
for advancement, and his persistent industry in making the most
of them when he had them.

Mr. Traver is a native of Hartford township, this county, and
was born on August 1, 1867. He was reared on a farm and edu-
rated in the district school near his home. The circumstances
of the family were such that he was forced to begin making his
own living at an early age, and to do this he entered the employ
of a wholesale grocery store in a very subordinate station. He
was attentive to his duties, soon showed unusual capacity for the
business, and made himself so valuable to his employer that his
advancement in the service was steady and continued.

But this is not the whole story. Mr. Traver worked hard, lived
( conomically, denied himself all unnecessary expenditures, and
saved his money to aid in procuring him a better position and
larger opportunities in business. His great aim was to have an
establishment of his own, and he bent all his energies to securing
one. He kept his eyes open, too, so that no chance for the ac-
complishment of his wishes, or that would help toward this,
should pass him by unutilized. In time he found himself pre-
pared to start something for himself, and the rapid development
of the canning industry, together with the extensive production
of fruits and vegetables in his locality, furnished him the longed
for opening.

He built his large plant in 1904, using cement or concrete l)locks
m the construction of the building, and equipped it with the best
modern devices known to the business. He then began opera-
tions, and the new^ institution w^as soon found to be mutually
beneficial to him and the community around him. His facilities
for preserving the products of the region stimulated the old
growers of fruits and vegetables to greater activity and larger
plantings, and also brought many new ones into the field of pro-
duction. The excellence of his output from the beginning soon
brought his cannery a wide-spread reputation, and a large busi-
ness. He found a rapidly increasing demand for his goods and
was obliged to enlarge his facilities and augment his resources
to meet the requirements of his trade, and this condition has con-
tinued to the present time, with still greater prospects for the
years to come, for the trade is growing more extensive all the
time.

Mr, Traver has been married three times, but his son William

672 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

S., is his only child, the fruit of the second marriage, and is now
twelve years old. The father is active in the fraternal life of his
community and stands high in three of the leading benevolent
societies. He belongs to Florada Masonic Lodge, No. 309, at
Hartford, and also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Knights of Pythias. His political faith and allegiance are
given to the Republican party, but he has never been an active
partisan. He has no desire for political prominence or public
office, and his business requires all his time and attention except
what is necessary for the ordinary duties of citizenship, and these he
never neglects. He is zealous in helping to promote the progress
and development of his township and county and contributes in any
way open to him to the general and lasting welfare of their resi-
dents. In all respects he is a very estimable citizen, and is uni-
versally esteemed as such.

Joseph Labadie. — Although born and reared on a farm, Joseph
Labadie, of Paw Paw township. Van Buren county, has not ex-
pended all his efforts in life on his own account as a farmer: He
has devoted a portion of his time to other pursuits with advan-
tage to himself, but in the main he has followed the occupation of
his forefathers for many generations and has prospered in it.
He has one of the finest farms in Paw Paw township. It is in
the rich bottom land, and from the beginning his efforts to make
it productive and profitable have succeeded admirably.

Mr. Labadie knows Paw Paw township thoroughly, as he has
passed the whole of his life to this time (1911) in it, and been
connected with its industries in an active way from his boyhood.
His life began in the township on September 22, 1867, his par-
ents, George and Eliza (Scott) Labadie, being residents of it at
the time. They were natives of the state of New York, and of
English ancestry. The father was a farmer all his life from youth,
and was one of the first settlers within the present limits of
Van Buren county. He hewed his farm out of the wilderness,
and transformed it into an attractive, valuable and well improved
rural home.

There were seven children born in the family, six of whom are
living : George, who is a resident of Allegan county ; Joseph, who
is the immediate subject of this review; Kittle, who is the wife
of Samuel Handle, of Porter, Midland county, Michigan; Jesse,
who lives in Paw Paw; Grace, the wife of Oscar Baughter, also
a resident of Paw Paw ; and Thomas, whose home is in Florida.
Lillie, the third child in the order of birth, died a number of
years ago, making the only break in the family circle.

Joseph Labadie remained at home with his parents u^itil he
reached the age of sixteen, attending the district school when he
had opportunity in relief from the work on the farm, in which
he made a full hand from his early youth. After leaving home
he followed farming for twelve years, then turned his attention
to teaming in Paw Paw, in which he was engaged until 1902. In
that year he bought fifty acres of land in Almena township,
which he cultivated until 1906. He then sold this tract and pur-
chased one hundred and ten acres in section 5, Paw Paw township,

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 673

to which he has since added twenty acres by another purchase, and
he now has one of the finest and most valuable bottom land farms
in the township, as has already been stated, and w^hat it is he has
made it, using its natural richness and fertility as the base of his
operations, and making the most of them by intelligent and
judicious cultivation. He carries on thriving industries in gen-
eral farming and raising and feeding cattle for the markets.

On March 3, 1894, Mr. Labadie was married to Mrs. Flora
(Jacobs) Franklin, a daughter of Lucius C. and Hester Ann
(Snyder) Jacobs, who came from Indiana to Michigan and lo-
cated in Van Buren county. They had nine children : Flora,
now Mrs. Labadie; Ella, the wife of Ernest Ilungerford, of Kala-
mazoo county; William, who is a resident of Paw Paw; Eugene,
who lives at Honor in this state ; Thomas, John and Louis, all
residents of Paw Paw ; Robert, whose home is at La Porte, In-
diana ; and Myrtle, the wife of 'Gruy Cooper, of Nortli Dakota.

Mrs. Labadie 's first husband was William B. Franklin, of
Mantua, Ohio. By her marriage with him she had one child, her
son Otto C. Franklin, who is now living with her. Since her
marriage with Mr. Labadie she has become the mother of one
additional child, their son Paul, who is still living at liome with
[lis parents and assisting in the work on the farm.

Mr. Labadie 's deep and abiding interest in the welfare of his
township and county leads him to ignore partisan considerations
in local public affairs and act in the bestowal of his sufiPrage in-
dependently. His primary purpose in reference to all public
matters is to aid in promoting the best interests of the people
around him, and he always votes with this object in view and
for its attainment as far as possible. He does the same with refer-
ence to all other functions of citizenship, and his independence
is w^ell known, and he is cordially esteemed for it, as IVe is for
all the commendable qualities of his sterling and elevated man-
hood. The people of his township and the county generally re-
gard him as one of their most upright, reliable and representative
citizens, and respect him in accordance with this judgment, which
is based on intimate knowledge of him and his whole career in
all the relations of life.

Simon B. Poor. — A venerable and highly respected citizen of
Van Buren county is Simon B. Poor, who is known from border to
l)order of this particularly favored section and w^hose career has
ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the busi-
ness world, for he has ever conducted all transactions according to
the strictest principles of honor. He is a native of the state of
New^ York, his birth having occurred on May 5, 1827, and he is the
third in a family of eight children, five of w^hom were sons and
three daughters, born to Daniel and Malinda (Ingersoll) Poor. Of
this number the subject is the only survivor.

The father w^as a native of New York and was reared as a me-
chanic. He received his education in the common schools and in
the Empire state married. His progenitors were worthy citizens,
some having been soldiers in the Revolutionary w^ar. In 1846 he
severed old associations and came w^est, his destination being Keeler

674 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COIJNTY

township, Van Buren county. He had previously purchased sixty
acres in Cass county, where Dowagiac now stands, the present city
of seven thousand then boasting but a few houses and two small
stores. He was a Jackson Democrat and always upheld the princi-
ples of that party. The lineage of the family is traced to England.
Three brothers came to America and one of them was the ancestor
of the subject. The subject's mother was a native of New York;
educated in the common schools and a member of the Congrega-
tional church. Both Father and Mother Poor are interred in the
old cemetery at Dowagiac.

Simon B. Poor w^as reared to young manhood in his native state
and received his education in one of the old subscription schools.
He well remembers the crude forms and the text books of that day.
He came west with his parents by stage. In those primitive times
deer w^ere plentiful and he remembers an occasion upon which he
saw a herd of nine deer on the Keeler township farm. Hartford
was not in existence at that time. The closest market was St. Jo-
seph, Michigan. Mr. Poor had taken up the trade of a blacksmith
and conducted a shop with his brother in Keeler township. They
also had a shop in Hamilton township. The first purchase of land
made by him was w^hen he bought from his father sixty acres near
Dowagiac and he went in debt for the same, paying, however, one
hundred dollars on the house. He lived in a little shack, six or seven
feet high and covered with rough boards, through which the rain
often leaked, making it unbearabhi inside. He thought he would
like to have a new^ house, but had no money and so he went to a
Mr. Ijybrooks in Dowagiac, w^ho had a large store, and stated his
case to him. He asked him whether he w^ould sell him material for
his house on time. Mr. Lybrooks w^alked the floor and considered
and finally said, "Simon, it's all right. I will sell you what you
want and you can pay for it when you can." The subject then
visited the owner of the saw mill and made arrangements to have
his lumber cut and in a short time the abode w^as erected. He was
deeply in debt, but by the exercise of industry and thrift finally
got his head above water.

Mr. Poor w^as married June 30, 1861, Mrs. Mary E. (Higgins)
Williams becoming his wife. To them w^ere born four children,
three sons and one daughter, and two of this number are living.
Byron W. is a resident of San Antonio, Texas, where he is a con-
tractor and builder. He has been successful in life, was educated
in the Cassopolis high school ; is a member of the Oddf ellow^s fra-
ternity, is affiliated with the Theosophical Society ; and is a Social-
ist in political opinion. He taught for a time in Michigan and was
professor of music at Gibbon, Nebraska. The second son, George
Harold, resides upon the old homestead with his parents. He was
educated in the Decatur schools, graduating from the higher de-
partment and is now^ a practical agriculturist and horticulturist.
He married Miss Ada McAllister on March 28, 1905, and they have
a young son, Melvin Harold. His wife was born in Van Buren
county, March 4, 1880, and is a daughter of Eli and Laura (Young)
McAllister, both of her parents being now deceased. Socially Mr.
Poor is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, Tent No. 113,

HKSTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 677^

and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both of Decatur,
Michigan.

The wife of the subject is a native of DeKalb, Indiana, where
she was born June 18, 1840. She is a daughter of William and
Nancy (Berry) Higgins. She w^as a little girl, six years of age,
when her parents came to Cass county and located between Cassop-
olis and Dowagiac. She was educated in the common schools and
had the pleasure of attending the old log-cabin schoolhouse, where
the logs burned in the great fire-place and the pupils sat at a long
desk at the end of the building. The seats were made of puncheon,
with holes bored through w^here sticks were inserted for legs. The
school was supported by subscription. ]\Irs. Poor attended schools
of this primitive character in both Indiana and Michigan. She
had many experiences outside of the imagination of the modern
girl. Once upon a time she saw a deer killing a rattlesnake and she
has never forgotten it. Both she and her husband in their younger
(lays enjoyed thc^ old time sports and merry-makings, and attended
rallys and af)p]e-parings and quiltings. They well remember the
great Lincoln rnlly in 1864, when Mr. Poor made an iron wedge to
go in a wagon which was to be drawn in the procession, and some of
the "Copperheads^' ass(Tted that the wedge split the Union.

Mr. and Mrs. Poor l)egan life as young married people on the
little farm near Dowagiac and lived there some years, before they
sold out and went to reside in Dowagia(\ There the subject worked
for P. D. Beck with, drill and plow-maker, for four or five years.
He then came to Van Buren county and purchased one hundred
acres in south Hamilton township, and after living there six months
went to Cass county. They sold the one hundred acres and then
purchased one hundred and tAventy acres in Volina township, Cass
connty. and there resided five years. He sold that and went to Vo-
lina Corners and there lived two years, working at his trade of
blacksmith. He then secured one hundred and twenty acres in
Penn township and remained there eighteen years. He sold out
and bought one hundred and fifty acres of fine land in Hamilton
township, his present estate. He and his family removed to this
location in 1 898 and they now possess one of the finest farms in the
tow^nship.

Mr. Poor is an independent voter, supporting the man rathei*
than the party. He cast his first presidential vote for Martin Van
lluren. Both he and his wife are valiant friends of the public
schools. They are Spiritualists and their home has been the scene
of many successful seances. Mr. Riley, the well-known medium, is
a great friend of the Poors. Both Mr. and Mrs. Poor are connected
with the Hamilton Grange.

On June 30, 1911, Mr. and ^Irs. Poor celebrated their golden
wedding at the Grange Hall and the members of the organization
paid them every honor. They are citizens who are held in highest
esteem and the record of their useful lives is well worthy of per-
petuation in this History of Van Buren County, Michigan.

William H. Gleason. — With all his energies devoted to farm-
ing in one form or another from his boyhood, and with steady
progress in his struggle for advancement among men since he

676 HISTORY OF VAN BUKEN COUNTY

started out in life for himself, all the result of his own industry
and ability, William H. Gleason, of Paw Paw township, has fully
demonstrated that he is sturdy in spirit, sterling in character and
self-reliant in all his undertakings. He has performed all the
duties of citizenship, too, with a sole desire for the general wel-
fare, and in continued efforts to secure the best possible state of
development and improvement in every way for the locality in
which he has so long lived and labored.

Mr. Gleason^s life began in Byron, Genesee county, New York,
on January 18, 1846, and he came to Michigan in 1865, when he
was nineteen years old, with his parents, Richard and Sarah
(Parish) Gleason, also natives of New York state. On their ar-
rival in this state they located on a farm in Paw Paw township.
Van Buren county, and there they passed the remainder of their
days. They had two children, William H. and his younger sister
Ruth, who has been dead a number of years.

The son has never left the home of his parents, but has added
to the extent of the homestead until his farm now comprises one
hundred acres. For many years he devoted himself to general
farming, but he now makes a specialty of grape culture, tinding
his land, which is located in sections 5 and 8, Paw Paw town-
ship, especially well adapted to this line of production. He has
studied his industry by reading and reflective observation in
order to secure the best results, and the extent and success of
his operations prove that the time he has devoted to the study
has been well and wisely employed.

On January 25, 1871, Mr. Gleason united himself in marriage
with Miss Frances Prater, a daughter of William and Sophia
(Salt) Prater, who came to Michigan and became one of the lead-
ing farmers of Van Buren county. They were the parents of
eleven children, only two of whom are now living, Mrs. Gleason
and her older brother George, who is also a resident of Paw Paw
township in this county. The children who have died were:
William, Susan, James, Maria, Elizabeth, Giles, Julia, Sophia and
one who passed away in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Gleason have one child, their son Bert, who re-
sides in Paw Paw township and is engaged in farming and fruit
growing. (See sketch of him on another page of this volume.)
Mr. Gleason takes an Earnest interest and an active part in local
public affairs. His political faith and allegiance are given firmly
to the Democratic party, but he has never sought or desired a
public office of any kind. He is also energetic and helpful in all
undertakings for the improvement of the township and county,
of his home and the substantial and enduring welfare of their
people. No duty of citizenship has ever been neglected by him,
and all who know him esteem him for his fidelity, his sterling
worth and his elevated and elevating manhood. In church con-
nection he is a Baptist, and while not ostentatious in his church
work, he is one of the leading members of the congregation to
which he belongs, and one of its main reliances in all its com-
mendable projects for the good of the people. The residents of
Paw Paw township look upon him as one of their best and most

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 677

useful and representative citizens, and he is entirely worthy of
the high regard they have for him.

Enos E. Hazard. — A native of the state of New York and of
New England parentage, Enos E. Hazard, of Paw Paw township,
this county, inherits the traits of a sturdy race and was trained in
the industry, thrift and frugality of a section of our country re-
nowned for these qualifications for success among its people. He
has been alert in accepting his opportunities in life as they have
come, and with the energy characteristic of his ancestry has been
zealous in making the most of them. While his success has not
been striking or spectacular, it has been steady and continued ; and
while he has not built his fortune to great proportions, he has made
a comfortable estate for himself and his family, and has done it
all by his own efforts.

Mr. Hazard was born in Chenango county. New York, on October
28, 1838. His father, Charles Hazard, was born in Rhode Island,
and his mother, whose maiden name was Fanny Brodrick, was a
native of Massachusetts. Their son, E. E. Hazard, was the first
born of their six children. Of the others, Dewayne and Sarah are
deceased ; Charles lives at Decatur in this county ; George is a resi-
dent of Denver, Colorado ; and Ella M. is the wife of William Bell,
of Manteno, Illinois.

At the age of fifteen E. E. Hazard accompanied his parents and
the rest of the family, as it was then, to Illinois, and remained at
home helping in the work on the farm until he reached the age of
twenty-one. He secured a common, country school education, di-
rected specially to preparing him for usefulness and business suc-
cess as a farmer, and not looking beyond this. When he was
twenty-one he took charge of the home farm in association with one
of his brothers, and they cultivated it in partnership for twelve
years. At the end of that period his brother retired from the ar-
rangement, and from then until 1896 he had sole charge of the
farm.

In the year last named he came to Michigan and located in Van
Buren county. For four years he farmed land which he rented,
then, in 1900^ bought the tract of eighty acres in sections 8, 4 and 5
which he now owns and lives on. Here he carries on a general
farming industry, raises some cattle and makes a specialty of fruit,
which he raises in abundance and fine quality. He gives his per-
sonal attention to every department of his business, and applies
his best powers to each with steady regularity and commendable
intelligence and skill. The result is that he has one of the best
farms in the township of its size, and every feature of his work
brings him in good returns.

On December 30, 1868, Mr. Hazard was married to Miss Mary
Bell, a daughter of David and Sarah (Cook) Bell, the former a
native of Scotland and the latter of the state of New York. The
father came to this country in his youth or young manhood and
located in Illinois. He was a prosperous farmer there and rose to
some prominence and influence in his locality. He and his wife be-
came the parents of three children : Mary, who is now the wife of

Vol. II— 4

678 HISTORY OF VAN Bl^REN COUNTY

Mr. Hazard ; William, who still lives in Illinois ; and Bertina, who
died a number of years ago. The parents are both deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Hazard have tw^o children, their daughters Ella
S. and Mabel J., both of whom are still members of the parental
family circle. The father is a Republican in his political faith
and allegiance, and one of the appreciated workers for the success
of his party. He has serv^ed the people of his township w^ell and
faithfully as township clerk, and has long had considerable in-
fluence among them in party councils and with reference to public
affairs in general. He is a Presbyterian in church relations and
one of the leading members of the congregation to which he be-
longs.

Lewis P. AValker. — The record of Lewis P. Walker is one of sig-
nal business ability coupled with a sturdy integrity. He is at the
head of a manufacturing concern which turns out lumber, hoops,
headings, barrels, boxes and crates at Hartford, Michigan. Mr.
Walker was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, February 1, 1862,
the son of E. J. and Maria (Beck) Walker and the grandson of
Lewis B. Walker. Lewis B. Walker went to Pennsylvania and at
Brownsville, Fayette county, married Tamson H. Haynes. He and
his wife soon after migrated to Columbiana county, Ohio, where
they settled permanently and became the parents of seven children,
namely: Ely J., Mary H., two little daughters who died in infancy,
Abel, Ruth and Joseph. Abel is the only one living in 1911. He
is a farmer in Logan county, Kansas. Lewis B. AYalker and his
wife were strict adherents of the Quaker faith and leading mem-
bers of the Quaker church at Winona, Ohio.

Lewis P., the grandson of Lewds B. Walker, came with his par-
ents to Van Buren county, Michigan, at the age of eight years.
Here his father built a mill three miles north of Hartford, which
he operated for three years. He then moved it to the village, and
continued to run it until 1883, in which year he moved it to Keeler
township. He stayed there for six years and then brought the
enterprise back to Hartford, and some time afterward took his son,
Lewis P., into the business as a partner. Since his father ^s death
Mr. Walker has conducted the business alone. Besides the mill,
Mr. Walker owns a brick and tile plant in Hartford.

On November 5, 1896, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Myrta
Ray, of Hartford, and this union has since been blessed by two
children, both of them now attending the public schools, — Ruth,
aged fourteen, and Ray, aged ten. The Walker family attend the
Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Walker has served as
trustee and has been active in Sunday-school work.

Fraternally Mr. Walker is a member of Florada lodge, No. 309,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Order of the East-
ern Star, of which his wife is also a member. He is also a member
of Charter Oak Lodge, No. 231, of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, of which lodge he was treasurer for a number of years;
and of the Order of the Maccabees. Politically Mr. Walker gives
his allegiance to the men and measures of the Republican party.
He is a councilman and is at present the treasurer of the school
board.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 679

Dr. a. S. Haskin. — The venerable and venerated physician of
Lawrence, Dr. Haskin, was born in Moriah, Essex county, New
York, on September 15, 1827. For the first twenty years of his
life he led rather an unsettled existence, beginning his wander-
ings at the age of one year, when his parents moved to Bridport,
Addison county, Vermont. Six years later they again changed
their place of residence, going this time to Brockport, Monroe
county. New York. After another six years the family came west
to La Grange county, Indiana, going from there to Elkhart
county in 1843 and then to Cass county, Michigan, in 1848. At
this time Dr. Haskin was twenty-one years of age and had had
only a common-school education.

When the Haskin family settled in Cass county our subject
began to work for the railroad, the Michigan Central. His work
was near Dow^agiac, w^hich was then a populous settlement of two
buildings in the business part, the boarding house and the grocery
store, and had a residence section which consisted of Patrick
Hamilton's house and barn, making a grand total of four struc-
tures. Dr. Haskin worked only a short time here before he be-
came ill from overwork. During the time . of the sickness his
parents moved to Lagrange, then called Whitmanville, in Cass
county. For a year and a half he continued to be ailing and then
was able to w^ork on the farms in the summers. For a number of
years he taught school in the w^inters too. On April 9, 1854, he
was married to Olive, the daughter of Selah and Charity Pickett.
She died on November 10, 1855, and it w^as then that Dr. Haskin
began his medical studies in the office of Dr. William E. Clark,
of Dowagiac. After spending two years in this office, he attended
the medical school of the State University at Ann Arbor and then
began his practice. In 1860, on December 17, he w^as united in
marriage to the wife who is still his companion after fifty years
and who has been such a help and an inspiration to him through
all the vicissitudes of this changing scene — Martha Jane McKnight
Haskin.

When the Doctor first began to practice he was in partnership
with Dr. Nelson Rowe, with, whom he remained for about two
years and since that partnership was dissolved he has practiced
alone. It was not until Dr. Haskin w^as in his eighty-fourth year,
in 1910, that he retired from active work in his profession and he
still prescribes for some of his old patients.

In the time-honored institution of Masonry Dr. Haskin has at-
tained considerable honor. He belongs to the lodge of Lawrence
and also to the Council and Chapter at the same place. He has
been through the chairs in all of these degrees and several years
ago w^as master of the lodge for one year. As long as his strength
permitted he w^as an active worker in the lodge of Lawrence.

The father of Dr. Haskin was of Scotch descent and his religious
faith was embodied in the doctrine of the Baptist church. The
Doctor was brought up in this church but when he became head
of his ow^n household he joined the Methodist body. He has al-
ways been a regular attendant upon religious services and one of
the hardest workers in the church, where he has held the office

680 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

of trustee for a number of years. His wife, too, is one of the most
faithful in carrying on the many duties which fall to those who
keep up the activities of the church.

It was Dr. Haskin/s privilege to vote for the first Republican
candidate when the party was organized and he has never varied
in his allegiance to it. For a few years he held the office of coroner
in the county and discharged the duties of that office in a manner
satisfactory.

Probably the oldest practitioner in the county, Dr. Haskin has
rendered incalculable service to it; he has brought many of its
leading citizens into this life and has kept as many others in it
to finish their work. A doctor may not speak as freely of his work
as a business man, but none the less his ministrations are known
in part; they can never be wholly known. Mrs. Haskin is the
oldest settler in the township, and as she and her husband wait
in the bright evening of their lives the interest and the affection-
ate good will of all the county are theirs. Life has been full of
noble work for them and it continues to be full of zest for them
and a thing of gladness, and it is the hope of all who know them
that they may be granted many more years and die young, before
life has robbed them of one dear illusion.

Mrs. Grace F. Warren. — The ladies of the nation play a con-
spicuous part in the historical annals of state and county. Mrs.
Grace F. Warren, subject of this review, is a woman of marked
business acumen and activity. Now of Hartford township, she
is a native of Lewis county. New York, her birth having occurred
December 14, 1873. She is the younger of two children born to
Stephen and Jennie (Lambert) Jones, there being an elder brother.
This brother, Grant Jones, resides in Hartford, Michigan, is an
agriculturist by vocation and is married. Stephen Jones, father
of the subject, w^as a native of the Green Mountain state and by
trade was a sawyer. He traced his progenitors to the little country
of Wales. The demise of this good man occurred in the year
1873. The mother was a native of the ''Land of the Lily'' — Bonnie
France — and was but a child when her parents immigrated to
America. She has passed the greater part of her life in Michigan
and is now living in Hartford, a venerable and beloved widow.

Mrs. Warren, immediate subject of this review, was but a little
girl when she came to Michigan and the greater part of her life
has been spent in this state. She received a good practical edu-
cation in the common schools of Van Buren county. She married
Hugh E. Warren, a scion of one of the prominent families of Hart-
ford township. They were wedded April 2, 1889, and Jhere are
two daughters living of the children born to this marriage. The
elder, Ruby C, is a graduate from the eighth grade of the public
schools and the Hartford high school and is a pianist; Pearl B.
is now a student in the eighth grade. Mrs. Warren will give her
daughters the benefits of an excellent educational training, fitting
them for the higher walks of life.

Hugh E. Warren was born in Van Buren county, August 2,
1862, and his lamentable demise occurred on January 26, 19Q8.
He was a successful agriculturist and managed his business af-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 681

fairs with wisdom and rare tactful administrative dealing. He
received merely a common school education and demonstrated the
fact that much success may follow upon strict honesty, energy and
industry, wisely applied. When the young couple began life it
was upon the farm upon which the family now reside. This con-
sists of one hundred and forty acres of land, two miles from Hart-
ford. When this was first purchased they went in debt for the
major portion of it. However, with the aid and counsel of his
estimable wife they succeeded. The estate is now valuable, its
desirability being enhanced by its beautiful and costly buildings.
There is a beautiful, modern residence, elegantly furnished, lighted
by an acetylene plant and furnace-heated. All this accumulation
has been accomplished through the industry and toil, as well as
the economy, of Mrs. Warren and her late husband.

When Mr. Warren passed away in the prime and zenith of his
manhood, county and township lost a valuable citizen and the home
a kind and loving father and affectionate husband. In his polit-
ical affiliation Mr. Warren was a Republican and fraternally he
was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Warren
is a member of the Royal Neighbors, the auxiliary of the Modern
Woodmen of America. The deceased was well insured in both the
Modern Woodmen of America and the North Western Life Insur-
ance Company, indicative of his never-failing thoughtfulness for
his family. He possessed hosts of friends.

Mr. Warren's remains are interred in the Maple Hill cemetery,
where the loving Avife has erected a beautiful monument sacred
to his memory.

]\Irs. Warren and her daughters occupy the beautiful estate
known as Pleasant View Farm, which commands a magnificent
view of the surrounding country. Their delightful home is the
abode of hospitality and their many friends are perpetually ex-
tended a cordial welcome within its portals.

Frank F. Cutter. — Left to the care of foster parents at the
age of three^ years by the migratory life of his own father and
mother, and by the man who adopted him turned over to the care
of strangers when he was nine, Frank F. Cutter, of Paw Paw
township, learned early in life to rely on his own resources and
efforts for advancement in life, and they have been his dependence
ever since. He has mingled and worked with men in many places
and under widely differing circumstances, but wherever he has
been and whatever he has done he has always made his ow^n way
in the world, and found himself equal to any requirement of his
situation. He has encountered adversities and faced them bravely.
He has succeeded in many things, and success has not disturbed
him. Under all circumstances and in every condition he has gone
steadily forward, the same self-reliant and resourceful man, secur-
ing none of Fortune's special favors and asking none, but making
the most of his opportunities as they have come to him, whether
weighted with benefits or only lightly laden.

Mr. Cutter was bom in Indiana, on January 28, 1856, and is
a son of Robert and Harriet (Morell) Cutter, the former a native
of Ireland and the latter of Indiana. The father came to the

682 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

United States when he was eighteen years of age, and proceeded
at once to Indiana, where he remained four years. At the end
of that period he moved to Michigan and located for a time at
Vandalia in Cass county. From this state he went to Vermont, and
after a short residence in that state, came West again, taking up
his residence in Nebraska, and there engaging in farming.

There w^ere three children born in the household: William A.,
who is now living at Marshfield, Missouri; Frank F., the subject
of this sketch ; and Cyle C, who is a resident of Carlisle, Indiana.
When he was three years old Frank was adopted by Azel Fuller,
of Vandalia, Michigan, and during the next six years made his
home with the family of that gentleman, who lived on a farm which
the lad helped to cultivate as much as he could. When he reached
the age of nine the Fuller family moved away and he remained
with the new tenants of the farm a year and a half longer. He
then returned to Indiana, and there he remained until he was
seventeen, attending school when he was able and doing whatever
he found to do to provide for his livelihood. At the age of seven-
teen he moved to Nebraska, and in that state he lived two years.
From Nebraska he went to White Oaks, New Mexico, where he
secured employment in the mines. While engaged in mining he
was seriously crippled and unfitted for further usefulness in that
laborious and hazardous occupation. He therefore determined
to seek something to do above ground in a well-favored locality,
and came to Van Buren county, Michigan, for the purpose.

Since his arrival in this county he has followed farming mainly,
but has also done considerable work in well driving. In 1889 he
formed a partnership with Charles H. Butler for carrying on a
business in the farming implement trade in Paw Paw village.
While it was interesting to Mr. Cutter, and gave some variety
and spice to his life, it was not altogether agreeable to him and
in 1894 the business was sold and the partnership dissolved. Mr.
Cutter then decided to begin the work of his forefathers and pur-
chased eighty acres of land, which was then heavily timbered,
and began the herculean task of clearing this land and getting
it into a state of cultivation. The vast amount of work which
w^as necessary to accomplish this can scarcely be conceived, but
he has demonstrated what can be accomplished, for the con-
dition of a portion of this land which he has brought into a high
state of cultivation is a wonderful evidence of what can be done
in this direction.

For six years he worked alone and unaided, but in 1910 he was
joined by his son-in-law, Mr. Gilbert, as noted further on in this
article. His farm comprises eighty acres and is well improved
and has been skillfully cultivated ever since it came into his pos-
session and under his intelligent care.

On July 4, 1883, Mr. Cutter w^as united in marriage with Miss
May Wilcox, a native of New York state. They have no children
of their own, but have reared an adopted daughter, Martha School-
craft, who is now the wife of Lawrence Gilbert. Mr. and Mrs.
Gilbert live with Mr. Cutter, and Mr. Gilbert gives him valuable
assistance in the cultivation of the farm. The Gilberts have one

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 688

child, their son Laurence, who was born on March 20, 1911, and
is the light and life of the home.

In his activity and belief in reference to public affairs Mr. Cutter
is a Socialist, which necessarily precludes the probability of his
being elected to a public office at this time, if he desired to have
one. But he does not. He is eager to see and help to bring about
such a state of affairs in county, state and nation as will do the
greatest good for the greatest number, and he has no other am-
bition with regard to the government, local, state or national. But
he is interested in the improvement of his locality and always
ready to do what he can to promote it and give the genius of
progress which incites its people the wddest sweep and most rapid
pace the circumstances wall allow. He is in all respects an ex-
cellent citizen, and is universally esteemed as such wherever he
is known.

Charles Austin. — The English colonists who settled America
brought to the new country the ideals of liberty and enlighten-
ment and lofty standards of public responsibility, which crystal-
lized, in the new and trying environment, into those qualities
which we proudly call typical American. Our debt to England
did not end with the founding of the thirteen colonies. Contin-
ually the ranks of our best citizens receive recruits from our cousins
across the sea and the race from which we sprang adds its un-
failing steadfastness to our sometimes reckless tendencies. Charles
Austin is one of Van Buren county's prominent men who was
born about sixty miles from the greatest city in the world, London.
Devonshire was his native place and the date of his birth was
September 13, 1839. He was one of six children born to George
and Harriet Hurst Austin and is the eldest of the three now
living. His tw^o sisters are ^Irs. Lazarus Flaherty, of Keeler, where
her husband is a tinner, and Amelia, the widow^ of William G lea-
son. She is the mother of one son and three daughters.

George Austin, the father, was a farmer, born in Devonshire,
England. In 1841 he decided to bring his family to America and
after a voyage of fourteen weeks the sailing vessel in which they
made the trip dropped anchor in New York. It was a grateful set
of passengers who disembarked from that ship, for the voyage had
been a stormy one and only the most undaunted hoped ever to
come safe to port. For two years after their arrival the family
remained in New York and then came west to Michigan. The
father purchased two hundred and six acres of land, for six dol-
lars an acre. At that time not only was the farm unimproved,
but there was little in the way of improvement in the whole town-
ship.

Charles Austin was but a child when his father died and con-
sequently life has been a hard school for the fatherless boy, w^ho
was obliged to make his own way in the world. He got little chance
to go to school but was obliged to spend the most of his time at
work to make his living. The competence he has acquired is the
result of his native industry and shrewdness.

In all his undertakings Mr. Austin has been ably assisted by
his wife, Laura L. Baylor Austin, to whom he was united on Jan-

684 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

uary 1, 1865, and who for forty-six years has been his unfailing
comrade and helper. Mr. and Mrs, Austin are the proud grand-
parents of three granddaughters. Doris and Majorie Liver-
meyer, are the children of their daughter Gertrude, whose husband,
Charles Livermeyer, is a prosperous farmer residing on the Austin
estate. Harriet Austin is the daughter of Ludwig and Minnie Irish
Austin, of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Mr. Austin is electrician for the
state asylum.

Mr. and Mrs. Austin reside on a fine farm of eighty acres,
which provides them with an ample income and enables them to
meet the advancing years without anxiety. They have met and
conquered the fickle goddess Fortune, who was not always show-
ering luck upon them. When Mr. Austin bought his first forty
acres of land he worked by the month for the money to pay for
it, spending five and a half years in the employ of one man. In
time he sold the first forty and then bought eighty acres. The
success which has been his is viewed with pleasure by all who
know his sterling worth and tireless industry.

Mr. Austin supports the principles and the policies of the
Democratic party. He is not unknown to public office, as he has
been highway commissioner of Keeler township for six years and
township treasurer for two years. He has filled these posts to
the satisfaction of all the people and has shown himself a man
who has the public welfare at heart and works to promote it.
Mrs. Austin shares in the respect and affection which are ac-
corded to her husband, not only as his wife, but for her own
many fine traits of character and for her neighborly kindness.
The record of the lives of Charles and Laura Austin is one for
their children to remember with pride and to emulate in their
own careers.

Carey Dunham, manager of the Southern Michigan Fruit As-
sociation, and one of the leading business men of Lawton, has
for many years been closely identified with the agricultural in-
terests of Van Buren county, and is the owner of more than
three hundred acres of valuable farming land. He has won his
position in the world by his own energy, industry and good man-
agement, and has always been, since his residence in Lawton, an
eager promoter of the town's prosperity by all means within his
power. Mr. Dunham was bom in Lawrence, Michigan, December
5, 1853, and is a son of Edwin S. and Adelia (Rood) Dunham.

Mr. Dunham's parents, who were both natives of New York,
came to Michigan about 1837, and settled as pioneers near the
village of Plainwell. There Edwin S. Dunham, who was a min-
ister of the Baptist church, spent the remainder of his life in
preaching the Gospel, and passed away in 1900, his wife dying
in 1890. They had four children : Mary, the wife of Chauncey
Drury, of Lawton ; Carey, of this review ; and William and Silas,
who are deceased. Carey Dunham received his education in the
district schools, later attending graded schools, and as a young
man took up farming. He first purchased forty acres of land, and
so successful did he become in his operations, that at the time of
his retirement from farming, In 1899, he owned three hundred

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 685

acres, a part of which was well improved land. In the year men-
tioned Mr. Dunham became manager of the Southern Michigan
Fruit Association, one of the largest institutions of its kind in
this part of the country, which, under his skilled and experienced
management had increased the scope of its operations greatly dur-
ing the past ten years. Mr. Dunham is a man of more than ordi-
nary business ability, and his many years of experience in fruit
growing have made him a valuable man for the position he now
holds. His reputation is that of a man of the highest business
integrity, and those who have been associated with him in matters
of a commercial nature will vouch for his fair dealing and sense
of honor.

On September 15, 1874, Mr. Dunham was married to Miss Mar-
tha Ann Barker, daughter of George and Martha Barker, both of
whom are deceased, and to this union there have been born six
children : Belle, who married A. G. Dawson, of Lawton ; May,
who is residing at home; George and Jesse, residents of Lawton;
Grace, who is deceased ; and Elsie, residing at home. In matters
of political importance Mr. Dunham lends his support to the Re-
publican party, and he has served his township as highway com-
missioner. He and his family are affiliated with the Baptist church.

Royal R. Knapp. — The present high place which Royal R. Knapp
holds in the confidence and affection of the county can best be
explained by a brief sketch of his life, for it is in the actual record
of his deeds that one may best read of his unswerving honesty,
kindliness and determined persistence in whatever enterprises he
has ever undertaken. Born in Wayne township, Cass county,
Michigan, on June 20, 1859, Royal Knapp was the son of Ezra
and Alvira (Ramsey) Knapp. The father was a farmer, but at
one time during his residence in Lawton he was the proprietor
of a grocery business. His wife has since passed to her eternal
reward, and he now makes his home with his son Royal, the im-
mediate subject of this sketch.

The boyhood of Royal R. Knapp was spent in Cass county, Mich-
igan, where the family lived until his eighth year. At that time
he came with them to Lawton and entered the Lawton public
schools, which he attended until he went to work for himself. At
an early age he entered the train service of the Michigan Central
Railroad, and later was made clerk at Paw Paw. After that he
removed to Hartford, Michigan, and for fourteen years was agent
for the railroad at that place. By that time he had saved con-
siderable money, which he determined to invest in a grocery busi-
ness. Before he entered the grocery business, however, he went
into the fruit trade and in that venture lost all that he had saved
in twenty-five years except two hundred dollars. The spirit of
the man is made apparent when it is known that he was in no
wise daunted by the unfortunate outcome of his venture but rather
felt that it was a challenge to renewed vigor and persistence in
the next project. It is a fact that the groeery business which he
then started was managed with such success that within four
years' time he erected his present brick block, where he has car-
ried on his prosperous business since 1906.

686 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

On April 9, 1877, Mr. Knapp laid the foundations of the happy
home life which has been his for so many years by his marriage
on that date to Miss Eva Cushman, who has since been to him an
ideal helpmeet and congenial companion. To her counsel and
companionship Mr. Knapp attributes in a large measure the suc-
cess of his various undertakings. They are the parents of one
child, a daughter Rosa M., who has graduated from the Hartford
high school, and now makes her home with her parents.

Mr. Knapp has attained prominence and distinction in fraternal
circles. He is a member of Plorada Lodge, No. 309, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons, and of Lawrence Chapter, No. 95, Royal
Arch Masons, and Council No. 43, R. & S. M., and S. E. M.

In the field of politics Mr. Knapp conforms to the Democratic
view on national issues, but in local situations he has the broad
attitude which overlooks party lines in an effort to get the greatest
good for the greatest number, freely deciding what is best in every
situation.

Glenn S. Easton. — Although he has lived in many places and
mingled freely with the residents of them all, manifesting a cordial
interest in their welfare and contributing to their advancement
by every means at his command, Glenn S. Easton, of Lawrence,
this county, has devoted all his years since leaving school to one
line of effort, that of newspaper work, with which he has been
connected in large cities and several small ones, in this state and
New York. He has lived in Lawrence and been the editor and
publisher of the Lawrence Times only two years. But even in
that short period he has won a high place in the regard of the
people as a capable and straightforward newspaper man and a
wide-awake, enterprising and progressive citizen.

Mr. Easton was born in Union City, Branch county, Michigan,
on February 19, 1878, and is a son of the late Major D. J. and
Delia (Stowe) Easton, the former a native of Elmira, New York,
and the latter of Coldwater, Michigan. They were the parents
of seven children, four of whom are living : Ora C. ; Glenn S. ;
Elva, now the wife of H. R. Robedee; and Lynn. The father
passed a portion of his boyhood in his native city, and was brought
from there to Michigan by his parents while he was yet young.
The family located in Coldwater, Branch county, this state, and
there he grew to manhood and obtained a part of his education,
completing it at some college in the East, from which he was grad-
uated after a full course of academic instruction.

The parents were pioneers in Branch county and took a hearty
interest in the progress and development of that portion of the
state. When the Civil war began the young man and future mil-
itary hero of the family was living at Sturgis in St. Joseph county,
and was editing the Sturgis Journal, which was published in that
city. Prior to this he had shown a very strong support of the
principles of the Republican party and taken a great interest in
its campaigns. His zeal and fidelity in its behalf brought him a
reward in the form of an appointment as internal revenue collector
for the district in which he lived, and he filled the office with great

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 687

acceptability to the government at Washin^on and the people of
the district as well.

In 1860, when the sectional war cloud became very ominous and
gave unmistakable signs of bursting with fury over the country,
he was impelled by his strong sense of patriotic duty to oppose
the dismemberment of the Union and raised a company of volun-
teers for the purpose of aiding in defending it from that disaster.
He went to the field as captain of his company, and remained with
it to the end of the sanguinary contest, being promoted major for
gallantry in battle and the capacity and faithfulness he showed
in other work in the service. The regiment with which he was
connected suffered severely in the war. He was severely wounded
at the battle of Resaca, and in all received nine bullet wounds.
He was taken prisoner and was confined in Libby prison for several
months.

After his discharge from the army he returned to Coldwater, and
during the next two years he published the Coldwater Repuhli-
can. At the end of the period mentioned he sold his interests
in the Coldwater Republican and moved to Union City, where he
founded and for twenty-eight years published the Union City
Register. He died in the harness, working on this paper, in Au-
gust, 1900, and then for one year and a half his son Glenn edited
and published it. The Major was postmaster of Union City six-
teen years, and represented that town in the state legislature one
term.

Glenn S. Easton was reared and received a high school educa-
tion in Union City, a year in Albion college following, and after
leaving school he took up his residence in Detroit. As he had
l)een trained in newspaper work under the direction of his father,
he determined to devote himself to that line of endeavor. He
worked on the Detroit Free Press, then on the Buffalo (New York)
Daily Courier. From Buffalo he returned to Union City and took
charge of his father's paper when death ended the labors of that
gentleman, as has been already noted. He was connected with
other papers for a time after leaving the Union Register, then
for four years he published the News at Onstead in Lenawee county.
In 1909 he located at Lawrence, Van Buren county, where he has
ever since been publishing the Lawrence Times.

On August 17, 1910, Mr. Easton was united in marriage with
Miss Lucile Hess, a daughter of S. M. and Jennie (Ridlon) Hess,
of Lawrence. One child has been born of the union, Edwin Paul
Easton, whose life began on August 16, 1911. Mr. Easton be-
longs to the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, holding his membership in the former in the lodge at
Ousted and in the latter at the one in Lawrence. He and his wife
are members of the Congregational church, and in political rela-
tions he is a firm and faithful member of the Republican party.
To all the duties of citizenship he is steadfastly attentive, and
to every commendable enterprise for the good of his community
and county he gives ardent and intelligent support, both through
the columns of his paper and by his personal influence and help-
ful services. He is appreciated throughout the county as one of
its best and most progressive citizens, and is fully deserving of

688 HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY

the rank in this respect so cheerfully and readily bestowed on
Wm by the estimate of the people in whose service he is laboring.

George Milton Harrison.— Doubly orphaned at the age of one
vear by thf death of both his father and his mother, who were vic-
tims of an epidemic of spinal meningitis which raged with great
Sncetn the city of their home in 1847, George M Harrison of
?aw Paw where he has been engaged in general merchandising dur-
fng theTaXforty-six years, passed the greater part of his boyhood
under the shadoi of this great bereavement, and was forced by it
to begin the battle of life for himself at a very early age^

Mr Harrison was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on June 4, 1846
and was [he last born of the thirteen fil^ren of Benjamin and
Jane (Stillwell) Harrison, and one of two of them who are still
living The father was a native of Virginia, born January 21, 1799,
and he died December 13, 1847, aged forty-eight years, ten months
and tweXtwo days, and the mother's life began m Maryland
May 1M804, and Ihe died December 13, 1847, on the same day as
he father aged forty-four years, seven months and one day. They
werrmarried on February 21, 1822, and moved to Prairie Ronde,
Iw sSolcraJt" Michigan^ in 1830, -d remained the^^^ yea^^
Tn October 1834, they changed their residence to Kalamazoo, wnicn
was then Called' Bronson, and there they met their tragic fate
which hSrried them out of the world in the prime of hfe ^fd M*
Thdr hXlei offspring to the mercy of whatever fate might befall
them Botrdkd in 1847, during a destructive epidemic of spina
me^ndtis as has been stated, the disease being of the most violent
Spea?dsWeepTng hundreds .^f the residents of Kalamazoo and the
^^nrronndine country into their graves.

Thrfalhfr was a millwright of skill and ability, and wrought m-
dultriouiy It his trade during all the years of his manhood until
Ms uSely death. He and his wife --Jhe parents ot thirteen
children: Joseph, who was born on September 6, 1822, and died i„
October, 1824; Skuy or Sarah, who came int<) being on Augjt 30
1894 ffrew to womanhood, became the wife of Liberty H. liaiiey, oi
Soutii^Hrven, and died in 1868, at the age of forty-four; Nancy
whose Ufe began on April 3, 1826, who became the wife of W^er
Russell, of Decatur, this state, and who died i« /^f ' ^^n.^^^X'
who w^ born on March 26, 1828, and died July 3, 1830 , John
Strang? w2"e life began on March 4, 1830, and e-^ed ^'^ .^ecem-
1 lonk. T^milv Tane who lived from February 5, 1832, to Ucto-
5 S; .''nd"^.sTe :«, of John Simmon, of Santt B„b.ra
Oaliforni4- Henry, who was born on September 26, 1833, and diea
FebrX 16 1834; Lucinda, who was born on November 9, 1834
f eoruary iu, -loo , Ricelow of Allington township, this

became the .^/f .«*i854 hS whcSe life extended from March
S'Sv'to 1893 Tnd wt; w^fhe wife of Joseph R.. Bonebright, of

SnsSine,'MTchtgan; Charlotte, -ho -me-? ^^u! Big'^W
16 1839, and who is still living and the wife of ^^^^^'l^^f^^'^'^A^
UZnee, this county ; Arvilla, who was born on Novemb^ 4, mO
and is the wife of Jefferson Archer, of South Haven , J ames maai
son, who was born on September 3, 1842 and died May 18, 1844;
and George M., the immediate subject of this review.

GEDRGE M. HARRISON

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 689

At the age of fourteen Mr. Harrison took up his residence with
his brother-in-law, Mr. Russell of Decatur, with whom he found a
home for four years. In March, 1864, he secured a position as
clerk and salesman in a general store in Constantine, with which
he was connected for a year and a half. Then, in 1865, on October
1, he arrived in Paw Paw to take a position in the store of E. Smith
& Company. From the clerkship which he then accepted and was
glad to get, he rose by demonstrated merit and capacity to mem-
bership in the firm, and is now the only survivor of those who com-
posed it when he went into it. His residence in the city and his
service to the people in mercantile channels has extended over a
period of forty-six years, and now all classes of the population re-
spect him highly, and those who know him well have the most cor-
dial esteem for him.

Mr. Harrison was married July 23, 1871, to Miss H. Ella Fra-
ley, and by this union became the father of five children, four of.
whom are living: Julia H., who was born in 1874, and is the wife
of Rev. A. J. Holland, of Owosso, Michigan; Jessie G., who was
born in 1876, and is the wife of Thomas J. Cavanaugh, a promi-
nent attorney of Paw Paw ; Edmund S., who was born on November
30, 1877, and has his home in Paw Paw; and Besse M., who was
born on May 28, 1881, and resides in Paw Paw.

Mr. Harrison married a second time, April 2, 1892, being united
on this occasion with Miss Maud Cornell. They have had four
children, two of whom are living: Doane C, of Paw Paw, who is
a graduate of the high school; and Thomas Cavanaugh, who was
born in 1901. Geraldine and Rex Milton died in infancy. The
two sons who are living still have their home with their parents.

Although his father was a Whig and he was reared under cir-
cumstances of strong bias toward the tenets of his father's party
in political affairs, Mr. Harrison is a Democrat in his own politi-
cal faith and allegiance. His religious connection is with the
Baptist church, and he is one of the most loyal and serviceable
members of the congregation to which he belongs. In addition
to the duties of his business he takes an interest in other matters
involving the welfare of his community and does his part toward
promoting it in every way open to his efforts. For years he has
been the vice president of the First National Bank of Paw Paw,
and connected with other enterprises of value in service to the
people and in helping to advance the progress and prosperity of
the city and county in which he lives.

Charles G. Hall, proprietor of the only agricultural implement
establishment in the southeastern part of Van Buren county, lo-
cated in the village of Lawton, and one of the most progressive and
enterprising business men of his community, has resided in Lawton
all of his life and is well and favorably known to its citizens.
His birth occurred in Lawton September 5, 1867, and he is a son
of A. J. and Mary (Lee) Hall, the former a native of New York
and the latter a Southerner by birth.

A. J. Hall came to Michigan when he was a lad of seven years,
was educated in the district schools, and grew up on the farm of
his parents in Plymouth. He was reared to agricultural pursuits.

690 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

which he followed throughout his life and became a well known
and successful farmer. He and his wife had three children:
Charles G. ; Hattie, w^ho is the wife of Calvin Kinney, of Porter
township; and R^ed, a resident of Seattle, Washington. Charles
G. Hall's education was obtained in the district schools in the
vicinity of his father 's farm and in the Lawton high school, which
he attended for one year, and in 1891 he established himself in
the restaurant business, continuing therein for one and one-half
years. At this time, seeing the opportunity to better himself in a
different field, Mr. Hall entered the agricultural implement busi-
ness in Lawton, starting in a small way and gradually increasing
his stock until he now conducts one of the important enterprises
of his section. His establishment filled a long needed want, and
the farmers of this part of the county were quick to realize the
advantages offered in being able to purchase their machinery close
at hand instead of having to send a great distance for it or make
extended trips to look over stock. Naturally Mr. Hall's business
has steadily grown, and he now represents some of the leading
implement houses of the country, among which may be mentioned
the Syracuse and International Harvester Companies, located at
Chicago, and the John Deer Plow Works and Studebaker Brothers
of South Bend, Indiana. Progressive ideas, enterprising methods
and faithful and conscientious work, backed by inherent business
ability, have made ]\Ir. Hall one of the substantial men of Lawton,
and his honest dealings have won him the confidence and patron-
age of the countryside.

On April 17, 1890, Mr. Hall was married to Miss Jennie Gib-
son, daughter of Hugh and Mary (Cummings) Gibson, Mrs. Hall's
parents had the following children : Jennie ; William ; Mattie,
married and living in Los Angeles, California; Robert, of Chi-
cago ; Fred, residing in Lawton ; Maud, the wife of Mancil Hough,
of Lawton; Belle, of California; and Harry, residing in Lawton.
Mr. Hall is a Republican in politics, and has served for two years
as township clerk and as a member of the board for three years.
Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Knights of
Pythias, the Elks and the Modern Woodmen. With his family
he attends the Methodist Episcopal church.

Harry A. Martin. — Well educated academically for almost any
calling in life, nerved by nature for arduous effort in any depart-
ment of useful labor that may enlist his interest or engage his
faculties, and trained to skill by continued practical experience
in several lines of work, Harry A. Martin, one of the leading
merchants of Lawrence, this county, and head of the firm of Mar-
tin Brothers & Company, has made good use of his endowments,
acquisitions and opportunities, and given Van Buren county one
of its most impressive examples of progressive citizenship.

Mr. Martin is a native of this county, born in Paw Paw town-
ship, where his life began on December 2, 1865. His parents,
Oscar and Henrietta (Smith) Martin, were farmers during their
years of activity, and energetic and prosperous in their work.
Oscar Martin was born, reared to the age of thirteen and partially
educated in the state of New York. He is a son of Harry and

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 691

Emily (Hungerford) Martin, also natives of New York, where
they were married and all their offspring were born. When their
son Oscar was thirteen years old they moved to Michigan and
located near Paw Paw in Van Buren county, and here Oscar grew
to manhood and completed his education. Here also he was mar-
ried, and has passed all his subsequent years, except during three
of the Civil war which he passed in the army.

When that memorable contest burst with all its fury on our
unhappy country in 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Third Mich-
igan Cavalry, and in this company he served until late in 1864.
His regiment was kept most of the time in the West, and was
part of the army of General Grant for a time and afterward in
that of General Rosecrans. It saw a great deal of very active
service and considerable fighting of the hardest kind, and Mr.
Martin took part in all its engagements with the enemy and all
its other work.

After his discharge from the army Mr. Martin returned to liis
father ^s home, and soon afterw^ard was married. He and his wife
became the parents of two children: Their son Harry A., the
subject of this brief memoir, and their daughter Nellie, who is
still living at home w^ith them in Lawrence, they having moved
to the township of Lawrence in 1882. The father is now (1911)
seventy-three years of age, and the mother is seventy years of age.

Harry A. Martin remained at home with his parents until he
was seventeen, working on the farm and attending school in Paw
Paw^ township, and then moved with them to Lawrence township,
where he assisted in the farm work three years longer. In 1885,
after his graduation from the Lawrence high school, which oc-
curred that year, he began teaching school in the winter and at-
tending the State Agricultural College during the rest of the year,
until he completed its full four years' course of instruction in
1889. On October 16 of that year he was united in marriage with
Miss Eva C. Sheldon, a daughter of Julian and Melvina (Wallace)
Sheldon, of Paw Paw township, and during the first year of his
married life he still remained on the farm with his father and
worked under his direction, but continued teaching two winters
more.

His next move was into mercantile life, but after a trial of ten
years and a half in that, as clerk in a store in Lawrence, he returned
to farming. For this purpose he bought a farm in Lawrence town-
ship, which he cultivated for six years, but lived in the village of
Lawrence during the whole of that period. Since the beginning
of this year (1911) he and his sons have had entire ownership
and control of the store in Lawrence which they are now conduct-
ing, and which they bought just before they took charge of it.
They are making this one of the most complete and satisfactory
mercantile establishments of its kind in the county, and rapidly
building up its trade to large proportions and strengthening and
widening its hold on the confidence and good will of the people
throughout the surrounding country for many miles in every
direction.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin have had six children, all of whom are
living and still members of the parental family circle. They are :

692 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Marguerita G., who is a graduate of the Lawrence high school and
the State Normal College in Kalamazoo; Rex S. and Robert D.,
who are also graduates of the Lawrence high school, and are now
associated in business with their father ; Roscoe J. and Ruth, who
are attending school at present; and Wayne 0., who will begin
going to school in 1912.

Mr. Martin has long been prominent in the Masonic order. He
belongs to Rising Sun Lodge, No. 119, at Lawrence, and served
as its Worshipful Master five years. He also holds membership
in a Royal Arch Chapter and a Council of Royal and Select Masters
in the order, and has occupied the leading offices in each. He
was High Priest of the Chapter several years, and is at this time
(1911) Thrice Illustrious Master of the Council. In politics he
is a Democrat, and has served as township clerk at various times,
as a member of the village council, and two years as its president.
He was also a member of the school board for nine years in suc-
cession. His ancestors were English, Irish and Scotch in their
nationalities, and he has exhibited in his highly creditable career
the best attributes of the citizenship of each of the countries from
which they hailed. In Van Buren county he is regarded as a
leading and thoroughly representative citizen.

John Martin Klett. — It is always gratifying to true citizens
of this Republic to note the readiness of many men, born under
foreign flags, to become loyal and patriotic supporters of the
United States Government when they adopt this country as their
home. This can never be misconstrued as an act displaying lack
of fidelity to their native land, for which they must always hold
the warmest affection, but it is evidence that they are men who
recognize their duty as citizens in common with the native-born
of the Republic, and do not hesitate to perform it. One of these
representative men now living in Keeler township. Van Buren
county, served faithfully in the Union army during the Civil
war, and is now living in quiet retirement, his many years of in-
dustrious labor having brought him a comfortable competence.
John Martin Klett was born in Wittenberg, Germany, April 15,
1832, a son of Christopher and Katherine (Nagel) Klett. Mr.
Klett has one brother, Christopher, for thirty years a wagon
maker and now an agriculturist of Whitehall, Michigan, the four
other children of his parents being deceased.

Christopher Klett, father of John M., was a native of Wit-
tenberg, Germany, was reared and educated in the Fatherland,
and left his native country only for a short time when he made
a visit to America. He and his wife both died in the old coun-
try in the faith of the Lutheran church, of which they were de-
vout, life-long members.

John Martin Klett was a young man of nineteen years when
he boarded a sailing vessel from Havre, France, and six weeks
later he landed at New York city, from whence he made his way
to Rochester. He then located in Monroe county. New York, and
for three years worked by the month, and after coming to Keeler
township, Van Buren county, Michigan, he continued to be thus
employed until his enlistment, December 30, 1863, in Company I,

HISTORY OF \^AN BUREN COUNTY 693

Nineteenth Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry, which was
assigned to the Twentieth Corps of the Army of the Cumberland,
and he continued in the service until the close of the war. Under
the command of ''Fighting Joe'' Hooker the regiment participated
in the battles of Resaca, Carrville and Dollys Woods, at which
latter battle Mr. Klett fell, badly wounded in the hip by a grape
shot one inch in diameter. This shot, which was cut from his hip
by the surgeon, is still in Mr. Klett 's possession. He was disabled
from May 25, 1864, until April 1, 1865, when he was transferred
to the Veteran Reserve Corps, at Johnson's Island, Sandusky, Ohio,
' ^pre he was kept until his honorable discharge, July 23, 1865,
although he was ahvays desirous of rejoining his regiment. For
this brave and faithful service Mr. Klett now receives a pension
of twenty dollars a month, although it might seem as though a
grateful country could afford to reimburse its defenders to a little
greater extent, especially when they have endured such suffering
as fell to Mr. Klett 's lot. On his return to Michigan, ^Ir. Klett
resumed the civilian's garb, and shortly thereafter purchased sev-
enteen acres of land in Keeler township, later adding tracts of
forty and sixty acres, and during the remainder of his active life
he followed agricultural pursuits, proving just as good a citizen
in times of peace as he was a soldier during times of war. Polit-
ically a Republican, he cast his first presidential vote for the
Martyred President Lincoln, and he has served as township treas-
urer for two years and as school director for nine years, both he
and his wife being active friends of and hard workers in the
cause of education. An honored member of Gilbert Post, G. A. R.,
at Dowagiac, Michigan, Mr. Klett has been as popular with his
comrades as he has been esteemed and respected by his fellow
citizens, and in every walk of life he has proven himself an up-
right, law-abiding and public-spirited citizen.

On February 2, 1862, Mr. Klett was married to Miss ]\Iary
Klett, in Berrien county, Michigan, she was born in Wurtemburg,
Germany, July 81, 1844, and came to the United States when
thirteen years of ag(^. She is a prominent member of the Evan-
gelical Association. Mr. and Mrs. Klett have been the parents
of seven children, of whom six still survive.

William Bennett. — As a sterling citizen who has the interest
of the whole community at heart, a veteran of the great Civil
war, and as one of the leading hardware merchants, a progressive
and thoroughly honest business man, has William Bennett, of Hart-
ford, won the respect and friendly regard of Van Buren county.
He holds high place among those whose industry and unselfish in-
terest have laid the foundations of a general prosperity. Mr.
Bennett was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on August 16, 1841,
the son of Samuel and Ruth (Hannum) Bennett. The father was
a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, the son of James Ben-
nett, well known in that part of the state. Samuel Bennett and
his wife were quiet, unassuming people, who lived and died in the
state of Ohio. They were the parents of five children, two of whom
are living at this date, 1911. Caroline became Mrs. Joshua Whin-
ery. She died, and her husband has since remarried and become

694 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

the father of a family. Ruth was united in marriage to Hiram
Cameron, and her sister Anna married Joseph Whinery. Lee
Bennett is deceased. William Bennett was raised on his father ^s
Ohio farm, and educated in the local schools and academy. Be-
fore his school days were over the war cloud that had cast its
shadow over the nation for so many years finally broke, and the
country became *'the North'' and ''the South." William Ben-
nett at once enlisted in Company I, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, the date being in October, 1860. He was appointed a
non-commissioned officer, and was later promoted to the rank of
orderly surgeon. He was in the Army of the Cumberland and
was present at twenty-three engagements. In all his active serv-
ice he was never wounded and was mustered out in December, 1865.
He is now the recipient of a monthly pension of seventeen dollars
in recognition of his gallant and faithful service.

At the close of the war Mr. Bennett returned to Ohio, and was
there engaged in farming until his removal, in 1870, to Van Buren
county, Michigan. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss
Pheniah Beatty, the daughter of Mahlan Beatty. Mrs. Bennett
was born in Carlton, Carroll county, Ohio, where she attended
school until her eighteenth year. As a wife she has shown her-
self a capable helpmeet, a cheery companion and a tender mother.
She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star lodge of Hartford,
and of the Hartford Ladies Club, of which she was several times
an office-holder. Upon his advent in Hartford, Mr. Bennett pur-
chased a stock of hardware. He now owns his place of business,
and through his careful management has achieved a large patron-
age. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are the parents of two sons: Eugene
B., born July 23, 1870, was educated in the public schools and
later attended a business college. He married Miss Alice L. Bab-
bolt, and has since become the father of two children, Eugene B.,
Jr., aged nine, and Alice L., aged six. Their mother is an
Episcopalian. Eugene Bennett is a member of Florada Lodge, No.
309, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, lodge No. 544, at Benton Harbor.
George W., the second Bennett son, was born in March, 1873, at
Hartford, Michigan. He is both a Mason and an Elk; he married
Miss Mary O'Brien, of Lansing.

William Bennett is a member of Charter Oak lodge, No. 231,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in wiiich he is a past noble
grand. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and
is a past commander of his post. He had the honor to be the
first commander of Elsworth post. In the field of politics Mr.
Bennett is found under the standard of the Republican party. He
has served as village president, and as township clerk and treas-
urer, and for five years under the McKinley and Roosevelt admin-
istrations held to the eminent satisfaction of all the postmaster-
ship of Hartford. Mr. Bennett well deserves the esteem and af-
fection in which he is held by all who know him.

Frank L. Spencer. — The treasurer of Lawrence township was
born in Van Buren county, Antwerp township, on December 10,
1851. His parents had been married eleven years before and had

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 695

come to Michigan to begin their wedded life. The father, William

B. Spencer, was a native of Connecticut and the mother, Nancy
A. Borden Spencer, of New York. There were two other children
in the family besides Frank L. These are Mary, the widow of D.

C. Rush, and Edith, the widow of David E. Hinman. The family
resided in Antwerp township for about fifteen years and then
they went to St. Joseph county, Indiana, where they lived for
about twenty-four years before returning to this county. In 1875
they bought a farm in Lawrence township and lived there until
they died. William Spencer passed away in January, 1891, and
his w^ife in August, 1889.

Frank Spencer attended the district school near his father's
farm in St. Joseph county, Indiana, and then the graded school
of New Carlisle and that of South l^end, where he was in the
high school. After this he worked for his father and on New
Year's day of 1874 was married to Edith E. Stryker, of Berrien
county, Michigan. She was born in the state of New York on
April 8, 1855, the daughter of G. C. and A. S. Chamberlain Stry-
ker, both of New^ York state. Mrs. Spencer has lived in Michi-
gan since she was ten and was educated in the district schools of
Berrien county. There were three children born to her and Mr.
Spencer: Albert E., born December 12, 1877, Carrie M., in 1883,
and Edna L. in 1885. All attended the Lawrence schools and the
girls both graduated from the high school. Edna is now a ste-
nographer in South Bend, Indiana. The son is a member of the
Independent Order of the Odd Fellow^s and of the Knights of the
Maccabees, to both of which lodges his father belongs. In the for-
mer organization Frank Spencer is treasurer of the Shady Grove
lodge. No. 499. In the Maccabees his tent is No. 205, and he is
secretary of the lodge.

In politics Mr. Spencer is a loyal Democrat and, although the
township is predominantly Republican, he was elected treasurer,
from which fact one may deduce the correct conclusion that he is
a man of unusual personal popularity and high ability. No man
stands higher in the esteem of his fellow citizens and his affable
manner wins him an easy liking which closer acquaintance deepens
into regard.

His farm of eighty acres on sections twenty and twenty-one is
a flourishing and profitable estate, conducted on modern principles
and, like its owners, representative of the best of the country.

Edw^in S. Douglas. — Although a resident of Lawrence, Mich-
igan, only during the last seven years, and unostentatious and re-
tiring in his life during that period, Edwin S. Douglas, now one
of the prominent and successful real estate dealers in this part
of the state, has w^on his way to a high place in the confidence and
regard of the people, and has shown at every step of his progress
that he is fully entitled to their faith in him and the generous
manner in which they manifest it, both in patronage for his busi-
ness and in esteem for his manhood and citizenship.

Mr. Douglas brought to the service of his interests in this county
acquisitions secured in the great Empire state, in which he was
born and reared, and with whose business he was connected in an

696 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

important way for many years. He was born in Delhi, Delaware
county, New York, on August 12, 1864, and is the son of Robert
and Frances (Sheldon) Douglas, also natives of the state of New
York, the father of Scotch ancestry and the mother descended
from an English family long resident in New York state.

Robert Douglas was the son of Adam and Jennie Douglas, na-
tives of Aberdeen, Scotland, who were reared, educated and mar-
ried in the old country, but came to the United States at an early
date, and located in New Kingston, Delaware county. New York,
where their son Robert was born, grew to manhood and w^as edu-
cated, graduating at the end of his course of academic instruc-
tion from the Delaware Academy at Delhi, New York, the curric-
uhim of which he went through from beginning to end. After
his graduation from this institution, having no desire to follow
in the footsteps of his ancestors for many generations in tilling
tlie soil, he entered mercantile life as the proprietor of a general
store, which he conducted for ten years. From general merchan-
dising he turned to the wholesale clothing trade, with his estab-
lishment located in Albany, New York, where he remained five
years carrying on an active business and winning an excellent repu-
tation as a man and merchant. From Albany at the end of the
period named he moved to Chicago, and in that city also engaged
in the clothing trade, remaining until 1894. He then moved to
Montague, Muskegon county, in this state, where he died the same
year and where his wadow died in 1898.

Their son, Edwin S. Douglas, was their only child. He moved
to Chicago with his parents in 1875. There he attended school
until 1884, when he engaged in the real estate business. In 1904
he moved to Lawrence in this county, and here he has ever since
been actively and extensively engaged in handling real estate. He
is one of the best known and most esteemed men in the business
in this part of the state, and his judgment is always relied on
by purchasers and sellers who are familiar with his ability and
his complete and accurate knowledge of properties and their values,
as to which he is a widely accredited authority. He has been en-
gaged in the handling of IMichigan real estate for the past twenty
years.

Mr. Douglas was married on February 22, 1887, to Miss Mary
M. Power, a daughter of Colonel John M. and Lydia A. Power,
('olonel Power was a valiant soldier for the cause of the Union
during the Civil war, and won his title and military rank in that
memorable contest, entering the army from New Castle, Pennsyl-
vania, and making an excellent record in one of the hard-fighting
regiments enrolled in that state.

' Mr. Douglas and his wife are members of the Episcopal church,
holding their membership in one of the congregations in Chicago.
He is a Free Mason, belonging to Rising Sun Lodge, No. 119, at
Lawrence in this fraternity, and he also belongs to Chicago Lodge,
No. 4, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

His great-grandfather on his mother's side of the house was
Corporal Job Sheldon in the Revolutionary war and one of the
faithful soldiers who captured Major Andre, the British spy,
during that struggle for liberty and independence. The grand-

HISTOEY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 697

father of Mr. Douglas was also a man of prominence and influence
in Delaware county, New York, where he passed the greater part
of his life, and where he served as county clerk for twenty-four
consecutive years. Mr. Douglas also takes an active interest in
public affairs, but only in the performance of the duties of citizen-
ship and with no aspiration toward public office or prominence
in the affairs of any political party. He and his wife stand well
in the county, and are regarded as most worthy, estimable and
useful citizens.

Silas A. Breed. — The world instinctively and justly renders
deference to the man whose success in life has been worthily
achieved, who has attained a competence by honorable methods
and whose high reputation is solely the result of preeminent
merit. Such a man is Silas A. Breed, a prominent farmer and
fruit-grower of Almena township, whose valuable and highly im-
proved estate of one hundred and twenty acres is situated in
sections 7 and 8, his pleasant residence being in the former sec-
tion. His is the remarkable record of having lived on the same
farm nearly all his life, to which he came as a baby two years
of age.

Mr. Breed is a native son of the Wolverine state, his birth
having taken place in Antwerp township, Van Buren county, on
December 11, 1848, his parents being Silas and Mary Ann Jones
(Miller) Breed. The father was born in New Hampshire and
resided until he became of age in that state. He then removed
to the Empire state, where he settled and where he was married
to his first ^dfe, whose name was Nancy Bangs. They lived in
New York until 1835. at which time four children had been
born to them. After the birth of their son Joshua, they came to
the newly opened state of Michigan, and located first at Breeds-
ville, where the head of the house erected a mill. A few years
later he removed to a point just east of Paw Paw, on the old
territorial road. Here be rented land and resided for two years,
previous to taking tbe Elden-Gillman farm, where he lived for
five years. It was subsequent to that, that he removed to the
farm upon which his son, the subject, now resides, and there the
elder gentleman passed the remainder of his days, his demise
occurring on May 7, 1878. Three children were born to him and
his good wife, all of whom survive at the present time. Nancy
B. is the wife of George W. Meyers and Ermine is the wife of
J. H. Bennett, of Boyne City in northern Michigan, Dr. Bennett
being a practicing physician and surgeon.

Silas A. Breed is indebted to the district schools for his educa-
tion. Within the walls of the district school-room he pursued
his studies until he was in the neighborhood of twenty years old,
in the meantime assisting his father in his work and becoming
under his excellent tutelage familiar with farming in all its
departments. Subsequently he purchased the farm for his own
and as previously mentioned he has lived here ever since baby-
hood, every inch of it being dear to him with some association.

On June 4, 1870, Mr. Breed was united in marriage to Emily
Stoughton, daughter of James W. Stoughton, of Almena town-

698 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

ship, and to this happy union two children have been born —
Charles and Glenn. The former, who lives upon the old home
place and assists in its management, married Myrtle Kessler and
is the father of seven children : Theo, James, Frank, La Rue,
Carl, Mina and Robert. Glenn is in Kansas, where he is prom-
inent in the automobile business. He left home when a youth
of eighteen years. He is single.

Mr. and Mrs. Breed are members of the Maccabees at Goble-
ville and both for a good many years have been members of the
Waverly Free Baptist church. Mr. Breed is a trustee at the
present time and for several years was clerk of the church. He
is one of the most active members, assisting in every way
possible in the campaign for good instituted by the church body.
Mr. Breed has always voted with the Republican party and is a
stalwart supporter of its policies and principles. He is held in
generally high esteem and confidence and it is appropriate that
in him should have been vested the responsibilities of office, he
having held the offices of treasurer and township clerk. He is
a man of pleasing address and it has been his successful aim
and ambition to lead a true and upright life. He is, in truth, one
of the most highly respected citizens of Almena township.

Mrs. Sophie Krohne. — If the history of our county is more
concerned with the deeds of its men than with those of its women,
it is not because they are so much more important, but because
they are of the sort which lend themselves to narrative. Van Buren
(*ounty owes as much to the women who are its loyal citizens as to
the masculine element of her population, and this no man will
gainsay. Prominent among the women who ably conduct their
estates and whose enterprise has won them the administration of the
entire community is Mrs. Krohne.

Westphalen, Germany, was the birthplace of Sophie Wolf Krohne
as well as that of her parents, Wilhelm and Angela Rupencamp
Wolf, and of her four brothers and one sister. Sophie was the
fourth in the family in point of age and was born December 21,
1862. The father of this family was a butcher and a farmer who
spent his life in Germany. After his death the mother decided
to come to America, and accordingly she and her family sailed
from Bremen to New York in 1882 and came directly to Berrien
county. At present all the children except Henry reside in the
state of Michigan. He lives in Kingman county, Kansas.

The resources of the Wolf family were very limited when they
arrived in the new country, and until her marriage Sophie worked
for wages. On September 13, 1885, she was married to Henry
Krohne. He, like his bride, had been born and reared in West-
phalen, Germany, and had come to America in the same year. At
the time of his arrival he not only had no money, but was in
debt. He went to work on the farm of his uncle and then came
to Van Buren county and secured employment on the farm of
Mr. Gregory, one of the pioneers of the county. For ten years
Mr. Krohne worked for Mr. Gregory and then he and his wife were
able to purchase a home of their own. To be sure, they were
obliged to go- into debt for a part of their first eighty acres, but

HISTORY OF VAN BIJREN COUNTY 699

careful husbandry and wise management presently enabled them
to pay off what they owed and to purchase an additional twenty
acres. Sixty of the first tract was in Van Buren county and the
remainder in Cass county.

In time the small house was replaced by a pleasant modern
dwelling and the "shack'' by the excellent barns. The farm has
grown to a place of two hundred and sixty acres, all finely im-
proved and in prosperous condition. In the success which was
his before he was called from this life in 1910 Mr. Krohne owed
no little part to the wife, who had so ably aided him throughout
the toilsome journey from poverty to affluence. Mr. Krohne was
a Lutheran and his family are also valued members of that church.
In politics he was a Republican and though not active in political
life, he was genuinely interested in the public welfare. At the
time of his death he was a member of the school board, for educa-
tional matters always claimed his attention.

There were two sons and two daughters in the family of Sophie
and Henry Krohne. John is the eldest and has received his educa-
tion in this county where he now is one of the thrifty farmers.
For a time he also engaged in the butcher business. On July 19,
1911, he was married to Miss Eva Rupencamp, of Council Bluffs,
Iowa, where she graduated from the high school. They are mem-
bers of the Lutheran church and he is a Republican in politics.
The other son, William, is at home with his mother and is a prac-
tical farmer. In political views he follows the family tradition and
supports the Republican party. Louise, the elder daughter, -has
completed the course of the common school and has studied music.
Rosa, the youngest, is in the first year of high school.

These children have received an inheritance from their honored
father more valuable than the material one his industry attained
for them, for he has left them a name which is a synonym of recti-
tude and probity. Not only for the sake of him but for their own
many lofty qualities, Mrs. Krohne and her family are accorded a
place among the most highly respected people of the county.

Anson D. Pease. — Holding a prominent and well assured place
in the affairs of Almena township. Van Buren county, is Anson
D. Pease, one of the representatives of the agricultural industry,
which more than any other factor contributes to the unusual
prosperity of this favored section of the United States. Mr.
Pease was born at Eckford, Calhoun county, Michigan, on July 14,
1857. He is the son of John L. and Julia E. (Osborn) Pease. The
former was born in Oneida county. New York, and was the son
of John W. Pease, a native of Connecticut, who lived to the great
old age of ninety-six years. The father survives at the present
time, a gentleman of eighty years, still hale and hearty and
greatly interested in the progress of the times. He makes his
residence at Cadillac, Michigan. He is a veteran of the Civil war
and his father, John W., carried a musket in the war of 1812. As
previously mentioned John L. Pease was born in New York and
there resided until the attainment of liis majority. Then, favor-
ably impressed with the newly opened northwest, he concluded
to cast his fortunes with this section and accordingly took up his

700 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

residence within the borders of the state. Two years later he
was followed by his father, who secured land in the vicinity of
Eckford and there resided until his demise in 1879. He then re-
moved to Wexford county, near Cadillac, and farmed there until
1901, when he retired and took up his abode in Cadillac, where
he is an honored citizen. He is the father of five children, An-
son D. Pease, the immediate subject of this record being the only
one surviving at the present time.

The boyhood of Anson D. Pease was passed in Eckford, Cal-
houn county. When he was about ten years of age his mother's
death broke up the home and five children were left without a
mother's care. The children found various homes and Anson
lived in the neighborhood until he was thirty years of age, when
he established an independent home by marriage. He has pros-
pered in very definite manner and is now the possessor of two
hundred and ninety acres of Almena township's best land. The
entire tract is paid for and almost the whole of it he has gained
himself. He is of that typically American product, — the self-made
man.

Mr. Pease was married on September 20, 1887, the young
woman to become his wife being Euphemia Crofoot, daughter of
Asa Crofoot, of Almena township, a native of the state of New
York and a man of considerable affairs in this township. His
demise occurred some twenty-four years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Pease
are the parents of two children, Roy D., aged twenty-one, hold-
ing an excellent position with the American Express Company, of
Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Kyle D., aged fourteen (born August
25, 1897), a student in the public schools. The Crofoots are an
eastern family. Asa Crofoot married Elenore Erkenbeck. His
father's name was Joseph Crofoot.

The subject is a Mason, belonging to Hudson Lodge, No. 325
at Gobleville and to the Chapter at Paw Paw. He is likewise
affiliated with the Gleaners. He is a Republican in politics, and
he has been honored by the bestowal of public office, he having
served as treasurer and highway commissioner, and in an emi-
nently satisfactory manner.

Hiram A. Cole. — Following the migratory genius of his craft,
which was almost universal in practice among its members until
within a comparatively recent period, Hiram A. Cole, of Paw
Paw, owner and publisher of the Paw Paw Free Press and
Courier, has worked in many places at the printer's case, and
had valuable experience in association with men under widely
differing circumstances and conditions. Unlike the proverbial
rolling stone, however, he gathered moss in the form of worldly
substance as he roamed, and found himself steadily moving to-
ward the goal of his ambition, where he is now safely anchored,
and with power to work out any other aspirations he may have.

Mr. Cole is a native of Kalamazoo county, where his life began
on a farm on March 24, 1856. He is a son of Hiram and Ann
(Shaw) Cole, natives of the state of New York who came to
Michigan in 1846 and took up their residence on the farm in
Kalamazoo county already alluded to as the birthplace of their

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 701

son Hiram. After farming several years in Kalamazoo county
the father moved his family to Decatur in this county, where he
passed the remainder of his life actively engaged in a general law
practice, serving as prosecuting attorney of Van Buren county
several terms. He died in April, 1870.

His widow survived him nearly twenty-nine years, passing
away on January 1, 1899. They were the parents of three chil-
dren, all of whom are living: Louise M., widow of the late E. A.
Blackman, of Hillsdale county, who was a prominent journalist
of this county, and widely and favorably known as such all over
the state; Hiram A., the subject of these paragraphs; and Charles
S., who is with his brother Hiram.

Hiram A. Cole obtained a high-school education in Decatur,
and then began life for himself by learning the trade of printer
in the office of the Decatur Republican, of which Mr. Blackman,
mentioned above, was the editor and proprietor. Mr. Cole re-
mained with the Republican three years, then went to Battle
Creek, Michigan, and there .worked on the Michigau Tribune two
years. Returning to Decatur at the end of that period, he pur-
chased an interest in the Republican. But he sold this soon after-
ward and moved to South Bend, Indiana, where he worked on
the Daily Tribune for a year and a half, winning credit for him-
self and giving his employers full satisfaction.

By this time he had grown weary of the continuous monotony
of his trade and determined to enter another line of useful en-
deavor. He returned again to Decatur and followed the grocery
business for a year. ^Mercantile life was not to his taste, and he
returned to the case, becoming a compositor on the Paw Paw
Free Press and Courier, Avith which he was connected three years.
His next engagement was as foreman on the True Noi^iherner, in
which capacity he served that paper for a year and a half.

There was now an opening for him in a higher department of
his calling, and he promptly took advantage of it. He bought
an interest in the Paw Paw Free J^ress and Courier and entered
into a partnership with James F. Jordan in the ownership and
management of the paper. He bought Mr. Jordan out within
the first year, and thus became the sole owner of the publication,
which he has been ever since. The paper has a large local cir-
culation and wields a considerable influence with the people. It
is the only Democratic newspaper in the county, and always sup-
ports the principles and candidates of its party with fearless
courage, impressive force and unwavering loyalty, as it acts
wholly on conviction and never has occasion to dodge an issue
or side-step or shuffle on any question.

Mr. Cole was married on December 1, 1875, to Miss Carrie A.
Neff, a daughter of Emanuel and Laurilla A. (Field) Neff, who
are the parents of three children: Mrs. Cole, her brother Wal-
lace, and her sister Mabel, now the wife of E. S. Briggs of Paw
Paw. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have four children: Alberto N., who was
born on June 2, 1878, and is now engaged in newspaper work in
Chicago ; Carlos C, who was born on August 21, 1888 ; and is now
a teacher of Latin and Greek in the Battle Creek High School;
Katharine, whose life began on July 15, 1890; and Margaret, who

702 HISTORY OP VAN mjREN COUNTY

came into being on June 4, 1896. The two last named are still
living at home with their parents.

In his political faith and allegiance Mr. Cole is an uncomprom-
ising Democrat in state and national affairs. In local matters
he regards always the best interests of the community, and does
not allow his zeal for their promotion to be overborne by partisan
considerations. But he also endeavors to have his party pursue
such a course in determining its policy and selecting its can-
didates as will best subserve the public welfare. In fraternal
circles he is something of an enthusiast, holding membership in
the Masonic order, the Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of the
Maccabees and the Knights of Pythias, and taking an active part
in the proceedings of his lodge in each. He is regarded on all
sides as one of Van Buren county's most reliable, useful and rep-
resentative citizens from every point of view.

Oliver P. Ketchum. — The birthplace of Oliver P. Ketchum was
in New England, the cradle of so much of our national history, but
in Michigan he has made his home since the age of one year and he
is very loyal to the section. The estate of this prominent farmer and
good citizen consists of two hundred acres, advantageously situated
in sections sixteen and ten, and his operations in the great basic
industry have proved of very successful character. He has played
a useful part in township affairs and has the distinction of being
a veteran of the Civil war, having worn the blue during the con-
flict between the states. His military record is indeed gallant and
interesting.

This citizen of Almena township w^as born in Berkshire county,
Massachusetts, on January 4, 1844, and is the son of Elihu and
Abigail (Darling) Ketchum. Elihu was also born in the Bay state
and there was reared, educated and married. There he and his
worthy wife spent their younger days and all but one of their
children were born in Massachusetts, where the head of the house
was a farmer. Of their children, five are now living, as follows:
A. J., who makes his home in Mason county, Michigan; Harriet,
who married J. H. Stevens, of North Dakota, now deceased; Ann
married Allen Gorman and is also a widow ; Helen became the
Avife of Mr. Patterson and makes her home in the Bay state.

The newly opened northwest appealed to the parents of Oliver
P. Ketchum as presenting greater opportunities for their sons and
(laughters and accordingly, when the subject was an infant, they
severed the old associations and brought goods and chattels to
Michigan. They chose Van Buren county as a location and pos-
sessed themselves of land which was new and uncleared. Their
farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres and a great part of
it was covered with timber, vast labor being entailed in bringing
it to a state of cultivation. Of the original tract Mr. Ketchum now
owns eighty acres. There the father and mother spent the residue
of their lives, the mother dying when Oliver was a lad of seven
years. In course of time the father again married Casdania Clark,
also of Massachusetts, becoming his second wife. The father sur-
vived until 1864.

Mr. Ketchum remained beneath the parental roof-tree until

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 703

1861, when the long gathering Civil war cloud broke in all its fury
and the young men of the nation were called to risk and sacrifice
their lives upon the battlefield. He enlisted soon after the firing of
the first guns at Sumter, as a member of Company K, Thirteenth
Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and saw almost four years of service.
Throughout almost all of this period he was with ''Uncle Billy''
Sherman and was with that gallant commander on the famous
march to the sea. He experienced many iiardships and saw much
fighting. When the war was over Mr. Ketchum returned to Mich-
igan and on July 14, 1866, w^as united in marriage to Clara Story,
daughter of Thomas Story, of Pine Grove. No children have been
born to this union, but in the kindness of their hearts Mr. and Mrs.
Ketchum have reared a boy from babyhood and he is as their own
son. This admirable young man, Mark E. Ketchum, married Laura
Emmons and they have three children, all living, who bear the
names of Thomas E., Oliver R. and Mark J.

Mr. Ketchum is a Mason and exemplifies in his own life those
ideals of moral and social justice and brotherly love for which the
order stands. His membership is w4th Gobleville Lodge, No. 325.
He is a tried and true Republican, and cast his maiden vote for
Abraham Lincoln. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic
of Gobleville, Michigan. He has held public office with the utmost
acceptability, having been at one time highway commissioner and
having given service in other capacity. In short, Mr. and Mrs.
Ketchum are popular and highly esteemed citizens of the commu-
nity in which for so many years their interests have been centered.

Donald F. Cochrane. — As editor and publisher of the Hartford
Day Spnng and clerk of the village of Hartford, Donald F. Coch-
rane is in close touch with public sentiment in his locality and a
leading man in giving it trend and expression. He is also directly
connected with the financial interests of the community and its
people, and has excellent opportunities to aid in caring for them
in an intelligent and forceful way. It must be said, greatly to his
credit but in perfect candor, that in both capacities he is faithful
to his trust, and his services are rendered in an upright, con-
scientious and able manner, which makes them satisfactory to the
public, and enables him to maintain the hold on its confidence and
regard which he long ago won. Mr. Cochrane is a native of this
state, though not of Van Buren county. He was born at York,
Washtenaw county, on IMay 21, 1881. He is a son of Rev. Henry
F. and Coral M. (Wray) Cochrane, the former a native of the
state of Massachusetts and the latter of Illinois. The father was a
clergyman of the Baptist denomination, and was nationally promi-
nent in the councils of his church. While living in Michigan he
was secretary of the state organization of the sect, and his fidelity
to duty and pronounced ability in this position were matters of
general commendation. He received an excellent education, being
graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York, and re-
ceiving the degree of LL. D. in a post-graduate course at Yale
University. His theological teaching and training for the ministry
was secured at the Rochester (New York) Theological Seminary,
and he served for some years as pastor of the leading Baptist

704 HISTORY OF VA.\ BUREN COUNTY

church in that city. In the year 1879 he moved to this state and
located in Detroit, subsequently holding pastorates at Ypsilanti,
Gentreville, St. Joseph county, and at Adrian, and in 1887 he
moved his family to Van Buren county. Here he passed the re-
mainder of his days, dying in 1895. At the time of his death he
was the owner and editor of the Hartford Day Spring, having pur-
chased it in 1898 in association with his son Donald. He was a
Royal Arch degree Freemason and very devoted to the fraternity,
active in its meetings and zealously and effectively serviceable in
its behalf from his young manhood.

ReV/ Mr. Cochrane and his wife were the parents of six children,
all of whom are living : Frederick, who is an extensive fruit grower
in Florida; Grace, who is the wife of Rev. Mr. Clark and resides
with him at Chelsea, Massachusetts ; Robert W., who is in the drug
business in Kalamazoo ; Donald F., who succeeded the father as the
owner and editor of the Hartford Day Spring; Beatrice F., who
has for some years been principal of a high school in Lansing ; and
Everett AV., who is at this time (1911) sporting editor of the Kan-
sas City (Missouri) Journal.

Donald F. Cochrane was six years old when his parents located
in Van Buren county. He began his education in the public
school at Bloomingdale, continued it at the Grand Rapids High
School and completed it at Ferris College in Mecosta county. While
attending the institution last named he also did editorial work in
Big Rapids and Benton Harbor, Michigan. In 1898, as has been
stated, in company with his father, he purchased the newspaper he
now owns and publishes. This publication is an earnest advocate
and defender of the principles of the Republican party, of which
Mr. Cochrane is a true and loyal member, and in whose behalf he
is an energetic and effective worker. But above all and before all
else, the paper and its editor are ardently devoted to the welfare
and improvement of Hartford township and Van Buren county.
As a justice of the peace Mr. Cochrane is also able to aid in pro-
moting the interests of his locality, and he does it with firmness and
intelligence. He is a member of Florada Lodge, No. 309, in the
Masonic order and zealous in the service of the fraternity.

On October 12, 1902, Mr. Cochrane was married to Miss Sadie
Stow^e, of Bangor, Michigan. She is a graduate of the Hartford
High school, and before her marriage was a teacher of considerable
local celebrity. They have one child, their son Donald S., who was
bom on March 4, 1904. The lives of his parents have been devoted
to pursuits which are educational in character, and they feel a deep
interest in the intellectual improvement of the people, especially
those of the rising generation. They are cordial supporters of the
public school system, and make their interest in it effective by ac-
tive efforts for its betterment and increased usefulness. They also
stand by and befriend every agency working in the community for
the moral and material good of its residents and their social en-
joyment. Their citizenship is highly valued throughout the county,
and in every relation of life they have shown themselves altogether
worthy of the hearty regard and good will the people generally
have for them.

HISTORY OF VAN Bl^REN COl^NTY 70*5

Mrs. Syrena B. Hall. — It will not be gainsaid that one of the
most highly revered and best beloved of the good people of
Alraena township is Mrs. Syrena B. Hall, who, crowned with years
and honor, is a representative of the noble womanhood of Van
Buren county. Mrs. Hall has been granted more extended life
than the majority of mankind and has long passed the psalmist's
allotment, being now in her ninetieth year. In her long and use-
ful life she has indeed been proved

"A noble woman, nobly planned,
To warn, to comfort and command."

]\Irs, Hall, who is the widow of Freeman Hall, is a native of the
state of New^ York, her birth having occurred in Otsego county
on August 8, 1822. Her husband, who was the son of Joseph
Hall, was born in Massachusetts. Her maiden name was Syrena
Bonfoey and she w^as the daughter of Horace and Susanna
(Smith) Bonfoey, the former the scion of one of the old families
of New England, — that cradle of so much of our national his-
tory. His eyes first opened to the light, of day at Had-
dam. ^Middlesex county, Connecticut. His father was Benanual
Bonfoey.

Wlien Mrs. Hall was a young girl thirteen years of age she
came to Michigan with her parents, who had become impressed
with the rich resources and opportunity of the northwest. The
country was little developed then — in 1835 — in fact Horace Bon-
foey was one of the first settlers in Almena township, and here
he and his family met the joys and sorrows peculiar to the lot
of the pioneer, conquering the wild young virgin country and
cutting new paths, laying them straight and clean. Mrs. Hall
vividly remembers the Indians and bears and w^olves which in-
habited the region in abundance. Their first home was a cabin
in the woods, a mere rough shanty, in truth, but they lived in it
but a short time, and then built a log cabin of more comfortable
sort. Subsequently the father built the house in which the family
lived for many years and in which George Brooks makes his
home at the present time. The father resided in this house until
his summons to the ''Undiscovered Country'' a good many years
ago. Eight children Avere born into the houshold of Horace
Bonfoey and his good wife, but Mrs. Hall is the only one who
survives. She was the third in order of birth.

When a maiden of twenty she was united in marriage to one
of the young men of Almena township, — Freeman Hall, their
union being celebrated on November 9, 1842. After their mar-
riage they came to the house in which Mrs. Hall still makes her
home and beneath its roof they lived together for nearly fifty
years, Mr. Hall dying in 1891. Their long companionship was
of the happiest and most congenial sort and although no children
were born to them, they reared a number of boys and girls who
might otherwise have been homeless. One of these was the son
of Mrs. Hall's brother, who took the name of Frederick Hall.
This estimable citizen now lives across the road from his aunt
and foster-mother.

706 HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Mrs. Hall has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church since her twentieth year and still retains her membership,
although the weight of years precludes the possibility of her
being as active as formerly. Her influence is and long has been
a real factor for good, for she has lived a Christian life in the
truest sense of the w^ord, and respect and high standing are hers.
She owns two hundred and twenty acres of land, whose manage-
ment she has given into other hands.

John C. Kennedy. — Prominent among the honored and sub-
stantial citizenship of Almena township, Van Buren county, JMichi-
gan, is John C. Kennedy, an extensive farmer and fruit grower.
Mr. Kennedy is one of those native sons of Almena township who
have paid the section the highest compliment within his power by
electing to remain permanently wdthin its borders. The date of his
birth was February 17, 1857, and he is the son of Newton and Mary
(Williams) Kennedy. The father's birthplace was Bradford
county, Pennsylvania, and he was the son of David Kennedy,
probably also a native of the Keystone state. The subject's father
was a young man twenty-one years of age when he came to Michi-
gan, and he first located at Stevens' Corners, in Almena township.
At that time this section was practically a wilderness and Mr. Ken-
nedy remembers as a child listening to his father's tales of the days
when wolves roamed this part of the country. His memory of his
father's return with venison from hunting is equally vivid. The
original homestead w^as all forest and it was his father's monu-
mental task to clear this and begin farming. He spent the entire
remainder of his life here with the exception of one year which he
and his family spent in the state of Iowa. He was not satisfied
with the land there and, the old associates remaining dear to
him, he came back to Michigan. He died in 1872 and his wife sur-
vived him for a number of years, her demise occurring in 1897.
Five children were born to them, and of the number three are liv-
ing at the present time. Albert makes his home at Pine Grove vil-
lage in Van Buren county; Martin is a Kalamazoo county farmer
and John C. is the subject of this review.

John C. Kennedy received such limited education as it was his
portion to secure behind a desk in the district school of Almena
township. He assisted his father with the work of the farm and
resided beneath the home roof until 1872. In that year he estab-
lished himself upon an independent footing and took up the car-
penter trade, which he followed for the space of twenty years,
five years of which were passed in Gobleville. -Following this he
sold out his business and bought a farm in Almena tow^nship. He
remained engaged in the great basic industry of agriculture until
1905, when he retired from the more active labors of life and re-
moved to Armstrong's Corners, where he purchased a very pretty
home and where he now resides, secure in the possession of hosts
of friends.

An August 25, 1880, Mr. Kennedy laid the foundation of a
happy household by his union with Ida Covey, daughter of Luther
and Phoebe (Strong) Covey, the father a native of the Empire
state and the mother of Michigan. Covey Plill, of some renown in

HISTORY OF VAN IWREN COUxNTY 707

Waverly township, was the place where Mrs. Kennedy \s grand-
father Covey first located, and a large tract of the surrounding
country w^as in his possession.

Fraternally Mr. Kennedy is a Mason, who exemplifies the noble
principles of the order in his own living. He is also affiliated with
the Knights of Pythias at Gobleville and with the Grangers and
(xleaners, insurance orders. In politics he is a Republican and in
evidence of the confidence in which he is held in the community is
the fact that for a number of terms he has held the offices of super-
visor and tow^nship treasurer (the latter for two years) with credit
to himself and honor to his constituents. His tenure of the above
offices covers a period of seven consecutive years. Mr. Kennedy
owns one hundred and thirty acres of Almena township's most de-
sirable land. He is widely known and it may almost be said that
his circle of acciuaintances is co-incident with that of his friends.

Merle II. Young. — Energetic and enterprising in everything he
undertakes, and well prepared for the duties of life by natural
ability well developed and trained in botli academic and profes-
sional lines. Merle II. Young, present supervisor of the town of
Paw Paw and one of the younger lawyers of Van Buren county,
living in Paw Paw, is one of the most promising members of his
profession in this part of the state, and ranks high in the estima-
tion of the people as one of their brightest, best and most capable
citizens. He has been at the bar only five years, but even in that
short period has made his mark in his profession and won general
commendation for the ability he has shown and his high character
and general worth as a man.

Mr. Young is a native of Paw Paw, and therefore has a special
interest in its growth and development and the substantial and
enduring welfare of its people. He seeks to promote these by every
means at his command, applying both intelligence and energy to
all public affairs, and stimulating other citizens to activity by his
own. He was born on May 25, 1884, and is a son of Charles Wes-
ley and Anna (Vanauken) Young, the former a native of Ohio and
the latter of Michigan. The father came to this state and county in
1849 and took up his residence in Paw^ Paw township, where he
has lived ever since and been engaged in business as a farmer, fruit
grower and dealer in farming implements. He w^as connected
officially with the State Agricultural Society for twenty-two years
and its treasurer for fifteen. He has also served a number of years
as supervisor and has done excellent work for his township and
the county in many other w^ays. He is now living quietly in Paw
l^aw^ at the age of sixty-eight, in the full enjoyment of his ''green
old age," the fruits of his many years of useful industry and the
universal regard and good will of all classes of the inhabitants of
the county w^hich has had the benefits of his enterprise in business,
his fidelity and ability in the public service and the stimulus of
his fine example as a man and citizen.

Merle H. Young is one of the tw^o children and sons born to his
parents, their offspring comprising only himself and his older
brother, Dr. George F. Young, a prominent physician in active gen-
eral practice at South Haven, the beautiful lake city of this county.

708 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Merle was graduated from the Paw Paw High School at the age of
eighteen, then entered the law department of the State University
at Ann Arbor, from which he received his degree of LL. B. in 1906.
He was at once admitted to the bar and took charge of his father's
business as legal counselor and manager, and is still looking after
it in that dual capacity and also enlarging his professional work
by extending his general practice in the county.

On April 4, 1911, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth
Whitman, one of the four daughters of Irving A. and Caroline
(Stainton) Whitman. Their other children are: Bertha, the
wife of Charles Batchelder, who resides in Detroit, ]\Iichigan;
Anna, who is living at home with her parents ; and Sarah, the wife
of Charles N. Hathaway, whose home is in Seattle, Washington.
All are doing well in their several localities and exemplifying in
their daily lives the lessons acquired from the teaching and exam-
ples of their parents around the family hearthstone.

Mr. Young is a Republican in his political faith and allegiance,
and an ardent supporter of the principles and candidates of his
party in all campaigns. His fraternal affiliations are with the
Masonic Order in which he is senior warden, and the Order of the
Eastern Star. Mrs. Young is also a member of the latter order.
In Freemasonry he has taken all the degrees in Lodge, Chapter
and Council, and is an earnest worker in each. His religious con-
nection is with the Presbyterian church, and his wife is a Christian
Scientist.

Jewett Cleveland. — A prominent citizen of Waverly township
is Jewett Cleveland, farmer and stockman, and also a veteran of
the Civil war, having served in the gallant First Michigan Cavalry
during the last year of the struggle between the states. It is almost
needless to say that he came from the state of New York, an un-
usually large number of Empire state people having assisted in the
development of this section of the Wolverine state. Mr. Cleve-
land's well-improved place of thirty-eight acres is located in sec-
tion 17 and is the scene of intelligent operations in general farm-
ing and stock raising.

Jewett Cleveland was born in Oswego county, New York, April
4, 1848, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Bessey) Cleveland,
})ot]i natives of Saratoga Springs, New York. The father was
twice married, first to Elizabeth Bessey and after her demise to
her cousin Elnora. To the first union six children were born,
three of whom are living in 1911. To the second were also born
six children, and of these four are living in 1911, namely: Jewett
of this review, Zelon, Arthur K., and Edwin (of Kalamazoo,
Michigan).

Jewett Cleveland was a lad six years of age when his parents
made their adieux to old associations and brought their goods and
chattels to Michigan, of whose resources and advantages they had
heard good report. They located in Columbia township. Van
Buren county, and while growing to young manhood Jewett at-
tended school in the winter months and worked on the farm in
the summer. As was the case with the young men of his day and
generation, the threatening noise of the approaching great civil

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 709

stmiggle disturbed the serenity of his younger days. He was very
young when the Nation first went down into the ^^ Valley of De-
cision, ' ' but he was patriotic and high spirited and on February 9,
1864, at the age of seventeen years, he hearkened to his country ^s
call and enlisted as a member of Company E, First Michigan Cav-
alry. He remained in service until the close of the war, being
mustered out October 9, 1865. Shortly thereafter he returned to
Van Buren county.

For a number of years after the war Mr. Cleveland was engaged
in farming and saw-milling and in the year 1904 he came into
possession of his present farm. On July 13, 1873, he married
Emma A. Salisbury, thus establishing an independent household.
Mrs. Cleveland was born January 20, 1855, in Cass county, Michi-
gan, and received her education in the schools of that county. To
this union have been born four children, namely : Grace, wife of
Carl Tibbitt, of Galesburg, Michigan; May, wife of John Wilson,
of Galesburg; Lynn, who married Ada Zwansig, and lives at Ot-
tawa, Illinois ; and Fay, who is single and remains at home.

Mr Cleveland is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal
church of Glendale and is one of its trustees. Fraternally he is a
member of Glendale Lodge, No. 408, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He has given hand and heart to the cause of the Repub-
lican party since his earliest voting days and has given excellent
service as highway commissioner of his township. He has not for-
gotten the comrades of other days and is interested in all the ''Old
Boys" doings.

George Langdon. — One of Almena tow^nship, Van Buren
county's, highly respected citizens and representative farmers
and fruit growers is George Langdon, who, although not a na-
tive son of the Wolverine state, has resided within its boundaries
since youth. His eyes first opened to the light of day in "Wayne
county, New York, April 23, 1855. He is the son of Henry and
Phoebe (Smith) Langdon and the grandson of Ananias Langdon.
Henry Langdon was also a native of the Empire state, where he
was reared and married, and where he resided until summoned
to the Great Beyond. He and his wife were the parents of four
children, only one of whom is now living, namely : the subject.

George Langdon was about fifteen years of age when his father
died and he came to Michigan with his mother, who with her
own home broken up had acepted her sister's invitation to make
her home with her. They remained permanently in the state,
eventually having a home of their own and beneath its roof the
subject remained until his marriage. He laid the foundations of
an independent household when on November 5, 1882, he was
united in matrimony to Phoebe French, daughter of Warren and
Sarah (Eager) French. Sarah Eager 's father, Benjamin Eager,
came to Michigan when it was a territory, and was one of its
early pioneers and followed farming all his life. He and his
Avife were the parents of thirteen children. The mother dying
when the youngest was a baby. The care of the family fell upon
the shoulders of the older children, of whom Mrs. Langdon 's
mother, Sarah, was one, making her life one of extreme and

710 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

severe toil and responsibility. She and her husband, Warren
Eager, lived together for many years, the husband being one
year the older and his death proved so great a shock to his widow
that she only survived one week. Mrs. Langdon's father was a
native of Vermont and remained in the Green Mountain state
until his marriage, when he and his wife took up their residence
in the state of New York and later moved to ]\lichigan and set-
tled in Almena, where he followed farming some forty years, up
to the time of his death, which occurred when he was over eighty
years. He was a Democrat in politics and always took an active
part in town affairs, holding a number of town offices, among
them being that of supervisor, which office he filled for many
years. Both he and his wife claimed St. Albans, Vermont, as
their birthplace. Nine children were bom to them, of which
number six are now living, namely : Mary J., wife of Levi Brown ;
Henry French ; Ella, wife of Wells Edgerley ; Walter ; Phoebe,
wife of the immediate subject of the review; and Hiram T.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Langdon located on the
farm upon which they have ever since resided. This consists of
ninety-four acres of excellent land, located in Almena township,
and here Mr. Langdon has engaged successfully in fruit grow-
ing and general farming. Here nine sons and daughters have
been born to bless the home, seven of the number now surviving.
Claude is an employe in a factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan;
Ralph, now at home, was engaged in farming in Idaho for i\Ye
years; Ray is employed in a drug store in Grand Rapids; Prank
is employed in a factory in Grand Rapids; Charlie is a student
in the Paw Paw high school, and Reo and Lettie are in attend-
ance at the country schools.

Although inclined towards the men and measures of the Re-
publican party, Mr. Langdon is liberal in his political views, cast-
ing his vote for whomever he believes to be the best man, regard-
less of mere partisanship. Both he and his excellent wife are
members of the Maccabees at Almena and the family enjoy high
standing in the community in which they are best known. Mr.
Langdon 's brother James wore the Union blue at the time of the
Civil war.

Charles R. Avery. — Starting in life as a clerk and salesman in
a general dry goods store, and acquiring a fondness for the ])usi-
ness, Charles R. Avery, now one of the leading merchants of Paw
Paw, has adhered to it ever since, and although he has suffered
some severe losses he has on the w^hole made steady advances to his
present high standing in business circles, and shown at all times a
spirit of determination to win his way in spite of every obstacle
and over every difficulty.

Mr. Avery is a native of Paw Paw, and was born on September
10, 1842. He is a son of Richardson and Sarah A. (Lumbard)
Avery, the former born in Jefferson county, New York, and the
latter in Pawlet, Rutland county, Vermont. The father came to
Michigan in 1840 and located in Paw Paw after a short residence
in Detroit, during which he faced all the horrors of the great epi-
demic of cholera of the early days in that city that was fatal to so

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 711

many persons but left him unharmed. He was a carpenter and
joiner, and wrought at his trade until his death, which occurred
in Paw Paw in 1875. The mother lived to be eighty-three years
of age, surviving her husband a long time. They had four children,
of whom Charles R. is the only one living. The third and fourth
in the order of birth passed away in infancy. The second son,
Fred E., grew to manhood and was in business as a merchant for
some years in Paw Paw. He died some years ago, generally es-
teemed for his excellent business traits and his general worth as a
man and citizen.

Charles R. Avery obtained a high school education in Paw Paw.
He left school in 1859, and in 1860 entered the employ of E. Smith
and Company, a general dry goods firm of Paw Paw, with wiiom
he remained ten years, by his capacity and faithful attention to
duty ac(iuiring an interest in the business, which covered the last
few years of his connection with the house. But he was eager to
have an establishment of his own, or a larger interest in one than
he possessed in that of Mr. Smith.

Accordingly, in 1870 he formed a partnership with his brother
Fred, and together they opened a general merchandising store,
which they conducted under the firm name of C. R. and F. E.
Avery until 1877. In that year C. R. sold his interest in the busi-
ness to his brother and started a new store of his own, of which he
is still in charge. He started his separate store in a building which
he rented for the purpose, and in 1880 had his stock of goods
entirely destroyed by a disastrous fire.

Not disheartened by this calamity, he kept on trading, and in
1890, or soon afterward, bought the commodious and substantial
building of brick in which his store is now located, and in which it
has ever since been carried on. His business ability and studious
attention to the wants of the community brought him prosperity,
increased his popularity as a merchant and strengthened his hold
on the confidence and esteem of the people. In addition to his
store building and stock of merchandise he owns an attractive and
valuable residence and other property.

On June 12, 1865, Mr. Avery w^as married at Jackson, Michigan,
to Miss Flora A. Kemble, a daughter of A. C. and Emeline Kem-
ble, of that city. Three children have been born of this union:
Nettie, who died in infancy ; Bernetta, who died at the age of eleven
years; and Frank, who is associated in business with his father.
The father is a Democrat in his political faith and allegiance, and
while not strictly an active partisan, has always been loyal to his
party and zealous in its service. He has taken a cordial interest in
the affairs of the village, too, independently of political considera-
tions, serving it well and wisely as president, trustee and treasurer.
His fraternal connection is with the Knights of the Maccabees, and
his religious affiliation with the Presbyterian church. These organi-
zations enlist liis hearty support, and all their affairs receive his
energetic and helpful attention. He is ardent also in his zeal in
behalf of all worthy undertakings for the good of the people and
all the mental and moral agencies at work among them.

712 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Dr. Robert R. Lawrence. — Probably the most useful, and cer-
tainly the most comforting to mankind, of all the professions
among men is the science of medicine and surgery, and its prac-
titioners deserve, and usually secure, the universal regard and
good will of the people among whom they labor. They are called
upon for service at any hour of the day or night, in any rigor of
the seasons, and under any pressure of other engagements; and
as a rule they respond to all calls as promptly as possible, no mat-
ter what the personal sacrifice or inconvenience, or even hard-
ship to themselves. They devote their lives and energies to the
welfare of their fellow men, and the rew^ards for their fidelity
are seldom commensurate with the value of their services in a
material way. But the people who are their beneficiaries always
hold them in high esteem, and in many cases give them great and
lasting popularity.

Dr. Robert R. Lawrence, of Hartford, furnishes in his useful
career an impressive illustration of these facts. He has lived in
Hartford thirty years and during the whole of that period has
been actively engaged in an extensive and very exacting practice
of his profession. The people have found him capable and skill-
ful, attentive to their needs in his line of work, abreast with his
calling in knowledge of his teachings and very judicious in the
practical application of that knowledge; and they have bestowed
on him the full measure of their approval and popular esteem.

The Doctor was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 28, 1851, and
is a son of Daniel T. and Jane (Crawford) Lawrence, the former
a native of Canada and the latter of Warren county, Ohio. The
father was captain of a river boat on the Ohio river and became ac-
quainted with the lady whom he made his wife in Cincinnati. It
seems to have been a case of love at first sight, for they were mar-
ried after a short companionship, and a little later located in Jen-
nings county, Indiana. From there they moved to Berrien county,
Michigan, settling on a farm on which they passed the remainder
of their lives. That of the mother ended in 1883, and that of the
father in 1886, each having reached a good old age.

They were devoted to their home and its duties, and gave the
greater part of their attention to the rearing and education of
their children, nine being born to them, four of whom are living:
Judith, who is the wife of John Osborne, of Benton Harbor, this
state; John C, who is also a resident of that city; Hadassah, now
the wdfe of John Withey and a resident of Los Gatos, California;
and the Doctor. The father was a man of fine education and ex-
cellent business capacity. He was also a man of the strictest moral
rectitude, and was impelled in everything he did by a strong sense
of duty. This made him industrious in his affairs, and his care-
ful management of them enabled him to accumulate a competence
lor the benefit of his offspring, as well as for the enjoyment of him-
self and his wife in their declining years.

Dr. Lawrence was reared on the farm in Berrien county, and
began his education in the Union school in Benton Harbor. Hav-
ing completed its full course of instruction, he entered the Univer-
sity of Michigan in 1871, becoming a student in the medical depart-
ment and, in due course received his degree of M. D., in 1875. He

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 713

at once located at Watervliet, Michigan, and for six years was en-
gaged in an active practice as a physician and surgeon at that
place. In 1881 he came to Hartford as surgeon for the Chicago &
West Michigan Railroad Company, and in that capacity he is now-
serving that highway of travel and great public convenience, the
Pere Marquette. He has not, however, confined his professional
work to the requirements of the railroad, but has been occupied in a
large general practice throughout the county of Van Buren and
portions of those which adjoin it. lie has been successful in a ma-
terial way as well as in his profession, ])eing interested in farming,
a stockholder in one of tlie banks of the city, and the owner of other
property of value.

Dr. Lawrence was married on Marcli 24, 1876, to Miss Carrie H.
Merrifield, of Coloma, Berrien county, where she was ])orn and
reared. She is a highly accomplished and cultivated lady, weil
versed in literature, with fine natural ability well developed by the
most careful training. Although she and the Doctor have no chil-
dren, i\Irs. Lawrence is devoted to her home, and takes delight in
making it an agreeable resort for her own and the Doctor's numc^r-
ous friends and acquaintances.

The Doctor is a member oi' Florada .Masonic Lodge, No. ^]01), at
Hartford, and also takes great interest in the organizations formed
in and devoted to the welfare of his profession. He was formerly
vice president of the International Association of Railroad Sur-
geons, and is an active and serviceable nu^mber of the American
Medical Association. He has written for publication several bro-
chures and a number of articles on medicine and surgery, which
have been received with high approval. His political faith and
services are given to the Republican party, to which he is earnestly'
devoted, but the only political, or semi-political, office he has ever
held is that of secretary of the local pension board, which he is now
filling and has filled for many years.

M. L. Decker. — In the forty-nine years of his life M. L. Deeker,
of Paw Paw, has dwelt and been in business in three states of the
American Union and the city of Quebec, Canada. He has been
occupied in several lines of trade, filled a number of public offices
and suffered some reverses in his undertakings. His experience
has therefore been extensive and varied, and of a character to
broaden and develop him in capacity, make him firm in fiber and
flexible in function, and give him an excellent and useful knowl-
edge of human nature, evolving him into the intelligent, influen-
tial and serviceable citizen he is and has long been known to be.
He has traveled extensively, has made ten trips across the conti-
nent to California and on these trips has covered most of the west-
ern states aud New Mexico and Arizona. Some of his journeys have
been made in the interest of fruit growers, but after an extended
investigation he returned to his home county firmly convinced that
the richest and most adaptable land for fruit culture anywhere
in the United States w^as located in Van Buren county.

Mr. Decker is a native of Ohio and was born on August 28, 1862.
His parents were Absalom and Sarah (Rees) Decker, the former
born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Wales. The father was a

714 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

wag'on maker and blacksmith for a number of years, then turned
his attention to farming, in which he was engaged to the end of
his life, which came when he was about fifty-eight years old. The
mother died at the age of thirty-seven. They prospered in life,
and when the father died he owned a line farm of one hundred and
sixty acres, which show^ed by its improved condition and high state
of cultivation that he had been attentive to his work and performed
it with energy, skill and intelligence, according to the most ap-
proved methods of his time.

They had eight children, of whom but two are living, M. L. and
his older brother Elmer W., who is a resident of Grand Rapids in
this state. The children who have died were: Mary, wife of E. A.
Whitney, of Tacoma, Washington; Wilbur, w^ho lived at Grand
Rapids; Naomi, wife of William Long, of Coldwater, Michigan;
Horace, whose home was at Grand Rapids; Leora, wife of M. M.
Marshall, of Bowling Green, Ohio; and Alice, wife of G. A. Bates,
of Denver, Colorado.

At the age of eighteen M. L. Decker started in business as a
grocer at Deshler, Ohio, w^here he did a very successful business.
He was later engaged for a time in buying lumber in Quebec, Can-
ada, for parties residing in Deshler. He followed the insurance
business two years in low^a. At the end of that period he moved
to Michigan, locating in Bloomingdale, this county, where he was
in the drug trade six years. The taste he had of the West gave him
an appetite for more of it and a region farther removed from his
boyhood's home, and to gratify this desire he moved to Colorado.
He was engaged in merchandising in that state for a year, and
then returned to Bloomingdale. But at the end of another year
he changed his residence to Lacota, Van Buren county, where he
was destined to remain for a time.

Soon after his removal to Lacota he was appointed postmaster
of the village, a position which he held for nine years, conducting
the office in a drug store W'hich he owned and managed. He rose
to prominence among the people of the township and w^as chosen
to serve them as township clerk six years and as supervisor three
years. He was a member of the county board of supervisors when
the court house was built in Paw Paw. He was also a member of
the Republican County Committee for nine years. He was elected
register of deeds in 1902, being the first to occupy this office in the
new court house, and then moved to Paw Paw. In the second year
of his residence here he was chosen president of the village.

Within the year of his removal to Paw Paw he bought the general
merchandising store of Longwell Brothers, which he afterward
sold to A. C. Martin. But he bought it back again, and then sold
all of the goods but those in the drug department, with which he
started an independent drug business and this he is still carrying
on in connection with his partner, E. M. Bailey, who has been asso-
ciated with him three years, and a sketch of whom will be found in
this work. The firm is widely known as one of the most reliable in
the county, handling only the best and purest drugs, compounding
them with the utmost care and skill, dealing squarely with all pat-
rons, and representing the most desirable traits of first rate business
men and the most modern methods of doing business. In addition

HISTORY OP" VAN BUREN COUNTY 715

to the drug business, Mr. Decker also carries on a real estate busi-
ness.

In December, 1887, Mr. Decker was married to Miss Mina Eaton,
a daughter of Hon. R. C. Eaton. Mrs. Decker ^s father was a mem-
ber of the state legislature for a number of years. She and her
husband have two children: Royal E., who completed his education
with a two years ' course in college, and is now deputy county clerk ;
and Verne C, who is still living at home with his parents.

The father is a Republican in his political faith and allegiance,
and has always been loyal to his party and done all that good citi-
zenship required for its advancement in progress and success in its
campaigns. In fraternal circles he is connected with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the
Knights of the Maccabees. His religious affiliation is with the Bap-
tist church, in which he takes an active and serviceable interest at
all times. He has always been earnest and zealous in behalf of all
public improvements for the city and county of his home, and has
applied his efforts with intelligence and good judgment. Van
Buren county has no better citizen, none more enterprising and
public spirited, and none whom the people hold in higher esteem.
Mr. Decker says that although he has traveled extensively, in no
place did he find more congenial people than in the village of Paw
Paw.

Ed. M. Bailey, one of the leading business men of Paw Paw,
and the junior member of the firm of Decker & Bailey, druggists,
has passed the whole of his life to this time (1911) in Michigan,
and during all the years of his maturity has contributed sub-
stantially and valuably to the mercantile and social influence of
the state and the direction of its public affairs through his in-
fluence and activity in the locality of his home. His partner in
his present business enterprise is M. L. Decker, a sketch of whose
life will be found in this volume.

Mr. Bailey was born in Hastings, Barry county, on October 6,
1868, and is a son of Norman and Rachel (Aldrich) Bailey, the
former born in Cayuga county. New York, and the latter in Michi-
gan. The father came to Michigan in 1845 and located in Grand
Rapids. During the Civil war he was provost marshal and served
the government faithfully and effectively until the close of the
momentous conflict. In 1866 he moved to Hastings, and there he
was engaged in merchandising until his death, which occurred
when he was seventy-six years of age. The mother is still living
and has her home in Grand Rapids. They were the parents of
three children : Emma, who was the wife of Daniel Donohue, of
Hastings, but is now deceased; Ernest A., who resides in Grand
Rapids; and Ed. M.

The last named, who is the immediate subject of these para-
graphs, was graduated from the high school at Hastings in 1886
and after a course of two years' instruction at Ann Arbor Col-
lege, received his diploma in 1890. After leaving school he be-
came connected with the drug business in Otsego, and was en-
gaged in it in that city for two years and a half. From Otsego
he moved to Michigan City, where he carried on the same line

716 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

of trade three years. He next passed twelve years as the leading
druggist and general merchant of Gobleville, and in addition to
this he was engaged in the manufacture of lumber and in the
buying and shipping of live stock. He was later at Mattawan
and Bradley, having drug stores at both places. In 1908 he
moved to Paw Paw, and directly after his arrival and location in
the city, formed a partnership with M. L. Decker for conducting
a real estate and drug business. In these enterprises he is still
actively and profitably engaged, and, although he has resided in
the city but three years, he has fully won the confidence and es-
teem of the people as a business man and citizen, and holds a
high rank in mercantile circles throughout Van Buren county
and a large extent of the surrounding country.

On June 21, 1893, Mr. Bailey was united in marriage with Miss
Nellie Bush, a daughter of George A. and Lucy (Palmer) Bush,
and a native of Gobleville. Of the seven children born of this
union six are living: Cyril E., George A., Norman, Carl, Rachel
L. and Gertrude. The last born of the seven, Joy Valentine, died
at the age of one year. Otherwise the family circle is unbroken,
as all the living children are still members of it, and add life
and light to their parental home.

Mr. Bailey is a Republican in political belief and adherence,
and has never wavered in his loyalty to his party, or withheld
any service he has been able to render it. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, the Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of
Pythias, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Woodmen and the
Order of Elks. He and his wife divide their religious affiliation
between the Baptist and the Episcopal churches, he belonging to
one and she to the other, and both are true to their church duties,
as they are to every interest of their community, and helpful to
all good agencies at work among its people.

Adam Beach. — Farming, the oldest oF the industries, has a suc-
cessful and well and favorably known representative in Waverly
township in the person of Adam Beach, who engages in general
farming and stock-raising, his land being located in sections 16
and 21, forty acres being in the former and twenty in the latter.
Mr. Beach was born in Hancock county, Ohio, on October 6, 1867,
and is the son of Tobias and Eliza (Bame) Beach. He is of Ger-
man descent, his father having been born in the Fatherland, in
February, 1837. He came to the conclusion to seek the wider op-
portunity presented by the new world and crossed the Atlantic
when but eighteen years of age. In course of time he found his
way to Hancock county, Ohio, where he located. His wife was
a native of Springfield, Ohio. In 1878 the elder Mr. and Mrs.
Beach came with their family to Michigan, where they encount-
ered good fortunes and where they are now living, their resi-
dence being maintained in Waverly township, where they enjoy
general esteem. They became the parents of a family of seven
children, all of whom are living (in 1911) ; Catherine is the wife
of James Steinman, of Bloomingdale township ; John W., who
married Amanda Wolford, resides in Bloomingdale village;
Adam is the next in order of birth; Anna is the wife of Volney

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 717

Robinson; Louisa is the wife of Bert Blackman, of Allegan
county, Michigan; Conrad, who married Mabel Ashbrook, makes
his home in Bloomingdale village; Jacob took as his wife Mabel
Howard, and they make their home in the state of Washington.

Adam Beach spent his earlier boyhood and school days in the
Buckeye state and was eleven years of age when he came with
his parents to Van Buren county, Michigan. He pursued his
studies in the public schools of this section and did not conclude
his educational discipline until about sixteen years of age. At
that early age he embarked upon his career as a farmer and has
ever since continued thus engaged, employing the most enlight-
ened methods in his agricultural endeavors. He has brought his
land to a high state of improvement and his stock is known for
its high quality.

Mr. Beach laid the foundation of an independent household
when, in 1895, he was united in marriage to Rena Hollister, of
Waverly township, borji in Paw Paw township on May 24, 1879.
She is the daughter of Cyrus L. and Clara E. (Richmond) Hol-
lister and received her education in the common schools. Mr.
and Mrs. Beach share their pleasant home.\^ith three children:
Claris E., aged thirteen; Mildred, aged eight; and Lawrence W.,
aged four. Mrs. Beach is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church at Glendale, as is also her eldest daughter. The subject
is a popular member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is in harmony with
the men and measures of the Democratic party, but has never
taken an active part in political affairs, his agricultural duties
leaving him little time for other considerations.

William Killefp:r. — A volunteer in the defense of the Union at
the age of eighteen, and remaining in the service of his country
until the Civil war was ended and for half a year longer ; then a
merchant, afterward an insurance agent for some years, and since
1896 a public official standing high in the appreciation and esteem
of the people to whom he is giving faithful service, William Kille-
fer, of Paw Paw, has tried his hand at several occupations and
found it skilful and ready for any duty in them all.

Mr. Killefer was born at Richfield, Ohio, on August 5, 1846, and
is the only son and one of the two children of Henry and Abigail
(Coolman) Killefer, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the
latter of Connecticut. He therefore unites in his inherited traits
the sturdy industry, perseverance and frugality of the true Penn-
sylvanian with the shrewdness, resourcefulness and self-reliance of
the New Englander, and in his career he has exemplified the most
sterling attributes of each.

The father came to Michigan and Van Buren county in 1857, and
located in Bloomingdale, where he was engaged in general mer-
chandising until his death, w^hich occurred on November 23, 1872.
The mother died in April, 1864. They were the parents of a son
and a daughter, William and his sister Mary, the latter being now
a resident of Los Angeles, California. Their mother was their
father's second wife. His first was Jane Ann Curtis, and of their
union three children were born : John, who resides in Los Angeles,

718 HISTOJIY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

California; and Henry and Elizabeth, both of whom have been
dead a number of years, leaving three of the five born in the two
families to represent them and perpetuate the virtues and practice
the teachings of the parents.

William Killefer was practically but a schoolboy when his pa-
triotism led him into the military service to aid in saving the Amer-
ican Union from being torn asunder in sectional strife. He en-
listed in 1864 in Battery C, First Michigan Light Artillery, and in
this battery he served until October 27, 1865, when he was mustered
out at Detroit. On his return to his home in this county he became
a part of his father's mercantile establishment in Bloomingdale,
and continued as such until 1888, then moved to Paw Paw, where
he was in the insurance business for five years.

In 1896 he was appointed postmaster of Paw Paw, and he held
the office for a full term of four years. Since retiring from that
position he has been a justice of the peace, and has also carried on
an insurance business in addition to his judicial duties. But he
gives the duties of his office his first consideration, and does not
allow any other claim on his time or attention to interfere with
them under any cirpumstances. He is energetic and resourceful,
however, in pushing the insurance end of his activity, making use
of all his power to render his days of usefulness profitable to him-
self and serviceable to the community.

Mr. Killefer was married on June 3, 1880, to Miss Emma Fergu-
son, and they have had four children : Carl, w^ho was born on June
23, 1881, and was accidentally killed on October 13, 189e5, while
hunting; Ola, whose life began on October 10, 1883, and who is still
living with her parents; Wade, who was born on April 13, 1885,
and is now a professional base ball player on the team at ]\Iinne-
apolis, Minnesota; William M., who came into being on October
10, 1887, and is also a professional base ball player, formerly a
member of the team at Buffalo, New York, and now with the Phila-
delphia National team.

The father is a Republican in politics and one of the wheelhorses
of his party in the county. He serves its best interests with judg-
ment and energy at all times, and his counsel is always appreciated
by both the leaders and the rank and file as worthy of weight. He
has held the township offices of every grade, some of them for
lengthy periods. He w^as supervisor five years in Bloomingdale
and five in Paw Paw. In fraternal circles he is also prominent in
the Masonic order and the Order of Odd Fellows, taking an earnest
and serviceable interest in affairs of his lodge in each. His
church affiliation is with the Baptists, and among them, too, his in-
fluence is strong, as he is helpful in all the work of the congrega-
tion in which he holds his membership and true to the Christian
teachings of the sect in all the relations of life. As a citizen, as a
business man and as a public official he meets all the requirements
of uprightness, integrity and enterprise, and his loyalty to these
requirements has not only given him force and influence with the
people of the city and county, but has won for him their enduring
confidence and regard.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 719

Sylvester II. Jones. — The untimely death of the late Sylvester
H. Jones, of Paw Paw, on January 22, 1887, at the early age of
fifty-seven years and in the prime of his manhood and fulness of
his usefulness, enshrouded the whole community in grief and
gloom. He had been a resident of Van Buren county twenty-one
years, and during one-third of this period had lived and been in
business in Paw Paw. His worth as a man, his business ability,
his public spirit and enterprise as a citizen, and his genial and
companionable nature had given him a high place in the regard
of the people and greatly endeared him to all who knew him in-
timately, and each felt a sense of personal loss in his death, which
was universally lamented.

Mr. Jones was a native of Maine, and was born at Camden in
that state on July 21, 1830. He was a son of Johnson Jones of
that place, whose wife died when her son Sylvester was but two
years old, and as all the members of the family have passed away
her maiden name cannot now be given. There were four chil-
dren in the family, of whom Sylvester was the second in the or-
der of birth. The place and "circumstances of his nativity deter-
mined his first pursuit in life, and might have been expected to
give him more robust health than he had. For Camden, Maine,
is on the coast of the Atlantic, and its air is supposed to be full of
life-giving elements.

Mr. Jones grew to manhood and obtained his education in his
native town, and as soon as he left school began work in its prin-
cipal industry, shipbuilding. He wrought in this industry, at
first for others and later for himself, until he reached the age of
thirty-six years. Then, in 1866, he came to Michigan and Van
Buren county, and took up his residence at Glendale. There he
owned a steam saw mill, where he sawed large quantities of
butternut and ash lumber, which he sold to be used in the build-
ing of churches and other fine buildings in Paw Paw, where he
was well and favorably known among the contractors. This mill
had long been a landmark in the locality and is familiarly
spoken of as ''the Old Pioneer Mill" through all the country
around, the name indicating not only something of the age of
the structure, but also some measure of the attachment the people
have for it and its interesting history.

Mr. Jones moved to Paw Paw in 1880 and started an enterprise
in the furniture trade. He conducted the business for a few
years, then sold it, owing to his failing health, but retained the
ownership of the building in which it was carried on. But he
did not live long to enjoy the rest he had promised himself. On
January 22, 1887, as has been noted, he passed away. He was
married on December 2, 1858, to Miss Mary Adelia Thorndike, a
daughter of David W. and Betsy Jane (Hilt) Thorndike. They
were born and reared on the coast of Maine also, and the father
became a sea captain.

When the Civil war began he offered his services to the govern-
ment in defense of the Union, and was soon in the midst of active
naval operations. In the course of the conflict his ship was
blockaded in the port of Cienfuegos, Cuba, by the Confederate
terror of the sea, the Alabama. The climate was so hot and ener-

720 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

vating during the period of the blockade that the whole ship's
crew and all the officers contracted ship's fever, and many of
them died of it. The Captain passed through this ordeal safely,
but in the subsequent exposure incurred the illness of which he
died, not many months later, as scarcely any constitution could
have resisted the extreme heat to which he was subjected and
the great change he suddenly encountered in a debilitated and
wasted condition.

He and his wife were the parents of five children : Mary Adelia,
the widow of Mr. Jones; Sarah, the wife of John T. Clapp, of
Paw Paw, and Washburn W. and Francella, both of whom have
been dead for a number of years. Emma, the last born of the
family, is also deceased, leaving Mrs. Jones and her sister, Mrs.
Clapp, the only living representatives of the family. But they
do it credit in their worthy aspirations and the elevated Ameri-
can womanhood with which they work toward them in their
daily lives.

Mr. and Mrs. Jones had two children, both sons and both liv-
ing. Winfield Scott, who was born in 1862, is now a resident of
South Bend, Indiana; and Ralph Sylvester, who was born in 1876,
has his home at present in Chicago. The father was a loyal and
devoted member of the Republican party in politics, and always
energetic and effective in the service of its principles and can-
didates. His religious faith was expressed by active and ser-
viceable attendance in the Congregational church. In business,
in relation to public affairs and the welfare of his community
and in private life he was true to every claim of duty, and the
citizenship of the county found him worthy of its highest esteem
from every point of view and freely bestowed this upon him.

Charles A. Finch, farmer and owner of the creamery at Al-
mena in Almena township, was born in this same township on Octo-
ber 25, 1877. He is the son of George A. and Sarah Rhodes Finch,
the former a native of Oswego county. New York. His father
Chauncey P. Finch, was a New Englander of the state of New
Hampshire. He grew up there but when a young man went to
Oswego county, New York, where he was married and where all
his family were born. Five children were born to him, but only
three lived to grow up and the father of Charles of this sketch was
fhe middle one of the three. He was but eight years of age when
the family came to Michigan in 1854. Edward Finch was a vet-
eran of the Civil war. He belonged to the Michigan cavalry and
served throughout the entire period of the war. His death oc-
curred in 1903. The other one of the three children of Chauncey
Finch, Mrs. Helen Finch Daily, died in 1910. Her husband, Wal-
ter Daily, died in 1904, at Mattawan. The Finches first settled in
Pine Grove township of this county, and for over half a century
they have lived there and in Almena township.

George Finch grew up in the county and was married to Sarah
Rhodes. She died in 1886, when Charles was not ten years old,
leaving two little children. A few years later the father married
Miss Georgia Thomas, and they are still living at Mattawan, Mr.
George Finch being agent for the Fruit Belt Line in that place.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 721

Charles A. Finch lived at home until he was fourteen years old
and then began to make his own way by hiring out in the summers.
He continued to go to school in the winter until he was seventeen.
At that age he finished the district school course, and then worked
for wages for another year. At eighteen he purchased forty acres
of land and kept bachelor's hall on it until he was married, on
March 17, 1896. Mrs. Charles Finch was Miss Hettie Palmer be-
fore her marriage, the daughter of George Palmer, of Almena
tow^nship. Her mother died when she w^as four days old and her
father now resides in Nebraska, where he is telegraph operator for
the Northern Railroad. The mother of Mr. George Palmer was
Selina Downing. She was born in Cayuga county. New York, April
29, 1828. Her father, Isaiah Smith Downing, was born in New York
state and came to Van Buren county, Michigan, and settled in Al-
mena in 1836, at the present home of his daughter, Mrs. Palmer.
This country was then nearly an unbroken wilderness and Mrs.
Palmer, now in her eighty-third year, vividly remembers the events
of those pioneer days when the wolves and bears were often the un-
welcome intruders into the small brood of chickens, or occasionally
the sheepfold, and when the Indians were far more numerous than
the white neighbors. Mrs. Palmer's mother was Hannah Barnum,
also born in Cayuga county, New York. She had three children,
but Decatur and Eliza are both deceased, Mrs. Palmer being the
youngest. The mother died at sixty years of age. Mrs. Palmer
has spent her entire life since eight years old in the town of Al-
mena where she received her education in the district schools and
in Paw Paw, and at the age of sixteen, in 1844, she began teaching,
which she continued for seven terms, two in Almena, one in Law-
rence and the other four in nearby towns. In 1850 she married
Chauncey B. Palmer, who was born in New York state, and as a
young man came to Almena, where he followed agricultural pur-
suits all his life and died in 1900. She is the mother of four chil-
dren : George, mentioned above ; Chauncey ; Flora, residing with
her mother on the farm; and Hannah, now deceased.

Lois, the only child of the union of Charles and Hettie Finch,
was born in December 19, 1898, and is now attending school in Al-
mena. Mr. Finch holds membership in several of the best known
fraternal orders. He is a Mason in lodge No. 268 at Mattawan.
In Almena he is affiliated w^ith the Modern Woodmen, No. 9333,
and the A. O. of G., in both of which he carries insurance. Mrs.
Finch is a member of the Methodist church and in politics Mr.
Finch holds with the Republican party.

After his marriage, ]\Ir. Fincli ])Ought forty acres of land ad-
joining the forty he already owned. Two years later he sold the
eighty and then came to Almena and started in the grocery busi-
ness. At the end of one year he sold out and went into the cream-
ery business, w^here he learned the butter-maker's trade. Not con-
tent with the knowledge he acquired from conducting the business
for some time, Mr. Finch w^ent to the Agricultural College at Lans-
ing and finished a course in butter making. He received his di-
ploma and then returned to the creamery business, being associated
with the Worden Co-Operative Creamery, near Detroit. He spent
three years with this concern and then went into business for him-

722 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

self at Lake Odessa, Michigan, where he stayed for six months. He
desired to learn still another branch of the milk business, so he
sold out and went into a condensed milk factory and learned that
trade. Upon leaving the factory where he had been employed he
bought the plant at Almena and since February, 1905, he has been
in business in this county. In addition to his creamery i\Ir. Finch
owns one hundred and forty acres of land in sections 33 and 34
and he is building a ten-room house in the village of Almena. The
thorough preparation and the practical experience have put Mr.
Finch in the ranks of the foremost men of his trade and his plant
is one of the best assets of the county from a business standpoint.

John T. Clapp. — The late John T. Clapp, of Paw Paw^ who died
on November 17, 1891, on the verge of seventy years of age, was
at the time of his demise one of the most prominent and sub-
stantial citizens of Van Buren county. He had accumulated the
greater part of his estate by industry and ability in the county,
and he had therefore a particularly cordial interest in its welfare
and the advancement of its people, as they had a warm admira-
tion and a high regard for him. For, although he looked after
his own interests with the utmost care and diligence, he never
neglected those of the county, and was an ardent practical sup-
porter of all w^orthy undertakings designed to promote them with-
out reference to any personal advantage for himself, but wholly
with a view to the public good and general well being.

Mr. Clapp w^as a native of the state of New York, and his life be-
gan in one of its most enterprising and interesting cities. He was
born on March 12, 1823, in Rochester, where the tides of industrial,
mercantile and commercial life flow in strong and steady progress,
and never seem to ebb. He came to Michigan and located in
Van Buren county, and all his subsequent years of activity were
devoted to farming and buying and selling wool, in which he
was an extensive dealer. He also dealt with some energy and
considerable success in real estate, especially farming lands, and
made a widely extended reputation for his judgment of land and
its value.

Mr. Clapp did not, however, let everything go by him in his
transactions. He began as a farmer on a small scale, but added
to his possessions until at one time he owned and farmed four
hundred and sixty acres of excellent land. To this he applied
his industry with such skill and judgment that every acre was
made to yield its full recompense for the care and labor bestowed
upon it, and thus strengthen his hands for more extended opera-
tions. Pie also owned several houses in Paw Paw, and as he kept
them in good order he always secured the full measure of revenue
from them that he had a right to expect.

These facts prove that Mr. Clapp was an excellent business
man and made the most of his opportunities. But his record
also includes a long course of first-rate and upright progressive
citizenship, and the people esteemed him highly and revere his
memory for that. Some years prior to his death, desiring to en-
joy the remainder of his days in quiet, freedom from care and
the rest he had so richly earned, he sold all his farms and moved

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 723

to Paw Paw. He was a Democrat in his political faith and al-
legiance, and always gave his party energetic and effective serv-
ice during his period of active life. The party rewarded his
zeal and efficiency by nominating him for several township of-
fices in turn, and the people of the township eagerly embraced
the opportunity thus afforded them to secure service of high char-
acter in connection with their local affairs by electing him to
each. He was affiliated in religion with the Presbyterian church,
and was an active worker in his congregation.

Mr. Clapp was married three times. His first union was with
a Miss Rickerd. They had two children, both of whom died in
infancy. The second was with Miss Eliza Rickerd, a sister of
his first wife, and the fruits of it were seven children : Julius,
whose home is in Ithaca, New York; Willis, who is a resident of
Paw Paw; Eva, the wife of Charles Bailey, of Boston, Massa-
chusetts; Frank, who lives in Portland, Oregon; Ida, who mar-
ried Samuel Mawrey, of Three Rivers, Illinois; John, who dwells
in Bay City, Michigan ; and Nellie, the wife of Frank Francisco,
whose home is at Chicago, Illinois.

Mr. Clapp 's third marriage took place on November 6, 1888,
and united him with Miss Sarah A. Thorndike, a daughter of
Captain David AV. and Betsy Jane (Hilt) Thorndike, members
of old New England families, and born and reared on the coast
of Maine. The salient points in the life of Captain Thorndike are
given in a sketch of Sylvester H. Jones, deceased, the husband of
his other living child, j\Irs. Mary Adelia Jones, which will be
found on another page of this work. Mrs. Clapp is still living in
Paw Paw, and is always numbered among its best and most ad-
mirable matrons. Her home is a center of gracious hospitality,
and a popular resort for the numerous friends of the family, who
always find the time passed there agreeable, and the influences
emanating therefrom stimulating and helpful.

(lEORGE IIooD. — When George Hood became a resident of Van
Buren county in 1887 he added to its active and productive forces
something of the spirit of the 'M:)right little, tight little islands'^
of England and Scotland across the sea, the spirit that has made
the British empire the great civilizing force of modern times,
and one of the greatest agencies of progress the world has ever
known. He was born in England on February 14, 1866, and is
a son of Samuel and Rachel (Butcher) Hood, natives of that
country, who passed their lives within its borders and died on
the soil that had been hallowed by their labors and which now
piously covers their remains. The father passed aAvay in 1906
and the mother in 1907, leaving four of their five children to
mourn their death. The children who survive them are: Frede-
rick, who lives in England ; Charles, who lives in Van Buren
county; Alice, who is the w4fe of Frederick Whissel and also has
her home in England ; and George, the subject of this brief re-
view\ Lucy, the fifth child in the order of birth, died a number
of years ago.

George remained in his native land until he reached the age
of twenty-one, and then came to the United States. He did not

724 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

linger on the Atlantic seaboard, but came at once to Michigan
and located in Van Buren county, where he engaged in farming
for a number of years, on rented land. He then l)ought forty
acres in Decatur township, which he owned and cultivated six
years. At the end of that period he sold the forty acres and
bought eighty in section 34, Paw Paw township, on which he is
still living and conducting an industry in general farming. In
addition to this he has an interest with his wife in sixty-four acres
adjoining his eighty, and forty acres of timber land, and in con-
nection with his farming operations he raises and feeds cattle for
the general market on a considerable scale.

On November 27, 1891, Mr. Hood united himself in marriage
with Miss Mary Burnett, a daughter of John and Elizabeth
(Watton) Burnett, natives of England, who came to Michigan in
1852 and took up their residence in Paw Paw, where they died
many years ago. They had three children, Mrs. Hood and her
sisters Annie and Kittie, both of whom are deceased, leaving her
the only living representative of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Hood
have had one child, their son Carl, who was born on June 9,
1893 and died on June 23, 1893. Kitty, a sister of Mrs. Hood,
married George Andrews and they had one child, Lillian, born
May 18, 1899. Her mother died when she was ten days old and
since that time she has been a member of the household of Mr.
and Mrs. Hood, who are greatly attached to her and have given
her all the care of a daughter^ Mr. Hood is a Democrat in ref-
erence to national political affairs, and true to his party in all
campaigns. Locally he looks only to the substantial and endur-
ing welfare of the people, and exerts his influence to promote
that. He is now the treasurer of the township school board, and
has been a member of the board for several years. In fraternal
life he is a member of the Order of Gleaners, and in church con-
nection both he and his wife are Methodists. The people of Van
Buren county esteem him highly and he is entitled to the regard
in which they hold him, for he is a citizen deeply interested in
the enduring welfare of the township and county of his home,
and a man exemplifies in his daily life the best attributes of
American manhood.

Garrie W. Hunt. — The late Garrie W. Hunt, of Paw Paw, whose
untimely death on December 17, 1891, at the early age of forty-
six years and nine months, was universally regretted, was in his
young manhood a storekeeper and in his later years an extensive
buyer and shipper of live stock. He was recognized in all parts
of Van Buren county as an excellent business man, an upright and
progressive citizen, and an exemplar of the best attributes of Amer-
ican manhood of the most sturdy and sterling kind.

He was born in Antwerp township, Van Buren county, Michigan,
on March 3, 1845, and was a son of John and Eliza (King) Hunt.
They had nine children : Laurentio, who is now a resident of Ant-
werp township, this county ; Sarah, who has been dead a number of
years; Harty, deceased, the former wife of J. J. Woodward, of
Van Buren county ; Nathaniel K., who resides in St. Cloud, Minne-
sota; Lydia, the wife of W. W. Dole, of Kalamazoo, Michigan;

HISTORY OF VAN I^UREN COUNTY 725

Garrie W., the lamented subject of this brief memoir; Eliza, the
wife of Edward Stevens, of Spokane, Washington; John, whose
home is at Mattawan, Michigan; and Simeon, who died a number
of years ago.

On June 7, 1883, Mr. Hunt was joined in marriage with Miss
Adeline Palmer, who was born at Lyme, Connecticut, on October
15, 1845, and is a daughter and the only child of Elisha C. and
Eliza H. (Fowler) Palmer, the former a native of Connecticut,
who came to Paw Paw in 1856, and the latter a native of New York.
Mrs. Hunt 's father was a contractor and prominent in his business.
He died at the home of his daughter on February 23, 1878. Her
mother died on April 4, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt became the par-
ents of one child, their daughter Ruth A., who was born on October
3, 1885 and died on March 27, 1886. Mr. Hunt was married twice,
and by his first marriage became the father of one child, his son
J. W. Hunt, who is now a resident of Aurora, Illinois.

Mr. Hunt was a Republican in politics and loyally devoted to the
principles and theories of his party. He rendered it effective serv-
ice at all times, and was regarded as a man of importance in its
councils. But he had no aspiration to public office, either by ap-
pointment or election, and never sought a political position. His
standing in his community, however, was such, and the general es-
teem in which he was held was so high, that it is probable he would
have been compelled to yield to the importunities of the people
and accept a position in their service if he had lived a few years
longer, for they recognized his ability for official duties and his
high character as a man as the best qualifications for effective and
acceptable public service, and in time would have demanded that
he employ these qualifications for the public good in the most prac-
tical way.

He took a great interest in the Order of Patrons of Husbandry
(the* Grange) and was prominent and influential in its organiza-
tion. In church relations he was what is known as a Presbyterian
Baptist. His consideration for the welfare of his community was
shown in many ways, particularly by his warm and helpful in-
terest in public improvements, his ardent support of public educa-
tion and all other beneficial and elevating institutions, mental,
moral, civil and social, and his wisdom and energy in what he did
to keep the -shining wheels of progress in motion toward desirable
ends. No man stood higher in his township and none better de-
served the rank he occupied. For he was true to every claim of
duty and every requirement of citizenship.

George W. Davis. — A well known farmer of Waverly township
is George W. Davis, who in addition to his agricultural activities
gives no small amount of interest to several other institutions,
among these being the Republican party and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. In the councils of the former he is indeed influen-
tial and he can ever be depended upon to give his support to all
measures likely to prove of general benefit. His forty acres of
land are located in section 16. What may be said of a goodly pro-
portion of the prominent citizens of the community — that they
were born in the state of New York — may be said of him, his first
Vol. n— 7

726 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

appearance on this mundane sphere having been made in Oneida
county, New York, September 15, 1845. His parents were Delatrius
and Harriet (Collins) Davis, and both of the older people lived in
New York until after the demise of the mother, when the father
went to Michigan to make his home with the subject. They were
farmers and they reared a family of four children, all of whom
have passed on to the ' ' Undiscovered Country ' ' with the exception
of he whose name inaugurates this review.

Mr. Davis was educated in the common schools of his locality
and subsequently entered the high school of Wilson, Niagara
county, New York, from which institution he was graduated. When
it came to a time when he must decide in his vocation in life he
chose agriculture, to which his fathers had devoted their energies
and in whose wholesome independence he found content. Many
New Yorkers had preceded him to Van Buren county, Michigan, a
section of great resource and natural wealth, and he came to the
conclusion to cast his fortunes with it also. He came in February,
1876, and was so well suited with it that he has ever since remained
here and here he has played a manly and conscientious part in the
many-sided life.

In 1864, when a very young man, Mr. Davis married, the young
woman to become his wife being Juliana Deland Carter, of New
York, and a native of Canada. To this union were born three
children: William D., who resides at Waverly and who has been
three times married, his present wife having been a Miss Coulson ;
Harriet M., the wife of Clinton Hungerford, of South Bend, In-
diana ; and Elmer C, of this township, and who married Lislia
Davis. The first wife of the subject passed away on March 17,
1885, and on April 14, 1888, he was a second time married, to May-
ette Bradley, of this county. They maintain a hospitable home
and botli are highly esteemed in the community.

As previously mentioned, Mr. Davis is an enthusiastic Odd Fel-
low, holding membership in Glendale Lodge and holding the office
of gate keeper on the Inside of the lodge. He gives heart and hand
to the men and measures of the Rei)ublican party and has held a
number of public offices with great faithfulness and efficiency, hav-
ing been highway commissioner and for twenty-four years justice
of the peace of the township, during which time he has married
twenty-four couples.

Frank E. Stephens^ whose death occurred February 16, 1903,
on the family homestead near iMattawan, Van Buren county, was
one of the skilled agriculturists of his locality, and during many
years spent in operations in this township displayed traits of char-
acter that stamped him as a good citizen and enterprising work-
man. Born on the farm which he was operating at the time of his
death, July 10, 1857, Mr. Stephens was a son of Orange and Mary
Ann (Armstrong) Stephens, natives of Vermont. Mr. Stephens'
mother was for some years a school teacher in Van Buren county,
her father being one of the early hotel keepers of Lawton. After
coming to IMichigan, Orange Stephens traveled west to California,
where he worked for wages until he had sent back enough to pur-
chase two hundred and forty acres, wiiich became the family home-

HISTOKY OF VAX J^IJREN COUNTY 727

stead. Three children were born to Orange and Mary Ann (Arm-
strong) Stephens, namely: Ransom E., deceased; JMary Jane, who
died in infancy; and Frank E.

Frank E. Stephens attended the public schools of his native
locality and always remained on the home farm, wiiich he operated
as a stock farm, breeding thoroughbred cattle and Shropshire sheep.
He was considered one of the best judges of live stock in his part
of the county, and his advice was often sought in matters pertain-
ing to the raising of sheep and cattle. Mr. Stephens did not con-
iine his interests to his own personal affairs, for he was ever found
ready and willing to lend his aid to Avhatever promised to work
out for the ultimate good of the community, and by his own ex-
ample did much to advance and improve the standard of agricul-
tural work throughout Van Buren county. He was a Republican
in politics, and although he never cared for public office for himself,
was always a hard worker in the ranks of his party. Fraternally
he was connected with the Masonic order. He was a Universalist
in his religious belief, as is his widow, who survives him and lives
in the comfortable fa mil v residence on Mattawan Rural Route
No. 2.

Mr. Stephens was married on December 3, 1878, to Miss Amanda
Beardsley, daughter of Ransom and Susanna (Wood) Beardsley,
whose other four children were : Capitola, who is deceased ; Lorene,
w^ho married Isaac Scott, of Mattawan; Fred R., who is deceased;
and Lincoln E., residing in Mattawan. Mr. Beardsley died No-
vember 29, 1909, his wife having passed away February 21, 1905.
Mr. and Mrs. Stephens had a family of three children : Elsie, the
w^ife of Walter Hunt, living on the old Stephens homestead;
Gladys, the wife of Philbrook jMunson, of Kalamazoo county, Mich-
igan; and Orange R., born February 12, 1898, and now making his
home with his mother.

Alonzo Sherman. — Merchant, mill man and banker, Alonzo
Sherman, until 1887 one of the leading forces in the business life
of Paw^ Paw, and whose useful career was then ended by death,
gave to the people of this community a fine example of enter-
prise and progressiveness in mercantile and commercial life and
in elevated and serviceable citizenship, and in his career illus-
trated what can be accomplished in this land of boundless re-
sources and almost boundless opportunity by industry, thrift,
business capacity and good management. He was a resident of
Paw Paw forty-four years, and during that long period his life
Avas an open book before the people of the city and county, and
Ihey never saw^ a blot on any page of it.

Mr. Sherman was a native of Massachusetts, born in Conw^ay,
Franklin county, on May 8, 1811. He was a son of John and
Mary (Warren) Sherman, New^ Englanders by nativity and rear-
ing, and thoroughly imbued with the spirit and aspirations of
the people of the portion of the country which was their home
from birth to death, and had been the home of their ancestors for
generations before them.

Their son, Alonzo Sherman, grew to manhood and obtained
his education in his native place. After leaving school he learned

728 HISTORY OP VAN BlIREN COUNTY

the trade of a shoemaker. He went to York, Genesee county, New
York, in search of better opportunities in life than his native
town seemed ever likely to afford him, and there he worked at
his trade two years. But the work he had to do was journey-
man work only, and his ambitious soul longed for something
better. He therefore opened a shoe factory at Leroy in Genesee
county, in the same state, and carried it on for ten years. To dis-
pose of the output he opened a boot and shoe store of his own,
and this he also conducted with success and general approval for
ten years, and in addition to this he owned a farm. By the end
of that period the Western fever had secured a firm hold on him
and he could no longer resist its demands. In the spring of 1844
he traded his business and farm in Leroy for a half interest in
a store in Paw Paw, forming a partnership with E. J. House to
conduct a general merchandising business. The firm as originally
organized lasted two years. Then H. L. Dickenson was taken in
as a member of it, and two years later its numbers were increased
and its forces augmented by the addition of Joseph Sherman, a
brother of Alonzo. In 1848 Thomas L. Stevens was taken into the
firm, and this continued until 1849. When Joseph Sherman died,
the other partners continuing until 1866, when fire destroyed the
store. But it was rebuilt and the business continued up to 1868,
in which year Mr. Sherman sold the store to his partner but was
obliged to repurchase it, and operated it alone until 1870, when
he sold it to Mr. Thomas R. Ross. The house was popular, and
its trade was large and active. But its affairs were not sufficient
to fully occupy Mr. Sherman's energetic, resourceful and ver-
satile mind. He therefore, in company with T. L. Stevens, bought
the Paw Paw Mill Company in 1849, and this he conducted and
managed until 1868. In that year Mr. Ross purchased Mr.
Stevens' share of the mill property and rented Mr. Sherman's
share, and this continued until 1870, when the mill was sold to
Mr. Anderson. In 1873 Mr. Sherman again repurchased his half
of the mill and continued to operate it up to 1880, when he deeded
it to his son John D.

In 1864, in connection with Thomas L. Stevens, he founded the
First National Bank of Paw Paw, he being elected its president.
From this position he retired in 1886, and on December 21, 1887,
his useful and instructive life ended, at the age of seventy-six
years and seven months. His death was a great loss to the com-
munity, as he was a man of fine public spirit and had been one
of the potential factors in building up and improving Paw Paw
and Van Buren county, and promoting the substantial welfare of
their people in every way available to him.

Mr. Sherman was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Ann
Dickenson, who died in 1883, at sixty-five years of age. By this
marriage he became the father of five children; Charles, John D.,
(a sketch of whom is to be found in this work). Delia P. who died
in 1873, Frank and George W. The mother died and the father
took to himself another wife in the person of Miss Elizabeth
Boyington. She died and he contracted a third marriage, uniting
himself on this occasion with Miss Eugenia T. Esterbrook, a
daughter of Dr. Joseph H. Esterbrook, of Camden, Maine.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 729

The third Mrs. Sherman is one of a family of nineteen children,
fourteen of whom grew to maturity. She and her husband be-
came the parents of one child, their son Joseph Hubbard Sher-
man, who was born on July 13, 1869, obtained a high school ed-
ucation, and has been engaged in mercantile business ever since
leaving school. He owns and occupies the old homestead in Paw
Paw and has a large block of stock in the First National Bank.
In politics he is independent; an Odd Fellow and a Knight of
Pythias in fraternal life; and a Baptist in religious faith and
church connection.

Charles B. Allp:rton. — To plant one^s feet in the wilderness,
amid the unpruned growth of ages, with the wild life of man and
beast indigenous to the soil still prevalent in full vigor and unre-
strained freedom in the region, is an experience no longer possible
in this country, and the few remaining men and women who have
had it are always interesting in themselves and their history. To
this steadily diminishing number belong Andrew J. and Martha J.
(Babcock) Allerton, of Van Buren county, the parents of Charles
B. Allerton, one of the enterprising and prosperous farmers of
Keeler township.

When they located in this county in 1865 there were only two
small stores in the village of Hartford, and there was not a railroad
anywhere in this part of the state. They saw the country in its
primeval wildness, became familiar with the sight of its untamed
denizens of the forest, savage beasts and still more savage men,
and they have witnessed and contributed to its progress from that
condition to its present high state of development and advanced im-
provement.

This interesting couple were born and reared in Ohio, the father
in Stark county, where his life began on May 21, 1831, and the
mother in Wood county, where she came into being on April 6,
1841. She was a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Roberts) Bab-
cock, and had four brothers, being herself the only girl in the fam-
ily. She and her husband made the trip overland from their native
state to IMichigan and Van Buren county nearly fifty years ago,
and on their arrival in this locality they bought twenty acres of
land in Keeler township, for which the purchase price was three
hundred dollars. On this they built a log cabin, which was called
''The Bass Wood Cabin, '^ as it w^as constructed of split bass wood
logs, with the smooth side inside the dwelling as a finish, and hum-
ble and unpretentious as the cabin would look now, it was a habita-
tion of more than ordinary consequence when it was put up. A
few years later they sold their little farm of twenty acres and
made other purchases, adding to their acreage as time passed until
they were the owners of a considerable quantity of good land. They
helped to lay the foundations of the township in its civil govern-
ment, aided in the erection of the little log schoolhouse in which
their children began their education, and bore their full part of
the labor and responsibility incident to speaking a new region into
being as a civilized community and starting it on its career of
progress and development.

This gentleman and his wife were distinguished in their an-

730 HISTORY OP VAN BIJREN COUNTY

cestry as well as in their own achievements. Mr. Allerton^s grand-
father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and connected with
the immediate command of General Washington. The Allertons
came to this country in the Mayflower and from the time of the
arrival of the first of the name members of the family have been
prominent in American history. They have dignified and adorned
every worthy walk in public and private life, and the same is true
of the forefathers of Mrs. Allerton. Their children and their chil-
dren's children are entitled to honorary membership in the socie-
ties of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. They
are themselves the parents of three sons and one daughter, all of
whom are living: Curtis 0., the first born, is a contractor and
builder in Battle Creek, Michigan. He completed his education in
the high school in Hartford, is married and has an attractive resi-
dence in the city of his home. Ella E., the second child, married
Henry Harmon, a prosperous barber who now lives at New Buffalo,
Berrien county, Michigan. Charles B. is the third child in the or-
der of birth, and the fourth is William F., who is also married and
carries on extensively as a contractor and builder in the state of
Florida, where he has lived for a number of years.

Charles B. Allerton was born in Van Buren county, Michigan,
on October 5, 1867. He was reared on his father's farm, attended
the common school in its vicinity and completed his education
in the high school in Hartford. He also pursued a two years ^
I'ourse of instruction in the literary and business departments
of Mount Union College in Ohio, })eing graduated in the busi-
ness department. While attending this institution he paid his
own way out of money he had earned and saved.

After leaving the college he located in Grand Rapids, iMielii-
gan, where he did office work for a time. From there he moved
to Chicago and accepted a position as shipping clerk in the em-
ploy of T. A. Shaw & Company, dry goods commission mer-
chants. At the end of a year sickness compelled him to give up
his position, and his next engagement was as city bill clerk for
Kelly, Maus & Company, hardware merchants on Lake street,
Chicago. He was with this company during the World's Fair of
1893, and afterward became a traveling salesman for the Tack
and Nail Company, of Grand Crossing, Illinois.

On December 28, 1892, IMr. Allerton was married to Miss
Jennie I. Gould, who was born in Van Buren county on August
2, 1870, and is a daughter of Gilbert and Mary (Garrett) Gould,
prominent residents of Keeler township. She was educated in
the public schools and at the Collegiate Institute in Benton Har-
bor, and after completing her education was one of the success-
ful and popular teachers of the county for three years. Mrs.
Allerton is a lady of unusual sunniness and cheerfulness of dis-
position and makes her home one of the most popular resorts in
the township of its location.

After his marriage Mr. Allerton took a position with the Anglo-
Swiss Milk Company at Dixon, Illinois, to which he rendered
valuable service as a salesman for two years. He then became
the superintendent of the shipping, department of the Reynolds
Wire Company, of Dixon, Illinois, but at the end of one year in

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 731

that responsible position he found himself weary of business and
determined to turn his attention and devote his energies to farm-
ing. With this end in view, he bought forty acres of land, which
is part of his present farm, and two years later he added twenty
Mcres of timber and pasture land. In 1910 he purchased one hun-
dred and twenty acres of choice land in Berrien county, and he
also owns a valuable piece of property, one hundred and sixty-
four by one hundred and thirty-seven feet in size, on Broadway
in Benton Harbor, which is steadily increasing in desirability and
value.

Mr. AUerton began the battle of life for himself before he
went to college. He paid his own way through that and has been
steadily progressing ever since. He now owns one hundred and
eighty acres of fine, productive land, which he has enriched with
good buildings and other improvements, and of which he is mak-
ing model farms. He does general farming and raises live stock.
He was the first farmer in Keeler township to raise alfalfa, the
production of which he started as an experiment on nine acres
of land. In 1911 he cut three crops from this tract and secured
an average of four tons to the acre.

In politics Mr. Allerton is independent. He has no time or
desire for public office himself, and will not allow himself to be
bound by party ties, but bestows his suffrage on the candidates
he deems best fitted for the offices sought and most likely to
promote the general welfare of the township, county or state.
At this time (1911) his father and mother are among the oldest
living residents of Van Bur en county who came here as pioneers,
and he is one of the county's most wide-awake, intelligent, en-
terprising and progressive farmers, as well as one of its most es-
teemed and influential and useful citizens. His beautiful farm
is on the line between Keeler and Hartford townships, five miles
distant from Hartford, Keeler and Watervliet, and has many ad-
vantages in its location.

Mr. and Mrs. Allerton have five children, two sons and three
daughters, but only two are living. Their daughter Helen is in
the third grade in school and is making a record in her studies
of w^hich her parents are justly proud. The other child is their
daughter Marian M., who is not yet old enough to go to school.
Their home is a social center and one of the popular resorts of
the county, throughout which it is renowned for its intellectual
atmosphere, many artistic attractions and genuine hospitality.
It is like its occupants, full of life's brightness and cheer, and a
source of betterment and refined enjoyment for all who come
within its influence.

I. P. Bates. — In the year 1776 there was born to Israel Bates,
of Vermont, a son, Jacob. The father went into the war a little
later and fought for the independence of the colonies, so the little
boy grew up in an atmosphere of rumors of battles and of the
fine indifference to small matters of personal comfort which char-
acterized these earlier Americans whose faces were set as a flint
toward the goal of liberty. Jacob Bates w^ent west when he
grew to manhood and settled in New York, where his son Daniel

732 HISTORY OF VAN BIJREN COUNTY

was born in Herkimer county. Daniel married Eliza Pinkhara,
of Onondaga county, and of this union was born in 1835, on the
thirtieth of December, I. P. Bates, the subject of this review.

There were twelve children in the family of Daniel Bates,
eleven of whom grew to maturity. Lydia is the widow of Isaac
Nelson, of Pennsylvania. John D. Bates also lives in the Key-
stone state. Eliza Jane is the wddow of AVebster Johnston, of
Arlington township. Perry is now dead, Lovina is the w4dow
of J. L. Williams, of Kansas, and Ellen is the widow of L. G.
Cunningham, of the same state. Otis is judge of the probate
court in Lane county, Kansas. Russell is a United States mar-
shal in Nome, Alaska. iMansel is a contractor and builder in
Kansas. Emma is the wife of Henry A. Gerdes, of Minneapolis,
Minnesota, where her husband is a cement contractor for the
city. The father moved to Kansas in his latter years and died
there at the age of sixty-one. The mother lived to the age of
eighty-eight and died in 1901.

Israel P. Bates was the third in the family and until he was
twenty he stayed with his father. At that age he came to Ar-
lington Centre, Van Buren county. He had attended the May-
ville academy in New York for one year and after coming to Van
Buren county in the years 1856 to 1859 he went to school at Law-
rence and then was for two years a student in Hillsdale College.
When the war broke out he shouldered a musket to preserve the
country his great-grandfather had fought to make a nation, en-
listing in Company G, Second Michigan Cavalry, under Captain
Fred Fowler. He served for three years and w^as mustered out
October 3, 1864, at Washington, D, C.

Mr. Bates had begun preaching in 1859, his first sermon having
been given in April, of that year, and after returning from the
war on May 6, 1866, he was ordained for the ministry of the
Baptist church and began the w^ork of preaching, which has been
his work ever since. He is still active in this profession after
more than forty years in its service. He is of that company who,
like the pioneers of Kansas, take a rifle and a Bible to guide
their course by, and while they do valiant service both with their
muskets and with ^^the sw^ord of the spirit, which is the word
of God,'' they are in no whit lacking in what we term the prac-
tical concerns of life. Mr. Bates not only preaches the gospel,
but he farms his place of forty acres besides.

On the first of December, 1864, Mr. Bates was married to
Sarah, the daughter of Alfred C. and Maria Church. Mrs. Bates
is a native of Michigan, being born one month after it became a
state, her birthday and that of President Cleveland's being but
one day apart. There were five children in the family in which
she grew up. The others: Mary, Arietta, Matilda and Elliot W.,
are deceased. There have been six children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Bates. Ina, the eldest is dead. .She was the wife of E.
Peacock, of Paw Paw. Rose is at home and Alva C. lives in
this county. Relly T. is a resident of Waverly. Florence and
Clyde are both dead, the latter having been accidentally shot,
while in North Dakota.

Mr. Bates is a Republican and a worker in the G. A. R. For

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 733

twenty-two years he has been chairman of the Soldiers' Relief
Commission. He is commander of the Grand Army Post and
has also been its chaplain. It would be impossible to speak too
highly of the w^ork of this patriotic and devoted citizen who has
striven so long and so faithfully for all which makes for the
best life of the country.

John D. Sherman. — Having passed sixty-seven of the seventy-
four years of his life in Paw Paw with but one little interval of
two years, during which he was in business in another county, and
having been in mercantile and industrial life among this people
from the very dawn of his manhood, and in one line of trade
throughout the last twenty-three years, the life of John D. Sher-
man is well known to the residents of Van Buren county, and in
its long course of active and general usefulness he has given them
many proofs of his business capacity, his high character as a man
and his public spirit and progressiveness as a citizen.

Mr. Sherman's life began in Genesee county. New York, on
June 14, 1837, where he lived until he was seven years of age.
He is a son of Alonzo and Lucy Ann (Dickenson) Sherman, a
sketch of whose lives will be found elsewhere in this volume. They
had five children, of whom John D. and his brother George of
Topeka, Kansas, are living. The latter is superintendent of The
Dining Car Service of the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad Com-
pany; Charles, Delia P. and Frank have passed away.

Mr. Sherman started in business when he was but twenty years
old, and almost immediately after completing his education. His
first venture was in the hardware trade, in which he was engaged
three years. He then started an exchange office in Paw Paw,
which he conducted for two years, and at the end of that period
turned his attention to the grocery business. This occupied his
attention and held his interest from 1861 to 1868, when he sold
his own store and took a hand in helping to carry on that of his
father, whicli he did during all of the next two years.

He was eager during this period, however, to be again in busi-
ness for himself, and as soon as he saw an opening gratified his
desire. He went to Coloma in Berrien county and remained two
years keeping a general store. In 1873 he returned to Paw Paw
and bought an interest in a flour mill, with which he w^as con-
nected as a member of the firm seven years. At the beginning of
the eighth year he bought the whole outfit, and from 1880 to 1888
conducted the mill altogether on his own account. Since 1888 he
has been continuously engaged in the sale of seed on a large scale,
and also carries general produce.

On June 14, 1860, Mr. Sherman was united in marriage with
Miss Helen A. Belfy, a daughter of Henry and Catherine H.
(Pease) Belfy of western New York. Two children have been
born of the union, both of whom are living. They are Henry
Ellsworth and Lulu May. In his political faith the father is
a pronounced Democrat and a loyal member of his party. He
has served it faithfully as one of its rank and file for many years,
and he has also represented it in several township offices, in each
having carefully looked after the interests of the township and

784 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

its people. In religious belief and alliance he is a Spiritualist,
firm in his faith and consistent in his actions in connection witli
it at all times.

Silas N. Barker. — Perhaps no part of Van Buren county has
more comfortable old homes or a more prosperous class of citizens
than has Paw Paw township, and the farm of Silas N. Barner,
in section 13, offers proof of the statement. Mr. Barner was born
in Schoharie county, New York, March 25, 1833, and is a son
of Silas and Nancy (Shaffer) Barner, natives of New York and
descendants of German ancestry. Silas Barner was a farmer and
preacher of the Methodist faith, and his death occurred in 1886.
His wife died at the birth of their only child, Silas N., and Mr.
Barner was married then to Sally Barton, who bore him two
children : Brad, of Brooklyn, New York ; and Eli, who is deceased.

Silas N. Barner went to Pennsylvania at the age of sixteen
years, and there purchased twenty acres of farming land, which
he operated for fourteen years, becoming a prominent agriculturist
and filling positions of political importance in his community.
Going to Kansas at that time, Mr. Barner was for one year
engaged in the lumber and sawmill business, and he then re-
turned to Pennsylvania, remaining on the homestead for about
ten years. He subsequently located in Longview, Texas, where
he conducted a grist, saw and planing mill for five years, after
which he purchased a tract of one hundred and thirty-five acres
of farming land in Scotland county, Missouri, and in connection
with cultivating this property conducted a sawmill and milling
business and a blacksmith and machine shop for twenty years.
In 1901 Mr. Barner came to Paw Paw township, purchasing one
hundred and eight acres of land in section 13, and here he has
since been engaged in general farming and fruit raising. He
is a successful agriculturist, progressive and enterprising, and
is recognized as one of Paw Paw township's public-spirited citi-
zens, always ready to encourage and assist every movement for
the improvement and advancement of his section.

On November 25, 1852, Mr. Barner was married to Miss Helen
Parker, daughter of Isaac and Margery (Smith) Parker, t\u)
latter a native of Holland and the former of New York state.
Mrs. Barner died in 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Barner had four chil-
dren, namely: Menzo, who met an accidental death in 1910,
when the team of horses he was driving ran away with the binder ;
Minnie N., w^ho is deceased ; Hattie N., the wife of Ivan B. Shull,
who is now assisting his father-in-law on the Barner homestead ;
and Ola Lapette, the wife of Hiram L. Pickel, chief deputy sheriff
of Polk county, Iowa, and a resident of Des Moines.

In his political views Mr. Barner is a Republican, and he al-
ways takes an interest in public matters, although he has never
found time to hold public office since leaving Pennsylvania. His
fraternal connection is with the Masons, and Mrs. Barner was a
consistent member of the Methodist church.

Ferdinand Menig. — The German-Americans of this country are
regarded as among the most reliable and esteemed citizens of the

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 735

land, and where they live there is sure to be found a number of
substantial homes. They usually take a great interest in the
development of the resources of a community and make for good
government, thus proving themselves very desirable additions to
their adopted country's citizenship. Among the men of this class
in Van l^uren county was the late Ferdinand Menig, a success-
ful agriculturist and veteran of the Civil war, who Avas born in
Bavaria, Germany, October 13, 1841, and died eTanuary 4, 1910,
in Paw Paw township. Mr. Menig was a son of John and Mar-
garet Menig, natives of Germany, whose other children were:
George and Ursula, both of whom are deceal^ed.

The Menig family came to the United States in 1852, when
Ferdinand was eleven years old, and settled in New York, where
Mr. Menig learned the trade of baker and where he was living
at the time of his enlistment in Company C, Fourtli Regiment,
New York Artillery, wdth w^hich organization he served five years.
He then entered the arsenal at Watertown, Massacusetts, where
he worked three years as a baker. On completing his service Mr.
Menig went to p]gerton, Ohio, and formed a partnership with
(ieorge Kerr, with whom he was engaged in operating a woolen
mill until 1878, then going to Danville, Illinois, where he pur-
chased of Henry Riggs a half interest in woolen mills at that
])lace, and after three years bought out his partner's interests
and continued it for twenty-five years. While in Ohio he had
met with an accident which deprived him of an arm, but he did
not allow this misfortune to keep him from making a success of
his business ventures. After conducting the Danville mills alone
up to 1906 he moved to Antwerp township. Van Buren county,
and took up one hundred acres of farming land in section 19,
which he continued to operate until his deatli. During his entire
business career he was actuated by the highest principles of honor,
and he stood high in the esteem of his fellows.

On December 8, 1864, Mr. jNIenig w^as married to ^liss Mary
Sliean, who was born in Massachusetts, and nine children were
l)orn to this union, as follows: Margaret, now known as Sister
Eunice, is at present teaching in Alexandria, Virginia. She
was educated at the Holy Cross Convent of Notre Dame, South
Bend, Indiana, and following her graduation taught nine years
in South Bend. Mary is the wife of Thomas E. Brown,
assistant cashier in the bank of J. G., Cannon, Danville, Illi-
nois. George is a resident of Kokomo, Indiana. Gertrude is
the wife of Dr. Hooton, of Danville, Illinois. Ursula C. lives
at home with her mother. Frank is a resident of Paw Paw.
Nellie H. is residing at home. August is living in Danville,
Illinois. Bertha is the wife of George Fisher, superintendent of
light and heat for the Illinois Traction Company at Danville.

Mr. Menig was a Republican in his political views, and served
as school director and justice of the peace for many years, be-
ing closely identified with the progress of his tow^nship and be-
ing justly regarded as one of its most influential men. He and
his family were connected with the Catholic church.

736 HISTORY OF VAN BUEEN COUNTY

Allen Harwick.— The Harwiek family is intimately associated
with the pioneer history of Van Buren county, and its represen-
tatives are deserving of much credit for the part they have borne
in the improvement and development of this section of the state.
Perhaps no more substantial or better liked man ever resided m
Antwerp township than the late Allen Harwick, who was for
many years one of Van Buren county's successful farmers. Mr.
Harwick was born in Caledonia, New York, December 6, 1838,
a son of Peter and Belva (Eoot) Harwick, natives of the Em-
pire state. Mr. and Mrs. Harwick came to Michigan m 1843,
taking up government land in section 16, Antwerp township, and
here they spent the remainder of their lives, the father passing
away October 4, 1892, and his wife September 9 of that year.
They had only one child, Allen. • -, r,-

Allen Harwick was five years of age w^hen he accompanied his
parents to Michigan, and his education was secured in the prim-
itive district schools. Sharing with his parents all the hardships
and privations incident to pioneer life, he early learned the traits
of honesty, industry and economy which characterized his whole
later life, and became a skilled agriculturist. He succeeded his
father to the home property, and there he spent his active career,
being engaged in general farming and fruit raising and making
a general success of his operations. He was highly respected by
his neighbors and loved in his home, and his funeral was largely
attended, those who knew him being glad to pay respect to his
memory. He was a Mason and a Democrat, and with his family
attended the Congregational church.

On March 5, 1863, Mr. Harwick was married to Mertice Bowen,
daughter of Frank and Nancy (Hicks) Bowen, natives of New
York, who came to Michigan in 1845 and settled m Arhngton
township. During the year 1848 they rented a part of their
house, which consisted of two large rooms, two bedrooms, a but-
tery and an attic, and during the spring following Mr. Bowen pur-
chased a forty-acre tract, paying for it with personal property,
and rented the Arlington place and started to go East. When
the family had gone as far as Paw Paw, Mr. Bowen was prevailed
upon to locate in Pine Grove, and they settled in an unfinished
log house, with no doors nor windows, and the floors laid down
as the boards had come from the lumber mill. During the spring
following Mr. Bowen cut the lumber, sawed the timber, and built
a small house, into which they moved, but in 1851 he purchased
a farm east of Paw Paw and moved into it, building a house and
barn and making numerous improvements from year to year,
but eventually sold it. In 1858 Mr. Bowen 's brother died and
the family moved East, so that he could take charge of affairs.
During the following year, however, the family returned to Mich-
igan, and here Mr. Bowen continued to carry on agricultural
pursuits until his death, which occurred December 16, 1892. His
widow died on September 30, 1911, in her eighty-ninth year.
They had the following children : Mertice, wddow of Mr. Har-
wick ; George, who grew to manhood, married Miss Carrie Hamlin,
and removed' to ]\Iinnesota, where he died in 1896 ; Maria and
Jerod, who died in 1858, within a few days of each other, of

^^^

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HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY 737

scarlet fever; and Cliauncey, who lives in Kalamazoo county.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Harwick, namely: Frank
who IS now engaged in cultivating the home farm; Minnie, who
IS deceased; Grace, who is engaged in school teaching in the West;
and Isa, the wife of Sheldon Coleman, of Lawton.

Daniel Coy.— An enterprising and progressive farmer in times
of peace and a valiant soldier to the limit of endurance under hard-
ships and bravery m battle while the war drum of our Civil strife
throbbed Daniel Coy, of Paw Paw township, Van Buren county,
has hearkened to the call of duty in every line of endeavor in which
he has engaged, and faithfully performed his part in each. He has
prospered in his fidelity, too, as he is now one of the substantial
men of his locality, with a comfortable competence for life, which
he has accumulated by his own efforts and ability

Mr. Coy was born and reared to the age of fifteen years in the
iiast and passed his boyhood in one of the most populous and in-
teresting portions of that section of the country. But when he
came West he had no diificulty in adapting himself to the change
m conditions which he found here, as he has never had in getting
in touch with his surroundings wherever he has been. His life be-
gan m Albaiiy county. New York, on July 3, 1849, and he is a son
of John and Margaret (McMechen) Coy, and the third of their
seven chddren m the order of birth. The others are: James, who
lives m Kalamazoo; Mary, the wife of John Boyd, also a resident
ot Kalamazoo; Louisa, the widow of the late Theodore Merwin of
Van Buren county; Andrew, whose home is at Bloomingdale, this
county ; Jane who has been dead a number of yeare; and John, who
also lives at Bloomingdale. The parents were born, passed the last
years of their lives and died in Bloomingdale, Michigan. The father
was a farmer and mill -man.

Daniel Coy came to Michigan when he was fifteen years old and
located at Lawton for a short time, then moved to Bloomingdale
working in mills at the latter place. The only education he ob-
teined was secured m the common schools of his native county
J^rom the time of his arrival in Michigan he was always too busy
and too much m need of work to go to school while his school age
lasted, but he took advantage of such means as were available to
him for the improvement of his mind and the acquisition of useful
information.

A ^wT "^I^l-^^^ beginning of the Civil war he enlisted in Company
A, Ihird Michigan Cavalry, under command of Captain Mover
He was mustered into the service on July 22, 1861, and discharged
on duly Jb 1865. Hostilities were in rapid progress at the time
or ills enlistment, and his company was soon called into the field
m an aggressive campaign against the forts on the Cumberland
and Tennessee rivers which were held by the Confederate forces
Coy^was taken prisoner at the battle of Fort Donelson but
succeeded m making his escape soon afterward. Prom then until
the close of the war he was in active service, and during the course
ot It took part m many engagements. He was mustered out at
bprmgfield, Illinois, and at once returned to his home and went to-
work m a mill.

738 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

After passing two years in this occupation he went again to Ten-
nessee. J^ut this time he was bent on no conquest except that of
industrial prosperity; and bore no arms but those which nature had
equipped him with in his ready and resourceful mind and strong
and responsive body. He remained in Tennessee two years profit-
ably engaged in farming, then sold his farm in that state and came
back to Michigan. On his return to this state he ])ouglit forty acres
of land in Almena township, Van Buren county. In 1878 he sold
this tract and bought forty acres in Waverly township, to which
he added forty more by a subsequent purchase. In 1891 he sold
the eighty acres and purchased one hundred and forty-six in Paw
Paw township, which he still owns, occupies and cultivates. He
does general farming and raises and feeds live stock for the general
market, and succeeds well in both lines of his business.

Mr. Coy was married on November 26, 1877, to i\Iiss May Thayer,
a daughter of Zara and JMary (Parker) Thayer, the father a native
of New Hampshire and the mother of Vermont. They came to
Michigan in 1865 and located in Waverly township, Van Buren
county, where the mother died on INIarch 22, 1877, and the father
on June 1, 1907. They were the parents of seven children, of
whom Mrs. Coy was the fifth in the order of birth. The others
who are living are: Maria, the wife of Ira Jenkins, of Cadillac,
Michigan; and Orisa, the wife of William ]\larkley of Gobleville,
also in this state. Mary Jane, Joseph, Johannus and Addie have
been dead for a number of years.

Mr. and Mrs. Coy have seven children : Edward J., resides in
Gobleville; their daughter Addie lives at Mattawan; their son
Zara is a resident of Paw Paw ; Joseph has his home in Cleveland,
Ohio; and May, Daniel and Andrew^ are still living at home with
their parents. The father is a Republican in his political faith
and allegiance, and a Baptist in his church affiliation. He keeps
alive the memory of his military service by active membership in
the Grand Army of the Republic, but recollects only its pleasant
features without any of the bitterness of feeling he experienced
when he was going through it. He stands well in the regard of the
people of Van Buren county, and deserves their esteem and good
will from every point of view.

Henry Waite. — ^When a man has resided in a community for
a number of years and has proven himself always industrious,
energetic, responsible and public spirited, his death is keenly felt
m the community and his place is not readily filled. Such a
man was the late Henry Waite, who for many years was engaged
in agricultural pursuits in Antwerp township, and w^as closely
identified with the development of this part of Van Buren county.
Mr. Waite was born September 10, 1825, in Washington county,
New York, son of Green and Lida (Moon) Waite, also natives of
ihe Empire state.

Henry Waite was one of a family of fifteen children, all of
whom grew to maturity, and he was only fifteen years of age
when he left his home with his blankets on his back and the sura
of ten dollars in his pocket. After a long and tedious journey
on foot he arrived in Adrian, Michigan, his money meanwhile

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN- COUNTY 739

having dwindled to two and one-half dollars, but after spending
about two years and six months at that point he returned to New
York. In 1847 he again came to Michigan, remaining only a
short time, when he once more went to his home in the East,
but in 1855 came to Michigan and purchased seventy acres of
wild land in Van Buren county. Here he spent ten years of hard,
unremitting toil, and when he had succeeded in clearing his land
and putting it under cultivation he disposed of it at a good profit
and purchased eighty acres in xVntwerp township, which he had
increased to one hundred and thirty acres at the time of his death,
January 6, 1888. His father had passed aw^ay in 1869 and his
mother in 1867. Mr. Waite's whole career was one which should
encourage the youth of today in their efforts to gain a competence.
Starting in life a poor boy, with but ordinary educational ad-
vantages and practically no assistance of a financial nature, ho
Vi'on success through the sheer force of his own industry and per-
severance, and made a name and reputation for himself among
the substantial men of his community. Always alive to oppor-
tunities to better his own condition, lie was also considerate of
the rights of others, and his honest dealings with those wljo were
associated with him in a business way won for him the respect
and friendship of his fellow townsmen.

On .March 26, 1850, Mr. Waite was imited in marriage with
]\liss (Caroline i\lcCrossen, who was born in New York state, De-
cember 5, 1831, daughter of natives of Ireland and New York,
respectively, whose other children were : (ieorge, who is deceased ;
Ellen, the widow of George Owen, of Ontario county, New York;
and Christopher, living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. and
Mrs. Waite had no children of their own, but became the parents
of an adopted daughter, now the wife of Asa Sheldon, of Van
liuren county. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Sheldon have two children: Asa
Ford, born February 10, 1896; and Alma Marie, born September
25, 1903. Mr. Waite was a stanch Republican in politics, and a
consistent member of the Christian church. Mrs. Waite sur-
vives her husband, and has reached the advanced age of eighty
years, but is in the best of health and spirits and in possession
of her full faculties. She is as well known in this vicinity as
was her esteemed husband, and has many friends and acquaint-
ances.

David Lytle. — Industry, perseverance, intelligence and good
judgment are the. price of success in agricultural work in these
modern days of farming, wiien the hard, unremitting toil of former
years has given away to scientific use of modern machinery and a
knowledge of the proper treatment of the soil. Van Buren county,
Michigan, has many skilled farmers who treat their vocation more
as a profession than as a mere occupation, and take a justifiable
pride in their accomplishments, and among these may be men-
tioned David Lytle, the owner of a well-cultivated tract of farm-
ing land located in Antwerp tow^nship. Mr. Lytle was born De-
cember 11, 1860, in Porter township. Van Buren county, and is
a son of Dewitt Clinton and Mary Jane (Wilcox) Lytle.

Dewitt Clinton Lytle, who was a native of the Empire state and

740 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

a carpenter by trade, came to Michigan in the year 1853, settling
on eighty acres of land on which the southern part of Lawton
now stands. He engaged in agricultural pursuits, but after hold-
ing this property a short time, sold it to buy one hundred and
sixty acres in Porter township, and to this he added from time
to time, being the owner of eight hundred acres of valuable land
at the time of his death, which occurred June 27, 1898. His wife,
who was a native of Michigan, died February 18, 1904, having
been the mother of the following children : Charles S., who resides
in Porter township ; David ; John, also living in Porter township ;
Wilbur, who makes his residence in Lawton; N. Verne, the wife
of Woodson N. Shaffer, of Paw Paw; and Robert, who is operat-
ing the old homestead in Porter township.

The education of David Lytic was secured in the public schools
in the vicinity of the old homestead, and he was reared to the
life of an agriculturist, being early taught the value of industry,
economy and clean living. He remained on the homestead farm
with his parents until he was twenty-eight years old, at which
time he started working for himself on a farm, and in 1892 he
purchased his present farm of ninety-three acres, situated in
section 9, Antwerp township. Mixed farming and fruit raising
have claimed his attention, and he is one of the most progressive
of farmers, being prompt to experiment with new methods or
devices.

On February 20, 1889, Mr. Lytle was united in marriage with
Miss Belle F. Ellison, daughter of Joseph and Mary Ellison, of
Lawton, Michigan, and she died April 16, 1904, having been the
mother of two children: Gladys M., who died in infancy; and
Theo. Belle, who was born July 4, 1899. In his political belief
Mr. Lytle is a Republican, and he takes an active interest in
those movements which his judgment tells him will be of benefit
to his community, although he has never aspired to public office.
Fraternally he is a popular member of the M. W. A. He ranks
high among the agriculturists of his section, and is known as a
good neighbor and public-spirited citizen.

Edward Aaron Morehouse. — Van Buren county is the home
of some excellent citizens who have employed themselves in tilling
the soil; many of them have spent their lives on the farm, but
there are others who have been engaged in other lines and have
returned to an agricultural vocation, and among these may be
mentioned Edward Aaron Morehouse, who ranks high among the
farmers of Antwerp township, a man of many sterling character-
istics, and a public-spirited citizen whose influence is always cast
in favor of those movements which have for their object the ad-
vancement or development of his county and township along any
line. Born in Branch county, Michigan, Mr. Morehouse is a son
of Daniel and Elizabeth Ann (Robinson) Morehouse.

Mr. Morehouse is a direct descendant of Ethan Allen, the
Revolutionary patriot, and the British spy, Major Andre, was
captured on his grandfather's farm. The latter, Aaron More-
house, was taken prisoner by the British on account of his Revolu-
tionary tendencies and for quite a long i>eriod was made to work

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 741

at making clothes for the British soldiers. Daniel C. Morehouse,
the father of Edward Aaron, was born February 13, 1815, in Ball-
ston Spa, Saratoga county, New York, and came to Michigan in
1823, settling at Coldwater. He had begun to study with the
idea of entering the legal profession. He was later admitted
to the bar in New York state, but returned to Coldwater, where
he practiced his profession until 1878, and for ten years served
as justice of the peace. In the year mentioned he purchased a
tract of eighty acres of farming land in Antwerp township, and
here he continued to engage in farming and fruit growing until
his death, May 7, 1896. His first wife, who bore the maiden name
of Ann Robinson, died January 16, 1857, at Coldwater, having
been the mother of two children : Edward Aaron ; and George
Amos, the latter born December 31, 1856, and died May 12, 1858.
On November 24, 1858, Mr. Morehouse was married to Eunice
Gager Graham, who now makes her home w^ith her stepson, there
having been no children born to her union with Mr. Morehouse.

Edward Aaron Morehouse was reared to manhood in Coldwater,
Michigan, and as a young man took up carriage painting, an
occupation which he followed until his fathef lost his health, at
which time he considered it his duty to return home and take
charge of the farm. Since taking over the management, Mr.
Morehouse has made numerous improvements, and has set out
numerous fruit trees and grape vines. He is an excellent example
of the live, progressive, up-to-date farmer of the tw^entieth century,
who know^s how to make his land pay him a good profit, and how
to enjoy life among congenial surroundings.

On May 3, 1876, Mr. Morehouse was married to Miss Clara Mead,
daughter of Henry arid Maria Mead, of Genesee county. New
York, and she died May 3, 1877, leaving one child: Daniel M.,
now a resident of Seattle, Washington. On October 5, 1882, Mr.
Morehouse was married to Mary Williams, wlio was born Sep-
tember 15, 1851, at Burr Oak, St. Joseph county, Michigan, daugh-
ter of Erastus and Lucy (Cummings) Williams, and a descendant
of Chief Justice Waite. Two children have been born to this
union: Harry E., born July 28, 1883, superintendent for Thomp-
son & Starritt, contractors of Chicago; and Percy E., who was
born July 20, 1900.

Mr. Morehouse's political views are those of the Republican
party. His fraternal connections are wdth the Masons, the Mac-
cabees and the Eastern Star, and he and Mrs. Morehouse are
consistent members of the Congregational church.

Andrew^ H. Campbell. — ^Most immediately associated with the
growth and character of any community are its business interests.
They mold the life of the people, give direction to their efforts,
and crystallize the present and future possibilities of the locality
into concrete form. The leading business men of a town are its
greatest benefactors, silently controlling the forces that bring
progress and prosperity, and the measure of the credit that is
due them is not always appreciated. To write of the lives of
these leaders in material growth is a pleasure, for the influence
of their careers is always helpful and cheering. When the de-

Vol. II-- 8

742 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

velopinent of ]\Iattawan, ]\licliigaii, is under discussion, one name
is always mentioned, viz: that of Campbell, and one of the mem-
bers of this family is Andrew H. Campbell, who as a business
man has made his influence felt for many years, and always for
the good of the community. Mr. Campbell was born in Portage
"township, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, March 24, 1861, and is a
son of Hugh and Mary (Gilmore) Campbell, natives of Ireland.

Hugh Campbell and his wife came to the United States in
1838 and settled in New York, from whence ten years later they
made their way to Kalamazoo county, purchasing one hundred
and twenty acres of farming land in Texas township, on which
the remainder of their lives were spent^ Mr. Campbell dying in
1882 and his widow in 1901. They were the parents of a family
of twelve children, namely: John, of Eudora, Kansas; William,
of Texas township, Kalamazoo county, and Mary Jane, deceased,
twins; Ella, who died in infancy; Albert, who is acting in the
capacity of sheriff of Kalamazoo county ; Gilmore, residing in
Everett, Washington; Sarah, who married L. C. Rix, of Texas
township; Etta, whose death occurred in Minnesota in 1880; An-
drew H. ; Charles, who is president of the Michigan National Bank
of Kalamazoo; Lizzie, who died in 1893, the wife of J. W. Bud-
row, editor of the Schoolcraft (Michigan) Express-, and one child
who died in infancy.

Andrew H. Campbell was reared on the homestead farm, but at
the age of twenty-four years, feeling that there were better op-
portunities offered in a mercantile career, he came to Mattawan
and engaged in a general merchandise business with D. O. Rix,
with whom he w^as associated for fourteen years. He then pur-
chased Mr. Rix's interests, and for four years conducted the busi-
ness alone, at the end of that time entering the furniture, under-
taking and real estate business, in which he has continued to
the present time, in addition to engaging extensively in dealing
in loans. Mr. Campbell is an excellent type of the old-school
gentleman, and his sympathetic manner and tactful capability
have made him welcome at many homes of mourning. His under-
taking establishment is equipped with the most modern appliances
and inventions, and he is admirably fitted to take charge of ar-
rangements at the time when the Grim Reaper has made a visit
to some home of sorrow.

On December 3, 1882, Mr. Campbell was married to Carrie L.
McElroy, daughter of Owen and Jane McElroy, and one child has
been born to this union; Eva, the wife of George H. Murch of
Mattawan. In his political belief Mr. Campbell is a Democrat,
and the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow-townsmen
has been evidenced by his election to various positions of honor
and trust, including the offices of justices of the peace and town
treasurer. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the
M. W. A., and for twenty years he has been a consistent member
and trustee of the Congregational church, to which Mrs. Campbell
also belongs.

Edward H. Harvey. — In studying the lives and characters of
prominent men we are naturally led to inquire into the secrets

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 743

of their success and the motives which have prompted their ac-
tions. Success is a matter of the application of experience and
sound judgment at the right time and in the right manner. In
almost every instance the successful men of any profession or
line of business have attained success through persistent individ-
ual effort. Edward H. Harvey, one of the very successful men
of Van Buren county, residing in the '^finest house in Southern
Michigan, '' in Antwerp township, has throughout his life ex-
hibited the sterling traits of character which would have made
him successful in whatever line of endeavor he found himself.
He was born near Cazenovia, New York, February 11, 1845, and
is a son of Reuben and Susan (Howlett) Harvey, natives of
England.

Mr. Harvey 's parents came to the United States in 1836, settling
in Madison county. New York, where the father remained until
1854. He then came to Michigan and later to the home of his
son. Rev. Henry W. Harvey, and here he died August 25, 1903,
having attained the remarkable age of ninety-seven years. His
wife passed away June 21, 1892, having been the mother of
twelve children, of whom five died in infancy; while the others
are as follows: John and Mary, who are deceased; Edward H.,
Henry W., residing in Van Buren county; Clarence, living in
Kalamazoo county ; Elizabeth, the wife of James Miller, of Middle-
ville, Michigan; and Alice, the wife of Professor A. J. Steel, of
Coldwater, Michigan, who for many years was President of Le-
Moine Institute, Memphis, Tennessee, and is now traveling in
Europe, being the recipient of a Carnegie pension for long service.
He was also in the Civil war.

Edward H. Harvey remained with his father until he was
seventeen years of age, at which time he enlisted for service in
the Civil war, becoming a member of the Seventh ]\Iichigan Cav-
alry, under Captain Alexander Walker, of Company A. He
entered the service at Prairieville, Michigan, in November, 1862,
serving until December, 1864, when he was mustered out at De-
troit. He was severely wounded at Hawes Shop, Virginia, and
his right leg was amputated on the field of battle. After forty-
eight hours of travel he w^as placed in an ambulance on a boat
and in this manner taken to Washington, D. C, which city he
reached June 4, 1864. He remained in the hospital until his
recovery in November. After recuperating to some extent, Mr.
Harvey entered the Prairie Seminary at Richland, Michigan,
where he remained for two years, and then spent a like period
in the college of Kalamazoo. For two years he was a student
in the McCormick Theological Seminary, and he then went to the
Union Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in
1872, being ordained to the ministry of the Presbyterian church.
He was called to Summit, New Jersey, for two years, and to
Albion, Michigan, for four years, and in 1878 he started on a
tour of Europe. After a year spent at Broadhead, Wisconsin, he
was pastor at Augusta, Michigan, from 1881 until 1884, when he
again made a tour of Europe, returning to fill the charge at
Paw Paw. In 1890 he was appointed United States pension agent,
by President Harrison, remaining at that place for four years.

744 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COl^NTY

He then came to Paw Paw township and purchased sixty acres
of land, on which he resided during the summer months, while
his winters were spent in the south of California, and he then
bought his present tract, a sixty-acre property, on which is located
his magnificent modern two and one-half story residence. This
residence, known as the "finest house in Southern Michigan, '^
is built in old Colonial style, and is up-to-date in every respect,
being equipped with running water, modern lavatories and acety-
lene gas for lighting. Mr. Harvey is the owner of one of the
finest libraries in the state. In addition to preaching and lectur-
ing, he has engaged somewhat in Republican politics and at
various times has been offered the nomination for member of
legislature and also for the office of state senator, being nomi-
nated the last time, in 1911.

On September 26, 1881, ]\Ir. Harvey was married to Florence
Godfrey, daughter of Lyman and Laura Godfrey, of Battle Creek,
Michigan, and five children were born to this union : Dr. W. L.,
of Battle Creek; Frank, residing in Chicago; Vietta, the wife of
Arthur Blanchard, of Battle Creek; Grace, the wife of Charles
Thomas, of Buffalo, New York ; and Ferdinand, a railroad engineer
of Ashland, Wisconsin.

Henry W. Harvey, who during the past twenty years has been
engaged in agricultural pursuits in Van Buren county, where
he owns an excellent tract of one hundred and forty acres of
land, is a veteran of the Civil war, and for a long period was
widely and favorably known as a preacher of the Gospel. Born
in Cazenovia, New York, April 2, 1847, Mr. Harvey is a son of
Reuben and Susan (Howlett) Harvey, natives of England. Mr.
Harvey's parents came to the United States in 1836, settling first
in Madison county, New York, and coming later to Michigan. In
1865 they settled in Richland, and there Mrs. Harvey passed
away June 21, 1892, her husband surviving her until August 25,
1903, and attaining the remarkable age of ninety-seven years.
They had a family of twelve children, of whom five died in in-
fancy, while the others were: John and Mary, who are deceased;
Edward, who is living in Van Buren county ; Henry W. ; Clarence,
who lives in Kalamazoo county; Elizabeth, the wife of James
Miller, of Middleville, Michigan; and Alice, the wife of Professor
A. J. Steel, of Coldwater, Michigan. Professor Steel now draws
a substantial pension from the Carnegie Fund for long service
in LeMoine Institute, Memphis, Tennessee.

Henry W. Harvey remained on his father's farm until he was
sixteen years of age, and on September 22, 1863, he enlisted in
Company H, Eleventh Michigan Cavalry, under Captain Henry
Bewell. After a brave and faithful service, during which he
participated in numerous hard-fought engagements, Mr. Harvey
was mustered out of the service September 22, 1865, at Nash-
ville, Tennessee, and returned to Michigan, joining his parents
at their home in Richland. In 1867 he went to Kalamazoo College,
and later attended Olivet College, from which he was graduated
in 1867. He then spent a year in Yale College, New Haven, Con-
necticut, and a like period in the Presbyterian Theological Sem-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 745

iiiary at Auburn, New York, from which he was graduated in
J 877, and was ordained during the same year in the ministry
of the Presbyterian church. During the next three years he had
the charge at Wihner, Minnesota, and after a European trip he
returned to Michigan, locating in Paw Paw in 1880. After an-
other seven years spent in the service of the church, he took a
second trip to Europe, and on his return preached for four years
in Allegan. In 1892 Mr. Harvey decided to turn his attention
to agricultural pursuits, and since that time has been engaged
in dairying and fruit-raising. His farm of one hundred and
forty acres is most carefully cultivated, comparing favorably with
any of its size in this part of the county, and most of the buildings
and improvements have been put on the property by him. He
is known to be a power in influencing his neighbors along the
lines of good government, and his own reputation is beyond re-
proach. He is no politician, but is a studious and well-read man,
alive to all of the leading topics of the day, and takes an interest
in all matters pertaining to his community. He votes with the
Republican party.

On October 25, 1881, Mr. Harvey was united in marriage with
Miss Isabella McEntee, daughter of Steven J. and Mary Jane
(Ferguson) McEntee, natives of New York, and they have had
two children: Edith, born March 17, 1883, the wife of Harry
C. Marvin, of Augusta, Michigan; and Lloyd, who resides at
home, born November 17, 1887. The comfortable residence of
the Harvey family is located on Paw Paw Rural Route No. 3,
where the many friends of this worthy family are always welcome.

J. E. Sebring. — The banking interests of any community are
so important and play such a prominent part in the financial
life of the people that naturally the greater care is taken in the
selection of those in whose hands the affairs of the banks are
placed. Bangor, Michigan, located as it is in the midst of a rich
farming section, handles a large amount of money, and its bank
officials must be men of experience, as well as of unblemished
business records. The West Michigan Savings Bank of Bangor
is to be congratulated for the record of its president, J. E.
Sebring, long identified with the business interests of Bangor
as proprietor of the Sebring House. Mr. Sebring was born June
10, 1853, in Lawton, Michigan, and is a son of Horace and
Eunice (Harper) Sebring, the former a native of New York and
the latter of Ohio.

Horace Sebring, who in early life was a railroad man, came
to Michigan in 1850, and about 1857 established himself in the
hotel business at Lawton. He had a successful career at that
place, but in 1869 decided to come to Bangor, and subsequently
traded his Lawton property for a hostelry in Bangor, which he
named the Sebring House and conducted for nine years, or until
his death. His widow now makes her home in Paw Paw, where
she is one of the venerable and highly respected residents. . They
had a family of three children, namely : J. E. ; Sarah, who
married Peter McKeller, of Paw Pawj and Charles, who is
deceased.

746 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

J. E. Sebring attended school at Olivet, Michigan, and as a
youth assisted his father in the hotel, with which he has been
connected for thirty years. He also spent four years as an em-
ploye of the Bank of Bangor, and in 1892 he was elected president
of the West Michigan Savings Bank, a position which he has
since held. President Sebring has always taken an active part
in securing the promotion of enterprises calculated to build up
his city, and has never been sparing of either time or money to
effect such improvements. He is one of the soundest business
men his community has known, displaying that sense of values
and ability to economize that bring success in almost every case,
and since 1892, when he accepted the presidency, the deposits of
the institution have advanced from sixty-five thousand dollars to
more than four hundred thousand dollars. As a citizen he stands
equally high, and the confidence in which he is held by his fellow-
citizens has been evidenced by his election to the offices of town-
ship treasurer and village treasurer, in both of which capacities
he acted with marked ability. In political matters he is a stal-
wart Republican and one of the influential party men of his
section of Van Buren county. President Sebring is a prominent
Mason, belonging to the Benton Harbor Commandery and the
Grand Rapids Shriners.

On December 17, 1878, Mr. Sebring was married to Miss Clara
J. Stebbins, daughter of William H. and Emily Stebbins, natives
of New York state, and two children have blessed this union:
Myron, of Bangor, and Clara J.

Clifton B. Charles. — One of the most extensive land holders
in all Van Buren county is that well-known gentleman, Clifton
B. Charles, whose holdings consist of -two thousand one hundred
and seventy acres, located in the state of Washington and in
Van Buren county, Michigan. He is one of the ouccessful farmers
who believes that the oldest of the industries presents one of the
richest fields of scientific endeavor, and he has proved the truth
of this by bringing his acres to the highest possible point of pro-
ductiveness and managing so well that the resources of the soil
bring the best possible results. He does not keep his convictions
to himself, but has proved one of the most able and original of
lecturers. He was formerly engaged in banking.

Mr. Charles was born in Allegany county. New York, June
21, 1857, the son of David K. Charles, a farmer, and his wife,
Caroline M. (Barnum) Charles. The father was a native of Ire-
land, born March 25, 1829, and the mother of New York. The
former came to America in 1841, when twelve years of age, mak-
ing the voyage with an uncle and locating in Angelica, New York.
Of his immediate family he was the first to come to this country,
his father, mother and the rest of the family coming ten years
later. David K. Charles came to Michigan in 1866 and located
in Bangor, where he learned the various departments of farming,
and he was a merchant for many years, later becoming a farmer.
He is an extensive holder of real estate, and has erected no less
than twenty-two buildings in Bangor. At one time he owned
within the boundaries of Bangor township five hundred and twenty

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 747

acres and at the present he retains a fine estate, consisting of two
hundred and thirty-six acres. This is now given over to general
farming. He is now retired and living, at a very advanced age,
m Bangor, where in leisure he enjoys the fruits of previous in-
dustry and thrift. His cherished and devoted wife, who was born
June 27, 1830, was called to her eternal rest November 27, 1897.

By his union with his first wife, whose maiden name was Caro-
line M. Barnum, Mr. Charles, the elder, became the father of
four children, namely : Amelia, who died in childhood ; Emma,
wife of T. T. McNitt, of Bangor; Clifton B. ; and Hattie, who
died November 18, 1910, wife of William Taylor, of Bangor. Mr.
Charles married for his second wife the widow of Mitchell Ustick.
By her union with Mr. Ustick she had these five children: May,
wife of Charles Williams, of Greeley, Colorado; Myrtle, wife of
Phillip Slaughter, of Bangor; Julia, wife of Charles Cross, of
Bangor; Carl, of Victor, Colorado; and John P., now resident in
Grand Junction, Colorado.

Clifton B. Charles received his preliminary education in Bangor
and for four years attended the Agricultural College at Lansing.
Upon the completion of his education he came home and rented
two hundred and forty acres, which he continued to operate fyr
fourteen years, and meantime became a landholder by the pur-
chase of two hundred and eighty acres near McDonald. It was
new land and he commenced clearing it in 1880 and when he
sold it in 1898 he had brought it to a high state of improvement.

In the year 1898 Mr. Charles entered upon an entirely new field
of endeavor, in that year starting a private bank in Bangor and
becoming a director in the same. He subsequently sold this to
the West Michigan Savings Bank and took a position in the new
consolidation as cashier. He continued in this office until 1901,
when he disposed of this interest and removed to Sprague, Wash-
ington, where, in association with Anson Goss, of Bangor, he
organized a bank. He remained in the far west for two years,
but the charms of Michigan were by no means forgotten and he
returned to Bangor and invested in numerous tracts of land.

Mr. Charles was married February 25, 1882, the lady of his
choice being Ionia F. Grills, daughter of Henry S. and Sarah
(Roberts) Grills, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter
of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Grills were the parents of the follow-
ing eight children: James A., deceased; Cynthia, wife of Amos
Ellabarger, of Cambridge City, Indiana; Rebecca, widow of E.
Quakenbush, of Van Buren county; Mrs. Charles; Loretta, wife
of F. McLane, of Cambridge City, Indiana; and three younger
children who died in infancy. After the death of Mrs. Charles^
mother in 1863, her father married again. Miss Susan (Keesey)
Church becoming his wife, and seven children were born to them,
namely: Serena, of Indiana; Mahala, deceased; May, of In-
diana; Lenora, of Kansas City, Missouri; Calfina, deceased;
Vernia, of Indiana; and Leroy, a surgeon, of Hastings, Michigan.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles have one daughter, Jennie S., now the wife
of Guy B. Findley, of Elyria, Ohio.

Mr. Charles pays allegiance to the men and measures of the
Republican party. He is a member of the time-honored Masonic

748 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

order and in his own life follows its noble teachings. He is also
affiliated with the Maccabees. His wife is a member of the Chris-
tian church, and both are held in the highest confidence and esteem
in the comriiunity.

Upon the state college, Mr. Charles had the honor to be one of
the six to receive the degree of Master of Agriculture. He,
in fact, was the second to receive that degree from the Michigan
Agricultural College. For four seasons he has lectured through-
out the state on agricultural subjects.

F. D. Newbre. — The fruit-growers of Van Buren county have
always kept their standard high; no other county in the state
can boast of larger or better crops, and this may be explained
by the fact that in addition to being a class of energetic, pro-
gressive and industrious men, the Van Buren citizens have been
quick to grasp modern ideas and to make use of the latest and
most highly improved machinery and implements. F. D. Newbre,
wiiose successful operations have placed him in the front rank
of fruit-growers of Van Buren county, is the owner of a fine
farm of ninety-six acres, located in section 22. He is a native
of Erie county, New York, and was born October 20, 1850, a
son of David and Pamelia (Stearns) Newbre.

David Newbre, who w^as a shoe maker by occupation, and a
native of New York state, died in the East in 1890, and his wife,
also born in the Empire state, survived him until 1901. They
were the parents of four children, namely: Adelbert, who is
deceased; F. D.; Martha, the wife of George Brinley, of James-
tow^n, New^ York; and Franklin, who resides in Mississippi. F.
D. Newbre remained at his father's home until he was nineteen
years of age, at which time he took up carpentry as a trade and
followed it until his marriage in 1876, when he began the manu-
facture of cheese. He continued to reside in the East until 1888,
in which year he made his way to Michigan and first settled in
Cass county, where for nine years he was engaged in the wind-
mill business. He was also employed in a drill works for eight
years there, but in 1901 came to Van Buren county and purchased
his present ninety-six acre farm in section 22, Antwerp township,
w^here he has since been engaged in fruit cultivation. Progressive
to a high degree, Mr. Newbre has done much towards raising the
standard of his occupation, and it is such men that the farming
communities need — men who keep abreast of the times and do
not hesitate to improve every opportunity to improve their land
and to rear their families in comfort and plenty.

On January 4, 1876, Mr. Newbre was married to Miss Cynthia
Brindley, whose parents died when she was a child of four years,
and to this union there have been born five children, as follows:
May, the w^ife of Joseph Burke, of California; Robert, residing
in Kalamazoo, Michigan; Edith, the wife of Clyde Fuller, of
Porter township; Lynn, who is assisting his father on the farm;
and Olive, residing at home. Mr. Newbre is a Republican in his
political views, and for six years served very acceptably as school
director of Antwerp township. Fraternally he is connected with
the Tribe of Ben Hur, and his religious affiliation is with the

HISTORY OF VAN BUKEN COUxNTY 749

Methodist ehureh. i\lr. Newbre and his family reside in a com-
fortable residence situated on Lawton Rural Route No. 3.

Clair G. Hall. — Some of the most successful farmers of Van
Buren county are those of the younger generation, who are now
profiting from the sacrifices made for them by the pioneers who
braved innumerable hardships and privations to secure homes for
their families in the new country. One of the progressive young
agriculturists of section 24, Antwerp township, is Clair G. Hall,
who was born at Lawrence, Van Buren county, October 11, 1881,
a son of Gilbert and Anna (French) Hall, the former a native
of Oswego county, New York, and the latter of Canada.

Gilbert Hall came to Michigan from the Empire state at an
early day, first settling on one hundred and sixty acres of land
in Cass county, farming this land in connection with following the
trade of cooper until 1896, in which year he came to Van Buren
county, settling in Lawrence, where he followed his trade of
cooper. He later moved to Decatur, where he followed farming
and the same trade, and in 1896 moved to section 24, Antwerp
township, where he purchased eighty acres of land. Here he
followed general farming until his death, which occurred in Au-
gust, 1904, and his widow still survives and makes her home
at Kalamazoo. They were the parents of four children: Ida,
who is living in Arizona; Minnie, who is the wife of C. J. Stuy-
vesant, of Van Buren county; Etta, the wife of Arthur Conklin,
of Kalamazoo; and Clair G.

Clair G. Hall received his education in the public schools of
Decatur, and remained on the home farm in Antwerp township
assisting his father until the latter 's death, at which time he
fell heir to the property. He is now engaged in raising grapes,
and has brought to his work that enthusiasm that is bound to
make for success. Enterprising and energetic, he is always ready
to make experiments and to test new innovations, and the satis-
factory results already obtained by him speak well for his pro-
gressive spirit. Mr. Hall has also been before the public as an
auctioneer, and his pleasant personality, his jovial, friendly man-
ner, and the faculty of introducing real witticisms into his
speeches has made him much sought after by those wishing to
dispose of goods by auction. In political matters he favors the
principles of the Republican party, and his fraternal connection
is with the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he is very
popular.

Mr. Hall was married to Miss Lena Eager, the estimable daugh-
ter of Orlando and Jennie Eager. Mrs. HalFs parents had four
children, as follows : Lena, who married Mr. Hall ; John, who
lives in Detroit; William, residing in Almena township; and
Hazel, who married Winnie Fisk, of that township. Mr. and
Mrs. ilall have had two children: Pauline, born July 5, 1908,
and Gilbert, born October 31, 1907.

C. F. HosMER. — In the life and career of C. F. Hosmer, one of
the substantial business citizens of Mattawan, Michigan, there is
to be found much to encourage the youth of this generation, and

750 HISTORY OF VAN BURExN COUNTY

no better example could be placed before the ambitious young
men of today of success finally gained after the most dishearten-
ing discouragements. Starting in life as the proprietor of a
small business establishment, he worked his way up to a point
where success seemed just in reach, only to have his years of labor
destroyed with a single hour, and when, nothing daunted, he
had reached comfortable circumstances for a second time, his
earnings were again lost through no fault of his own. With the
courage and perseverance that have been the foundation for the
fortunes of all successful business men, he made a new start, and
now may be ranked among the substantial men of his community
and a factor to be reckoned with in the business world.

Mr. Hosmer was born July 18, 1856, in Edwards, St. Lawrence
county, New York, and is a son of Charles and Lura (Church)
Hosmer, natives of Vermont. Mr. Hosmer 's father, who was a
mechanic, came to Michigan in 1865, and there resided at Coopers-
ville until his death, in 1889, his widow surviving until 1898.
They had two children: C. F. and Sherman E., the latter of
Ottawa county, Michigan. C. F. Hosmer remained in Coopers-
ville until 1879, in which year he was married, and then engaged
in the mercantile business, which he continued to conduct until
1894. In that year he started the first grocery in Coopersville,
but on July 22, 1898, a fire destroyed his entire stock, and he sub-
sequently went to Hammond, Indiana, where he was in the same
business for one year. Returning to Coopersville, in 1900 he
embarked in the milling business, which he continued for four
years, and in 1904 came to Mattawan and bought the general mer-
chandise stock of W. C. Mosier, and was successfully engaged in
business until December, 1908, when he was again wiped out by
fire. He then started a general merchandise store, which he later
sold to Ryan Brothers, and in 1909 went to Rockford, Michigan,
and formed a partnership with E. L. Prichard in the grocery
business, but during August of that year sold out and went to
Lowell, w^here he was interested in the same line. In February,
1910, Mr. Hosmer returned to Mattaw^an, and here he has since
carried on a successful general merchandise establishment. Mr.
Hosmer is a man who makes friends easily and keeps them a life-
time; he is enterprising and progressive in his ideas and is quick
to recognize an opportunity and to grasp it; and his inherent busi-
ness ability has never been questioned, but all of these would have
counted for naught were it not for the fact that he has never
allowed himself to be discouraged, no matter how dark the out-
look, nor how great have been his misfortunes. He has gone
steadily forward, rebuilding his fortune each time it has been
swept away, showing an indomitable spirit that refuses to be
broken, and earning the respect and esteem of his fellow men
by the very earnestness of his endeavors.

On March 29, 1879, Mr. Hosmer was married to Miss Effie
Dickinson, who died December 22, 1903. On January 26, 1905,
he was married to Jennie Meredith. There have been no children
to either union. Mr. Hosmer is a popular member of the F. and
A. M. and the I. O. 0. F., and in his political views takes an
independent stand.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 751

C. E. BuRDicK. — In every community there are men who by
reason of their ability stand out from their fellows. Upon such
men many cares devolve; they are the center of activity; it is
their brains and money that are back of the important enterprises,
whether public or private, and to them belongs the credit of
progress gained. Van Buren county has its full quota of these
progressive citizens, public-spirited individuals who are always
ready to cast their influence with movements that will benefit
their communities, and among these may be mentioned C. E.
Burdick, business man and agriculturist of Mattawan, and one
of his section's best known men. Mr. Burdick 's birth occurred
July 28, 1861, at Kalamazoo, Michigan, and he is a son of Wil-
liam H. and Harriet (Putnam) Burdick, the latter a direct de-
scendant of the famous Revolutionary hero, General Israel Putnam.

William H. Burdick, a native of New York state, brought his
family to Michigan at an early day, settling in Kalamazoo, where
until 1868 he was the proprietor of a shoe establishment. In the
year mentioned he came to Mattawan, purchasing fifty acres of
farming land, and there he was engaged in agricultural pursuits
until his death, in 1896, his widow surviving him until 1903.
They were the parents of two children: William H., of Shafts-
burg, Michigan, who has been an employe of the Grand Trunk
Railroad for the past twenty-five years; and C. E.

C. E. Burdick was twenty-one years of age when he entered
the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, and
for the following twenty-one years he was engaged in railroad
work at various stations throughout this part of the country, but
eventually located in Mattawan and took up farming for four years.
He then entered the mercantile field at Mattawan, in which city
he makes his home, although he is still interested in farming and
owns a well-cultivated tract of eighty acres of land. He has
been active in Democratic politics, serving as school director for
a number of years, and was a prominent factor in the consolida-
tion of the school district, the school building here being the finest
in the county. He is a popular member of the Masons, the I. 0. F.
and the M. W. A., and his religious connections is with the Con-
gregational church, of which his wife is also a consistent mem-
ber. Thoroughly conversant with farming conditions and possess-
ing much business ability, Mr. Burdick has made a success in both
lines, and is regarded as one of his community's subtantial citi-
zens.

Mr. Burdick was married to Miss Susan McClintock, a former
schoolmistress of Shiawassee county, and to this union there has
been born one son: Gordon C, January 21, 1909.

Nathan Thomas. — Beginning life as an Iowa farmer, follow-
ing a short experience in this useful and invigorating occupation
with more than three years' service as a Union soldier during the
Civil war, and since then variously occupied as a farmer, a mer-
chant, a public official and again as a farmer, Nathan Thomas, of
Paw Paw, has seen life under many conditions and been tried in
many pursuits. In all his manhood has shown himself to be
sterling, his courage and self-reliance have come out strong under

752 HISTORY OF VAN BIJREN COUNTY

the tests and his citizenship has always been of the most sturdy,
patriotic and serviceable character, a credit to himself and the
people among whom he has exhibited in and exercised its rights
and functions.

Mr. Thomas was born at Newgarden, Ohio, on December 19,
1837, and is a son of Henry and Sarah (Johns) Thomas, the
former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Ohio. The
father died in 1858 and the mother in 1883. They were the par-
ents of ten children : Rachel, who has been dead for a number of
years; Jesse, who resides at Hartford in this county; Elizabeth,
the wife of Joseph Shafer, of Homeworth, Ohio; Nathan, the im-
mediate subject of this brief review; Stanton, whose home is in
Alliance, Ohio ; JNIaria, the widow of John Kerns, who lives at
Winona, Ohio ; Phebe Ann, who has been dead some years ; Frank-
lin, who is also deceased; Edwin, who is a resident of Winona,
Ohio ; and Kersey, who died several years ago.

In the spring of 1861 Nathan Thomas came West to Cedar
county, Iowa, and worked on a farm by the month during the
summer. In the fall he felt impelled by a strong sense of duty
to go to the assistance of the government in its effort to prevent
the forcible dismemberment of the Union, and on October 28th
enlisted in the Tenth Kansas Infantry, under Captain Foreman. In
this regiment he served three years, being much in active service
and taking part in numerous engagements, the most important of
which was the battle of Prairie Grove. Mr. Thomas was mus-
tered out of the army in St. Louis at the end of his term in 1864
and returned to his Ohio home. He remained there all winter,
but not wholly inactive. He helped to organize a company for
further service in the war, which was still in progress, and went
with it into camp on March 5, 1865. He was the first lieutenant
of his company, and the regiment of which it formed a part was
the One Hundred and Ninety-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The
regiment proceeded to Winchester, Virginia, but the war closed
before it saw any active field work. Mr. Thomas was again
mustered out of the service, this time at Columbus, Ohio, and
once more he returned to his former home.

In 1866 he was married and at once set up a domestic shrine
on land which he rented for farming purposes, and during the
next two years was busily and profitably employed in tilling the
soil. An opening in mercantile life attracted him at the end of
the time named, and he embraced it, starting a grocery store at
Winona, Ohio, which he conducted for one year, or thereabouts.
In 1870 he came to Michigan and located at Hartford in this
county. He passed the first year in farming, and then again went
into business as a merchant, selecting the hardware . trade as his
line on this occasion, and adhering to it about seven years. At
the end of that period he was appointed postmaster of Hartford
and sold his hardware business. Soon afterward he moved to
Paw Paw, having been elected sheriff of Van Buren county. He
filled this office four years, then returned to Hartford and was
again appointed postmaster. He held the office until after the
election of Mr. Cleveland to the presidency, and on the appoint-
ment of his successor, bought a farm of sixty acres in the vicinity

HISTORY OF VAN BUR EN COUNTY 758

of Hartford. This he cultivated for two years, when he was once
more elected sheriff, and again held the office four years. When
his term closed he turned his attention to farming again, but con-
tinued to reside in Paw Paw, where he still owns a home, although
he is now living on a farm belonging to one of his sons, located
in section twelve. Paw Paw township, and distant from the city
about one and one half miles.

On March 1, 1866, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Rebecca
A. Votaw, a daughter of Moses and Mary Votaw, old settlers in
Ohio. Five children have been born of the union, and four of
them are living: Mary V., who is the widow of the late Albro A.
Whitcomb and lives with her father; Wesley J. and Lester, twins,
the former, who has also served as sheriff, living in Paw Paw^
and the latter deceased; Emmet E., a resident of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin ; and Jesse B., who is a commercial traveler.

Mr. Thomas is a firm and faithful Republican in his political
faith, and is loyally attached to the principles of his party and
a zealous worker in its behalf. His services are energetic and
effective, and are highly appreciated by both the leaders of the
party and its rank and file. Fraternally he is a Free Mason and a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He takes an earnest
interest in the affairs of his lodge in the Masonic order and his
post in the Grand Army of the Republics aiding their good work
by all the means available to him, as he does every worthy enter-
prise for the good of his city and county.

Roy Hinckley. — Among the prominent l)usiness men of Hart-
ford, and highly respected as a citizen who has always shown an
interest in whatever has been advanced to increase the general
welfare of the county, is Roy Hinckley, the proprietor of a thriving
livery business. He was born in Paw Paw township. Van Buren
county, on May 3, 1876, the son of J. Henry and Harriett (Webb •
Hinckley. J. Henry was the son of Asa G. Hinckley, who was of
direct I]nglish descent. Roy Hinckley was one in a family of ten
children, five sons and five daughters. He w^as reared on the farm
until he was eighteen, and was educated in the district schools and
in the Paw Paw high school. He was variously employed u}) to
1908. In that year, at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war,
he enlisted with the Second Regiment of IMichigan Volunteer In-
fantry at Battle Creek, Michigan. He went with his regiment to
Cuba, and was present in the engagement at Santiago. He was on
the island from June until August, and was then mustered out
at Anniston, Alabama, receiving a pension of six dollars per
month. He returned to Paw Paw. In 1899 he came to Harvard
and embarked in the livery business.

On March 27, 1901, Mr. Hinckley was united in marriage to
Mrs. Nina Hewitt, who was born in Hartford, Michigan, January
21, 1873, the daughter of A. E. and Julia (Olds) Reynolds. A.
E. Reynolds was born in the Dominion of Canada on August 8,
1826 and came with his parents to Ypsilanti, JMichigan, when he
was twelve years old, later coming to Hartford when it was still
a patch of woodland. He took up farming, but later rented his
farm and established himself in a general store, one of the first

754 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

enterprises of the sort in the town. It was he who built the Rey-
nolds Block, in which the first opera house was located. He w^as
a public spirited man and did much to promote the growth and
prosperity of Hartford. He died in June, 1910, and his wife
passed away in 1896. He and his wife were the parents of six
children, of whom five are still living in 1911 : Emma, who is now
the wife of Dan Hubbard and lives in Chicago, Illinois; Clara,
who is now Mrs. Henry Nichols, of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Otta
Reynolds, who lives in Chicago; William Reynolds; and Nina, the
wife of Roy Hinckley, w^as educated in the public schools of Hart-
ford and in the Catholic school at Logansport, Indiana. Mrs.
Hinckley was first married to Mr. Hewitt, and by him had one
son, Harry Hewitt, eighteen years old, who is a graduate of the
Hartford high school and is now in his second .year at the Univer-
sity of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

Mr. Hinckley is a stanch Republican and is the constable of the
township. He owns the fine modern home on Maple street which
he and his wife have made so popular by their pleasant hospitality.

Charles De AVitt Laavton. — The death of Charles De Witt
Lawton, which occurred August 24, 1909, removed from Michigan
a man who had long been prominent in the state's political, scien-
tific and intellectual life, but who left behind the memory and
influence of a life w^ork that is a bequest of value to the common-
wealth.

Mr. Lawton was born in Rome, New York, November 4, 1835.
The son of Nathan and Esther (Wiggins) Lawton, he was of
strictly English descent and of martial ancestry, his paternal and
maternal grandfathers having been Revolutionary soldiers in New-
York and New England regiments. The family is one of the
oldest in the country. The original American Lawtons came from
-Lawton, England, in 1636, settling in Rhode Island as colonists
under Roger Williams. The records of that colony give ample
evidence of the distinguished and formative services rendered by
them both previous to and during the Revolution. That those
family traits have not been lost is proved by the recent record of
]\Ir. Lawton 's nephew, Major Louis B. Lawton, who, for his bravery
at Tien Tsin in bringing relief to the American forces through
the open fire of Chinese bullets, was awarded a medal by Congress.

Mr. Lawton 's paternal grandfather settled in Herkimer county,
New York, in 1794, and his father, Nathan Lawton, moved from
there to Auburn, New York, where for many years he was a well-
known and influential citizen. Mr. Lawton 's early life was passed
in Herkimer county and in the city of Auburn, where he attended
Auburn Academy. In 1858 he was graduated, with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts, from Union College at Schenectady, which in
that day was one of the largest American colleges. One year af-
ter his graduation he received the degree of Civil Engineer, and
some time lat^r that of Master of Arts. He then returned to his
home city, Auburn, and with his brother George W. (the late
Judge Lawton), took charge of Auburn Academy. Academies in
those days comprised a large share of the higher educational in-
stitutions. Many students were enrolled w^ho have since become

HISTORY OF, VAN BUREN COUNTY 755

famous, among them Hon. Sereno Payne of New York. Mr. Law-
ton's influence and friendship with them was life-long.

In 1861 Mr. Lawton married Miss Lucy Lovina Latham, daugh-
ter of Oliver Sanford and Lucy Maria (Eastman) Latham, of
Seneca Falls, New York. Mr. Latham was a prominent contractor
and builder, and, associated with his three brothers, was the
builder of many government locks, bridges, canals and custom
houses.

In 1865, his health not being good and advised by physicians
to go West, Mr. Lawton, with Mrs. Lawton, removed to the village
of Lawton, Van Buren county, Michigan, where his father owned
a great quantity of land and which had received his name. He
concluded to make his home here, and from that time on his in-
terests have been identified with the gro\\i:h of Michigan, with
its mining interests, its agricultural interests and its development
in every way, for Mr. Lawton was primarily and essentially the
best of citizens.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lawton were born nine children: Charles
Ijatham, general manager of the Quincy & Adventurer Mining
Company of Hancock, ^Michigan; Nathan Oliver, superintendent
of the Miami mine at Globe, Arizona; Frederick Percy, a physi-
cian at Traverse City, Michigan; Swaby Latham, of the law firm
of Hanchette & Lawton, at Hancock; Eugene Wright, of San
Antonio, Texas; Margaret Brooks; Rebecca Estella; Marion
Agnes, wife of Dr. Thomas J. Swantz, of South Bend, Indiana;
and Gertrude Genevieve, wife of Clarence R. Van Vleck, of Jack-
son, Wyoming. The family home has long been an intellectual
and social center, owing much to the culture, accomplishments,
dignity and charm of Mrs. La\\i;on, who has wielded a sympathetic
influence in the growth and progress of the town.

Mr. Lawton 's brilliant mentality soon won for him a prominent
place in his community, and there early were recognized in him
those qualities which won for him so many successes in after life.
Together with his brother George W., who had preceded him to
Lawton two years, and the late Nathan Bitely, he embarked in
the nursery business and began the cultivation of grapes, which
has since grown into such a magnificent industry. Finding the
soil to be of a sandy nature and seemingly unproductive, they be-
gan to investigate in a small way, until the growing of grapes
became widespread. The first big planting was done by Mr. Law-
ton in 1865 and 1866, when he put out five thousand vines secured
at Geneva, in the famous grape district of New York. However,
Mr. Lawton was a man of varied interests. He was prominent in
establishing a blast-furnace in Lawton for the manufacture of
charcoal pig-iron from Lake Superior ores.

In 1870 Mr. Lawton was appointed assistant professor of en-
gineering at the University of Michigan. From the university he
spread into practical work, and in 1872 and 1873 assisted Major
T. B. Brooks in the geological survey of the Marquette Iron region
and the Menominee Range, where so much wealth was then dis-
covered. He continued in the work of developing the Upper
Peninsula, and in 1877 and 1878 assisted his nephew, the late
Charles E. Wright, in the field work and in the preparation of his

756 HISTORY OF VAN BURP]N COUNTY

report as commissioner of mineral statistics, eventually taking over
the active duties of the mining department and writing the im-
mensely valuable reports of 1880, 1881 and 1882.

In 1884 Governor Alger offered him the position of state geol-
ogist, but he preferred to continue his work as commissioner of
mineral statistics, publishing each year a report covering the
mines and mineral interests of the state. This office, a purely
scientific one, he held until 1891, and his reports for the years of
his tenure of it are now much sought for and prized by men in all
parts of the world who are interested in Michigan geology and
Michigan mines, as they were and still are absolutely to be relied
on. His knowledge of the mineral ranges of the Northern Penin-
sula was vast, and his ready pen made his reports not merely
technical but delightful to read. Mr. Lawton was never a per-
manent resident of the Upper Peninsula, but his numerous visits
to the copper and iron region, his interest in geology and his
friendship for the early mining men of that section made him in
spirit one of them, and the Northern Peninsula was always glad
to claim him as one of its loyal friends.

In the meantime he never relinciuished his interests at home and
throughout Van Buren county. Practically all the county was
surveyed by him, and he made the first and the su])sequent sur-
veys for what was known as the Narrow Gauge Railroad. In this
way he had an intimate and wide acquaintance with all parts of
the county and with all its residents. His notes and surveys, be-
cause of their accuracy, would, if published and edited, be a val-
uable reference in the archives of the county.

Mr. Lawton always retained his interest in farming. Besides
the running of his fruit farm, he owned and managed a grain farm
in Porter township, and was always an active and a large con-
tributing member to the various horticultural and agricultural
societies of the county and state; and being a fluent writer, be
was a frequent contributor to the various journals.

His father a Whig before him, IMr. Lawton was always a staunch
Republican, one of the noble old Romans w^ho laid the foundations
for the new Republican party under the oaks of Jackson. As an
intrepid Abolitionist he cast his first vote for Fremont, and was
an advocate of the nomination of William II. Seward for the
presidency at the time of Lincoln 's nomination ; as he and Mr. Sew-
ard were fellow^-towTismen and friends. Mr. Lawton 's father
was a delegate to the national Republican convention at that time.

Mr. Lawton was always actively interested in county, state and
national politics. In county and state conventions he led the list
of delegates, and ever exercised a potent influence. He was an
easy speaker as w^ell as a vigorous and fearless writer, and his
speech-making tours throughout the state made him a familiar
figure to thousands. He w^as an honorary member of the United
States Historical Society and of many Michigan state organiza-
tions formed for the betterment and enlightenment of the people.

In 1897 — the only election in which Mr. Lawton figured as a
candidate — he w^as elected on the Republican ticket by a large
majority regent of the University, which office he held eight years.
Probably few^ men had his love for educational institutions or

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 757

were better fitted to help govern them. He was especially en-
dowed with a keen mentality, a broad insight, a scholarly and well
furnished mind, for he was a man of much learning and vast in-
formation, all of which made him a valuable public servant. Al-
ways ready to be of service to his fellow-citizens as well as to his
state, for thirty years he was a member of the school board of his
village and gave to his duties as such the same degree of attention
and interest that he devoted to other claims upon his time or
faculties.

Mr. Lawton was a man of great versatility and a rare diversity
of gifts. Handicapped at the outset of early manhood with a weak
side, and often enduring severe pain, he, nevertheless, manifested
an ever restless and intense diligence in the attainment of knowl-
edge or in the pursuance of some line of work. He was a natural
student and possessed a remarkable memory. In his later years,
during his hours of recreation, he was always to be seen reading
in the original some French, German, Spanish or Italian classic.

Mr. Lawton was the ideal American citizen. While discriminat-
ing in his friendships and scholarly in his tastes, he was, however,
democratic in his ideas, sympathetic and approachable toward all.
He was a man of the soundest judgment, wholly sane, unbiased
and unprejudiced in his views, of the highest character, uncom-
promisingly honest, broadly charitable, genial in his nature and
delightful in his home.

To quote from the True Northerner: ''Those who knew Mr.
Lawton best appreciated his sterling worth and rare diversity of
gifts. 'He knew so much,' was the heartfelt testimonial of a dis-
criminating and eminent friend. Yet, after a life-time of study,
his wisdom was never paraded for applause, but treasured to him-
self, save when friendship or service called it forth. He was ever
the most modest of men.

"No citizen of our state was better posted on the current ques-
tions of the day, and few were better equipped in the classics.
Concerning the most momentous issues, as with the commonest
practical affairs, his opinion was lucid and his judgment sound.
The record Mr. Lawton made in mastering the geological status
of Upper Michigan is a tribute to his intelligence and industry,
and his long time official association wath the affairs of our State
University is one of the most notable achievements of his public
career. In all his connection with the varied affairs of his busy
life, no hint of dishonesty, incompetence or slightest shade of self-
seeking was ever heard. His family and neighborhood life was
simple, kindly and pure. Sturdy and straightforward, frank and
fearless, he did what he thought was right, and left judgment of
consequences to a higher tribunal than the vacillating opinions
of men.

"The men of Mr. Lawton 's generation, with whom he so long
affiliated, have, for the most part, passed from the stage of action.
But the impress of their rugged honor and stalwart courage has
been left as a legacy for those who succeed them. The life-work,
the influence, the memory of such a man as Charles D. Lawton
are a bequest of value to the commonwealth and will be appre-
ciated for their actual value and increasing worth.''
Vol. n— 9

758 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

In every field Mr. Lawton was recognized as a leader, a man
among men, and one who will leave his impress upon his adopted
state. The good he has done cannot be estimated, and his children,
friends and fellow-citizens have a priceless legacy in the memory
of his life.

He was the fifth in order of birth of the seven children of his
parents, all of whom are now deceased. The others were Eliza,
Nathan, Esther, George W., Albert W. and one who died in in-
fancy. Mrs. Lawton was the first born of the nine children who
blessed and brightened her parental home. All but her and her
brother William Arthur Swaby, of Syracuse, New York, have
passed away. Her sisters and brothers who have died were:
Gertrude Isadore, Oliver Sanford, Sanford, Jessie Maria, Stephen
Eastman, Margaret Aurelia and Marion Agnes.

George W. Clements. — Enjoying general honor and esteem in
the community in which he is best known and to whose interests
he has ever shown a whole-hearted and helpful loyalty is George
W. Clements, a pioneer farmer of Lawrence township. Van Buren
county. Now in the pleasant evening of life he can look back over
the busy well-spent years with satisfaction and has leisure to cul-
tivate the acquaintance of his hosts of friends. Mr, Clements
is of English birth, his eyes having first opened to the light of day
on February 28, 1830. His parents w^ere William and Mary
(Cook) Clements, and when the subject was a babe in arms they
decided to cross the Atlantic in quest of the greater opportunity to
be found in the New World. They went first to Canada, locating
in Quebec, but remained in that quaint and lovely old city for
only a short time. Removing farther south, they settled in On-
tario. When Mr. Clements was a lad of fourteen years his mother
died. Finding it necessary to make his own living, he started out
to find any employment he could and eventually found his way
to Detroit. He spent the fir^ winter scoring ties on the Michigan
Central Railroad and doing a man's work, although only a boy.
While in that city he saved sufficient money to make his way to
Kalamazoo, which was at that time the western terminal of the
Michigan Central. He stayed in Kalamazoo only over night and
then he and two or three other boys set out on foot for the neigh-
borhood of the present town of Lawton. Here he was thrown into
association with a '^ tough bunch'' of Irishmen and stayed three
days, chopping wood and again doing a man's work. Accommo-
dations were poor and he and another boy decided not to tarry, but
started off toward Paw Paw, where they stopped. Mr. Clements
hired out to a man of the name of Willard and continued in his
employ for over a year. The love of change and adventure was a
part of his character, however, and he again started out, wander-
ing for a time and then locating in Lawrence, where he secured
work in a saw-mill. He was so proficient that he rapidly advanced
and soon came to be head sawyer, a position he held for a year
and a half. Shortly after this, having saved a little money, he
started a little grocery store and continued in this line of en-
deavor for three years. He was somewhat successful and ])egan
to gather together a little means.

PIISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 759

In the meantime Mr. Clements had taken unto himself a wife,
his marriage occurring on April 17, 1856, to Harriet Christy,
daughter of Robert Christy, of Lawrence, and thus he established
a household of his own.

After three years in the grocery business Mr. Clements entered
the carpentry business and he and a partner built the Congrega-
tional church and sawed the lumber for another church edifice in
the early days. This proved congenial work and he remained thus
engaged for twenty years. In 1865 he concluded to devote some
of his time to farming and moved onto land in Lawrence township.
His farm consists of fifty-iive acres. In the ensuing years he has
farmed successfully, and has just as successfully played the part of
a good citizen.

The union of Mr. Clement and his estimable wife was blessed
by the birth of one daughter, whose name is Edith, and who is
now the wife of B. B. Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher reside on Mr.
Clements farm and direct its affairs, now that the father is re-
tired.

Mr. Clements has since his earliest voting days been one of the
stanchest and unfaltering of Republicans. He cast his first vote
for Zachary Taylor and has supported all the candidates of the
''Grand Old Party" since that day. He is a man of pleasing ad-
dress and patriarchal appearance, well preserved and still active
in mind and body. His wife has preceded liim to the ''Better
Land," having died October 28, 1899.

James E. Abrams. — In the development and progress of Van
Buren county from pioneer times to the present no family has
shown itself more devoted to the solid virtues of industrious hus-
bandry and patriotic citizenship then that represented by Mr.
James E. Abrams, of Lawrence township. He himself has been a
resident of the county for sixty years, has been one of the most
successful in agriculture, and has served his country and his
community in promoting their best welfare.

James E. Abrams was born in Orleans county. New York, Octo-
ber 7, 1841. His family has been identified with American his-
tory for several generations, and its military record is especially
noteworthy, since the members of three successive generations have
served in the most important wars that occurred during their re-
spective careers. His grandfather bore arms in the war of the
Revolution. Then his son John, who was born at Newburgh on
the Hudson in 1797, was a member of the New York state militia
when the British crossed Lake Champlain. John Abrams spent
most of his life in New York state. He married Eunice Shepard,
and they were the parents of eleven children, all of whom were
born in New York, and the five now living are: Eunice, Anne,
Lindy, James E. and Nancy, all except James being residents of
different states in the west.

In 1851 John Abrams, with his wife and family, set out for
Michigan, which at that time was the destination of many people
leaving Orleans and neighboring counties of New York. He
crossed Lake Erie to Detroit, and from there came overland by
wagon to Kalamazoo, where he spent the winter. On March 4th

760 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

of the following year they arrived in what is now Paw Paw town-
ship, where the father bought eighty acres of cleared land for one
thousand dollars. At that time many of the settlers had joined
the rush to California, and for this reason it was possible to secure
good bargains in improved or partially improved land. On this
place John Abrams lived for thirty years, until his life came to a
peaceful close in 1881. His wife died three years later, in 1884.

During his youth Mr. Abrams was privileged to attend school
only about three months in the year and continued his efforts in
obtaining an education until he was nineteen. By that time he
had saved some money, which he planned to use in attending the
college at Ypsilanti. Just then the Civil war broke out. The day
following the firing on Fort Sumter, April 15, 1861, he enlisted in
the Lafayette Light Guards under Captain Hugo. From here
he went to New York and was attached to Sickle's Brigade, in the
Seventieth New York Regiment, and saw nearly four years of serv-
ice in many campaigns through the south.

A veteran soldier, he returned to Michigan to take up the prac-
tical duties of civil life. In December, 1865, he purchased a farm,
and the following March he married Miss Helen Beddo, of a well
known family near Paw Paw. Together they began to make a
home and continued to live on their first farm fourteen years. In
the fall of 1882 they moved to another place, which remained their
home until 1896. Mr. Abrams then engaged in the mercantile
business at Lawrence until in 1900. For two years after that he
served in the office of town treasurer, and then returned to the
farm. In 1907 he bought the farm of one hundred and thirty-two
acres which is now his attractive home. Altogether he owns one
hundred and sixty-six acres in Lawrence township. His material
prosperity has been generous and has been gained as the result
of his own well bestowed labors and good business management.
Mr. Abrams has held several offices in Post Wads worth. No. 49,
G. A. R., at Lawrence. His citizenship has always been of the
substantial kind that supports the best movements in the com-
munity, and when entrusted with public responsibility he has dis-
charged his duties with conscientious faithfulness and energy.
He and his family are members of the Methodist church at Law-
rence.

Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Abrams : Hetty
is the wife of Rev. E. H. Bradfield, of La Pierre; A. H., is in a
general store at Lawrence; Katie is the wife of A. B. Carris, of
Highland, California; Archie E. is on his father's farm; Richard
J., who continued the military record of the family by serving
with the rank of corporal in the Spanish war, is now an electrical
engineer residing in Chicago; James G. is on his father's farm in
Lawrence township ; Helen is the wife of Frank Jones, of Mendon,
St. Joseph county; and Harold E. is on his father's farm.

George Mutchler. — The present incumbent of the office of drain
commissioner of Van Buren county, Michigan, is a fine example
of the man who accepts an office of public trust and responsibility
and brings to the same the same unswerving rectitude and per-
sistent industry which would mark his private endeavors. It is

HIRAM SHERROD

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 761

to such men as George Mutchler that our democratic government
must look for the redemption of her administrations from the in-
efficiency of "political jobbery/' George Mutchler was born in Osh-
temo, Kalamazoo county, this state, July 21, 1862, to Martin and
Mary Mutchler. Both his father and mother, whose maiden name
was Miller, came to the United States from the Fatherland. They
met and were married in New York state before they came to the
state of Michigan. They were the parents of nine children, of
whom George, the immediate subject of this sketch, was the sixth
in order of birth. The family came to Van Buren county when
George was a child of three years, the date being 1865. Here the
father was employed as section foreman on railroads for a great
many years. Both Martin Mutchler and his wife have since passed
to their eternal reward.

George Mutchler was raised in Van Buren county, and received
an excellent common school education in the district schools of the
county. On December 20, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss
Edah Gibney, of Bangor township, Van Buren county, a daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Gibney, the former of. whom was born
in Bethney, New York state, and the latter of whom first saw the
light of this world in Bloomington, Indiana. She was raised in
Van Buren county, and attended the public schools of the district.
To Mr. and Mrs. George Mutchler was born one son, Harrie E.,
the date of his nativity being December 29, 1889. He has grad-
uated from the Hartford high school and is now a student at Lans-
ing, Michigan. The family are members of the Christian denom-
ination, and Mr. Mutchler is an elder in the church and a trustee
of the same.

Politically Mr. Mutchler adheres to the party of Lincoln, Mc-
Kinley and Taft, and is accounted a worthy promoter of the in-
terests of the ''Grand Old Party ^' in this part of the state. He
has served the county in the capacity of surveyor for three terms,
of two years each. After an appointment to fill out an unexpired
term Mr. Mutchler has since been appointed for three terms as
county drain commissioner and also twice elected to the office, this
being ample proof of the quality of his service and the high place
he holds in the esteem of his constituency. It is worthy of note
that he held the office of county surveyor and drainage commis-
sioner for one year, the same being very unusual, since it is a rare
thing to find a man holding two active county offices at one time.

Fraternally Mr. Mutchler is affiliated with Charter Oak Lodge,
No. 231, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Hiram Sherrod represents a family who came to Michigan from
Pennsylvania in 1867. He was born in the Keystone state on
November 29, 1835. His parents were Daniel and Hannah Cole
Sherrod, the father a Pennsylvanian and the mother a New
Yorker. When they came to Michigan they settled near Paw
Paw and the parents spent the rest of their lives there. The
mother died in 1885, and the father three years later. There
were seven children in the family, five sons and two daughters.
Matilda lives in Paw Paw and is Mrs. Levi Lyle. The other
sister is married to John Cleckner, of Colorado. One brother,

762 HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY

Almond, also lives in Colorado. Lorenzo, the other brother now
living, resides in Detroit.

Hiram Sherrod learned the blacksmith trade from his father
and in 1857, bought seventy-five acres of land, to which he later
added a tract of thirty-eight acres, making a total of one hun-
dred and eighteen acres. Upon this he has put a fine brick house
two stories high and good barns and other outhouses. He has one
of the best managed farms in the community and one of which the
whole county is proud.

In 1861 jNIr. Sherrod was married to Salina Lee, and eight
children were born of their union ; three who died in infancy and
Henry, Minnie, Wilbur, Carrie and Vincent. The mother died
in 1879, and the father took for his second Avife Letissa Stephenson,
and of this union there is one child, Grover.

]\Ir. Sherrod is a Democrat in his political convictions, but he is
not a practical politician nor has he ever sought any public office.
He belongs to the Grangers and to the Good Templars. The
Christian church counts him one of its most interested members
and he is known throughout the county as one sincerely interested
in all which builds up the economic, educational and moral life of
the country.

Erastus Osborn is one of the leading citizens of Hamilton town-
ship, and a pioneer of the locality as well. He is a gentleman so
well known for his integrity and honesty, thrift and manliness,
that he needs no introduction to the citizens of Van Buren county.
He and his estimable wife are citizens who are held in the highest
esteem and it is with pleasure that the ensuing sketch is presented
in the record and history of Van Buren county, Michigan.

Erastus Osborn is a native of Alleghany county. New York,
where his birth occurred on March 24, 1838. He is the second
in a family of eight children, equally divided as to sons and daugh-
ters, born to Stephen and Sallie (Hungerford) Osborn. Of this
number but three are living at the present time, Mr. Osborn being
the eldest; Benjamin, an agriculturist, residing in Hamilton town-
ship; and the same being true of Horace. Stephen Osborn also
raised to maturity four sons and four daughters by a former mar-
riage. The father was born in Vermont, October 11, 1794, and
died in 1853. He was a courageous man and a good citizen, of
the type of General Stark and his Green Mountain Boys. He
adopted agriculture as his life work and his politics was that of
a Jackson Democrat. The Osborn family ultimately removed from
New York to Michigan (about 1844), making the journey m
pioneer fashion in covered wagons, across swamps and through
forests. This interesting journey is well remembered by the sub-
ject, who was about six years old at the time. Near where the
family located deer and wild turkeys were abundant. The first
farm owned by the family consisted of but forty acres and the
first habitation was an underground log house. Conditions were
indeed primitive, for the Osborns were among the first white set-
tlers. The Indians still looked upon the district as their own. The
elder ]\Ir. and Mrs. Osborn were Christian people and of good in-
fluence in the communitv. The mother was a native of New York

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 768

and her grandfather Weston was a soldier of the Revolutionary
^var, the present day Osborns being thus entitled to membership in
the Sons and Daughters of the" American Revolution. Her grand-
mother AVeston rode horseback with a little baby in her arms to
witness the surrender of Cornwallis. Both of the subject's par-
ents are interred in the Hamilton township cemetery where suit-
able stones stand sacred to their memory. His maternal grand-
father, Benjamin Hungerford, was born in 1773 and the grand-
mother in 1778, the latter dying in 1854. Their remains are in-
terred in the Keeler cemetery, their tombstones being among the
earliest placed in that burial ground. Benjamin Hungerford at
one time was proprietor of a cording mill in Alleghany county,
New York, and there in his early life Millard Fillmore worked as
an apprentice. When an old man he revisited and wept over those
scenes of his boyhood.

Erastus Osborn has spent his life in Van Buren county and has
devoted his energies to agriculture and stock-raising. He received
his education in the common schools, when conditions were
primitive, the first school house he attended being a log cabin,
where the pens used were quills. In 1859 he made a six months'
trip with ox teams to Pike's Peak. He has used the old fashioned
grain cradle, swinging it all day long, and he has cut as much as
seven acres of grain in one day, using also a scythe and flail. The
Osborns were innovators, however, and the subject's father bought
the first threshing-box with a cylinder in the township. In those
days the closest market was St. Joe, Paw Paw not then being in
existence. His memory goes back to the day when Decatur was
a mere hamlet, when the Michigan Central Railway was being
built, his half brother assisting in the construction of the same.

AA^ien Mr. Osborn began life he had no capital, but his industry
and thrift made his success certain from the beginning. He was
not afraid of hard work and has split rails at fifty cents per hun-
dred, the fact being apparent that he began life at the bottom.
On March 24, 1864, he was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Annette
Maria Lascelle, and two daughters have been born to them. Mary
E. is the wife of William H. iMyrkle, a resident of Hamilton town-
ship, and an agriculturist. The Myrkles have ^ye children, all
living and as follows: Harold E., a student of the public schools;
Grover C, in the junior class of the Dowagiac high school; Law-
rence, in the eighth grade of the public school; Helen Gertrude,
in the- fifth grade; and Marjorie Lascelle, the youngest child.
Agnes Luana, younger daughter of Mr. Osborn, received her pre-
liminary education in the common schools and subsequently
studied in the high schools of Decatur and Dowagiac and the
Atheneum Institute in Chicago. She makes her home with her
parents.

Mrs. Osborn is a native of Jefferson county, New York, her
birthplace having been near the Thousand Isles. The date of her
birth was December 29, 1841, and she is the seventh in a family of
eight children. She is the only member of her family now living.
She was reared in Jefferson county until her seventeenth year and
received an education in the public schools. While a resident of
Chicago she was a student in the Bryant & Stratton Business Col-

764 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

lege. At the age of sixteen years she began her career as a teacher
in Jefferson county, New York, and she taught subsequently in
"Wayne township, Cass county, and Van Buren county. She is a
cultured woman, and has ever improved her mind with good liter-
ature. She has been a true and helpful wife. When she and the
subject began life it was in a frame house made of black walnut,
this building is still standing. It was built in the early '40s and
is one of the oldest frame houses in the town. Their present home
is a pretty and commodious one and they own a fine tract of four
hundred and forty acres lying in Keeler and Hamilton townships.
They have made all its improvements themselves and today (in
1911) this valuable estate is without a dollar's debt. Their lives
furnish a splendid example to the young of what courageous
industry will accomplish.

Mr. Osborn is a sound Democrat and has never strayed from
its Jeffersonian principles. He is the champion of good schools
and has been treasurer of his township, an office he held for seven
years. His wife is a member of the Swedenborgian church. Mr.
and Mrs. Osborn are representative citizens of Hamilton township
and owners of one of its finest estates, its broad acres being known
as ^ * Brookside, " and its hospitable doors being ever open to their
many friends. It is indeed appropriate that record of their lives
be perpetuated in this History of Van Buren County.

Ephraim S. Appleton. — The eventful life of Mr. Appleton be-
gan at Buxton, Maine, on December 22, 1846. His parents were
Samuel B. and Elizabeth (Morgan) Appleton, members of promi-
nent families of that place. The family went west to Chicago and
from there, at the age of seventeen, Ephraim went to the front
at the call of the country for troops to save the Union and was
six months in the service. He enlisted in the Chicago Board of
Trade Battery. Mr. Appleton was discharged on account of dis-
ability and still draws the pension granted him somewhat later.

For forty years after his return from the war, Chicago con-
tinued to be Mr. Appleton 's home. He was for a time a fireman
on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, working at this for
three years. Another three years he spent in California as a
sheep herder, and while there he passed through the many ex-
periences which are incident to that calling. Upon returning to
Chicago, he learned the machinist trade and worked at that for
the remainder of his stay in Chicago.

In 1905 Mr. Appleton came to Van Buren county and purchased
a farm of forty acres. Mrs. Appleton was formerly Miss Frances
L. Coif, of Allegan county, Michigan. She became the wife of Mr.
Appleton in 1872 and is the mother of two sons. William C.
Appleton is a graduate of a commercial school in Chicago also
took a course in commercial law, and is now cashier of the Stan-
dard Varnish Company of Chicago. Herbert is a bachelor of
thirty-five and lives at home.

Mr. Appleton, like most of the Civil war veterans, is a Republi-
can in politics. He and his wife are members of the Methodist
church and he is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons in Florada Lodge, No. 309. Although they have lived in

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 765

the county but a short time, Mr. Appleton and his family have
won a place among the best citizens of this section and are in all
ways worthy of the regard in which they are held.

Dr. John C. Maxwell, of Paw Paw, was born in Hamilton
township, Van Buren county, Michigan, on March 5, 1866, and is
a son of James Edward and Mary (Conway) Maxwell, who were
born in Ireland. The father came to this country about 1846, and
at once made his way to the West to take part in its development
and improvement and secure for himself a share in the results of
its progress. He located in this county on a farm but little re-
moved from its state of primal wildness, and on this he passed the
remainder of his life, which ended in 1884, eight years after the
death of his wife, in 1876. He labored diligently and intelligently
in the cultivation of his farm, and when he died left it in an ad-
vanced state of development and productiveness, and well im-
proved with good buildings.

Eight children were born in the family and seven of them are
living, only Mary, the late wife of Joseph Godley, of Kalamazoo
county, having died. The others are: Celia, the wife of Jacob
Knowles, of Van Buren county; Thomas C, who resides in Spring-
field, South Dakota; Elizabeth, the wife of Otis Gould, of Law-
rence, this county; C. Ella, who is dean of women in the Mar-
quette State Normal School, and a teacher of history in that in-
stitution; Frances, the wife of M. S. Bullard, of this county;
James Edward, a prominent physician and surgeon whose home
is in Decatur, Michigan ; and Dr. John C.

The last named, when his father died, was the only one at home
to take charge of the farm until it could be sold, and he was com-
pelled to leave school and devote his time to its management. As
soon as he was able to get away he entered the University of
Michigan at Ann Arbor as a medical student, and while pursuing
his professional course also followed the high school course of
academic instruction. He was graduated from the department of
pharmacy in the university in 1894, and from the medical depart-
ment in 1895. When he left the University he at once located in
Paw Paw, and here he has worked out his subsequent career, mak-
ing an admirable record as a physician and surgeon. His prac-
tice is large and active, laying all his time and energy under tribute
except what is required for the duties of citizenship outside of pro-
fessional lines, for these he never neglects in any degree whatever.

Dr. Maxwell was married in December, 1898, to Miss Cleo Lyle
Stevens, a daughter of F. E. and Ida M. (Parker) Stevens, of
Paw Paw. Three children have been born of the union, two of
whom are living: James Hoyt, who was born December 15, 1902,
and Catherine Frances, whose life began on December 1, 1908.
The first born child, Helen, came into being on December 15, 1899,
and died on March 13, 1902.

The Doctor holds to the principles and theories of government
of the Republican party in political affairs, but he is not desirous
of official station of any kind. He is a member of several local
lodges.

766 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Samuel Culver. — As the leading industry of Van Buren county
is farming, and as that industry is in large measure the basis of
the wealth, prosperity and progress of almost every land under
the sun, its representatives are entitled to full consideration in any
work that purports to give an account of the forces which have
made a people what they are, and the steps by which they reach
a stage of progress which may be the subject of the work. This
volume is designed as a portrayal of the people of Van Buren
county at the present time, and their advancement from the pioneer
stage of the county's existence to the high state of development,
improvement and prosperity to which its residents have brought
it. The greater part of the population have been farmers from
the start, and Samuel Culver, of Keeler township, is one of their
best representatives in the generation to which he belongs.

Mr. Culver was born in the state of Ohio, Stark county, on
July 2, 1840, and was the last of the eight children (three sons
and five daughters), born to his parents, Cliristopher and Su-
sanna (Chiesley) Culver. Three of the eight are living: William,
who is a farmer near Howard City, Montcalm county, Michigan;
Polly, who is a widow and resides in La Grange county, Indiana;
and Samuel, the immediate subject of this brief review.

The father of this family was a native of Pennsylvania, and
was reared, educated and married in that state. He was of Ger-
man ancestry, his parents having come to this country from the
Fatherland during our Revolutionary war. The mother of the
family was also of German extraction and both she and her hus-
band could speak the German language fluently. After their
marriage they moved to Ohio, and some years later to La Grange
county, Indiana, where the father died in October, 1861. He was
first a Democrat in political allegiance, but when the Republican
party was organized he espoused its principles, and to them he
adhered to the end of his life. His wife died several years before
his death. They were Presbyterians in their religious connection,
and consistent members of their church from their youth, holding
firmly to its teachings and exemplifying the Christian spirit in
their daily lives.

Samuel Culver was a boy of four years when his parents moved
to Indiana, and he passed the succeeding thirty years of his life
in that state. He has always been warmly attached to the Union,
and when the Civil war was raging he joined the forces enlisted
for its defense and salvation. He was enrolled in September,
1864, in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, and received his honorable discharge from
the army in July, 1865. His company was commanded by Captain
Schlegel, and the regiment to which it belonged by Colonel John
Comparet. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Ten-
nessee and took part in the second battle of Nashville. In this
contest Mr. Culver had a narrow escape from death, the band of
his cap being shot away. But the regiment was fighting under
the inspiration of the presence and heroic example of its great
general, George H. Thomas, the idol of his soldiers, who called
him '^Pap Thomas" in the ardor of their affectionate devotion.

On February 21, 1867, Mr. C/ulver was united in marriage with

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 767

]\liss Maryette E. Emerson^ the nuptials being solemnized in La
Grange county, Indiana. Mrs. Culver is a daughter of Elial Todd
and Huldah M. (King) Emerson, the former a native of the state
of New York, born in 1814, near the Connecticut line, and the
latter of Rhode Island, where her life began on July 1, 1817. She
died on March 31, 1900, and her husband's life ended in 1894.
He was a distant relative of the great American philosopher, essay-
ist and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. His occupation through life
was that of a farmer, and his marriage occurred in Michigan,
whither he came after attaining his majority and residing for a
number of years in Indiana, moving to the latter state in 1841,
after having bought land in La Grange county. He became a resi-
dent of Yan Buren county in this state in 1870.

On his arrival in this county he purchased the tract of eighty
acres of land which now constitutes the old Emerson homestead,
located on the township line 1)etween Keeler and Hartford town-
ships, within four miles of the village of Hartford. During his
life in Yan Buren county Mr. Emerson took a great interest in
the i)ublic schools and for a number of years rendered them valu-
able service as school director. He and his wife were devout mem-
l)ers of the Baptist church at Keeler, and were persons of strict in-
tegrity and true to every duty. They reared their offspring in
paths of rectitude and to useful lives. ]\Irs. Enu^rson was de-
scended from old New England stock and English ancestry, one of
her grandmothers having been a native of the Isle of Wight, Eng-
land. Her grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary war.
This entitles i\Irs. Culver and her daughter to membership in the
society of Daughters of the American Revolution, They could
certainly meet all the re(|uir(Mnents of membership in respect to
high character, intelligenci^ and acceptable social standing, no
matter how exacting they may be.

Mrs. Culver grew to womanhood in Indiana, and there I'CK'cived
a very good education, although sh(^ had only the facilities afforded
by the public schools; nor did her husband have any other, and,
lie, too, is well infoi'uied and has a well trained mind. The fruit
of their union is one child, their daughter Grace Belle, who is the
wife of Theodore Samuel Allen and has had two children, a daugh-
ter named Maryette Isa belle, who died at the age of fifteen months,
and a son named George Lial, who is now in the fourth grade of
the pu])lic school he attends. iMrs. Allen was born in the Emer-
son homestead and educated in the district schools and at the high
schools in Hartford and Benton Hai'boi'. She is a member of the
l^aptist church, tlie Sunday-school of tlu^ congregation to which
she belongs, and tlie Women's Christian Temperance Union.

Mr. Culver is a .progressive farmer and studies his business in
all its details with a view to securing the best returns and most
satisfactory results from the labor and care he bestows on his
farm. He is also an enterprising and public spirited citizen, with
great interest in the development and enduring welfare of his
township and county. In political faith he is a Republican, and
at all times serviceable to his party, although he has no desire for
any of the honors or profits it may have to bestow on its faithful
and capable adherents. He cast his first vote for our martyred

768 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

president, Abraham Lincoln. In addition to their farm the Cul-
vers own a residence property in Hartford. Mr. Culver and his
wife are deeply interested in the cause of public education, and
this fact has induced him to serve on the school board. Like their
daughter, the parents are members of the Baptist church and
zealous workers in the Sunday-school of their congregation. All
the members of the family stand high in the regard of the people,
and the record of their useful, upright and estimable lives shows
that they are worthy of all the respect and good will that is so
richly bestowed upon them. Van Buren county has no better or
more serviceable citizens.

John J. Markillie. — Among the men who have given the farm-
ers of Van Buren county their high name for industry and pro-
gressive methods is John J. Markille, of Hartford township. He
comes of sturdy old English stock. He was born March 17, 1849,
in Longsutton Crosses, Lincolnshire, Old England, the son of Ed-
ward and Mary (Skeels) Markillie, neither of whom ever came to
this country, and both of whom have now passed away. The early
life of John Markillie was spent upon the farm, and his education
was slight, for he was obliged to be busy early and late at his farm
duties. He worked on the farm until he attained his majority,
not accumulating, however, very much of this world's goods. On
Christmas day, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Chris-
topher, of Lutton, England. The young couple made their home on
a rented farm and the husband not only ran that but was em-
ployed by other farmers as well. Mrs. Markillie was born on the
15th of November, 1851. Mr. Markillie came to the United States,
landing here on the 11th of October, 1881, and settled near Gobles-
ville, his wife joining lain}, in the following spring. Mr. and Mrs.
Markillie were the parents of twelve children, concerning whom
the following brief data is here inserted : Carrie became the wife
of Prank Webster ; Samuel is deceased ; Sarah is now Mrs. Charles
Koons ; Florence was united in marriage to Charles Baldwin ; Alice
married Odis Curtis; George remains on the home farm and he is
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Walter W..
is single; Clarence married Miss Cecil Olds; Grace is the wife of
Clair Leach; Ella M. graduated from the Hartford high school
and is now engaged in teaching school ; Ralph is a graduate of the
public schools. The family are not members of any church.

Mr. Markillie carries insurance in the Order of the Maccabees.
He is affiliated with the Republican party, and has for the past
two years served the community as path master. He went to live on
the Olney farm, in section 33, seven years ago, and has since
raised some very fine short-horned Durham cattle, which he pur-
chased from the well-known Rutland stock farm, and he is the
owner of a half interest in the stock, produce and tools now on
the place. He and his family are well liked in the neighborhood,
and have many friends.

Dr. Wilbur F. Hoyt, of Paw Paw, is a native of this state and
was bom in Battle Creek on January 25, 1863. His parents, Ben-
jamin Franklin and Frances (Warner) Hoyt, were natives of
New York state, and passed the earlier years of their lives within

HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY 769

its borders. The father came to Michigan in 1847 and located near
Battle Creek, some years afterward moving to Paw Paw. He was
a carpenter and worked at his trade in both localities with profit
for himself and benefit to the places in which he labored. During
the Civil war he was a soldier in the Union army, and although he
lived to see the end of the gigantic sectional conflict, he died in
1866 from disabilities due to his military service.

Some time after his death the mother contracted a second mar-
riage, in which she was united with Frederick S. Eldred, of James-
ville, Wisconsin, now deceased. She died on August 25, 1908.
She and her first husband were the parents of two children: Lu-
cius W., who died in 1910, and Dr. Wilbur F. The latter attended
school in Paw Paw and Grand Rapids until he reached the age of
sixteen, then became a student in the State Agricultural College in
Lansing, from which he was graduated in 1883.

Having completed his scholastic training, he turned his whole
attention to the work of preparing for his professional career,
which he did at a medical college in Columbus, Ohio. He received
his degree from that institution in 1885, then passed one year as
resident physician at St. Frances Hospital in Columbus. In 1886
he located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he remained actively
engaged in the practice of medicine until the winter of 1890-91,
when failing health obliged him to give up the practice for a period
of two years.

In the summer of 1892 he pursued a special course in clinics at
Bellevue Hospital in New York city, and after concluding that
located in Paw Paw, where he has resided most of the time since
and been actively occupied with a large and exacting practice.
During 1903 and 1904 he served as clinical assistant in the Samari-
tan Hospital of London, England, but at the end of his connec-
tion with that institution returned to Paw Paw, and here he has
ever since had his home and been one of the strong forces in his
profession and one of the leading citizens of the community.

On July 7, 1903, the Doctor was married to i\Irs. Amanda B.
Bartram. She has a son by her former marriage, E. W. Bartram,
who is living in Boston, Massachusetts, where he is connected with
the United Drug Company. Dr. Hoyt is a member of the Masonic
order and its adjunct, the Order of the Eastern Star, and of the
Knights of Pythias. He is a Republican in politics and a member
of the Park Street Congregational church of Grand Rapids.

Edwin A. Chase. — A citizen of very considerable prominence
and public spirit in Van Buren county is Edwin A. Chase, a pros-
perous agriculturist and supervisor of Waverly township. He is
a man of influence in public affairs and has brought about more
than one good thing, while any public trust given into his hands
is sure of such intelligent and conscientious attention as to re-
dound to his credit and the honor and profit of the people.

Edwin A. Chase is a native of the state of New York, his birth
having occurred in Genesee county on September 2, 1848, his
parents being Johnson and Almira (Baker) Chase. The birth of
Johnson Chase was in Vermont and the mother was a New Yorker.

770 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

They were married in New York and in the fall of 1864 came to
Michigan and located on a farm nine miles from Paw Paw, where
the father lived until his demise. The mother is still living (in
1911), a venerable lady approaching her ninetieth year. (She was
born in 1824.) Mrs. Chase lives on the old homestead, just across
the road from her son, E. A. Chase. She and her husband had
six children, four of whom are living, namely : Edwin A. ; Wallace
F., of Waverly township ; Albert L. ; and Ella, wife of Charles A.
Fox. The father, by a previous marriage, had one daughter.

The immediate subject of this review was reared on a farm in
New York state and in the district schools he obtained his educa-
tion, attending until his eighteenth year, when he came to Michi-
gan. He worked in the meantime, however, and soon became
familiar with the many secrets of seedtime and harvest. He
practically was thrown upon his own resources from his thirteenth
year, for at that early age he began to work for his living. He was
a strong and sturdy young fellow and a good assistant. At the age
of twenty-one years he was still without property, but by twenty-
eight he had begun to get a start and owned forty acres of land,
a tract which had not yet been improved and which required an
expenditure of much time and labor.

In the meantime Mr. Chase married, the young woman to be-
come his wife being Nettie Burns, of Almena township. She was
born in 1854 and was a daughter of Able and Sarah (Bidgood)
Burns, who came to Michigan at an early date from the Empire
state. By Mr. Chase's first marriage there were two children, one
dying in infancy. The other, Lottie, is the wife of Leroy Hutchins,
of Waverly township ; she was educated in the Waverly schools
and taught one term ; she has one child, Clair. The first wife of
the subject passed away in June, 1880, and in 1884 he was united
to Ruhany Huey, and to this marriage were born three children,
two being deceased. The surviving child, Lena, is the wife of
Frank McGary. Upon the demise of the second Mrs. Chase the
subject married, on November 26, 1893, Mrs. Celia (Congdon)
Davis, widow of John Davis. She is the daughter of Daniel and
Eliza (Stoddard) Congdon, both natives of Connecticut, who
came to Michigan in 1837 and settled in Washtenaw county. She
was born November 28, 1852, in Kalamazoo and received her educa-
tion in the common schools. By her first marriage she became the
mother of three children, two of whom are living. Earl received
a commercial education and is now a farmer, and Leon is single
and lives with Mr. Chase. He now owns forty acres in section ten
and pursues successful operations in general farming.

Mr. Chase is a prominent Mason, holding membership in the
Bloomingdale Lodge, No. 222, A. F. & A. M., and he and his wife
are members of the Bloomingdale Chapter, No. 58, Order of the
Eastern Star. He is affiliated with Glendale Lodge, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and also with the Grange. In politics he is
found valiantly marching under the standard of the Democratic
party, for whose policies and principles he has stood since his
earliest voting days. He is serving his twelfth term as supervisor
of Waverly township and was elected in a township that is largely
Republican. He was at one time chairman of the board of super-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 771

visors. He was a member of the building committee of the Van
Buren county court house and his name is inscribed on the corner-
stone. In that, as in other things, he played a valuable part.

Mr. Chase is one of the best known hunters in Michigan and
each year devotes a month to the hunting of deer and other large
game. He has laid low many splendid animals, his prowess in this
line being remarkable. His hunting takes him north each year,
and each year adds new laurels to the share of this Van Buren
county Nimrod. He has moreover done much to secure juster
game laAvs for the state, his lobbying at the state capital having
probably done as much as any one factor to bring about this re-
sult. His wife has a natural ability for the raising of flowers and
has many beautiful specimens.

Dw^GHT Foster. — One of the oldest and most highly esteemed
families of Keeler township, Van Buren county, is that of Foster,
members of which have been prominent in ever}^ walk of life.
One of its worthy representatives is Dwight Foster, one of the lead-
ing agriculturists of this part of the county, who during a long
and useful career has established a reputation for probity and in-
tegrity that does credit to himself and the family name. Mr.
Foster was born in Keeler township, December 10, 1854, the eighth
in a family of nine children born to Ira and Caroline (Bishop)
Foster, a complete review of whose lives will be found in the sketch
of the Foster sisters in another part of this work.

In common with other farmers' sons of his day Mr. Foster's
early education was secured in the district schools near his father's
farm, attending during the winter months when his services could
be spared from the duties of the some place, and in the summer
months learning the details of practical and scientific farming.
Later he was sent to the Northern Indiana University, and after
graduation returned to the home farm for some time. After his
marriage, which occurred September 22, 1881, to Miss Mary Lil-
lian Buck, he began renting the Foster homestead, which he suc-
cessfully operated for a period covering sixteen years, and at the
end of that time purchased eighty acres in Keeler township, to
which later ten acres were added by inheritance. Feeling that
they wished to own their own property Mr. and Mrs. Foster had
gone into debt for this land, then but a fairly productive tract,
with no buildings on it. To-day there is not a more highly culti-
vated tract to be found in this part of the to^ynship, and the build-
ings are of the most modern architecture and equipped with up-to-
date improvements in every way. Mr. Foster has proven himself
an able farmer, and today he stands as one of the substantial
men of his locality, his property being entirely clear from in-
debtedness. He has also shown himself a good and public-spirited
citizen, and one who is ready at all times to lend his influence to
those movements which he feels will be of benefit to his community.
Reliable in all matters, conscientious in what he believes to be his
duty, an honest business man and kind husband and father, Mr.
Foster wields a power for good among his neighbors and fellow
townsmen, w^ho expressed their confidence in him by electing him
to the office of supervisor of Keeler township from 1896 until 1902.

772 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Although Mr. Foster is a Democrat, he is very progressive in his
views and is a great admirer of the ideas and principles of Robert
LaFollette. Fraternally he is connected with the K. 0. T. M. of
Keeler township, and believes earnestly in the benefits to be de-
rived from life insurance, holding a good policy in the North-
western Life Insurance Company. He is a trustee and member of
the Methodist Episcopal church of Keeler.

On September 22, 1881, Mr. Foster was married to Miss Mary
Lillian Buck and five children were born to this union, of whom
three survive, namely: Gladys, who finished eighth grade in the
common schools and in 1908 graduated from the Hartford High
school and is now a student at Valparaiso, Indiana ; L. Dean, edu-
cated in the common schools, and graduated from the Hartford
High School in 1910, and later from the Van Buren Normal School,
is now one of the successful young teachers of Keeler township ;
and Newton B., also a graduate of the Keeler common schools
and now in the tenth year of the Hartford High School.

Mrs. Foster was born in Keeler township, October 19, 1857, and
is the third of a family of six children, one son and five daughters,
born to Lucius and Celina A. (Wise) Buck. Five of her parents^
children still survive : Marcia, who married Oscar Adams, one of
the prominent farmers of Keeler township ; Luella, the wife of
C. H. Tuller, a furniture dealer and undertaker of Shelby, Michi-
gan; Mary Lillian, who married Mr. Foster; Nellie, the wife of
E. C. Parmlee, a dealer in real estate and insurance at Auburn
Park, Chicago, Illinois; and C. Edwin, an agriculturist of San
Jose, California.

Lucius E. Buck was born about 1823, in Livingston county. New
York, and his death occurred in 1889. He received a good educa-
tion for his day and locality, and during the early settlement of
Van Buren county, Michigan, came to this section as a teacher,
although the major portion of his life was spent in agricultural
pursuits. Settling first in a log cabin in the heavy timber, at a
time when bear, deer and wolves were to be found in plenty and
the red man roamed the woods, Mr. Buck bravely started to work
to establish himself and his family in a comfortable home, and
after years of untiring, persistent toil he accomplished his object,
and at the time of his death was the owner of two hundred and
forty acres of magnificent farming land. He was a Jacksonian
Democrat, and a stanch advocate of good roads and public educa-
tion facilities, and served his community well as supervisor and
town clerk of Keeler township. Always a faithful member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, he served for many years as trustee
and was liberal in supporting movements of a benevolent or char-
itable nature. His wife, who was also a faithful Christian, was
born about 1825 and died in 1901. She was a child when she
came with her parents to Livingston county, New York, from her
native state of New Jersey, and was educated in the Lima Ladies
Seminary. Both she and her husband are interred in the Keeler
Cemetery, where beautiful tablets mark their final resting-place.

Mrs. Poster was educated in the township and public schools of
Keeler, and for a number of years was successfully engaged in
teaching school in Keeler and Hamilton townships. An estimable,

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 773

Christian lady .of cheerful and loving disposition, she has done
much to assist her husband in attaining his success, her counsel
and active advice being helpful and bracing in times of discourage-
ment. Mrs. Foster has been prominent in social circles and in the
work of the Methodist church, she having been a teacher in the
Sabbath-school for many years. She has been a member of the
Keeler Thursday Club, an organization of some literary distinc-
tion, and has served very ably as its president.

VoLNEY Robert Hungerford. — The standard of excellence
among educators all over the country is being raised higher and
higher, and especially is this true in Michigan, where the people
are so proud of their public school system. Van Buren county
keeps well abreast of her sister counties in this, as in other things,
and is fortunate in the possession of a superintendent of schools
that comes of a line of educators and has many years of practical
experience back of him. Volney Robert Hungerford was born in
Branch county, Michigan, August 6, 1874, and is a son of Henry
W. and Sophia (Mabbs) Hungerford.

Henry Hungerford was born in Oakland county, Michigan, in
1834, and as a young man began teaching school. Later he took
up the occupation of farming, and he was so engaged at the time
of his death, January 30, 1901. His widow, who was born in New
York, still survives, and makes her home at Coldwater, Michigan.
They had a family of five children, namely: Virgil U., residing at
Coldwater ; Bertha, the wife of Edgar Conklin, of Branch county ;
Mary, the wife of Loren H. Draper, of Branch county; Volney
Robert; and Emily E., a teacher in the high school at Coldwater.

Volney Robert Hungerford graduated from the public schools
at the age of seventeen years, and in three years completed the
four years ^ course in the high school and began teaching, but af-
ter one year decided that he was in need of a more comprehensive
education, and for the next four years attended Olivet College.
Graduating in 1900, with the degree of Bachelor of Sciences, he
was for one year assistant at the Schoolcraft High School. In the
following year he became superintendent of schools, and then went
to Decatur, where he served in a like capacity for five years. His
perfect fitness for the position at this time resulted in his election
to the office of county superintendent of schools, and he has ably
continued to act in that capacity to the present time. Mr. Hunger-
ford has brought to his work an enthusiasm that is contagious
among his fellow workers. Modern ideas, progressive innovations
and a well expended effort to learn and cater to the needs of the
young minds under his fostering and developing care have made
the school system of Van Buren county something to model other
systems by. Mr. Hungerford is a man of delightful personality
and a close student, not only of books, but of mankind. That he
has been successful in his life work, the host of his former pupils,
now his warm, personal friends, testify.

On June 19, 1901, Mr. Hungerford was married to Lula Knapp,
and one child, Harlan, was born to this union June 15, 1902.
Politically a Republican, Mr. Hungerford has taken a deep inter-
est in matters pertaining to the welfare of his party and his com-

774 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

munity. He is past grand master of the Odd Fellows, and a con-
sistent and liberal member of the Presbyterian church.

Charles B. Molby. — An honorable farmer-citizen of Waverly
township is Charles B. Molby, who has resided in this locality
since boyhood and who, although leading a quiet life, has been a
factor for good in the community, never failing to yield support
and co-operation to any measure that has appealed to him as likely
to be conducive to the public good. He has spent his life as a
farmer and on his small, but well-improved farm of forty acres
conducts successful operations in general farming.

Mr. Molby is one of that large portion of the citizenship of Van
Buren county, Michigan, which the section owes to the state of
New York, his birth having occurred in Onondaga county, that
state, February 2, 1857. He is the only child of Benjamin and
Betsy (Stanley) Molby, both likewise natives of New York. They
came to Van Buren county in 1866, when the subject was less than
ten years old, and here resided until their demise, that of the
father taking place on February 19, 1906, and that of the latter
in June 1881. Benjamin Molby, whose death removed from the
community a venerable and esteemed citizen, was a Democrat in
politics and a Spiritualist in religious conviction. During his
active career he pursued the occupation of a carpenter, joiner and
farmer.

Charles Molby received his education in the public schools and
under the preceptorship of his father became well versed in the
many secrets of seed time and harvest. When his school days were
concluded he gave his time to the great basic industry and has
ever since remained thus engaged. He secured his present farm
December 17, 1903.

Mr. Molby laid the foundations of a home of his own when on
October 27, 1878, he was united in marriage to Amelia Palmer,
daughter of Harvey and Aurilla (Baker) Palmer. She was born
in Genesee county, New York, November 7, 1855, and came to this
county with her parents when only about ten years old. The union
of Mr. and Mrs. Molby has been blessed by the birth of two daugh-
ters. Mertie is the wife of Ivan Sergeant and her two children.
Ima J. and Boyd C, entitle the subject to the distinction of grand-
father. Kitty Christine is the wife of John Weiner.

In politics Mr. Molby is independent, giving his support to
what he esteems the best man and the best measure and deeming
partisanship a secondary Cj^nsideration. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors
and in each carries a thousand dollars insurance.

William H. Miller. — The farming interests of Van Buren
county are in charge of efficient, capable men who have given to
their labor that application of scientific effort that is bound to
bring the best results. Years of observance of the best methods
have brought the occupation of farming up to the standard of one
of the sciences, and the constant improving of farming machinery
has done wonders in making the harvesting of large crops a surety.
One of the leading agriculturists of Antwerp township, now spe-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 775

cializing in fruit growing, is William H. Miller, of section 25, a
prominent citizen and veteran of the Civil war, who has met with
much success in his operations. Mr. Miller was born in Hadley,
Lapeer county, Michigan, September 17, 1844, and is a son of Jacob
and Elizabeth (Randolph) Miller, natives of New York.

As a young man Jacob Miller came from New York to Lapeer
county, and here the remainder of his life was spent in farming.
Here he was a pioneer and endured all the hardships and hard
work incident to pioneer life, such as cutting wood at fifty cents
a cord, and walking four miles each way to and from his work.
The nearest market in those days was Detroit, and there he took
his beef, a distance of fifty miles, traveling with an ox team, and
taking nearly a week to make the trip. His death was a sad one,
he having been murdered in Lapeer City by a man who had forged
his name to a note, and his body was burned to destroy the
evidence of his crime. His wife, who died in 1851, bore him the
following seven children : Charles, Daniel and Jane, who are de-
ceased ; James, residing in Mattawan ; Henry, who lives in Fenton-
ville ; William H. ; and Otis, who is deceased. William H. Miller
was reared to an agricultural life and was employed on his
father's farm until he was twenty years old, at which time he en-
listed in the Third Division of Colonel Jew^ell's Department, Sev-
enteenth Army Corps, and as a member of a Michigan regiment
was with General Sherman on his famous "IMarch to the Sea."
He w^as seriously wounded at Hilton Head, South Carolina, and
after being mustered out of the service there w^ent to New^ York,
from whence he returned to Michigan, and for about four years
was engaged in land speculation. He then purchased a tract of
one hundred and twenty acres in section 25, Antwerp township,
where he has since been engaged in farming and fruit growing,
and his undertakings have met with unqualified success. His life
has been that of an upright, honorable and public-spirited citizen,
and he enjoys the respect and esteem of the community.

On December 9, 1873, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with
Miss Emily Burgess, daughter of Charles 0. and Ludencia
(Morey) Burgess, natives of New York state, and to this union
there has been born one daughter, Emily. Mr. Miller has been
so occupied with his farming interests that lie lias had little time
for public matters, but he takes a. keen interest in measures that
are apt to prove of benefit to his community, and votes the Demo-
cratic ticket. He is prominent fraternally as a member of the
.Alasons and the Eastern Star.

Mrs. Sophia L. Nesbttt. — A venerable and notable figure in the
life of A^an Buren county, Micliigan, is Mrs. Sophia L. Nesbitt,
mistress of one of the fairest and most valuable country estates in
all Michigan, a great tract of two hundred and eighty-two of the
state's most advantageously situated acres, ornamented by one of
the most beautiful mansions in the county. In the evening of
life this admirable woman may look back over a career of great
usefulness, of faithfulness and helpfulness, as a wife and devotion
as a mother, for she has been

776 HISTOEY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

''Earth's noblest thing, a woman perfected/^

Mrs. Nesbitt is a native of Brockville, Canada, situated on Lake
Ontario, on the "Broken Front,'' her birth having occurred on
October 23, 1828. She is the youngest member of a family of four
(children, equally divided as to sons and daughters, born to Crin-
ness and Mary (Baxter) LaRue, she being the only one surviving.
Her father was of French descent, as is indicated in the name, his
father having come to America at an early day. He was a de-
scendant of the Huguenots. He was a Parisian and of the mer-
cantile class. He was of a noble family, the name originally hav-
ing been De laRue, but upon coming to this country the French
government deprived him of his honors. Mrs. Nesbitt 's father
was a prominent man and engaged in banking about the time of
the war of 1812. One of the LaRues — Henry — was aide-de-camp
to General Washington. Among the most prized possessions of the
family are the shaving implements and other personal belongings
of the ''Father of his Country." In course of time the family
took up their residence in the Dominion of Canada and it was
while they were there residing that she whose name inaugurates
this review was born. She received her education in the schools
of Canada, eventually entering the National School at New Castle
and she later taught for some years, proving a gifted young in-
structor.

She was first married in 1846, when a damsel in her teens, be-
coming the bride of George Griffin. To their union were borri
four children, three daughters and a son, two of the number sur-
viving: Addie is the widow of Thomas Nesbitt and resides in
Schoolcraft, Michigan ; Emma is the wife of 0. M. Geer and makes
her home in Harrington, Montana. She is the mother of eight
children. The subject and her first husband were married in
Dunham county, Canada, and there resided until the death of Mr.
Griffin, who was an agriculturist. He traced his lineage to Scot-
land. His religion was that of the Methodist Episcopal church.
His untimely demise was caused from becoming overheated on the
occasion of a conflagration, which caused typhoid fever and from
which sudden death resulted, in June, 1853.

On September 22, 1858, the widow was united in marriage to
Robert Nesbitt, of Decatur, Michigan. To this union three daugh-
ters were born and reared to maturity, two of whom are living at
the present time. Miss Minnie Nesbitt is well known in Van Buren
county as a particularly gifted business woman. She is in charge
of the great Nesbitt estate and manages its affairs worthily and
successfully. She received an excellent high school education in
Decatur, but the best part of her culture is self acquired and her
mind and business ability are of the highest order. She takes
pleasure in the higher things of life, is literary in her tastes and
is a valued and active member of the "Corwin Woman's Literary
Club" and the "Every Tuesday Club" of Decatur. Miss Nesbitt
is affiliated with the Christian Science Society of Decatur and is a
firm believer in its wonderful and beautiful teachings. She be-
longs to the Order of the Eastern Star, No. 333, at Decatur, and
has served as secretary of the same. She is a friend of the town-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 777

ship Grange and has assisted in its achievements. She has as-
sumed full charge of the affairs of her mother ^s estate and worthily
does the robe of responsibility rest upon her shoulders. She is
fond of travel and in 1904 she and her sister made an interesting
voyage to Cuba. She has also journeyed through the middle west
and has had a season in the Adirondacks. In her father's life-
time he was wont to take various members of his family with him
to New York and the east. He had charge of the affairs of Mrs.
Nesbitt's first husband, who although young when summoned to
the Undiscovered Country had already shown fine capacity and
would doubtless have made a fortune had his life been spared.
The second daughter, Nellie, died at the age of three years. Dora,
who resides with her mother and sister, was educated in the schools
of the county. She has a taste for good books and would doubt-
less say with the poet:

''That place that does contain
My books, the best companions, is to me
A glorious court, where hourly I converse
With the old sages and philosophers;
And sometimes, for variety, I confer
With kings and emperors, and weigh their counsels. '^

George Nesbitt, of Decatur, Michigan, is a son of Mr. Nesbitt by
a former marriage.

Mr. Nesbitt, the father of these children, was born in the parish
of Glanova, county Antrim, Ireland, his birthplace being twelve
miles from Belfast. The date of his birth was March 18, 1810, and
that of his demise, April 11, 1888. He lived until his fourteenth
year in his native land and came to this country in 1824, with his
elder brother, John. They came on a sailing-vessel, the Rob Roy,
landing at Quebec, Canada, after having experienced a voyage
eventful from the fact that they were blown out of their course.
The two young fellows worked their way to Plattsburg, on Lake
Champlain. Mr. Nesbitt clerked in a store in the winter and also
learned to tally lumber. He went thence to Detroit and became a
clerk in his brother William's store and bakery. William became
a banker and real estate dealer and found the highest success in his
adapted country, leaving a fortune at his death.

Mr. Nesbitt received a common-school education in his native
land. He was of good family. His father, George Nesbitt, was a
member of King George's Royal Guards and his grandmother was
a daughter of Lord Ireland. The first Nesbitt came from Bonnie
Scotland. Robert Nesbitt 's uncle, William, was one of the first
teachers in the Carolinas. To revert to the early years of Robert,
he came from Detroit to Monroe, Michigan, in 1825 and there re-
mained for a time, then going to Kalamazoo county, where he lo-
cated lands from the government. There he remained until 1834,
when he came to Van Bur en county. His wife and daughters pos-
sess six of the parchment deeds signed by Presidents Van Buren
and Jackson, — valuable heirlooms, indeed. At one time he owned
as much as two thousand six hundred acres in Van Buren county.
The first home of the Nesbitts was a log cabin, located on the site

778 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

of the present magnifieent residence. At that time there were
plenty of deer and wild turkeys on the farm. St. Joseph was the
nearest market and wheat sold at twenty-eight cents a bushel, while
salt was ten dollars a barrel. Journeys to market were made with
ox teams. While in Monroe Mr. Nesbitt learned the trade of a
millwright and ' most of his life in Michigan was devoted to the
milling industry. He erected four mills in the vicinity of his
home, these being saw^ and grist mills and a steam saw mill in
Allegan county.

Mr. Nesbitt Avas a man of wonderful activity and indomitable
will, and he had a most remarkable memory. He marketed lum-
ber by hundreds of thousands of feet and his part as a maker of
\'an Buren county was considerable. He served as a soldier in
the Black Hawk war, being a lieutenant, and he well remembered
Chicago at that time and Fort Dearborn. All his life he was a
Jackson Democrat. He was a valued official, serving as super-
visor of his township for several years. He was the champion of
good education and in the pioneer days of Van Buren county he
maintained a school in his own home. He was a Spiritualist and
entertained such noted mediums as the Davenport Brothers.

In 1871 Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt began the erection of their mag-
nificent country residence, one of the country 's finest homes, erected
at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars, and finished in hard
woods, such as oak and w^alnut. This is known as '^The Nesbitt
Homestead," and is graciously presided over by the daughters of
the subject, whose gentle and lovable personality impresses all who
come within the sphere of their influence. Like all citizens who
stand high in the esteem and respect of all of Van Buren county,
it is with pleasure that we present this record of an admirable
woman and those nearest and dearest to her.

Joseph C. Allen. — The casual observer w^ould seem justified in
his conclusion that not many years ago the state of New York
suffered a real misfortune in the exodus of a great number of its
best citizens to Michigan. For in looking over the biographical
data of those representative men and women who form the sub-
ject matter of the History of Van Buren county it seems the rule,
rather than the exception, to meet with the information that the
subject was born in New York and eventually came hither. Then,
judging by the high standard of citizenship here. New York must
produce a particularly fine type of men. Joseph C. Allen is one
of the great company of New Yorkers who make their present
residence in Waverly township, Van Buren county. His eyes first
opened to the light of day on January 12, 1847, his parents being
Job and Hannah (Odell) Allen. His paternal grandfather was
Daniel Allen.

In 1866 Job Allen severed the old associations and brought his
family to the state of Michigan, first locating in Kalamazoo
county, where he remained four years, engaged in farming and
in his trade of chair-making. In 1870 the Aliens came to Van
Buren county, which they elected to make their permanent abode.
The father passed away in November, 1886, but his cherished and
devoted wife survived him some years, her demise occurring on

HICTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 779

September 10, 1894. They were the parents of seven children,
six of whom survive (1911) namely: Daniel, Joseph C, William,
Alberta, Lydia, Job and Allen.

Joseph C. Allen was about eighteen years of age when he first
came to the Wolverine state, his education having been previously
secured in the district schools of his native state. He chose farm-
ing as his life work and first became an independent agriculturist
in the year 1870, when he secured forty acres of land. He is now
a considerable land holder, owning eighty acres in sections 8 and
9 and eighty acres in Section 29, all in Waverly township. This
estate is well situated and highly improved.

Mr. Allen contracted a happy marriage on August 12, 1889,
when Mary M. Epley became his wife. She, like her husband,
was born in New York, Alleghany county, the date of her birth
])eing October 26, 1854, and her parents being S. W. Epley and
Charlotte C. (Bird) Epley. The father was born in Danville, New
York, and the mother in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mrs. Allen re-
ceived an excellent education, graduating from the Buchanan
(Michigan) high school and the Normal School at Valparaiso,
Indiana. They share their delightful home • with one daughter,
Ruth L., born August 25, 1897, an alert young high school student.

Mrs. Allen is a valued member of the Congregational church at
Bangor. The subject is found marching under the standard of
the party which produced Lincoln, McKinley and Taft and is
helpfully interested in all matters concerning the public welfare.
He served two years as township drain commissioner and as a
member of the school board. The Aliens enjoy the esteem of the
community.

Harlan P. Waters. — A soldier in the Civil war at the age of
seventeen, and remaining in the service nearly three years, during
which he took part in many engagements on the battlefield, and has
ever since borne the marks of his fidelity to duty in wounds that
still trouble him at times ; then a school teacher, a farmer, a sales-
man, and since again a farmer and merchant, Harlan P. Waters,
of Paw Paw, has followed several pursuits and given valuable serv-
ice to the people in each of them. He is now nearing the limit of
human life as fixed by the psalmist, but is still hale and vigorous in
spite of his long years of arduous labor and the wounds he re-
ceived in the army, and ranks as one of the most prosperous, pro-
gressive and esteemed citizens of Van Buren county, which has been
I lis home for more than forty years.

Mr. Waters is a native of Ohio, w^here he was born on Septem-
ber 9, 1843. His parents were Asa M. and Caroline (Evans)
Waters, the former born in Ohio, the latter in Vermont. The
father came to Michigan and Van Buren county in 1868, and took
up his residence on a farm in Antwerp township. There he passed
the remainder of his life, following the pursuit in which he
started, and that of his father and other members of the family
for generations. He died on his farm in Antwerp township in
April, 1900. The mother's life ended in February, 1901, at the
same place. They were the parents of five children; Harlan P.,
the immediate subject of this memoir; Celia, who was the wife of

780 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

B. F. Morris, of Paw Paw, and died on June 21, 1911 ; Elma and
Elbert, twins, the latter of whom died at the age of three years,
and the former at that of twenty; and James H., who is now a
resident of Benton Harbor, and is as highly esteemed in his com-
munity as his brother Harlan P. is in his.

At the beginning of the Civil war, which almost rent this coun-
try asunder and brought untold havoc to all its interests while it
was in progress, Harlan P. Waters, who was then but seventeen
years old, enlisted in Company G, Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry,
under Captain Milligan, to fight in defense of the Union. He
served in this regiment two years, but before enlisting in it be-
longed to the Squirrel Hunters, an organization that was kept busy
in following and defeating the Southern General Early in his
famous raiding expeditions.

When he was mustered out at the end of his first term of enlist-
ment he returned to his home and attended school about four
months. He then enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and
Ninety-sixth Ohio Infantry, whose comma;nder was Captain Hughes.
He was connected with this company eleven months, and during
this period was made first sergeant of the regiment. At the end
of the term he was mustered out at Baltimore, Maryland, and
again returned to his home in Ohio.

He took advantage of the opportunity now presented to ad-
vance his education by attending the Spencerian Institute at
Geneva in his native state, from which he was graduated at the
end of his course of instruction. He at once went to Hamilton,
Ohio, and passed about one year as a teacher in the Commercial
College in that city. During the next three years he was engaged
in farming, one year in Ohio and two in Michigan. From this
occupation he turned to selling nursery stock for the L. G. Bragg
Nursery Company, with which he was connected as a salesman
eleven years. Since the end of that period he has again been en-
gaged in farming, and now owns three farms, comprising two
hundred and eighty acres, all located in Antwerp township. He
also owns and occupies a fine residence in Paw Paw, and is in-
terested in an extensive hardware business in the same city, which
makes him and his son Harry M. proprietors of the largest and
most active establishment of the kind in Van Buren county.

Mr. Waters was married on December 26, 1870, to Miss Alice
E. Pugsley, a daughter of Henry M. and Mary A. (Prater) Pugsley,
the father a native of England and the mother, whose parents
were also from England, born in the state of New York. They
were the parents of five children: Mrs. Waters; John, who has
been dead for some years; Milton H., who lives in this county;
Dora M., the wife of Charles Lake, of Paw Paw; and Myra, the
wife of L. E. Sheppard, whose home is also in Paw Paw. By a
previous marriage of the father there was one child, William
Pugsley, who lives in Paw Paw. Mr. and Mrs. Waters have three
children: Harry M., who is associated with his father in the
hardware trade in Paw Paw ; Charles M., a civil engineer at Wya-
net, Illinois; and Pearl, who is the wife of L. A. Packer, of Law-
ton in thi^ county. The father is a Republican in politics and
loyally devoted to the interests of his party. He was supervisor

HISTOEY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 781

of Antwerp township for eleven years, and chairman of the board
for a considerable portion of the time. He has also held a num-
ber of other township offices. He is a Royal Arch Mason in fra-
ternal life and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In
religious affiliation he is a Baptist.

The military record of Mr. Waters in the Civil war would be
far from complete if it were not mentioned that he was wounded
near Mills Springs, Kentucky, in 1862, and now carries a bullet
in his hip received during the service. He was taken prisoner
and held in captivity for forty-eight hours at the battle of Look-
out Mountain, when he was recaptured by members of the Union
army. He also had one of his shoulders badly smashed at the
battle of Cumberland Gap. His defense of his country was always,
therefore, hazardous, for he was in active service a great deal of
the time he passed in the army, and it proved disastrous to him on
three separate occasions, and fully established his fortitude and
devotion to his cause by the patience and serenity with which he
bore his sufferings, and his willingness to continue in the ranks and
keep on fighting after he incurred them.

He has met all the other trials and troubles of life with the
same lofty spirit of endurance and determination to make the
best of them and overcome them by close attention to whatever
he had in hand and the use of all his faculties to advance himself
in prosperity in spite of them. By his manly course and fidelity to
duty in every relation of life he has won the universal regard
and good will of all who know him, and established himself in
public esteem as one of the best and most useful citizens of the
county in which his labors have so long contributed to the gen-
eral welfare by both the value of their products and the ability
with which they have been performed under all circumstances.

Wesley M. Hall. — ^Working on his father ^s farm until he
reached the age of twenty-three, except while he was attending
college in Kalamazoo; then enlisting in the Federal army in de-
fense of the Union, but before the end of his first year in the war
receiving a wound that disabled him for further service; and
after his discharge returning to the pursuits of peaceful industry,
in which he has ever since been engaged, Wesley M. Hall, one of
the wideawake and progressive farmers of Paw Paw township,
Van Buren county, has shown his devotion to the welfare of his
country and its people in every way open to him, no matter what
the hazard of his situation.

Mr. Hall was born in Macomb county, Michigan, on November
16, 1838, the second of the two children and sons of Myron and
Caroline (Sagar) Hall. The father came to Michigan in 1834
and located on eighty acres of government land in Macomb county,
on which he lived twelve years. In the spring of 1847 he moved
to Jackson county, and in the autumn of the same year to Porter
township in Van Buren county. Here he began operations on
forty acres of land, to which he added by subsequent purchases
until he owned two hundred acres. He later sold one hundred and
sixty acres of this, keeping forty, which was still in his possession
at the time of his death, which occurred on March 5, 1881. The

782 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

mother is still living, at the age of ninety-four, and has her home
with her son Wesley. Her other son and first born child died in
1892.

Wesley M. Hall began his education in the district schools and
completed it at Kalamazoo College, which he attended in 1857
and 1858. On October 29, 1861, he enlisted in Company H,
Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, as a Union soldier, the
company being under the command of Captain G. D. Johnson.
The regiment to which his company was attached was soon at the
front and in the midst of hostilities. Mr. Hall took part in the
deluge of death on the historic field of Shiloh, where he was twice
wounded and taken prisoner.

Five days after his capture Federal forces recaptured him, but
he was in turn retaken by the Union forces and again by the Con-
federates, this continuing until he had been taken and retaken
six times in one day and finally left in the hands of the enemy.
Mr. Hall demanded of them that he be removed to the hospital in
a wagon, but as the wagons were all in use he was ordered to get
on the back of a horse behind a rebel cavalryman. This he re-
fused to do and they left him upon the field, where he was found
next day by the Union ambulance corps and taken back to his
regiment. He was then taken to a hospital in St. Louis for treat-
ment. On May 5, 1862, he w^as given a furlough and returned to
his Michigan home. He remained at home nearly sixty days, then,
on July 5, 1862, reported in Detroit in obedience to orders. There
he was examined, and on August 25, 1862, was discharged from
the service on account of the disability occasioned by his wound.
After that he remained on the home farm until the spring of
1880, when he bought seventy-three acres of land and began
farming on his own account, his land being located in Van Buren
county. In 1883 he sold this land and bought seventy acres in
sections 25 and 26 in Paw Paw township. Van Buren county, not
far from the county seat. On this land he has ever since lived and
employed his energies, greatly to his o\Aai benefit and that of the
farm, which he has made one of the most productive and valuable
in the township for its size.

Mr. Hall was married on November 4, 1865, to Miss Sarah A.
McCon, a daughter of Isaac and Eliza (Stears) McCon, of New
York state. One child has been born in the Hall household, Leora
W., who is now the wife of D. P. Smith, of Paw Paw. Mr. Hall
is a Republican in his political faith and allegiance and loyal and
energetic in the service of his party. Fraternally he belongs to
the Grand Army of the Republic, and in church connection is a
Methodist Episcopal. He takes an interest in the work of his
church, as he does in that of every other good agency active in the
community, and is zealous in his support of all worthy under-
takings for the improvement of his township or county, and is an
excellent citizen in every way.

John Q. Burdick. — A well and favorably known farmer of
Waverly township, Van Buren county, is John Q. Burdick, whose
fifty w^ell improved acres and pleasant home are situated in sec-
tion 17. Like so many of his neighbors he is a native of the state

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 788

of New York, but he came to jNIichigan at an early age and has
ever since remained a citizen. He is a veteran of the Civil war
nnd the grandson of a Revolutionary soldier, an admirable pa-
triotism and love of country having been transmitted from one
generation to the next. The birth of Mr. Burdick occurred on
November 11, 1837, in Wyoming county, New York, and he is the
son of William G. and Abigail (Dibble) Burdick. William G.
Burdick 's father was Elisha Burdick, the colonial patriot men-
tioned above. The father of the immediate subject of this review
came to Michigan at an early day and here resided for the residue
of his life. He became the father of fourteen children, ten of
whom grew to young manhood and womanhood, this number being
equally divided as to sons and daughters. Only two of them are
living at the present time (1911), John Q. and a sister Mary L.,
a maiden lady.

Mr. Burdick was reared amid the wholesome surroundings of
liis father's country home and his educational discipline was se-
cured in the district school. Some time before the outbreak of
the war he married, but in 1864, in spite of strong home ties, he
enlisted in Company I, of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, and the
following year he was transferred to Company H, of the Seventh
Michigan Regiment, At Fort Bridges these two regiments were
consolidated with the First and became know^n as the First Mich-
gan Volunteer Cavalry. In the new organization the subject was
a member of Company A. He saw much hard service and was
discharged on March 12, 1866, at Salt Lake City, Utah. After
the termination of hostilities he returned to Allegan county and
remained there until 1867, when he came to W^averly township
and he has been a continuous resident here ever since that time,
taking a loyal interest in its county and township affairs and
supporting all measures likely to prove of benefit to the whole
community. He had devoted his attention to farming and is the
recipient of a pension.

Mr. Burdick was united in marriage on January 1, 1861, his
chosen lady being Jane Ann Reedman, who, like her husband, was
born in New York, in October, 1842. They have had four children,
two of whom died in infancy. Bertha K. is the mfe of Claude
Brown, and Ruth G. makes her home in Benton Harbor, Michi-
gan. Mr. Burdick is one of the standard-bearers of local Repub-
licanism, having given hand and heart to its men and measure^
for many years.

Edward F. Bilsborrow. — In the death of Edward F. Bils-
borrow, which occurred March 17, 1910, Van Buren county lost
one of its representative men, and one who, during a long and
useful life, had always been prominent in important movements
and innovations. His activities, confined principally to farming
and stock raising, stamped him as one of the most progressive men
of his day and locality, and his reputation, honestly gained, was
that of a public-spirited citizen, honest and sincere friend and
excellent business man. Mr. Bilsborrow 's birth occurred in Nia-
gara county. New York, in July, 1852, and he was a son of Charles
and Caroline (Moss) Bilsborrow.

784 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Charles Bilsborrow was a native of England, and as a young
man came to the United States and settled in the state of New
York, where he was married to Miss Caroline Moss, a native of
the Empire state. Shortly after their union they made their way
West, eventually locating in Van Buren county, Michigan, and
here they spent the remaining years of their lives engaged in ag-
ricultural pursuits. They were the parents of five children, as
follows : William, who is deceased ; Edward F. ; Louisa, the wife of
Edwin Thayer, of Paw Paw ; George, who is a resident of Albion,
Michigan; and Frederick, also living in Paw Paw. Charles Bils-
borrow became one of the well l^nown agriculturists of Antwerp
township, and was honored and esteemed by his fellow townsmen.

Edward F. Bilsborrow was still an infant when he was brought
to Van Buren county by his parents, and he secured his education
in the little schoolhouses of that day, his youth being spent much
the same as that of other farmers' boys, the summer months being
given to the hard work of clearing the farm, while in the winter
he accepted such educational advantages as were offered. He re-
mained on the home farm, assisting his father, until 1878, in
which year he was married and took up a tract of eighty acres
in Antwerp township, which he continued to farm for some years.
At the time of his father's retirement he purchased the old home-
stead of one hundred and sixty acres, and there continued to en-
gage in agricultural pursuits until his death. Mr. Bilsborrow was
one of the first men of his locality to engage in breeding Perche-
ron horses for the market, and this he made a specialty for many
years. In 1907 he established himself in the dairy business, and
in this, like in all of his other ventures, he was eminently success-
ful. Always a hard-working man, he was never satisfied unless
his time was filled with duties, and this industry and persistence
accomplished much. The dairy business, now a firmly established,
well regulated enterprise, is being conducted by his son, Charles
W., one of the progressive young business men of Antwerp town-
ship.

On January 1, 1878, Mr. Bilsborrow was married to Miss Cora
Webster, daughter of Stephen and Catherine R. (Bidewell) Web-
ster, natives of New York. Mrs. Bilsborrow 's parents had the
following children : Henry C, residing in Denver, Colorado ; Ag-
nes E., the wife of J. Bangs, of Chicago; Katy II., the widow of
John Huston, of Buffalo, New York; George 0., residing in Albion,
Michigan; Ida E., the wife of George Markham, of Marshall,
Michigan; Cora, who married Mr. Bilsborrow; and two children
who died in infancy. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Bilsborrow : Charles W., born June 10, 1879, now engaged in the
dairy business; and Frank Lynn, of Alton, Illinois, born January
23, 1885.

Mr. Bilsborrow was a Republican, and was always interested in
the success of his party, although he never aspired to public office.
Death seized him while in the midst of a happy, useful life,
although he had attained an age when most men are beginning to
think of their own comfort. He always acted from the purest and
best of motives and his death caused the deepest sorrow among
those who knew him and called him friend. His widow, who sur-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 785

vives him and lives in the comfortable family home on Paw Paw
Rural Route No. 3, is one of the best known ladies of her com-
munity, and, like her late husband, has niany warm personal
friends.

Barnabas O'Dell. — Of ancestry distinguished in history by
achievement or association on both sides of his house, and hold-
ing the fact in high appreciation, Barnabas O'Dell, of Paw Paw,
has endeavored to live up to the standards of his forefathers in
working out an earnest desire to promote the welfare and help
along the advancement of the people around him, doing all he
could for the general well being on his small stage of action, as
they did on their larger one of majestic proportions and world-
wide renown. Mr. 0 'Dell is a Canadian by birth and an American
by voluntary adoption. He was born on March 11, 1843, in what
was then known as Upper Canada, and is a son of Dr. Charles
Mann and Hannah R. (Tuttle) O'Dell. The parents were also
natives of Canada, and passed their early lives in that country, ex-
cept during short absences from time to time while traveling. In
1850 they came to Van Buren county, Michigan, and here spent
the rest of their lives and died here. They were the parents of
five children : Henry, who died in 1853 ; James, who died in in-
fancy; Barnabas, the subject of this memoir; Henrietta F., the
wife of Stephen C. Maynard, of Chicago; and Noble F., who also
died in infancy.

Barnabas O'Dell came to Paw Paw in 1851 and here he studied
medicine with his father. He then spent one year as a clerk in a
store, and at the age of twenty-one left home, burning with a de-
sire to take part in our Civil war as a recruit to our naval forces.
He enlisted in the United States navy at Chicago, but was credited
to the town of Paw Paw, then called Lafayette, and was assigned
to duty on the Receiving Ship Great Western. Some time after-
ward he was transferred to Collier No. 29 for a period of six
months, and by the end of that time the war was over and he was
mustered out of the service. During his connection with the navy
he was captain of the forecastle on his vessel, and took great pride
and interest in his duties.

After he left the navy Mr. 0 'Dell determined to remain in this
country, and returned to Paw Paw as the place of his residence.
He had some knowledge of the town and its surroundings, its pace
in business and prospects for the future, his father having come
here in 1851 and passed a year in the place in an effort to improve
his health. But, deciding to remain, spent the rest of his life here
with the exception of five wears. On locating here after the war
the son as soon as he was able entered mercantile life as a clerk
and remained in it one year, thus supplementing his knowledge
of business gained in a previous year's experience.

In the spring of 1869, however, having been married in the fall
preceding, he desired a more stable home and occupation, and
moved to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres owned by his
wife's father and later purchased one of forty acres a mile north
of one of eighty acres owned by his wife. On these two tracts of
land he engaged in general farming and raising live stock until

786 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

1883, when he moved his family to Decatur to secure better educa-
tional facilities for his children than his own neighborhood
afforded. After a residence of nine years at Decatur he changed
his abiding place to Paw Paw, where he has ever since had his
home.

On November 26, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss
Maria L. Stebbins, a daughter of Horace and Lydia (Skinner)
Stebbins, old settlers in Van Buren county, and residents of it
from 1842. Mrs. O'Dell still owns the farm on which the family
originally located, and it has never been out of the family since
her parents carved it into comeliness and fruitfulness from the
wilderness. Their offspring numbered two: Mrs. O^Dell, who
was bom on December 12, 1849; and Emma, who was born in
June, 1851, and died when she was six years old. Mr. Stebbins
had been married before his union with the mother of these chil-
dren, and by his first marriage he also became the father of two
children: M. Eliza, who was born in 1843 and has been dead
for a number of years; and Lewis J., who was a valiant soldier
in the Civil war and sealed his devotion to his country with his
life. He was wounded at the terrible battle of Chickamauga,
and lay in a hospital in Chattanooga nine weeks, then died far
from home and kindred, one of the multitude of sacrifices to the
blind fury of our great sectional conflict. The mother of these
children was Miss Jane Mulholland before her marriage to their
father.

Mr. and Mrs. O'Dell have five children, all of whom are living.
They are: Hubert L., who was born on February 20, 1871,
and is now a resident of Pasadena, California ; Louis N., who was
born on February 4, 1873, and also lives at Pasadena; Mabel C
whose life began on May 30, 1875, and who is the wife of Frank
Shers of Kalamazoo, Michigan ; Lillian I., who was born on No-
vember 23, 1877, and is the wife of Frank Rhodes, of Bay City,
Michigan; and Myrtle L., who was born on April 17, 1880, and
is living in Pasadena.

In his political relations Mr. O'Dell is an Independent, con-
sidering always, in the bestowal of his suffrage, the good of the
people and ignoring all partisan considerations. He has served
as justice of the peace for thirteen years and as constable for
one. During all of the last forty-seven years he has been con-
nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is
also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In religious
belief he is a spiritualist of firm convictions and devotion to the
teachings of the most advanced thinkers of his cult.

Mr. O 'Dell's maternal great-grandfather, Thomas Averel, was
a personal body-guard of General Washington during the Revolu-
tionary war and his messenger in many important transactions.
On one occasion he crossed the Onion river late at night in the
service of the great commander, to whom he was carrying dis-
patches. He had crossed at the same place on a bridge in the
morning, but during the day the bridge had been swept away,
aiid he rode over on the main beam or stringer, which was all
that was left. It was so dark that he could not see the bridge
was gone. But his horse was true and skillful, and took him over

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 787

the roaring torrent in safety, and he did not know how hazardous
his venture was until afterward. This is a fact recorded in his-
tory, and is alluded to by some of the writers as proof of the
guiding hand of Providence in our great struggle for independ-
ence. Mr. O'Dell still has in his possession a knapsack that his
great-grandfather carried at the time and the watch he wore.
His maternal grandmother, whose maiden name was Martha Mann,
was a sister of Horace Mann, the great apostle and advocate of
public education, and one of the finest products of the system the
country has ever known. In 1852 the father of Barnabas O'Dell
bought a place on Main street, Paw Paw village, opposite the
Methodist Episcopal church, and in front of this place father and
son planted the beautiful elm trees, which still stand as monu-
ments and are admired by all. In the fifty years which Mr.
O'Dell has lived in Paw Paw, he has seen all its improvements
made, its public buildings erected and the village grow from
five hundred to two thousand inhabitants.

Juan McKeyes. — The financial interests of any community are
of such an important nature that they cannot be too carefully
conserved, and those citizens to whom are given the keeping of
public and private moneys have a large responsibility indeed and
must necessarily be men of the greatest integrity, in whom im-
plicit confidence can be placed. When it can be truthfully said
of a man that he has been at various times trusted with the man-
agement of business other than his own and never had a com-
plaint made against him; when he has made a success of what-
ever he has undertaken because of his thoroughness and realization
of the rights of others ; when he has tried to live up to a high
standard and help others do the same — then that man is a good
citizen and any community may be proud to own him. Juan
McKeyes, president of the banking firm of Juan ]\IcKeyes &
Company, at Lawton, Michigan, is a man who can be depended
upon in any emergency. He was born in Berrien county, Mich-
igan, August 26, 1842. and is a son of Samuel and Roxy (Taylor)
McKeyes, natives of Connecticut.

Mr. McKeyes' parents came to iMichigan in 1834, settling on a
farm in Bainbridge township, Berrien county, where the father
was engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death,
in 1854, his widow surviving him only one year. Mr. ]\IcKeyes
was decidedly successful in his farming and stock raising ope-
rations, and became the owner of five hundred acres of good
land. Both Samuel McKeyes and his wife had been previously
married, he having five children by his first union and she two,
and there was but one child born to their marriage, Juan. After
the death of his mother, Juan McKeyes went to live with a half-
sister, near Schoolcraft, where he attended the district school,
and later he went to the seminary at that place and the Kala-
mazoo College, where he took a two-year course in civil engineer-
ing. After spending some time in Illinois and Iowa he returned
to Michigan, and for ten years was engaged in the milling busi-
ness in Van Buren county, at which time he fir^t came to Lawton
and established himself in the drug business. After twelve years

788 HISTORY OF YAN BUREN COUNTY

^he sold out his interest in this business and became proprietor
of a general store, and at the end of five years more organized
the bank of Juan McKeyes & Company, in partnership with his
son Frank. Mr. McKeyes has never faltered in his upward course,
and is now the manager of one of the most substantial concerns
of its kind in this part of the state. He possesses the confidence
of the community to a remarkable degree, and is looked upon
a^ one of the most progressive men of Van Buren county. He
has invested his means in realty to a large extent, and is the
owner of some excellent farming land and several valuable town
properties. .

On February 2, 1866, Mr. McKeyes was married to Miss Maria
Cowgill daughter of James S. and Eliza (Smith) Cowgill, the
former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. Mrs. McKeyes'
brothers, Edward and Frank, are both deceased. Two children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McKeyes: Frank, who is in-
terested in business with his father, and Grace, the wife of H. D.
Brown, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mr. McKeyes is a Republican in his political views, and has
served as supervisor of his township for five years, while m fra-
ternal matters he is affiliated with the Masons. He is not a
member of any church, but has been active in the support and
charitable work of the different churches, both Methodist and
Baptist.

Port H. Henderson.— We have the sanction of Holy Writ for
the faith that special rewards follow filial affection, obedience and
reverence from children for their parents, and the general tenor
of human experience and history fully justifies the assurance given
by the sacred writer. Although the rewards do not always come
literally in the form specified by him, they come, nevertheless, m
some substantial and appreciable form. And the promise of length
of days is not to be limited in its meaning to days on earth, tor the
memory of a good man lives after him with increasing fragrance,
and its influence continues in widening circles of benefaction long
subsequent to the time of his demise.

Port H. Henderson, in his early struggle for advancement and
self-denying devotion to his parents during its continuance, his
present condition of material comfort and independence m a worldly
way, and his consequence of high standing among the people who
live 'around him, furnishes a striking illustration of the truth and
force of the Divine promise. In his young manhood he met Fate
in the lists and wrested small favors from her reluctant hands,
and these with his efforts, and the rewards of his filial attection
began at once in his increased prosperity and broadening oppor-
tunities. Now he is well established in life, and all his early fidelity
to duty is approvingly remembered to his high credit wherever he is

known. r^, • i r^

Mr Henderson is a native of Wyandot county, Ohio, born on De-
cember 3, 1858, and the second of the seven children (five sons and
two daughters) of Joseph R. and Sarah A. (Long) Henderson,
three of whom are living, as far as he knows. These are himselt,
his older sister Jennie and his younger brother Charles 0. Jennie

f^

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 789

is the wife of Burr Benton, a prosperous farmer living in Keeler
township, this county. Charles 0. is married, and he also lives in
Keeler township and tills the soil with enterprise and progressive-
ness as his regular occupation, with success following his efforts.

The father was born in the state of New York on November 5,
1832, and is still living, enjoying good health and vigor and a
sprightliness and vivacity unusual to men of his advanced age.
He obtained his education in the common schools of his native
place, and when he determined to seek his chance of advancement
in this state he made the journey overland by wagon and located
in Berrien county on his arrival. Here he purchased forty acres
of land, but misfortunes came, and his progress was not what he
expected or what his industry and persistency entitled him to.
When the Civil war began he enlisted for the defense of the Union
and served to the close of the disastrous conflict. He was the
color-bearer of his company, and in one of the terrible battles of
the war he was seriously shot in one of his hands. But, notwith-
standing his wound, he made an excellent record in the war, never
shirking duty for a day or hesitating to go forward promptly in
the face of danger, even in the fiercest shock qf battle or intensest
frenzy of the charge. Indeed, like many others, under circum-
stances of unusual peril his courage seemed to rise to almost super-
natural heights and make him ready for any possible requirement.
After his discharge from military service he returned to his
liome, and he has ever since given his energies to farming. He
has been a member of the Republican party from its organization
and always fervidly loyal to its principles and its candidates. In
social and fraternal relations he is connected with the Grand Army
of the Republic and the Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his ex-
cellent wife went together to the Methodist Episcopal church to
which they both belonged, during her life, and of which he is
still a member and regular attendant. Mrs. Henderson was born
in Ohio, on Christmas day, 1832, and died in Van Buren county,
Michigan, at the age of forty-five years. She was a noble Christian
woman, earnestly devoted to the welfare of her family, and also
a great financier, whose business capacity and good management
conducted the household through all its difficulties.

Port H. Henderson was reared as a farmer's son and he has
devoted all the years of his life from boyhood to farming. He ob-
tained a small start in mental and scholastic training in the dis-
trict school near the home of his parents, but in all the essentials
of his intellectual development and his acquisitions of information,
he is what may properly be termed a self-educated man, and his
self-instruction has been along the most practical and serviceable
lines with a view to making all his attainments useful to him as
capital in his life work.

During his youth and the early years of his manhood he worked
industriously and gave his earnings to his mother for the benefit
of the family. When he determined to set up a domestic shrine of
his own he did not have fifty dollars in money. But he deemed it
wise to establish a home for himself and trust to his own endeavors
to make it stable and in time valuable. On September 8, 1882, he
united in marriage with Miss Jessie Benton, who was then living

Vol. IT— 1 1 ^

790 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

in Berrien county, where the marriage was solemnized. Mrs. Hen-
derson was born in that county on October 2, 1861, and died in
Van Buren county on May 28, 1907. She was an exemplary Chris-
tian woman and won the regard of everybody who knew her by
her upright and useful life and the excellent example she gave of
elevated American womanhood. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson became
the parents of three sons and two daughters, all of whom are liv-
ing. Lester T., who resides on and helps to cultivate his father's
farm, was educated in the district school and pursued a special
course of business training in the commercial school of Professor
Ferris in Big Rapids. He married Miss Delia JNIann, and they
have one child, their little daughter Helen. Ora M., the second
child, is now the wife of William J. Barnard, a lawyer of Paw Paw,
and a successful man in his profession. She completed her edu-
cation at the State Normal School in Kalamazoo, from which she
received a certificate of qualification as a teacher, and while she
taught she was very capable and Dopular in the work. Vera P..
third of the children in the order of birth, married George Denna-
fell, a prominent young farmer of Keeler township. They have
one child, their son George III. Oven E., the next in order numer-
ically, is a commercial salesman in the state of Washington : and
Ray M., the youngest member of the family, is a promising stu-
dent in the high school in Hartford, his record in Avhich is win-
ning him a high place on the roster of students and bringing his
family gratifying credit.

Port H. Henderson, the father of these children, began farming
as a tenant on his father's farm, and continued his work as such
eight years. By the end of that time he had saved one thousand
two hundred dollars, through the valued aid of his wife, and began
to arrange for a permanent home of his own. He bought eighty
acres of land, going in debt for the purchase price to the extent of
two thousand two hundred and twenty dollars. In due time he fully
discharged this obligation, and immediately created another by
the purchase of another tract of fifty-five acres, for wbich he went
m debt one thousand five hundred dollars. He paid this debt,
too, and he also improved his land. But misfortune overtook him
in the destruction of two barns in succession by fire, one thousand
three hundred bu?liels of grain and seventy-five tons of hay bein^'
also consumed in the fires, as were nearly all his farming imple-
ments in addition.

These were severe blow« to Mr. Henderson, but he did not lose
any time in lamenting over them. He at once went to work in each
case to recoup his losses, and he has now one of the finest and
largest bams in Keeler township. The structure is forty by one
hundred feet in size, conveniently arranged and complete in equip-
ment for its purposes in every particular. Mr. Henderson lias
also remodeled his residence and made it one of the most com-
fortable and attractive rural dwellings in his locality. In addition
to his farm in Keeler township he has bought thirty acres of land
in Hartford township, on which he has a large peach orchard. In
all he owns one hundred and sixty-five acres of first rate land,
nearly all of which is under cultivation, and does not ow^e a dollar
on any of it. He also has a paid up life insurance policy for

HISTORY OF VAN BUEEN COUNTY 791

one thousand dollars. Altogether, he is one of the most prosperous
farmers and stock men in Keeler township, as well as one of its
most highly esteemed citizens. His beautiful home is on the line
between Keeler and Hartford townships, and is known throughout
all this part of the state as ''The Plum Grove Stock Farm.'' It
is four miles and a half from Hartford, and is the seat of a large
and flourishing live stock industry as well as a v(^ry active and
profitable general farming enterprise.

Politically Mr. Henderson has always trained with the Republi-
can party. He cast his first vote in the presidential election for
General Grant, and he has ever since stood by the principles which
governed him at the start. Fraternally he is a member of tlie
Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge in the order at Keeler,
in which he has been through all the chairs. He and his wife,
during her lifetime, belonged to the order of Daughters of Rebekah,
and when she died her remains were interred according to the
rites of that elevated, useful and popular auxiliary of the Odd
Fellows ' Fraternity.

Mrs. Henderson stood firmly by her husband in all his struggh^s
and difficulties, and gave him substantial aid; as well as excelhmt
advice. The duties of her home were her first consideration, and
devoted and intelligent care for her children her higliest aspiration.
It was her aim to make them as good and useful citizens as she
could, and she put all her energies in service for the accomplishment
of this purpose. That she did not labor in tliis behalf in vain is
shown by the uprightness of their lives, the lofty ideals by whicli
they are impelled in all they do, and the high-minded and service-
able citizenship they so steadfastly exemplify. In these respects
they but follow^ the example and teachings of their parents, and, like
their parents, the^^ have the entire confidence and the high esteem of
the whole people in every part of the county of Van Puren and
wherever else they are knoAvn. Mr. Henderson and his childi-cu
contribute in every way open to them to the advance, improve-
ment and general welfare of their several localities, morally, men-
tally, materially and socially, and are everywhere regarded as high
types of American manhood and womanhood.

Daniel M. Allen. — The oldest of the firm of Allen l^rothers
of Glendale, Michigan, was born in Waverly township of Van
Buren county on July 19, 1865. His parents, Truman and Har-
riet Sinclair Allen, were both born in Monroe county, New^ York,
and there grew to maturity and were wedded. In 1860 they
came to Waverly township and purchased land in section 2. The
father became the owner of one hundred and seventy-five acres
of good land and w^as a man of infiuence in the county. He \vas
active in the Republican party, of which he was an ardent sup-
porter. He died on September 20, 1909. His w4fe is still living.

There were three sons and one daughter in the family of Tru-
man and Harriet Allen. The sister of our subject. Lura, is now
the wife of E. J. Dayton. His two brothers. IT. B. and R. E.
Allen, are partners in the store at Glendale and joint ow^ners of
four hundred and fifteen acres of land in Waverly township. Here
they raise registered Hereford cattle and Poland China hogs, for

792 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

which they have a large sale. Twenty acres of their land they
use for the propogation of strawberry plants, which they ship to
every state in the union and to Canada and Mexico. Reuben
takes, the active management of this farm and also of the dairy
farm and the general farming business. The firm own twelve
houses in Glendale and their estate requires the services of four
men whom they keep by the year and four more whom they hire
by the day. From March 1 to May 15 is strawberry time, and
during that season they employ about thirty extra men and women.
The other two brothers attend to the store in Glendale.

Daniel M. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Allie Boaze
in 1899. She is the daughter of Harvey Boaze and received her
education in the schools of the county. Their household includes
two children, Clare and Atha, both now in school. In the Republi-
can party Mr. Allen has always been an active and an honored
worker. He has been twice sent as United States delegate to the
National conventions of the Modern Woodmen of America at Buf-
falo. He was also state delegate for the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica to the Michigan convention at Sault Ste. Marie. He has filled
several of the township and county offices with honor and from
1902 to 1906 was treasurer of Van Buren county. In the Masonic
order Mr. Allen is a member of the Bloomingdale lodge, No. 221,
of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Royal Arch
Chapter of Paw Paw. At Lawrence he belongs to the Council.
He is an Odd Fellow of the Glendale lodge, No. 408 and a Modern
Woodman.

Besides his signal success in the field of commerce and his
activities in public affairs, Mr. Allen has given fifteen years to
the profession of teaching and his work in the county in that line
was of the high quality which was to be expected from one of
his ability and education. He is a graduate of the Valparaiso
University at Valparaiso, Indiana, in both the normal and the
business course. He has been and continues to be a powerful
and a valuable factor in the development of the county and a
contributor to its economic progress.

Sheldon Coleman escaped being a native of Van Buren count}^
by the distance of a half mile and began his life in Oshtemo
township, Kalamazoo county, on May 4, 1870. His father, D. 0.
Coleman, was born in Kalamazoo county in 1843, in the town-
ship of Oshtemo. D. 0. Coleman was married to Mary E. Sheldon,
a native of Washington, D. C. Besides Sheldon, there was one
boy and four girls in the Coleman family: Cora, the oldest, is
Mre. W. W. Brown, of Kalamazoo; Allie is Mrs. S. C. Gibbs, of
Kalamazoo township ; Kate, Mrs. Lee Gibbs, resides in Kalamazoo ;
Pearl is the wife of Claude Weed, of Texas township; and the
other son is Owen, of Oshtemo, living with his father. All live
in Kalamazoo county, and all but Pearl and Owen in Kalamazoo
township.

After completing the course of the common schools, Sheldon
Coleman taught for three years. He then decided to study phar-
macy and attended the State University at Ann Arbor. In two
years he completed the course in pharmacy and began to manage

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 793

a drug store. After some years he came to Lawton and in 1894
went into a drug store. Six years later he and Mr. Showers
bought the present store and organized the Coleman Drug Com-
pany. The partnership continued for nine years and then Mr.
Coleman bought out his partner. Since 1909 he has been sole
proprietor and has the best drug store in Lawton, conducting
the same with much success.

On October 23, 1895, Mr. Coleman was married to Miss Isa
Harwick. She is a native of this state and her parents, Allen and
Mertice E. (Bo wen) Harwick, were also born in the state. The
mother is still living in this township, but the father died in
1900. Mrs. Coleman's sister, Grace, is a teacher in Idaho and
her brother Frank lives in Antwerp township. Another sister,
Minnie, died in childhood. Mrs. Coleman has been the mother of
four children, but only the two sons, David Allen and Richard
H., are now living. Mildred, the eldest of the family, died at
six years, and another child, just older than Richard, died in
childhood.

Mr. Coleman is now serving his fifth term as supervisor of the
township. He has held all the village offices except that of presi-
dent of the village. His politics are Republican and he is influen-
tial in his party, of which he is regarded as one of the most valu-
able members in Lawton. Fraternally Mr. Coleman is affiliated
with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the ]\Iaccabees, the Mys-
tic Workers and the Woodmen. His wife is a member of the Con-
gregational church at Mattawan. One of the foremost of Law-
ton's business men, ]\Ir. Coleman is also one of its most popular
citizens and one most genuinely interested in all civic matters.

Aaron Harrison was born in New Jersey, in the town of
Newark, on June 3, 1824. His parents, Jonas and Hannah Mark-
ham Harrison, were both natives of New Jersey, who spent several
years in New York state. In 1843 they came to Paw Paw town-
ship and there they made their home until they died. There
were seven children in the Harrison family, as follows: William
Henry, now ninety-one years of age, a resident of Kalamazoo;
Aaron; Phoebe Ann, residing in Paw Paw, the widow of Martin
De Graff; Albert, Matilda and John, all deceased; and Ellinore.
the wife of M. P. Allen, of Paw Paw.

After coming to Michigan Aaron Harrison worked for some
years at his trade of carpenter and joiner. He began his career
as a land owner by purchasing ten acres of land in the county
and he has continued to add to this from time to time until now
he holds some thirty times that amount.

Mrs. Harrison is one of the fifteen children of Anthony and
Sarah Muson Labady. She became the wife of Aaron Harrison
on June 8, 1855. Five of the children of her parents died in
infancy. Edgar, Mary and Ellen reside in Paw Paw. Edgar's
twin brother, John, lives in Eau Claire. William resides in Mis-
souri and Nancy Jane and Jackson are deceased. Charles lives
in Decatur, and Frank in Paw Paw, Van Buren county.

A family of eleven was born to Maria and Aaron Harrison:
John is at home and unmarried; Anna is Mrs. Lewis Holster, of

794 HISTORY OP' VAN BURExX COUxNTY

Pontiac and has two children, Grover and Miriam; Mary J. is
deceased; Mrs. Andrew Graham, of Glendale, Michigan, and she
has one daughter AUie; Mrs. Robert Mc Williams, of Paw Paw,
has four children, Beulah, Lulu, Myrtle and Ruth; Mrs. Hugh
Brockway, of Paw Paw, has three children : Genevieve Elizabeth,
De Loss Aaron, Charlotte Eleanor; Mrs, Alva Burke, of Paw
Paw^ has three children, Philo, Emily and Wilbur; Alpha is
deceased; Frederick lives in Oakland, California; Edward, in
Cherokee, Iowa ; and Owen, who died in infancy.

The sixty-eight years which Mr. Harrison has spent in the
county have been years of profit to him and to the community
w^hich his efforts have helped to build. He has seen his children
and grandchildren growing up to enjoy the fruits of his labors
and w^orking to carry on the development of the land carved out
of the wilderness but two generations ago.

Herman Meyer. — Among the well and favorably known young
citizens of Arlington township. Van Buren county, is Herman
JMeyer, at present engaged in the management of agricultural prop-
erties and previously identified with the wholesale and retail gro-
cery business. He is one of the heirs of the great Meyer property
of eight hundred acres in Illinois. Mr. Meyer is a native son
of Illinois, his entrance upon this mundane sphere having been
made at Peru, that state, on November 25, 1883. He is the son
of Anton and Elizabeth (Aaron) jMeyer, the father a native of
Germany and the mother of Illinois. jMr. Meyer gives evidence
in himself of many of those stanch, fine Teutonic characteristics
to which he has right by paternal heritage. Anton Meyer came
to America in youth, in quest of the wider opportunity promised
by the New World, and made location in Illinois, where he owned
and operated farms, and later in life engaged in the mercantile
business. The demise of this prominent and prosperous man
occurred on June 16, 1905, and his cherished and devoted wife
survived him but a few years, going on to ''the Undiscovered
Country, from whose bourne no traveler returns" on January 19,
1909. Mr. Meyer, the immediate subject of this review, was one
of a family of eight children, of whom the following is an enumera-
tion: William, deceased; Emma, wife of William Newreuther, of
Peru, Illinois; Kate, wife of William Doll, of Westfield, Illinois;
Anton, Jr., of Peru, Illinois; Sybilla, wife of Charles Siebert, of
Bangor, Michigan ; Fred, located at Breedville. Michigan ; Herman ;
and Edward, of Breedville, Michigan.

Mr. Meyer received his educational discipline in the public
schools of Peru, finishing in the higher department. His first
adventures as a wage-earner were in the capacity of a cigar
maker, a vocation he followed for two and one-half years. He
then embarked in the grocery business in association with his
father, but the partnership was interrupted by the death of the
elder gentleman, and shortly after this Mr. Meyer removed to
Pasadena, California. In that western city he engaged in the
wholesale and retail grocery business for about six months. He
came home for a visit and then returned to Pasadena, but stayed

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 795

only a short time, disposing of his interests there. He first be-
came identified with Bangor, Michigan, on June 13, 1911.

On June 8, 1911, Mr. Meyer established an independent house-
hold by marriage, making Miss Eva Giesler its mistress. Mrs.
Meyer is a daughter of William and Nellie (Jacobs) Giesler, her
father being a native of Germany and her mother of Illinois.
They reside in Peru, Illinois, the father being engaged in mer-
cantile business. The subject's wife is one of two children, her
sister Emma residing at home.

In political allegiance Mr. Meyer is to be found marching be-
neath the banners of the "Grand Old Party" and his religious
conviction is that of the Evangelical church.

The father at his death, as previously mentioned, left about
eight hundred acres of land in Illinois. He was a man of w^ealth,
possessing in addition a large amount of city property. In addi-
tion to his Illinois holdings, Mr. Meyer has an interest in land
in Arlington township, Van Buren county.

Oscar Karmsen. — One of those thoroughly up-to-date and well-
managed concerns which add in material fashion to the general
prosperity and commercial prestige of Bangor is the drug store
of Oscar Karmsen, the largest store of its kind in all Van Buren
county. In the legitimate channels of trade he has won the suc-
cess which always crowns well directed labor, sound judgment
and untiring i)erseverance, and at the same time he has concerned
himself with the affairs of the community in an admirably public-
spirited fashion. Although a native of Montcalm county, Mich-
igan, he is German in descent and manifests in his own individ-
uality that sterling worth which has been of such great value
in fostering and supporting our national institutions, the Ger-
man being generally recognized as one of the most desirable ele-
ments of American immigration.

Oscar Karmsen was born in Greenville, Michigan, November
24, 1872, and is the son of Charles and Zelma Karmsen, both of
whom are natives of Germany. The father and mother of the sub-
ject, like so many of their countrymen, became favorably im-
pressed with the opportunity of the land across the Atlantic and
concluded to cast their fortunes with it. Upon arriving on our
shores they located in Lowell, Michigan, where the father, who
was a cabinet maker by occupation, engaged in this means of live-
lihood. They subsequently removed to Greenville, and in that
place they now reside, being among the most honored and estimable
of its citizenship. They became the parents of four children, —
Oscar and his brother, Theodore, who are twins; the latter being
a resident of Chicago; Zelma, a teacher in the schools of Green-
ville, Michigan; and Julia, deceased.

Mr. Karmsen attended the district schools and subsequently
matriculated in the College of Pharmacy in Detroit, where he
pursued his studies for the space of six years. He is naturally
adept in this interesting science and thus is fitted by both nature
and training for the life work he has chosen. His first practical
work in this line was done at Alpena, Michigan, where for four
years he was a valued assistant in a drug store. Thence he came

796 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

to Bangor, where he established himself upon an independent foot-
ing and where, as before stated, he maintains the largest drug
store in all Van Buren county, its operations being based upon a
capital stock of six thousand dollars. He is by no means one
of those content to ''let well enough alone,'' but is constantly
adding new improvements and every effort is bent toward keep-
ing abreast of all the latest discoveries in his line. In connec-
tion with his drug store, Mr. Karmsen conducts a circulating
library, which adds to the popularity of the establishment.

On March 4, 1901, Mr. Karmsen, by marriage, laid the founda-
tion of an independent household, making Miss Carrie Ouellette,
daughter of Charles Ouellette, its mistress. Mrs. Karmsen is one
of a family of six children. The subject and his wife are the
parents of one son, Oscar Jr. Mr. Karmsen is in harmony with
the principles of the ''Grand Old Party," and is of that type
of high-principled citizen a record of whose life it is particularly
appropriate to include in this history of representative men and
women of Van Buren county, Michigan.

H. D. Harvey. — Prominent among the successful business men
of Bangor, Michigan, may be mentioned H. D. Harvey, who dur-
ing the past forty years has been the proprietor of a drug store,
and during this time has established an enviable reputation for
honorable business dealings and public-spirited citizenship. Air.
Harvey was born in Ohio, April 21, 1851, and is a son of Ephraim
and Nancy (Hubbard) Harvey, natives of Ohio.

Mr. Harvey's grandfather and father were both ministers of
the Christian church, preaching the Gospel throughout Ohio and
Michigan for many years. Ephraim Harvey passed away in
January, 1901, at the advanced age of eighty-four years, while
his wife, who was born in 1818, died October 23, 1908. They
had a family comprising eight children, as follows: Amanda,
deceased ; a child who died in infancy ; Lisha, who is also deceased ;
Samuel P., who lives in Bangor ; Willis, residing at Kenton, Ohio ;
Thomas M., who is deceased; Enoch S., of Washington. D. C. :
and H. D.

H. D. Harvey attended the public schools of his native state,
and graduated from the Bangor high school at the age of twenty
years, at which time he was fully qualified to teach school, having
acquired his teacher's certificate. He decided, however, to enter
the mercantile field instead of following the profession of an
educator, and his first venture was in the drug businesv<^ in Bangor,
an enterprise that has proved a highly successful one through-
out the years that have followed. In addition to the large brick
block in which his establishment is situated, Mr. Harvey owns
one of the finest residences in Bangor, and he also has accumulated
two hundred and forty acres of excellent farming land located
in Arlington township. Mr. Harvey's success in life is due to
hard work and good business management, completed with good
sense and sound judgment, which have brought him the reward he
so well merits. As a citizen his standing is high, and he has al-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 797

ways had the best interests of his community at heart, being a
leader in all of Bangor's progressive movements.

On October 1, 1878, Mr. Harvey was married to Miss Martha
L. Menbon, daughter of George and Lucinda (Eckler) Menbon,
natives of the state of New York, both now deceased. Nine chil-
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Menbon : Albert, William, Mary
Helen, John, Cynthia, Florence and Frederick, all of whom are
deceased ; Frank, residing in Waverly township ; and Martha Lu-
cinda, who married Mr. Harvey. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey have
had five children: Florence, who is deceased; Grace, who mar-
ried Fred Reams; Leo, who is deceased; and Flossie and Gladys,
who live at home.

In his political views Mr. Harvey is a Republican, but he has
never cared for public office. His fraternal connection is with
the Elks. His family are w^ell known members of the Christian
church, in which they have taken an active interest.

Fred W. Reams. — Many of the successful business houses of
Bangor. Michigan, are those which were established a number
of years ago and whose original proprietors have infused new
blood and new methods into their enterprises by the addition of
younger members to their firms. One of these, the well-known
Wagner Drug Company, has a large and flourishing trade through-
out the village of Bangor and vicinity. Fred W. Reams, who has
shown himself to be a business man of no mean ability, is a product
of Paw Paw, Lee county, Illinois, and was born October 7, 1879.
a son of .Marshall R. and Elizabeth (Sanford) Reams, the former
a native of Ohio and the latter of New^ York. They came to Mich-
igan in 1899, settling in Bangor, where Marshall R. Reams first
entered the mercantile field, but eventually took up the fruit
and produce business, in which he has since continued. Mr. and
Mrs. Reams had a family of three children : Wilbur P., who lives
in Buchanan, Michigan, and is engaged in the mercantile business :
Fred W. ; and Grace M., the wife of Charles F. Dandert, of
Bangor.

Fred W. Reams received his education in the public and high
school of Paw Paw, Illinois, but after tw^o years in the latter
accompanied his parents to Bangor, where until 1901 he was
engaged in the general merchandise business with his father. In
the year mentioneil he entered the drug business of his father-
in-law, H. D. Harvey, and continued with him for seven years.

Mr. Reams is a progressive and enterprising business man, alive
to the modern methods and well versed in matters pertaining to
the drug trade. His popularity is evidenced by his many warm,
personal friends, and he is well known in fraternal circles as a
member of the Modern Woodmen. He and Mrs. Reams are con-
sistent attendants of the Christian church. Mr. Reams takes an
independent stand in matters of a political nature, reserving
the right to vote for the man whom he thinks will best serve the
interests of the people, regardless of party ties.

On January 18, 1905, Mr. Reams was united in marriage with
Miss Grace L, Harvey, the estimable daughter of H. D. and Martha

t

798 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Lucinda (Meabon) Harvey, and they have had one son, Roscoe
Harvey, who was born January 19, 1906.

Shepard H. Shattuck, a native of New England, has for over
a quarter of a century played a helpful and highly honorable
part in the life of this part of Van Buren county, Michigan. His
is the somewhat unusual record of having held some public office
ever since the year 1885, and to every trust he has brought a
whole-hearted loyalty which never lost sight of the interests of
the many in any personal consideration. At the present time he
is chairman of the county board of supervisors. Although now
living in Covert, where he owns an attractive and commodious
home, he still retains ownership of some thirty-five acres which
he operates. Previous to casting his fortunes with the great basic
industry Mr. Shattuck was engaged in sawmill work and in the
hardware business.

Shepard H. Shattuck was bom in Hampshire county, Massa-
chusetts, May 24, 1859, his parents being William J. and Laura
(Pratt) Shattuck. The father was a native of the Empire state
and the mother of the Bay state. They followed the tide of
migration to the developing northwest in 1871 and settled in
Covert. The father was a farmer and was also interested in
woolen mills before coming to this state. He died in April, 1905,
the mother preceding him to the other land in 1872. To their
union were born the following fiYe children: Orlo W., deceased
in 1906; Ella A., wife of George W. Leslie, of Covert; Carrie A.,
wife of S. D. Kenny, of Covert; Fred O., of Cincinnati, Ohio,
secretary and treasurer of the Church-Bienkamp Piano Company ;
and the subject. jNIr. Shattuck took as his second wife Eliza A.
AVarner, who also preceded him to the Great Beyond, the date
of her demise having been October, 1903.

Shepard H. Shattuck began life as a wage-earner at the early
age of fifteen years, engaging in sawmilling with the A. S. Pack-
ard Company, with whom he remained for a number of years in
the capacity of foreman. In December, 1883, he entered upon a
new department of enterprise by taking up the hardware business,
which he followed in Covert until August, 1887, when he pur-
chased a small farm of sixty acres and proceded to improve and
cultivate the same. He made a success of this wholesome and
independent vocation and continued thus engaged until 1901,
when he disposed of the property. He then removed to Covert,
where he built a fine home, his residence being beautifully situated
in the midst of a tract of five acres. He has also bought a farm
of thirty-five acres in Covert township, section 14, thus still re-
taining his connection with farming.

On April 22, 1885, Miss Clara Sherburne, daughter of E. B.
and Jane (Morrison) Sherburne, both natives of Canada, became
the wife of Mr. Shattuck. The Sherburnes came to Michigan in
1860 and located in Covert township. The father, whose occupa-
tion in his more active days was farming, survives, but his wife
died in February, 1902. They were the parents of the follow-
ing ten children: Roland, of Lone Tree, Iowa; filla, wife of C.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 799

AV. Knowles, of Chicago; Clara, the wife of Mr. Shattuck; Minnie,
wife of William Simison, of San Diego, California; Lettie, wife
of Elmer Blodgett, of Pueblo, Colorado; Harriet, wife of W. H.
Seil, of Seattle, Washington; Bertha, wife of William Lees, of
Auburn, New York ; and three children who died in infancy. Mr.
and Mrs. Shattuck share their home with two children, — Karl B.,
born October 3, 1888 ; and Winnifred D., born September 10, 1900.
The subject is of influence in the counsels of the Republican
party and, as mentioned in a preceding paragraph, he is super-
visor of Covert township and chairman of the county board of
supervisors. He has, in fact, held the office of supervisor for no
less than six terms.

Hiram E. Norton is the scion of one of the oldest of Michigan
families, the founder having come here as early as the year 1836.
He is a native son of the state and, although familiar with other
scenes and for a time a resident of the far west, he has paid
this section the highest and most eloquent compliment within
liis poAver by electing to return and take up his permanent resi-
dence within its boundaries. Mr. Norton is a blacksmith by trade
and has ever proved a public-spirited citizen.

Tlie birth of Mr. Norton occurred in Porter township on April
15, 1868, his parents being Emanuel and Mary Jane (McNitt)
Norton. The McNitt family came to Michigan in the spring of
1836, not long after the engagement at Battle Creek between the
whites and Indians. The father was a native of Canada. He
and his family resided in Kalamazoo county for four years and
then removed to Hartford township, the date of that event be-
ing 1841. They too took up one hundred and sixty acres from
the government. The father who was a farmer throughout his
active years is now retired and living in Gregory, Michigan. He
is of very advanced age and enjoys the respect and confidence
of the community in which he is so well known. The mother
died in 1898. Mr. Norton, immediate subject of this review, is
the sole issue of their union.

Mr. Norton had the usual experiences of the young folks of his
day and locality. He acquired his education in the public schools
and under his father's direction learned some of the secrets of
seed-time and harvest. At the age of thirteen years he decided
to l)ecome a wage-earner and began work in a sawmill, in which
he remained employed for a number of years. At the age of
twenty-five years he learned the trade of a blacksmith and for a
time owned a shop in South Haven. He disposed of the South
Haven interest and removed to Covert in 1900, but shortly after-
ward was seized with western fever and went to Montana, where
in Missoula he opened a shop. Throughout his absence, from
home, however, the charms of the old location remained vivid
with him and resulted in his returning to Covert, where he now
resides.

On January 16, 1892, Mr. Norton established a happy home
of his own by his union with Miss Clarissa Morgan, daughter of
G. AV. and Mary (Smith) Morgan. Mrs. Norton's brother, Thomas,

800 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

is now a resident of Bangor township and foreman of the Ever-
green Farm. To the marriage of the subject and his wife have
been born two children, Leah, at home ; and Myrtle, deceased.

Politically Mr. Norton is in harmony with the men and meas-
ures of the Republican party and takes no small amount of in-
terest in local issues. Fraternally he is a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the encampment at
South Haven. He and his wife and daughter are members of
the Congregational church and are valued helpers in its cam-
paign for good. They are helpfully interested in all matters per-
taining to the welfare of Covert and the county.

Charles Radtke. — From sturdy German stock comes Charles
Radtke, whose splendid farm of one hundred and ninety-five acres
in Bangor township is brought to its fullest productiveness under
his capable hands. He has fulfilled in himself all the traditions
of this thrifty, honorable race and stands among Van Buren
county's representative citizens. Mr. Radtke was born September
30, 1857, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Yernitsky) Radtke,
both of whom were natives of Germany. In 1874, when seven-
teen years of age, the subject became the leading spirit in an
expedition to the United States. He brought with him his father
and mother and supported them until their death. The date of
their arrival upon American shores was November 11. The family
first located in Columbus City, Indiana, and there remained for
a year prior to going to South Haven, where the subject bought
eighty acres of land and engaged in agricultural operations. The
father died in 1884, and the mother survived until 1894. They
were the parents of the following eight children: Godfrey, de-
ceased ; Ludwig, of South Haven township ; Minnie, deceased ;
Augusta, wife of John Kuhn, of South Haven township; August,
a citizen of Monroe, Michigan ; Frederick, deceased ; Charles ; and
John, deceased. Mr. Radtke has experienced the success which
usually crowns enlightened industry, honest methods and the de-
termination to succeed. He has added to his property from time
to time and now owns one hundred and ninety-five acres in Bangor
township. He engages in general farming and stock-raising.
When he first came to Michigan he engaged for a time in the
lumber industry. For eight years Mr. Radtke was buyer for
Frank Lauderbach, commission merchant of South Water street,
Chicago, this business taking him over the state of Michigan in
the spring and through the south in the winter.

Mr. Radtke founded a home of his own by his marriage to
Matilda J. Willis, their union being solemnized on October 18,
1885. To them have been born three children. The eldest son,
Willis L., is now engaged in the livery and feed business in Covert;
Carl is a stationary engineer; and the daughter, Anna Elizabeth,
is deceased. Mrs. Radtke 's maiden name was Matilda Willis,
and she was the daughter of Thomas E. and Annie (Lamb)
Willis, natives of Indiana. The family came to Michigan in 1864
and located in Bangor township, where they lived until their
demise, the father being called to his eternal rest at the age of

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 801

fifty-three years and the mother in 1887, aged fifty-seven years.
They were the parents of a large family of children, eleven sons
and daughters coming to them. An enumeration of the family
is as follows: Hosea, of Pine Grove township; Isaac W., of
Bangor township; Charles and Mary, deceased; Mrs. Radtke;
Ella, deceased; Rebecca, wife of William Shine, of Bangor town-
ship; Thomas E., of Bangor township; Eli, living in Bangor
township; Lydia, deceased; and John R., of Porter township.

]Mr. Radtke is a Republican and takes an interest in public
issues. His church is the Lutheran. Mr. and Mrs. Radtke now
live in Covert, where they have a pleasant home, the hospitable
gathering-place of hosts of friends which they are sufficiently
fortunate to possess.

Harvey Harper. — Every veteran of the Civil war commands
our respect and honor in memory of what he accomplished and
what he risked in those dark days. A brave defender of his flag,
always ready whenever his services have been needed either in
war or peace, Harvey Harper, a successful agriculturist of Law-
ton, Michigan, sets an example of noble-minded living and true
patriotism that the rising generation will do well to follow. Mr.
Harper was born August 17, 1840, in Huron county, Ohio, and
is a son of Samuel D. and Nancy (Spears) Harper.

Mr. Harper's parents, both natives of New York, came to Michi-
gan in October, 1841, from Ohio, and, locating in Porter town-
ship. Van Buren county, purchased one hundred and forty acres
of wild land, which they were engaged in cultivating until 1855.
At that time they came to Lawton and erected and opened the
first hotel at this place, which they conducted for one year, then
purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of farming land just
south of the town. In 1861 Samuel D. Harper gave this land to
his sons, Harvey and James, and retired from active life, dying
in February, 1872, while his widow surviv_ed him twenty years
and passed away in 1892, on her eighty-third birthday. Eight
children were born to this noble pioneer couple, as follow^s : Sarah
and Esther, who are deceased; Eunice, the widow of John Ihling,
of Van Buren county; Amanda, the widow of G. P. McNeil, of
Lawton ; William, who is deceased ; James, residing on the home
farm; Harvey; and Clarissa, the wife of James Atwell, of Lawton.

Harvey Harper remained on the home farm until he had at-
tained his majority, and in 1861 he enlisted in Company H,
Twelfth Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry, under Captain
Johnson. For six and one-half months he was a prisoner of the
enemy, being captured at the battle of Shiloh and taken to Mobile,
Alabama, and later to Montgomery. He was then paroled and
sent to Chattanooga, Tennessee, from whence he w^as sent to
Bridgeport, Alabama, and taken to the Union lines to be exchanged.
General Mitchell, however, refused to receive the prisoners, as
he was about to go into battle, and they were returned to Chatta-
nooga and a few days later General Mitchell crossed the river and
began to shell the city. The prisoners were then put on cars
and sent to Atlanta, Georgia, one of the men in the same batch

802 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

as Mr. Harper being the noted raider, Andrews, who was after-
wards hung on the limb of a peach tree. The limb being too
slight for his weight, it is related, the captors shoveled a hole
in the ground underneath his feet, thus accomplishing their pur-
pose. While on a trip to Atlanta, in March, 1911, Mr. Harper
became acquainted with an old gentleman who vouched for the
truth of this story. The street on which it occurred is now named
Peach Tree street, and is one of the most beautiful thoroughfares
of the Southern city. From Atlanta Mr. Harper and his com-
panions were taken to Griffin, Georgia, and later to the famous
Libby Prison, from whence they were paroled and Mr. Harper
was sent to Washington, D. C, on to Annapolis, JMaryland, and
then to Columbus, Ohio, where he was put on detached duty
until he was mustered out of the service, August 18, 1863. The
brave young soldier, much emaciated and broken in health from
his terrible experiences, returned to his home in Michigan and
the next year was spent in recovering his health and attending
school, and he was then married and went to Morrison, Illinois,
where he was engaged in a mercantile business with his uncle.
Later he went to Lake City, Minnesota, where he remained for
about one year, and returned to the farm which had been given
him by his father. In the fall of 1868 he moved to the town of
Lawton, where he had purchased ten acres of land, and on this
he erected a modern, two-story residence and a fine vineyard. He
also owns the town ball park, several building lots and the old
homestead farm south of the town, and is considered one of Law-
ton's successful men, which may be attributed to the fact that
he has never shirked hard work, but has always been willing and
ready to do his full share.

On April 4, 1865, Mr. Harper was married to Martha J. Kinney,
daughter of Warren D. and Martha (Roberts) Kinney, and she
died June 6, 1904, having been the mother of three children :
Bertha, the wife of Crawford Smith, of Ypsilanti, Michigan:
Catherine, who resides at home with her father; and Grace, the
wife of Hamilton Ewing, of Lawton. Mr. Harper is a stanch
Republican in his political views and has served as a member of
the village board and as highw^ay commissioner of Porter town-
ship. He and his children are members of the Methodist Epis-
copal church,

Hon. Charles Jay Monroe. — If the people of Van Buren
county were challenged to name an admirable product and high
type of their citizenship they might with eminent propriety say :
"Here is Hon. Charles Jay Monroe — show us his fellow! Be-
hold the fruit and the representative of our civilization! 'Of
thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble-bush gather they
grapes!' '' In every field of duty, and his have been numerous,
and in every relation of life, Mr. Monroe has exemplified sterling
manhood, elevated citizenship, and all the other fine attributes
of the genuine American gentleman.

Mr. Monroe is wholly a product of Van Buren county. He was
born in the township of Lawrence of November 20, 1839. He

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 803

obtained his elementary education and first impressions of his
relations to his fellow men in the country school near his home.
He grew to manhood on his father's farm and did his part of
the labor necessary for its cultivation, acquiring therein habits
of useful industry, a practical knowledge of farming, and an in-
terest in his native soil that has grown with his years and been
intensified by his experience. The activities, aspirations and tend-
encies of the people of this locality have also been objects of the
greatest interest to him at all times, for he has been one of them
and fully imbued with their spirit and in sympathy with their
desires.

Moreover, he taught their children in the schools, surveyed their
land, served them wisely and faithfully in many important public
capacities, and in time became, in large measure, their banker.
And when, in the pride and power of his young manhood, he
bowed beneath the flowery yoke of Eros, he united himself in
marriage with one of their most estimable and accomplished young
ladies, with whom he walked life's troubled way for over forty
years.

Mr. ]\lonroe is of Scotch ancestry on his father's side of the
house. His grandfather, Isaac Monroe, was the son of Scotch
parents and became a resident of this country early in his life.
He was a physician and lived many years in Surry, New Hamp-
shire, then moved to Hamilton, Madison county. New York, where
he passed the remainder of his days. He reared a family of
ten children, of whom his son Jay R. Monroe, the father of Charles
Jay, was the eighth in the order of birth, and came into being on
April 11, 1806, in Surry, New Hampshire, where the family was
then living.

The father of Mr. Monroe had very limited opportunities for
securing an education. He was but a boy when the family moved
to Hamilton, New York, and soon afterward he was apprenticed
to a stonemason to learn the trade. When he was twenty he
decided to cast his lot with the great West, which, in those days,
meant anywhere beyond Buffalo, New York. So he resolutely
fixed his face in the direction of the setting sun and plunged into
the largely untrodden wilderness. His first stop was at Detroit,
where he worked at his trade for a time, and made some progress
toward independence.

But his ability and force of character were soon discovered, and
his services were solicited for more adventurous and ambitious
employment. ]\Ir. Campeau engaged him to go with a party of
his men on a circuit of the lakes in the interest of his fur trade.
After his return he passed two years in the employ of Mr. Campeau
and General Cass in locating lands for incoming settlers. He
then inade a trip to his old New York home. In 1830 he returned
to Michigan and located at Prairie Ronde, but the greater part
of his time was occupied in traveling over the territory of Mich-
igan locating lands for others, as before. He was thrifty and
frugal, however, and applied his commissions in the purchase of
lands for himself.

His wandering showed him much of the territory in its state

804 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COl^NTY

of primeval wilderness. He was the first white man to pass over
the site on which South Haven now stands, and in 1833 he built
the first house put up within the limits of the present city. He
was unmarried at the time, and a family by the name of Thomas
occupied his house. It was an unpretentious habitation, on, or, if
you please, beyond the borders of civilization, but it was not ex-
empt from the romance and tragedy that visits all human abodes.
A child was born and died in that house soon after it was first
occupied, and this was the first birth and death in the history
of the city.

There were not wanting, even at that early day, indications of
the coming of a host to people the region, and a plan for a village
was projected. Mr. Monroe made a plat of the village as planned,
and the plat was embraced in Hannah's plat of 1852, and has
been a part of every one that has been made since. Along with
other wise provisions, the plan required the reservation of a lot
for a school house, and this was shown on the plat made by Mr.
Monroe.

In 1835, in association with Charles U. Cross, he laid out a road
between South Haven and Paw Paw, and what remains of that
highway now is still known as the' 'Monroe road.'' He had pre-
viously laid out a road between South Haven and Prairie Ronde.
Thus he was a potential force in the great work of opening the
country to settlement, and in bringing settlers in to occupy and
improve it. The excellent results that followed his activity in
these respects proved his general intelligence, sound judgment
and comprehensive grasp of the situation that required his atten-
tion.

Jay R. Monroe w^as married on September 10, 1836, to Miss
Fanny Rawson, a native of Massachusetts. For some months after
their marriage they boarded in Kalamazoo. But in 1837 they
located on the land owned by Mr. Monroe in Lawrence township,
it seeming probable at the time that the county seat would be
located near his farm. The prize of being the center of govern-
ment in the county was won by Paw Paw, but Mr. Monroe con-
tinued to reside on his land in Lawrence township and improved
a portion of a farm of nine hundred acres he owned there. He
also continued to act as land agent, and in time he became one of
the most extensive landholders in this part of the country, being
at one period the possessor of eighty eighty-acre tracts, or six
thousand four hundred acres in all, and expanse equal in extent
to ten square miles.

Under the territorial government of Michigan Jay R. Monroe
was appointed a judge, and from then to the end of his life he
was always known and spoken of as Judge Monroe. He was a
man of great benignity of disposition, and in his administration
of the law always tempered justice with mercy. He was also the
friend and adviser of the early settlers, and served as commis-
sioner of the poor in Yan Buren county for more than twenty-five,
years. He was earnest in his interest and active in his support
of all public undertakings for the good of the state, too, helping
to organize the State Agricultural Society and assisting at the

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 805

baptism of many other excellent institutions from which the people
have derived great benefit.

In the early history of the county and those who made it he
always manifested the deepest interest. He was one of the found-
ers of the Van Buren County Pioneers' Society, and to the end
of his life one of its most active and serviceable members. In
politics he was a life-long Democrat, and in spiritual matters a
firm believer in the Christian religion, but not connected by mem-
bership with any church organization. His death occurred in
South Haven on October 30, 1876, soon after his return from a
visit to the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. His widow
survived him one day over thirty-one years, her death coming
on October 31, 1907.

Mrs. Jay R. Monroe departed this life at the age of eighty-two
years, five months and three days. She was universally beloved
throughout the city of South Haven, where she passed all the
years of her life after the death of her husband, and she well
deserved the veneration of the community which she so fully en-
joyed. Her pastor, who had been long associated with her in
church relations, said in his address at her .funeral: ''She was
a woman whom Lincoln would have loved, and Roosevelt would
have praised,'' and her heroic character fully justified this eulogy.
The first forty years of her life after her marriage were passed
on a farm in Law^rence township, which was remote from other
human dwellings, the nearest neighbor living about a mile distant,
and twenty years elapsing before the woods were cut away so that
another house could be seen from her home.

Most of her years on this farm were very busy ones for ' ' IMother
Monroe," as she was affectionately called by the whole community.
Here her nine children were born, and in addition to the in-
numerable cares incident to rearing and providing for so large a
family, she did all the writing and figuring required by her hus-
band's business, including his land agency. Besides as the home
was located about the center of the county, it became a sort of
halfway house for strangers and travelers, so that there were
almost always extra persons to provide for with meals and lodg-
ing. Her isolation from society and church privileges, and her
burden of work and care imposed great hardships on her, but she
bore them all bravely, patiently and cheerfully, for she was a
woman of extraordinary virility of body, mind and character, and
knew no higher claim on her attention than the voice of duty,
which she always heard with reverence and obeyed with fidelity.
Of the nine children born to her and her husband only four are
living: Charles Jay, Isaac, Andrew and Eunice, the latter the
widow of David F. Moore. The mother passed the last thirty-one
years of her life in the home of INIrs. Moore.

About the time Charles Jay Moore completed his seventeenth
year the State Agricultural College was ready to receive students,
and he was one of the first to be enrolled. He was present at its
opening session, and remained under its beneficent instructions
two years and a half. Then, on account of weakness in his eyes,
he was obliged to give up his studies. His father, however, found

Vol TT— 12

806 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

employment for him that he was able to attend to by placing him
in charge of the land agency business he was conducting. In
connection with this he taught school eight terms, and also did
surveying in Van Buren and Allegan counties, serving as county
surveyor for the former two terms, and being in frequent requisi-
tion for work in the same line in the latter, both while he was in
office and afterward.

In January, 1867, in partnership with S. R. Boardman, ]\Ir.
Monroe opened a private bank, which was the first enterprise of
the kind in South Haven. In 1871 the First National Bank of
South Haven was organized, with Mr. Boardman as president and
Mr. Monroe as cashier of the institution. After serving the bank
as cashier some four years Mr. Monroe was elected vice president
and the next year president. He held this position until 1889,
when the bank was reorganized as the First State Bank of South
Haven. He was chosen president of this and is still serving it in
that office.

In 1879 Mr. Monroe pursued a course of instruction in the law
department of the University of Michigan, not with any intention
of practing the profession, but to assist him in carrying on his
multitudinous business affairs. As he stated the case, he had
more business than knowledge, so he quit business for a time to
obtain more knowledge. In 1880 (or 1881) he organized the West
Michigan Savings Bank of Bangor, and he served as its president
until he sold his interest in it. He also organized the Kalamazoo
Savings Bank, and was its president for some years. He is now-
one of its directors. In addition he is president of the Van Buren
County Pioneers' Society, and one of the most active men con-
nected with that organization.

In politics Mr. Monroe has given his allegiance steadfastly and
continuously to the Republican party, and as its candidate has
been elected township supervisor for three terms, county sur-
veyor for two terms, and school inspector for many years. In
1883 he was elected state senator for Van Buren and Allegan
counties, and to this office he was twice re-elected, serving three
consecutive terms in all. In the state senate he was chairman of
the committee on banks and banking and a member of other im-
portant committees. He is the author of the present state banking
law, which he had enacted while he was in the senate. In his
last term he was unanimously elected president pro tempore of the
senate, and during the term was in the chair almost every day.

In a material way the interests of South Haven have always
been of great consequence in his regard, and he has done his part
in promoting them. He has built a number of brick business
blocks and other houses, and done valuable work in many ways
for the advancement and improvement of the city. He has also
given the welfare and progress of the county his careful and
helpful attention, looking after its interests in every field of effort,
intellectual, moral, social and in business affairs. His farm of
three hundred and twenty acres, on which he resides, is in the
county, just outside of South Haven, and has been a source of
considerable addition to the mercantile and commercial wealth and

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 807

importance of the county. Here he carried on for some years an
extensive dairying business, which was a great convenience to
the residents of the city and township, and on the farm he now
' raises large quantities of fine fruit of various kinds, his peach
orchard alone comprising thirty acres, with the other orchards in
proportion. In June, 1911, he was elected president of the Mich-
igan Bankers' Association.

Mr. Monroe was first married in 1866, to Miss Ilattie Morehouse,
who was born in Albion, Michigan, and was the daughter of
Stephen and Lucy (Blackmar) Morehouse. She died on June
22, 1903, and her death removed from South Haven its oldest
inhabitant in length of continuous residence, she having lived in
the locality from 1852 to the end of her life. By her marriage
to Mr. Monroe she became the mother of five children : Stephen
B., who is president of the Kalamazoo City Savings Bank; George
C, a sketch of whose life will be found in this volume; Cora J.,
who died in 1905, and was the wife of William Shakespeare, Jr. ;
Lucy E., w^ho died in 1906; and Charles O., who is the editor and
manager of the Daily Tribune of South Haven.

On September 16, 1905, Mr. Monroe contracted a second mar-
riage, in which he was united with Mrs. Clara O. (Atkinson)
Packard, who still abides with him. In fraternal relations he is
a Freemason of the Royal Arch degree, and takes a very cordial
and serviceable interest in the fraternity. Van Buren county has
never had a citizen whom its people esteemed more highly or more
universally, or one who was more worthy of their confidence, and
hearty regard and good will. He has the good fortune of being
estimated at his real value during his life, which is a rare experi-
ence among men, and must be due to merit made clear and services
beyond question.

Jesse S. Barton. — Illustrating practically in his present course
his firm faith in the theory "Ten acres enough," which a few
years ago was held by persons in all parts of the country to be full
of wisdom and is still adhered to with tenacity in many localities.
Jesse S. Barton, of Paw Paw, is making his ten acres pay well
for the labor and intelligence bestowed upon them and finds in
thp cultivation of them enough to occupy all the time and atten-
tion he cares to devote to farming, whether it is enough to satisfy
any other man or not. Mr. Barton knows how much farm work
and farm produce he wants, too, for he has farmed larger tracts
with success and profit, and according to the most advanced ideas
and methods of this day of universal search into every department
of human labor, interest, thought and speculation.

Mr. Barton is a native of Michigan and was born in Washtenaw
county on July 17, 1837. He is a son of William and Charity
(Stevens) Barton, natives of New York state. The father, who
came to Michigan in 1824, was a farmer all his life, beginning to
learn the business in boyhood. Mr. William Barton worked by
the month in a mill for the man who later became his father-in-law.
After reaching twenty-one years of age he purchased a farm in
Washtenaw county, Michigan; conducted it a number of years and

808 HISTORY OF VAxN BUREN COUNTY

then sold it and came to Paw Paw, where he remained six months.
He then purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in
Almena township, and remained there until selling his farm to
his son, Jesse S. Barton. The father, William Barton, returned
to New York state, where he remained for a time and then returned
to Gobleville, Michigan, where he died at the age of ninety-five
years. He and his wife were the parents of five children : Mahala,
who has been dead many years; Jesse S., the interesting subject
of this writing ; John and Emeline, both deceased ; and Josephine,
the wife of C. D. Meyers, of Gobleville, Michigan. The mother
died aged fifty-six years.

Jesse S. Barton obtained a district school education and began
farming on his own account at the age of eighteen. As soon as
he was able he bought twenty acres of good land, but soon after-
ward sold this and bought eighty acres of the old farm, which
he kept for five years. At the end of that period he bought the
remaining forty acres of the old homestead and five years later
bought an additional tract of eighty acres, and the two together
he farmed for more than tw^enty years, conducting general farming
operations and raising live stock for the markets.

When he grew weary of the hard work he was obliged to do
to keep the business going, he leased his farm to his son and moved
to Paw Paw. This arrangement continued eleven years. At the
end of that time i\Ir. Barton sold all but eighty acres of his old
land and bought sixty acres more in Antwerp township, which he re-
tained in his possession about six years. His next move was to
sell this and to buy ten acres about half a mile from Paw Paw,
and on this he now resides. He is well contented with his move
and finds both employment and recreation in looking after his
small acreage and bringing out of it all that skillful labor and
advanced methods of cultivation can make it yield. It is a model
of agricultural enterprise and one of the most attractive rural
homes in this part of Van Buren county.

On January 23. 1864, Mr. Barton was united in marriage with
Miss Anne Swick, by whom he became the father of three children :
IMinnie, the wife of E. A. Aseltine, of Antwerp township and the
mother of a son, Leland B. ; William, who resides at Dowagiac,
Michigan, and has three children — Leta, Carl and Frank ; and Allie,
married and living in Lansing, Michigan, the mother of Fay and
Max. The mother of these children, who is known to fame for
her literary work and her ministeral services, died on June 8,
1907. and on June 24, 1908, the father was married to Mrs. Leona
A. Jennings, the widow of Henry H. Jennings and by her first
marriage the mother of three children: Lilly E., the wife of
William L. Nelson, of Lawton; Ralph E., who lives in Waverly
township, this county; and Lottie M., the wife of H. C. Buck, of
Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The present Mrs. Barton is a daughter of Josiah and Amelia
(Hannum) Hopkins, the former a native of New York and the
latter of Massachussetts. The father came to Michigan in 1852,
one of the pioneers of the county and the first man who operated
a grist mill in Almena township. He and his wife were the parents

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 809

of five children: Mrs. Barton; Luther J., who lives at Ocean
Springs, Mississippi; Ella M., the wife of G. P. Kingsbury, of
Ann Arbor, Michigan; Willis D., a resident of Cassopolis, Mich-
igan; and Albert, who died in infancy. There is also a son by
a second marriage, Jay Paul, a captain in the regular army of
the United States and at present (19P1) stationed at Fortress
Monroe, Virginia.

Josiah Hopkins, a venerable man, who passed four-score years
in his earthly career, had a wide range of experience in several
localities and different lines of achievement. He w^as born
at Crown Point, Essex county. New York, on November 25, 1826,
and was a son of Ebenezer and Tryphenia (Searls) Hopkins, na-
tives of Vermont, the father born at West Rutland, that state.
Josiah was the last born of the family of six children, and accom-
panied his parents to Ohio when they moved to that state.

When he was eighteen years of age his father died and he was
obliged to take charge of the affairs of the family. The father
owned and operated a sawmill in Ohio, and the son continued to
operate it after the father's death until 1852, running it for the
benefit of the family. In the year last mentioned he came to Mich-
igan and Van Buren county and took up one hundred and sixty
acres of new and unbroken land in Almena township. For some
years he devoted his energies to general farming and raising stock
for the markets. He saw in time a good opportunity to enhance
his own profits and supply a pressing need of the country around
him by starting a dairy business, and he did it. After conducting
this business ten years he sold it and his farm and bought eighty
acres of land, which he owned and worked three years. At the
end of that period he traded this tract for a planing mill in
Mattawan and afterward disposed of this and purchased a grist
and sawmill at Decatur. These were destroyed by fire and he then
bought a grist mill in Antwerp township, which three years later
he traded for a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. For three
years after this deal he operated a flour mill in Decatur and then
bought a grist and sawmill at Cassopolis. In the course of some
fifteen years he sold his interest in the grist mill to his son, who
controlled the practical operation of the sawmill twenty years. Tn
1905 he gave up all active pursuits and made his home with his
daughter, Mrs. Barton, in Paw Paw, remaining until his death,
on September 18, 1911.

Anne Swick Barton, Jesse S. Barton's first wife, w-as a teacher
in the state of New York at the age of seventeen. She came to
Michigan in 1862 and here she was engaged in teaching until
her marriage with Mr. Barton. While she w^as yet very young
she began writing verse for publication. The first collection
of her poems was published in 1882, under the title ''For Friend-
ship's Sake." She was also well and favorably known for her
work as a minister of the gospel. In 1874 she was requested to
take charge of the young people's Bible class at Waverly. She
yielded to the request and retained the position three years.

During the absence of the pastor of the church to which she
belonged on one occasion she was asked to read a sermon. She

810 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

did this and her performance gave the people so much gratification
that she was called on afterward to aid the pastor in revival work.
The next winter she accepted a call to a pastorate of a newly
organized congregation at Gliddenberg, six miles west of Paw
Paw. She remained in charge of this congregation one year and
was then called to her own church at Waverly. She gave this
church highly acceptable service as pastor and preacher for two
years. In December, 1886, she was regularly ordained to the min-
istry and from then until her death she devoted all her energies
to ministerial work, winning high commendation for her care and
solicitude as a pastor and her pathos and fervor as a preacher.

Henry H. Jennings, the first husband of the present Mrs. Barton,
was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war. He was
a member of Company G, First ^Michigan Engineer and Mechanics
regiment, under the command of Captain Innis. He enlisted in
18i):3 and was with General Sherman on his march to Washington,
arriving in the capital of his country in rags, after two years'
faithful service in its defense. After the war he taught school
for over twenty years in Van Buren county. His death occurred
in Paw Paw on December 5, 1903.

Jesse S. Barton is a Republican in politics of pronounced belief
in the principles of his party and reliable energy and efficiency
in its service. He has not sought nor desired public office himself,
however, as he has always preferred to serve the state from the
honorable post of private citizenship. He is a Baptist in church
affiliation.

William Broadwell, Sr. — A chronicle of the representative men
and women of Van Buren county which aims to give credit to
usefulness and honor, such as is the purpose of this history, would
scarcely be complete without record of that prominent and highly
esteemed citizen William Broadwell, Sr., owner of forty acres
within the corporate limits of Bangor and of sixty acres in Arl-
ington township. He is also a veteran of the Civil war and one
of the public-spirited citizens who have contributed in no small
ineasure to the general prosperity.

William Broadwell, Sr., was born in Granby, New York, Feb-
ruary 26, 1838, the son of William Henry and Olive (Hughnin)
Broadwell, both natives of the Empire state. The father devoted
his entire life-time to the great basic industry. The subject 's sister,
Harriet, now deceased, became the wife of Edward Mayhew, of
Detroit, Michigan,

AVilliam Broadwell, Sr., was by no means reared in the lap of
luxury, but in his youth knew the meaning of hard work, which
seems to be one of the surest '^open sesames" to success. At the
age of thirteen he learned what it was to win hunger and weari-
ness by honest toil, for six years working on the Oswego canal.
He then took up farming for a year or so and first took up his
residence in Michigan in 1856. He located at South Haven and
in 1857 first embarked in the lumber business, in which he en-
gaged until 1861. In the meantime the first guns had been fired
at Sumter, and the patriotic young man was one of the first to

HISTORY OF VAN BURLX COUNTY 811

tnlist, on August 20, 1861, becoming a member of Company D,
Sixth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, which later became heavy
artillery, and he served in the cause of the Union for the ensuing
three years. He was mustered out in Kalamazoo on August 20,
1864, exactly three years after his enlistment.

Upon again donning civilian's garb, Mr. Broadwell returned
to South Haven and began the work of overseeing the operation
of several sawmills in Van Buren county. His identification with
Bangor dates from the year 1878 and his activities in his first years
here was divided between sawmill and lumber business. He later
took up agriculture in addition to his other interests, and has
proved exceedingly successful in this line. As previously men-
tioned, he has a splendid homestead of forty acres within the cor-
poration of Bangor, upon which his fine home is located. He is
a director and vice president of the West Michigan Savings Bank.

In 1865 Mr. Broadwell laid the foundation of a happy home
life by his union with Anna McDonald, daughter of Donald and
Catherine (McPherson) McDonald, both natives of Scotland. His
first wife died in 1896 and he married a second time, in 1898,
Mary Grant, i^y the first marriage there is one child, William
McDonald, who has taken over his father's lumber business. This
son was born November 11, 1866. He has been twice married. His
first wife was Rosa Cooper and this union was blessed by the birth
of a daughter, Anna, now a teacher in the public schools. She
\vas graduated from Michigan Normal School in 1910. After the
death of the first Mrs. Broadwell he married Barbara Moore and
they share their pleasant home with three children, namely: Mil-
dred, William McDonald, Jr., and Catherine. He and his wife are
affiliated with the Congregational church.

In his political faith William Broadwell, Sr., is a tried and
true Republican and his fraternal loyalty is with the Masonic order.
in religious views he is a Congregationalist.

L. R. Wagner, one of Bangor's successful young business men,
has only been connected with the interests of this village for tw^o
years, but already has established a reputation for progressive
methods, enterprising spirit and upright principles. Mr. Wagner
is a native of Gratid Rapids, Michigan, where he w^as born August
i8, 1883, and is a son of Herbert and Nellie (Van Bloise) Wagner,
who were both born in Holland.

Herbert Wagner came to the United States with his family in
.1865, and located in Grand Rapids, where for a number of years
he was engaged in doing contract paving work, but eventually he
turned his attention to farming, and he was thus engaged at the
time of his death, which occurred in May, 1911, his wife having
])assed away eleven years before. They w^ere the parents of nine
children, as follows: Isaac, IMartin, Cornelius and John, all resi-
dents and business men of Grand Rapids; William Andrew, who
resides in New York city ; L. R. ; and Mary, Jennie and Martha,
all deceased.

L. R. Wagner attended the school of Grand Rapids, after leav-
ing which he settled on his father's farm, and for the five years

812 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

that followed assisted him in his operations. Deciding upon a
business career in preference to the life of an agriculturist, he
entered McLaughlin's Business College, at Grand Rapids, from
which he was graduated in bookkeeping, and then took a four-
year apprenticeship in the drug business. Later he entered the
Ferris Institute at Grand Rapids, and after his graduation in
1906 went to Decatur for one year, spent a short time in Hart
and a year in Coloma, where he had charge of a pharmacy, and
in February, 1909, came to Bangor and purchased the business of
H. D. Harvey, in company with his father-in-law, John DeKruif.
Mr. Wagner has applied modern methods in his carrying on of
this drug business, and has built up a large and lucrative trade.
He has a completely-stocked establishment, central^ located, and
it is equipped with all modern appliances and appurtenances.

On December 25, 1907, Mr. Wagner was married to ]\liss Ilattie
DeKruif, natives of Michigan, whose other children are: Delia,
the wife of Benjamin VenKlossen, of Grand Rapids; and Anna,
who lives with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner had one child :
Ora Leona, who was born August 17, 1909, and died September
21, 1909. Politically Mr. Wagner is a Republican, and his fra-
ternal connection is with the Elks. Progressive in his ideas, he
is always ready to support matters which promise to be of bene-
fit to his community, and he is looked upon as one of Bangor's
rising young business citizens.

Michael Enlow. — An excellent citizen and able farmer is
Michael Enlow, who is engaged in the operation of eighty acres of
land in Covert township, section 11, and w^ho preceded his present
occupation by many years in the sawmilling business. He was
born in Monroe county, Ohio, June 5, 1850, and is the son of John
and Elizabeth (Blair) Enlow, both natives of the Buckeye state
and both deceased. In having adopted agriculture, which Daniel
Webster has called the most important labor of man, he is follow-
ing in the paternal footsteps, for John Enlow was a farmer. The
family removed to Covert township, Van Buren county, in 1857.
when the subject was a small lad, and here the father secured
eighty acres, which he improved and cultivated. There were
seven children in the family, namely: Amelia^ deceased; James,
of Covert ; Mr. Enlow, of this record ; Sarah Jane, widow of John
Carpenter, of Kansas ; Henry, located in Northern IMichigan ; and
Margaret and Elizabeth, twins, the former the wife of A. N. Logan,
of Nebraska, and the latter, of 0. W. Helvy, also of that state.

Having secured such education as the district schools had to
ofPer, Mr. Enlow, at the age of eighteen, secured a position in a
sawmill, and continued in this field of industry until 1 890. He
did the last sawing done in the Packard sawmills that were located
in Covert township and he was familiar and proficient in every
detail of the business. Previous to choosing another line of activity
he had made a purchase of eighty acres of land in Covect town-
ship, and after finishing his milling affairs he moved onto this
farm, where he has ever since been engaged. Here he engages in
general farming, stock-raising and horticulture, and has been very

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 81-]

successful in these lines, being a foremost representative of the
great basic industry on which Van Buren county so securely founds
its wealth and standing.

On February 26, 1871, Mr. Enlow laid the most important stone
in the foundation of his prosperity by his marriage to Lillian
Hunt, daughter of A. P. and Cecelia (Frier) Hunt, both natives
of the state of New York. Into their happy home have been born
five sons and daughters, namely: Eva C, wife of Watson Reed,
of Covert ; Gertrude, at home ; Ralph, deceased ; Glendora, at home ;
and Alice at home. The Enlow household is a pleasant and popular
abode. ]\lrs. Enlow was one of a family of eight children, as fol-
lows : Ella, wife of A. T. Breed, of northern Michigan ; Mrs. Enlow ;
Dennis R., deceased; Charles, of Grand Rapids; Frank, of South
Bend, Indiana ; Allen, of Michigan ; Clara, widow of Dan Lamaroux,
of Grand Rapids; and Eugene, of Grand Rapids.

The family are Congregationalist in their religious views and
the head of the house is to be found marching beneath the ban-
ners of the party which produced Jefferson. Jackson and Cleve-
land. Mr. Enlow has given conscientious service in several minor
township offices.

AViLLTAM S. Bradley. — A valiant soldier in defense of his country
in time of war, and an industrious and progressive merchant and
farmer and afterward banker and potent force in educational and
civic affairs in time of peace, William S. Bradley, of South Haven,
Van Buren county, Michigan, has demonstrated his manliness and
usefulness and his devotion to the public weal, local and general,
in widely different fields of action and under circumstances varied
greatly in character and requirements. Wherever he has been,
and whatever he has been engaged in, he has met all the demands
of duty with fidelity that is above price and a capacity and readi-
ness of resources that have always commanded admiration and
been highly commended.

Mr. Bradley is a native of New England, and has all of the
typical New Englander 's versatility — shrewdness in business, quick-
ness in seeing and Adgor in seizing and using opportunities for
his own advantage. He has also all the lofty ideals of citizenship
which obtain in the section of his nativity, and has f ollow^ed them
through life to this time. He was born in the village of Lee,
Berkshire county, Massachusetts, on March 11, 1834, and is a son
of Elisha and Sophronia (Jarvis) Bradley, also natives of ]\Ias-
sachusetts, and members of families resident in that state from
early colonial times. Both have passed to the life beyond, and
only two of their nine children are living, William S. and his
older sister, Cordelia.

The father w^as a farmer, and removed from his native place
to Oswego county. New York, many years before his death. In
his new home he continued farming and also carried on a brisk
and profitable dairying enterprise wdth advantage to himself and
greatly to the convenience of his patrons. He was a member of
the Congregational church in his religious connection and an
old line Whig in his political faith and allegiance. In his com-

814 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COL NT V

munity lie was a man of force and influence, and in all the rela-
tions of life an estimable and highly respected citizen.

His son, William S. Bradley, was educated in the public schools
of his home county, and after leaving school engaged in the
tanning curriers line until August, 1862, when he responded to
duty in another and far more tragic field of endeavor. On Au-
gust 28, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Tenth
New York Volunteer Infantry, Nineteenth Army Corps. He served
for awhile as second and afterward as first lieutenant of his com-
pany, remained in the service from the time of his enlistment to
the close of the war, and took part in every contest his regiment
was engaged in. He finally rose to the rank of captain through
his ability and fidelity to duty, and as such w^as mustered out of
the army on August 28, 1865, at Albany.

When the war was over and the great armies of conquest melted
away in the far greater armies of peaceful production. Mr. Bradley
moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he was engaged in the manu-
facture and sale of leather goods until 1881. In that year he moved
to Chicago, and there he passed three years in the wool, hide and
fur trade. In 1884 he came to Michigan and took up his residence
in South Haven. Soon after his arrival in that city he bought a
farm and turned his attention to general farming and fruit grow-
ing. In these industries he prospered and his operations became
extensive. But he had idle capital in his mental force as well as
in his bank account, and he determined to use both in a way that
would be agreeable and profitable to him and, at the same time,
afford some additional conveniences and advantages to the com-
munity around him.

In 1892 he helped to found the Citizens Bank, and in 1897 w^as
elected president of this institution, a position he has held con-
tinuously ever since his first election to it. He was also one of
the founders of the City and Township Library, and is now (1911)
a member of its board of directors. In addition to these great and
serviceable institutions others of a public or semi-public character
engage the attention and have the practical personal assistance
of this enterprising man of comprehensive and varied activities.
He is president of the board of directors of the South Haven City
Hospital AvSsociation and one of the directors of the South Haven
Telephone Company, and he takes an earnest interest and an active
])art in the affairs and all the work of each of these commendable
agencies for good.

Moreover, his genuine interest in the welfare of his home city
lias led him to accept the position of city councilman in its service,
which he filled for several terms; and the fraternal life of his
community has always been, in his view, a source of benefit to the
people generally and of special value and enjoy ment to those who
participate in it. He is a member of the Masonic order in Lodge,
Chapter, Council and Commandery, and an enthusiastic devotee be-
fore the altars of them all, helping to give life and sparkle to their
meetings and direct their energies into beneficial channels, and
make them as serviceable as possible.

Mr. Bradley was married on December 27, 1882, to Miss Frances

HISTORY OF VAN BIJREN COUNTY 815

Hale, a native of Oswego county. New York, and a daughter of
Colonel William and Amanda Hale, also natives of New York.
The family moved to South Haven, where the father became one
of the prominent lumbermen of this region, and was also con-
spicuous as a real estate dealer. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have four
children, three sons and one daughter. They are universally re-
garded as among the leading and most representative citizens of
the city and county in which they live, and are held in the highest
esteem as such by all classes of the people,

Erastus Cash. — The life of the ordinary farmer in this country
generally has few spectacular features or incidents of unusual in-
terest. It is a continual succession of attention to daily duties,
performed without ostentation or blare of trumpets, and with little
or no notice on the part of the great, busy w^orld. Yet these duties
are all important in themselves and in the good they do, both for
him who performs them and the public in his community, and
the man who attends to them faithfully and discharges them as
well as he can is entitled to full credit as a sterling and useful
citizen, and one of the great body of men who fix the standards
by which manhood and citizenship must be judged.

Erastus Cash, of Paw Paw township, this county, in such a
man and enjoys the esteem of his fellows in the large measure
such a man should win, and always does if the people around him
are right in their own conduct and aspirations. He was born in
Genesee county. New York, on June 14, 1837, one of the ten chil-
dren and the third son of Benjamin Franklin and Lucy (Deming)
Cash, both of the same nativity as himself. The other children of
the family were : Andrew, Eliza and Hiram, all of whom have died ;
William, who is a resident of New York state; Mary, the widow
of William Whitcher who lives in Batavia, New York ; Fannie, the
wife of Albert White, also of Batavia, New York; Isabelle, the
wife of Bennett Waterman, of Genesee county, New York, Stafford
township; and Reuben and Benjamin, deceased.

Erastus Cash began life for himself at an early age. Wlien he
was twenty-two he associated with one of his brothers in buying
and shipping live stock, continuing his connection with this line
of mercantile enterprise until some months after his marriage,
although that event made him eager for a permanent home and
more stable business. Soon after it occurred, therefore, he bought
one hundred acres of land in his native county and settled down
to general farming. He kept this land and cultivated it five years,
then sold it and moved to Michigan, locating in Van Buren county.
Here again he bought one hundred acres and began a new enter-
prise as a farmer and raiser of live stock. He owned this tract
only three or four years, however, as he found something that
pleased him better. He sold his one hundred acres and bought the
eighty he now lives on in section 4, Paw Paw township, and which
has ever since been his home and furnished him occupation in
farming and raising fruit as a commodity and to aid in supplying
an extensive and exacting market. His product, like that of his
son-in-law, Milton H. Pugsley, a sketch of whom is to be found in

816 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

this work, is abundant in quantity and first grade in quality. He
gives its culture careful attention at all times, and makes every
endeavor to secure the best possible results from his labors in
connection with it, as he does in everything else he undertakes.
On November 2, 1859, Mr. Cash was united in marriage with
Miss Jennie Pierson, and by this union became the father of three
children : Jennie, the wife of Milton H. Pugsley ; Carrie, the wife
of Chan Bowen, of Kalamazoo county, Michigan; and Lucy May,
who is deceased. Their mother died on May 24, 1866, and on
March 11, 1867, the father contracted a second marriage, uniting
himself at this time with Miss Cordelia Phillips, a daughter of
Aaron and Trephonia (Chapin) Phillips, respected residents of
Decatur. Twelve children were born in the Phillips family, nine
of whom are living: Charles, who resides at Arlington; Horace,
a resident of Indiana ; Mary Ann, the widow of Joseph Edmonds
of Goshen, Indiana; Adeline, the widow of Monroe Selby, whose
home is in Branch county, this state; Aaron, who is a citizen of
Indiana; Mrs. Cordelia Cash; Eliza, the wife of Frank Wood, of
Decatur, Michigan ; William, who lives at Galesburg, this state ;
and Alexander, whose home is at Bangor, Michigan. Mr. and
Mrs. Cash have had one child, their daughter Franc A., who was
born on September 26, 1875, and died on December 9, 1905. I\Ir.
Cash is a pronounced Democrat in his political faith, a firm be-
liever in the principles of his party and an energetic worker in
its behalf, but only because he believes in it, and not because he
desires for himself anything it has to bestow in the way of pu])lic
office. In church affiliation he is a Baptist, and while not showy
or desirous of prominence in his membership, he is true to the teach-
ings of his sect and devoted in his interest in the welfare of the
congregation to which he belongs. A^an Buren county has no more
sturdy or sterling citizen, and none who is more generally or
highly respected by all classes of its people.

Alpheus a. McNitt. — This enterprising, progressive and stu-
dious, and therefore successful and prosperous, farmer of Keeler
township has been a resident of Van Buren county for more than
forty-eight years, having been brought to the county by his par-
ents when he was about two years old. He grew to manhood
there, drawing his stature and his strength from the soil of this
county, obtained his education in the public schools of the lo-
cality in which he now lives, and acquired his social training in
mingling with its people. He is therefore, practically, a re^l
product of the county, and has no recollection of any other home,
although he was born in Niagara county. New York, on Decem-
ber 16, 1851. Moreover, he is a thorough and creditable repre-
sentative of the citizenship of the county, although his modesty
would never allow him to think so.

Mr. McNitt 's parents, Sylvester and Susan (Brown) McNitt,
were of British ancestry, and the father was a native of Great
Britain, bom in Scotland. He. died in this county when he was
about fifty-three years old, on November 8, 1864. He was a me-
chanic and farmer, and was successful and prosperous in both

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 817

lines of his industry. In 1853, after a residence of some years
in the state of New York, he moved to Van Buren county, Michi-
gan, and bought sixty acres of land in Hartford township. Some-
time afterward he purchased eighty acres more in the same town-
ship, and was possessed of both tracts at the time of his death.
During his life he was a great friend of the cause of public edu-
cation, through which he received his mental training, and did
everything in his power to aid in making them better and more
useful. In politics he was a firm believer in the Jeffersonian
principles, and therefore, a staunch adherent of the Democratic
party, which represented, according to his views, the greatest good
^nd safety for the people, locally and nationally.

Mrs. McNitt, the mother of Alpheus A., was born in Pennsyl-
vania in 1821, and grew to womanhood in her native state. Her
parents came to this country from Ireland and passed the re-
mainder of their lives in the state of her nativity. She, also,
was educated in the common schools, and always felt a cordial in-
terest in them and their work. Her upright and useful life ended
in Van Buren county, Michigan, in 1898. She was a loving wife
and mother, and gave the people around her an excellent example
of American womanhood, and her offspring the best training and
counsel.

Of the seven sons and four daughters born to this estimable
couple six are living: Charles, w^ho is a resident of Casco, this
county, and one of the progressive farmers of his locality ;
Thaddeus, who is a resident of Bangor, Michigan ; Julia, who mar-
ried Ezra Curtis, a farmer of Hartford township, this state ; Archi-
bald E., a structural steel worker and engineer living in Chicago;
Flora A., who is the wife of IMarion Hoover, a skillful and highly
respected blacksmith of Hartford ; and tlie subject of this memoir.
All the sons are married.

Alpheus A. McNitt obtained a common school education in
the schools of Van Buren county, and has passed all the years
of his life, since leaving school, in farming and working at his
trade as a carpenter, following in the footsteps of his father in
botli lines of effort. His progress in life has been the result of
his own industry, frugal living and excellent management. He
began with very little capital, but, with the aid of his estimable
witV, he has accunuilated a comfortable estate, which puts him, w^ith
his prudent scale of living, l)eyond the reach of adversity.

He is independent in his political sentiments, always casting his
vote for the men he considers best fitted for the offices sought and
most likely to work for the good of the township and county and
their residents. In this respect his stand is well known, and he is
highly respected for it, as well as for his excellent character as
a man and his usefulness and public spirit as a citizen. He and
his wife have a beautiful farm of two hundred and twenty-five
acres, all in Keeler township, and located six miles from Hartford
and four from Watervliet. The farm is devoted to general farm-
ing, but the land is admirably adapted to the culture of fruit. It
is well improved with good buildings, and completely equipped
with everything needed for its advanced and profitable cultivation.

818 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

It is on the line between Keeler and Hartford townships and known
as the ' ' Walnut Avenue Farm. ' '

Mr. McNitt was married on October 7, 1875, to Miss Emma
Havens, a daughter of William H. and Eleanor Jane (Lewis)
Havens, and the third of their six children, all of whom are liv-
ing. The other five are : Olive, the wife of Marcius Olds, a coal
merchant doing business and residing at Fergus Falls, Minnesota,
and the mother of eight children ; Metcalf E., a Hartford township
farmer, and the father of two children ; William, also a resident of
Hartford, and married; Charles, another of Hartford township's
successful and representative farmers; and Ella, a widow with two
children, whose home is in St. Joseph, Michigan.

William H. Havens, the father of these children, was a native
of Coshocton, New York, born in 1828. About the year 1853 he
located in Michigan and Van Buren county, where he died in
1891. He was a Republican in politics until the formation of the
Populist party, and then joined that organization, to which he
adhered faithfully to the end of his life. At the age of sixteen
he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and
throughout all his subsequent years he was true and faithful to its
teachings, taking a great interest in its w^ork, wherever he lived,
and for a long time being one of the chief singers in the choir of
the congregation in which he held his membership. He was also
a strong advocate of temperance and the restriction of liquor
traffic, and took high ground on this great moral and economic
question. Mrs. Eleanor Jane (Lewds) Havens, his wdfe, now his
widow, was born in the state of New York on April 30, 1835. She
is of German ancestry, and in all the years of her long, upright
and serviceable life has exemplified the best traits of the thrifty,
persevering and sturdy race from which she came. For some
generations her forefathers lived in Pennsylvania. She is now
living in Hartford, this county, w^here all classes of the people
hold her in the highest esteem. Her religious connection from her
youth has been with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. and Mrs. Alpheus A. McNitt have two sons and one daugh-
ter, all living, and all practitioners of the art of healing accord-
ing to the theories of the Chiropractic school. They are Leslie,
who resides in Benton Harbor; Nellie, the wife of Hermie AVar-
ren, whose home and business are at Casnovia, in this state; and
William, who is located at Niles, Michigan. The special trend of
these young people is so unusual in its uniformity and their achieve-
ments in it are so highly creditable to them and the family and so
beneficial to their fellow men and women that each deserves a
separate notice somewhat in detail.

Dr. Leslie A. McNitt is what is called, in the nomenclature
of the new art of healing which he practices, a chiropractor, and
the theory of his science is that all human ills can be cured by
removing the cause. Then nature will restore the organism to
a normal condition. The method of operation is adjustment of
the spine, the center and force distributor of the whole nervous
system, which largely controls all the rest of the body. When
the spinal column is properly adjusted and performing its func-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 819

tions in a proper way, and the nervous system acts as it should,
the other organs of the body will soon be in harmonious accord,
and local ailments will fade away like mists in the sunbeams of
the morning.

Dr. Leslie A. McNitt is in years a young man, but he is full of
the right spirit, has been well prepared for his work and is rapidly
attaining prominence in his profession. Ilis patients are among
the leading men and women of the community, and as he gives them
positive benefits in Avhat he does for them they realize that he
is capable and that his science and art, for his profession includes
both, are worthy of confidence and open a new avenue to human
welfare, comfort and happiness.

Dr. Nellie (McNitt) Warren, as she should properly be called,
completed her academic education in the Hartford high school,
being graduated in the class of 1901. For several years thereafter
she was a successful public school teacher in her home county. She
then studied chiropractry at the Grand Rapids institute of this
school of the healing art, and was graduated from it in 1910. She
has been very successful in the practice of her profession, and
her reputation in it grows as the years go by. Mr. AVarren, lier
husband, is a farmer, and he also does well in his business.

Dr. William McNitt, who is located at Niles, Michigan, and
steadily growing into popular favor as a professional man and
estimable citizen there, is, like his brother. Dr. Leslie McNitt, and
his sister. Dr. Nellie AVarren, a graduate of the Chiropractic Col-
lege in Grand Rapids, from which he received his degree July 1,
1911. Since leaving the Grand Rapids institution, which is de-
voted to the dissemination of the new and very rational method
of dealing with human ailments that he and his work represent,
he has been active in propaganda work in behalf of his theory and
in practical demonstration of its verity and value. He states its
claims to consideration clearly and forcibly in his professional
card, which says: "Chiropractic is the science of adjusting by
hand the subluxations (displacements) in the spinal column, com-
monly called the back bone, for the purpose of removing pressure
from nerves.

""The spinal column is the only place where nerves pass between
two hard or bony surfaces that are movable, therefore, practically
the only place where nerves can be impinged, or the nerve re-
stricted, and it matters not w^hat part of the body or organ is
affected, the cause is in the spinal column. I ask no questions.
I simply analyze the spine, and I tell you every place you are
affected. Chiropractic is the only science that removes the cause
of disease, and this is done without pain, drugs or knife. I use
nothing but my hands, and it takes but the fraction of a second ;
the whole object is accomplished when the nerve is released.
Paralysis, deafness, loss of voice, cancer, catarrh, gall stones, over
weight, rheumatism, appendicitis, neuralgia, neurasthenia, eye, ear,
throat, lung, stomach, liver, kidney, bladder trouble, etc., all quickly
and permanently disappear under chiropractic adjustments prop-
erly given.

"I do not treat, T remove the cause, nature cures.

820 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

''Analysis and consultation free; let me tell you where you
are affected by analyzing your spine.

"Because it is new do not say 'it is impossible.' That is what
they told Marconi.''

Mr. and Mrs. McNitt are fully justified in the pride they have
in the ambitions and achievements of their children, who have
attained a high place in the confidence and esteem of the people
who know them, and have admirably proven their right to the
general regard and good will they so richly enjoy. In their pro-
fession they have severally done some wonderful work and reached
some wonderful results. In their interest in the enduring and sub-
stantial welfare of the communities in which they live, and in their
elevated and serviceable citizenship generally, they have exem-
plified the best attributes of exalted American manhood and woman-
hood, and in the correctness and uprightness of their lives in every
way they have put into practice the lessons given them in child-
hood and youth at the parental fireside. All the members of the
family are highly creditable to the place of their birth, the insti-
tutions from which they got their training, the people among whom
they acquired their social culture, and the several communities
in w^hich their efforts and energies are being so beneficially ex-
pended for the welfare of their kind. Whether representing
new theories or old ones, they would command respect for their
beliefs and teachings, and the people around them prove their own
real worth by showing that they realize this fact and estimate these
worthy and estimable citizens at the full measure of their value.

Henry Y. Tarbell. — Born and reared to the age of nineteen in
Franklin county. New York, then passing twenty-six years in South
Dakota extensively engaged in growing wheat and raising and feed-
ing horses for the Eastern markets, and up to 1911 one of the
enterprising and progressive farmers of Van Buren county, ]\Iich-
igan, Henry Y. Tarbell, of Paw Paw tow^nship, has mingled with
the people and taken part in the industrial life of three of the
great states of the American Union, in which the circumstances,
the methods of action and the conditions in general differ widely.
But he has been able by his versatility and general business capacity
to adapt himself to all requirements and do well in every situation
in which he has found himself.

Mr. Tarbell 's life began in Franklin county, New York, on April
7, 1865, and he is a son of Newell I. and Julia M. (Duefraine)
Tarbell, also natives of the state of New^ York. The father was
occupied in farming in his native state continuously until May,
1910, when he and his wife came to Michigan and Van Buren
county, where they now make their home with their son Henry.
They have three children besides Henry: Belle, who is the wife
of Allan Tullar and lives in Springfield, Massachusetts; Fred E.,
who is also a resident of Springfield Massachusetts, and one of the
foremen of the Smith & Wesson Gun Works there ; and Etta, the
wife of W. E. Wiley, of Schagticoke, Eensselaer county, New York.

Henry Y. Tarbell remained on the farm with his parents until
he reached the age of nineteen, assisting in the farm work and

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 821

attending the district school near his home when he could. At
the age mentioned he gratihed a longing he had cherished for
years by throwing himself into the midst of the colossal activities
of the great West and taking a part in conducting them. He
moved to South Dakota, purchased three hundred and twenty acres
of land, and started an industry in raising wheat on a large scale.
He also engaged in raising and handling horses for the markets
on a similar scale, taking advantage of every opening he saw for
the furtherance of his interests, and with characteristic enterprise
and energy using each for all it was worth.

Mr. Tarbell remained in South Dakota twenty-six years, thriving
in his business and rising to consequence and influence among the
people. In 1902 he came to Michigan and bought a farm of one
hundred and sixty-two acres in section 22, Paw Paw township,
this county, and here he maintained his home and carried on a
vigorous industry in general farming up to August, 1911. We
here quote from The True Northerner of November 17, 1911 :

' ' Henry Tarbell has surely earned the title of ' Land King. ^ He
sold his farm south of town last summer, and bought a place in
the village where he could live near his friends and enjoy himself.
He soon got restless, however, and started with his wife for a trip
through the west, and for a visit with a son who lives in Dekota.
The fine level farms of that country were a delight to his eye, and
the temptation became too strong for him to resist. The result
was that before he left for home he w^as the possessor of a deed for
one thousand acres of that rich farming land. It is all under
cultivation, has fine buildings, is as level as a floor, and is said to
be one of the most valuable farms in that locality.

''His many friends are glad to know, however, that he does not
contemplate moving to that country, but will be content to make
Paw Paw his home, and rent the big farm in the west.

' ' Henry has lived here but a short time comparatively, but dur-
ing that time he has shown himself to be a valuable acquisition to
any community, and his friends are legion.

''He not only is a good judge of farm lands, but knows a horse
from A to Z and has handled many horses since coming here. He
is the happiest when dealing in horse flesh or swapping with a
neighbor. He always has a horse that can step some, and knows
how^ to get the speed out of him. Harry Showerman can give
testimony in evidence of his ability as a driver, and it makes an
interesting story to listen to.''

Mr. Tarbeirs residence and operations on the plains of the
Farther West taught him the value of conducting the farming
industry on the largest scale the circumstances would allow and
having labor saving machinery commensurate with its utmost re-
quirements, and he has applied the lessons there learned to his
operations in this county, making himself one of its most pro-
gressive and successful farmers, and settling a pace which his
neighbors and observers generally are following to their own ad-
vantage and the benefit of the county.

On September 2, 1888, Mr. Tarbell united in marriage with Miss

Myra E. Thayer, a daughter of R. 0. and Ellen (Tullar) Thayer,
Vol. n— 1 3

822 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

residents of Iowa. Six children have been born of the union, all
of whom are living. They are: Walter W. and Mabel A., who
reside in South Dakota; and Feme T.j Julia, Thusa Pearl and
Newell L., who are still living under the parental rooftree, add-
ing to the social life and enjoyment of the community and doing
what they can in a quiet but effective way for the general welfare
of their township and county.

While Mr. Tarbell has no ambition for public office of any kind,
and never sought a political position in his life, he has an earnest
interest and takes an active part in local public affairs for the good
of the community. He believes firmly in the principles of the
Republican party, and does what he can to have them prevail in
the government of his county, state and country. He also regards
fraternal societies as beneficial among men, and does his share to-
ward making some of them as potential and effective for good as
possible. He belongs to the Masonic order and the Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows, and is active in the work of his lodge in each.
In church connections he is a Presbyterian. Van Buren county
has no better citizen, and none whom the peoph^ hold in higlier or
more deserved esteem.

George C. Monroe. — Industrial and business life in this country
is full of mutations. The ground beneath our feet perpetually
rocks and heaves, throwing up new eminences and opening chasms
where heights have lately been. New opportunities are ever com-
ing to the wary and making new demands upon the capable. The
young man who enters upon the stage of action at twenty as a
farmer, trader, doctor, or something else, will not unlikely be found
pursuing a very different avocation at forty, so numerous and
various are the currents of activity in this electric age and in a
land ol such multitudinous interests as ours possesses and demands
attention.

George C. Monroe, of South Haven, where he is one of the lead-
ing business men of the community, furnishes in his (^areer a
striking illustration of these facts. He began independ<mt exer-
tions for his own advancement as a surveyor of land ind a fruit
grower. Yet for many years he has been almost exclusively en-
gaged in banking and other occupations kindred to or allied with
this interesting but exacting pursuit. But, although he has changed
his business, he has not changed the seat of his operations. Ilis
energies are employed now where they first found service, and
have alw^ays been devoted to the place of his birth and its vicinity.

Mr. Monroe's life began in South Haven, Michigan, on February
20, 1871, and in that city the whole of it to the present time (1911 )
has been passed, except the period spend by him at college and the
years 1896 to 1899 when he lived in Covert. He is a son of Hon.
Charles Jay and Hattie (Morehouse) Monroe, a sketch of wliose
lives will be found in this work. He attended the public schools
in his native city to obtain the basis of his education, and the State
Agricultural College to get instruction in the more advanced stages
of his mental training.

After leaving college he engaged in surveying land and raising

PIISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 823

fruit for the markets seven or eight years. But his mental bias
was toward business and its leaning was decidedly in the direction
of banking. And what nature had implanted in him was bound
to come out, whatever might be his zeal and industry in other
directions. On December 1, 1899, he accepted the position of cashier
of the First State Bank of South Haven, having had almost a full
year's experience in the banking business as the president of the
Bank of Covert, which he helped to organize under the auspices of
C. J. iMonroe Sons & Company on January 1 of the same year.

Mr. jMonroe is a son of one of the founders of the Kalamazoo
Savings Bank and is now a large stockholder in that institution.
In addition he is secretary of the Hotel Columbus Association and
the South Haven Hospital Association, of the latter of which he
was one of the organizers. In 1906 he gave up the cashiership of
the First State Bank, being promoted to the position of vice presi-
dent in its directorate. His interest in the institution has never
waned, however, and his influence has been at all times, from the
beginning of his connection with it, potential in helping to give
it standing in the community and increase tlie volume of its busi-
ness and its popularity among the people.

On February 14, 1893, he was united in marriage witli Miss
Helen Smith, a native of Emden, Germany. Three children have
been born of this union, George S., Helen L. and Randolph B., all
of whom are still members of the parental houseliold and elements
in its attractiveness to the numerous friends and associates of tlie
family. These make its home a frequent resort, and always find
it a center of mental and social culture and refined and gracious
hospitality.

Mr. Monroe is an enthusiastic Freemason, and has ascended all
the rounds of the mystic ladder in the York rite and to the thirty-
second degree in the Scottish rite. He holds membership in Star
of the Lake Lodge, No. L55 ; Royal Arch Chapter, No. dS; and
South Haven Council, Royal and Select Masters, No. 45, hav-
ing presided over all three bodies in South Haven; Malta Com-
mandery No. 44, Knights Templars, at Benton Harbor; Saladin
Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Grand Rapids; and De
Witt Clinton Consistory, Scottish Rite Masons, at Grand Rapids.
He is also a member of the Grand Council of Royal and Select
Masters of the state, and in addition belongs to Hamilton Grange,
Patrons of Husbandry, and the Order of the Knights of Pythias
and several insurance orders.

In the affairs of his city and county he has a deep and abiding
interest and manifests it by actively supporting all commendable
undertakings for their improvement and the betterment of their
residents. In political faith and allegiance he is pronounced Re-
publican, not with a view to securing public office, which he never
desires, but because he believes in the principles of that party
and thinks their prevalence in the government, local, state and
national, would be beneficial. But he does not allow partisan con-
siderations to outweigh his sense of duty to his community in
local affairs, and always gives that sway without regard to personal
or partisan claims of any kind. He is looked upon as one of the

824 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

most useful, public spirited and representative citizens of tha
county, and esteemed in all parts of it in accordance with this
estimate.

Charles L. Nower. — This enterprising, progressive and pros-
perous farmer and live stock man of Paw Paw township, this county,
was born in Paw Paw on September 15, 1893, and is a son of Will-
iam G. and Melissa (Russell) Nower, for many years industrious
and prominent farmers in Van Buren county but now living re-
tired from active pursuits in Lawrence. The father, William G.
Nower, was born in Central New York on April 24, 1853, and
came to Michigan with his parents in 1857. The parents were
James and Frances (Wickens) Nower, natives of England who
came to this country early in life and made a new home for them-
selves in the state of New York.

In 1857 they moved their family to Michigan and located in
Van Buren county, where the father bought fifty-three acres of
farming land, on which they passed the remainder of their lives,
the father dying in 1860 and the mother in 1888, on the land
that had been hallowed and greatly improved by their labor and
skillful cultivation. They had seven children, three of whom are
living: William G., Henry and John, all of whom reside in
Lawrence. The four of their offspring who died were Frances,
Charles, Martha and Alfred.

William G. Nower grew to manhood on his father 's farm in this
county, and when he reached the age of twenty years began farm-
ing on his own account. At the age of twenty-seven he bought
forty acres of land, but soon afterward sold this and bought
ninety-five acres in section 19 in Paw Paw township, which his
son Charles L. is now farming. The father was married on May
17, 1879, to Miss Melissa Russell, and they became the parents of
three children, all of whom are living. They are : William J.,
who resides in Lawrence township, this county; Charles Leslie,
who is living on and cultivating the parental homestead; and
Charlotte, whose home is in Lawrence.

The father of these children is independent in his political
action, looking only to the good of his township and county without
regard to partisan considerations. He has always been an earnest
advocate and supporter of public improvements, and every agency
that worked for the progress of his locality and the betterment
of its people in any way. In church relations he is a Methodist,
and one of the energetic and devoted members of the congregation
to which he belongs. Whenever he is known he is highly esteemed
as a good citizen, an upright man and a very useful force for good.

Charles Leslie Nower, the second son of William G., obtained a
high school education and, at the age of nineteen, started out in
life for himself to make his own way in the world and work out
a creditable career by useful industry, which he felt he had the
spirit and determination to make profitable to himself and service-
able to any community in which he might live. For two years
after leaving school he served the government faithfully as a mail
carrier. Then, in March, 1911, he took charge of the homestead

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 825

on which he has been conducting a general farming and live stock
industry on as large and energetic scale as his facilities will permit.

On December 31, 1902, Mr. Nower was united in marriage with
Miss Bernice Feegles, a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Kelly)
Feegles, of this county. The parents were born and reared in Mich-
igan, and here the father was a contractor and builder for a
number of years. He died on August 29, 1896, and some time after-
ward the mother married a second husband, being united on this
occasion with 0. D. Allen, a resident of Van Buren county.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Nower have four children : Norma, who
was born on August 12, 1903 ; Vaughn, who was born on June 23,
1905 ; Rex, whose life began on May 2, 1907 ; and Donna, the date
of whose birth was August 29, 1909. The father holds himself free
for independent action in connection with all political matters, and
partisan considerations have no w^eight with him. His first and
chief desire in affairs of government, local, state and national, is
to aid as far as he can in securing the substantial welfare of the
people, and he works for this without regard to the political am-
bitions of candidates and with none of his own.

Mrs. Nower was the last born of the four children of her parents.
Three of the four are living: Nina, who is the wife of Thomas
Clark, of Cleveland, Ohio; Hattie, who is the wife of Owen Bab-
bitt, of Winthrop, Minnesota; and Bernice, who is now the wife
of Mr. Nower. The only son in the family, Ebert Feegles, died
some years ago. The parents were highly respected by all classes
of the people wherever they were known, as the mother and sur-
viving children are now. All have been faithful to duty in all the
relations of life, and have w^on public esteem by the impiessive ex-
amples they have given of upright living and earnest and helpful
interest in their several communities.

William I. Gay. — Practical industry, wisely and vigorously ap-
plied, never fails of success ; it carries a man onward and upward,
brings out his individual character, and acts as a powerful stimulus
to the efforts of others. The greatest results in life are usually
attained by simple means, implying the exercise of the ordinary
qualities of common sense and perseverance. The every-day life,
with its cares, necessities and duties, affords ample opportunities
for acquiring experiences of the best kind and its most beaten
paths provide a true worker with abundant scope for effort and
self-improvement. In the legitimate channels of progressive agri-
culture, William L Gay has won the success which usually crowns
well directed labor, sound judgment and untiring perseverance
and at the same time he has concerned himself with the affairs
of the county in a loyal, public-spirited fashion. This well-known
farmer and stock raiser owns one hundred acres in sections 14 and
15. He is a native of Van Buren county, his birth having occurred
in Paw Paw township on November 25, 1876. He is the son of
William and Sarah (Hunt) Gay. His father was born in England,
March 19, 1840, and the birth of the mother also occurred in ^^the
right little, tight little island'' the date of her nativity being
March 11, 1845. Both came to America in childhood with their

826 HISTORY OP' VAN BlIREN COUNTY

parents, he at the age of eleven and she at the age of thirteen.
Both families found their way to Michigan, the Gays settling in
Richland, Kalamazoo county, and the Hunts in Paw Paw town-
ship, Van Buren county. William Gay married in Paw Paw town-
ship and took his wife to Richland, where they made their home for
two years before coming to Paw Paw township. They afterward
purchased land in Waverly township, where they resided until
summoned to the ''Undiscovered Country." The admirable wife
and mother died January 9, l^Ol, but the father survived for some
years, his demise coming on November 4, 1907. They were the
parents of three children : the subject ; Fred Gay, of Waverly ; and
P^dith, wife of AVilliam D. Davis.

William I. Gay was reared amid the wholesome surroundings of
his father's farm and behind a desk in the district school house
gained his first introduction to Minerva, Goddess of W^isdom. He
attended the institutions of learning of the township until his
eighteenth year and since then he has devoted his time to farming.
He owns one hundred acres in sections 14 and 15 and in addition
to his general farming also raises stock. He is a truly self-made
man and is known for his honor and integrity, reflecting honor
upon the country which gave his parents birth.

On October 30, 1900, Mr. Gay was united in marriage to Lulu M.
Furbush, of AVaverly township, her birth having occurred here
JMarch 14, 1880. iMrs. Gay is the daughter of Robert and Emma
(Haydon) Furbusli. Their union has resulted in the birth of three
daughters and two sons, namely: Russell, born in 1901; Mildred,
born in 1903; Florence, born in 1904; Bertha, born in 1908; and
Robert, born December 15, 1911.

Mr. Gay is a member of the Masonic order and exemplifies in
himself the ideals of moral and social justice and brotherly love
for which the order stands. He belongs to Goble Lodge, No. 325 ;
to Glendale Lodge, No. 408, Independent Order of Odd P'ellows ;
and to the Modern W^oodmen of America. He is Republican in
politics, but has never taken an active part in party affairs.

Richard E. Sage. — On the roll of those who have laid the founda-
tions of the prosperity of W^averly township, Van Buren county,
by their thrift, progressiveness and wise management of the agri-
cultural resources of the country is written the name of Richard
E. Sage, a prominent farmer and stockman and a citizen whose un-
blemished record for integrity and fine principles had won for him
general respect and esteem. His farm, which consists of one hun-
dred and tw^enty acres of particularly excellent land, is located in
section 12. By no means afraid of innovation, he employs the latest
agricultural methods, and that with success, and the stock raised
by him is of high standard.

Van Buren county boasts a goodly number of native sons who
have paid it the highest compliment within their power by electing
to remain permanently within its borders and Mr. Sage is one of
these. His birth occurred on June 10, 1860, in Bloomingdale town-
ship, his parents being William H. and Sarah (Gay) Sage. The
former was born in county Clare, Ireland, in 1849, and at the age

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 827

of nine years eame to the United States with his father, Patrick
Sage. They first located in the state of New York, where the father
and one of his sons found employment upon the Erie Canal, which
was then being enlarged, and later on were employed in the build-
ing of the New York Central Railroad. Thereby they earned suf-
ficient money to pay the passage of the remainder of the family
wlio until that time had remained at their old home in the Emerald
Isle. They then came on to ^lichigan in 1860, where the grandfather
of the immediate subject located near Gobleville and followed farm-
ing and masonry work until his death, at the age of seventy-five
years.

Mr. William Sage, the father, received his early education in the
schools of Ireland and upon coming to this country completed his
education in the public schools. He arrived in Michigan at the age
of nineteen and upon the breaking out of the Civil war enlisted in
J^attery E, First Michigan Light Artillery, connected with the
Fourth Army Corps, in which he served one year, passing through a
nulnber of battles. After his discharge from the service he took up
farming near Gobleville and followed that until retiring in 1906,
in which year he returned to Paw Paw, where he still resides. Dur-
ing the childhood days of Mr. Sage, while living in Ireland, the
great famine took place, during w^hich terrible period, over two
million people starved to death, and he vividly recalls the awful
suffering which he witnessed at that time and which made so fright-
ful an impression on his youthful mind. He married Sarah Jane
Gay and tliey had nine children, four of whom died in infancy.
One of his sons, W. V. Sage, is a graduate of the Lansing schools
and also of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor ; he w^as for-
merly superintendent of schools and is now engaged in farming in
Hloomingdale township, on the place where the subject of the sketch
was born. Florence is now the wife of George Connery, of Bloom-
ingdale township, and was formerly a teacher in the public schools.
May is the wife of Arthur Cleveland, of Janesville, Wisconsin.
Dr. E. D. Sage is a graduate of Chicago University and is now
resident in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he is a successful physician
and surgeon.

Richard E. Sage passed his youth amid the rural surroundings
of his father's farm and was educated in the Gobleville public
schools. When it came to adopting an occupation of his own he
followed in the paternal footsteps, and, being the eldest, he worked
on the farm, thereby enabling his brothers to remain at college.
Mr. Sage was first married April 28, 1888. to Mary Leaibe, and
their union w^as blessed by the birth of a son, Leroy W^., who mar-
ried Isa Beach, daughter of William Beach. i\lr. and Mrs. Leroy
W. Sage have a son, Cleon. The first wife of the subject was called
to the Great Beyond in 1890, and on September 30, 1903, he was
united to Minnie Johnson, daughter of L. J. Johnson. The second
union has resulted in the birth of two little daughters, — Florence,
aged six; and Alberta, aged two.

Mr. and Mrs. Sage are members of the Free Will Baptist church
and the former is one of the trustees of Covey Hill church, an his-
torical place. He is a prominent member of the Grange, in whose

828 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

affairs lie takes an active and interested part. In the field of poli-
tics he is found under the standard of the "Grand Old Party/'
but, although interested in the success of good government, he has
never been active in partisan affairs. He has been highway overseer
or pathmaster. He has held the position of chairman of the school
board for several terms, being the incumbent of that office at the
present time, and was one of the founders and at the present time
a trustee of the Gobleville ^lutual Telephone Company. He enjoys
the regard of the comnmnity in which his interests are centered
and his circle of friends may be said to be co-incident with that of
his acquaintances.

Ora F. Fuller. — Among the prominent and progressive farmers
of Van ]3uren county who have made their agricultural enterprises
successful because of careful business management and resourceful
scientific methods is Ora F. Fuller, the proprietor of the Walnut
Knob Farm of Hartford township. ]\Ir. Fuller is a native of Alle-
gan county, Michigan, having been born there on June 27, 1857, a
son of Riley H. and Mary (Upson) Fuller. The father of Riley
Fuller was born and lived his entire life in the state of Connecticut.
At his death his wife, in a one-horse covered wagon migrated to
Pennsylvania, hauling her household goods in the covered wagon
and accompanied by her eight children. Later, when Riley H. was
about thirteen years old, she married Mr. Brennand. After some
time with his mother and her husband, Riley Fuller returned to
Connecticut and there married Miss Mary Upson, of Unionville, that
state. Later he returned to Pennsylvania with his wife and two
children and there engaged in the lumber business, later still re-
moving to Allegan county, Michigan, where he engaged in the lum-
ber business also. In 1863, at the call from President Lincoln, he
enlisted in the Union army, becoming a member of the Twenty-
eighth i\lichigan Regiment. He served from that time until the
end of the war, when he received his honorable discharge with the
rank of quartermaster. He returned to Michigan at the close of
the conflict and took up his old interests of lumbering and farm-
ing. He was the father of eight children, six of whom survive to
this date, 1911, namely : Lenetta, now the wife of William McGraw ;
Alice, now Mrs. Willis Slocomb ; Ora F. ; Carrie, wife of Frank
Myers; Riley H., Jr., who married Miss Jennie McDonal; Frank,
who married iVIiss Hattie Sargent.

Ora F. Fuller was reared on the home farm and spent much of
his boyhood in the heavily wooded timber tracts of Michigan. His
education he received at the hands of the grade school teachers of
the day. He remained at home until he attained his majority, when
he w^ent to take up a homestead in Luce county, Michigan, upon
which he remained for sixteen years. At the end of that time he
sold his Luce county property and went to Florida for two years,
after which he returned to Luce county and bought a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Fuller has also spent two years in
New Mexico. Mrs. Fuller filed on a desert claim and they lived
there for two vears. jNIr. Fuller came back to Van Buren county.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 829

Michigan, in the spring of 1911 and purchased the Walnut Knob
Farm, where they now live.

On Alay 5, 1885, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Fuller to
Miss Nancy A. Vollick, who was born in the Dominion of Canada,
in December, 1865. She was educated in the common schools of
Canada. She and iMr. Fuller are the parents of nine children,
namely : Everett, Vina, Lena, Alfred, Edith, Maude, Lewis, Roy
and Beatrice. They and their family attend the Methodist Episco-
pal church, in which church, during his stay in northern Michigan,
Mr. Fuller w^as an active w^orker and member of the official board.

In the field of politics Mr. Fuller is a Republican, and has served
the community as county superintendent of the poor in Luce
county, Michigan, as highway commissioner of Lakefield township,
and as treasurer and justice of the peace in the township several
times. Mr. Fuller has determined to settle permanently in Van
J3uren county, which will enrich the county's list of able and public-
spirited citizens.

f J LILIAN 11. Anderson. — Among the men who have given Van
Buren county its reliable and honorable name in the business cir-
cles of the state is Julian 11. Anderson, one of the proprietors of
the Anderson ]\Iill. lie is a quiet, unassuming man, but has gained
the respect of all who knew him. for behind the quiet face they have
found invariably strength and integrity. Mr. Anderson was born
in Trumbull county, Ohio, in January, 1850, the son of William and
Esther Stebbins Anderson and the grandson of John Anderson.
William Anderson was born in New York state, as was also his
wdfe. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. William Anderson re-
moved to Trumbull county, Ohio, where the husband farmed until
1859. In that year they came to Lawrence. INIichigan, where he
purchased a saw-mill, and later, the former venture prospering,
erected a grist mil. From there he came to Hartford township,
where he remodeled the existing saw-mill into a grist mill. The
mill is still one of the attractive old land-marks of the county, for
it has stood in Hartford township for over sixty years. William
Anderson continued to live in the township until his death in
1900, thirty-two years after the passing aw^ay of his devoted wife.
He was the father of ten children, five of whom are living at this
date, 1911, as follows: Julian H., James E., Alphius S., George and
Charles. Julian H. and James E. are partnership proprietors of
the Anderson Mill, and also of the electric light and powder plant,
which furnishes light and powder for the village of Hartford.

Julian H. Anderson was nine years old when his parents brought
him to Michigan and he is now the oldest of the surviving members
of the family. He was educated in the public schools of Lawrence,
and at a very early age began to work in his father's mill. Except-
ing for about five years, three of which were spent in a store, Mr.
Anderson has spent his entire life since his boyhood days in the
mill business, and it is no w^onder that he knows it thoroughly.

In 1871 Mr. Anderson was united to Miss Esther Rowland, sister
of the well-known Captain Rowland, and a native of Ohio. She
and her husband have three children: Mabel is now the wife of

880 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUxNTY

Wright Gardner and her sister Louise married Walter Hartman.
JNIabel was a graduate of the Hartford high school and taught for
some time in the grammar school. Marion attended and graduated
from the Armour Institute of Chicago and later married Miss Ethel
Clinton. They reside in Hartford, he being superintendent of the
light and power plant. Mr. and Mrs. Julian Anderson are now the
proud grandparents of seven grandchildren. They are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church and active supporters of all its
good works. Mr. Anderson serves the church as one of its trus-
tees.

Fraternally Mr. Anderson is affiliated with the Charter Oak
Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the field of
politics he supports the Republican party, but he has never himself
felt any desire for the honors and emoluments of public office. Be-
sides his milling interests he owns twenty -hve acres of land in Hart-
ford township, upon which he and his wife maintain their home.

Frank McCon, one of the most successful farmers and stock
raisers of this section of the country, was born in Galesburg, Kala-
mazoo county, October 12, 1857. His parents were Isaac and Eliza
Teers ]\IcCon, both natives of New York state, the birthplace of the
father being Neufield and that of the mother Tompkins county.
They were married in New York state and decided that they would
go to Virginia to begin life. Isaac McCon was a carpenter by trade,
though like almost every one of that generation of Americans he
was also a farmer. Virginia lost its attractions when viewed at
first hand, and the young couple decided that it was a poor country
and, without unpacking their goods, they returned to New York
state and stayed several years before starting out again to find a
new location. This time they moved to Grand Rapids, which was
then only a village, and here Isaac ]\IcCon bought two lots, upon
which the post office now stands, for what we should consider ''a
song.'' For several years he worked at his carpenter trade here
and then moved to Galesburg, where he bought ninety acres of
land, and it was there that Frank was born. When he was about
two years old his father moved to Porter township, near Lawton,
and bought another farm, upon which he lived three years. He was
always interested in getting a little better place or one which he
could make into a better one, so he traded this farm for one near
Mattawan and kept that one three years. When he disposed of his
third estate he bought another near Paw Paw and lived there two
years, then came west of Paw Paw and stayed there for quite a long
time before moving back to Paw Paw, where he retired and spent
the rest of his days. He lived to the age of eighty-four, his wife
surviving him two years and dying at the age of seventy-seven.

There were five children born to Isaae McCon and his wife and
four of them are still living : Mary resides on the old home place at
Paw Paw; Sarah is the wife of Wesley Hall, who lives south of
Paw Paw; George is a carpenter by trade and lives in Oklahoma;
Frank is the youngest of the family.

At the age of nineteen Frank McCon decided to go west, and
accordingly went to Joliet, Illinois, and secured work on a farm

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 831

there. When he had been there four months his parents persuaded
him to eome home and he has remained in the county ever since.
His father gradually gave the entire management of the place over
to his son.

On December S, 1887, was solemnized the marriage of Frank
]\IcCon and Addie E. Cliristie, the daughter of Charles Christie,
for whom Christie lake is named. Their wedding w^as celebrated
at the old place on the banks of Christie lake. Mr. McCon now owns
one hundred and sixteen acres of land, having disposed of the re-
mainder of his holdings, which at one time amounted to two hun-
dred and twenty acres. He has also been engaged in the stock
business buying all over this part of the country and making his
trips to Buffalo in the spring with the stock and looking after it
personally and always securing the top price.

Both .Mr. and Mrs. ]\lcCon are charter members of the Eastern
Star. Mr. ]\lcCon belongs to the ]\lasonic lodge, No. 119, and to
the (Jhapter and Council at Lawrence. He has passed through
nearly all the chairs. In politics he is a Republican and a most
loyal and devoted supporter of the party. His father was a Dem-
ocrat, but his son did not find himself in sympathy with the policies
of tiiat party and so cast his first vote for Hayes and has never
varied in his allegiance to the party.

Consistency and faithfulness to what he undertakes are highly
characteristic of "Sir. IMcCon and the esteem and regard which are
his in Van Buren county are but the fitting tribute to his upright
and useful life.

Turner W. Howard, the well known agriculturist of Van Buren
county has the uni(]ue record of having been born in the farm upon
which he now lives and which has always been his home. The
pleasant acres of the Howard farm are located on section 32, Law-
I'ence township. Turner W. was born Noveml)er 13, 1841, the
youngest son of Hosea and P]lizabeth (l^eonard) Howard. Hosea
Howard was reared in New York state and was there married. He,
with his wife and three sons, came to Van l^uren county in 1838
and purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He was
a strong Democrat and an ardent worker for the w^elfare of his
])arty. During his residence in New York, he served as a captain in
the state militia. Ilis death occurred in 1847. His wife, surviving
him thirty-five years, passed to her reward in 1882. Of the four
children born to this union Turner, the subject of this review, is
the only one now living.

Turner W. Howard was reared on the old farm and attended the
donation school which was at that tin e held in an extra room of
one of the neighboring farm houses. Each man had to contribute
so much in direct proportion to the number of his children attend-
ing the school. The parents also furnished the fuel. Turner at-
tended this school until he was thirteen years old, and then spent
his entire time learning all there was to learn about farming and
assisting in clearing the farm of its timber.

On June 3, 1864. Mr. "Howard was united in marriage to Miss
^larcia Place. She was born in Pennsylvania, June 3, 1842, the

H32 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

daughter of Horace and Fanny (Litchfield) Place. Her father was
a native of New York state and her mother of Massachusetts. Her
parents were married in New York, moved to Erie county, Pennsyl-
vania, and came to Hamilton township, Van Bur en county, Michi-
gan, in 1848, where they continued to dw^ell for the rest of their
lives. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are now
living. Their daughter Marcia was educated in the local schools,
and later spent one year in a Pennsylvania school before becoming
a teacher in the Van Buren county schools, where she taught three
years prior to her marriage to Mr. Howard. She and her husband
are the parents of live children. George E., who, following in the
footsteps of his father, became a capable farmer. In 1890 he wa^
married to Lulu Cook and, purchasing the south forty acres of the
home farm, made a home for his wife and six children, living there
until his death in 1909. Effie, formerly a teacher in the public
schools, is now Mrs. Thomas Maxwell. Fannie who was also a teacher
in the public schools, is now^ the wife of John R. Cook. Isa is now
teaching in Lawrence tow^nship. Van Buren county. Frank is still
at home, active in church and Sunday-school work.

Mr. Howard is a member of Rising Sun Lodge, No. 119, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons; of Lawrence Chapter, No. 95, Royal
Arch Masons; and is a member of Lawrence Council, R. & S. M.,
No. 43. Politically, Mr. Howard may be found beneath the stand
ard of the Democratic party, in whose counsels he takes a prominent
and interested part.

The Howards still own the one hundred sixty acres, which they
farm, and where they have their pleasant homes. They are hospit-
able and highly esteemed in the county as those who may be called
upon when any movement for the general w^elfare is on foot.

Roland B. Grant. — The subject of this brief review^ was born
in Cook county on St. A^alentine's day of the year 1857. His father
was Clarence Grant, who was born in Scotland and lived there un-
til the age of seven, when he accompanied his father, John Grant,
to Canada. They settled on a farm near Montreal and there John
and his wife lived and died. Clarence Grant was one of a family of
six boys and two girls, all now dead. His wife, Sabrina Farnum,
was born in New Hampshire in 1829, and her parents, Roland and
Mary Brooks Farnum, were also New Englanders. She became
acquainted with Clarence Grant when he came to New England as
a young man and went to work on a neighboring farm. They were
married there and moved to a farm near Chicago. This was not
an unknown country to Clarence Grant, as he had worked in Chi-
cago on the breakwater before going to New England. Four chil-
dren were born to them, three now living; Waldo, a contractor and
builder of Chicago ; R. B. ; and May, who is the wife of Alfonso
Chandler, a contractor and builder of Los Angeles, California. The
mother died in 1901, and four years later the father went to live
with his son Roland.

Norwood Park, the place of his father's farm, was the home of
Roland Grant until he was tw^enty-one yeffrs old. He then worked
in the neighborhood of his home for one year, after which he w^ent

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 833

to Chicago. From Chicago he went to New P^ngland to engage in
the milling business and remained for one and a half years. When
he left this he went to ^Missouri and bought a farm there, which he
conducted for two years. It was during this time that he returned
to Norwood Park to be married, his bride being Miss Elsie Cheever,
the daughter of Benjamin S. and Anna Boise Cheever, the former
being a native of New York State and the latter of England. Her
grandfather, James Cheever, was born in Massachusetts. The wed-
ding of Miss Cheever and Mr. Grant took place September 12, 1881,
and the young couple began their married life on the Missouri
farm, where they remained a year and a half. They then returned
to Norwood Park and for eighteen years farmed their own place
there. In 1901 they came to Arlington township, in March, and
bought a farm upon w^hich they lived for ten years and in the
spring of 1911, came to their present home. They own fifty-two
acres in Law^rence township and forty in Bangor. Mr. Grant is
occupied extensively in growing fruit and ships some fine crops to
the markets.

Two of the four children who have come into the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Grant are still with their parents. Chase B. is a graduate of
the Lawrence high school and has spent one year in Albion College,
taking a literary course. Gordon is attending school. Both the
daughters are married; Grace, to Charles J. Hughes, a contractor
of Battle Creek, and Frances, to John Robbins, of Arlington town-
ship.

My. Grant is a member of the Shady Grove Lodge of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows of Lawrence. He and his family
are members of the ^lethodist church in the same place and are ac-
tive workers in it, as they take the keenest interest in all which
tends to promote the higher life. iMr. Grant is a trustee in that
body. In politics he is not actively interested, but favors the Re-
publican principles in matters of national import. During the
ten years which they have passed in the county ]\Ir. and Mrs. Grant
have made its best interests their own and have won the lasting re-
gard of all who have come to know them. They contribute a gen-
erous share to the industrial efficiency which places Van Buren
county so high in the commercial w^orld and add equally to the
moral and intellectual forces which are of even more importance.

George G. Hutchins. — Born in Devonshire, England, on the last
day of the year 1846, George Hutchins, the son of George and Jane
Iloils Hutchins, spent the first nineteen years of his life across the
water. He acquired only a rudimentary education before leaving
school to learn the blacksmith trade. He spent two years in the
shop as an apprentice and then for a year and a half was em-
ployed to shoe horses at the liberal salary of a shilling a week. An
uncle and a brother, Richard, had come to America and Richard
sent George the money for his passage and in his twentieth year,
he joined his relatives at Paw Paw. Here he secured work on a
shop owned by Philips and Kelly and was employed there for six
months. The following year he worked on a farm and then for
two winters and one summer attended school and thus added to his

834 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUxNTY

educational equipment. He then worked at his trade in Lawrence
and in Paw Paw for a year and a half. After this time jNIr. Hutch-
ins opened his shop in Paw Paw tow^nship and for four years he
conducted the business at a good profit. This gave him his start
and he was presently able to buy a farm in Arlington township
with his savings. This place was his home for eight years and dur-
ing that time he constantly improved it until he was able to sell
it at a good advance and to buy another. He pursued the same
policy with his second place and then bought the one he owns at
present. This is the estate known as the Sterling Cole farm, a
tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres w^hich has been in Mr.
Hutchins' possession since 1891. He gives his attention to grow-
ing fruit as well as to general farming, and at both is more than
ordinarily successful.

Mrs. Hutchins was formerly Miss Flora Cole, the daughter of
Sterling Cole of Lawrence township. He came here from New
York state in 1852, settling first in Berrien county. In 1854 he
was married to ]\Iiss Euphemia Crumb, and then they went to
Allegan county, making that their home until the year of 1861,
when they came to Lawrence, and bought the farm now owned by
Mr. Hutchins. Miss Cole became the wife of George Hutchins on
February 4, 1874, and they have been the parents of six children
as follows : Arthur, in business in the state of Washington ; Jennie.
Mrs. R. F. Green, of Toledo ; Ellen, Mrs. Charles Harris, of Paw
Paw township; liable, the wife of Professor C. M. Jennings, a
teacher of Stanton, Michigan; Alice, Mrs. Earl Pugsley, of Hart,
Michigan, where her husband is an attorney; and Mary, ^Irs.
Arthur J. Dunning, of Sedro-Woolley, Washington, where she and
her husband are both engaged in teaching.

Mr. and Mrs. Hutchins are both members of the order of tlie
Eastern Star at Lawrence. She has held several offices in that
body, including that of worthy matron. Mr. Hutchins belongs to
the Rising Sun lodge of the Masons at Lawrence. All the family
are members of the Baptist church, where their interest and
generous support are highly appreciated. Mr. Hutchins takes no
active part in politics but he is a great admirer of Bryan and,
although liberal in his views, inclines toward the Democratic plat-
form. He and his wife are of the representative people of Van
Buren county and are accorded a place of honor by the many
friends they have made in the course of their life here.

William P. Breeding. — One of the most enterprising, capable
and enterprising young business men of South Haven, and one
of the most esteemed citizens of Van Buren county, William I*.
Breeding commands the admiration of all who know him by the
success he has achieved and the promise his ability holds out for
future accomplishments of a still more signal and enlarged char-
acter, in whatever department of useful labor he may choose as
the avenue of his activities. He has already done several things,
and done each of them well, winning advancement for himself
in each and contributing to the general weal of the community
around him in all.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 885

Mr. Breeding was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania, on April 20, 1875, and is a son of Elbert T. and Anna M.
(Jackson) Breeding, the father a native of Massachusetts, born
in 1849, and the mother of the same nativity as her son William.
The father died on December 31, 1909, having outlived by only
one month his wife, who passed aw^ay on January 30, 1910. They
had three children, AVilliam P., Derwood M. and Florence. The
daughter is now ]\Irs. Thomas A. Kennedy, of Kenilworth, a suburb
of Chicago. The family moved to St. Louis some years before
the death of the parents, and in that city the father was a mer-
chant of good rank and repute. In politics he was a Republican,
and in church connection a Baptist.

William P. Breeding early in life secured employment with the
Corticelli Silk Company of St. Louis, the family then being located
in that city. He went into the employ of this company as an office
boy at the age of fifteen, and by capacity, integrity and faithful
attention to business worked himself up to the position of general
department manager. He acquired a thorough knowledge of the
business of the company he was working for, and at the same time
attained to a sweep of vision which gave him a comprehensive
knowledge of business in general and sufficient confidence in him-
self to undertake an enterprise of his own.

In 1907 he moved to Chicago and entered the lumber trade, with
which he was actively and profitably connected for two years.
Before going to Chicago, however, he had been married, and in
1909 he took up his residence in South Haven, and there became
associated with his father-in-law, Lyman S. ^lonroe, in the Soutli
Haven Loan and Trust Company, Mr. .Monroe being the president
at that time. After his death Mr. Breeding succeeded him in this
office, and is still filling it with great advantage to the company
and to the full satisfaction of its patrons.

On January 28, 1905, Mr. Breeding was united in marriage with
Miss Louise Monroe, a daughter of Lyman S. and Carrie J.
(Curtiss) Monroe. Mr. Monroe was one of the leading business
men and most prominent and influential citizens of Van Buren
county. He was a brother of Hon. Charles Jay Monroe, in a sketch
of whose life, to be found elsewhere in this volume, the history of
the family is set forth at length. Mr. Breeding venerates the
memory of his father-in-law, as he was a man worthy of the
highest esteem and confidence in every respect, and he was also
very helpful to iMr. Breeding, giving him every possible chance to
advance himself, and not only opening the way for him to make
headway, but aiding him materially in all his efforts in this direc-
tion.

Mr. Breeding is President of the South Haven Loan and Trust
Company and also one of the directors of the First State Bank
of South Haven and vice president and secretary of the Monroe
Realty Company. He is a Republican in political affiliation and
a Baptist in church connection, being chairman of the board of
trustees of the First Baptist church. He and his wife have one
child, their daughter Jane. The parents are among the most

886 HISTORY OF YAN BUEEN COUNTY

esteemed citizens of the city and county of their home, and the
regard shown them by the people is based on genuine merit.

Charles Funk. — No citizen of South Haven, Michigan, has been
more prominently or beneficially connected with the public life
of the city during the last few years than Charles Funk, one of
its leading business men and now (1911) its chief executive. He
served the people of the city so well and wisely as city councilman
one term and part of another that they induced him to become
their mayor, although he had to resign his seat in the council to
become the nominee on what was known as the Citizens' Ticket,
made up without regard to political party considerations.

Mr. Funk was born in Bangor, this county, on November 9, 1875,
and has passed the whole of his life to the present time within
the borders of the county and in intimate association with its
residents. He obtained his education principally in the common
schools, attending them in winter and working on his father 's farm
in summer. His scholastic training was finished at the high school
in Bangor. He is a son of Martin and Minnie (Schlaack) Funk,
the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Germany. Of
the five children born of their union but three are living, Charles
and his brothers Ernest and Preston.

The father came to Michigan with his parents in the early fifties,
when he was a small boy. They located at a place in Van Buren
county known later as Funk's Settlement, where the father of
Charles grew to manhood and acquired a knowledge of the oc-
cupation of farming, in w^hich he has ever since been engaged,
and which he began for himself on wild land unbroken as yet,
and never before subject to the persuasive hand of the husbandman.
He and his wife are still living on the farm he hewed out of the
wilderness, but it is now highly improved, well cultivated and
richly productive. He is a member of the German Lutheran church
and in political affairs, sides with the Democratic party, although
he is no longer a very active partisan, but is still always loyal to
his political faith.

On December 29, 1897, Mayor Funk, though he probably then
never dreamed of becoming mayor, was married to Miss Bertha M.
Springett, a native of Geneva township, this county, and a daughter
of George and Flora M. Springett, also natives of Van Buren
county and the children of English parents. Both are living on
the farm the father has cultivated for many years. He is also
a justice of the peace, and his political support is given to the
Republican party. He and his wife are the parents of two chil-
dren, Mrs. Funk and her brother Charles.

For four years after his marriage Mr. Funk cultivated the farm
of his grandfather, John Funk. He then moved to South Haven^
and was employed in a milling establishment for one year. He
was eager, however, to have a business of his own, and at the end
of his year in the mill formed a partnership with E. J. Merrifield
and started an enterprise in the coal and wood trade under the
firm name of Funk & Merrifield, which is still in existence and

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY B37

actively engaged in business with ample yards on West Phoenix
street, and with an extensive and profitable volume of trade.

In 1907 Mr. Funk was elected alderman from the Second ward
of the city, and at the end of his term in 1909 he was re-elected.
He showed himself so capable and attentive to his official duties,
so vigilant in caring for the interests of the city and the people,
and so public-spirited and enterprising in municipal affairs, that
before his second term expired he was obliged to resign his seat
and become the candidate of the Citizens' party for mayor. To
this office he was elected also, his term beginning in the spring of
1911 and being for one year. In politics generally, especially in
national and state affairs, Mr. Funk trains with the Democratic
party, but in municipal elections he takes the view of many ex-
cellent citizens in believing that partisan considerations should
have but little weight, as municipal government is almost wholly
a matter of business and should be conducted on business prin-
ciples. Fraternally Mr. Funk is connected with the IModern Wood-
men of America, and is one of the leading members of the organi-
zation in the order in which he is enrolled.

He and his wife are the parents of two cliildren, their son Lloyd
and their daughter Velma.

John Clair Mc Alpine was born in Hamilton township. Van
Buren county, IMichigan, October 2, 1869, and is the only son of
John and Mary I^hillips McAlpine, the former a native of Che-
mung county, New York, and the latter of Livingston county. New
York. i\lr. iMcAlpine has one sister, IMiss Ethel McAlpine. who re-
sides with their mother in Hartford.

As the name implies, ]Mr. ^McAlpine's ancestors were Scotch, his
great-grandfather liaving settled in New York during the Revolu-
tionary war. His grandfather, George ^IcAlpine, was born in New
York, but moved with his family to Cass county, ^Michigan, in
1858. Mr. IMcAlpine 's father, John McAlpine, was the eldest of a
family of ten children, and, his parents being in poor circumstances
financially, he early began to contribute to the support of his
father's family.

In 1863, at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in Company C, Sixty-
sixth Illinois Sharpshooters, and with his company served faith-
fully to the end of the war of the rebellion, when he Avas honor-
ably discharged. He was a conscientious and law abiding citizen,
a good husband and father, and was much loved by a wide circle of
friends. He held various township offices, to which he brought un-
swerving honesty, fidelity and good judgment. He was a member
of the ]\Iasonic order and of the Grand Army of the Republic.
His life began at Chemung county, New York, January 28, 184e5,
and ended in Hartford, Michigan, November 6. 1910.

John Clair McAlpine was educated in the common schools ex-
cepting one year in a business college. Having determined early
to be a farmer, he has adhered to his first choice of an occupation
and is now an enterprising and progressive farmer in Keeler tow^n-
ship.

On October 8, 1888, Mr. iMcAlpine was united in marriage with

838 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Miss Minnie E. Sheperd, a native of this county, born September
4, 1868, and the daughter of Henry and Adelaide Van Der Voort
Sheperd. Mrs. McAlpine, like her husband, secured her education
in the public schools, and that and her home training, like his,
were directed to practical ends. They have had four children,
three of whom are living. Leila was educated in the public schools
and also received good instruction in music. Beatrice, the second
daughter, received a public school education and is now tho wife
of William Bullard and has one child, a son, Gerald. They reside
on a farm in Keeler township. The third daughter is Shirley, the
youngest of the children. The son died at the age of three months.
In his political allegiance Mr. McAlpine is a Republican, but in
local affairs, especially, his first consideration is the good of this
community and the w^elfare of its people, and he casts his ballot
with this always in view. He is especially interested in the progress
and usefulness of the public schools, and has been connected with
their management for many years. Mr. McAlpine is a member of
the Knights of the Modern Maccabees, holding his membership in
Tent No. 623 at Keeler. All the members of the family belong to
the Methodist Episcopal church. All are well and favorably known
throughout the county as persons of high character, upright lives,
advanced social culture and the genuine public spirit which leads
them to welcome any worthy undertaking for the progress and
improvement of the county and township of their home and are
pleased with an opportunity to give it earnest and effective sup-
port. They are well deserving of the universal esteem which they
enjoy for their elevated standards of living, their sincere interest
in the welfare of all who dwell around them, and their general high
tone and usefulness as citizens.

Almiron Robinson. — Mr. Robinson's parents were, like so many
of the county's best citizens, natives of New York. Both Alfred
Robinson and his wife, Esther Baird Robinson, were born in the
Empire state and came to Michigan early in life. The father was
a soldier in the Civil war and a life-long Republican. Both he and
his wife were members of the United Brethren church. The mother
is still living in Hartford, Michigan. There were five sons and
two daughters in the household to which Almiron Robinson be-
longed and four of the children are still living. Edward is a resi-
dent of Keeler township ; Charles lives in Hartford ; Alfred is a
merchant in Berlamont; and Almiron lives in Keeler township.

The date of Mr. Robinson's birth was March 22, 1875, and this
county has been his home all of his life. He was educated in the
common schools and not until he was twenty-one did he begin
working for himself. When he began his career as a wage earner
ihe did not have a dollar to his name. In 1895 he was married to
Miss Frankie V. Jackson and together they began to work for a
competence. She is the only child of Andrew and Eliza St. John
Jackson, of this county, and was born February 15, 1879.

The first home of the young couple is now a part of their present
farm. They were obliged to go in debt to buy it, but thrift and
good management, as well as hard work, enabled them in time not

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 839

only to pay for this but to acquire forty acres more. In 1899 they
built a tasteful frame house, which has since been enlarged and
modified. Three years afterwards they erected a large barn, which
was destroyed by fire four years later and all its contents lost.
Misfortunes are said never to come singly and the Robinson's ex-
perience was no exception, for shortly before their valuable barn
went up in fiames Mr. Robinson was confined to the hospital for
five months. Adversity only develops fortitude in strong souls
and these two were of that sort who refuse to be discouraged.
They built another barn, whose dimensions are thirty-six by seventy
feet and in 1911 were able to look out on their pleasant estate,
''Ingleside" with the satisfying consciousness that there was not
a dollar of indebtedness on it. This place is situated four and a
half miles from Keeler and five and a half miles from Hartford,
and is one of the pleasant homes of the county.

There are four children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Rol)inson
and all are in school. Lloyd is in the eighth grade; Leon D., in
the seventh ; Glenn, in the fourth ; and Laura Belle, in the third
grade. It is the intention of the parents to give their children the
education which will fit them to carry out their chosen careers to
the best advantage. They are deeply interested in the question of
education and are especially friendly to the public schools.

Mr. Robinson endorses the political principles for which the
Republican party stands and, though he is no politician, he is
very much interested in public affairs. Both he and Mrs. Robin-
son are always prompt to give support and encouragement to all
undertakings which are for the general good. They have built
up their fortune from nothing and it has been sometimes very
much like making bricks without straw, but their satisfaction is
all the keener for the conquered difficulties and their record will
be a proud tale for their children to tell and to hear.

Spencer Van Ostrand. — Whatever may be said of native gifts,
inherent traits and hereditary characteristics in determining a
man's course in life, no thoughtful and observant person can deny
the force of circumstances in the same connection, which not in-
frequently bend every qualification a man has in accordance with
their requirements. His situation and surroundings made S. Van
Ostrand, of South Plaven, a student of medicine in his youth and
early manhood, and circumstances afterward veered him from his
contemplated professional career and made him a merchant and
promoter.

Mr. Van Ostrand is a New Yorker by nativit.v, and was born in
the town of Rose, Wayne county, in that state, on December 20,
1844. His parents. Dr. and Sarah (Tuller) Van Ostrand, were also
natives of New York, the former born at Sennett, Cayuga county,
and the latter at Wolcott in Oswego county. The father lived to
the age of eighty-four and the mother to that of fifty years. Their
son, Spencer Van Ostrand, was the first born of their six children,
four of whom are living.

The father was a physician and obtained his professional train-
ing at the Geneva (New York) Medical College, being graduated

840 HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY

from that institution under P. 11. Hamilton, of world-wide celebrity.
Dr. Van Ostrand served three years in the First Michigan Regi-
ment of Engineers and Mechanics during the Civil war, and after
his release from that engagement returned to Albion, Calhoun
county, this state. There he was busily occupied in a large general
practice of his profession for a number of years, but about ten
years before his death he was appointed examining surgeon in the
regular army of the United States and assigned to duty at Yankton,
South Dakota. He then moved to that city and there he passed the
remainder of his life in faithful attention to his duties to the end.

Before the Civil war he was a strong Abolitionist and a devoted
worker against the curse of human slavery in this country. As
such he rendered very efficient service to the cause of freedom for
the slaves as a division superintendent of the famous "Under-
ground Railroad,'' through the aid of which a great many South-
ern slaves escaped from their involuntary servitude to Canada,
where numbers of them became citizens of approved demeanor and
some persons of consequence and influence. He joined the Repub-
lican party when it was founded and always adhered to it firmly.

Mr. Van Ostrand, the son, lived at home with his parents until
he was twenty-two years of age, and, with a view to making a
physician of himself, studied medicine under the tuition of his
father. J^ut instead of entering on the practice of his profession
he became a lumberman in South Haven, and followed that business
for about two years. He then clerked in a drug store for five
years, after which he opened a general store at Kibbie, this county,
where he was also postmaster and agent for the Michigan Central
Railroad for a period of ten years. At the end of that time he re-
turned to South Haven and began an enterprise in the drug trade
which he is still conducting, and has been ever since.

In 1902, in conjunction with Dr. A. C. Runyan, he organized the
Light, Fuel and Power Company of the city, which was later re-
organized as the South Haven Gas Company, and of this he has
ever since been secretary and treasurer. His political faith and
support are given to the Democratic party, and he is an energetic
and effective worker for its success, although not himself desirous
of any of the honors or emoluments it has to bestow, as his various
business interests occupy all his time and claim all his energies ex-
cept what are required for the ordinary duties of citizenship, and
these he never neglects or gives half-hearted attention.

Mr. Van Ostrand was married on August 22, 1867, to Miss
Panny H. Overy. She was born near the historic old city of Hast-
ings, England, and is a daughter of Charles and Harriet (Wood)
Overy, who were born, reared, educated and married in England,
and remained in that country until they reached middle age. They
.then came to the United States and located in Calhoun county, near
Albion, Michigan, where the father died at the age of fifty-four
and the mother is still living, being now ninety-four years old.
Mrs. Van Ostrand w^as the second born of their six children, four
of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Van Ostrand have had five chil-
dren, three of whom are deceased. Two died in infancy and Rob-
ert E., the fourth born son, was killed by accident in 1896, when he

HISTORY OF VAN BIJREN COUNTY 841

was twenty years of age. The two living children are Charles H.
and Archie E. Charles H. is with his father in the drug business.
Archie E. is in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, engaged in Christian Sci-
ence w^ork. All the members of the family enjoy in a marked de-
gree the regard and good will of the whole community, and are
admired throughout the county for their genuine worth and the
elevated character of their citizenship. They are earnest sup-
porters of all commendable projects involving the growth and im-
provement of their home city, and manifest in the most helpful and
practical way their deep interest in the welfare of the county in
which they live and all its residents, and the people esteem them
accordingly,

Daniel Cook Van Antwerp. — The name of Van Antwerp has
been conspicuous in the history of Michigan for nearly a hundred
years. For three generations the family has resided in this com-
monwealth, and during the years that have elapsed since the first
Van Antwerp came to this part of the country the different mem-
bers of the family have been identified with the military, agricul-
tural, commercial, political and fiscal life of the conmiunity. At
all time they have been characterized by their high sense of honor,
their valor and efftcient performance of any duties with which
they were entrusted. Daniel Cook Van Antwerp, whose name in-
augurates this biography, and a record of whose career follows,
has done honor to the fair name he bears.

The birth of this scion of an old Holland family occurred in
Antwerp township, January 15, 1852. His grandfather, Daniel
Van Antwerp, was born in Schenectady, New York, November 22,
1795, and was descended from one of three brothers who came from
Antw^erp, Holland, and settled in the Empire state. He came to
Michigan about the year 1837, entered one thousand and eighty
acres of land from the government and became a prominent citi-
zen. He had the contract for considerable work in the building of
the Michigan Central Railroad, but it was in his church affiliations
that he was best known and remembered. He was a deacon in the
Presbyterian church and took a very prominent part in all its af-
fairs, giving freely of his time and means. At a memorial service
held in his honor the elder said ''I never went to him for counsel
and was turned away empty. ' ' He won distinction in the commu-
nity and in honor of the family the township of Antwerp was
named.

His son Freeman was born in New York state, July 16, 1823,
and when a lad accompanied his father to Michigan, where he
later engaged in agricultural pursuits. On October 1, 1850, Free-
man Van Antwerp married Miss Harriet Cook, who was born March
29, 1827, in Covington, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and was the
daughter of Dr. Nathan and Ann (Hamilton) Cook, who were
married March 18, 1824. Dr. Nathan Cook was born October 4,
1799, in Richmond, Cheshire county, New Hampshire, a son of
Nathan and Sally (Dix) Cook, who were married about 1796.
This family is of New England Puritan descent, tracing their an-
cestry to the Cooks who came over in the IVIayflower. Dr. Nathan

842 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Cook*8 wife, Ann Hamilton, was a daughter of William Hamilton,
who was born in Scotland and came to New York state when young.
He bore arms in the defense of his country during the Revolutionary
war. He married Hannah Weddaugh, of Dutch descent. Mr. and
]\lrs. William Hamilton are buried in York, Sandusky county;
Ohio. Dr. Nathan Cook was a graduate of Dartmouth College, New
Hampshire, and practiced his profession in that state before coming
west.

In 1823 he started for what was then called the '^far wesf —
western New York — locating in Chenango county, near the present
city of Binghampton and making the entire journey on horseback.
In 1826 they moved to Covington, Tioga county, Pennsylvania,
where they lived four and a half years and then removed to Huron,
Erie county, Ohio, and in 1833 came to Erie, Munroe county, Mich-
igan, where the Doctor was very successful in his profession, but
owing to poor health had to discontinue it. In 1836 he came as
iar as Gravel Lake, where he purchased land and this trip was
also made on horseback. On April 15, 1837, he started with his
family for what was then called the St. Joseph Country. This
journey was made with an ox team and w^as necessarily slow, ow-
ing to one of the team having to be favored. The description of a
portion of this journey is best told in the following article, copied
from a biographical sketch written by Mrs. Freeman Van Ant-
werp when nearly sixty-nine years old, and left as a precious pos-
session to her son, Daniel Cook Van Antwerp, and 'her daughter,
]Mrs. John Marshall. It is of particular interest, owing to the fact
that when this portion of Van Buren county in which they located
was renamed it was Harriet Cook (later Mrs. Freeman Van Ant-
werp) who named it Porter. In her article she says: ''Monday
morning. May 6, 1837, we left Mr. Clark's, being then about thir-
teen or fourteen miles from our destination. The morning was
(;old and misty, amounting almost to rain, but towards noon the
sun came out and the remainder of the day was very bright, but
cool. Moving slowly along, passing only one or two houses on our
journey that day, about four o'clock in the afternoon, when just
east of where Mr. Rock now lives, that same ox laid down again.
My father told us to take the cows and go on, that it was not more
than two miles, and when we came to a beautiful, clear lake on our
left w^e would find Uncle Roderick Bell's log cabin back in the
bushes on the bank of the lake. Following the road, if road it
could be called, for it was just merely a wagon track winding in
and out among the trees and logs, we soon saw the lake and soon a
woman's voice called to us. It was my aunt, who had been looking
for us several days and had seen us through an opening in the
bushes. My uncle had settled here in 1836 and he and Mr. Alex-
ander were the first white settlers in southwestern Porter. My un-
<»le went to the assistance of my father and before sundown we
were all at our journey's end. And how glad my sister and I were
the next morning when we did not have to get up and move on
again.

*'Now began hardships and privations that lasted for years;
hardships that no one can fully understand unless placed in simi-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 843

lar circumstances. No schools, no churches, no newspapers, no
books, society, nor amusements. We had the lakes with all their
beauty, the forests with all their grandeur and solitude, and they
really were companions for me. In early spring we went winter-
greening, in summer we rambled in the woods and gathered wild
berries, in the fall we went nutting and gathered cranberries
(which we could not use for want of suger), and in winter we lis-
tened to the lonely howling of wolves, — the most dismal sound one
can imagine. Indians came to our house often; sometimes they
would camp on the south side of the lake for several days at a
time and at night we could hear them laugh and whoop and splash
the water in their play. The second summer we were here was
what was known for years as the sickly summer ; every family had
its share, we were all sick, everybody was sick, but we all lived
through.

''After awhile we began to have a school here and there in the
forest, and, though a long way for some to go all were glad of the
opportunity. My sister and I had one girl friend, Sarah Ann
Swift. We were together a great deal; we roamed the woods,
played around the lakes and attended school together nearly all of
our school days. After a time we began to have spelling schools.
This was quite an item for us, as it broke the monotony of pioneer
life. We were always first in spelling, we knew what the hrst call
would be — it would be Harriet Cook or Sarah Ann Swift, or vice
versa, and this was a source of much pleasure and usefulness to
US; and in time we were far ahead of others in spelling. After a
time we had township libraries and here began my taste for read-
ing. After many hard struggles we began teaching school, —
worked so hard for so little — just one dollar per week and 'board
round.' My sister Sarah taught thirteen years, summer and win-
ter. She taught the first school ever taught in the village of De-
catur and the second one ever taught at Porter Center.

"I taught six summers — the first two at Lagrange, Cass county,
the next at Williams' Corners on the territorial road in Antwerp,
then one term of four and one half months in the valley, then two
summers at the (Corners again, making in all just twelve months at
that place."

Dr. Nathan Cook passed the remainder of his life in Van Buren
county and was one of its best known citizens. Game was plenti-
ful in these days and he did much hunting, becoming an expert in
shooting deer when they were running, and if he saw them stand-
ing still he would start them before attempting to shoot. He was
town clerk and all business was transacted at his home. He died
January 31, 1867, at Porter. His wife died in the same town, July
12, 1887, aged eighty- four. Their daughter, Harriet Cook, married
Freeman Van Antwerp, (as noted above). In 1863 Freeman Van
Antwerp engaged in the livery business and ran a stage line from
Paw Paw to Lawton, having the contract to carry the mail. He
died in Paw Paw, Michigan, October 16, 1865. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Van Antwerp were members of and attended the Presbyterian
church in Paw Paw for many years.

Freeman Van Antwerp left three children to be reared by their

844 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUiNTY

mother, — Daniel Cook, a lad of thirteen when his father died;
Idale (wife of John Marshall, of Porter township), whose birth
had occurred February 23, 1855; and Anna, who was born No-
vember 22, 1862, and who died March 14, 1878. Mrs. Van Ant-
werp, soon after her husband ^s death, bought a tract of sixty acres
of land in Porter township, and there she went with her three chil-
dren, superintended the management of the farm and the bringing
up of her children, the youngest of whom was but three years
old when her father died. The mother lived to see her son prosper
in his undertakings, her elder daughter married and she buried
her youngest child. On the 17th day of November, 1904, the
mother was summoned to the Great Beyond.

The first five years of Daniel Cook Van Antwerp's life were
spent in the township which is named in honor of his family, then
one year at Porter, where he began going to school at six years old,
then returning to Antwerp, where he spent five years, then four
years in Paw Paw, where he attended the high school and left on
account of poor health. After his father's death in Paw Paw he
removed to Porter township. When eighteen years old he began
to farm the land which his mother had bought and in 1881 he
bought one hundred and forty acres of land in Porter township.
Some of this tract he sold and now owns one Iiundred and twenty
acres in that township. On the 27th of February, 1911, he moved
to Lawton, that his daughter might have the advantages afforded
by its schools, but he and his wife still own two hundred acres of
land, which he rents to farmers.

On the 25th day of February, 1891, Mr. Van Antwerp married
Miss Laura A. Hayne, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Turner)
Hayne, both natives of Cornwall, England, where also their mar-
riage occurred. They came to America in 1855, and settled in
Wayne county, Michigan. The father died June 13, 1905, in
Porter, and the mother's demise occurred September 11, 1892, in
Porter. Of the four children who were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Hayne two died in infancy; Mrs. Van Antwerp is the third and
her brother, John D., resides in Porter township. Mr. and Mrs.
Van Antwerp have had two children, — Elwyn H., born December
1, 1891, who died on March 18, 1896 ; and Idale Elizabeth, whose
birth occurred July 10, 1897.

In politics Mr. Van Antwerp is a Republican and for two years
he held the position of commissioner of highways in Porter town-
ship, which office was given him unsolicited. His fraternal connec-
tion is with the ^Modern Woodmen of America and in a religious
way he and his wife and daughter hold membership with the Meth-
odist church. He has resided only a short time in Lawton, but
he has already made his presence felt and his fellow citizens re-
gard his coming to the tow^n as an event of which they have reason
to be proud.

John Bailey. — A man who plays an active and useful part in
the many-sided life of Paw Paw, Van Buren county, Michigan, is
John Bailey, who formerly was identified with the agricultural in-
terests of Waverly township and who at the present time is en-

HISTORY OF VAN HHKEN COUNTY 845

gaged in the livery business of Sage & l^ailey, which is one of the
thriving and well-conducted enterprises of the town. He is a
native son of Michigan and has been a resident of this township
since the year 1885. i\Ir. Bailey was born in Jefferson township,
Hillsdale county, ^Michigan, on the 25th day of January, 1864.
His father, Josiah Bailey, was born in 1831, in Lenawee county,
Michigan. As a young man he farmed in Lenawee county for a
number of years and subse(iuently removed to Jefferson, Hillsdale
county, where he passed the remainder of his days, the demise of
this good citizen occurring in 1878. He laid the foundations of a
liappy marriage in 1854, at ^Medina, Mary Jane Bump, born No-
vember 12, 1836, becoming his wife. She survived him for more
than a quarter of a century, her summons to the life eternal com-
ing on February 3, 1904. They reared the following son and
daughters : Hortensie, Susan, and John.

John Bailey, youngest of the children of Josiah and Mary Bailey
and the immediate subject of this review, spent his early years in
Jefferson county and for his education is indebted to the country
schools of the locality in which he spent his boyhood. At the time
of his father's death lie was a boy of about fifteen years, but he
was capable and serious and of the type which assumes responsi-
bility successfully, and he at once took upon himself the manage-
ment of the t'arm and continued at the head of its aft'airs until
1888. In that year he made a radical change by coming to Wa-
verly township, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres and
proceeded to improve this and to engage in its cultivation. He was
very successful in his operations in connection with the great
basic industry and in time gained a comfortable competence. In
1905 he purchased a half interest in the livery stable business in
connection with his present partner, Joel Sage, the firm being
known under the caption of Sage & Bailey, and he has continued
engaged in this fashion up to the present time. Mr. Bailey and
his partner keep from fourteen to twenty good horses and in addi-
tion to operating a fine livery they have a sales stable and also run
the local stage and baggage business in connection with the various
trains coming into Paw Paw^ He is a progressive, public-spirited
citizen who does all in his power to support and encourage all such
measures and institutions as shall contribute to the general wel-
fare.

Mr. l^ailey was first married in 1886, Mary Weatherw^ax, of
Hillsdale county, becoming his wife. Two daughters were born
to this union, namely : Bessie, who married George Rock and is the
mother of a son and daughter named Clyde and Laura; and
Delta, w;ho is still at home. The mother passed away February
12, 1896, mourned by all who know her. On April 8, 1899, Anah
Noyes, a native of Hillsdale county, became the wife of the sub-
ject. Mr. and Mrs. Hailey share their home with an adopted son,
Eugene. They are well and favorably known in the community
and their circle of friends may almost me said to be coincident with
that of their acquaintance.

In his political affiliations Mr. Bailey has ever given hand and
heart to the Republican party. He gave his maiden vote to its men

846 HISTORY OF VAN BURExN COUNTY

and measures, and his loyalty to the party which produced such
men as Lincoln, McKinley and Roosevelt is unswerving. His fra-
ternal allegiance is given to the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows.

George W. Merriman. — Banker, lawyer, farmer, fruit-grower
and public official of a high rank, George W. Merriman, of Hart-
ford, is justly considered one of the leading and most useful citi-
zens of Van Buren county. He has been a resident of the county
for twenty-nine years, and in that time has been tried in several
lines of useful endeavor and never been found wanting in in-
tegrity, ability or fidelity to duty in any. He has risen to conse-
quence and influence among the people, and has always used his
influence and his opportunities for their welfare, the progress and
improvement of the county and the betterment of the whole state,
in every way open to him.

i\Ir. Merriman was born in Savannah, Wayne county, New
York, on February 4, 1851, and is a scion of a family, on his
father's side, that has been resident in this country for more than
Ihree hundred years. He is a son of Elijah and Maria (Winegar)
I\Ierriman, also natives of the state of New York. Elijah Merri-
man was a son of Elisha; Elisha, a son of Charles; Charles, a
son of Joel. And so the lineage runs back in unbroken succession
to very early in the seventeenth century, when Captain Nathaniel
Merriman of England came to this country and settled in Rhode
Island. From that time to the present the name has been promi-
nent in the history of New England and many other parts of the
country, and members of the family have dignified and adorned
every w^orthy and commendable walk of life.

George W. Merriman was reared on his father's farm in Wayne
county. New York, and educated in a district school. After com-
pleting his education he became a teacher, and was principal of
the Union school at South Butler in his native county when he
was only twenty years of age. At the age of twenty -one he came
to Michigan and located in Plainwell, Allegan county, where he
served as cashier of the Exchange Bank for eight years. He then
left the bank for the purpose of pursuing a course in the study
of law in the University of Michigan. He was graduated from the
law department of this institution in 1882, with the degree of LL. B.

Immediately after his graduation he came to Hartford as the
head of the Exchange Bank in that town, and he has been conduct-
ing this with expanding business and steadily increasing popularity
ever since. Mr. Merriman is also interested extensively in farm-
ing and fruit-growing, and he does some business in the line of his
profession as a lawyer. But his other duties are too numerous
jind exacting to allow him to devote himself to this exclusively or
to any considerable extent.

On June 25, 1882, he was joined in marriage with Miss Jennie
Sherman, a school teacher at Plainwell, Michigan. The fruit of
this union was one child, Harry J. Merriman, who was born at
Hartford, this county, on July 25, 1883, and who is now associated
with his father in carrying on the bank. His mother died in 1888,

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 847

and in 1894 the father was married a second time, being united
(•n this occasion with Mrs. Jennie (Smiley) Phelps, a native, like
himself, of the state of New York.

Air. Merriman, the elder, is a Freemason of the thirty-second
degree. In Blue Lodge Masonry he belongs to Florada Lodge,
No. 309, at Hartford, and to Lawrence Royal Arch Chapter at
Lawrence. His membership in the Scottish rite and A. A. O. N.
M. S. (Saladin Temple) is held in Grand Rapids. He also belongs
to the Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Macca-
bees, and has been the worshipful master of Florada lodge and
held prominent positions in the other fraternities of which he is
a member.

In political faith and action he has for many years been one of
the most influential and valued members of the Republican party,
and his wise counsel and efficient w^ork in its behalf have been
highly appreciated by both its leaders and its rank and file, locally
and throughout the state. He was one of the delegates from Mich-
igan to the national Republican convention of 1892. From 1895
to 1899 he was a member of the state senate. He served six years
as a member of the- state prison board, two of them as its presi-
dent, and for tw^elve years has been a member of the state central
committee of his party. His services to his party and to the people
m the several public offices he has held have been conspicuous in
their usefulness and extent, and his record in this connection iS
highly creditable to him, and also to the people w^ho have known
how to estimate him properly.

In the matter of public improvements for the township and
county in which he lives Mr. Merriman has also been of great
service to the people. He judges of every project with intelligence,
supports those he favors with great zeal and energy, and aids in
guiding all the progressive tendencies of his locality along lines
of wholesome development, enduring good and in behalf of the
l)est interests of the people. All his business enterprises, also,
contribute to the general weal and help to increase the material
wealth and commercial importance of the county.

Harry J. Merriman, the son and only child of George W., and
his assistant in the bank, is a young man of ability and promise.
He married Miss Nora Spaulding, of Hartford. They have two
children, their daughters Ruth and Catherine. The young man
is a worthy follower in the footsteps of his distinguished father,
and shows by his daily walk and conversation that the fine ex-
ample of citizenship which is always before him has made its due
impression on him. He, also, stands high in the regard of the
people and fully deserves their confidence and esteem.

Edward George. — A striking example of cheerful self-sacrifice
to one's country is found in the career of Edward George, a well
known resident of Lawton, Michigan, who in the full bloom of
young manhood marched away to the defense of the flag of his
nation, and returned home shattered in health and spirit and only
a shadow of the splendid specimen of young America who so
readily had answered his country 's call in its time of need. Every

848 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

veteran oi the Civil war is entitled to our respect and honor, and
' when it has happened that one lias sacrificed his ambitions, his
manhood and all that makes life dear, then he is doubly worthy
of our reverence. Mr. George was born August 7, 1840, in Wayne
county. New York, and is a son of Charles G. and Phoebe M.
(Iloag) George, natives of Vermont.

Mr. George's parents came to Michigan in 1843, locating in
Marengo township, Calhoun county, where the elder George car-
ried on carriage and wagonmaking until 1849, and then sold out
and came to Keeler township, Van Buren county, and purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of farming land, on w^hich he carried
on agricultural pursuits until his death, October 29, 1898. His
wife passed away February 17, 1857, having been the mother of
four children: Almira, the wife of Coram 0. xVbbott, of Berrien
county; Edward; AVilliam G., a veteran of the Civil war, and
now a resident of Brunswick, Georgia, with which land he became
acquainted while a soldier in the army; and Stephen F., who died
in infancy.

Edw^ard George received his education in the schools of his na-
tive locality and in Keeler township, and he worked on the farm
until he was twenty-two years of age. At this time, his youthful
patriotism being inflamed by the stories of those who had already
been to the front, he enlisted in Company I, Twentieth Regiment,
Michigan Volunteer Infantry, under Captain C. C. Dodge. Private
George w^as one of the most popular men in his company, and he
was always in the thick of the fight and fighting bravely in a
regiment that was noted for its brave, hard-fighting men. Faithful
in his service, loyal to his company and proud in keeping up the
standard of its ability, and cheerful to a degree on marches that
taxed the stamina and temper of the bravest among his companions,
Mr. George was a general favorite with men and officers, and there
was universal sorrow in the ranks of his company when it was
learned that he had been severely wounded in the hip. He was
taken to the hospital at Fredericksburg, from wiience he was re-
moved to Patterson Park Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, where he
was kept until convalescent, when he was taken to Fort IMcHenry
and there later received his honorable discharge. Everything that
could be done for his injury was resorted to, but he has been an
invalid throughout life, he being paralyzed from the hip down, and
during the last twenty-four years he has been compelled to use a
wheel chair. The same cheerfulness and patience that characterized
his army service and cheered many of his comrades on some soul-
trying march or kept up their spirits while in the thick of the hard-
fought engagements that marked the course of the Twentieth Mich-
igan have never deserted Mr. George, and in spite of his affliction
he has been able to accomplish much and to complain little. Ever
since his return from the war he has lived in Van Buren county,
and he now owns a fine home in Lawton, where he is a popular
member of the Grand Army Post. Tn political matters he is a
life-long Republican.

On March 2, 1864, Mr. Geprge was married to Miss Mary M.
Austin, daughter of Harvey H. and Calista (Barry) Austin, and

HISTORY OF VAN HUREN COUNTY 849

she died January 5, 1902. One daughter has been born to this
union: Annette C, born April 4, 1871, a graduate of the Lawton
High School, who has taught in that institution, and is now keep-
ing house for her father. Mr. George is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, and with his daugliter affiliates with the Congregational
church.

GrEORGE H. BARKER is widcly known throughout Van 13uren
county, where he holds highest standing as a splendid citizen and
successful, up-to-date agriculturist. Like so many of the county's
best stock, he is a native of the Empire state, his birth having
occurred there on August 12, 1882. His parents were Lucian and
Jjucindy (Bly) Barker, the father a native of Massachusetts and
the mother of New^ York. ]\[r. P>arker first took up his residence
within the boundaries of the AVolverine state when ho was a small
lad, his father removing to JMichigan in 1888 and locating in Wasli-
tenaw county. The elder gentleman took up farming land and
lie followed this occupation until his summons to the Great Be-
yond. He and his good wife were the parents of a family of
pioneer proportions, ten boys i\nd girls coming to live beneath their
roof-tree. Concerning them the following brief data is herewith
entered. Mary is the widow of William Bush, of Ann Arbor, Mich-
igan ; Russell, now deceased, was the captain of a company in a
Michigan regiment of infantry at the time of the Civil war; Ellen
is deceased ; the subject is fourth in order of birth ; Jane is the
widow of James Haw^kin, of Detroit ; Nancy is the widow of Ben-
jamin Todd, of Flint, ^lichigan; Philander I)., a young soldier in
the Third Michigan Cavalry, gave up his life at the time of the
struggle between tlie states to the cause of freedom ; Frank resides
at Whitmore Lake, IMichigan; Sarah is deceased; and Angeline is
the widow^ of Chester Todd, of Detroit.

.Mr. Barker entered upon his career as a farmer at the age of
sixteen years, taking up that occupation in association with his
brother-in-law\ At the age of twenty-one years he located on a
((uarter section of his father's land, this being situated within
Section 22, in ('overt township. In addition to his general farm-
ing he also followed saw-milling for a time. He then returned to
New York, where he remained for two years, but in 1856 he came
back to Michigan. LTis father had met with reverses and when
his land w^as sold for taxes Mr. Barker l)ought it, securing a quarter-
section at the remarkably low price of one hundred dollars. Then,
in evidence of his generosity, he gave his fatlier a quit claim deed
to the whole property and his father deeded him eighty acres. At
the demise of the elder gentleman Mr. I^arker bought out the rest
of the heirs and he has ever since retained this property, which
has steadily increased in value and which now^ is one of the well-
known homesteads in this part of the county.

In 1861 Mr. Barker went to eastern ^Michigan, and there lived
for two years. While there he married and when he returned to
Covert in 1864 he brought back with him a wife. The maiden name
of this estimable lady was Sarah C. DeWolf and the date of their
union was January 15, 1862. Pier parents, both now deceased.

850 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

were Jason and Elizabeth (Near) DeWolf, of New York. Their
children were five in number and as follows : Anne, wife of Henry
Doane, of Livingston county, Michigan; Hiram J., of Livingston
county, Michigan, a soldier in the Civil war; Mrs. Barker; Mary
L., wife of Thomas Winneger, of Howell, Michigan; and Horace
Wesley, deceased. Into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Barker were
born the following five children: Hiram D., deceased; Zilpha V.,
wife of Elmer Oliver, of Monroe county. New York, and mother
of one child, Grace Eloise; Grace A., wife of Robert Ballou of
Covert; George Cecil, deceased; and Ernest H. The last-named
w^as married to Lottie Walters, of Chicago, and their four chil-
dren, Cecil E., G. Herbert, Katheryn L. and Walter G., give
to the subject and his wife the pleasant distinction of grand-
father and grandmother.

Mr. Barker, throughout his long and useful life, has been in
harmony with the policies and principles of the Republican party
and he has ever done all in his power to support its causes. His
fine principles and stanchness of character have placed him in
the possession of the general confidence and he has been confided
with the keeping of some of the most important offices in the gift
of the county. For nine years he served as supervisor and he has
given most efficient service as treasurer and township clerk. He
is one of the influential members of the Grange and his church
home is the Congregational, to whose support he has ever con-
tributed generously. Mr. Barker has now^ retired from the more
strenuous duties of the great basic industry of agriculture and
resides in Covert, where he owns and occupies a fine commodious
residence, and in leisure well-earned enjoys the fruits of his former
industry and thrift.

Levi Nelson Lyle. — It has been given to some to help develop
the country, to shape their surroundings according to their needs,
and to bring forth the present high degree of civilization. Van
Buren county, Michigan, became the home of many a sturdy pi-
oneer who did not ask for anything more than wild timber land
to work upon. Bravely, uncomplainingly, these forerunners of
civilization went to work and now^ many of them have laid down
the burdens of life, although it was given to most of them to see
in some measure what they had accomplished. The son of a pi-
oneer and a citizen who has himself developed an excellent farm
from what was before only a tract of wild woodland is Levi Nel-
son Lyle, residing in Paw Paw township.

Levi Nelson Lyle was born in a rough hewn shanty in the woods
of Paw Paw township, Van Buren county, March 29, 1846, his
birthplace having been about thirty feet from where now stands
the home of his nephew. Jay Lyle. His parents were John and
Ann (Armstrong) Lyle. His grandfather, John Lyle, Sr., was a
native of Cornwall, England, and was born on Christmas day,
1793. With his family he immigrated to America in 1832 and in
the spring of 1835 came to Michigan, locating his home in the
wilderness, a mile and a half north of Paw Paw. He died Decem-
ber 4, 1867, leaving a wife, ten children and numerous grand-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREX COUNTY 851

children to mourn his loss. John Lyle Jr., eldest of the ten chil-
dren of the foregoing, was born in Devonshire, England, January
5, 1818, and came to Michigan with the family. At that time the
only fashion in which he could find his way from his farm to
Paw Paw was by marking the trees, this primitive method of blaz-
ing the trail being the forerunner of the beautiful roads of to-
day. The farm which he cleared became one of the best in the
country and was his home until his death, October 5, 1899. He
hauled his w^heat to St. Joseph with a yoke of oxen, taking three
days to make the trip, and received for it fifty cents per bushel,
w^hich was considered a very good price in those days. He was
married here to Miss Ann Armstrong, who had come to Paw Paw
from New York at a time when the village of Paw Paw consisted
of two log stores and a hotel. He died on his farm, having sur-
vived his wife three years. They were the parents of four cliil-
dren : Levi Nelson ; Olive and Oliver, twins, Avho are deceased ;
and Marshal], also deceased.

Levi, the eldest of the children, grew to manhood on his father's
farm. He first went to school in an old log schoolhouse on the
Henry Hinckley place, but later a new schoolhouse was built on
the crossroads corner, about forty rods from the family residence,
which made it much more convenient. He later attended school
for a time in Paw Paw, boarding with a family in the west part
of town and also attended school for a time in Decatur. Professor
Bellows being at the head of the high school. At the age of twenty-
one years his father gave him eighty acres of land, which at that
time w^as covered with a heavy growth of beech, maple and bass-
wood timber that, were it all standing today, would be more valu-
able than the land, but not foreseeing its future value Mr. Lyle
cut it down mercilessly, and in clearing the land he resorted to
what was called ''niggering it out," that is, he would lay pieces
across each other on the tree and about twenty-five or thirty feet
from the butt would build a fire, burning out the limbs and in
many instances consuming the larger part of the tree, thus saving
a great deal of chopping. Mr. Lyle boasts that he has gone to
bed at times leaving as many as thirty "niggers'' working for him,
or in other words consuming the fallen timber. The method and
the expression were common in pioneer days, though the young
people of today would scarcely understand the significance of the
latter. Both Mr. Lyle's father and his grandfather made a vast
amount of maple syrup from the trees now cut dow^n and Mr. Lyle
still owns a small grove of maples from which he gets syrup each
year, his output last year being about fifty gallons. Mr. Lyle has
added to his property from time to time and now owns about two
hundred acres, on which he carries on general farming. He is
also interested in dairying, owning a fine herd of cattle, at the
head of which is Dexter, a three-year old registered Guernsey bull
and the registered cow, Belinda Hillcrest. He is considered one of
the skilled farniers of his district and is known as a good neighbor
and a public-spirited citizen. A staunch Republican in his political
views, Mr. Lyle has served as township commissioner and his fra-

852 HISTORY OF VAN J3UREN COUNTY

ternal affiliation is with the Maccabees. He and his wife are at-
tendants of the Methodist Episcopal church.

On September 28, 1869, Mr. Lyle was married to ^Miss Matilda
Sherrod, who was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, the daughter
of Daniel and Hannah (Cole) Sherrod. Daniel Sherrod was born
September 20, 1800. He removed to Paw Paw in 1855 and fol-
lowed farming until his death, on March 6, 1888. His first wife
was Rebecca Kite, born May 5, 1804, and died in February, 1833.
To this union were born four children, namely: JMichael, Mar-
garet, Philip and Hiram, the daughter alone surviving. His sec-
ond marriage, on February 5, 1836, w^as to Hanliah Cole, born in
New York state November 17, 1809, and died February 17, 1884.
Their children follow: Hiram J., born November 29, 1836; Jesse
A., born October 5, 1837, died April 5, 1897; David A., born
February 3, 1840, died August 25, 1896: Lorenzo, born October
22, 1841; Sarah A., born August 4, 1844; Almond A., born Feb-
ruary 25, 1849; and Matilda, born September 14, 1851, the wife of
the subject.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lyle have been born seven children, namely :
Melvin, residing in Van Buren county; Nellie, the wife of Frank
Patton, of Kalamazoo ; Gertrude, who married Fred Webb, of
Chicago; Beatrice, wife of Ernest Edgely. formerly employed in
Chicago, but now^ residing on a farm in Decatur; Wave, the wife
of Roy Mosier, of Antwerp township ; Arlie, residing near home ;
and Alta, who is still beneath the parental roof-tree. ]\lr. and
Mrs. Lyle rejoice in the possession of eleven grandchildren. Mel-
vin Jjyle's children are Ijco and Vivian; Mrs. Patton 's. are Lyle,
Catherine, Donald, Max and Virginia; iMrs. Webb's, are Howard,
Lucile and Sylvia; and Mrs. Mosier has a daughter, Evelyn.

The following appreciation of the character of Mr. Ijyh^ has
been given in another publication :

•*A more honest, conscientious and upright citizen than Levi
Lyle cannot be named. He has lived all his life in one neighbor-
hood and it is not known that he has an enemy. His sense of
right is such that he could not take even what is usually con-
sidered a fair advantage of a fellow citizen. His life has been
quiet and uneventful, but it furnishes an example of true citizen-
ship which will be an influence for good in his community for
generations to come."

M. F. Russell, the enterprising and progressive publisher and
proprietor of The Bangor Advnnce, at Bangor, Michigan, is purely
a l^angor man, being born and brought up in the town, and has
the distinction of being one of the very few business men who has
made a success in the town where he w^as raised, it being generally
conceded that a young man's chances for success are far better
under different surroundings.

]\Ir. Russell has been in the printing and newspaper business
all his life, and conducts his paper along lines that are somewhat
original and considerably different from the ordinary country
paper, and on these lines and principles he has built up a large and
constantly increasing circulation and a business not exceeded by

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 853

its kind in any town of the size of Bangor in the state of Mich-
igan. He is an enthusiastic booster for his town, county and
state, and firmly believes that Van Buren county, Michigan is,
all things considered, the peer of any county in the north.

The Bangor Advance is always attractive in appearance and is
welcomed weekly to nearly every home in a radius of many miles
around Bangor. The proprietor of The Advance believes in prog-
ress and his printing office equipment is an exceptionally good one.
At one time there were three papers published in Bangor, but the
principle of "the survival of the fittest'' applies in the case of The
Advance, and today it is the only one published here.

]Mr. Russell was born in Bangor, January 30, 1868, eldest son
of Lyman S. and Laura (Overton) Russell, natives of Jefferson
county, New York. L* S. Russell first entered the newspaper field
in Bangor in 1882, when he became publisher of The West Mich-
igan Advance, conducting it until he turned it over to his son,
M. F. Russell in January, 1891, who changed its title to its pres-
ent style. In 1893 L. S. Russell w^ent to Lansing, Michigan, w^iere
he became chief clerk in the state department known as the Bureau
of Labor and Industrial Statistics, which position he filled for
fifteen consecutive years, or until his death, w^hich occurred April
4, 1908. His widow, wdio survives, now resides at Lansing. They
had a family of five children, as follows: Maude E., who is the
wife of John C. Frye, of Lansing; M. F., the subject of this sketch ;
Allan M., residing at Washington, D. C. ; Merton C, who died at
the age of three years; and ]Mella O., the W'ife of S. T. ]\lcCallum,
of Detroit, Michigan.

M. F. Russell received his education in the Bangor schools, but
w^as obliged to quit before finishing the High School course, and
associated himself with his father in the printing office. He learned
the printer's trade and has never had occasion to regret it. While
at the present time he does little in the mechanical department
of his business, he still does sufficient to keep in the front rank of
the printing profession, and is a critical .judge of job printing
and advertising.

Barring three months which he spent in North Dakota, in 1887,
he has resided in Bangor all his life. He edits his paper energet-
ically, has always been an open champion of wiiat he considered
right and fearlessly attacked what to him looked wrong. The
Bangor Advance and one other paper of the county took aggressive
action against the old convention system of nominations and largely
through their influence succeeded in establishing the primary sys-
tem of nominating candidates for office in the county, a system
which has proven popular with the masses and verified the judg-
ment of the promoters.

Mr. Russell takes an active interest in every charitable move-
ment and is a liberal contributor to charity and the church. He
has a part in every movement for the betterment of his town and
is ranked among its most public-spirited citizens. He is a pro-
gressive Republican in politics, and the Odd Fellows is the only
secret society to w^hich he belongs. The Church of Christ denomi-
nation is his church home.
Vol n— 15

854 HISTOEY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

On August 26, 1891, Mr. Russell was united in marriage to ^liss
Lissie M. DeLong, daughter of Henry and Eliza DeLong, and to
this union were born two children: Zelpha L., born August 14,
1893, who lived with her parents, enjoying all the advantages pos-
sible, was taken ill and died December 10, 1911, after eleven days
sickness, at the age of eighteen years, three months and twenty-
six days; and Henry M., born April 20, 1904, died in November.
1905.

George Shine. — In the year of 1816 Jacob Shine came from
Germany and settled in Pennsylvania, where his countrymen had
already done so much for the land of their adoption, both ])y the
valiant service they had rendered in the war for independence
and by their skill in the pursuits of peace. Jacob Shine was mar-
ried to a native of Pennsylvania, Mary Master^ and they moved
to Stark county, Ohio. There were eleven children in their family,
eight of whom grew to maturity. These were Jacob, Sarah, Chris-
tian, Annie, John, Kate, Charles and George. At present but two
survive, Kate, who is the widow of John Gertie, of Albuquerque,
New Mexico, and George of Bangor, Michigan. They moved to
Hancock county, Ohio, during Polk's administration, and in 1850
the mother died. Jacob bought a piece of wild land, consisting
of one hundred acres, and cleared about eighty acres of it.

George, the subject of this sketch, was the fifth child of Jacob
and Mary Shine. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 18:M,
in February. At the age of fifteen he moved with his parents to
Hancock county, Ohio, where he greatly assisted his father in clear-
ing the farm. At twenty-five years of age he married i\lary Gar-
man, of Ohio, and they began farming for themselves on land which
George had rented from his father. Here they remained until
the close of the Civil war, when his father sold out, and they moved
to Pulaski county, Indiana. There Jacob bought one hundred
and sixty acres of land. George remained with him about one
year and a half, when Charles, his younger brother, married and
worked his father's farm. George and his familv thou came in
1867, to Michigan.

Jacob, his father, died about ten years after George came to
Michigan. The latter purchased a farm of eighty acres in Bangor
township, Michigan. He added to this until he owned one hun-
dred and five acres. All but forty-five acres of this he has given
away to his two sons. This land was all in timber when Mr. Shine
purchased it, and he has cleared and improved it all, getting it
into fine condition and putting up the best of buildings.

There were four children born to George and :\Iary Shine,
namely, John, William L., Elizabeth and Ellen. The two sons
reside in Bangor township and manage the fine places which their
father has given them, and to which John has added nineteen acres
and William forty-six acres. This land all adjoins, making in all
a solid body of one hundred and seventy acres. Elizabeth is the
wife of George Monk, of Geneva township. Ellen married John
Edwards, of Geneva, but died in 1896.

In politics Mr. Shine is a Democrat. He is a member of the

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 855

Church of God, to which his wife also belonged. She passed away
August 10, 1911, leaving behind her the memory of a life of love
and usefulness. These parents brought up their boys to respect
God, and to despise swearing, smoking and drinking. They now
are respected citizens of l^angor township and can be depended
upon to vote for local option.

Chester P. Baggerly. — Both Mr. and Mrs. Baggerly belong to
families w-ho have helped to make the history of our country.
While, in America, each man may stand upon his own achievements,
regardless of wiiat his ancestors have done, still the inheritance
from a long line of men and women whose ideals and purposes
were of the highest, is an advantage which any one may well covet
and the pride in belonging to a race which gave soldiers to the
Revolution and loyal citizens to every generation is a credit to him
who possesses it.

The Baggerlys settled in New York state before the Revolution
and the great-grandfather of Chester Baggerly fought in the Con-
tinental army. Ilis father, Charles A. Baggerly, was born in
Ontario county. New York, in 1820. He grew up in that county
and received his education there. During his long life he was
remarkable for the tenacity with which he held to what he con-
ceived to be his duty. He w^as at first an old line Whig and later
an active Republican. When the first nominee of that party,
General Fremont, was selected, ^Ir. Baggerly was one who cast
his vote for the first representative of the new^ party. He was a
staunch supporter of Lincoln and all his life was influential in
the politics of his district. He died in 1909, being almost ninety
years old. The wife of Charles A. Baggerly was also a New Yorker,
her birthplace being Yates county. Her maiden name was ]\Iary
A. Putney and she was a granddaughter of Adams, a Revolution-
ary soldier, and a cousin of the second president of the Tnited
States. She was a devout member of the Congregational church.
She died in 1903, in Ontario county. New York. Chester Baggerly,
of this sketch, is the eldest of a family of four children and also
the only son. The three daughters are all married and reside in
New York state. Kate is Mrs. B. C. Hobart, of Stanley, New York.
Previous to her marriage she was a successful teacher. Her hus-
band is a farmer, l^oth of the other sisters were teachers too.
Nettie is the wife of M. S. Lonsbury, a farmer and dealer in gen-
eral merchandise of Potter, New^ York. Mrs. Arnold Palmer, of
Caledonia, New^ York, was formerly Elenor Baggerly. Mr. Palmer
is a retired farmer.

Until ten years ago jVIr. Baggerly lived in the county where he
was born in 1855, on September 19. Since 1901 he has been one
of the prosperous farmers of this county, who gives especial at-
tention to raising fine horses. The farm of the Baggerly family
is an estate of eighty acres known as the Maple Avenue Farm.
The land is some of the best in the region and the residence both
tasteful and comfortable.

Mr. Baggerly has been twice married. His first wife was a
Miss Flora Van Auken, who died leaving one son, Hershel. The

Hr)6 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

boy was educated at Clifton Springs, New York, w^here he grad-
uated from the high school. He is now^ a farmer and resides on
the old Baggerly estate with his wife, Lena Francis Baggerly.
Both he and his father were born on this farm. The union of
Mr. Chester Baggerly and' Miss Ida B. Peters took place on
February 7, 1901. Mrs. Baggerly w^as born in Yates county on
February 4, 1855. She is the second in a family of four children,
three of whom are now living. The brother Philip is a prosperous
hardware merchant at Benton Harbor. He is married to Miss Ida
Baker. ]Myrtle Peters became Mrs. F. F. Warren, of Hartford,
Michigan, where her husband conducts one of the leading mer-
cantile establishments.

Mr. Peters was born in Yates county. New York, on December
15, 1824. His ancestry is of Pennsylvania German stock. Until
1861 he lived in his native country but at that time the family
sold their old home and came w^est to Van Buren county. Here
^Ir. Peters bought a quarter section of the Arnour homestead and
.Mrs. Baggerly now^ resides on the place her father bought half
a century ago, half a mile north of Keeler. Mrs. Peters was born
in the same county a^ her husband three years after the date of
his birth. She died in 1903, at Hartford, where she and her hus-
band had retired from their farm several years before.

Mrs. Baggerly was a child of seven when she came to Van Buren
county. Every year she and her husband revisit their native state
and so keep in touch with the old home and with the new as well.
Mrs. Baggerly is a member of the Congregational church of Hart-
ford and for five years taught a class in the Sunday-school. Mr.
Baggerly follows his father's political preference. He is a mem-
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern
Woodmen of Keeler. Mrs. Bagerly is a valued member of the
Thursday Club of Keeler, an organization of literary nature. The
families of Mr. and Mrs. Baggerly are people of prominence in
their native state and their position in Van Buren county is not
less dignified. They are types of the best product of our Ameri-
can civilization and well merit the esteem in which they are held
by all who know them.

The Foster Sisters. — Whatever there may be of high emprise
and noble achievement in subsequent years, since the foundations
of the county were laid either in carrying on to successful ful-
fillment projects already started or originating new" ones nothing
can rob the pioneers of Van Buren county of the full measure of
credit that is due them for what they accomplished in their day
and generation for the baptism into the domain of civilized life
of this portion of the state and the start they gave it on the high-
way toward its present condition of advanced development, rapid
progress and fruitfulness in all the concomitants of civilized life
and aspirations toward higher development. They were men and
women of heroic mold, fashioned by their time for sturdy work —
fit progenitors of the followers they begot. No toil deterred, no
danger daunted, no hardship dismayed them. With unyielding

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 857

will they pressed their way over every obstacle, often challenging
Fate herself into the lists and meeting her on almost equal terms.
To this class belonged Ira Foster, who boldly strode into the
almost unbroken and savage wilderness of this region in 1837
and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, which was the nu-
cleus of the present Foster homestead, located three-quarters of a
mile north of Keeler, and now owned and occupied by Misses Joseph-
ine and Ida Foster, the interesting subjects of this brief memoir.
The father afterward added to his domain forty acres of school land,
and the first dwelling he erected on it was a little log house, in
which he sheltered his family and built the altar of his hopes.

The region had not then surrendered to the commanding might
of mind w^hich was to dominate it in the future, and in the main
it was still given up to the dominion of the wild denizens of the
forest and plain. The Red Man roamed at will through its path-
less depths, beasts of prey made night hideous with their revels,
bear and w^olves levied their tribute on other forms of life, and
wild-eyed deer, gazing with wonder on the savage propensity of
man and beast, took their chances for continued existence between
wild men and wild animals on the one sid^ and the forerunners
of civilizaton on the other. The Indians in the neighborhood be-
longed to the Potaw^atami tribe, and while they were in the main
friendly, they sometimes show^ed the other side of their nature.

Mr. and Mrs. Foster of that day, however, courageously met the
requirements of their situation and dealt wdth it according to its
needs. They came to the wilderness with, the settled purpose of
redeeming at least a small portion of it from the waste, and res-
olutely and persistently they devoted themselves to the task they
had laid out as their portion. They were devout members of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and the first services held in the
township of their home, under the auspices of this sect, were
conducted in their residence. They w^ere also potential factors in
the erection of the first church edifice of their faith at Keeler,
and at all times ready and responsive supporters of all benevolences
in the locality worthy of their consideration.

The father was an unwavering Whig until the organization to
which he belonged went to pieces and the Republican party was
organized on its ruins. He then joined tlie new^ party, and cast
his vote for its first presidential candidate. General John C. Fre-
mont. Following that expression of his faith, he was, until the
end of his life, a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln and James
G. Blaine. To the principles wiiich they advocated, and the aspira-
tions to which they devoted themselves for the good of the country,
according to his view, he adhered to the end of his life, and at
all times gave them his unwavering and energetic support.

The mother was born in Madison county, New York, on October
11, 1812, and died in Van Buren county, Michigan, on January
15, 1889. She grew to womanhood in her native county and ob-
tained her education in its district schools. After leaving school
she was a teacher for some years, devoting her energies to that
occupation until her marriage. Some of her forefathers were sol-
diers in the Revolutionary w^ar, and throughout her own life she

858 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUiNTY

exhibited traits of character that would have made her a heroine
in any sufficient crisis. As it was, her early years in this state
were passed in heroic endurance of privations and hardships, and
in the constant presence of danger. She was a woman of high
character, of a stern and unrelenting sense of duty, and of great
amiability of disposition, devoted to her family and constant in
her zeal for the welfare of its members. Those of her children
who survive her cherish her memory with the reverence that is
due that of a faithful wife and mother and a noble pioneer matron.
Her remains and those of the father rest in Keeler cemetery, and
their graves are marked with imposing and suggestive memorial
stones.

The offspring of this interesting couple numbered eight, four
sons and four daughters, seven of whom are living.

Morris is married and successfully engaged in farming at Hector,
Minnesota. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and
was a high school teacher at Bay City and Benton Harbor for a
number of years. He married with Miss Katharine Folwell, whose
brother, Dr. Folwell, was president of the University of Minnesota
from the beginning of its history to 1884. In politics Morris
Foster is a Democrat.

Josephine was educated in the common schools and the high
schools at Dowagiac and Decatur. She was a successful teacher in
the public schools of this county for a number of years.

Riley is a prosperous and progressive farmer living at Hubbard,
JMinnesota. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and
passed several years of his useful life as a teacher in the public
schools. He is a Democrat in politics and takes an earnest in-
terest in the public affairs of the county in which he lives. His
wife was Miss Alice Flanders before her marriage, and she and
her husband are esteemed as among the best citizens of the great
and progressive state in which they have their home.

Olive is the wife of Isaac P. Newton and their home is in Muske-
gon county, Michigan. Mr. Newton was prominently connected
with the lumber trade of this state as an enterprising and pro-
gressive merchant for a number of years. He is now living re-
tired from business and devoting himself in a quiet and unostenta-
tious way to the progress and improvement of his home county
and the state of Michigan in general.

Ida occupies the old family homestead in company with her
sister Josephine. She received a high school education in Decatur,
and the whole of her life since leaving school has been devoted to
the service of the public in lines of usefulness which are highly
appreciated, although they attract no noisy or special attention.
She has been a successful teacher in the public schools of Van
Buren and Kalkaska counties.

Miss Josephine and Miss Ida, ''The Foster Sisters,'' as they are
called in the respectful and appreciative language of the whole
community in which they live, are active members of the Keeler
Thursday Literary Club, which is one of the great promoters of
social enjoyment and literary culture in the town. Miss Josephine
is a leading member of the programme committee of this club.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 859

Slie is a devout member of the Episcopal church and one of its
most efficient workers in behalf of the people of the town and
township. She has traveled extensively in many parts of the
United States, going where natural beauties or interesting works
of man have led her, and having her love of country intensified by
])otli. The}^ have a fine library of hundreds of volumes of choice
literature, and are ladies of extensive information and high culture.

Dwight is one of the prosperous and progressive young farmers
of Keeler township, and one of the young men of influence in
connection with its public affairs. He is a zealous member of the
Democratic party, and his wisdom in counsel and energy and
effectiveness in action in behalf of his party are highly appreciated
by its leaders in the county and also by its rank and file. He mar-
ried Miss Lillian Buck, and they have three children.

Dean Foster, the youngest of the living members of the family,
is a resident of Alaska, where he is vigorously engaged in pros-
pecting for a portion of the seemingly inexhaustible mineral wealth
of that wonderful country. He began his education in the com-
mon schools of Van Buren county and completed it at the high
school in Kalamazoo. There were many opportunities open to
him in his native state, but being of an adventurous disposition
he determined to seek his fortune in a far away region, and while
his success in his venture has not been phenomenal or spectacular,
it has been steady and substantial and given promise of much
greater results in time to come if he continues his operations in
our hyperborean territory.

The Foster Sisters are representatives of the forces in human
character, human endeavor and human worth that have made Yan
Buren county what it is, and in their record, their activities and
their aspirations they show impressively the high development to
which it is tending and the ultimate lofty standard of living its
people will attain to. Each human life, and every human life,
however unnoted, embodies some substantial indication of the
general trend and tendency of all human life, and the serviceable
diligence of the Foster Sisters in the lines of usefulness open to
them, unconscious as they may be of the fact, is contributing es-
sentially and inevitably to the high destiny and prowess of Yan
Buren county in working out the full measure of Michigan's part
in the general elevation of the human race toward its imperial posi-
tion in God's empire.

George E. Brooks. — Numbered among the influential and well
known residents of Yan Buren county is George E. Brooks, whose
home and farm is in its township of Almena. His ancestry is
Scotch Irish, and he is a grandson of Michael Brooks, a native son
of the land of ''hills and heather,'' and on the maternal side a
grandson of George Brown, who was born in the north of Ireland.
The latter, however, left his native land in his youth and came
to America, establishing his home in the east. His daughter Mar-
garet became the wife of George F. Brooks, the son of Michael
Brooks.

Paterson, New Jersey, was the birthplace of George E. Brooks,

860 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

and he began his existence on the 16th of March, 1840. When he
was ten years of age he accompanied his father to Brooklyn, New
York, and from there they went to St. Louis, Missouri, but sub-
sequently returned East, to New York city. Later they returned
to Paterson, New Jersey, the birthplace of George E., and, again
migrating, they went to Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, where the
father died. In the year 1862 George E. Brooks entered the em-
ploy of the government and spent two years in its service. But
before entering that work he had lived on a farm in Pennsylvania,
and when he retired from the government service he returned to
that farm.

On the 14th of September, 1861, he was united in marriage to
Anna E. Slater, a daughter of Isaiah Slater and his wife, Amy
Mix Slater, both natives of the state of New York. Following their
marriage the young couple lived in Susquehanna county until
1882, when they moved to Pullman, Illinois, and for twelve years
that city continued their home. The following eight years they
spent in Roseland, Illinois, and in 1899 Mr. Brooks bought a farm,
in Van Buren county, Michigan, the place being then known as
the old Wilson farm. In 1902 they came to this state to reside and
within its borders have since made their home. Until recently he
owned a farm of one hundred and twenty-eight acres in Almena
township and was one of the progressive and successful agricultur-
ists of the county, but at present his son-in-law, j\Ir. K. E. Grouse,
is the owner of this farm.

There were five children born of the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Brooks, and four of the number are now living: Flora, the wife
of George Backus and residing in Almena township; Edwin IL,
who died in infancy ; Margaret, whose husband, Kenneth E. Grouse,
has bought the farm her father formerly owned; George W., a
resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Daisy, the wife of Walter
Brown, supervisor of Almena township. It is Mr. Brooks' good
fortune to have seen not only his children grow to useful man-
hood and womanhood, but his grandchildren as well. His eldest
daughter. Flora, has three children: William C., a bookkeeper
for a factory in Bay City; Geraldine, the wife of L. O. Dustin.
of Kalamazoo; and Laura, the wife of Koy Barringer, of Grand
Rapids. Mrs. Margaret Brooks Grouse has had two children.
Edgar and Margaret, but both are now deceased. George W-.
Brooks has four children living : Geraldine, Laura, Loyd and Mar-
guerite. Roy, the first born, was accidentally killed at the age of
thirteen. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Brown has been without issue.

Mr. Brooks is a member of the Masonic fraternity, affiliated with
the lodge at Mattawan, No. 268. His daughters belong to the
Eastern Star, and all but one have held ofBce in the order. ]\Ir.
Brooks is also affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. The family
are Methodists and have always been influential and active in
the work of the church. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks^ membership is in
the church at Almena, and that of the daughters in other churches
of the denomination in the towns in which they have previously
resided. Mr. Brooks has always been a stanch supporter of the
policies of the Republican party, and was at one time road com-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 861

missioner in Almena township. As a citizen he has achieved the
respect of the entire community, and, although he has not lived
in the county a great many years, he has so identified himself with
its interests that he is universally regarded as one of the repre-
sentative men of the district.

FRxVnk Lamb is fortunate enough to own and cultivate the fine
farm on w^hich he was born and to carry on the business which
his father conducted before him. For farming is a business and
only those who so regard it are making a success of it. Much
has been written lately on the reason why our boys leave the
farm for the city and about everything has been said on both
sides of the question, but the best argument for the "back to
the soil" movement is the one which our enterprising farmers
present in their farms and in themselves. Mr. Lamb is one of
Van Buren county's good arguments on the advantages of agri-
culture as a profession.

Charles Lamb, the father of Frank, was born in New Hamp-
shire, on December 30, 1822. Two years later his parents moved
to Lake county. Ohio, and there he grew up and in 1845 was
married to Emeline Bartlett. In 1851 they came to Hartford
township and settlecj on the farm where they spent the rest of
their days. He died in 1906 and his wife in 1891.

Frank Lamb was born June 28, 1856. He was the only child
who grew up in his family, as the other son died in infancy.
His schooling was finished at the age of eighteen and he then
gave all his time to farming, having put in his summers at it
ever since he was old enough to be of assistance. Before his
twentieth birthday — on April 2, 1876 — he was married to Miss
Helen Pierce, a native of Hume, New York. Her father, Will-
iam L. Pierce, was born in Pike, Wyoming county, New York,
on May 21, 1825. He was wedded to Marian Brockett, whose
native place was AVyoming county. New York, and the date of
whose birth Avas July 20, 1836. Their marriage took place in
Ossian, New York, on June 1, 1854, and fifteen years later they
came to Hartford township. Until 1878 they lived on a farm
but in that year they moved into town. ]\irs. Pierce died at
Hartford on July 19, 1905, and her husband survived her five
years, passing to his reward on August 13, 1910. They were
the parents of six children, two of whom are living now in 1911,
Mrs. Lamb and her sister Louise, the wife of Daniel Stickney, of
Hamilton township.

Mrs. Lamb attended the Hartford schools after finishing the
course in the district schools. The first two sons of her union with
Mr. Lamb, Roy AV. and Orville C, did not live to maturity. A
son and daughter were later born to them, the son Clare, on
November 18, 1887. He is now married to Miss Iva Stratton of
Benton Harbor, and has a farm of forty acres not far from the
old homestead. The daughter, Margaret, is attending the district
school, and was eleven on May 17, 1911. Mrs. Lamb is active in
church work, being affiliated with the United Brethren denomina-
tion. Here, as wherever she is known, Mrs. Lamb is regarded

862 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

as one of the most valuable members. She is a person of executive
ability and of tactful manner. The Lamb farm of one hundred
and twenty acres is in section seven of Hartford township and is
one of the best conducted places in Van Buren county.

R. C. Nyhan, ex- treasurer of Bangor township and one of
the leading and influential men of his community, is proprietor
of a flour, grist, saw and woolen mill at Bangor, which was erected
by his father more than fifty-five years ago and has remained in
the family ever since. Mr. Nyman is a survivor of the Civil war,
in which he made an excellent record, and he has proven himself
as good a citizen in times of peace as he was a soldier during the
dark days of the war of the rebellion. Mr. Nyman is a native of
Niles, Michigan, and was born November 16, 1844, a son of J.
H. and Julia M. (Youngs) Nyman, the former a native of Ohio
and the latter of New York.

The Nyman family first came to Michigan during the early
'forties, and in 1856 J. H. Nyman brought his family to Bangor,
where he established himself in business as the proprietor of a
flour, grist, saw and woolen mill, which he conducted successfully
during the remainder of his life. His death occurred in 1886,
his wife having passed away three years be,fore, and they were
the parents of five children, as follows: A. J., who is deceased;
R. C. ; Emily, who is deceased ; Etta, the wife of Andrew Charles,
of Denver, Colorado; and Oro, who lives in Bangor.

R. C. Nyman was reared in his native village, and there was
given a good education in the common schools. When he was only
seventeen years of age, in September, 1861, he ran away from
home and enlisted in Company C, Third Michigan Cavalry, under
Captain Hudson, and on January 18, 1864, received his honorable
discharge at La Grange, Tennessee. On the following day he
re-enlisted in the same company, and he continued to serve wdth
that organization until he received his final discharge at San
Antonio, Texas, February 12, 1866. Mr. Nyman 's war record
was that of a brave, faithful and valorous soldier. During the
long, heart-breaking marches he was cheerful and patient, under
fire he was always cool and in full command of his faculties, and
in the thickest of the hardest-fought battles he displayed a bravery
and lack of fear that won him respect of his comrades and words
of praise from his officers. On his return to his home in Bangor
he at once took up the duties of civil life, and ably assisted his
father until the latter 's death, when the milling property was
left to his children, R. C. receiving his share. After a short time
he bought out the other heirs, and he now is the sole owner of
the enterprise, which he has been engaged in operating ever since.
Mr. Nyman is a good business man, and knows how to conduct
his industry so that it will give him the best results. He has an
unblemished record as a business man, and he is held in high
esteem by his fellow townsmen in Bangor, who have elected him
village president and councilman. He is a popular member of
the Masons and the Grand Army of the Republic, and in politics
takes an independent stand.

HISTORY OF VAN BURp]N COUNTY 868

In 1868 Mr. Nyman married ]\liss Lucy Martindale, daughter
of Bennett Martindale, and- she died in 1896, having been the
mother of two children: Harry, who is engaged in business with
his father; and Audie, who is deceased.

Michael Fitzsimmons. — Since the age of two Mr. Fitzsim-
mons has been a resident of Van Buren county, and as he was
fifty-six years old on June 10, 1911, he has seen a variety of
changes in the various industries of the county, as well as its
growth from a wild country to a populous and thriving district.
He has always been a farmer and his father, too, followed that
pursuit, so he has been especially interested in the changes which
have taken place in methods of farming. He has cut many an
acre with the old fashioned foot cradle and has swung the scythe
all day long with the mowers. He has seen and used the flail,
so he is prepared to speak with authority on the wonders of mod-
ern farming.

Both the father and the mother of Michael Fitzsimmons were
born in Ireland. Kildare was his mother's native place, Dublin
his father's. William Fitzsimmons sailed from Dublin at about
the age of twenty-one and made the trip in seven weeks and three
days. He settled in Clyde, Wayne county, New York, where he
worked for wages, as his capital when he reached his new home
amounted to only five shillings. Here he met and married Kath-
erine O'Connor, and in 1857 the family moved to Michigan.
The father had saved two hundred and fifty dollars, intending
to invest in a farm and accordingly he bought a tract of forty
acres, the present home of ]\Iichael Fitzsimmons. At that time
Hartford was only a handful of people and roads had not been
jTiade to a sufficient extent to render driving feasable. Most peo-
ple walked or rode horseback from the railroad. Van Buren county
was the home of the Fitzsimmons family continuously after 1857.
The father lived to be almost a hundred years old. He and his wife
were devout members of the Catholic church, in whose faith they
lived and died, being laid to rest in St. Mary's Parish cemeter^^ at
Silver Creek. There were two sons and one daughter in their fam-
ily. Michael Fitzsimmpn's brother, William, is a painter in South
Bend, Indiana. The sister is no longer living.

Michael Fitzsimmons grew up on his father's farm and attended
such schools as were to be attended. The first educational institu-
tion of which he enjoyed the advantages was a small subscription
school which was conducted in the home of a Mr. Kelly. Later he
was a pupil in the first school built by the district and taught by
^Marion Woodman. Although Mr. Fitzsimmons has not yet come to
the age when he can be called an old man, yet he is one of the oldest
residents of the county and is entitled to speak of the ''good old
times" when deer were plentiful and time hadn't been hurried on
by all the modern devices for saving it, which oblige us to get as
much done in a day as our forefathers did in a week. He knows
something about getting work done, for he has been doing it all his
life. With no capital to start on, he has acquired a quarter section
of fine land, eighty acres in Keeler township and the other half in

864 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Watervliet. The tract in the former section is one of the best in
the county and his home is situated on that. Besides general farm-
ing he is an extensive fruit grower and highly successful in that
branch of agriculture.

In the prosperity and position he has attained Mr. Fitzsimmons
has been ably assisted by his wife, who is a woman of unusual tact
and intelligence. She is the daughter of William H. and Bridget
(Carmody) Watson, christened Mary E. and born December 4, 1855,
twenty-five miles west of Detroit. There were three sons and two
daughters in her home circle. The boys are all dead, but the sister
Sarah is the wife of Thomas Hawley, a farmer of Hartford town-
ship, to whom she has borne eight children, seven of whom are
living. Mrs. Fitzsimmons' father was a native of Kent county, Eng-
land, born October 10, 1833. His opportunities for getting an edu-
cation w^ere mostly of his own making and he was truly a self-edu-
cated man. At the age of eighteen he came to America and- settled
at Clyde, New York. Here he w^orked as a w^age earner for fourteen
years and then, on December 14, 1864, he came to Berrien county.
Michigan. From here he moved to Van Buren county, where he re-
sided for the rest of his life. His wife, Bridget Carmody, came to
America from Limerick, Ireland, when she was a voung lady, in
1850.

Both of them were communicants of the Catholic church and de-
vout attendants upon its services. The father died in 1900 and
is buried beside his wife in St. Mary's Parish cemetery.

The union of Mr. Fitzsimmons and Miss Watson took place Jan-
uary 10, 1893, and of the two daughters who have come into the
home then begun one has been taken away by death. Florence, the
other, is now in the eighth grade and is studying music. It is her
parents' intention to give her an education which shall fit her for
any vocation she may desire to follow. Her mother was for five years
a successful teacher in the schools of Berrien and Van Buren coun-
ties, and so is able to direct her daughter's education with more than
ordinary understanding.

William Fitzsimmons w^as a strong advocate of the principles of
the Democratic party and his son Michael follows in his footsteps
in this respect. The family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic
church at Watervliet and Florence was confirmed by Bishop Kelly.
All the benevolent undertakings of their denomination are gen-
erously supported by Mr. and Mrs. Fitzsimmons. Mr. Fitzsimmons
holds membership in the order of the Knights of the Tented Macca-
bees of Watervliet, his tent being No. 821.

The proprietors of Maple Avenue Farm are universally accorded
a place among the leading citizens of the county. Their labors
have brought them material prosperity and their many attractive
personal qualities have won them the friendship and admiration of
a wide circle of the county's representative men and women.

GriLBERT GouLD. — Mr. Gould has been a resident of the county for
over half a century and for that entire period has engaged in the
pursuit of agriculture. Much has been said and written about
farming as an occupation and of its value in producing a crop which

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 865

is even more important than the food supply — that of character.
One can not hope to say anything new on this matter, but neither
is it a subject that is ever old, inasmuch as it is one of the eternal
verities. The farmer is busy with a task that is always worth w^hile,
since upon him all else depends. It is a work which requires that a
man be able to spend time in his own society and not be dependent
upon distractions, whose chief end is to prevent him from thinking.
He must be a person of resource and of a philosophic mind. Small
wonder that the farm-bred youth outstrips all competitors. No
greater service to the land can be performed than that of causing
the earth to yield of her fulness and those who devote themselves to
this have ever been the strength and the flower of our civilization.

Mr. Gould is a native of Litchfield, Ohio, born May 23, 1836.
There were six sons and six daughters in the household and Mr.
Gould is the sixth in point of age. Only three of the offspring of
Ira and Nancy Strickland Gould are now living; Mr. Gould and
tw^o sisters, Mrs. Esther Suits of Silver Creek township, and Mrs.
Milton Shafer, of Laurence township. The Gould family is of Eng-
lish origin. Three brothers came from England and settled in
America early in the history of the country. The Jay Gould family,
famed for its wealth, is a branch of the same stock. Ira Gould was
born in Broome county. New York, in 1799, the year of Washing-
ton's death. Until his death in 1880, he followed the occupation of
agriculture, first in New Y^ork state, where he lived until after his
marriage, and later in St. Lucas county, Ohio, then in Branch
county, Michigan, near Coldwater, w^here he went in 1837 and lastly
in Van Buren county. He had traded his forty acres in Branch
for a tract of twice that extent in Van Buren county. Until re-
cently this farm was in the possession of Mr. Gilbert Gould. At the
time when his father bought his land the country was entirely un-
cultivated, a vast expanse of virgin field and forest. The father
was a Jeffersonian Democrat and ardent in his advocating of the
principles of that party. For eight years the people of Keeler
tow^nship kept him in their service as township treasurer. His strict
adherence to his principles won him the respect even of those who
disagreed with him. He took an active interest in public education
and recognized its importance in a democratic government. At his
death the funeral w^as conducted by the Odd Fellows, of which
lodge he was a prominent member.

The wife of Ira Gould was born in Connecticut, in 1808. Before
her marriage she was a teacher in Broome county, New York, and
the qualities which made her successful in that great profession
made her also successful in the greater calling of a wife and mother.
She was a devout Christian, whose sweet, every-day life was an
irrefutable argument of the divinity of her doctrine. She passed
from this life in 1892, and is buried in Keeler cemetery.

Gilbert Gould was still a child when he came to Van Buren
county. His early schooling was received in a log school house
whose seats were great slabs with holes bored in them, into which
the wooden pins w^ere set to hold up the benches. An old-fashioned
fireplace heated the room, or a part of it at least, and the pupils
sometimes wrote with goose quill pens. Cobb's Spelling Book was

866 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

the chief text book on literature, though it was later superseded by
a more pretentious volume with definitions, written by Towne. The
teacher was paid by subscription and boarded around in the homes
of his pupils. The change from this primitive equipment to the
school of the twentieth century is great indeed and only those who
have seen the two regimes of our education can realize the im-
provement. Mr. Gould has been privileged to witness this and other
great changes. AVhen he was a boy the deer were to be seen all
around in droves and the Indians still in their aboriginal condition.

Until his marriage Mr. Gould remained with his parents. In
1862 he established his own home with his wife, Mary Garrett
Gould. They were the parents of two sons and four daughters.
Five of this family are still living. Jennie, the eldest, was edu-
cated in the public schools and in Benton Harbor College. For
three years she was one of the successful teachers of Van Buren
county and then she became the wife of Charles Allerton, of Keeler.
Will is a practical farmer whose residence is near that of his father.
He and his wife, Kate Kent Gould, have two children, Mildred and
George. Edna B. is a young lady of literary tastes, who is un-
usually fond of good books. She makes her home with her parents
and relieves them of much of the responsibility of the home. Mrs,
Gould was born on March 15, 1842, in Montgomery county, Ohio.
She was the seventh in a family of ten children, three sons and
seven daughters. Three of the family of John and Dora Pettigrew
Garrett still survive. Anne is the widow of John Kennedy, of Ben-
ton Harbor. AVilliam is a farmer of Cass county, Michigan, and is
married. Father Garrett was born in Ireland in 1799 and came
to America at the age of twenty-one. It took six months for the
sailing vessel in which he embarked to make the voyage — time
enough to get used to water for a habitation. After working for a
time in New York Mr. Garrett went to Ohio and there he was mar-
ried. He bought a farm of forty acres in Ohio and later disposed
of it and came to Michigan. He went first to Cass county and
thence to Van Buren in about 1853. Keeler township was his home
for the remaining eight years of his life and he w^as a successful
agriculturist. In politics he was originally a Whig, but afterwards
became a Democrat. His wife was born in Ohio in 1807 and died in
Michigan in 1878.

Since the age of seven Mrs. Gould has lived in Van Buren county
and for forty-nine years she and her husband have labored to-
gether and watched the progress of the county, contributing with
a right good will their share toward its advancement. Their farm is
called Oak Grove Farm and comprises a hundred acres of good
land near Magician lake. They have been able to equip this with
the best of appliances and fine buildings, including a handsome
modern residence.

Like his father, Mr. Gould is a Democrat. He cast his first vote
for the ''Little Giant of the West" and he has never wavered in
his support of the principles of that party. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the Masonic lodge of Dowagiac, Michigan. The years
he and his wife have spent in this county have been busy and benefi-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 867

cent ones. Theirs are honored names in the history of the region
which is proud to claim them as her citizens.

Henry Shepard. — To recount the main events of the lives of ^Ir.
and Mrs. Henry Shepard is to speak of people who need no intro-
duction to the residents of Keeler township. The many years they
have passed in that region have made them known to all its citi-
zens and have brought them the gift of a high place in the affections
of the entire community. For almost half a century their names
have been linked with the history of the county and they have borne
their full share of the labors which have produced its greatness and
prosperity. Mr. Shepard is of English descent and is a native of
Wayne county, New York, where he was born in 1841, on March
21st. lie is the fourth in a family of five children ; three sons and
two daughters, born to Mark and Sarah Class Shepard. Only two
of that family are now living, Henry of this review, and Dorliske,
the widow of Robert Rupel, a resident of Wexford county, ^liclii-
gan. ]\lark Shepard was a native of the state of Maine and was
born in 1796, three years before the first president of our republic
died. At the age of sixteen he moved to New York state and be-
gan life on his own account. His education was but meagre, as the
advantages were poor. He married in New York state and pur-
chased sixty -three acres in Wayne county near the town of Clarion.

In 1862 the family came to Michigan, Henry Shepard, making
the trip to Van Buren county with a team. They purchased ninety
acres of unimproved land in Hartford township and here the father
lived until his death in 1867. His grandfather had come to Canada
from England and thence to Maine. It was his fate to be toma-
hawked by the Indians while going out to bury a kettle containing
valuable papers of the Shepard estate, and if these lost documents
could be found a large inheritance would fall to the present genera-
tion of that family. Mark Shepard belonged to the old Whig party
and later joined the ranks of the new Republican faction. He
voted for the first nominee of that party and was a warm admirer
of Lincoln. His wife was a native of New Jersey. She was born
in 1803 and died April 22, 1874. New Jersey was her home until
she was ten years of age and then she moved to New York state.
Circumstances deprived her of any means if livelihood except her
own efforts, but adversity detracted nothing from her qualities as a
true mother and her lofty character commanded the admiration of
all who met her. In her widowhood she made her home with her
son Henry, and it was here that she passed to her rest at the age
of three score and ten.

Henry Shepard was twenty-two when he left his native state.
He had received the benefits of such educational opportunities as
the time and locality afforded. It was not in the traditional log
school house that he pursued the study of the three R's but in a
stone building. However the difference in architecture did not
extend to the interior furnishings. The seats were the usual wooden
benches and the heat was supplied by a square box stove, which
illustrated all the zones from the torrid to the frigid. The teacher
was hired by subscription and while we might consider the instruc-

B6B HISTORY OF VAN BURExN COUNTY

tion rudimentary, it was probably far more in proportion than we
secure for a like expenditure. Mrs. Shepard, too, was an attendant
at this sort of school.

Jefferson county, New York, was the home of Mrs. Shepard 's
family and her maiden name was Vandervoort, one well known in
the annals of New Amsterdam and borne by many a good burgher.
Her father was by trade a fuller of cloth. He was born in New York
state, in 1815, and lived there until 1851, when he and his family
moved to Michigan. They purchased a farm in Hartford township
of eighty acres and here their family grew up. The father enlisted
in the war and was present at the battle of the Wilderness. Shortly
afterwards he contracted typhoid fever and died at Nashville, Ten-
nessee, in the service of his country. He was a charter member of
the Lawrence Masonic Lodge. His wife was born in the same
county as was he, on January 4, 1819. She was a strict member of
the Presbyterian church and an earnest worker in the Sunday-
school. Her devotion to the rearing of her children made her a
model mother and bore fruit in the useful lives of the sons and
daughters. Mrs. Shepard is the eldest of five children. The two
sons are both dead, but the daughters are all now presiding over
homes of their own. Augusta is Mrs. Fred Fish and resides on a
farm in Lawrence township. Martha is the wife of a real estate
dealer in Oklahoma City, Mr. C. R. Heminway, one of the city's
most successful men. One son has been born to this couple. The
mother of this family lived to the age of eighty and died March
8, 1899.

jMrs. Shepard was born in Watertown, New York, in 1845, on
April 24. She has spent most of her life in this county and can re-
member when Hartford had just one house. As the population of
the town is now one thousand two hundred, she has witnessed a vast
development of the country. The marriage of Adelaide Vander-
voort and Henry Shepard was solemnized on February 21, 1862, at
Decatur, Michigan. The young couple began life with small capital,
purchasing a farm of forty acres, partly on credit. Their first
house was an unplastered frame structure. This has given place
to a comfortable residence, and the farm of eighty acres has been
made one of the best improved in the section in the matter of build-
ings and general equipment. The latch string is always out at the
I. X. L. Farm for the friends and neighbors, as well as for the chil-
dren and grandchildren.

The three daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Shepard are all married.
Alice Josephine is Mrs. Frank Hall. Her husband is a telegrapher,
employed in New York city, but residing in Salamanca. There are
four children in this home : Florence M., Elsie J., Francis H. and
Oliver C. Mrs. Hall was educated in the Decatur schools and
graduated from the high school. Mr. Hall is chairman of the Order
of Railroad Telegraphers. He is also a member of the Elks. He
and his wife belong to the Methodist church and he is a Republican
in his political convictions. Lydia Shepard was educated in the
common schools of the county and was later one of its successful
teachers. She is now the wife of one of Hamilton township 's pros-
perous farmers, Mr. Fred Harris. Minnie is the wife of John Clair

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 869

.MeAlpine. Mr. and Mrs. Shepard gave their children a good edu-
cation and also the care and sympathy which are such powerful
factors in the making of happy and loyal citizens.

It was Mr. Shepard 's privilege to cast his first presidential vote
for Abraham Lincoln and he has always been a loyal supporter of
the Republican party. He has been for a number of years deputy
treasurer of the schools and served two years as road commissioner.
Mr. Shepard is a member of the Methodist church at Keeler and
both she and her husband are always ready to aid in all movements
for the betterment of the community where they have been so long
and so honorably known.

Albert 0. Buncombe. — Although all the years of his manhood
have been devoted to one pursuit, and that an occupation which is
so exacting in its claims and so personal in its bearing that it nar-
rows the views of many men engaged in it to their own interests and
makes them abnormally acute in that limit, Albert 0. Buncombe,
one of the leading merchants of Van Buren county, Michigan, with
a large department store at Keeler, has never become a man of one
idea, and his vision has always been broad enough in its sweep to
take in the interests of the whole county in which he lives, and keep
him keenly alive to the welfare, comfort and progress of its resi-
dents. Since the dawn of his manhood no enterprise undertaken, in
which their lasting good has been involved, has gone without his
earnest and effective support, or been without the benefit of his wise
and judicious counsel.

Mr. Buncombe was born in this county in September 16, 1863,
the third in a family of six children (three sons and three daugh-
ters) born to Charles and Frances S. (Knights) Buncombe, four of
whom are living. These include Albert's sister Fannie S., the old-
est of the living children, who is the wife of Seth Felt, a prominent
farmer of Keeler township; his other sister, Harriet, who is the
wife of N. F. Simpson, warden of the Michigan state's prison in
Jackson; and his brother Charles, a sketch of whom will be found in
this volume, giving a brief account of his life. Mrs. Simpson is a
High School graduate and she and her husband are the parents of
two children, their daughter Frances Fae and their son Nathan B.
Frances is a High School graduate in the class of 1905, and is now
the wife of Ralph Z. Hopkins, a resident of Betroit, where he is
connected with a contracting establishment as a draughtsman. Na-
than is a. student at the Michigan Agricultural College, and will
graduate in the regular course in 1913, if nothing happens to pre-
vent his doing so.

Charles Buncombe, the father of Albert 0., was a native of Can-
ada, of Scotch parentage, and born on May 1, 1822. He died in
Van Buren county, Michigan, on January 1, 1900. He was edu-
cated in the public schools, and after leaving them became in suc-
cession and all together a merchant, a banker, a real estate dealer
and a farmer. Although he attended the public schools when he
had opportunity, his benefits derived from them in the way of
scholastic attainments were very limited, because his opportunities
of seeking those benefits were limited and often interrupted. He

Vol. TI— 1 6

870 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

was practically a self-educated and self-made man, and one of much
more than ordinary business capacity and extent and comprehen-
siveness of information. This is one of Nature's ways of dealing
with us. She often deprives her most promising offspring of ex-
traneous advantages, then offers them compensation in the way of
chances to develop their inherent faculties, and it is not her fault
if they fail to accept and use the chance.

Mr. Duncombe, the elder, accepted her terms, and made the most
of his openings in life by his own efforts. Pie began operations with
very little capital and at one period of his life owned more than two
thousand acres of land. He was a young man when he came with
his parents to Michigan, and not many years afterward he yielded
to the excitement that filled the world over the discovery of gold in
California and became one of the bold and resolute ' ' Forty-niners, ' '
that great band of hardy adventurers which crossed the plains in
1849 to the new Eldorado on the Pacific slope. These modern argo-
nauts used ox teams as their means of transporting their goods, and
made the long and wearying journey themselves for the most part
on foot. The bones of many of them whitened on the trackless llanos
of the wilderness, as it was then, but Mr. Duncombe reached his des-
tination in safety. He made Sacramento the seat of his operations
and was successful in his venture. When he had accumulated a
considerable sum of the virgin treasure of which he went in search
of, he returned to civilization, traveling down the Pacific, across the
Isthmus of Panama and up the Atlantic to New York, and thence
across the continent to his former Michigan home. He invested his
money in land, and kept adding to his holdings by subsequent pur-
chases until, as has been noted, he owned two thousand acres and
over.

In his political faith Mr. Duncombe was first a Whig and after
the birth of the Republican party a member of that organization.
He adhered to this political party to the end of his days, and found
his heroes of state craft among the leaders its critical times devel-
oped. Its first candidate for the presidency, General John C. Fre-
mont, received his ardent support, and to his last hour of life he was
a warm admirer of Lincoln and Blaine. On the large field of
political activity he was a member of the state constitutional con-
vention, and locally he served for a number of years as supervisor
of his township. Fraternally he was connected for many years with
the Masonic order, and became a charter member of the lodge at
Keeler when it was organized. He died in Keeler townsh>p, and in
his passing away the township lost one of its best and most useful
citizens.

His wife was a native of Saratoga county, New York. She was
bom there in 1830, and died in Keeler township, this county, in
1882. She was reared and educated in her native county. During
the greater part of her life she was an active working member of
the Baptist church, and for some years was president of the local
organization of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Her
remains and those of her husband were interred in the cemetery in
Keeler, and beautiful and suggestive memorial stones mark the
place of their long sleep in the narrow house to which all must go.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 871

Albert 0. Duncombe grew to manhood in this county and ob-
tained the greater part of his education in its schools. He began
his scholastic instruction in the lower grades of the common schools^
continued it at the high school in Decatur, and completed it at the
Northern Indiana State University. His whole life since leaving
school has been passed in merchandising. In 1884 he and his father
began business in this line in Keeler with a stock of goods valued at
about two thousand, five hundred dollars, and since 1900 he has
carried on the business alone. In conducting it he has been very
successful, both in increasing his trade to great magnitude and in
winning and holding the confidence and esteem of the people
throughout a very large extent of the surrounding country.

Mr. Buncombe's department store is the largest of the kind in
Van Buren county, and carries a stock of merchandise sufficiently
comprehensive and varied to meet every requirement of the commu-
nity in which it operates, including agricultural implements. Its
trade averages sixty-five thousand dollars per annum, and its well
satisfied patrons number many hundred of the most intelligent and
cultivated people residing in the region tributary to its traffic, as
well as thousands of others. Mr. Duncombe is assisted in carrying
on the business by his brother Charles and two saleswomen, with
additional help on holiday and other rushing times. The force men-
tioned would not be sufficient if all its members were not persons of
superior qualifications for the work in which they are engaged, and
it were not governed by perfect system, which prevents all w^aste of
time and energy.

Mr. Duncombe was married to Miss Alice G. Peters, who was born
in this county on June 3, 1869, and is a daughter of James A. and
Harriet (McMillan) Peters, and the first born of their three chil-
dren, the other tw^o being her brother Stephen, who is a resident of
Indiana, and her other brother, Tracey E., who is a salesman with
headquarters in Spokane, A¥ashington.

The father of these children was born in the state of New York
on June 17, 1847, and died in Van Buren county, Michigan, in
January, 1908. He was long engaged in mercantile pursuits as a
salesman after leaving the Decatur High School, where he com-
pleted his education. He was of German ancestry, a Republican in
politics and a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Hartford, Michi-
gan, fraternally. His wife was also a native of the state of New
York, born in Sing Sing on December 20, 1850. She also died in
this county. Her education was secured in the public schools of her
native county, and her life was devoted to good works under the
guidance of the church of which she was a faithful and zealous
member during the greater part of her life, and a consistent ex-
emplar of its teachings all the time.

Mr. and Mrs. Duncombe have one child, their daughter Frances
P. They also had one son who died in infancy. The daughter is a
graduate of St. Mary's convent at ]\Ionroe, Michigan, class of 1907,
and of the Kalamazoo State Normal School, from which she received
her degree in 1909, her special course in that institution being that
of music and art. She taught music in the public school at Belle-
view, this state, one year, then her parents sent her to the Cosmo-

872 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

politan School of Music in Chicago for the further development and
cultivation of her talents, which are of a high order and show great
promise. In that institution she is pursuing the study of voice cul-
ture under the instruction of Professor L. A. Torrens, and that of
dramatic art under instructors who are also highly competent.

Miss Buncombe is unusually richly endowed for her art work, to
which she intends to devote her life, and in all other respects she is
a great credit to her family, her friends and the locality of her
home. Appreciating fully the advantages she is enjoying through
the liberality of her parents, she will undoubtedly make the most
of them, and Van Buren county is delighted over the prospect of
giving to the world a new star in the lofty firmament of intellectual
radiance and power from which Miss Duncombe is destined to
shine. The whole community unites with her parents in their just
pride in her natural gifts and the use she contemplates making of
them, and rejoices in the fact that she is well deserving, in her high
character, devotion to duty and social accomplishments, of the uni-
versal esteem bestowed upon her wherever she is known.

Mi\ Buncombe has given his adherence to the Republican party
in political affairs from the dawn of his manhood. His first presi-
dential vote was cast for James G. Blaine, and his devotion to the
party has been unwavering ever since. He has served as a delegate
to its county and state conventions a number of times, and was one
of the Republican national convention which met in Chicago in
1904. He has always been a devoted friend of the public schools,
and given them the benefit of his services for many years in some
official capacity, regarding the cause of public education as one of
the greatest claims on the attention of the people, and one of the
strongest means for the preservation of liberty, intelligence and
morality among them.

Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Keeler
and of Benton Harbor Lodge, No. 544, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, in each of which he takes an earnest interest, show-
ing commendable fervor in his zeal for the welfare of both fraterni-
ties, as he does with reference to every other good agency at work
among the people for their betterment in morals, in tellectual devel-
opment, in social relations and as contributors to the general en-
joyment of the community.

Mr. and Mrs. Buncombe reside in a beautiful modern dwelling in
Keeler. The house is conveniently arranged, richly and tastefully
furnished, and provided with every appliance required for its com-
fort and the enjoyment of its inmates. The home is a social center
of great popularity, a radiating point of high culture and genial
good fellowship, wherein gracious hospitality is dispensed and the
best attributes of American domestic life are enthroned, in accord-
ance with the sunny and elevated nature of its occupants, whose
hearts are rich in kindly feelings for all mankind.

Chares Buncombe. — Reared as a farmer and following that occu-
pation until he was nearly forty years of age, then turning his
attention to merchandising with as much deftness and capacity as
if he had long been trained to the business, Charles Buncombe, of

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 873

Keeler, has shown his adaptability to circumstances to be of an ex-
tent and character that would win him success and credit in almost
any line of endeavor that he might choose to turn his hand to. His
is rather an unusual case, as farmers are not generally w^ell adapted
to general merchandising, their usual pursuit not involving the fine
points of this line of trade and unfitting them for its more graceful
requirements. But JMr. Duncombe is as much at home behind the
counter as he ever was behind the plow, and he can turn a mercan-
tile transaction as neatly and as cleverly as he ever did a furrow.
This show^s his versality and readiness for any station or duty, and
he has given many proofs of them in his mercantile career in other
ways.

Of the six children born to his parents (Jliarles Duncombe was
the fourth in the order of birth. He is a son of Charles and Frances
S. (Knight) Duncombe, the story of whose lives is given at some
length in the sketch of Albert O. Duncombe, which will be found in
this volume. Like his brother Albert 0., Charles was born in Van
Buren county, Michigan, and reared and largely educated on his
native heath. He attended the district school near his home until
he completed its course, then engaged in farming on shares for his
father. This he continued until the death of the father, when he
inherited one hundred and sixty acres of fine land in Hamilton
township and began cultivating it entirely on his own account. He
remained on this farm and devoted himself wholly to its development
and improvement until 1907. And he has ever since superintended
its cultivation and kept it up to the standard of excellence to which
he raised it. It is devoted to general farming.

In 1907 Mr. Duncan entered the employ of his older brother Al-
bert as a clerk and assistant manager of the large department store
the brother owns and carries on in Keeler. He has been a potent
factor in helping to win the wide popularity the emporium enjoys
and build it up to the high place it has in the confidence and regard
of the business world and the general public. He is what the old
Romans called suariier in modo, for (iter in re — genial and cour-
teous in manner but strong or resolute in deed — and the two qual-
ifications for business combined in him have given him great in-
fluence wath the purchasing public, and pronounced success as a
business man in the department of trade Avith which he is connected.

Mr. Duncombe was married in April 2, 1891, in Keeler township,
to Miss Maria IMcMillan, who was born in this county on February
14, 1873, the first of the i\Ye children, all daughters, of John and
Salome (Reece) ]\IcMillan, all of whom are living. The others are:
Ada, who is the wife of A. "W. Gustine, formerly a merchant in
Keeler but now a farmer in the same township ; Buna, who is the
wife of H. A. AVelcher, also a Keeler township farmer; Nellie, who
is the wife of D. F. Gregory, a scion of the old Gregory family so
long prominent in this locality, and, like her sisters, a resident of
Keeler township; and Zorah, who is the wife of ]\I. J. Teed, a
butcher living and doing business in Benton Harbor. Mr. and IMrs.
Gustine have three children, Mr. and Mrs. Welcher have two sons,
and Mr. and Mrs. Gregory have one daughter.

Four children, three sons and one daughter, have been born to

874 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

^Ir. and Mrs. Buncombe, but only one of them is living, their son
Charles McMillan. From the age at which he entered school until
the present time his education has been carefully looked after. He
completed the eighth grade of the elementary and grammar school
at Hamilton, passed one year at the high school in Decatur, and
was graduated from the Hartford high school in the class of 1910.
At this time (1911) he is a student in the school of Professor Ferris
in Big Rapids, which is considered one of the best of the kind in the
state, and there he is pursuing a course in the commercial and busi-
ness department to tit himself to follow in the footsteps of his
father, his uncle and his grandfather as a merchant.

John McMillan, the father of Mrs. Duncombe, is a native of the
state of New York, and in earlier life was a blacksmith. He w^as a
soklier in defense of the Union during the Civil war, and made an
excellent record in the army. He has served as treasurer of Keeler
township and is now township clerk. His political faith is pledged
and his political services are given to the Republican party, and he
IS ardently devoted to its principles. Fraternally he is a Freemason
and belongs to the lodge of the order in Keeler, where he and his
wife are living. The latter was also born in New York state, and she,
too, takes an earnest interest in the fraternal life of the community
as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. No citizens of Van
Buren county are more highly or more generally esteemed.

Mr. Duncombe is a Republican of the most devoted loyalty to his
party. He cast his first presidential vote for President Benjamin
Harrison, and has kept himself steadfastly under the Republican
banner ever since. He served several years as school director while
living in Hamilton township and is now township treasurer of
Keeler township. He is deeply and intelligently interested in the
cause of public education, regarding it as a bulwark of American
liberty, a valuable means of preparation for the duties of citizen-
ship and a great force in democratizing our people and helping to
make them homogeneous in their social and political activities.

Mrs. Duncombe is a true partner of her husband 's joys, sorrows
and ambitions. She shares in all his aspirations, takes part in all
his work for the good of the community, and aids in making their
home one of the choice domestic shrines of the township, and one
of its most popular and agreeable centers of social culture, benefi-
cent energy and genuine hospitality. Van Buren county has no
better or more useful citizens than Mr. and Mrs. Duncombe, no bet-
ter representatives of what is best in its citizenship, no more zealous
promoters of its welfare in every way, and, to its credit be it said,
no heads of a household within its borders who are more highly es-
teemed or more thoroughly appreciated.

Lester E. Osborn. — Among the native-born sons of Van Buren
<?ounty, Michigan, is Lester E. Osborn, whose citizenship is of that
stanch and admirable type which has made this section so pro-
gressive and prosperous that it is widely noted for these qualities.
The name of Osborn is well known hereabout and he whose name in-
augurates this review is distinguished not only for his own record
as a man and a citizen, but from the honored ancestry from which

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 875

he is descended. He was born in Hamilton township on August 1,
1854, and is the eldest member and only son in a family of four born
to Stephen and Maria (Try on) Osborn. At the present time all
the children survive. Lillie is the wife of H. A. Beardsley, an agri-
culturist and a resident of Decatur. Lucy is the wife of Charles
Harris, a prosperous agriculturist of Hamilton township ; and Lora
is married to John Ingram, an engineer in the great Sheffield works
of Three Rivers, Michigan.

The father of the subject was a native of Allegheny county, New
Y'ork, and was an agriculturist. He attended school in an old log
school house in the Empire state and was of the self-made type.
When but a lad he came with his parents to Van Buren county,
Michigan, making the journey by wagon in pioneer style. AVhen
the Osborus arrived in the AVolverine state wolves, deer and wild
turkeys were plentiful and the traces of the redmen had by no
means been obliterated. The father entered land from the govern-
ment and became prosperous. All his life he was loyal in his sup-
port of the principles of Jackson Democracy. He was well-known,
a man of strong character and of influence in the community. In
tiie early days he had sixteen yoke of oxen and with them broke the
virgin soil. Both he and his worthy wife were members of the Dis-
ciple church. He took a great interest in improving public school
conditions and he was at the forefront in other progressive work.
His wife was a native of Michigan and a woman of great ambition
and industry. Both are interred in the Hamilton cemetery, where
beautiful stones are erected sacred to their memory.

Mr. Osborn, immediate subject of this review, was reared in old
V^an l^uren county and was educated in the common school and the
Paw Paw high school. He has devoted all his activities to agricul-
ture. At the age of twenty he earned his first wages, twenty dol-
lars a month, and until the demise of the beloved parents, to which
lie had ever been devoted, he resided beneath the home roof. At the
death of the father, p]rastus Osborn, of whom mention is made on
other pages, was appointed administrator and the two worked the
homestead on shares. At the age of twenty-four the subject wedded
Miss Rena Gage, their union being on April 28, 1878. To them have
been born two sons and two daughters. Adah M. is the wife of
( yharles Lindsley, a resident of Bangor township, who operates the
Smiley farm. Their daughter, Lucille Belle, is in school. Mrs.
Lindsley was educated in the common schools and previous to her
iiiarriage was a nmsic teacher. V. Belle became the wife of Claude
Sterns, son of Z. Sterns, one of the pioneers of Van Buren county.
She was educated in the common schools. Her husband is* one of
Hamilton township's prosperous young farmers. Leroy S. is a resi-
dent of Keeler tow^nship and an agriculturist. He married Miss
Bessie Rathburne. He was educated in the common schools. Hugh
1). is a resident of Dowagiac and is engaged as an iron moulder.
He took as his wife Miss Lucille Baker, a school teacher, and they
have a little daughter, Irma.

Mr. and Mrs. Osborn have given their children good practical edii
(^ations and fitted them for honorable lives and they have become
honorable citizens and a credit to their parents. Mrs. Osborn was

876 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

born in Cass county, Michigan, February 11, 1860, and she is the eld-
est of two children, both daughters, born to Van Orman and Zilpha
(Langley) Gage. Both are living and Mrs. Osborn is the elder.
Her sister, Alpha M., is the widow of William Scoby, a resident of
Battle Creek and they have one daughter, Edith, who was the wife
of Theodore Shaw, and is now an actress in Chicago. ]Mrs. Shaw
was educated in the Hastings high school. The father Gage was a
native of Cattaraugus county, his birth having occurred in 1832
and his death in 1869. He was only a boy when his parents came to
Cass county, Michigan. He received a good education, a part of
which was received in the Ypsilanti Normal School. His occupa-
tion was that of a practical farmer and horticulturist and he was
distinguished for unusual mentality. In politics he was a Republi-
can and cast his vote for the first nominee of the party. lie died
in Berrien county. His wife w^as a native of AVisconsin, born Au-
gust 16, 1839, and still living at Battle Creek. She is a woman
beautiful in face as well as in character and mind. She has long
been a useful member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mrs. Osborn was a little girl but four years of age when she be-
came a resident of Berrien county. She has spent the greater part
•of her life, however, in Hamilton township, and in its schools se-
cured her education. She possesses a most pleasing personality and
her home is her paradise. She has ably reared her family and is.
indeed, in the words of Longfellow,

' ' A noble type of good
Heroic womanhood. ' '

Mr. and Mrs. Osborn moved onto this present place in 1897. It is
known as "Oak Grove Homestead." The subject has ever been a
Republican, nationally and locally, and he casts his vote for the
men he believes best suited for the office. He is a public spirited
man and his sixteen years' service as school director has been of
value to the community.

To conclude, Mr. and Mrs. Osborn stand high in the neigliborhood.
where they command universal respect. They have reared an hon-
orable and upright family and happy indeed is the old home when
children and grandchildren congregate at such seasons as Christmas
and Thanksgiving. The record of their worthy lives is indeed good
material for perpetuation in the History of Van Buren County,
^Michigan.

Claude D. Robinson. — It is almost a tiresomely trite saying that
the farms have given us our best citizens. Until two generations
ago the most of our population lived in the country, so naturally
the farm-bred boy had the advantage. Later came the great exodus
to the city and for a time it was hard to find a young man of talent
who intended to devote his life to agriculture. But now this is
changing and we are beginning to return to our Anglo-Saxon no-
tion that farming is an occupation worthy to engage the best skill
of our best men, and ever increasing numbers of our youth are

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 877

adopting it, not because they drift into it but as the profession of
their choice.

One of Keeler township 's notable young agriculturists is Claude
D. Robinson. His family have lived in the state all their lives and
his father, Edmund J. Robinson, is a well known and successful
farmer in this county. This gentleman began life with no capital
and for five years after his marriage to Miss Minnie Winch he
rented land. His first eighty acres was purchased by going into
debt, and their house was a little log cabin. Now he and his wife
own together one hundred and twenty acres in Keeler tow^nship and
in 1898 they built their handsome modern residence on the first
eighty acres which he bought. The ruins of the old log cabin are
still to be seen on the place. Three children were born to ^Ir. and
Mrs. Robinson, all living in this state. Clyde lives at Marcellus and
is a farmer. Ilis wife w^as formerly Miss Elizabeth Willis. Ruth
Louise, the youngest of the Robinson family, is still at home.

Claude Robinson was born July 30, 1888, in Keeler tow^nship. He
^^tt ended the public schools of the county and early decided to de-
vote himself to farming and stock raising. He began his w^ork with
a capital of five hundred dollars from his parents, who having made
a success of the same pursuit desired to give their son assistance in
liis undertaking. On July 30, 1909, he w^as married to ]\liss Caro-
line B. iMolter, a daughter of Katherine Weber and Peter Molter, of
Bainbridge, ]\Iichigan. She was born January 25, 1889, and is one
of a family of twelve children, seven of whom were sons. She re-
ceived her education in the county schools and is a young woman of
ability, well fitted to fill the position which devolves upon her. All
but one of the children of her parents are still living and reside in«
^lichigan. The father and mother, too, are still conducting their
thriving truck farm, whose products they market in Benton Harbor.
Both are members of the German Lutheran church.

In 1910 Mr. Robinson built a pleasant residence, opposite his
father's home, on eighty acres of land which belongs to him. Here
he and his wife and their small son, Maurice Leland, constitute a
household whose elders are w^ell known and popular in the county
in which they hold an eminent position. ]Mr. Robinson is a Re-
publican in his politics, as is also his father. He has already at-
tained an enviable reputation as a farmer and will doubtless always
keep his place in the front rank of the progressive agriculturists.

Adoi.pii Danneffel. — Germany has given to America some of its
best and most intellectual citizens. From the Fatherland has come
much that is great and good, and although our German-Americans
cherish in their hearts a tender love for the native country, they
have ever proven themselves among our best and most loyal patriots
and encourage in their offspring the same devotion to their adopted
land. Van Buren county is the home of some of the leading Ger-
man-American citizens of the country, and prominent among these,
one who has risen to the front rank of agriculturists of his section
through the force of his own industry and persevering labor, is
Adolph Danneffel, of Keeler township, who, by a long and honorable
business career, a thoughtful interest in others and public-spirited

878 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

efforts in behalf of his community, has made himself known and
respected all over this part of the county. Mr. Danneffel was born
in Baden, Germany, April 16, 1831, and is the third in a family of
eight children born to George and Mary (Elgas) Danneffel.

George Danneffel, also a native of Germany, never left that coun-
try, w^here throughout his life he was engaged in agricultural pur-
suits and in school teaching. He and his wife were consistent mem-
bers of the Roman Catholic faith, and they were interred in the
cemetery of that denomination near their home. Those of their
children who survive are: Adolph; Leopold, a veteran of the
Franco-Prussian w^ar, and now an agriculturist in Germany;
Charles, who received an excellent education and is now engaged in
farming in Germany ; Otto, also a school teacher in the old country ;
Phillip, who, like his brothers, is engaged in educational pursuits in
the Fatherland; and Martha and Phillipine, who are also residents
of Germany. One son and one daughter have passed away.

Adolph Danneffel received a good education in the German lan-
guage, and as a youth w^as apprenticed to the trade of shoemaker,
w^hich he followed in Germany until he reached his twenty-second
year, at which time, not being satisfied w^th his prospects, he de-
cided to come to the United States. In April, 1854, he boarded a
sailing vessel at Antwerp, and after a stormy voyage of thirty-three
days, during which the passengers suffered the pangs of hunger
and other hardships, finally landed at Castle Garden. On putting
foot on American soil the sum total of the money })etween Adolph
and his brother John Danneffel was one dollar and fifty cents, and
with this they started out to make their fortunes among a strange
people speaking a strange language. During the next three and
one-half years Mr. Danneffel remained in New York state, working
out as a farm hand at ten dollars per month, and about 1858 he
came to Berrien county, Michigan, where he worked for a farmer
during one summer. He then purchased eighty acres of wild land
in Keeler township, Van Buren county, and this proved the nucleus
for a magnificent farm of six hundred acres. On first settling here
the country was a vast wilderness of timber land, in which still
roamed wild beasts, and Indian camps were not unusual sisrhts. The
axe and the ox-team were the principal implements used in clearing
and cultivating the land, in sharp contrast to the improved imple-
ments of today and the powerful machinery that is used to operate
fhem. Mr. DanneffeUs career is a striking example of what inay be
accomplished by a man w^ho has the determination to succeed and
the ability to carry this determination through. He has replaced
the primitive log buildings of half a century ago with modern struc-
tures, a handsome residence and all necessary outbuildings, and his
land is now some of the best in Van Buren county. Since 1903,
when his wife died, he has resided on the old homestead with his
youngest son, William. Mr. Danneffel stands square with the world,
and he has always been honest and fair in all of his dealings with
his fellow men. Alw^ays ready to stand up for what he believes
to be right, he is, nevertheless, considerate of the feelings and opin-
ions of others, and it is this sense of fairness that has made his
name known and respected in his section. Although in his eightieth

/%>a

-/^^U^

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 879

year, Mr. Danneffel is in full possession of all of his faculties and
his mind is as clear as when he came to this country many years
ago, a poor immigrant boy looking for his fortunes in the new
world, — clearer perhaps, for the years of experience and observa-
tion have made him alert to all that is of interest to his community.
He has always supported the principles of the Republican party,
and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. His fellow citizens
have recognized his ability as a public official by electing him to
positions of honor and trust, and he has served as director of the
school district for six years, highway commissioner for two years,
and supervisor of his township for six years, and in none of these
did he betray the confidence thus displayed in him. He has also
at numerous times represented his party in county conventions, and
as an official was ever alert to protect the people' s interests. Now,
in the evening of life, he can look back over a well-spent, useful
career, content in the knowledge that there is not the slightest stain
or blemish upon his record.

On March 14, 1857, Mr. Danneffel was married to JMiss Phoebe
Arndt, and seven sons and two daughters were born to this union,
all of whom survive : George, a retired farmer of Benton Harbor,
Michigan, is married and has two children, George and Saide ; Mary!
widow of Charles Swartz, resident of South Bend, Indiana, has one
child, Charlie ; Charles, a retired farmer of Benton Harbor, is mar-
ried ; Frank, living in Bainbridge, Michigan, is an agriculturist, and
has three children. May, Herbert and Lymon; Adolph P., also an
agriculturist of Bainbridge, is married and has two children, Flor-
ence and Lloyd ; Catherine, the wife of Adelbert Salter, an agricul-
turist of Keeler township ; Albert, who is farming in Keeler town-
ship, is married and has three children. Dean, Robert and Ward ;
Simon, also farming in Keeler township, is married and has two
children, Edward and Margaret ; and William, who is living on the
old homestead with his father, married ]\liss Emma Mundt and
lias one child, Johnnie. Mr. Danneffel is a great-grandfather.

In 1880 he made a visit to his native land, where he remained four
months, and then returned to his adopted county, more pleased
than ever with it.

Hiram A. Smith.— Many years ago Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote
01 one of his classmates,

''There was a young fellow of excellent pith.
Fate tried to obscure him by naming him Smith."

It is unnecessary to add that Fate was cheated in her nefarious
designs and the same is true of the subject, who is one of the
prominent citizens of the county, of which he is also a native son.
In addition to his success as a farmer he has great ability a^
an inventor, and the Smith Interlocking Cement Stave Silo is a
mechanical device which he is now putting on the market and
which promises to make him very well-known. He is also engaged
in the manufacture of a number of other mechanical inventions.

880 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

His ninety acres of good land are located in section 21, of Waverly
township.

Mr. Smith was born in Arlington township, Van Buren county,
Michigan, November 13, 1864, and is the son of John P. and Helen
M. (Goodeve) Smith. The father was born in Germany, Feb-
ruary 21, 1836, and came to America at the age of four years
with his parents, John M. and Catherine Smith. The mother was
a native of New York city and a daughter of John B. Goodeve, of
London, England. John B. Goodeve came with his family to Allegan
county, Michigan, when the subject's mother was but one year old,
and there they resided until their summons to the better land. The
subject's parents were married in this county and to them were
bom four children, namely : Hiram A. Smith ; William A. Smith ;
Mabel, wife of C. H. Miller, of North Dakota; and Albert, who is
unmarried and resides in Stevens county, Washington.

Hiram A. Smith was reared on his father's farm in Van Buren
county and received his education in the public schools, finish-
ing with the eighth grade. Following that he received a com-
mercial education and at an early age his natural mechanical
ability became apparent. He is a manufacturer as well as agri-
culturist, his stock tank having proved a particularly salable com-
modity. He remained beneath the parental roof-tree until the
attainment of his majority and in 1892 he was united in mar-
riage to Ada E. Horton, also a native of this county. They
share their pleasant home with four children : Homer L, now at
home, was a student in the high school and is eighteen years of
age; Warren H. is fifteen years old, and attends the high school
at Paw Paw; Hiram A., Jr., is eleven; and Helen A. is seven.

Fraternally Mr. Smith is a member of Glendale Lodge, In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Woodmen of
America, and his wife is affiliated with the Royal Neighbors. Both
of them carry insurance. In politics the subject is independent,
giving his support to the man and the measure he deems most
likely to be conducive to the general benefit, although he has Demo-
cratic inclinations, at present he is a Republican insurgent. He
has been twice elected township treasurer on the Democratic ticket.
He is, in short, a good citizen and widely known.

Everett A. Fisher. — Among the prominent agriculturists of
Keeler township, Van Buren county, none is more deserving of men-
tion than Everett A. Fisher, who is a worthy member of one of the
pioneer families of this section. When the family first settled here
bears, deer and wolves still roamed the forests, and almost the en-
tire country was yet in its primitive condition. Bears were often
seen even on the farm and on occasion would attack and carry off
the domestic animals. In those days not only the men but the
women assisted in the clearing, and many were the hardships and
privations endured by the early settlers before they had hewn for
themselves a comfortable home from the dense forest. Everett A.
Fisher was born in Berrien county, Michigan, March 9, 1861, the
youngest of the three children born to Wanzer and Eliza J. (IMat-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 881

tock) Fisher, and he now has one sister living: Evaline, a widow
residing in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Wanzer Fisher was born in Ohio in 1834, and died April 8, 1875,
in Keeler tow^nship. He was reared to the life of an agriculturist
and educated in the common schools, and came by wagon to Berrien
county, Michigan, with his parents. There the little band of pio-
neers settled in a primitive log cabin, and ]\Ir. Fisher assisted his
father and brothers in clearing the land to develop a farm. He
was married in Berrien county to Miss Eliza Mattock, and they be-
gan their married life in very humble circumstances, settling on a
forty-acre tract of wild land, for which they went into debt, but
eventually cleared the property and paid dollar for dollar for every
acre of it. In 1866 they came to Keeler tow^nship, purchasing eighty
acres of land, about one acre of which was cleared, and on this had
been built a small house, which would now be considered little
more than a shanty. Nevertheless, it was home to this young couple,
who proceeded to work steadfastly and industriously, and after
years of hard and incessant toil succeeded in cultivating the land
and made their property the equal of any of its size in their part
of the township. Wanzer Fisher was a stanch Democrat in politics
and was a great friend of the cause of education. Both he and his
wife were faithful members of the Christian church. Mr. Fisher
died in Keeler township, and was buried in the cemetery here, a
beautiful stone being erected in his memory. Mrs. Fisher, who
survives her husband and makes her home with her son, w^as born
in Ohio, June 30, 1839. She did much towards helping her husband
during the pioneer days, and her many lovable traits of character
have endeared her to all who know her.

Everett Fisher was six years of age wlien the family came to
Keeler township, and he received his education in the common
schools. On i\Iay 17, 1888, he was married to Aliss Lillian Klett,
and two children have been born to this union : I^essie L., who fin-
ished the eighth grade in the public schools, was given a musical
education, and then became a saleslady in the general store of A. 0.
Buncombe, at Keeler, and Floyd P]., a graduate of the public schools
and now a member of the class of 3912 in the Hartford High School.
Mrs. Fisher is a native of Van Buren county and was born July 19.
1870, the fourth of a family of seven children, one of whom is now
deceased, while four live in Van Buren county and two in Berrien
county. Both of IMrs. Fislier's parents reside in Keeler township,
lier father being a veteran of the Civil war, in which he served for
three years. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the
G. A. R., while his wife is a devout member of the Evangelical
church.

After their marriage Mw and jMrs. Fisher settled down on the old
Fisher homestead, which is known as "The Maples," and is devoted
to general farming and stock raising. ^Ir. Fisher is a Democrat
in his political affiliations, and both he and his wife are great friends
of education, Mr. Fisher having served for six years as treasurer of
his school district. They are worthy children of pioneer fathers
who hewed out homes in the midst of the forest and from a start of
nothing secured a comfortable property by years of patient toil.

882 HISTORY OF VAN BUEEN COUNTY

Henry E. Gibney attributes his success in life's undertakings to
the quality of close application, persevering devotion to the task in
hand, and an honest intention to perform every task in the day 's
work with one's whole soul and best energy. The man who really
lives with hard work as the key note of his life is bound to accom-
plish things. Henry E. Gibney, who has now retired from active
participation in the management of his farm and makes his pleas-
ant home in Hartford, Michigan, was born in Genesee county, New
York, the date of his nativity being May 23, 1840. He is the son of
Thomas and Elizabeth (Munger) Gibney. Thomas Gibney was a
native born son of Ireland who immigrated to the United States
when he was a lad of fifteen years, choosing to try the broader
opportunities of the western world. Elizabeth Munger, who after-
wards became the mother of Henry E. Gibney, the immediate sub-
ject of this review, was born in the state of Connecticut and married
her husband in New York state, coming with him some time in the
fifties to Berrien county, where they made their permanent home.
She passed to her eternal reward in 1877, and was followed by her
husband thirteen years later. They were the parents of eleven
children, seven of whom are living at this date, 1911. Henry E.
and one sister now live in Van Buren county.

Henry E. Gibney was twelve years old at the time of his parents
removal from New York state, and he remained at the parental
home in Berrien county, Michigan, until he reached his majority.
On August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company ''M'', Fourth Michigan
cavalry, and followed the starry ensign of the Union until the close
of the war, serving in many notable engagements, including the bat-
tle of Stone Eiver. When the conflict was over, and the blue and
the gray were no longer the emblems of a divided nation, Mr. Gib-
ney returned to ]\Iichigan, and was united in marriage to Miss
Florence Wheeler, by whom he had one daughter, Edah, now the
wife of George Mutchler, of Hartford, Michigan.

On May 31, 1880, was solemnized the marriage of Henry E. Gib-
ney to Anna C. Kemp, who was born in Van Buren county in July,
1852. She was the daughter of William Kemp, a native of England,
who was born in the mother country in 1818. He immigrated to
this country and was married in New York to Miss Philena Potter,
a native of that state. They came after their marriage to Michigan
and Mr. Kemp was here engaged in agricultural pursuits until his
death, in 1904. His wife followed him to that other land in 1911.
Their daughter, Mrs. Henry E. Gibney, is a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church.

Although always a stanch supporter of the principles and policies
of the Eepublican party, Mr. Gibney has never had time for the
honors and emoluments of public office and has manifested his in-
terest in the welfare of the community in the quieter but none the
less expressive medium, the polls.

In 1899 Mr. and Mrs. Gibney left their farms, located on sections
27 and 30 of Bangor township, and they have since enjoyed the
fruits of their past years of wise management and unfailing indus-
try at their pleasant and hospitable home in Hartford.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 883

David Conklin. — The late David Conklin was one of the promi-
nent farmers of Van Buren county, and in his death the county may
feel a personal loss, for with his demise it was robbed of an upright
and progressive citizen who was always willing to lend his strength
to whatever good works were being put forward for the general wel-
fare.

David Conklin was a native of New York state, having been born
in Philadelphia township, Jefferson county, that state, on April 10,
1845, the son of Richard and Lucy (Gotham) Conklin. Richard
Conklin was born in Rutland county. New York, and his wife was
born at Cranes Corners, Westchester county. New York, now^ a
suburb of New York city. Their son David was reared on the home
farm and educated in the public schools until he was sixteen. At
that age, in 1861, together with five of his brothers, he enlisted in
Company E, Ninety-fourth New York Volunteer Infantry of the
Union army. The six brothers, though they followed the fag
through many desperate engagements, all returned without a
scratch at the close of the struggle.

In tlie spring of 1865 David Conklin left New York and came to
Hartford, Michigan. He was without means, but he at once set
about to "make good," and obtained employment in the tim])er
business.

On the 5th of June, 1869, was solemnized the marriage of David
Conklin to Miss Mary E. Olds. She was born in Hartford township.
May 29, 1849, a daughter of Iliram and :Marian A. (Stratton) Olds.
Hiram B. Olds was a son of John Olds, who came to jMichigan from
New York state as a pioneer settler in this part of the country.
He located in Hartford township, and there cleared a farm in the
timber region and lived on the clearing for the remainder of his
life. Iliram Olds, his son, was reared in New York, where he grew
to manhood and married IMarian A. Stratton. Shortly after the
wedding the young husband came on to JMichigan, returning a year
later for his wife. He had no '^ start'' in life and accumulated his
fortune by his own industrious efforts. He became the owner of
one hundred and forty acres of land and made his own furniture.
He was a shrewd business man as well as a hard worker and a man
of unquestioned honor. He passed away at the very outset of his
career, at the age of thirty-five years, leaving a wife and three chil-
dren,— Mary E., Ira V. and Stephen A.

Mr. and Mrs. Conklin became the parents of nine children, seven
of whom now survive, in 1911 : Melvin J. Conklin, who married Miss
Ethel Parmeter and has become the father of three children ; Milton
D., unmarried and now makes his home with his widowed mother ;
Marian G., now Mrs. Hiram G. Hinkley ; Lillie ]M., who was united
in marriage to Sheldon P. Straub, and is the mother of one daugh-
ter; "Walter A., unmarried and living at the paternal home; Nora
E. now Mrs. Gorham Blair; Charles H., who married Miss Fern
Hummell.

Mrs. Conklin, while not the member of any church, has been the
supporter of the good works of all and has lived a truly upright life
of kindly helpfulness. Her husband was a Mason and a member of
the Knights of Pythias. Politically he was an ardent Democrat.

884: HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Both he and his wife were members of the Patricians, and at the
time of Mr. Conklin's death each carried a thousand dollars insur-
ance in the order.

Mrs. Conklin is the owner of forty acres in Hartford township ;.
forty -nine acres across the road in Keeler township ; twentj^-seven
acres west of the forty-nine ; and forty acres to the east of the same
tract. In all her holdings amount to one hundred and fifty-seven
acres, part of which is managed as a fruit farm and grapes and
peaches of a high quality are raised.

Edward Skinner. — Van Buren county is fortunate in the pos-
session of the Skinner family, estimable members of society and rep-
resentatives of the agricultural industry, an industry which is at
once the oldest and, according to Daniel Webster, the most import-
ant labor of man. Edward Skinner, who now farms and raises
fruit on his fine tract of land in section 28 of Hartford township,
Van Buren county, was born in Kendall county, Illinois, on the 6th
of November, 1870. He is the son of Stephen and Eva (Brodie)
Skinner, both of whom were natives of England, where they were
married. They immigrated to this country in 1854 and located in
Kendall county, Illinois. They made the journey across the ocean
in a sail boat, and it consumed three months' time, an interesting
fact in the light of modern steamship navigation. Stephen Skinner
passed to his eternal reward on May 1, 1882, and was followed by
his wife on the 29th of May, 1896. They made their home on a
rented farm, and were the parents of seven children, five of whom
are living at this date, 1911. George resides in the state of Illinois.
Anna is now the wife of Richard Phillip. Mary is deceased. Libbie
is now Mrs. Mike Lochran and resides in Montana. Meline is the
wife of George Brockway. Kate is deceased.

Edward Skinner was reared amid the healthful surroundings of
the home farm, there learning the lessons of integrity and industry
that have made his later success possible. He continued to work on
the farm during the summer seasons and to attend the district school
during the winters until he was eighteen years old. His father died
when he was eleven years old, and he remained with his mother
until she, too, passed away, after which his sister kept house for
him until he was thirty years old. Part of this time he spent at
Lisbon, Illinois, where for three years he was engaged in business.
After selling out there Mr. Skinner came to Hartford township and
bought the John Heins farm of one hundred and twenty acres, lo-
cated in section 28, and he has made his home there since 1903.

In February, 1902, was solemnized the marriage of Mr, Skinner
to Mrs. Mettie Sleezer, who was Miss Mettie Ostrom, born January
15, 1863, in Kendall county. She was educated in the Newark
school, and later attended a seminary. To her first marriage were
born two daughters. Miss Clara Sleezer was a graduate of the
Newark high school and was a teacher in the public schools prior to
her marriage to William Phillips and is now a resident on the home
farm. Nina Sleezer was also a teacher prior to her marriage. She
is now Mrs. Loveland Munson, and makes her home in Deerfield,
Illinois. Mrs. Skinner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal

HISTORY OF VAx\ J3UKEN COUNTY 885

church of Hartford. Her husband is a member of the Modern
Woodmen of America.

Politically Mr. Skinner is a loyal member of the Republican party,
and an active worker for its men and measures.

Orville Fowler. — Among the citizens of Van Buren county
whose names appear in the list of those whose industry, integrity
and ability are responsible for the prosperity enjoyed by the county,
no name is more deserving of its place than that of Orville Fowler,
an agriculturist w^ell known in Hartford township, where he owns
two fine farms of one hundred acres each. Mr. Fowler was born in
La Salle county, Illinois, on the 11th of February, 1854, the son of
Milton and Hannah (Phillips) Fowler. His father, Milton Fowler,
was a native of Warner, New Hampshire, and his mother was born
in Erie county, Pennsylvania. His parents both came when young
with their respective families to settle in Newark, Kendall county,
Illinois, some time prior to the end of the year 1842. The young
people met, married and lived the rest of their lives in Kendall
county, quiet and unassuming people, well-liked by all who came to
know them. The father passed to his eternal reward in 1898, ten
years after the demise of his wife. Orville Fowler was one in their
family of nine children. He was brought up on the pleasant acres
of the home farm, learning there the lessons of industry and honor
which have so marked his after life, and there gaining the robust
constitution that meant much when added to his native ability.
His education was obtained at the local district school, which he
attended until his eighteenth year. At that age he definitely took
up agriculture as his permanent work and began to give his entire
time to it.

On the 6th of November, 1878, was solemnized the marriage of
Orville Fowler to Miss Amelia Jones, the daughter of William and
Martha (Powell) Jones. Both of her parents were natives of Dow-
lais, South Wales, who had come from the old country about 1867
and located their new home at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. They
had only been in this country a short time when both the father and
mother died, leaving their daughter Amelia to make her own way
in a world that is none too kind to those who buffet its blasts alone.
She was young and strong, however, and though her early education
had been sadly neglected she won out against all odds. In 1876 she
went to Newark, Illinois, and it was there that she met Orville Fow-
ler. After a two years ' courtship they were married, and they later
came to make their home in Van Buren county, Michigan. Their
union has been blessed by the birth of two sons. Claude E. Fow-
ler married Miss Inga Krone, and they are now living on a farm in
Hartford township and are the parents of two fine children. Ray
B. Fowler was united in marriage to Miss Deldee Martin, and, like
his brother, is engaged in farming in Hartford township.

Fraternally Mr. Fowler is connected with Charter Oak Lodge
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is also a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a member of
Benevolence Chapter, No. 46, of the Order of the Eastern Star, in
which she was initiated on October 9, 1911. Politically Mr. Fowler

VoL n— 17

886 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

is allied with the party of Jefferson, Jackson and Cleveland, but he
has no desire for the honors and emoluments of public office and
takes no active part in party affairs.

Mr. Fowler 's farms are admirably located and are farmed by his
two sons. He and his wife are quiet, kindly and both liked and re-
spected by all who knew them.

Edward W. Ewald. — The very roots of a community's pros-
perity lie in the sturdiness and absolute integrity of its farmer
class. If these be strong men, with a heart for any undertaking,
the whole life around them grows into a solid fabric. The farmers
of Van Buren county are notable throughout the state for their in-
dustrious and progressive work, and not the least among the farm-
ers who have given the county its good name is Edward W. Ewald,
well-known in Hartford township as a fruit grower as well as a gen-
eral farmer. Edward Ewald was born in Saint Joseph township,
Berrien county, Michigan, in the city of St. Joseph, on July 17,
1871. He was the son of Fred J. and Mary (Grimm) Ewald, both
of whom were natives of Germany. The parents now make their
home in St. Joseph. Edward W. was the hfth born in a family of
thirteen children. When he was old enough he went to the local
district school, and continued there until he was eighteen, by which
time he had aquired a good general education. He then went to
w^ork on a fruit farm, and has ever since been connected with the
same industry.

On the seventeenth of December, 1895, was solemnized the mar-
riage of Mr. Ewald to Miss Clara Weber. She was born in
Stephensville, Michigan, March 3, 1873, the daughter of John and
Mary (Wright) Weber, and was reared in the city of St. Joseph,
where she attended the public schools until she was fifteen years
old. For three years she was employed as a clerk in a store in
St. Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Ewald became the parents of five chil-
dren, namely : Evelyn, Leonard, Walter, Mar jorie and Clare. Mr.
Ewald and his family attend the Baptist church, and he is one
of the trustees of the church. Both he and his wife have taken
a prominent part in the Sunday-school work of the church for a
long time.

Fraternally Mr. Ewald is a member of the Modern Woodmen
of America. In the field of politics he is to be found beneath the
Republican standard, and he was elected to be treasurer of St.
Joseph township, Berrien county, upon the ticket of that party.
He achieved an honorable and able record in that office.

In 1905 Mr. Ewald came to Van Buren county and purchased
the old Packer farm, two and a quarter miles southwest of Hart-
ford, in section 29 of Hartford township, where he and his family
have since made their home. Though a comparatively short time
in the county, Mr. and Mrs. Ewald already have a large number
of devoted and loyal friends, and have attained a high name
among all who have had the opportunity to meet them.

Jacob Oppenheim.— The story of the life of Jacob Oppenheim
is the story of industry, courage and a determined ambition, for

HISTORY OF VAN BIJREX COUxNTY 887

he came to this country forty years ago on borrowed money and
has attained his present successful position through his own splen-
did efforts. He is now vice president of the Olney National Bank
of Hartford, Michigan, and one of the town's highly respected
citizens.

Jacob Oppenheim was born in Russia, in July, 1854, the son of
Bernard and Minnie (Demboskey) Oppenheim, neither of whom
ever immigrated to this country. Mr. Oppenheim was reared in
the village of Vistiten, and attended the little school of the place
until his sixteenth year. When he w^as sixteen he made up his
mind to essay his fortunes in the newer territory of the United
States and accordingly immigrated to this country, locating first
at Goshen, Indiana. He soon came to Hartford, however, on his
peddling expedition. He carried his pack for almost a year be-
fore obtaining a horse. He later obtained a team, and in seven
years had earned enough to start a store in a small way. His
brother, Mark Oppenheim, had furnished him the money with
which to buy his passage to this country, and it was the same
brother who let him have his first stock of goods on credit. Both
kindnesses Jacob was able to pay back in later years. The little
store that Mr. Oppenheim started so many years ago has grown
into a prosperous business, besides which he has accumulated other
financial interests, including the stock he holds in the Olney Na-
tional Bank.

In 1885 Mr. Oppenheim was united in the bonds of holy matri-
mony to Miss Anna Mittenthal, of Detroit, Michigan. She was
bom in Utica, New York state. She and her husband have since
become the parents of three children. The eldest, M. 0. Oppen-
heim, is now the ow^ner of the clothing store, w^hile Beatrice, aged
fourteen, and Aubry, aged ten, are still school children.

Mr. Oppenheim is a member of Florada Lodge, No. 309, An-
cient Free and Accepted Masons. He is a stanch Republican, but
up to Cleveland's administration was a supporter of the Demo-
cratic party. He has held various offices of civic trust in the
village of Hartford, and always shown himself an efficient public
servant. It is interesting to note that Mr. Oppenheim has just
returned from his first visit to his native land, a trip, it may be
added, which has convinced him more than ever of the advantages
of a republican government over Russian autocracy.

JoiTK F. Nichols. — Prominent in the business world of Hart-
ford, Van Buren county, Michigan, for his progressive methods
and reputation as one who is always ''square" is John F. Nichols,
now the proprietor of a thriving feed business. He was born in
Arlington township, this county, July 23, 1865, the year of the end-
ing of the Civil war. He is the son of George W. and Laorenda
(Crapo) Nichols. George W. Nichols w^as born in New York state,
November 24, 1839, and died in Michigan, October 10, 1898. His
wife was a native of St. Joseph county, Michigan, born October 27,
1844, and is still living, making her home in Benton Harbor.

John F. Nichols was reared in this county and until he was
twenty years of age attended the district and Lawrence graded

888

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

schools on April 19, 1887, his marriage was solemnized at Mendon,
St. Joseph county, Michigan, the lady of his choice being Miss
Maggie A. Lash, who was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania,
September 29, 1865, and educated in the public schools of Mendon,
Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have no children. After their
marriage the young couple moved to a farm in Arlington, where
they remained four years before removing to Benton Harbor, in
which place Mr. Nichols became employed as a carpenter. After
ten years they returned to farm life, and spent two and a half
years on a farm in Van Buren county, finally, however, coming to
Hartford to engage in the poultry business. Until 1905 Mr. Nichols
bought and sold poultry, making quite a profitable undertaking
of the venture, but in that year he chose to become identified with
a cider mill, which he left in 1908 to take up his present enter-
prise as proprietor of a feed store. In this his long experience
as a farm and poultry dealer has served him in good stead. He
is now erecting a new house and bam on his Hartford property.
This making the fourth house he has built, he having sold all but
the one he now occupies.

Fraternally . Mr. Nichols is connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of Charter Oak Lodge,
No. 231, and is a past Noble Grand and the present treasurer
of the same. He is a member of an insurance company, the New
Era, of Grand Rapids. Politically he supports the men and
measures of the Democratic party, but he takes little interest in
the honors and emoluments of public office, though he now serves
on the town council.

George W. Ocobock. — A native of the state of New York, but
educated and reared in Michigan, where he has since been a
resident actively engaged in mercantile life in this state during
the greater part of the period and for the last twenty-seven years
in Hartford, George W. Ocobock has had experience and made
progress in one of the greatest states of the American Union. His
life began in Medina, Orleans county, New York, on February
22, 1853, and both on account of the date of his birth and his
high character, general probity and public spirit his name is
very properly George Washington. He is a son of James W.
and Susan (Ostrum) Ocobock, also natives of New York state,
and were of German ancestry. The father operated a shingle mill
in Muskegon county, Michigan, and the son was put to work in
this at an early age. He received a district school education and
remained with his parents until their death. Since the age of
fifteen years, Mr. Ocobock has made his own way in the world.
In pursuance of a determination to engage in the mercantile busi-
ness he located at Whitehall in Muskegon county in 1885. There
he was engaged in general merchandising for two years and then
moved to Hartford, where he opened a dry goods store, which he
has ever since been conducting. His business has steadily increased
as the years have passed, until now it is of considerable magni-
tude, his store being one of the most popular and satisfactory in
the township and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of the people

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 889

of the community in a high degree and to a large extent of the
county, wherever his dealings have made him known.

i\lr. Ocobock was married on March 19, 1890, to Miss Emma
Crager, w^ho was born in Berrien county, Michigan, and educated
in Hartford. They have no children, and both have been able
to take an active part in fraternal affairs. The husband is a past
master of Florada Masonic Lodge, No. 309, in Hartford, and
both husband and wife are energetic and serviceable members of
the order of the Eastern Star. In this order Mrs. Ocobock has
attained world-wide distinction. She is a past worthy grand ma-
tron of the Grand Chapter of the order in Michigan, serving in
1906 and 1907, and in 1910 was elected right worthy grand con-
ductress of the General Grand Chapter of the World. Her elec-
tion to these high offices in the order is a great honor to be con-
ferred on hjer, but all who know her zeal and fidelity in the service
of the organization, and the ability which she has displayed in
the performance of her duties in lower stations, know that she is
well worthy of any position it has to bestow, and highly quali-
fied to fill any with benefit to the order and renown to herself. But
the distinction is not all her own. It is greatly to the credit of
the members of the order in this state that they know how to
appreciate her membership at its real value, and no less to the
credit of the general membership that all have seen and recog-
nized her merit and demanded the benefit of her services in ex-
alted stations. And as she has been true and faithful in her
devotion to this order, so have she and her husband both been
to every public and private duty, for which the people of Van
I^uren county esteem them as among its best citizens.

VoLNEY W. Olds, the present postmaster of Hartford in this
county, has a very trying position, as the people of the community
are his patrons and he is expected to please them all. But they
knew his capacity, energy in everything he undertakes, and oblig-
ing disposition before his first appointment to the office, and the
good service they expected of him in the performance of its duties
has been given them, and it is highly to his credit that he is uni-
versally approved as a public official and well esteemed as a man
and citizen.

Mr. Olds was born on a farm in the township of his present
residence on October 31, 1869, and has never lived anywhere else.
He is a son of Allen 0. and Mahala (Lewis) Olds, both natives
of the state of New York. The father was brought by his parents
to Michigan when he was but one year old. He was reared on a
farm and educated in the neighborhood school. As he grew
toward manhood the Civil war began, and as soon as he was old
enough he joined the forces mustering for the defense of the
Union. He enlisted in Company G, Nineteenth Michigan Infantry,
and served in that company nearly four years, rising to the rank
of first lieutenant through meritorious service and holding that
rank when he was mustered out of the army.

After the close of his military career he returned to Hartford
township, and for many years he has resided in the village of

890 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Hartford. Here he served as alderman for eighteen years, and
in many other ways he has helped to promote the progress and
general welfare of the village and the township in which it is
located. He has long been a very enthusiastic member of the
Order of Odd Fellows and taken a prominent and helpful part
in the work of its different branches. He and his wife are the
parents of two children, their son Volney and their daughter
Minnie B.,*the latter of whom is employed as a bookkeeper in a
large establishment in Gary, Indiana.

Volney W. Olds passed his boyhood and early youth on his
father's farm and obtained his education in the Union school of
Hartford. At the age of sixteen, being eager to make his own
living, he accepted a position as clerk and salesman in a general
hardware store belonging to V. E. Manley. On February 29,
1904, he was appointed postmaster of Hartford, and in 1908 he
was appointed for a second term of four years, which has not
yet expired. He has taken a cordial interest also in the affairs
of his township and county, and given every project involving
their progress and improvement and the substantial and endur-
ing welfare of their people his earnest and effective support.

On July 17, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Estella
McAllister, the daughter of John and Lena ]\IcAllister and born
in Buchanan, Michigan. She was educated in schools in Niles,
St. Joseph and Hartford, being graduated from the high school
in the city last named in 1886. For some years after her gradua-
tion she was employed in her father's store. She is now the effi-
cient and popular assistant postmistress of the city, and a great
help to her husband in the management of the office. They have
no children.

John McAllister, the father of Mrs. Olds, was born in Scotland
in 1833, and was brought by his parents to the T-nited States when
he was only two or three years old. His father was highly edu-
cated of the University of Edinburgh. The family located near
Niles, Michigan, soon after its arrival in this country, and there
John McAllister grew to manhood and obtained his education.
For many years he has been one of the leading merchants and
most prominent and influential citizens of Hartford.

Mr. Olds is a Freemason in fraternal relations, holding his
membership in the order in FJorada Lodge, No. 309, at Hartford,
and also belongs to the camp of the Modern Woodmen of America
estahlished in that town. He is an ardent Republican in his
political connection, and has long been a faithful and effective
worker for the success of his party and a man of force and influ-
ence in its councils.

Timothy E. Blashfield. — Prominent in the lumber interests of
Van Buren county, and as citizens who can be relied upon to
foster whatever is advanced for the general welfare, are Timothy
E. Blashfield and his son, William H. Blashfield, both of Hart-
ford, Michigan. Timothy Blashfield was born in Clarendon, Cal-
houn county, Michigan, on January 5, 1846, the son of William
and Alvira (Keep) Blashfield, both of whom were natives of Homer,

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 891

New York state. William Blashfield was a son of Iddo Blash-
field, like his son, a native of Homer, New York. Both the Blash-
field and Keep families removed to Calhoun county, Michigan,
about the year 1836. It was there that the young people were mar-
ried and lived upon the fertile acres of their farms. They be-
came the parents oi four children, of whom Timothy is the only
one surviving to this date. The others were William, George and
Adelia Blashfield. Timothy E. was reared amid the pleasant and
healthful surroundings of the home farm located in Calhoun
county. Until he was eighteen he spent the summers helping hisf
father in the fields and his winters attending the district schools
of the vicinity. When he was eighteen he entered Albion College,
where he spent a year preparing himself for public school teach-
ing, and for nine Avinters thereafter he taught school, devoting his
summer interests to his farm.

In 1873 Mr. Blashfield was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Mary
E. Smith, the daughter of Abida Smith, and they were the parents
of three children, two of whom died in infancy. William H., and
the only surviving one, is his father's business partner. William
H. was born June 7, 1875, and was educated in the Hartford
public schools. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the
jeweler's trade, at which he worked until 1911, owning a half
interest in his business, while his mother owned the rest. He
married Miss Edith Montague, of Alpena, Alpena county, Mich-
igan. They have no children. He is a member of Florada Lodge,
No. 309, Ancient Free and Accepted JMasons, and both he and
his father carry insurance in the order of the Maccabees. His
mother passed to her eternal rew^ard in 1897. Timothy Blashfield
later remarried, being united to IMrs. Emilv Tavlor in December,
1899. She died in June, 1910.

Politically Timothy Blashfield is found in the ranks of the
Democratic party. His election to the office of treasurer of Hart-
ford township was upon the nomination of that y^arty. His son
also gives his allegiance to the party of Jefferson, Jackson and
Cleveland.

The prosperous business of the Blashfields is made up of deal-
ings in lumber, wire fence, cement, lime and brick.

William K. Scott, M. D. — Prominent among the leading phy-
sicians of Van Buren county is William K. Scott, M. D., who has
been in continuous practice at Bloomingdale for thirty-eight or
more years, during w^hich time he has gained a large and lucrative
practice, his natural talents and industry classing him among the
successful members of the medical profession. A native of Can-
ada, he was born in Farnham township, province of Quebec, a son
of John Scott, whose birth occurred in the same province.

Richard Scott, the Doctor 's grandfather, was, as far as known,
a native of Canada, and was of pure Scotch ancestry. During
his early life he was engaged in dairy farming in Canada, but
later he migrated to Michigan, and for a time was engaged in
agricultural and horticultural pursuits in Cooper township, Kala-
mazoo county, where he became owner of forty acres of land. Dis-

892 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

posing of his holdings in that locality, he bought forty acres of land
in Trowbridge township, Allegan county, Michigan, and was there
engaged in general farming and dairying, residing there until his
death, at the age of eighty-six years. He married a Miss Healy,
a native of Canada, and they reared seven children, as follows:
Henry, Rodman, John, Edw^ard, Mary, Mercy and Dorcas.

John Scott was brought up in Canada, and was there employed
as a farmer and hotel keeper until after his marriage. In the
early fifties he came with his family to Michigan, locating in Kala-
mazoo county, where lie embarked in business as a fruit grower,
making a specialty of raising apples and peaches. A few years
later he moved to Allegan county, .Michigan, and having pur-
chased forty acres of land in Trowbridge was there successfully
engaged in tilling the soil until his death, at the comparatively
early age of forty-five years. He married Rachel Johnson, who
was born in Montreal, Canada, a daughter of William Johnson and
his wife, a JMiss S wails. She is still living in Allegan county, a
venerable and highly respected woman of eighty-eight years. To
her and her husband five children were born and reared, namely:
William R., Rodman J., Henry H., Sarah A. and Mercy D.

But a small lad when his parents settled in Michigan, William
R. Scott obtained his preliminary education in the public schools,
and subsequently began the study of medicine with Dr. J. H. Ful-
ton in Otsego, Michigan. Going then to Cincinnati, Ohio, he at-
tended lectures at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College, and in
1870 began the practice of his profession in Bloomingdale, where
he has since continued, his success having been assured from the
first.

Dr. Scott married first in May, 1882, Etta Allen, who was born
in Pine Grove township, Van Buren county, a daughter of Henry
and Caroline Allen. Two children have blessed the union of Dr.
and Mrs. Scott, namely: Erma Aline and AVilliam A.

Fraternally Dr. Scott is a member of Bloomingdale Lodge, No.
221, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of ^Masons; of Paw Paw
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons,- of Lawrence Council, Royal and
Select Masters ; of Lawrence Commandery, Knights Templar, and
also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs.
Scott is likewise a member; of Bloomingdale Lodge, No. 16J, In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Bonifoi Lodge, No. 382,
Daughters of Rebekah, to w^hich IMrs. Scott also belongs.

Charles W. Arhbrook. — An enterprising and thriving agricul-
turist of Van Buren county, Charles W. Ashbrook, owning and
occupying a valuable farming estate in Bloomingdale township,
has brought to his independent vocation excellent business methods
and sound judgment, and in his undertakings has met with well
deserved success. A son of Joseph R. Ashbrook, he was born
April 6, 1855, in Goshen, Elkhart county, Indiana. His paternal
grandfather, Elias Ashbrook, was an early settler of Ohio, and
for many years owned and operated a tannery near Zanesville.
Migrating from there to Indiana, he conducted a tannery in the
vicinity of Goshen for some time. Selling his tannery, he moved

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 898

to Milford, Kosciusko county, Indiana, where he was engaged in
the grocery business continuously until his death, at the vener-
able age of eighty-seven years. He married Jane Smith, who
was born in Scotland, and died in Milford, Indiana, at the ad-
vanced age of ninety-four years. Her parents were weavers by
trade, operating hand looms in their native country. On coming'
from Scotland to America they brought a ciuantity of web with
them, intending to weave it after they were settled in their new
home, but could find in this country no loom fine enough to an-
swer their purpose, and the web is now preserved as an heirloom
by their descendants.

Joseph R. Ashbrook was })orn near Zanesville, Ohio, and when
a young man learned the trade of a cabinet maker, which he sub-
sequently followed for awhile in Goshen, Indiana. He afterwards
operated a sawmill at Milford, Indiana, manufacturing lumber.
Coming to Michigan in 1870, he, in partnership with Jonathan
Sell, bought a hotel at South Haven, and conducted it for about
four years. Selling his share at the end of that time, he ])ought
land in South Haven township, where he was profitably employed
in general farming for a number of years. Now, a venerable man
of eighty-seven years, he is living retired from active business at
Grass Lake, ^Michigan.

Joseph R. Ashbrook has been twice married. He married first
Jerusha Flagert, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of Jacob
Flagert, a blacksmith, who spent his last days in Milford, Indiana,
passing away at the age of four score years. She died in middle
life, leaving five children, Charles W., Jonathan, Amanda, Joseph
R. and Amos K. The father subsequently married for his second
life Avis King, now deceased.

Charles W. Ashbrook acquired his early education in Indiana,
attending the public schools of Milford and Goshen. After com-
ing to Michigan he was variously employed for awhile, eventually,
beginning his independent career as a farmer on rented land. For
fifteen years he leased land in Columbia township, and in 1893
bought his present farm in section twenty-eight, Bloomingdale town-
ship. Industrious, energetic and a wise manager, ]\Ir. Ashbrook
has made improvements on his place of great value, and is here
profitably engaged in general farming and dairying, each year
reaping a good income from his harvests.

Mr. Ashbrook married, in 1878, Alvina Baxter, who was born in
Bloomingdale township, a daughter of James Baxter. Mr. l^axter
was born in 1798, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where his
father William Baxter, a native of the North of Ireland, settled
just prior to his birth. He was brought up in his native state,
and thus learned the trade of a distiller. After the death of his
first wife he moved to Ohio, where he was for several years employed
in the butchering business. Coming to Van Buren county, Mich-
igan, with his family in 1850, Mr. Baxter was a pioneer of Bloom-
ingdale township. Purchasing from the government a tract of
timber land in section thirty, at one dollar and twenty five cents
an acre, he erected a log house and began the improvement of a
farm. The country throughout this section was then in its original

894 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

wildness, and he had but three neighbors within reasonable distance
from his clearing. Paw Paw was the nearest market and depot
for supplies, and as there were no roads in this vicinity a trip
there was somewhat of an undertaking. He cleared a large part
of his land, and was just preparing to erect a frame house when,
in 1872, his death occurred. Mr. Baxter was twice married, by
his first wife having five children, Daniel, William, Catherine,
Sarah and John. The maiden name of the second wife of Mr.
Baxter was Mary Hull. She was born in Ohio, a daughter of
Joseph and Catherine (Pyles) Hull, natives of Ohio. She died
in 1898, leaving five children, namely: Mary Ann; Alvina^ now
Mrs. Ashbrook ; Emily ; Joseph ; and James. Mr. and Mrs. Baxter
have six children, named Mina, Sidney, James, Mabel, Irwin and
Fern. Mina married George Confer and have two children, Ross
and Hope. Sidney married Georgie Arnold. Mabel married Conrad
Beach and they have two daughters, named Mona and Lucille. Mrs.
Ashbrook is a charter member of Bloomingdale Lodge, No. 148,
Order of the Eastern Star, and her son James is both a Mason
and an Odd Fellow.

Charles Linton. — A prominent business man of the village of
l^looiiiingdale, Charles Linton holds a position of note in manu-
facturing and mercantile circles, and as proprietor of both the
Bloomingdale and the Berlamont Creameries is an important factor
in advancing the dairy interests of this section of Van Buren
county. A son of Abel Kaye, he was born in Saint Croix county,
Wisconsin, of English lineage, his birth occurring in 1869.

Born in England, Abel Kaye was there brought up and edu-
cated. Immigrating to America in early manhood, he spent a few
years in Minnesota, and then went to Dunn county, Wisconsin,
where he bought land and was engaged in tilling the soil until
1900. Selling out in that year, he migrated to Ridgefield, Oregon,
where he has since resided, being employed in general farming.
IVIr. Kaye married Eliza Wilson, who was born in New England,
the birthplace, also, of her parents, who w^ere among the pioneer
settlers of Alinnesota. She died in 1871, leaving four children, as
follows : John, residing at Umatilla, Oregon ; Nettie, wife of
Charles N. Weber, of Ridgefield, Oregon ; Charles L. ; and Maude,
who died at the age of twenty years.

But two years old when his mother died, Charles Kaye, as he
was then called, was adopted by Francis ]\T. and Hannah (Adams)
Linton, and was legally given their name. Mr. Linton was a native
of Indiana and Mrs. Linton, of Ohio. They were engaged in farm-
ing for many years in Saint Croix county, Wisconsin, but are liv-
ing in Minneapolis, retired from active pursuits. Charles Linton
was given good educational advantages as a boy, and while assist-
ing in the care of the Linton farm developed a taste for agricult-
ure in all of its branches. Desirous of becoming proficient in the
art of making butter and cheese, he entered the dairy department
of the University of Wisconsin, at Madison, where he studied
faithfully a few months. Locating then in Saint Clair, JMinnesota,
Mr. Linton worked in a creamery a year, obtaining a practical

IIISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 895

knowledge of his chosen work, after which he took another course
of study at the University of Wisconsin, still further advancing
his knowledge. Going then to Illinois, Mr. Linton operated a
creamery in Shabbona for a year, after which he had charge of
the Polar Creamery in La Fayette, Indiana, for a year. Coming
from there to Van Buren county, Michigan, Mr. Linton operated
the Berlamont Creamery for nine years, and then purchased the
plant. Three years later, having met with eminent success in his
field of endeavor, he bought the cheese factory in IMoomingdale,
converted it into a creamery, and has since operated both plants
most successfully. Although he manufactures butter and cheese
at both plants, his principal production is butter, for which he
finds a ready market in Michigan, much of it being sold near
home and the remainder in Detroit.

Mr. Linton married, in 1893, Vielda Stafford, who was born
in Berlamont, Michigan, a daughter of Anson and Diana (Curtis)
Stafford. Mr. Linton is a w^ell-known and valued member of both
the Michigan Dairymen's Association and the National Creamery
Butter Makers' Association. Fraternally he belongs to Blooming-
dale Lodge, No. 221, Ancient Free and Acc^epted Order of Masons,
and to Bloomingdale Lodge, No. 161, Independent Order of Odd
Fellow^s. Mrs. Linton is a member of Bloomingdale Chapter, No.
158, Order of Eastern Star, and of Bonifoi Rebekah Lodge, No. 382.

George B. Connery. — Noteworthy among the enterprising and
successful agriculturists of Van Buren county is George B. Con-
nery one of the leading farmers of Bloomingdale tow^nship and a
fine representative of the native-born citizens of this county, his
i)irth having occurred here December 1, 1866. His father, George
W. Connery, was born in 1832 in Rutland, Vermont, a son of
Henry Connery, w^ho was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Ijearning the
blacksmith's trade when young, Henry Connery followed it in
Vermont for several years. In 1839 he came with his family to
Michigan, from Buffalo to Detroit coming by w^ay of the Lake.
Starting from Detroit with an ox team, he journeyed through the
wilderness to Hudson, Lenaw^ee county, where he was a pioneer
settler, and there, it is said, built the second chimney put up in
the village. After following his trade there for a time he bought
a farm lying four miles south of the village, and was there engaged
in tilling the soil until his death. To him and his wnfe eight children
were born, five sons and three daughters.

But seven years old when his parents settled in Lenawee county.
George W. Connery was reared among pioneer scenes, and w^hen
old enough to work in the woods assisted in the pioneer labor of
clearing a homestead. Succeeding to the occupation to which he
was brought up, he came to Van Buren county in early manhood
and bought from the government the south half of the northeast
quarter of section five, in Pine Grove tow^nship. The country
roundabout was then almost entirely in its pristine wdldness, with
here and there an opening in w^Wch the pioneer had reared his
log cabin. He built a small log house, cleared a few acres of his
purchase, and then sold out and bought the w^est half of the north-

896 HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY

east quarter of the same section, on which he made the first clear-
ing. Improving a large part of his land, he resided there until
1880, when he disposed of his farm at an advantage and bought
land in section seven, in the same township. Selling that a few
years later, he bought a farm in section one, Bloomingdale town-
ship, and at the end of five years sold out, and for a time resided
in Gobleville. Returning then to Pine Grove township, he pur-
chased land and was there employed in tilling the soil until his
death.

The maiden name of the wife of George W. Connery was Cor-
nelia Rockwell. She was born in Seneca county, Ohio, a daughter
of Russell R. and Hannah (Foster) Rockwell. Her father came
from Ohio to ^Michigan in pioneer days, making his way on foot
through the dense woods from Paw Paw to Trowbridge township,
Allegan county. Buying a tract of government land bordering
on Bare Line Lake, he erected a log cabin, returned to Ohio for
his family, and w^as afterwards engaged in farming on his newly-
purchased land until his death. Mr. and Mrs. George AV. Con-
nery reared four children, as follows: Elmer, Luella, George B.
and Homer.

Growing to manhood beneath the parental roof -tree, George B.
Connery obtained his education in the district schools, and be-
came acquainted with the many branches of agriculture while as-
sisting his father on the home farm. In 1891 he located on the
farm he now owns and occupies, and on which he has made prac-
tical and valuable improvements. It is pleasantly located in sec-
tion one, Bloomingdale township, on the shores of Sweet Lake.
By dint of industry, energy and good management Mr. Connery
has converted his land from its primitive condition to a highly
cultivated farm, with a good set of frame buildings, his property
in its appointments and equipments ranking with the best in the
vicinity.

Mr. Connery married, in 1891, Florence Lucelia Sage, who was
born in Bloomingdale township, a daughter of William Sage. Her
grandfather, Patrick Sage, was born in county Limerick, Ireland,
where his parents, William and Catherine (O'Brien) Sage, were
life-long residents. Soon after his marriage Patrick Sage settled
in county Clare, Ireland, and began farming on rented land. Dur-
ing the three years' famine in the forties he managed to support
his family, but being unable to pay his rent was evicted. His
wife in the meantime had died, leaving him with six little children.
Placing these children under the care of their grandparents, he
came to America to begin life anew. Landing in Boston, he worked
as opportunity occurred for a time, and then went to New York
state, where he was employed in laying stone on the Erie Canal,
making his home in Manlius. As soon as he had acquired the
means he sent for his children. In 1860 he came to Van Buren
county, ^Michigan, bought land in section twenty-seven, I^loom-
ingdale township, and having erected a log cabin in the wilderness
began the improvement of a fafm, on which he resided until his
death, at the age of seventy-five years. Patrick Sage's wife,
whose maiden name was Catherine Ryan, was born in county

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 897

Clare, Ireland, a daughter of John Ryan, who served for twenty
years in the British Army, and, having lost his sight in India,
received a pension during the later years of his life. William
Sage, Mrs. Connery's father, was but a boy when he joined his
father in New York state. Coming to Van Buren county with
the family, he subsequently bought a tract of land in section
twenty-six, Bloomingdale township, where he was successfully en-
gaged in farming for many years, but is now living retired from
active pursuits in Paw Paw, Michigan. He married Sarah Gay,
who was born in the state of New York, a daughter of George and
Mary Gay.

Mr. and Mrs. Connery usually attend the Methodist Episcopal
church. Fraternally Mr. Connery formerly belonged to Bloom-
ingdale Lodge, No. 221, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of
Masons, but demitted from that and joined Gobleville iLodge, No.
393, of the same order.

Jacob S. Eastmak. — Numbered among the active and well-to-do
agriculturists of Van Buren county is Jacob S. Eastman, whose
highly improved farm is located in Bloomingdale township. A
native of Michigan, he was born October 2, 1844, in Cass county,
where his father, John Eastman, was a pioneer settler.

Born and bred in New England, John Eastman acquired a good
education in his home town, and as a young man came to Michigan
ere it had yet put on the garb of statehood, locating in Cass county.
The greater part of the territory was then owned by the govern-
ment and on sale at one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre. There
were then no railways in this section of the country, and the dense
forests were inhabited by wild animals and game of all kinds
for many years after he came here. He rented land and carried
on general farming with satisfactory results, in addition to man-
aging his estate operating one of the first threshing machines intro-
duced into this section of the state. On the farm which he im-
proved he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1847.

John Eastman married Maria Gilbert, who was born in New
England and, like her husband, there received an academical edu-
cation. Surviving him, she married for her second husband Hiram
Richardson, of Cass county, and in 1863 removed with him to
Allegan county, Michigan, and there ^pent her last years in Cheshire
township. By her marriage with Mr. Eastman she reared six
children, as follows: Alfred, Mary A., Rozene, Horace, Adelaide
and Jacob. She had two children by her second marriage, but
neither are now living.

Two and one-half years old when his father's death occurred,
Jacob S. Eastman lived with his mother until he was ten years
old, when he became self-supporting, at first working for his board
and clothing and winter schooling, having some winters to walk
two and one-half miles to attend school. He began receiving wages
after awhile, and in 1862 enlisted as a soldier, but on account of
his youth was not accepted for service in the army. He was em-
ployed, however, by the government as a teamster, and in that
capacity accompanied General Grant's division, being for a long

898 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

time with the First Kansas and Eightli ^Missouri Regiments in
Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. Early in 1865 Mr. East-
man enlisted in Company B, Ninth Michigan Volunteer Infantry,
and served in ''Pap" Thomas' army, much of the time being at
the General's headquarters, l^eing honorably discharged from the
service in October, 1865, he returned to ]\lichigan and entered the
employ of D. A. Blodgett, a lumberman, working for awhile in
the w^oods. In 1879 Mr. Eastman bought one hundred and eight
acres of land in Bloomingdale township, in sections one and two.
About twenty acres had been cleared and a log house and stable
had thereon been erected. Assuming its possession, he began clear-
ing the timber from the remainder of the tract, and since that time
has carried on general farming with eminent success. As he ac-
cumulated money Mr. Eastman wisely invested it in other lands,
buying first forty-eight acres adjoining his original purchase, and
afterwards buying the fifty acres on which he now resides, his
holdings now amounting to two hundred and six acres, on which
he has made improvements of an excellent character.

Mr. Eastman married, in 1872, Elizabeth Long, w^ho w^as born
in Summerville, Cass county, Michigan, a daughter of David Long
and granddaughter of Jacob Long, w^hose father, Adam Long, and
grandfather, John Long, were life-long residents of Virginia. Jacob
Long was born in Virginia, November 20, 1791, and after his mar-
riage with Elizabeth Keplinger moved to Reno, Indiana, which
is still the home of some of his descendants. Born in Virginia,
David Long removed to Michigan, locating in Summerville, Cass
county, where he practiced medicine a number of years, being the
pioneer physician of that part of the state, traveling on horse-
back to visit his numerous patients. On retiring from his pro-
fession, the Doctor purchased land in Calvin township, Cass county,
and there resided until his death. Dr. Long married Sarah Russey,
who was born in Indiana, February 20, 1826, and died April 1*4,
1883. Her father, William Russey, a son of James and Sarah
Russey, was born December 12, 1785, and was married, October
14, 1806, to Mary Talbot, who was born December 22, 1785, a
daughter of Jacob and Susanna Talbot. Dr. David Long survived
his wife some years, dying August 25, 1889. To him and his wife
six children were born and reared, as follows: Mary Caroline,
Winfield Taylor who died on the 9th of August, 1901 ; Ambrose
Henley, Ann Elizabeth, Martha J. and Minnie Merritt.

Mr. and Mrs. Eastman are the parents of three children, namely :
Sarah Elma, who married Albert James, has one daughter, Frances
James; Zelda Arrissa, wife of William Pullen and has one daugh-
ter named Violet Elizabeth ; and Arba M., born in 1877, married
Ethel Leach, and died in 1907, leaving five children, Mildred, Rolla,
J. G., Emma and Charlie. Mr. Eastman is a member of Calvin Post,
No. 59, Grand Army of the Republic. Religiously he was reared
in the Sw^edenborgian faith, while Mrs. Eastman's mother was a
Quaker and her father, a Presbyterian.

Hon. Harvey H. Howard. — A venerable and highly esteemed
resident of Bloomingdale village, Honorable Harvey H. Howard

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUxNTY 899

has been a resident of Van Buren county for upwards of three score
years, during which time he has been actively identified with the
advancement of the agricultural and industrial prosperity of his
community and has established for himself a hne reputation as a
thoroughly honest man and good citizen. Having as a farmer ac-
complished a most satisfactory work, he and his good wife are now
living retired, enjoying to the utmost the fruits of their earlier years
of toil. A son of Barnard M. Howard, he was born September 6,
1825, in Sweden township, Monroe county, New York, of New Eng-
land ancestry. His paternal grandfather. Rev. Timothy Howard, a
native of ]\lassachusetts, w^as educated for the ministry, and for
many years was a Free Will Baptist preacher in Oneida county,
New York, where his last years were spent.

Barnard M. Howard was born in Oneida county. New York, in
October, 1791. Migrating to Monroe county, New^ York, in early
manhood, he passed through the now beautiful city of Rochester
when its only only habitation was a log cabin, with no indication
whatever of its present prosperity. Locating in Sweden town-
ship, he purchased a tract of timber land, and from the dense
forest began the arduous task of redeeming a farm, his first w^ork
being to clear a space in which he might erect a log house. He
met wdth good success in his labors, and in the course of a few
years had a productive farm, wiiile the little log cabin had been
replaced by a frame house, and other frame buildings had been
erected. On this homestead property he spent the remainder of
his days, dying at the age of fifty-nine years. He married Nancy
Hinkley, a daughter of Jonathan N. Hinkley, and she survived
him, attaining the age of seventy-three years. She reared six chil-
dren, as follow^s: Jonathan N., Henry M., Zenas C, INlary, Harvey
II. and Joseph P.

Receiving a good common school education in his native county
and being reared by a father who w^as well versed in agriculture,
Harvey H. Howard became familiar with all branches of that
independent industry in his youthful days, and selected farming
as his life occupation. In 1850, soon after his marriage, Mr.
Howard came to Michigan on a prospecting tour, and being pleased
with Van Buren county and its prospects bought a tract of tim-
ber land in section four, Bloomingdale tow^nship. Having erected
a log cabin, he returned East for his wife, and with her came,
by way of the Erie Canal and Lake Erie, to Detroit, thence by
railway to the railroad terminus, Lawton, Michigan, and from
there with a team to their home in Bloomingdale township, leav-
ing Lawton early in the morning and not reaching their point of
destination until after candle-light. The greater part of Michigan
was then in its primitive wildness, much of the land being still
owned by the government. The wild beasts of the forest had not
then fled before the advancing steps of civilization, but roamed at
will, and the few inhabitants of that vicinity lived in a primitive
manner, possessing but few of the modern conveniences, their lux-
uries being now our necessities. Laboring with energy and resolu-
tion of purpose, Mr. Howard cleared and improved a fine and
highly productive farm, on which he resided until 1902. In that

900 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

year he and his wife moved into the village of Bloomingdale, where
they have a pleasant and cheerful home and are enjoying life.

Mr. Howard married, January 8, 1850, Sarah Cooley, who was
born on the 10th of August, 1831, in a log cabin in Sweden town-
ship, Monroe county. New York, a daughter of James B. Cooley
and granddaughter of Thomas and Eunice (Barrett) Cooley, pi-
oneer settlers of Sweden township. James B. Cooley was but
a child when his parents settled on a farm in Sweden township.
He became a farmer from choice, and when ready to start in life
for himself installed his bride in the log cabin in which their
children were born, and which was located just across the road
from the old Howard homestead. Mr. Cooley was subsequently
there employed in tilling the soil until his death, at the com-
paratively early age of forty-six years. He married Adeline Fargo,
who was born at German Flats, New York, and she died when
but thirty-one years old. Mr. and Mrs. Howard have reared two
children, namely: Clara and Edward M. Clara is the wife of
Davis Haven, and has two children, Mabel and Lois. Edward
M. married Carrie A. Church, and they have three children, Oren
Harvey, Edward M. and Neta. Mrs. H. H. How^ard is a member
of the Baptist church, of which her husband is an attendant and
a liberal supporter.

A Whig in politics during his early life, Mr. Howard cast his
first presidential vote for Zachary Taylor. Since the formation of
the Republican party, however, he has been one of its most loyal
supporters, and has served his fellow-citizens in various official
capacities. He assisted in organizing the first school district on
the base line in Bloomingdale township and served as moderator
at the meetings and also served as a school director. He served
two terms as justice of the peace, nine terms as a member of the
County Board of Supervisors and has been a member of the Board
of Review since the board was established, being a member at the
present time. Pie has been twice elected as a representative to the
State Legislature, and had the honor of voting for Thomas A.
Palmer for United States senator. Fraternally he has been a
member of Bloomingdale Lodge, No. 221, Ancient Free and Ac-
cepted Order of Masons, since 1871, and of Bloomingdale Lodge,
No. 161, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, since 1872. Mr.
Howard and his brothers were natural musicians, and before leav-
ing New York state played in the local band, and after coming
to Bloomingdale township Mr. Howard was a member of the first
band organized in this part of Van Buren county. Mr, Howard
also, with his brothers Zenas C. and Joseph P., built the railroad
station at Bloomingdale and presented it to the railroad company.

Edv^ard a. Haven. — Widely known throughout Van Buren
county in connection with his business associations, Edward A.
Haveji, of Bloomingdale village, manager of the Bloomingdale
Produce and Lumber Company, was for several years the state
food inspector and instructor in cheese making at the State Agri-
cultural College. A son of Augustus Haven, he was born in Bloom-
ingdale township, August 3, 1862. He comes of excellent New

HLSTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 901

England stock his grandfather, Davis Haven, a native of Ver-
mont, having been the son of Elisha Haven, who was a descendant
in the seventh generation from Richard and Susanna Haven, who
immigrated from the west of England to America in 1640.

Elisha Haven, who was a blacksmith, followed his trade at
Shoreham, Vermont, until 1820, when he removed with his family
to Portage county, Ohio, making the long and tedious journey
through the wilderness with teams. One of the early settlers of
Shalerville, Portage county, he continued his residence there until
his death, at the venerable age of eighty-two years. His wife,
whose maiden name was Molly Goodell, was born in Vermont, and
died in Shalerville, Ohio, when upwards of four score years old.
She reared eight children, four sons and four daughters.

Davis Haven was thirteen years old when his parents moved
from Vermont to Ohio. On attaining his majority he bought forty
acres of timber land in Shalerville township, and in the space
which he cleared built the log cabin in which his older children
were born. He improved the land, erected a good set of buildings,
and lived there until 1865. Selling out in that year, he came to
^lichigan, locating in Genesee county, where he purchased two
hundred and forty acres of land, on which he was successfully
engaged as a tiller of the soil until his death, in 1869. The
maiden name of his first wife, Mr. Haven's grandmother, was
Julia Adams. She was born in Ohio, a daughter of Augustus and
Mary (Hine) Adams, natives of Connecticut and pioneer settlers
of Portage county, Ohio. She died at the early age of thirty-
seven years, leaving five children, namely : Mary, Augustus, Cyn^
thia, Martha and Warren.

x\ugustus Haven was born in Portage county, Ohio, and there
acquired an excellent education. He began his career as a teacher
at the age of eighteen years, and taught three terms in Ohio. In
.1854 he came to Van Buren county, ^Michigan, traveling by rail
to Lawton, then by stage to Paw Paw, from there footing it through
the intervening woods to Bloomingdale township. Securing forty
acres of government land in section eighteen, he was also fortunate
enough to buy eighty acres in the same section from a settler, who
had cleared five acres of his tract and had put up a log cabin.
Beginning at once to clear his land, he rolled together huge piles
of logs that would now be of great value and burned them, that
being the only way to dispose of them. While living in Ohio he
had learned the manufacture of dairy products, and after a few
years engaged in the making of cheese in addition to general farm-
ing. He improved his land, erected good buildings, and lived
there until 1866, when he sold out and bought the farm in section
seventeen, Bloomingdale township, where he has since resided. He
married, in 1854, Emily McLellan, who was born in Erie county,
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Henry and Melissa McLellan, natives
of Pennsylvania and of Scotch ancestry. She died in 1907.

Having completed the course of study in the public schools,
Edward A. Haven attended the State Agricultural School and at
the age of nineteen began teaching school. While young he as-
sisted his father in the making of cheese, working in the factory.

Vol. tl— 18

902 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

and after his return from College he was engaged in the manu-
facture of cheese during the summer months and teaching m
winter. Going to Oregon in 1886, he taught school in Rosebury
two years, and then returned to Michigan and farmed until 1895.
He then bought the Bloomingdale Cheese factory which he con-
ducted until 1905, then selling the factory to Charles Linton, who
converted it into a creamery, one of the leading industries of the
village. In 1905 Mr. Haven was elected state food inspector
and served continuously until 1910, at the same time being in-
structor of cheese making at the State Agricultural College. In
1910 he accepted his present position as manager of the Bloom-
ingdale Produce and Lumber Company, and is filling it ably and
satisfactorily.

:\Ir. Haven married in 1892 Myrtle L. Edwards, who was born
in Cheshire township, Allegan county, a daughter of James and
Mary (Galusha) Edwards, the former of whom was a native of
England, while her mother was born and reared in New York
state. Mr. and Mrs. Haven have one daughter. Iris. One of the
leading Republicans of his community, Mr. Haven has served as
chairman of the Republican County Committee, and is a member
of the local school board, of the village council and vice president
of the Commercial Club.

Dr. Oel E. Lanphear. — The science and art of dental surgery
is one of the most progressive in the whole range of human
activity, and requires an alert, studious and enterprising man
to keep up with it in its rapid advances. Every month brings
some new discovery or invention in connection with it, designed
to improve its methods, secure better results from its work, or
aid in lessening the horrors of its chair torture. To say, then,
that a practitioner of dentistry is up-to-date is to give him credit
for wide knowledge and great skill in connection with his profession,
and stamp him as a man who keeps pace with a rapid current of
evolution and development.

Dr. 0. E. Lanphear, of Paw Paw, one of the leading dentists
in this part of Michigan, is entitled to full recognition and credit
as such a man. He is diligently studious of his profession in all
its branches, and keeps himself abreast of its most advanced thought
and discoveries. And in his practice he gives his patrons the full
benefit of his knowledge and the skill he has acquired in his grade
work. He is genial and companionable, too, and by his manner of
receiving and treating them, aids greatly in quieting apprehension
and stimulating courage in his patients, and thus secures their co-
operation in what he has to do for them.

Dr. Lanphear is a native of Van Buren county, his life having
begun at Lawrence on June 25, 1876. He is a son of Orin P. and
Josephine I. (Dolson) Lanphear, the former a native of Water-
town, Jefferson county. New York, born on December 20, 1847,
and the latter of Michigan, born on August 10, 1852. 0. P.
Lanphear spent his early days with his parents on a farm and en-
listed in the One Hundred and Eight-sixth New York Infantry at
the age of sixteen, and served until the close of the Civil war.

. o\ ^^i^-n^^</C^<t^>^

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 903

He served mostly in Virginia, in the army of the Potomac. His
regiment was present at the surrender of General Lee and from
there he went to Washington to take part in the Grand Review.
He was mustered out, and went to Sackett's Harbor, New York,
where he was discharged, thence home, and spent two years with
his folks. He moved to Michigan with his father and mother and
was engaged in farming for several years. Then he returned to
the state of his nativity and served an apprenticeship to the all
mason's trade, becoming a mason contractor. As cement came to
the front rank in the building trades, he carried on the business
of cement contractor, supplying the cement and supervising the
building of cement foundations and other similar work. He is now
living retired on a farm in Lawrence.

Of the six children born of their union five are living: O. E.,
the subject of this sketch; Jennie, the wife of Fred Carroll, of
this county; Charles R., a resident of Paw Paw; J. E., who lives
in Lawrence ; and Howard, w^ho is still at home with his parents.
Orin, the second of the six in the order of birth, died at the age of
two years.

Dr. 0. E. Lanphear Avas graduated from the Lawrence high
school in 1895, and then taught school on the Paw Paw town-
ship line for one year. At the end of that period he entered
the dental department of the State University at Ann Arbor,
where he pursued a full course of instruction and practice in
dental surgery, and was graduated in 1901, after passing three
years in the institution, which he entered in 1898. He came at
once to Paw Paw from the University and opened an office for
the practice of his profession. In this he has been actively en-
gaged with a rapidly growing patronage and extending repu-
tation ever since, winning high regard among the people by the
excellence of his professional work and his enterprising, up-to-
date methods, his office being one of the most thoroughly equipped
with the latest appliances for the practice of dental surgery in the
state of Michigan.

In addition to his profession as a doctor of dental surgery he
has also taken a special course in anesthesia, and to this he has
given considerable time and study and is regarded as an author-
ity on this subject. Along these lines he has gone very thor-
oughly into the properties and administration of the newest
anesthetic now before the public, known as Somno form and has
the only complete equipment for its administration, in combination
with other anesthetics, in Van Buren county, and in this respect
has been very successful.

The doctor w^as married on June 25, 1902, to Miss Mamie L.
Gould, a daughter of Otis and Elizabeth (Maxwell) Gould, who
have three children, all daughters. Dr. and Mrs. Lanphear have
two children : Marvel G., who was born on September 21, 1905,
and Loel G., whose life began on July 22, 1908. The doctor is
a Republican in politics and in fraternal circles belongs to the
Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias. His religious connec-
tion is with the Congregational church. He takes a great interest
m the welfare of his church and the affairs of each of his fra-

904 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

ternities, as he does in everything that is promotive of the bet-
terment of the people around him and the progress and develop-
ment of the region in which they live. He ardently desires the
best that can be attained for Paw Paw and Van l^uren county, and
shows it in the most practical manner on all occasions and in every
M^ay open to his helpful and stimulating efforts.

Thomas Harvey Ransom, M. D. — Engaged in the practice of
one of the more important of the various professions and pursuits
to which men devote their time and energies, Thomas Harvey
Ransom, M. D., of Bloomingdale, has acquired prominence not
only in the medical circles of Van Buren county, but in the busi-
ness and social life of his community. A son of William Clark
Ransom, M. D., he was born in Grant county, Indiana, of Revolu-
tionary stock, his great-grandfather, James Ransome, a resident
of Union county, Pennsylvania, having served as a soldier in the
Revolutionary war.

The Doctor's paternal grandfather, James Ransom, Jr., was
born in Union county, Pennsylvania, in 1809, coming from thrifty
Scotch ancestry. After learning the blacksmith trade he moved
to Ohio and lived in Belmont and Guernsey counties until 1836.
In that year, following the trend of migration westward, he made
an overland journey to Indiana, going into the interior as far as
Blackford county, being forced to cut his way through the heavy
timber the last five miles of his trip. Settling in the wilderness, five
miles from the nearest neighbor, he bought a tract of land, and
in the opening which he made in the forest erected the typical
pioneer log cabin, which was the first home of the family. Work-
ing with indomitable perseverance, he improved a good homestead,
and was there engaged in tilling the soil until his death, in 1862.
His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Anderson, was born
near Baltimore, Maryland, and died, in 1873. Twelve of their
children grew to years of maturity and married. Three of the
sons became physicians, two of them became prosperous merchants
and one was a contractor and builder.

William Clark Ransom, M. 1)., was born in Belmont county,
Ohio, December 6, 1828, and in boyhood accompanied his parents
to Blackford county, Indiana, where, amid pioneer scenes, he
grew to man's estate. For a year after attaining his majority
he worked for a neighboring stockman. Not content, however,
to spend his life in rural occupations, he started in 1850 for Cali-
fornia, visiting on the way New Orleans, Mexico, Cuba and the
Sandwich Islands. At the end of nine months he landed at San
Francisco, without a penny to his name. The ensuing year he
worked on a ranch, receiving one hundred and twenty-five dollars
a month wages. He then took up a tract of land that is now in-
cluded within the limits of the city of San Jose, but soon sold his
claim for six thousand dollars, and put the money in a bank that
soon after failed. During the time he earned one thousand five
hundred dollars mining, and loaned the entire sum to a merchant
who, likewise, failed a few months later.

Before leaving home, William Clark Ransom had paid some

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 905

attention to the study of medicine, and when starting westward
had taken his books with him, and had spent his leisure time in
advancing his professional knowledge. Giving up mining, there-
fore, he became an interne in a private hospital in Sacramento,
where he remained two years. Then, accompanying a surgeon
general of a company of militia, he went to northern California
and Oregon to care for the sick soldiers. Four years later he was
stationed in a like capacity on an Indian reservation in ^ el Norte
county, California, where he continued for a time. In 1864, pur-
chasing four hundred dollars worth of drugs, he went to the
island of Otaheite, in the South Pacific ocean, making the passage
on an American built schooner. There disposing of his drugs, he
visited China, after which he returned, on a man-of-war, to Ota-
heite Island, locating in the village of Papieti, where he was for
awhile employed in caring for the sick whalers that landed there.
He afterwards visited the Fiji Islands, New Zealand and Aus-
tralia, from the latter place going to South America on March 6,
1865, and landing in Valparaiso, Chili, where he subsequently
learned of the assassination of President Lincoln. From there he
sailed to Calloa, Peru, thence to Quito, Ecuador, where he sailed
for New York, coming home by way of the Isthmus of Panama,
arriving at Hartford, Indiana, in the fall of 1865.

After practicing medicine in Hartford, Indiana, for a year or
more. Dr. William C. Ransom further pursued his studies at the
Cleveland Medical College, and in 1870 w^as graduated from the
Indiana Medical College. Removing to South Haven, Michigan,
in 1881, he engaged in the practice of his profession, and also
became an important factor in advancing the mercantile and in-
dustrial interests of the place, becoming a member of the clothing
firm of HemDsted Brothers & Ransom, and an extensive real estate
dealer. A man of rare enterprise and judgment, he embarked in
an entirely new venture in 1884, building a boat which he located
with produce and took down the Mississippi river to New Orleans,
where he sold both the boat and its cargo. He subsequently built
three other boats for the same purpose, and was likewise engaged
in lake transportation, building the ''Harvey Ransom,'' and other
good boats that plied Lake Michigan. Going to the extreme
Northwest in 1893, he explored Oregon, Washington and Alaska,
and is now a resident of Klamath, Oregon. He is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has passed all of the
chairs of the subordinate lodge and of the Encampment. His
wife, whose maiden name was Mary Emily Hodson, was born in
Grant county, Indiana, November 22, 1848, a daughter of Samuel
and Phebe Hodson.

The only child of his parents, Thomas Harvey Ransom received
his preliminary education in the common schools, and after his
graduation from the South Haven high school began the study
of medicine. He attended the University of Michigan, and was
graduated from^he Central College of Physicians and Surgeons,
at Indianapolis, Indiana, and later took post graduate courses in
Philadelphia and Chicago. Beginning the practice of his profes-
sion at South Haven, Michigan, Dr. Ransom remained therf^ a

906 HISTORY OP VAN BUREx\ COILNTY

year, and then settled in Lacota, Van Buren county. While in
college, Dr. Ransom was active in base ball matters, and after
practicing medicine in Lacota for a year entered the base ball
lield as a professional and played two seasons with his team.
Coming then to Bloomingdale, the Doctor has practiced here since,
and is now recognized as one of the leading physicians and surgeons
of this part of the county.

In 1901 the Doctor was united in marriage with Nellie Pearl
Wiggins, who was born in Bloomingdale, a daughter of Honorable
Milan D. and Maria F. (Hubbard) Wiggins, of whom a brief
sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Three children have been
born to Dr. and Mrs. Ransom, namely: Theone, Ruth and Milan
Wiggins. The Doctor is a man of excellent business ability, and
is interested in the Bloomingdale Milling Company. He is a
member of the Kalamazoo, the Van Buren County and the Mich-
igan State Medical Societies, and of the American Medical Asso-
ciation. A steadfast Republican in politics, he cast his first presi-
dential vote, in 1892, for Benjamin Harrison. Although not an
office seeker, he served six years as president of the local school
board, and in 1910 and 1911 was elected mayor of Bloomingdale,
the highest municipal office within the gift of his fellow-citizens.
Fraternally Dr. Ransom is a member of Bloomingdale Lodge No.
221, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons; of Paw Paw
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and of Bloomingdale Lodge, No.
161, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at the present writing
being chairman of the committee on by-laws of the Grand Chapter.
Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church.

Marlin Lee Wilmot. — ^Prominent among the energetic and able
agriculturists who have been actively associated with the advance-
ment of the farming interests of Van Buren county is Marlin Lee
Wilmot, who is profitably engaged in his chosen vocation on the
paternal homestead in Bloomingdale township, managing it with
ability and success. He was born March 19, 1863, in Eaton town,
ship, Lorain county, Ohio, which was also the birthplace of his
father, Albert Wilmot.

Silas Wilmot, his grandfather, was born in Connecticut, and was
there brought up and educated. At the age of twenty years he
married Chide Tyler, one of his early school-mates, and very soon
afterward started for the then far West to seek a home. He was ac-
companied on his trip by a friend, Ira Morgan, with whom he made
his way on foot to the wilds of Lorain county, Ohio, each carry-
ing in addition to their other baggage an axe. Spending their
first night in Lorain county under the spreading branches of a
maple tree, they slept soundly. After prospecting awhile, Silas
Wilmot bought a tract of land on Butternut Ridge, in Eaton town-
ship, and having erected a log house was soon joined by his young
wife, who made the journey from her New England home with
another party of pioneers. All of that section of the country was
then in its primeval wildness, Cleveland being a mere hamlet, with
the land now included within its city limits for sale at one dollar
and twenty-five cents an acre. The wild beasts of the forest had

HISTORY OF VAN BURExN COUNTY 907

not then fled before the advancing steps of civilization, but, with
the dusky savage, habited the vast wilderness. Clearing and im-
proving a good farm, he resided on it until his death, at the age
of sixty-five years. His wife, who died when but forty-five years
old, was the mother of fourteen children, all of whom grew to
years of maturity, eleven of them marrying and rearing families.

Born April 24, 1829, Albert Wilmot attended the pioneer schools
of Eaton township in his native county, and subsequently began
the study of medicine preparatory to entering upon a professional
career. On account of the ill health of his father, however, he
relinquished his studies, returned home, and had the charge of
the parental acres until 1865. Disposing then of his share of
the home farm, he migrated to Michigan, and having located in
Van Buren county purchased timbered land in section two, Bloom-
ingdale township. Five acres of the land had been previously
cleared, and a board house stood upon the place. Continuing the
improvements already inaugurated, he placed much of the land
under cultivation, erected a good set of frame buildings, the house
overlooking Duck Lake, and carried on farming successfully for
many years. Here, having accomplished r satisfactory work, he
is now living retired, enjoying all the comforts of modern life.

Albert Wilmot married, in 1857, Sarah A. Lee, who was born in
Newfleld, Tompkins county. New York, June 13, 1832, a daughter
of George W. Lee. Her grandfather, Solomon Lee, was born in
the same locality, of English ancestry, and spent his entire life
in or near Fishkill. In 1845 George W. Lee removed from Tomp-
kins county. New York, to Whitley county, Indiana, where, but
a year later, his death occurred. His wife, whose maiden name
was Hannah Wooden, was born in Fishkill, New York, and died
in Whitley county, Indiana, on the very same day of his demise,
leaving four children, as follows: Marena, John Emery, Esther
and Sarah A. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wilmot reared two children,
Marlin Lee, the special subject of this sketch, and Elma, who died at
the age of nineteen years.

But two years old when brought by his parents to Blooming-
dale township, Marlin Lee Wilmot obtained his education in the
rural schools of his district, and from his earliest years assisted on
the farm. Since the failure of his father's health, Mr. Wilmot
has devoted his entire time and energy to the management of the
homestead property, continuing each year to add improvements
of value. The land is now under a high state of cultivation, while
the buildings rank with the best in the neighborhood, the estate,
which is picturesquely located on an elevation overlooking Duck
Lake, being one of the most attractive and desirable in the town-
ship.

In 1894 Mr. Wilmot was united in marriage with Edna M. Mer-
riam, who was born in Trowbridge township, Allegan county,
Michigan, and is of stanch New England stock, her father, George
0. Merriam, having been a native of Vermont, while her mother,
whose maiden name was Helen Minckler, was born on the Isle of
La Motte, in Lake Champlain. Mr. and Mrs. Wilmot have one
daughter, Helen Sarah Wilmot. Fraternally Mr. Wilmot is a

908 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

member of Woodmen Graage, No. 610, Patrons pf Husbandry;
and of Gobleville Lodge, No. 393, Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows.

Charles J. Anderson. — Many of the more enterprising and
thrifty agriculturists of our country were born across the sea,
prominent among the number being Charles J. Anderson, of Bloom-
ingdale, Van Buren county, whose birth occurred January 16,
1864, in Westervik, province of Smaland. His father, Andrew J.
Anderson, a farmer in Sweden, where he has spent his entire life,
reared two sons and three daughters, all of whom, with the excep-
tion of his son Charles, still reside in their native land, his other
son, Gustav Emil, being engaged in farming in Smaland.

Leaving school at the age of fifteen years, Charles J. Anderson
worked on the home farm until 1884, when he entered the mer-
chant marine service, sailing for eight months on an English ves-
sel and for seven months on a German vessel, during which time
he visited all of the important sea ports of Europe. Immigrating
to America, the land of promise, in 1887, Mr. Anderson was va-
riously occupied for a time, finally becoming an entry clerk for
the widely know^n firm of Hibbard, Spencer & Bartlett, of Chi-
cago, Illinois, in whose employ he continued for ten years. Re-
signing his position, he then visited his parents and friends, re-
maining in Sweden ten months. Returning to Chicago, ^Ir. Ander-
son was there employed as a watchman for nearly a year and a
half. Coming from there to Van Buren county, Michigan, he
bought an estate in Bloomingdale township, where he has since
been profitably engaged in general farming and poultry raising.

Mr. Anderson married, in 1891, Augusta Olev, who was born
in Sweden, where her parents were life-long residents, she and
three of her sisters being the only members of the family to come
to America. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have one child, Lillie Augusta.
Religiously they were reared in the Lutheran faith.

Theodore W. Valleau. — A venerable and highly respected citi-
zen of Bloomingdale township. Van Buren county, Theodore W.
Valleau is an honored representative of the early pioneers of this
section of our beautiful country, and a true type of the energetic,
hardy and enterprising men who have actively assisted in the
development of this fertile and productive agricultural region. In
the days of his boyhood the wild beasts of the forest had not fled
before the advancing march of the sturdy pioneer, and not a build-
ing had then been erected on the sites of the present villages of
Bloomingdale and Gobleville, the country roundabout having been
an almost impenetrable wilderness. Mr. Valleau began life for
himself without other means than his natural endowments of energy,
perseverance and resolution of purpose, but by his wise manage-
ment, sagacity and keen foresight he has overcome all obstacles
and has been able to accumulate a considerable fortune, his suc-
cess in life being entirely due to his own efforts. A son of Peter
Valleau, he was born October 27, 1823, in Monroe county. New
York. His grandfather, Theodore Valleau, was born in the Em-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 909

pire state, of French Huguenot ancestry, where his father, who
served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, settled on coming
from France to this country.

Born in or near Poughkeepsie, New York, Theodore Valleau
moved in early manhood to Cayuga county, and subsequently re-
sided a few years in Monroe county New York. Going from there
to Ohio, he spent the remainder of his life in the vicinity of Cleve-
land. He was twice married, and was the father of eighteen
children.

Peter Valleau was born in Cayuga county. New York, and was
a young man when he accompanied the family to Monroe county.
Among the early pioneers of that county, he subsequently bought
a tract of timbered land in Wheatland, on the Genesee river, and
on the farm which he improved lived until 1843. In that year,
with his wife and nine children, he started for ^lichigan, going
by team to Buffalo, thence by lake to Detroit, and from there by
rail to Marshall, the railroad terminus, the remainder of the jour-
ney to AVaverly township, Van Buren county, their point of desti-
nation, ])eing performed with teams. He purchased from the gov-
ernment eighty acres of land, paying one dollar and twenty-five
cents an acre, and with his pioneer's axe began the clearing and
improvement of a homestead, his fii^t work having been the erec-
tion of a log cabin. At the end of two months he bought a tract
of land in what is now section thirteen, Bloomingdale township,
and settled in the wilderness, his nearest neighbor being three miles
away. He built a log house on his new claim, making the chimney
of earth and sticks and there lived in a most primitive style for
several years, subsisting principally upon the game of the forest
and the productions of the soil, the mother doing her cooking in
the fireplace and dressing the family in homespun materials.

Soon after his arrival new settlers came into the county, promi-
nent among the number being Orlando Newcomb, Eben Armstrong,
Ira Nash, Daniel Robinson and the Thayer, Brown and Meyers
families. Soon a schoolhouse was erected on the present site of the
village of Gobleville, it being the first building of that place.
Peter Valleau cleared a good farm, but was subsequently unfor-
tunate and lost his property. .He spent his later years of his life
in Waverly township, on a place belonging to his son, Theodore W.
Valleau, the subject of this sketch, dying there at the age of seventy-
four years.

Peter Valleau married Samantha Pike, who was born in Ver-
mont, a daughter of Erastus Pike, who was a native of the same
state and a pioneer settler of Monroe county. New York. She died
at the home of her son Theodore at the advanced age of four score
and four years. She was the mother of eleven children, of whom
nine grew to years of maturity, as follows: Theodore W., Andrew,
Susan, Norman, Freeman, William, Adeline, Phebe and Caroline.
Theodore W., the first bom, is the only survivor of this large
family.

Theodore W. Valleau acquired his early education in Wheatland,
Monroe county. New York, and with his parents came to Michigan
to seek his fortune. Beginning life for himself even with the

910 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

world, he worked at anything he could find to do, when wages were
high receiving fifty cents a day for his labor, as a boy, however,
being glad to get his board and clothing. Prior to his marriage
he was exceedingly anxious to become a landholder, and found a
tract of land containing twenty acres, in Waverly township, that
he could have for the modest sum of two dollars and fifty cents
an acre, but he had no money with which to make the purchase,
and the owner needed the cash, but also wanted a cow. Mr. Val-
leau, therefore, bought a cow, giving his note for the animal, gave
the cow for the land, and then earned the money to redeem his
note. He soon built a small log house on his newly-acquired pur-
chase, and was ready to receive his bride, but having no money
to pay the justice of the peace for performing the marriage cere-
mony he made arrangements with the justice to pay him by work-
ing for him at logging for two days. This recalls another instance
of a similar nature, when Andrew Impson, of Almena township,
this county, one of the first to be married in this vicinity, gave
Almon Colby, the justice of the peace, one thousand shingles to
perform the marriage ceremony, he and his bride-to-be going to Mr.
Colby 's house in a cart drawn by a pair of oxen.

For a number of years after taking unto himself a wife, Mr.
Valleau took contracts to build roads and bridges, devoting his
leisure time to the clearing of his land. In 1888 he moved from
Waverly township to Pine Grove township, and there lived for two
years on the large farm that he owned, and on which he made sub-
stantial improvements. Coming to Bloomingdale township in 1890,
he purchased what was then known as the Beddo farm, and is now
living here retired from active business, enjoying the fruits of his
earlier years of judicious toil. A man of rare discrimination and
ability, Mr. Valleau has acquired large property interests, at one
time having owned upwards of eleven hundred acres of choice land,
and has assisted each of his children to homes of their own.

Mr. Valleau has been twice married. He married first, at the
age of twenty-four years, Mary B. Luddington, w^ho was born in
Ashtabula county, Ohio, a daughter of Archibald and Abby (Mat-
terson) Luddington, natives of either New York state or Pennsyl-
vania, and pioneer settlers of Portage township, Kalamazoo county,
Michigan. She died in 1865, leaving six children, namely : Alice,
Eber, Harmon, Merlain, Mina and Archie. Alice married James
Scoville and has seven children, Archie, Roy, Robert, Myrtle, Ma-
rion, Benjamin T., and Earl. Eber died at the age of forty years.
Harmon married first Alma Phillips, who bore him three chil-
dren, Harley, Lulu and Gladys, and married (second) Maria Sco-
ville, by whom he has three children also, Donald, Jack and Allie.
Merlain, who married Stella Hanawald, has nine children, Erwin,
Russell, Merle, Lawrence, Esther, Emilleo, Law, Antha and Asal
B. Mina, wife of Clarence Brown, has six children, Effie, Ruby,
Maude, Milton, Alice and Clare. Archie married Mary Bell, and
they have two children, Ethel and George.

Mr. Valleau married for his second wife Mrs. Mary A. (Skinner)
Snell, who was bom in Hastings, Oswego county. New York, of
New England ancestry. Her father, Zeri Skinner, who was born

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 911

and bred in Vermont, removed to New York state when eighteen
years of age, and after living for awhile in Oswego county went
to Hard Scrabble, in Onondaga county, and from there to Bald-
winsville, New York. In 1847 Mr. Skinner came with his family
to Michigan, and was one of the earlier settlers of Waverly town-
ship. Van Buren county, where he cleared and improved eighty
acres of land, on which he resided until his death, at the age of
sixty-six years. Mr. Skinner married Mary Cornell, who was
born in Vermont, a daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah (Coffin)
Cornell, natives of New England. She died at the age of sixty-
five years, having reared nine children, as follows: Cornelia;
Christopher; Joseph; Hiram; Mary A., now Mrs. Valleau; Irving;
James ; Hezekiah ; and Nancy.

At the age of nineteen years Mary A. Skinner became the bride
of Theodore W. Snell, who was born in the Mohawk valley, New
York, a son of Jacob I. and Gertrude (Fox) Snell. Jacob I.
Snell, accompanied by his family, migrated from New York to
Illinois, from there coming to Van Buren county, Michigan, where
he spent his closing years of life. Theodore W. Snell learned the
trade of a harness maker when young, and followed it success-
fully for several years. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Second
^Michigan Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Army
of the Potomac. He was at the front in many battles of note,
and in 1864 was captured by the enemy. He was subsequently
exchanged, and being very ill at the time of his exchange died
on board the vessel while en route to Fortress Monroe. He left
his widow with a family of four children to care for, namely:
Lillie B., Milton Eugene, Isadore and Archie Theodore. Lillie B.
Snell married Alfred Kinciad, and six children, Gertrude, Grace,
Ernest, Lillian, Marion and Hobart. Milton E. Snell married
.Martha Smith, and they are the parents of seven children, Mabel,
Earl, Marvin, Harold and Herbert, twins, Wendell and Lillian.
Isadore Snell is the wife of Milton J. Sherrod, and has two children,
Glen and Paul. Archie T. Snell married Rose Dunham, and they
have five children, Neil, Beulah, Breta, Shirley and Beryl.

Mr. and Mrs. Valleau have one child. Rose M., who married
David E. Rich, and has three children, Mollie, Florence and
Bernard.

James Van Horn. — An enterprising, intelligent and able agri-
culturist, James Van Horn is prosperously engaged in his inde-
pendent vocation on one of the many pleasant and desirable farms
in Bloomingdale township, to the improvements and value of which
he is constantly adding. A son of John Van Horn, he was born
August 12, 1872, near Hartford, Blackford county, Indiana.

Jere Van Horn, his paternal grandfather, was born, it is thought,
in Ohio, and was of pure Holland ancestry. Removing from Ohio
to Indiana, he bought wild land in Blackford county, erected a
log house and barn, tilled a sufficient number of acres to make a
living for himself and family, and was there a resident during the
remainder of his life.

Born and reared in Ohio, John Van Horn went with the family

912 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

to Blackford county, Indiana, and subsequently bought land ly-
ing six miles north of Hartford. He cleared and improved a part
of the tract, and lived there several years. Then impelled by the
restless American spirit characteristic of the early pioneers, he
came to Michigan, and having purchased eighty acres of land in
Osceola county was there employed as a tiller of the soil until 1892.
Removing in that year to Bloomingdale township, Van Buren
county, he purchased a home, and lived here until his death, in
1908. He married first Ardella Townsend, a native of Blackford
county, Indiana. She died in 1875, leaving six children, as fol-
lows: George, Clem, Mary, John, James and Charles. After the
death of his first wife he subsequently married xMary Gathrup.

During the days of his boyhood and youth James Van Horn
attended the public schools and assisted in the lighter work of the
home farm. He was early trained to habits of industry and thrift,
and while yet a young lad worked out by the month, thereby earn-
ing the money to make a payment on a tract of land. He first
purchased seventy acres in Bloomingdale township, and after
occupying it five years bought the farm where he now resides. It
is pleasantly located in section three, and contains one hundred and
sixty acres. iVIr. Van Horn has shown excellent judgment in im-
proving his property, having cleared and drained portions of it,
and having repaired and enlarged the buildings, his place in point
of improvements and equipments ranking with the best in the
vicinity. He pays especial attention to dairying, an industry which
he finds profitable, having his farm well stocked with high graded
Holstein cattle.

Mr. Van Horn married August 12, 1894, Blanche Haven, who
was born in Bloomingdale township, a daughter of Augustus and
Emily Haven, of w^hom a brief account may be found elsewhere in
this volume, in connection with the sketch of E. A. Haven. Mr.
and Mrs. Van Horn are the parents of six children, namely : Vena.
Clare, Herbert, Veta, Emily and George. Fraternally Mr. Van
Horn is a member of Bloomingdale Lodge, No. 161, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows.

Benjamin S. Munn.— A well-known and respected citizen of
Bloomingdale township, and one of its progressive and prosperous
farmers, Benjamin S. Munn is of pioneer descent, being a son of
the late Matthew A. Munn, who dauntlessly pushed his way into
an uncultivated country and has left behind him a record for
steadiness of purpose and persistent industry of which his chil-
dren may well be proud. He was born on the homestead where he
now resides, April 9, 1865, coming on both sides of the house of
honored New^ England ancestry.

His paternal grandfather, Obadiah Munn, was born in Massa-
chusetts, the ancestral homestead in which he first opened his eyes
to the light of this world having bordered in the Connecticut river.
As a young man he followed the trail of the emigrant to New York
state, and a few years later pushed his way onward to Ohio, jour-
neying by team to Buffalo, thence by boat to Cleveland. Locating
in Cuyahoga county, he bought a tract of unbroken land, and on

HISTORY OF VAN BUHEN COUNTY 913

the farm which he hnproved he and liis wife, whose maiden name
was Mary Adgate, spent the remainder of their lives.

Matthew A. IMunn was born, in 1825, in Painesville, Ohio, and
was brought up on the home farm. When nineteen years of age he
went to Boston, jMassachusetts, where he remained six years, serv-
ing an apprenticeship at the stone cutter 's trade. Returning then
to Ohio, he continued at his trade until 1853, when he, too, followed
the march of civilization westward, becoming one of the early set-
tlers of Bloomingdale township, Van Buren county, Michigan.
Purchasing a tract of land in section ten, he built a log cabin in
the forest and began to clear a farm, for a few years thereafter
working at his trade in connection with farming. Subsequently
devoting his entire time to the cultivation of his land, he im-
proved a fine homestead, on which he lived until his death, Feb-
ruary 27, 1909, an honored and highly esteemed member of his
community.

The maiden name of the wife of Matthew A. Munn was Rachel
llealy. She was born and bred in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, coming
from substantial New^ England stock. Her father, Jeremiah
Spaulding Ilealy, was born in Vermont, among the rugged hills of
the Green mountains. He subsequently migrated to Saint Law-
rence county, New York, where he married, and afterwards moved
with his family to Ohio. He bought a tract of wild land in Eaton
township, Lorain county, and having no sawed lumber split by
hand puncheon for the floor of the log cabin which he erected as
a shelter for himself and family, when it was completed sending
for his wife and children to join him. About 1841 his wife died,
and ten years later he married again, and settled on a farm ad-
joining his. first purchase. Coming to Van Buren county, Michi-
gan, in 1853, he bought a tract of timbered land in Bloomingdale
township, where he first built a rude shack and later a substantial
log house, in which he resided until his death, in 1865. The maiden
name of the first wife of Mr. Healy was Polly Fields. She was
born in Saint Lawrence county, New York, and at her death left
nine children, one of them being Rachel, who became the wife of
Matthew A. JMunn. She died on the home farm in Bloomingdale
township, February 10, 1895, leaving eight children, as follows:
Horatio; Harriet; Orren ; Edgar; Jane; Alvin ; Benjaniin S., the
special subject of this brief sketch ; and Julius.

Acquiring his education in the district schools, Benjamin S.
Munn was well drilled in the various branches of industry as a boy
and youth, and having succeeded to the ownership of the home-
stead cared tenderly for his parents during the later years that
they lived. Since assuming management of the place, Mr. Munn
has made marked improvements, having a good set of buildings, and
an ample supply of all the necessary machinery and appliances for
successfully carrying on his work, which consists of general farming
and dairying.

Mr. Munn married, October 20, 1888, Mary ]\L Pingree, who
was born in Bloomingdale township, a daughter of David and
Samantha (Bush) Pingree and granddaughter of Jewett Pingree,
an early pioneer of Van Buren county. Born in Massachusetts^

914 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

David Pingree was quite young when he came with his parents to
Michigan. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in a Michi-
gan regiment of volunteer infantry, and served as a soldier until
the close of the conflict, when he was honorably discharged from
the army. Returning to Bloomingdale tow^nship, he was engaged
in farming the remainder of his life. Four children have blessed
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Munn, namely : Florence, Fern, Harold
and Donald. Mr. Munn has ever evinced an intelligent interest
in local affairs, and has never shirked the responsibilities of public
office. In 1898 he was elected township treasurer for a term of
two years, and, with the exception of two years, has served as
highway commissioner since 1901. He belongs to Woodmen
Grange, No. 610, Patrons of Husbandry.

Mrs. Emma J. (Wheeler) Broughton. — ^A well-known and
highly esteemed resident of Bloomingdale township, Van Buren
county, Mrs. Broughton was born in Bedford, Connecticut, a
daughter of George W. Wheeler, who was born and reared in the
same state. Her paternal grandfather, Ephraim Wheeler, a na-
tive of New England, served as a soldier in the struggle of the
colonists for independence. Subsequently removing from Connec-
ticut to Monroe county, New York, he bought three hundred acres
of Government land in what is now the town of Charlotte, being
one of its earliest settlers and the first to erect a frame house within
its limits. He cleared and improved a homestead, and there re-
sided until his death. His wife survived him, dying in the ninety-
seventh year of her age.

The youngest of a large family of children, George W. Wheeler
was reared on a farm in Connecticut, and spent his early life in
his native state. Subsequently, accompanied by his wife and four
children, he migrated to New York state, making the removal with
teams and settling in Charlotte, Monroe county, on a tract of tim-
bered land given him by his father. Erecting a log cabin in the
forest, he began the pioneer task of redeeming a farm from its
pristine wildness. Selling out a few years later, he removed with
his family to Chili, in the same county, and on a farm which he
rented spent his remaining days. He married Catherine Reid,
who was of Scotch ancestry, and she survived him a few years.
They w^ere the parents of eight children, as follows: Catherine;
Susan Elizabeth; John W. ; Theodore, a soldier in the Civil war,
was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, when but eighteen years old ;
James; Amos; Emma J.; and Frances.

Brought up in Monroe county, New York, Emma J. Broughton
was there educated, at her home being well trained in the domes-
tic arts. After leaving school she went to Detroit, Michigan, to
visit an uncle, and while there met and married John N. Chadsey,
who was born in Sweden, Monroe county. New York. Mr. Chad-
sey's father, Benjamin Chadsey, a native of Massachusetts, was a
man of undaunted courage and enterprise. When young he fol-
lowed the migrant's trail to New York state, with his axe on his
shoulder bravely making his way to Monroe county. Securing a
tract of Government land, he soon began felling the mighty giants

HISTORY Oi^ VAN BUREN COUNTY 915

of the forest to make a space on which he might erect a log cabin
to shelter himself and family, and on the farm which he cleared
he resided until his death. John N. Chadsey was brought np on
the home farm in Monroe county, New York, and educated in the
pioneer schools of his district. Soon after the close of the Civil
war he came to Michigan, settling in Bloomingdale tow^nship, Van
Buren county, where he bought a tract of timbered land, erected
a frame house, and began to clear a farm. Industrious, energetic
and enterprising, Mr. Chadsey cleared a large part of his land and
in due course of time made improvements of great value, replac-
ing the original house by -a large brick structure, and erecting a
substantial barn and other needed farm buildings, each year add-
ing to the attractiveness and value of his property. He there con-
tinued his agricultural labors until his death, in 1895.

After the death of ]\Ir. Chadsey, Mrs. Chadsey married for her
second husband, in 1901, George W. Broughton, who was born in
Macomb county, Michigan, where his parents, James and Lucy
Broughton, were pioneer settlers, going there from Massachusetts,
their native state. Mr. Broughton was reared on the home farm in
Macomb county, and as a young man tried the venture of new
hazards, going West and living in different places until 1897. Re-
turning then to Michigan, he bought land in Cheshire township,
Allegan county, and embarked in general farming, continuing as
an agriculturist until his death, March 3, 1910. Mrs. Broughton
has no children of her own, but has an adopted son, Franklin M.
Broughton. Mrs. Broughton is a conscientious member of the
Baptist church, while Mr. Broughton was affiliated with the Meth-
odist Episcopal church.

Jacob Mitchell. — Although he is of distinguished ancestry and
can trace his family line back through the history of this country in
unbroken succession two hundred and seventy-six years, and al-
though members of the family have dignified and adorned all the
higher walks of life in various places as the generations have come
and gone, Jacob Mitchell, one of the enterprising merchants and
leading citizens of South Haven, has built his career along lines
of ordinary productive usefulness, without a thought of attaining
distinction or attracting the noisy admiration of the world. His
labors have been important and serviceable in their day and lo-
cality, but, while many of them required expert knowledge and
the skill that comes from careful training, they have not been of
a character to bring renown or secure public attention m any
showy or extensive way. But he has not desired this. He has
been content to walk faithfully in the plain and simple path of
duty, and thus work out his destiny in life and render what serv-
ice he could do his fellow men in his day and generation.

Mr. Mitchell is a native of St. Lawrence county. New York,
where his life began on July 31, 1836. His parents were Reuben
and Margaret (Roberts) Mitchell, the former born in Clinton
county, New York, in 1808, and the latter in county Cork, Ireland,
m 1812. The mother died in 1880 and the father in 1890. Nine
children were born of their union, three of whom are now living.

916 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Jacob and his brothers Henry and David, both younger than him-
self. Henry is a resident of Fairgrove and David of Flint,
Michigan.

The first American representative of the family was Matthew
Mitchell, who, with his wife and children, came to this country
and settled in what was then Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1635.
The family came from Scotland, and the head of the household at
once began to take an active part in the affairs of the town in
which he had located, and four years after his arrival was its
clerk. Stephen Mitchell, another member of the family, founded
the public library in Glasgow, Scotland, which is the second in
size in the country. Another distinguished member of the family
was Professor Maria Mitchell, who belonged to the branch that
settled on Nantucket Island at an early day, moving to the island
from the mainland of Massachusetts.

Elector Mitchell, another member of note in the early days, lived
at Heathfield, Scotland ; Dr. Samuel Latham Mitchell, a renowned
physician and surgeon, belonged to a branch that located on Long
Island, and Stephen Mitchell, of the same family was chief justice
of Connecticut in 1812. During the nineteenth century nine mem-
bers of the family, all bearing the name of Mitchell, were gradu-
ated from Harvard University and seven of the same lineage and
name secured diplomas from Yale University.

Jacob Mitchell's grandfather, whose name was also Jacob, was a
native of Pennsylvania and a merchant in the state of New York.
His son Reuben, the father of Jacob, the subject of this review,
was a farmer in New York and came to Michigan in 1865. He
first took up his residence in St. Clair county, but some time after-
ward moved to Tuscola county, where he redeemed a farm from
the wilderness on which he passed tlie remainder of his days. He
was a l^resbyterian in church relations, and first a Whig and later
a Republican in his political attachment.

Jacob Mitchell, of South Haven, remained at home with his
])arents until he was eight years old, then became a farm hand in the
employ of Dr. iMead in Essex county, New York. He worked on
the Doctor's farm, lived in his family and attended school, when he
could be spared for the purpose, until he reached the age of twenty.
While doing these things he also acquired a good knowledge of the
millwright's trade, and for some years thereafter worked at it in
his native state.

In 1868 he came to iMichigan and located in St. Clair county,
where he wrought at his trade as a millwright, did considerable
other carpenter work and also built a number of boats, then passed
a number of years as a contractor and builder in southern Michi-
gan and northern Indiana, erecting mills and other structures. In
1891 he moved to South Haven, and during the next two years
and a half was occupied in building boats for the lake service. He
also built the government light house at South Haven.

By this time he became weary of his migratory life and deter-
mined to secure a permanent abode and settled occupation for
himself. Accordingly, in 1894, he located a claim on forty acres
of land in Tuscola county, and to the improvement of this farm

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUxNTY 917

and the cultivation of his land he devoted himself during the next
six years. In September, 1900, he again came to South Haven and
opened a meat market, and this he is still conducting. By strict
attention to business and a careful study of the needs of the com-
munity he has built up a large trade and won a vsride and appre-
ciative popularity for his enterprise, and his business has become
very active and extensive. Its cares do not, however, fall entirely
on him. He is assisted in carrying it on by his two sons.

On November 8, 1873, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage with
i\liss Theresa Metetall, who was born in St. Clair county, Michigan,
and is a daughter of Frederick and Theresa (Silas) Metetall. Her
father was born in France and died in this state at the age of
sixty-five. The mother was a native of Germany, near the French
line. She died in this state also, passing away in 1911, at the age
of eighty-six. They had eleven children, eight of whom are living,
Mrs. Mitchell being the fifth in the order of birth. Her father
was a professional cook, and came to the United States when he
was a young man. He lived for a time in Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania, then was employed as the chef on a United States man-of-
war until 1856. In that year he retired from the Government
service and took up his residence in St. Clair county, this state,
where he engaged in farming during the rest of his life. He was
a Republican in political affiliation and a Presbyterian in church
connection, and was devoted to both his party and his church, ren-
dering both good service, and without looking for any reward in
the way of office from the former or any prominence or distinction
in the latter, his devotion in each case being a matter of firm belief
in the basic principles and teachings involved.

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have three children: Lydia, who is the
wife of Hale Bradley and resides in South Haven; and William and
Herbert, both of whom are associated in business with their father,
as has already been noted. The father is a devout and consistent
member of the Congregational church and deeply interested in the
congregation to which he belongs. His political support is given
cordially and steadily to the Republican party, his adherence to
that organization being based on conviction and a sense of duty,
for he has never sought or desired a political office, either by elec-
tion or appointment, being well content to serve his country as
well as he can in the highly creditable post of private citizenship.
He is now past seventy-five years of age, and his long and useful
life and fidelity to every call of duty have won him the universal
respect and good will of the residents of Van Buren county, who
have found him worthy of their commendation and esteem from
every point of view.

Charles W. Williams. — The son of a pioneer in the business
of carrying passengers and freight out of and into South Haven
by boats on the lake, and himself one of the leaders in lake traffic
and transportation for many years, Charles W^. Williams has been
a potential factor in building up the commercial importance and
influence of the city and providing for the convenience and prog-
ress of its people. For two generations this family has led the

918 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

forces of communication by water between South Haven and other
Lake Michigan points, and in that way have rendered a service to
the lake shore towns that has probably not been surpassed in value
by what any other line of enterprise has accomplished for them
and the region in which they are located.

Mr. Williams is practically a child of the Lake, and his devotion
to it in his business enterprise has something of filial feeling in it.
His life began on its shore, and the greater part of his energy
through all his subsequent years has been expended in business
for which it has furnished the medium. He was born in St. Jo-
seph, Michigan, on February 2, 1868, and is a son of Henry W.
and Loraine L. (Green) Williams, who were born, reared, edu-
cated and married in Vermont, on the shore of Lake Champlain,
the former born in 1829 and the latter in 1828. Both died in 1901,
in South Haven, Michigan, after many years of steady industry
and usefulness. Of the seven children born to them but two are
living, their son Charles W. and their daughter Laura A., the
latter now a resident of South Haven.

The father was a very enterprising and progressive man. He
obtained a good education in his native state, and when but seven-
teen years of age built the first car ferry that crossed Lake Cham-
plain. He also built there a truss bridge sixty feet in height.
From Vermont he carried his talents and acquirements to a larger
and more active market, moving to Chicago, and there for a short
time he worked at his dual trade of ship and house carpenter. He
then returned to Vermont and was married, and soon afterward
came West again, this time locating at St. Joseph in this state.
Here he again worked at his trade, and between the claims of
others on his time and attention built himself two schooners for
lake traffic between St. Joseph and Chicago and Milwaukee.

To secure greater facilities in his operations and be in a position
to use to better advantage some of the wealth of the country around
him in timber, he built himself a saw mill on the Paw Paw river.
This mill was destroyed by fire, and he then bought one located
between Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. Sometime afterward he
purchased a one-half interest in the steamer Skylark, engaged in
carrying lumber, fruit and passengers between St. Josepli and
Chicago. He was engaged in the manufacture of fruit packings
at his saw mill, and this steamer gave him an easy and profitable
way of transporting his products to places where they were needed.

In 1880 he retired from the lumber business and gave his atten-
tion exclusively to transportation work as a member of the firm
of Graham, Morton & Company, which then owned two steamers,
the Skylark and the Messenger. He withdrew from this firm in
1882, and the next year moved to South Haven, having purchased
the steamer City of St. Joseph for a new enterprise which he had
under consideration. This was the establishment of a transporta-
tion line by water between South Haven and Chicago. He put
the line in operation and kept it going during 1883 and 1884. But
it was not a profitable enterprise, and he turned the City of St.
Joseph into an iron ore barge in 1885. and set her plying between

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 919

St. Joseph and points on Lake Superior. In 1886 he sold the
steamer.

His next venture was undertaken at the request of the business
men of South Haven in 1888, who induced him to build the Steamer
H. W. Williams for carrying fruit and passengers between South
Haven and Chicago. This also turned out to be a losing venture,
and in 1890 he built the Steamer Glenn for the transportation of
fruit between Pier (probably Union Pier now^) and South Haven
and Chicago. The next year he built the Steamer Loraine L., put
her on the line betw^een Pier and South Haven, and opened up an-
other line between Michigan City, Indiana and Chicago with the
Steamer Glenn. In 1890 he organized the H. W. Williams Trans-
portation Company, with himself as president and his son Charles
as secretary and treasurer, all the stock being held in the fcimily;
and in the fall of 1892 he built for this company the steamer City
of Kalamazoo, which made the fourth in the company's lake fleet.

The elder Mr. Williams w^as also president of the Pierce-AVilliams
Manufacturing Company, engaged in making fruit packages and
doing a flourishing business in the enterj)rise. He was a man of
large capacity for affairs, and could carry on successfully several
industries at a time with more ease than many a man hnds in man-
aging one, and he also had the nerve born of confidence in himself
and good judgment of conditions and prospects. When his under-
takings demonstrated in a full and fair trial that they would not
pay, he abandoned them and began others, but he never wasted
time in whining over his losses, his habit in such cases being to
increase his energy and make them up in some new project.

He was an enthusiastic believer in the value of benevolent fra-
ternities, and manifested great interest in the one which he fa-
vored with his membership. He was made a Master Alason in St.
eloseph Lodge, but after moving to South Haven dimitted from
that and became a charter member of Star of the Lake Lodge, \o.
158, in that city. He was a Democrat in his political party alle-
giance, and although he was never a candidate for any political
office, and never desired to be, he gave his organization the best
service of which he was capable at all times. In all the relations
of life and in every duty of citizenship he was true and faithful,
and his memory is embalmed in the lasting esteem and approval of
his fellow men in every locality in which he was known.

Charles W". Williams obtained his education in the schools of
Benton Harbor and at the Notre Dame (Indiana) University. He
also pursued a coui^e of special instruction at a business college
in Lafayette, Indiana. At the age of seventeen he became clerk
of the steamer St. Joseph, and during the next seven years he was
employed in the same capacity on some one of his father's boats.
In 1890, at its organization, he was made secretary and treasurer
of the H. W. Williams Transportation Company, and at a later
date became its manager, with headquarters at South Haven, oc-
cupying this position until the death of his father in 1901. After
that event he organized the Dunkley & Williams Transportation
Company, for which he built the steamer City of South Haven in

920 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

1903, and of which he was manager until 1904, when he sold his
interests in the company and retired from the business.

Mr. Williams is a Freemason and belongs to all the branches of
the order in the York rite. He is a member of Star of the Lake
Lodge, No. 158, at South Haven, and also of the Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons and the Council of Royal and Select Masters in that
city. As a Knight Templar he is connected with Malta Comman-
dery, No. 44, at Benton Harbor, and as a Noble of the Mystic
Shrine with Saladin Temple in Grand Rapids. In his political
faith and allegiance he is a member of the Democratic party and
takes an earnest interest in its welfare, but never seeks or desires
anything in the way of a political office for himself.

Mr. Williams was married on September 20, 1893, to Miss Zara-
dia C. Brunson, a native of Benton Harbor and the daughter of
Rufus and Sarah Jane (Stotts) Brunson. Her parents were born
in Indiana and came to Michigan w4th their parents in childhood.
Sterne Brunson, the paternal grandfather of Mr. Williams, was
one of the first settlers of what is now Benton Harbor, but was
called Brunson Harbor in his day and named in his honor. Mr.
and Mrs. Williams have two children, their son Henry A. and their
daughter Sarah L., both of whom are still living under the paren-
tal rooftree and adding light, life and attractiveness to the parental
family circle, which the friends and acquaintances of the family
always find a center of social culture and refined and genuine hos-
pitality.

John S. Malbone. — Operating in business in five of the states
of the American Union, and trying his hand at several lines of
useful effort, with success in each, John S. Malbone, of South
Haven, has had a varied experience and has profited by its some-
times severe but always impressive lessons. He has been a me-
chanic, a merchant and a farmer. These are widely divergent ave-
nues to consequence in a worldly way, but Mr. Malbone has shown
himself able to cope with their varied requirements in a masterly
manner and command them all to his service and advancement.

Mr. Malbone was born in F'ranklin county, Ohio, seven miles
from Columbus. His parents, Solomon M. and Jerusha Malbone,
were farmers, and he was born and reared on a farm. The father
was born in Ohio in 1819, and died in Van Buren county, Michi-
gan, in 1903. The mother was born in the state of New York in
1821, and died in this county in 1908. The father farmed in his
native state until 1864, then moved his family to Webster county,
Iowa, and lived there until 1875, when they came to Van Buren
county, Michigan. Here he continued to farm until 1893, then
retired from active pursuits. He was a man of prominence and in-
fluence in his native county and also in this county, and filled ac-
ceptably a number of township offices in each. In politics he was
a Republican, in fraternal relations an Odd Fellow, and in church
connection a Congregationalist. 'He and his wife were the parents
of five sons and two daughters, John S. being the second child in
the order of birth.

John S. Malbone remained at home with his parents on the

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 921

farm until he reached the age of twenty-three, then started an
independent course of activity for himself as a carpenter and stone-
mason. In 1864 he went to Fort Dodge, Webster county, Iowa,
and after abiding there and in other places for a time came to
Van Buren county, this state, and took up his residence at South
Haven. Here he was occupied in fruit growing for a time not
far from the city, then, in 1894, moved into the city and built him-
self a three-story brick business block with a pressed brick front.
In this building he opened a hardware and furniture store, which
he conducted until 1907, with good returns for his enterprise.

In October of that year he sold his business and moved to Vir-
ginia, w^here he bought two hundred acres of lumber land, going
later to Pennsylvania. In 1910 he returned to South Haven and
took back the business he had sold before leaving the city, and in
carrying on this he has ever since been engaged. He has taken an
earnest interest and a leading part in the affairs of his city and
township, serving the public well and acceptably as township clerk
two terms and as township supervisor three terms. To everything
he has deemed of value in promoting the progress and improve-
ment of the region of his home he has given his cordial support,
and to every movement for the benefit of the people he has cheer-
fully lent his energetic aid.

In the fraternal life of the community he has been active and
forceful, working for its welfare and expansion through his mem-
bership in several branches of the Masonic order, including Star
of the Lake Lodge, No. 158, South Haven Chapter, No. 58, Royal
Arch Masons, and South Haven Council, No. 45, Royal and Select
Masters. His religious alifiliation is with the Baptist church, and
in this, too, he is an intelligent and- effective worker, taking a
special interest in every good work undertaken by the congregation
to which he belongs, but not limiting his energy and zeal to that.
His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, and he
is diligent and effective in the service of that organization also.

Mr. Malbone was married on April 15, 1869, to Miss Mary C.
Rawson, a native of Illinois. They have four sons and two daugh-
ters: Edith, the wife of Robert A. Farrand, of Leslie, Michigan;
and Willis L., Frank M., John H., Lloyd G. and Carrie B. Tb€
father is in all respects a first rate citizen and is highly esteeim^d
as a man. He has made his own way in the world without the
the aid of Fortime's favors or adventitious circumstances at any
time, except as his foresight and energy enabled him to make any
circumstances propitious by commanding them to his service. His
education was obtained, so far as regular academic instruction is
concerned, in a humble log school house in a rural district of Ohio,
but he has supplemented that part of his mental training by keep-
ing his eyes open and gathering in information from every source
available to him in his journey through life, and he is now a man
of extensive general information. The sterling and serviceable
citizenship of our country is made up of such material, and Mr.
Malbone is a very worthy representative of the most sturdy and
commendable class.

922 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

John F. Noud. — With the splendid record of his father as a
manufacturer, business man and public spirited and pro^essive
citizen before him, John F. Noud, of South Haven, began his own
career under the stimulus of a high example, and also that of the
responsibility of living up to it and holding the family name at
least at the altitude at which his father had written it. It is high
praise but only a just tribute to genuine and demonstrated merit
to state that the son has fully lived up to the example of his
father and dignified and adorned the name he bears as worthily in
his generation as his father did in his ; and it is to his credit that
he has been as ready in adaptation to the requirements of his day,
much intensified as they are in exaction, as his father or any other
member of his family ever was.

Mr. Noud was born in Manistee county, Michigan, on September
29, 1876, a son of Patrick and Susan A. (McCurdy) Noud, and the
third of their eight children, six of whom are living. The father
was born in Canada and became a resident of the United States
and Michigan when he was yet a young man. For a time after his
arrival in this state he worked as an employe at lumbering, and
when he got a start engaged in the lumber trade in Manistee on
his own account, operating a saw mill and carrying on a general
lumber business. He was one of the pioneers in that part of the
state in this line of industrial and mercantile effort, and one of
the most prominent men engaged in it there. He is now and has
been for several years president of the State Lumber Company of
Manistee. This company is also engaged in the manufacture of
salt. He is also president of the Chicago and South Haven Steam-
ship Company. In all his business undertakings he was highly
successful, and in his connection with the public affairs of the city
and county in which he lived he was also prominent and influen-
tial. His political connection was with the Democratic party, and
in the local councils of that organization he was one of the most
potential forces, being recognized as a judicious and reliable ad-
viser and a resourceful and effective worker for the good of the
party, while everything involving the substantial welfare of the
city and county felt the quickening impulse of his vigorous mind
4.nd the directing care of his strong and skillful hand greatly to
it% advantage.

His son, John F. Noud, was educated in the schools of Manistee,
and for some years after completing their course of instruction was
associated in business with his father. On November 21, 1900, he
began business for himself as a retail lumber merchant in South
Haven in association with Joseph F. Smith, the firm name being
Noud & Smith. The partnership continued until late in 1901,
when Mr. Noud bought Mr. Smith's interest in the business and
started it anew under the name of the John F. Noud Company.
Under this name Mr. Noud has been conducting the enterprise ever
since with a steadily increasing volume of trade and an ascending
rank and reputation as a merchant and business man in general,
being esteemed as a leader by both the trade and the general pub-
lic throughout this part of the country.

Mr. Noud has also been active in city affairs and one of the

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 923

awakening and stimulating forces in connection with them. He
served as alderman from the First ward four years, giving the
people excellent service as q, city official, and for many years has
been zealous in promoting every undertaking of value for their
benefit, mentally, morally and materially. His duty a^ a citizen
is never neglected or given half-hearted attention, whatever the
issue, whether political, business or social matters, and it is always
performed with conscience and an effectiveness that indicates ele-
vated manhood and a deep sense of personal responsibility for gen-
eral conditions and the results of every agitation for their better-
ment.

His political support is given to the Republican party, but he
is not a hide-bound partisan, and he never allows party considera-
tions to overbear local needs with him. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, holding his
membership in Benton Harbor Lodge, No. 544, and a Knight of
Columbus, belonging to Benton Harbor Council, No. 1120. He is
zealous in his devotion to these fraternities and energetic and help-
ful in the work of the lodge and council in them to which he
belongs.

Mr. Noud was married on April 21, 1902, to Miss Alma M.
Schaab, a native of Manistee and the daughter of John and Rose
(Wise) Schaab. Five children have been born of the union, three
of whom are living : Francis Patrick, J. Bernard and Roger Will-
iam. Katherine, the second child, died in infancy, and Robert T.,
the fourth, at the age of two years. The parents are warmly wel-
comed in all desirable social circles, and regarded as valuable addi-
tions to any. They are genial and companionable, making associa-
tion with them highly agreeable, and their advanced culture and
lofty ideals win them the admiration of all who come in contact
with them and aid extensively in keeping up the standard of citizen-
ship in their community, of which they are such creditable
representatives.

Thomas WABER.—For upwards of half a century Thomas Waber
has been a resident of Pine Grove township, and during that time
he has established for himself a reputation as a thoroughly honest
man and worthy citizen. Many of the active agriculturists of Van
Buren county were born on the other side of the Atlantic, and to
Germany, especially, is our country indebted for some of her pros-
perous citizens, among them being Mr. Waber. He was born, May
14, 1841, in Bavaria, Germany, the home of his ancestors for many
generations.

John Waber, his father, was born in the same part of Germany,
being the only child of his parents. He there learned to hew tim-
ber before the days of saw mills, or at least before they were gen-
erally used, becoming an expert chopper and hewer. Bidding
good bye to friends and relatives in 1848, he came with his family
to the United States, being several weeks in crossing the ocean on
a sailing vessel. Landing in New York city, he made his way to
Rochester, and for a time worked on the Erie Canal, later being
there employed in a foundry. Desirous of establishing a perma-

924 HISTORY OF VAN BURP^N COUNTY

nent home for himself, wife and children, and being attracted by
the cheap Government land of the West, he came to Michigan in
1854, and for a year lived in Kalamazoo county, from there coming,
in 1855, to Van Buren county. Settling in the dense woods, he
became one of the early pioneers of Pine Grove township. Buying
eighty acres of timbered land on the east half of the southeast
quarter of section two, he cut down giant trees to make room for
the log house which he built as one of the first improvements on
his place. Deer, wild turkeys and game of all kinds abounded
and formed a large part of the subsistence of the brave-hearted
pioneers. Working with a will, he cleared his land and was there
engaged in tilling the soil for many years. Prior to his death,
however, he went to Otsego, Allegan county, to live with his son
Fred, and was there a resident until his death, at the ripe old age
of eighty-one years. His wife, who was also a native of Bavaria,
died before he did, her death occurring on the home farm. They
reared seven children, as follows: George, Henry, Frederick, Anna,
Thomas, Margaret and James. They w^ere worthy members of the
Lutheran church, and reared their family in the same religious
faith.

Seven years old when he left the Fatherland, Thomas Waber
still has a vivid recollection of many of the incidents connected
with his ocean voyage, and likewise of pioneer life in Van Buren
county. In his boyhood days the people hereabout lived in a primi-
tive manner, with few if any of the modern conveniences, living
on the fruits of the chase or the productions of the soil, and were
clothed in garments made at home from material spun and woven
by the good house mother. Traveling was mostly performed on
horseback, or with heavy teams, slow methods as compared with
the modern means of transportation. Reared to habits of industry,
Mr. Waber began life as a wage-earner when quite young, work-
ing out for his board and five dollars a month at first, but later
being employed in a saw mill. In 1865 he bought the land now in-
cluded in his present farm, and immediately began its improvement.
He has cleared a large part of his estate, and is actively engaged
in general farming, each year raising abundant crops of hay and
grain.

Mr. Waber married, in March, 1871, Ann Eliza Miller, who was
born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, which was also the birthplace
of her father, Nicholas Miller. Mr. .Miller 's wife immigrated to
America with her ten children, leaving ]\Ir. Miller to attend to
some business matters in the Fatherland, and took up her residenc(^
at Palmyra, New York, where her death occurred two years later.
Mr. Miller subsequently joined his motherless children, and with
them came to Trowbridge, Allegan county, Michigan, where he
spent the remainder of his life, dying when upwards of eighty
years of age. Mrs. Waber died at the age of forty-eight years,
leaving five children, namely: Thomas Laverne, w^ho married
Mabel Kingsley and has two sons, Henry and Clarence; Alma,
wife of John McGregor, has four children, Donald, Anna, Lillian
and Arthur; James; Paul Miller, who married Josie Champion,
and they have one child, Pauline ; and Arthur, who married Bes-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 925

sie Antinica Vedder, and has one daughter, Eleanor. Mr. Waber 's
father, the founder of the Waber family in America, was an only
child, but his seven children married and reared families, so that
his descendants now living in Michigan number nearly one hun-
dred, and are among the best citizens of the state, being enterpris-
ing and thrifty.

Herbert Lincoln Root. — Actively and intelligently engaged in
the prosecution of one of the most independent, needful and use-
ful occupations to which a man may devote his energies, Herbert
Lincoln Root stands high among the prominent husbandmen of
Pine Grove township, and is an important factor in the agricul-
tural interests of Van Buren county. Coming on both sides of the
house from honored New England ancestry, and of sturdy pio-
neer stock, he was born August 9, 1865, in Oshtemo township, Kala-
mazoo county, Michigan, a son of Isaac L. Root.

His paternal grandfather, John Root, was born in Wilkesbarre,
Pennsylvania, but spent a large part of his early life in Connecticut,
where he followed the mason's trade. In 1857 he came with his
family to Michigan, locating in Kalamazoo county, which was then
but sparsely settled, the present city of Kalai)iazoo having been
a small place, while the surrounding country was in its original
wildness. l^urchasing a tract of land in Oshtemo township, five
miles from Kalamazoo, he continued the improvements, which were
very limited, and having placed a large share of it under cultiva-
tion resided there until his death, at the age of seventy-five years.
His wife, whose maiden name was Susan Moe, was born in New
York city, and died on the home farm at the advanced age of four
score years. They reared a family of seven children, as follows:
Sarah, Beardsley, Frederick, Isaac L., Edward, Ebenezer and
Martha.

Born in Greenwich, Connecticut. Isaac L. Root began working
with his father at the mason's trade while but a boy, and in 1857
accompanied his parents to Michigan, and has since followed his
trade in Kalamazoo and surrounding counties. He is a skilled
workman, and his services are ever in demand. He married Han-
nah Isadore Kihgsley, who was born in Oshtemo township, a daugh-
ter of Moses Kingsley, who was the third in direct line of descent
to bear that name. Moses Kingsley, the first, was born in North-
ampton, Massachusetts, January 29, 1744, of English ancestry, and
married Abigail Lyman, whose birth occurred January 21, 1744,
in the same place. Their son, Moses Kingsley, the second, was
born in Northampton, Massachusetts, November 8, 1772. After
his marriage he located in Brighton, Massachusetts. He was twice
married, his second wife, Mr. Root's great-grandmother, having
been Mary Montague. Moses Kingsley, the third, was born in
Brighton, Massachusetts, March 5, 1810, and there learned the
cabinet maker's trade. Migrating to Michigan in 1831, while it
was still under territorial government, he became one of the early
settlers of what is now the town of Webster, in Webster, Washte-
naw county, and while there served as postmaster and town clerk.

926 HISTORY OF VAX BITREN COUNTY

In 1836 he moved to Kalamazoo county and purchased a tract of
timbered land, forty acres of which was located in Kalamazoo town-
ship and forty acres in Oshtemo township. After devoting about
twenty years to the clearing and improvement of his estate he
organized the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of which
he was secretary and treasurer for a quarter of a century. In
1873 he became a resident of Kalamazoo, which remained his home
until his death, in 1891. He married first, in Webster, Michigan,
in December 1, 1831, Hannah Williams, who was born in Sem-
pronious, New York, October 7, 1808, a daughter of a pioneer of
Washtenaw county, Michigan. She died January 13, 1844, leaving
four children, as follows ; Daniel W. ; Amelia ; Floyd ; and Hannah
Isadore, who became the wife of Isaac L. Root. Moses Kingsley,
the third, subsequently married for his second wife Clarissa Beck-
ley, who was born in Stafford, New York, March 25, 1818, a daugh-
ter of Joseph and Clarissa (Jeifries) Beckley. She died May 16,
1879, leaving six children, Henry M., Moses, Sabra W., Chester
M., Clara F. and Homer M. Mrs. Isaac L. Root died in Oshtemo
township, April 10, 1901. To her and her husband seven children
w^ere born, namely : Herbert Lincoln, Myron, Bertha, Luella, Edna,
Fanny and Mary.

Brought up in Kalamazoo county, Herbert Lincoln Root ac-
quired a practical education in the public schools, and at the age
of nineteen years began working with his father at the mason's
trade, which he followed for four years. Turning his attention
then to agriculture, he bought the farm which he now owns and
occupies. It is pleasantly located in section thirty-four, Pine Grove
township, bordering on and overlooking North Lake, one of the
many beautiful sheets of water to be found in Van Buren county.
Mr. Root first bought eighty acres in the northwest quarter, and
subsequently purchased twenty acres of adjoining land, and still
later added more land by purchase, his farm now containing one
hundred and sixty-two and one-half acres of as rich and product-
ive land as can be found in the vicinity. Here he is prosperously
engaged in general farming, making something of a specialty of
stock-raising and dairying.

In 1890 Mr. Root was united in marriage with Jennie A. Smith,
who was born in Ridgeville township, Lorain county, Ohio, a
daughter of Mark and Eunice (Kibby) Smith, natives, respectively,
of New York and Ohio. Five children have blessed the union of
Mr. and Mrs. Root, namely: Lillie, Carl, Alice, Harry and Nelson.
Mr. and Mrs. Root are both members of the Congregational church,
and give liberally towards its support.

Dr. Arthur Casper Runyan. — With a high grade of capacity
and skill in one of the most useful of the professions, a command-
ing genius for the promotion and development of public utilities,
an elevated tone and broad public spirit in his citizenship, and a
humanitarian disposition that seeks the good of the whole people
even if it may be, to some extent, at the expense of his private
business. Dr. Arthur C. Runyan, of South Haven, one of the lead-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 927

ing dentists of Southwestern Michigan, is a very useful citizen and
is universally esteemed as such.

Dr. Runyan was born in White Pigeon, ]\lichigan, on September
3, 1857, and grew to manhood on his father's tarm in St. Joseph
county. There he served his apprenticeship to the farming in-
dustry, but he had other desires in life, and as he neared maturity
sought an opportunity to gratify them. His parents, Casper Y.
and Louisa (Olmstead) Runyan, were natives of New York, the
father born in the western part of the state in 1828 and the mother
in Genesee county in 1837. The father died in 1895, but the mother
is still living and has her home with her children. Of the nine
children born to them seven grew to maturity and live are now
living. The Doctor was the second child born in the family.

The father was brought to Michigan by his parents, Philip E.
and Priscilla (Brush) Runyan, when he was but seven years old.
The family arrived in 1835, before Michigan was a state, and lo-
cated at White Pigeon. The head of the house at that time, Philip
E. Runyan, was of French Huguenot stock. He first engaged in
keeping a tavern on the old Chicago turnpike, and afterward be-
came a farmer. He was a man of prominence and influence in his
locality and served in the state legislature while Detroit w^as the
capital, and left a good name for the value and fidelity of his serv-
ice in every trust and station.

Dr. Runyan 's father, Casper Runyan, was educated in the schools
of White Pigeon, and after leaving school engaged in farming, the
occupation to w^hich he had been reared. In 1852 he caught the
enthusiasm over the discovery of gold in the then far away region
known as California, and journeyed overland to seek a rapid ad-
vance in his fortune in the opportunities so widely and wildly
proclaimed as abounding in that state. Two years later he re-
turned to the old homestead in Michigan, making the return trip
by way of the Isthmus of Panama. Farming in this state was good
enough for him ever afterward, and it occupied him for the re-
mainder of his days.

He also took an earnest interest and an active part in the public
affairs of his locality, serving for more than tw^enty-five years as
township supervisor, and also filling with credit to himself and
benefit to the people other township ofifices. In politics he was a
genuine Democrat of the old school and to the end of his life served
his party with unswerving loyalty, for he felt that it was the prom-
ise and fulfillment of the highest and most enduring good to county,
state and nation.

Dr. Arthur C. Runyan was also educated academically in the
schools of White Pigeon, but they were greatly improved in their
facilities and appointments in comparison with what they had
when his father attended them. After completing their course of
instruction the Doctor studied dentistry under the instruction of
Dr. S. M. White, and in 1904 took a post graduate course in the
dental department of the University of Michigan. For the prac-
tice of his profession he first located in Bangor, this county, where
he remained until 1890, a period of ten years. In that year he
changed his residence to South Haven, making the change in the

928 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

spring, and here he has ever since lived and been actively en-
gaged in an extensive and lucrative practice with a steadily in-
creasing body of patrons and a steadily rising and expanding rep-
utation for his professional work and his enterprise, public spirit
and usefulness as a citizen.

While living in Bangor he was a member of the village board of
directors for a number of years and also served on the school board
there. He has been alderman from the Third ward of South Haven
two terms and a member of the school board of this city for over
twenty years. His duties as alderman were not entirely agreeable
to him and he declined to be a candidate for a third term. He
has shown deep and abiding interest in the welfare of the commu-
nity in other ways, however, having helped to organize the library
board and served as its president for a time. He also was one of
the founders of the City Hospital of South Haven, and is now
(1911) a member of its board of directors.

In more material matters contributing to the improvement of
the city and the convenience and comfort of its residents, he has
also been a potential factor for good, and his services in connec-
tion with them have been extensive and conspicuous. He helped
to organize the South Haven Gas Company and is its president.
In addition he is president of the gas company at Sturgis, and of
the Allegan County Gas Company of Allegan, Otsego and Plain-
well, Michigan, in the adjoining counties of St. Joseph and Alle-
gan. In connection with these utilities he is sedulous in his efforts
to make their product and their service to their patrons as good as
possible, managing them with primary reference to excellence of
output and satisfaction to all classes of consumers.

In his profession Dr. Runyan is studious and progressive, using
all means available to him to keep up with its advances and in-
formed as to its latest discoveries and improvements. He is an
active member of the Southwestern Dental Society, and has been
its president and secretary. He also belongs to the Michigan State
Dental Society and the National Dental Association, and takes a
very active and helpful part in their proceedings, both as a con-
tributor to the interest and benefit of their meetings and an eager
learner from the contributions of others.

Doubtless Dr. Runyan began studying for his professional work
and practicing it with a primary view to making a livelihood out
of it. But in the course of his practice it has broadened in his
vision to a great means of constant and permanent good for the
whole community if the people, especially the young people, can
be informed of the facts in the case. With the view of giving them
this information he began in 1892 systematic course lectures on
dental anatomy and hygiene and the proper care of the teeth in
the public schools of South Haven, using lantern slides to illustrate
and emphasize his instructions. These lectures have been a source
of great benefit to the school children, and his enterprise and pub-
lic spirit in giving them is regarded with great favor by everybody
in the city. In furtherance of his work in this respect he has also
written a booklet on ''Twentieth Century Dentistry,'' which he

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 929

describes as "An Ethical Treatise on the Care and Treatment of
the Human Teeth/'

Dr. Runyan was married on October 12, 1881, to Miss Emma
Cross, a native of Lawrence township, this county, and the daugh-
ter of Calvin and Emily (Roby) Cross. Her parents are both
deceased. They were born in the state of New York, and the par-
ents of seven children, five of whom are living. Mrs. Runyan was
the last born of the seven. Her father came to Michigan in 1844
and located in Bangor, Van Buren county. He was a millwright,
a farmer and a lawyer, and rose to prominence and influence in
the county. In connection with public affairs he was an active
working Democrat and enjoyed in full measure the confidence and
regard of both the leaders and the rank and file of his party, being
esteemed as wise in counsel as well as vigorous, skillful and effective
in action in party matters.

Dr. and Mrs. Runyan are the parents of two children, their son
Cecil A. and their daughter Mabel A. The son is a gas engineer.
He married Miss Louisa Tall and is living in South Haven. The
daughter is still living at home with her parents. In political faith
and allegiance the Doctor is also a pronounced Democrat, and in
church relations he and his wife are Congregationalists. They are
both members of the Order of the Eastern Star, the bright and
popular auxiliary of the Masonic order. In the latter the Doctor
has long been active and serviceable as a member of Star of the
Lake Lodge, No. 158; South Haven Chapter, No. 58, Royal Arch
]Masons; South Haven Council, No. 45, Royal and Select Masters;
Peninsula Commandery, No. 8, Knights Templar, at Kalamazoo, and
Saladin Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in Grand Rapids. In
these different branches of the fraternity he is not merely one of
the silent units, but a very energetic working member, whose in-
telligence and good judgment are highly valued, and whose high
character, sterling manhood and elevated citizenship help to give
consequence and standing to the order and exemplify its best
teachings.

George T. Waber. — Among the native-born citizens of Van Buren
county who have spent their lives within its precincts, aiding in
every possible way its growth and development, whether relating
to its agricultural, mercantile or financial prosperity, is George T.
Waber, an extensive landholder and prosperous agriculturist who
is now engaged in mercantile pursuits in the village of Kendall,
Pine Grove township, the township in which his birth occurred.
A son of the late George Waber, he is a grandson of John Waber,
the founder of the American family of Wabers, and of whom a
brief account may be found on another page of this work, in con-
nection with the sketch of Thomas Waber.

Born in Bavaria, Germany, George Waber was educated in the
Fatherland, and as a boy in his teens came to America with his
parents. In Rochester, New York, he learned the trade of a
butcher, but after accompanying the family to Michigan he worked
out as a farm laborer by the month. Enlisting, at the breaking
out of the Civil war, in the Thirteenth Michigan Volunteer Infan-

930 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

try, he went South with his regiment, and continued in active serv-
ice until the expiration of his term of enlistment, when he was
honorably discharged. Returning to Van Buren county, Michigan,
he purchased a tract of timber in Pine Grove township, and having
cleared a large portion of his land was there engaged in farming
several seasons. Later, leaving his family on the farm, he took up
a homestead claim in Baraga county, Michigan, made the neces-
sary improvements to secure a title to the land, and then returned
to his home in Pine Grove township, and was there a resident the
remainder of his life. He married Miss Mary Miller, who was
born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, being a sister of Mrs. Thomas
Waber. She died February 8, 1894, leaving the following children :
George T., the subject of this sketch, Louis H., John N., and Eliza-
beth. Having completed his early studies in the common schools
of his native township, George T. Waber assisted his father on
the parental homestead until attaining man's estate. Beginning
life for himself as a farmer, he started in on a modest scale, with
a comparatively few acres of land which he could call his own.
Meeting with encouraging results in his labors, he made subse-
quent investments in other tracts of land, acquiring title to upwards
of two hundred acres of rich and fertile land, on which he has a
substantial residence, a good barn and all the outbuildings and
machinery required by an up-to-date agriculturist. In 1911 Mr.
Waber embarked in the mercantile business in the village of Ken-
dall, where he has a large store, well stocked with general mer-
chandise, including a fine line of agricultural implements and ma-
chinery.

Mr. Waber married, October 29, 1889, Martha E. Way, a daugh-
ter of Harrison S. Way, a granddaughter of Lyman Way and a
great-granddaughter of John Way, of Vermont. Lyman Way, a
native of Peacham, Vermont, was of a roving disposition, and not
only lived in several different places in his native state, but made
years in Minnesota. He spent his declining years, however, among
three trips to California in pioneer days, and spent two or three
the green hills of his native state, dying in the town of his birtli.
His wife, w^hose maiden name was Sophia Stevens, was born in Ver-
mont, and there died, her death occurring at Barton Landing, at
the age of eighty-two years. They were the parents of six children,
as follows: Julia; Mary: Harrison S., father of .Mrs. Waber: Rich-
ard; and Marshall and Marcellus, twins.

Harrison S. Way began when young to assist his mother in her
efforts to support the family, his father being away from home a
large part of the time. On September 6, 1861, he enlisted in Com-
pany E, Sixth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, for three years, dur-
ing which time he was frequently in battle, 'having participated in
the engagements at Williamsburg, Lees Mills, White Oak Swamp,
Fair Oaks, the siege of Richmond, and at Savage Station and Mal-
vern Hill. Soon after the last mentioned battle he was sent to the
hospital on account of illness, and when able to be about he was
assigned to duty in the commissary department, in which he served
until honorably discharged from the service. He was subsequently
in the employ of the Government until 1865, when he enlisted in

HISTORY OF VAN BIJREN COUNTY 981

Company C, Fourth Regiment, United States Veteran Volunteers,
with which he remained until honorably discharged, at Louisville,
Kentucky, at the close of the conflict. Returning then to Vermont,
Mr. Way remained there three years, when, in 1868, he went to
Washington, District of Columbia, where for four years he was
employed in the quartermaster's department. In 1872 Mr. Way
came with his family to Michigan, settling in Penn Grove township,
where he rented land for a few years. He afterwards bought one
hundred and thirty acres of partly improved land in that town-
ship, and was there engaged in farming until 1910, when he sold,
and removed to his present home in the village of Kendall.

In 1868 Mr. Way married Mrs. Sarah (Willey) Hatch, widow of
Calvin Hatch. She was born in Danville, Vermont, a daughter of
Noah and Sally (Gray) Willey. Her paternal grandfather, Sam-
uel Wiley, was a life-long resident of Portsmouth, New Hamp-
shire, while her maternal grandparents, John and Hannah (Otis)
Gray, spent their entire lives in Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Way
reared four children, namely : Frank S. E. ; Martha Emma, now the
wife of George T. Waber, the subject of this sketch ; Freeman W. ;
and George Fred.

iMr. and Mrs. Waber have three children, Bertha, Harry and
Leon. An active and prominent member of the Democratic party,
Mr. Waber has served as a member of the Township Democratic
Committee, and as a delegate to different party conventions. He
takes an intelligent interest in local affairs, and for ten years rep-
resented Pine Grove township on the County Board of Supervisors.

P>ERT S. Dyckman. — Taking a turn successively in the trans-
portation industry on the lake, mercantile life as a dealer in ice,
coal and wood, and finally as a manufacturer of cigars. Evert S.
Dyckman, of South Haven, has given a striking evidence of his
versatility and adaptability to circumstances and conditions. He
has also shown that no matter what has engaged his faculties he
has been equal to the requirements, and in all occupations has
maintained and manifested his interest in the locality of his home
and a strong desire to promote its progress and the substantial and
enduring welfare of its people.

Mr. Dyckman has bestowed his efforts on the region of his birth
and found its opportunities sufficient to employ them to his own
advantage and the benefit of that region. He was born in South
Haven, Michigan, on December 5, 1856, and is a son of Aaron S.
and Emeratta (Blood) Dyckman, natives of New York state, the
former born in Seneca county of that state on February 16, 1826,
and the latter in CJtica. The father died on December 14, 1899.
and the mother is still living. They had four children, three of
w^hom are living : Evert S. ; Harriet, who is the wife of F. G. Dewey,
of Kalamazoo; and Claud, who resides in Chicago. The second
child, George, died in infancy. •

The father, A. S. Dyckman, was brought to Michigan by his
parents while he was yet a little boy. The family located first in
Paw Paw^ township, Van Buren county, but soon afterward re-
moved to Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo county, where the father at-

982 HISTORY OF VAN BUREiN COUNTY

tended school, and after a due course of preparation was sent to
college in Kalamazoo. In 1847, when he was twenty-one years old,
he tirst visited South Haven, stopping but a short time. In 1849
the golden music of California enlisted his attention and was soon
pulling at his heartstrings as with the tug of gravitation, and he
was unable to resist it. He joined a company of adventurers like
himself and dared the hardships and dangers of the long jaunt
across the plains and mountains to the region of fabulous wealth
in an effort to make his fortune by a few strong and lucky strokes.
But his success w^as very moderate, and in 1852 he returned to his
Michigan home, making the trip by the Isthmus of Panama, over
the Gulf of Mexico and up the Mississippi to the landing place
most convenient to South Haven. After his arrival at South
Haven he formed a partnership with E. B. and B. H. Dyckman,
A. W. Pantland, Joseph Sturgis, Marshall Hale and Uriah Con-
ger, and together they conducted a thriving saw mill and lumber
business under the firm name of Dyckman, Sturgis & Company.
The undertaking was successful and the partnership continued
several years. Mr. A. S. Dyckman did not, however, rest his hopes
on this industry alone. He engaged in growing fruit, and was
the first in this section to cultivate peaches commercially, and in
time he became the most extensive producer of the tree fruits
adapted to the region in this locality, holding this rank until his
death, but with many followers of his stimulating example and
sharers in the gratifying profits of the industry. He was also a
man of prominence and influence in the public affairs of the town-
ship and county, serving as township supervisor for a number of
years and as county treasurer two terms. He was also one of the
founders of the Scott Club, a literary society organized and con-
ducted for the mental improvement and social enjoyment of its
members. In politics he was a pronounced Republican, with strong
faith in his party and great earnestness and zeal in its service and
a voice of potency in its councils.

His son, Evert S. Dyckman, obtained his education in the schools
of South Haven and at the State Agricultural College in Lansing.
He was then associated with his father in business for about eight
years, and at the end of that period worked for a time for the H.
W. Williams Transportation Company. But he was ambitious to
have an establishment and a business of his own, and started one in
the ice, coal and wood trade, which he carried on for awhile. From
that he turned to the manufacture of cigars, in which he has ever
since been profitably engaged.

The public affairs of the city of his home have always interested
him greatly, and he has done all he could to secure their proper
administration. In 1903 he was elected mayor and in 1904 was
re-elected, serving two consecutive terms in the office. He was
also a member of the board of public works for five years. In
these positions he was able to render the city signal service in the
way of promoting public improvements, and he used his opportu-
nities to the full measure in the work.

In fraternal relations Mr. Dyckman has affiliated with but one
of the benevolent societies so numerous among men, but in that

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 933

he lias been an earnest and very helpful member. He belongs to
Star of the Lake Lodge, No. 158, Ancient, Free and Accepted Ma-
sons, and has been its Worshipful Master two terms. He is also
a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to South Haven Chapter, No. 58,
in this branch of the fraternity, and a Knight Templar of Malta
Commandery at Benton Harbor. In addition he and his wife are
members of the Masonic auxiliary, the Order of the Eastern Star.
In political matters he sides with the Democratic party with loyalty
and zeal.

Mr. Dyckman was married on January 25, 1895, to Miss Lucille
Plummer, who was born in South Haven and reared and educated
here. She is a daughter of William G. and Susan (McDowell)
Plummer, natives of Michigan and long residents of Allegan county.
Mr. and Mrs. Dyckman have one child, their son Clovis, who was
born on the 25th of May, 1896, and is still living at home with
them.

The parents are highly esteemed in all parts of the co-unty of their
residence and by all classes of its people. They have shown that
they follow high ideals of citizenship and embrace every oppor-
tunity to aid in promoting the welfare of their city and county
and that of their residents, and that they are impelled by a strong
sense of duty in all the relations of life. They are worthy repre-
sentatives of the sturdy and sterling citizenship of Van Buren
county, and as such are well deserving of the strong hold they
have on the confidence and regard of the people.

Leander Simmons. — Noteworthy not only as the representative
of an honored pioneer of Michigan, but as one of the self-made men
of Van Buren county, Leander Simmons holds a prominent posi-
tion among the successful agriculturists of Pine Grove township,
where he has a large farm, which in its appointments compares
favorably with any in the locality. The neatness, appearance and
flourishing condition of his farming property bears visible evidence
to the most casual observer the thrift and care of the proprietor,
and show conclusively that he has a thorough understanding of his
business and that he exercises excellent judgment in its manage-
ment. He was born January 26, 1840, in Townsend township,
Norfolk county, Ontario, Canada, a son of Isaac Simmons, and
grandson of Philip Simmons, both natives of Newark, New Jersey.
His great-grandparents on the paternal side immigrated from Ger-
many in colonial days, settling in Newark, New Jersey, where they
spent their remaining days. They reared four sons, two of whom
lived and died in Newark, while the other two settled in Rochester,
New York. Philip Simmons was a blacksmith by trade, and fol-
lowed it through his active career. He married, and reared five
sons and five daughters.

Early in life Isaac Simmons learned the trade of a shoemaker,
all shoes at that time having been made to order. Moving to Nor-
folk county, Canada, when young, he bought fifty acres of land
in Townsend township, and after marrying followed his trade and
farmed. Selling his farm in 1841, he started for the West, ac-
companied by his wife and son, and journeyed overland with

934 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

teams to Allegan, Michigan. All of this part of the state was then
heavily timbered, much of the land being owned by the Govern-
ment. Deer, bear, catamounts, wild turkeys and, in fact, game of
all kinds native to this section of the country were plentiful and,
with the Indians, populated the forests. After looking about for
a time Mr. Isaac Simmons bought, in Gun Plains township, forty
acres of land, a very small patch of which had been cleared to
make room for the substantial log house that stood upon it. Ready
money was a scare article in those days, and he added to his in-
come by working in a shoe factory at Kalamazoo, making shoes
by hand, as no machinery for the making was then in use, being
thus employed whenever work on his land was not imperative.
Subsequently selling out there, he removed to Kalamazoo county,
and having purchased land in section six. Cooper township, was
there engaged in general farming until his death, at the age of
sixty-six years, his life having been lost in a fierce tornado which
he encountered while returning to his home from Flainwell.

The maiden name of the wife of Isaac Simmons was Mary Cul-
ver. She was born in Townsend township, Norfolk county, Can-
ada, a daughter of Henry and Eunice Culver, both of whom were
born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. She survived her
husband, and lived to be nearly ninety years old. She reared
three sons, namely : Leander, with whom this brief sketch is chiefly
concerned ; Marvin, who owns and occupies the old homestead ; and
Philip, who died at the age of thirty-one years.

But an infant when he was brought by his parents to Michigan,
Leander Simmons has no recollection of any other home. An am-
bitious student in his youthful days, he attended the pioneer schools
of Allegan county and of Cooper township, completing his studies
at Kalamazoo College. He was reared to habits of industry and
honesty, and began as a boy to assist his father on the farm, re-
maining beneath the parental roof until attaining his majority,
when he began life 's battle on his own account, with no other capi-
tal than strong hands, a willing heart and an unlimited amount
of courage and energy. Locating in Pine Grove township, Van
Buren county, in 1862, Mr. Simmons bought eighty acres of land
in section three, and immediately began the arduous labor of re-
claiming a farm from the wilderness, and in a comparatively brief
time had much of his land under cultivation, and in the raising of
crops was making good money. As his means increased, he wisely
invested in other lands and now has title to four hundred acres of
as fertile and productive land as can be found in western Michi-
gan. His large brick house is sheltered from the cold winds of
winter by a natural grove of pine and oak trees, and near by
stands his barn, which is conveniently arranged, and other sub-
stantial farm buildings, his estate, with its excellent improvements,
being one of the most attractive and desirable in the township.

Mr. Simmons married, in 1866, Margaret Hazen, who was born
in Townsend township, Norfolk county, Canada, a daughter of
Daniel Hazen. Her father was a wagon maker, and for many years
followed his trade at Woodhouse, Norfolk county, Canada, where
he spent all of the later part of his life. Mrs. Simmons 's maternal

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 985

grandfather, Colonel Gilbert, was an officer in the English army,
and for several years was a recruiting officer in Norfolk county,
Canada. Mrs. Simmons passed to the life beyond at the age of
about sixty-four years, leaving four children, namely: Elgy, Ar-
thur, Elmer and Mary. Elgy and Arthur are prosperous farmers.
Arthur, who fought during the Spanish-American war in Cuba
and the Philippines, has been for a number of years in the rail-
way mail service, with headquarters at Seattle, Washington. Mary
received her advanced education at the State Normal School in
Ypsilanti, and is now a teacher in the Seattle High School. Al-
though Mr. Simmons has even been too much engrossed with his
own affairs to meddle with politics, he has always performed his
duty at the polls, and has served on the Republican Township Com-
mittee, and for twenty years has been a member of the local school
board.

Matthew Vassar Selkirk. — This enterprising merchant, influ-
ential citizen and potential social and civic force in the life of
South Haven and Van Buren county, has been a resident of the
city ever since 1866, when he was fourteen years old. Here he
completed his education and learned his trade as a harness maker.
Here also he married and has maintained his domestic shrine. He
has, therefore, been closely and serviceably connected with the
interests of the community for a long time in business and private
life, and in addition has given its residents good service as a public
official at different times.

Mr. Selkirk was born in Waukegan, Lake county, Illinois, on
May 28, 1852. His parents, James and Electa C. (Austin) Selkirk,
were natives of the state of New York, the father born in Homer,
Cortland county. He died at the age of sixty-three years, and the
mother died in July, 1907. Five children were born of their union,
two of whom are living, Matthew V. and his older sister Lucia S.,
who is the wife of Charles P. Ludwig and resides in Otsego, Mich-
igan. The father came West in 1837 and first located in La
Porte, Indiana, for a short time, then moved to Lake county, Illi-
nois. He was a Methodist Episcopal clergyman for over forty
years, and busied himself in other affairs of great and signal serv-
ice to the country in critical times. In 1849 he went to California
by w^ay of the Isthmus of Panama, but in the fall of 1850 he
returned to his former Illinois home in Lake county. There, in
connection with his ministerial duties, he cultivated a farm and
did a great deal toward keeping up the anti-slavery agitation.

When the terrible storm cloud of the Civil war burst upon the
country he made his faith good in practical work by organizing a
company of volunteers to go to the defense of the Union. But
he was refused entry into the service for the field himself, be-
cause it was believed he could do a great deal more good at
home recruiting men. His company comprised ninety-seven men.
and he was to go with them as their chaplain. He remained at
home, however, and in the course of the war enlisted one thous-
and four hundred soldiers in Lake and McHenry counties, Illinois,
and aided vastly in keeping up the enthusiasm of the people for

936 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

the Union and its salvation from dismemberment. But his family
paid its tribute to the Union cause in actual service in the field.
His brother Charles enlisted in the South when he was but six-
teen years old and was the captain of his company, but was soon
afterward taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. He was
paroled and sent home, and when his parole expired he again
enlisted, although then barely seventeen, and served to the end
of the war. In 1866 he came to South Haven and lived for a time,
then went to Kalkaska county and engaged in the drug and grocery
business several years, and served two terms as county clerk and
register of deeds. He spent the last year of his life in Gibson City,
Illinois.

In the fall of 1866 the family of Rev. Mr. Selkirk was moved
by him to South Haven, where he continued to do ministerial work
and also carried on a flourishing drug business. In politics
he was an ardent and zealous member of the Republican party
from its organization to the close of his life. He cast his first vote
for it in 1856, its first campaign, and never failed to support its
candidates afterward while he lived. He also took an active stand in
its favor in his talk and work, and rendered it considerable service
at all times, notwithstanding he was a clergyman and in business.

Matthew Vassar Selkirk began his education in Waukegan, Illi-
nois, and completed it in South Haven. At the age of sixteen he
started to learn the trade of harness maker, and in 1871 went into
business as a manufacturer of harness. He continued his opera-
tions in this line of production until the fall of 1899. He then
devoted his attention to the real estate business for a few years,
and in 1910 returned to harness-making, in which he is still en-
gaged. His business is extensive and active, but it has never been
so great or exacting as to deaden his interest in the welfare of
his community or lessen his efforts to promote that by all means
at his command.

He served as village treasurer one term and as alderman from
his city ward one term, and in many other ways has contributed
directly and essentially to the progress and improvement of the
city. He is the owner of the opera house in South Haven, and is
careful to see that it offers only proper entertainment to its patrons,
for in all respects, intellectually and morally, as well as materially,
the public weal is an object of supreme interest to him and al-
ways has his earnest and intelligent advocacy and aid.

Mr. Selkirk was married on October 24, 1883, in Waukegan, Illi-
nois, to Miss Helen J. Palmer. She was born in the state of
New York and is a daughter of George and Sarah Jane (Morrison)
Palmer. The father was born in New York state and died while
serving his country in the Civil war. The mother is still living
and makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Selkirk. They had only
one child, their daughter Helen J., now Mrs. Selkirk. By her
marriage to Mr. Selkirk she has become the mother of two children,
their daughters Effa N. and Mildred V. Effa married Ralph E.
Longley and lives in Seattle, Washington.

GEORGE W. HUTGHINS

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 937

George W. Hutchins.— The death of George W. Hutchins, of
Paw Paw township in this county, which occurred on May 5, 1911,
took away from Van Buren county one of its most substantial
and progressive farmers, a sturdy and sterling citizen, a man of
high character and enlightened public spirit, and a friend of hun-
dreds who felt a deep sense of personal bereavement when he could
be with them no more. He had a special interest in the welfare
of the county of Van Buren, because his parents were among
its pioneer settlers; he was born and reared within its borders
and passed the whole of the sixty-seven years of his life among
its people; and his brothers and sisters were nearly all born and
all who grew to maturity were reared upon its soil, which gave
them their stature and their strength for life and became the
resting pla(?e of their remains and those of their parents in death.
Mr. Hutchins was born in Paw Paw township, this county, on
November 6, 1843, a son of Richard and Sarah (Huxtable) Hutch-
ins. The parents began their lives, grew to maturity, and were
educated and married in England. They came to this country
and Michigan in 1836, and located in Van J^uren county, where
they hewed a farm out of the wilderness and transformed the
unbroken wilds into a comforta])le home for their offspring. They
had nine children: William, who was born on November 13, 1832,
and has been dead for a number of years; Ann, who was born on
June 30, 1834, and is also deceased; Elizabeth, whose life began
on October 28, 1836, and ended many years ago; John, who came
into being on February 18, 1839, and has long been dead; JMary,
who was born on May 12, 1841, and is now the wife of Richard
Hutchins, of Paw Paw; Charles, who first saw tlie light of this
world on September 20, 1842, and now has his home in Kalamazoo,
Michigan; George W., the subject of this brief memoir; Thomas,
who was born on August 3, 1846, and is now living in the state of*
California; and Sarah, who was born on Dc^cember 3, 1849, and
is deceased.

George W. Hutchins was a farmer all his life from his boyliood.
He attended the country school in the neighborhood of his home
when he had opportunity and could be spared from the exacting
duties of cultivating a new tract of land which had not yet learned
obedience and responsiveness to the developing hand of the hus-
bandman. As soon as he was able he bought off the heirs and
with his mother conducted the farm until her death, after which
he purchased more land and at the time of his death he owned
one hundred and three acres of land, well improved and brought
to a high state of productiveness of his skillful cultivation. The
farm is in section twelve of Paw Paw township, and is one of the
best in this part of the county.

For some years he occupied the old family homestead of ninety-
seven acres, but a number of years ago the buildings on this were
destroyed by fire, and he then bought the farm of one hundred
and three acres which he thereafter occupied until his death. It
is on the other side of the road from the homestead, and the land
is of the same character as that. In selling the homestead, there-
fore he neither left the scenes of his boyhood and youth nor sub-
jected himself to new and untried conditions in his farming.

93^ HISTORY Of^ VAN BURP^N COUNTY

On February 28, 1886, Mr. Ilutchins was united in marriage
with Mrs. Lydia (Carr) Warner, a daughter of George and
Catherine (Snyder) Carr, natives of New York, and the parents
of four children: William, who lives at Waverly, this county;
Mrs. Hutchins; Moses, who was killed in the Civil war; and
George, who died in infancy. These w^ere children of the father's
second marriage. His first union in wedlock was with Miss Chris-
tine Plank, who bore him four children : Jacob, who lives in Paw
Paw; and Peter, Cornelius and William, all deceased.

By her first marriage, which took place in 1859 and united her
with Delos Warner, Mrs. Hutchins had one child, her son Willard
Warner, who was a resident of Waverly, Van Buren county, but
now resides with his mother. Her second husband, Mr. Hutchins,
during all of his mature years gave faithful adherence and sup-
port to the principles and candidates of the Republican party, and
was a zealous worker for its success in all campaigns. He held
several township offices and rendered the people good service in
them all. He was a Baptist in religious faith and connection, and
lor many years served as one of the deacons of the congregation
in which he held his membership. In this he always manifested
the warmest and most helpful interest, and was held in cordial
regard as a force of great value in promoting its welfare and ex-
panding its usefulness among its own members and the people of
the community in general.

Charles J. May. — Conspicuous among the earlier settlers of Pine
Grove township, Van Buren county, was Charles J. May, who still
owns and occupies the farm which he hewed from the wilderness,
and which has been his home for a half century or more. A na-
tive of Germany, he was born in the village of Laudenbach, Baden,
in 1831. His father, William May, was born and reared in Ger-
many, and with his wife spent his entire life in Germany. He was
a traveling salesman, but owned a home in the village of Lauden-
bach, where he was noted as a most successful bee raiser and
keeper, generally having as many as one hundred and fifty hives
of bees in his apiary. Two of his sons, Charles J., the subject of
this sketch, and William came to America, the latter named settling
in Pennsylvania.

Educated in the Fatherland, Charles J. May attended school
regularly until fourteen years old, acquiring a practical knowledge
of books. Five years later he immigrated to America, being thirty-
two days in crossing the ocean on a sailing vessel, and landing at
the end of the voyage in New York city. Going from there to Ohio,
he began the struggle of life among strangers, without capital other
than he earned. For two years he was employed as a farm laborer
in the vicinity of Cleveland. Being convinced that he could find
more favorable opportunities for advancing his financial condi-
tion in a newer country, Mr. May made his way to Van Buren
county, Michigan. The county, especially its northern portion,
was then sparsely settled, the people hereabout having but limited
means at their command. He found employment in clearing the
land and in farming. Industrious and thrifty, he saved his wages,

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 939

and when he had accumulated a sufficient sum to warrant him in
so doing bought eighty acres of the land now included in his
present farm, in section eleven, Pine Grove township. The entire
tract was covered with timber when he bought it, and for a few
years he rented land near by, and during the time that he worked
that cleared a few acres of his own estate. When ready to set
up an establishment of his own he settled with his bride on his
own farm, w^hich he has since placed under a high state of culti-
vation. Mr. May has made other improvements of great value,
erecting a substantial set of farm buildings, and installing all the
machinery and equipments necessary for carrying on his agricul-
tural work after the most approved modern methods.

Mr. May married ]\Iargaret Waber, who was born in 1843, in
Bavaria, Germany, her birth occurring on the sixth day of April.
Her father, John Waber, was born and bred in Bavaria, and there
learned the trade of a carpenter. In 1848, accompanied by his
wife and eight children, he came to America in a sailing vessel,
being six wrecks on ship board before landing in New York. Locat-
ing in Rochester, New York, he lived there for six years, after which
he spent a year in Kalamazoo, Michigan. From there he came to
Van Buren county, which was then in its pristine wildness, with
no railroad nearer than Lawton. He settled in Pine Grove town-
ship, and a year or so after coming here purchased eighty acres of
woodland in section two. Clearing a small space in the forest, he
erected a log house, and having placed a part of his land under
cultivation began farming in earnest, for several years taking
his surplus productions to Kalamazoo with ox teams, and selling
it, or exchanging it for needed household supplies. Late in life
he sold his farm and moved to Otsego, wiiere he lived with his
son Fred, dying at his home at the advanced age of eighty-one
years. His wife died on the home farm in Pine Grove township,
at the age of sixty-seven years. She reared seven children, as fol-
lows: George, Henry, Frederick, Anna, Thomas. Margaret and
James.

Mr. and i\lrs. May have had nine children, namely: Frederick,
Philip, Anna, Barbara, Frances, Charlie, Nellie, Alice and Elmer.
Frederick married Caroline Stiloh. Philip married Mabel Cowan,
and they have one son, Philip H. Cowan. Anna, wife of Peter
Stevens, has six children, May, Royal, Dale, Adelbert, Isabelle and
Isadore. Barbara, who married George Wyman, died in 1909, leav-
ing two children, Margaret and Charlie. Frances is the wife of
Clyde Scramlin. Nellie, wife of Florence Harbolt, has three chil-
dren, Flossie, Anna and Elmer. Alice is the wife of Elmer Sim-
mons. Elmer, the youngest member of the parental househould,
married Gertrude Squires, and they have two children, Lyle and
Claudie. Charlie is unmarried and manages the home farm.

John H., Tripp. — Leaving the home of his parents and the scenes
and associations of his childhood and youth at the age of seven-
teen, and coming to Michigan when it was still a part of the re-
mote West, to join a brother in South Haven who was conducting
a general store in that city, himself far from his kindred and

940 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

still a young man, John H. Tripp, now one of the leading busi-
ness men and citizens of the town of his adoption, gave at an
early age a signal proof of his mettle and an indication of the
qualities of resolute and self-reliant manhood which have dis-
tinguished him through all his subsequent years of life and in all
his business undertakings.

Mr. Tripp is a native of Orleans county, New York, where his
life began on September 1, 1852. His parents, Alvah and Jane
(Blakely) Tripp, were also natives of New York, the father born
in Delaware county on March 15, 1806, and the mother was born
in 1810. She died on January 22, 1866, and the father passed
away in 1882. They were the parents of seven sons and seven
daughters, of whom ten grew to maturity and five are now living,
three of the daughters and two of the sons. John H. was the
thirteenth child born in the family.

The father was a carpenter and farmer, and located in western
New York in 1832, and there he erected a sawmill which he ope-
rated in connection with his farming and some work that he still
did at his trade. Early in the forties he bought land in Michigan,
near Lansing, where the State Agricultural College now stands.
He made a tour of observation through this part of the country
and foresaw its possibilities in the way of progress and improve-
ment, and he eagerly embraced the opportunity to become possessed
of some of the opportunities it offered for advancement to industry
and thrift by purchasing the land spoken of. He then returned
to his New York home with the intention of moving his family to
his land in this state. But his wife declined to come West, and
he abandoned his project. He then remained in New York until
after her death, and passed his last days with his children in that
state and this one, dying at Kibbie, Michigan, where his remains
were buried. He was a great lover of good horses, and in his time
owned some very fine ones. In politics he was a Whig in early life
and later a Republican, and in religious connection belonged to the
Free Methodist church from his boyhood.

John H. Tripp was reared to the age of seventeen on his father's
farm in the state of New York, and obtained the higher portion
of his education in schools at Albion and Rochester in that state.
In 1869, having finished his schooling, as he supposed, the problem
of life was before him, and he made his choice of a locality in which
to solve it. He came to South Haven, ]\lichigan, and there he
clerked for a time in a general store kept by his brother, Samuel
A. Tripp, with whom he remained two years. The next two years
he passed in the same capacity in the employ of D. G. Wright, an-
other merchant of South Haven, attaining his majority while in
the employ of that gentleman.

He felt at this time that his education was incomplete, and at
the end of the period mentioned he went back to New York, took
up his residence in Rochester, and again attended school there.
While doing so he worked on a farm in the neighborhood of the
city, so that he lost nothing in the way of provision for his liveli-
hood while preparing himself for higher duties and the use of

HISTORY OF VAxN BUREN COUNTY 941

better opportunities for his advancement. He next taught school
two winters in New York, and then returned to Michigan.

After his second arrival in this state he located at Kibbie and
bought one hundred and sixty acres of stumpage land in the
vicinity of that town. He cleared his land and resided there for
eighteen years, cultivated it and carried on a general merchan-
dising enterprise in Kibbie, where he was also agent for the ]\Iich-
igan Railroad.

Keeping in touch with the spirit of progress, and always alert
to the needs of his community, Mr. Tripp in 1896 organized a
telephone company within his own family, and in March, 1898,
incorporated it as the Kibbie Telephone Company, of which he
has been secretary, treasurer and general manager from the start.
The line runs into South Haven, of course, and the offices of the
company are in that city. Mr. Tripp is progressive and studious
of his Ibusiness, and keeps his telephone service up to the latest
developments in the enterprise. He also makes every effort to meet
every requirement of the community in the matter and fully satisfy
all the proper demands of his patrons, so that his telephone line
is one of the best in the state, and has no superior in this part of
the country.

Mr. Tripp was married on December 23, 1880, to ]\liss Flora
Watson, a native of Michigan, born near Grand Rapids, and the
daughter of Jerome B. and Catherine (Friant) Watson, who were
born and reared in the state of New York and located in Van
Buren county, Michigan, in 1854, being among the pioneers of
the county. The father has been dead some years, but the mother
is still living. They had ten children, of whom i\lrs. Tripp was
the first born. The family home in this county was in Geneva
township, seven miles east of South Haven, and was literally hewed
out of the wilderness. The father filled a number of township
offices, among them that of supervisor, which he held for a number
of years. He was a Republican in politics. In the family of Mr.
and Mrs. Tripp there are three children: Harold J., who mar-
ried Miss Vera Nyman; Verne W., who married Miss Ilallie Mer-
rett; and Hazel M., who is living at home with her parents. Mr.
Tripp is a Republican in politics, and an excellent citizen in
every particular.

William Schoolcraft, of Pine Grove township. Van Buren
county, was clearly destined to be the architect of his own for-
tune. He began life for himself on the lowest rung of the ladder
of attainments, and by untiring industry, a diligent use of his
faculties and opportunities, and good business management he
has rapidly made his way upward to an assured position among
the leading farmers of his community. A son of Elijah School-
craft, he was born March 20, 1834, in the province of Quebec,
Canada, where his grandfather Schoolcraft settled with his family
in the early part of the last century, going there from Mas-
sachusetts, his native state.

Born in Massachusetts, of English lineage, Elijah Schoolcraft
accompanied his parents to the province of Quebec, and for many

942 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

seasons was there employed in lumbering and rafting logs. He
was subsequently engaged in general farming in Essex county, New
York, a few years, from there coming to Michigan and living for
awhile in Allegan county. His last days, however, were spent in
Pine Grove township. Van Buren county, where his death oc-
curred at the good old age of eighty-two years. He married Sarah
Diamond, whose father, George Diamond, immigrated from Eng-
land to Canada, where he bought a large tract of land, which he
managed successfully a few years. Coming from there to Kala-
mazoo county, Michigan, he purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of timber land in Cooper township, and on the farm which
he redeemed from the forest spent the remainder of his life, dying
at the age of eighty-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Schoolcraft
reared nine children, as follows: George W., James, Freeman,
Maria, William, Juliet, Sarah, Melissa and Guy.

But a boy when his parents settled in Essex county. New York,
William Schoolcraft grew to manhood on the home farm, being
there reared to habits of industry and thrift. In 1855, having
attained his majority, he came to Michigan in search of fortune,
caring more for that than for fame. His most cherished posses-
sion at that time was a spirited, three-year old colt, broken neither
to harness or bridle. Leading this colt from his home in Essex
county to Ogdensburg, New York, he there, with his colt, boarded
a boat and came by way of Lake Ontario, Welland Canal and Lake
Erie to Detroit, Michigan, from there walking to Allegan county.
Soon after arriving at his point of destination Mr. Schoolcraft
traded his colt for forty acres of heavily timbered land in Trow-
bridge township. None of the land had been cleared, although a
log cabin had been built in the dense forest. Having no money,
he was forced to seek some remunerative employment, and for a
short time worked in a sawmill, receiving twenty dollars a month
wages. He subsequently worked on a farm for tiiirteen dollars
a month and board, in this way making money enough to pay his
expenses while clearing his land, on which he sul)sequently resided
until 1864. Coming in that year to Pine Grove township, Mr.
Schoolcraft bought the land which he now owns and occupies, his
farm containing two hundred and thirty-nine acres of choice land,
on which he has made extensive and valuable improvements, in-
cluding the erection of a good set of farm buildings. During the
fifty or more years that Mr. Schoolcraft has resided in Michigan
he has witnessed marked changes in many directions, and has
watched with pride and gratification the rapid development of a
wilderness into a rich and well populated commonwealth, in its
gradual development well performing his share of labor.

Mr. Schoolcraft married, in 1857, Phebe Ann Mallery, who was
born in Wayne county. New York, where her parents, John and
Waitsel (Palmer) Mallery, were pioneer settlers. Seven children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schoolcraft, namely: Frankie,
Laura, Delia, Nellie and Elba, also Charlie, the second child, who
died aged fifteen months, and John, who died at the age of three
months and twenty-five days.

HISTORY OF VAN J31JKEN COUNTY 943

Charles E. Abell. — During his residence of twenty-two years
in South Haven, this county, Charles E. Abell, of that city, has
shown great public spirit and enterprise in connection with the
affairs of the city and has done as much as any other man, and
much more than most, for its advancement and improvement, its
enrichment with good educational institutions, its judicious govern-
ment, and the general welfare of its residents in every way. He
has long conducted a thriving and progressive business in the drug
trade, whereby he has not only ministered directly and effectively
to the comfort and benefit of the people, but has also aided in
building up the mercantile and commercial importance of the
municipality. He has also served two terms as mayor, and dur-
ing that service a new face and condition was put upon the city
in consequence of his determined persistency in the work of im-
provement in a general way, and with reference to sanitary condi-
tions especially.

Mr. Abell is a native of Calhoun county, ^Michigan, where his
life began on January 29, 1868. His father, De Witt Clinton Abell^
was born in Onondaga county, New York, in 1840, and died in
Calhoun county, Michigan, in 1906. The mother, whose maiden
name was Charlotte M. Culver, was born and reared in Calhoun
county, this state, and is still living there on the farm on which
the father died after many years of effort in improving and devel-
oping it. They had six children, three of whom are living, Burt,
Charles E. and Myrtle. Burt is a resident of Toledo and Myrtle
has her home with her mother on the family homestead.

The father was reared on a farm in the state of New York
and came to Michigan a short time before attaining his majority.
In 1861, with bitter opposition to the dismemberment of the Union,
which was then threatened by the secession of several of the South-
ern states and their determination to maintain the stand they had
taken by force of arms, if necessary, he enlisted in the Union army
to prevent the disaster, becoming a member of Company M, Sec-
ond Michigan Cavalry. Not long after actual hostilities began,
and he was in the maelstrom of the conflict, he was so seriously
injured by the falling of his horse that he had to be sent to a
hospital for treatment, and from that institution was later dis-
charged from the service on account of his disability, which was
permanent. The accident occurred while he was with his com-
pany on a raid for the destruction of railroads which were of
service to the enemy.

When he got out of the hospital he returned to his Michigan
home and was married. He then engaged in operating a saw and
shingle mill in Burlington, Calhoun county, for awhile, after which
he located on a farm near Battle Creek, where he passed the re-
mainder of his days, and on which his widow and daughter are
now living, as has been noted. He was president of the village
board in Burlington two terms, a Republican in political faith and
action, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and a com-
municant in the Baptist church in Battle Creek.

Charles E. Abell grew to manhood on his father's farm and
obtained his education in the public schools. In December, 1889,

944 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

he located in South Haven, where he became associated with his
uncle, R. W. Culver, in a drug business, and remained with him
until 1895. In that year he set up in business for himself as a
druggist, and he has been carrying on the same establishment ever
since. His business is extensive and prosperous, and he is ac-
counted one of the leading druggists of the county, a thorough
master of pharmacy and skillful in the use of his knowledge con-
cerning it; an excellent manager with the power of making all
his resources tell to his advantage, and a straightforward dealer
who is entitled to the full confidence of the people and enjoys it.

In addition to his drug establishment and business Mr. Abell
owns a forty acre fruit farm near the city, which is well im-
proved and yields abundantly, and in the spring of 1911 he se-
cured a ten-year lease on four hundred apple trees in w^hat is
known as the Liberty Bailey orchard, and is one of the most prolific
stands of its kind in this part of the country. He is therefore
well prepared to enlarge his operations in fruit growing, which
are already extensive, and thereby add his own skill and enterprise
in greater measure to an industry in which those qualities have
made a good name for Michigan throughout the civilized world.

Mr. Abell has found his various personal undertakings exact-
ing and in need of his close and continued attention. But he
has not allowed them to abate his interest in the affairs of the com-
munity, in which he has expended much of his surplus energy
to the great advantage of the city. He organized the city Board
of Trade and became its first president, and was also a member of
the Board of Public Works for two terms. Backed by these two
organizations, he has been able to accomplish a great deal in the
way of improving the city streets, sidewalks and sewer system,
and do many things of value to the municipality in other ways.

His interest in such matters, and his energy and determined
persistency in forcing attention to them, led to his election as
mayor of the city in 1906, and his re-election for a second term
at the end of the first. During his service in that office he was
able to push the public work he had inaugurated with greater
speed and vigor, and bring much of it to a successful and highly
gratifying completion.

Mr. Abell has taken an earnest interest in the fraternal life
of the community around him for many years. He is a member
and has served as chancellor of Pomona Lodge, No. 193, Knights
of Pythias, and belongs to several other fraternities and social
organizations. His political faith and allegiance are given without
stint to the Republican party, for which he is on all occasions a
hard and effective worker, but a square and upright one. But
his political zeal and activity are never allowed to interfere with
his business or his energetic action in behalf of his home city and
its residents. To every undertaking in which their welfare is
involved he always gives his best and most serviceable support.
He helped to organize the City Library Association and was chair-
man of the building committee which erected the structure in
which the library is housed.

On December 1, 1890, Mr. Abell united in marriage with Miss

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 945

Cora I. Webb. They have three children, their daughter Vera,
and their sons Carlos and Thornton. Mrs. Abell was born in
Calhoun county, Michigan, and is a daughter of Joshua and Sarah
(Brown) Webb. Her father is a native of England and hei:
mother of this state. Both are living, as are four of their five
children : Isaac, Mrs. Abell, Frank and Jesse. Their father came
to this country and Calhoun county, Michigan, in his boyhood with
his parents. They were pioneer farmers in their locality. He is
now seventy-seven years old, a highly respected citizen, inde-
pendent in politics and cordial in his interest in everything per-
taining to the progress and improvement of the region in which
he is passing the declining years of his long and useful life.

John Wesley Herron. — Distinguished as having been the first
child born of white parents in Bloomingdale township, Van Buren
county, John Wesley Herron is an honored representative of the
early pioneers of Van Buren county and a true type of the ener-
getic and enterprising men who have rendered able assistance in
the development and growth of his native county. He was born
December 11, 1839, a son of Ashbel Herron, and on the paternal
side is of Scotch ancestry, his grandfather Herron having been,
it is said, a native of Scotland.

Ashbel Herron was born April 2, 1804, in Whitehall, Washing-
ton county, New York, where he grew to manhood, as a young man
serving an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade. In 1836
he joined a band of emigrants, which included his brothers-in-law,
Hiram, Harrison, Reuben and Merlin Meyers, and their sister,
Ruth ^leyers, and traveled across the country with ox teams to
White Pigeon, Michigan, where he was for awhile employed in
farming and butchering. In the fall of 1837 the entire band
determined to settle in the ''North Woods," which included a
part of Van Buren county. In December of that year Ashbel
Herron brought the Meyers family, which had no teams, to Van
Buren county, bringing them and a part of their household goods
on ox sleds, from the Paw Paw river blazing their way through
the woods to Bloomingdale township, where they located, buying
a tract of land on section thirty-six. Leaving liis sleds, Ashbel
Herron returned to White Pigeon, and the following spring came
over the same route with his own family and household possessions,
performing the journey with wagons. Securing a tract of govern-
ment land in section thirty-six, Bloomingdale township, he made
an opening in the woods and tliere erected a log house, making
the chimney of sticks and mud, and building the large fireplace in
which his wife for many years thereafter did all of her cooking,
the meat w^hich supplied the family larder being obtained in the
surrounding forest, wild game, now considered a luxury, being
then simple and ordinary fare. One of the leading industries of
this part of the country was at that time the manufacture of
shingles, which found a ready sale at White Pigeon, Constantine and
Three Rivers, and Mr. Herron marketed many a load at those
places, bringing back on his return trip a load of provisions for
himself and neighbors. He cleared a large portion of his land

946 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

and erected a good set of frame buildings, including the first frame
barn put up in this part of the county. On his homestead he lived
many years, dying January 27, 1875, honored and beloved for his
many virtues.

Ashbel Herron married Miranda Meyers, who was born in
Cobleskill, New York, and died in Bloomingdale township, Mich-
igan, October 27, 1880, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years.
She reared seven children, as follows: Andrew M., Mary, Nancy,
Jane, Harrison, Lucinda and John Wesley.

The youngest child of his parents, John Wesley Herron was
brought up and educated in Bloomingdale township, his first temple
of learning having been a log cabin which stood on his father's
land, in section thirty-six. The furniture was home made, the
puncheon seats having no desks in front, a board being placed
along the side wall for the scholars to write on. In his early
days the Indians w^ere as numerous as the white people, and the
dim forests roundabout were inhabited by deer, bear, wild turkeys,
wolves and all kinds of game. As soon as old enough to wield
and axe or hoe, John Wesley began assisting his father in clearing
the land, while during the winter seasons he worked in the lumber
camps. Beginning life for himself as a farmer, he first rented
land in Almena township, but subsequently purchased land in Pine
Grove township, and was there employed in tilling the soil for a
number of years. After the death of his first wife he sold his
farm and purchased his present residence in Gobleville. For eight-
een years after removing to his present home, Mr. Herron was
engaged in the sale of farming implements and machinery, but he
has -more recently been engaged in the sale of nursery stock.

Mr. Herron has been twice married. He married first Juliet
Strong, who was born in. New York state, a daughter of Philip
and Louisa (Fancher) Strong. She died four years later, leav-
ing two daughters, Etta and Elva. Etta married Albert Sisson,
and they have eight children, Mabel, Oscar, Albert, Beulah, Jennie,
Olive, Ray and Eva. Elva, the younger daughter, is the wife of
William Holmes, and has five children. Arch, Nettie, Ida, Ruby
and Nellie. Three years after the death of his first wife Mr.
Herron married Mary Stoughton, who was born in Oakland county,
Michigan. Her father, James W. Stoughton, was born in the
state of New^ York but reared in Michigan. He spent his last years
of life in Van Buren county, living in Almena township. He was
of New England ancestry, his father, James Stoughton, having
been born and bred in Vermont, but later being one of the early
settlers of the territory of Michigan. Of his second marriage three
children have been born, but none are now living, Emma having
died at the age of twenty-one months; Evalina, when but four
years old; and Mark H., at the age of ten years. Religiously Mr.
and Mrs. Herron are consistent members of the Baptist church.

Dr. George Frank Young. — Engaged in an active general prac-
tice of medicine in South Haven during the last eleven years,
and by participation in the public affairs of the city and county
of his home manifesting his interest in them and their enduring

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 947

welfare, Dr. George F. Young has amply earned the good opinion
of the people which he so largely enjoys, and has proven his title
to the claim of good citizenship, which is freely accorded him by
everybody who has knowledge of his progressiveness and public
spirit, and the intelligent and helpful way in which he employs
them for the general weal.

Dr. Young is a native of Van Buren county, Michigan, born
in Paw Paw on July 26, 1875, and a son of Charles W. and Anna
(Van Auken) Young. The father was born at Burbank, Wayne
county, Ohio, and the mother in Bangor township, this county.
They are both living, as are two of their three children, the Doctor
and his brother IMerle IL, a sketch of whom will be found in this
volume. The father of these gentlemen came to Michigan with
his parents when he was a small boy. The family located in Van
Buren county, and here he received his education. Here, also,
soon after leaving school he began and conducted his life work
at a merchant and farmer, in which he prospered for many years.
He is now living retired from active pursuits, enjoying the rest
he has so fully earned and the esteem and good will of the people
around him, which has also been bestowed freely and without
stint because of the genuine merit and estimable qualities as a
man and citizen in the object of it.

He has been a man of prominence and inthience, and been chosen
to a succession of township officers and other positions of trust
and importance, among them that of treasurer of the Michigan
State Agricultural Society. He was supervisor of the township
several terms, and the township never had a better one, according
to the testimony of persons who have lived under many and watched
the administration of them all. In church connection he is a
Methodist Episcopal, and in fraternal relations a Freemason with
membership in several branches of the order, including Lodge,
Royal Arch Chapter and Council of Royal and Select Masons.
Politically he is a loyal member of the Republican party and a
zealous worker for its welfare.

Dr. George F. Young obtained a high school education in Paw
Paw and made his preparation for his professional work in the
medical department of the University of IMichigan, from which
he was graduated in 1899. After his graduation he passed one
year as an interne in the hospital, and then located in South
Haven, where he has ever since been industriously engaged in a
general practice of his profession with a steadily increasing body
of patients and a rising reputation as a physician.

The Doctor keeps up with the progress of his profession by
using all the means at his command for the purpose. He is an
active member of the Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine, the Mich-
igan State Medical Society and the American Medical Association,
and they receive and contribute benefits by his earnest participa-
tion in the proceedings of each. He is also a student of the best
current literature bearing on his work, and studies both theory and
practice by close and reflective observation of its manifestations
in his experience from day to day.

Dr. Young has taken a great interest in everything involving the

948 HISTORY OF VAN BURP^N COUNTY

progress and improvement of the city and county of his home,
and always done his part in the promotion of any worthy under-
taking designed to quicken the activity of the people in this re-
spect. He is a member of the City Library Association and was
one of the founders of the South Haven City Hospital. In polities
he is a Republican, with firm faith in the principles of his party
and a willingness to work for it on that account.

In the fraternal life of his community the Doctor also takes a
deep and intelligent interest and a serviceable part. He is a Free-
mason of many degrees, belonging to Star of the Lake Lodge, No.
158; South Haven Chapter, No. 58, Royal Arch Masons; and
South Haven Council, No. 45, Royal and Select Masters. He is
also a member of Pomona Lodge, No. 193, Knights of Pythias.
He regards these fraternities as valuable forces in the moral and
intellectual life of the city, and does all he can to make them as
strong and serviceable for good as possible. His membership in
each is highly valuable and fully worth the estimate placed upon it.

Dr. Young was married on October 12, 1904, to Miss Harriet
Bradley, who was born, reared and educated in South Haven, and
who has a strong hold on the regard and good will of the people of
the city, among whom she is very popular and very highly es-
teemed. Her interest in the social life of the community is ardent,
and her aid in every good work undertaken by its residents is
hearty, energetic and helpful in a high degree. She and the
Doctor are accounted as among the most estimable and representa-
tive citizens of South Haven and Van Buren county, and well
deserve the rank they hold.

Henry Moore. — Prominent among the courageous pioneers of
Van Buren county was the late Henry Moore, who bravely relin-
quished the advantages, privileges, comforts and pleasurers of
life in one of the large eastern cities and settled in the wilds of
Michigan. Neither railways, telegraph or telephone lines then
spanned these broad acres, and but few evidences of civilization
then existed. Little indeed do the people of this day and genera-
tion realize what they owe to those energetic spirits of old, who
first uprooted the trees, ploughed the sod and made a broad track
for the advance of civilization.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Moore was left an orphan
at an early age. He was given excellent educational advantages,
having been a college graduate, although he never adopted a pro-
fession, his first business venture having been as a merchant in
Boston. About 1842 he determined to try the hazard of life on
the frontier, and coming to Michigan became one of the first settlers
of Kalamazoo, where he bought a tract of land that is now in-
cluded within the limits of the Fair Grounds of that city. The
greater part of Michigan was then in its original wildness, land
being owned by the government. He subsequently moved to Van
Buren county, and having entered a section and a half in Bloom-
ingdale township he was here a resident until his death, in the
eighty-fourth year of his age.

Mr. Moore married Sarah Hale, who was born in New York

HISTORY OF VAK BUREN COUNTY 949

state. She passed to the life beyond soon after coming to Bloom-
ingdale township, leaving two children, namely: Susan, wife of
John Hodgson, of Bloomingdale township; and Joseph, who died
in California, unmarried, at the age of twenty-seven years. Mr.
Moore was identified with the Ancient Free and Accepted Order
of Masons.

Stanley Sackett. — A man of pronounced business acumen and
tact, and of exceptional financial ability, Stanley Sackett is one of
the leading bankers of Van Buren county, being proprietor of the
Bank of Gobleville, a well-known and substantial banking institu-
tion. He is an excellent representative of the native-born citizens
of his community, his birth having occurred on a farm in Pine
Grove township. His father, Frederick P. Sackett, and his grand-
father. Dr. Joel B. Sackett, were both born in Niagara county,
New York, while his great-grandfather, Charles Sackett, was a
native of New England, and was of Welsh ancestry.

Joel B. Sackett was reared in Niagara county. New York, where
his parents were pioneer settlers, and was there educated, becom-
ing a member of the medical profession. Removing to Indiana,
he practiced there awhile, his home being in Elkhart county. About
1846 he came to Michigan, settling in Porter township, Van Buren
county, being the first physician to locate permanently in this part
of the state. He was a man of much force of character, and in
addition to healing the sick ministered to their spiritual needs,
as an evangelist preaching the gospel in different places and mak-
ing his influence for good felt throughout the community. His
death, which occurred in Porter township, was mourned as a
public loss. He married Mary Kinsman, and they became the
parents of three children, Frederick P., Pluma and Charles.

But a child when he came with his parents to Van Buren county,
Frederick P. Sackett grew to manhood in pioneer times, and hav-
ing availed himself of every offered opportunity for acquiring
knowledge became a teacher in the public schools of the county.
Soon after the outbreak of the Civil war, he enlisted in Company
H, Thirtieth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and went
South with his command, acting in the capacity of a musician.
He was captured by the enemy and was confined in Libby and
Andersonville prisons seven- months. During this incarceration
he endured all the hardships and sufferings of prison life, among
the latter being the loss of all his teeth. When released he re-
turned home on account of ill health and was honorably dis-
charged. After regaining his health he again enlisted in an Iowa
Regiment for one hundred days, and was in the service till the
close, when he was again honorably discharged. Returning home,
he resumed his professional labors, becoming the first teacher in
district number two, Pine Grove township. Subsequently he pur-
chased a tract of timber land in Pine Grove township, and for a time
devoted his time to clearing the land and tilling the soil. He after-
wards sold that farm at an advance, and having bought another
farm in the same township conducted it successfully until his
death, in 1904, at the age of sixty-eight years.

Vol. 11—21

950 HISTORY OF VAK BUREN COUNTY

Frederick P. Sackett married Susan Earl, who was born in
1843, in Cattaraugus county, New York. Her father, James Earl,
was born in the same county, a son of Henry and Isabelle (McLam)
Earl. He was reared and married in his native state, and in 1848
came from there to Silver Creek township, Allegan county, Mich-
igan, being accompanied by his wife and children. After living
there for a time he then removed to Trowbridge, Allegan county,
and lived there two years. Coming then to Van Buren county,
he bought a tract of heavily wooded land in Pine Grove township,
erected a log cabin in the midst of the wilderness, and immediately
began the pioneer task of redeeming a farm from the forest. The
settlements in this part of the county were then few and far be-
tween, and the intervening woods were filled with all kinds of wild
game, while Indians were still numerous. He was a man of un-
daunted courage and energy, and not afraid of work. He partly
cleared and improved several tracts of land near where he first
located, selling each one at an advance from the original price.
After disposing of one of his farms, he moved to Trowbridge town-
ship, Allegan county, but his stay there was of short duration, and
he returned to Pine Grove township, and continued his residence
here until his death, at the age of sixty-two years. Mr. EarPs
wife, whose maiden name was Delilah Waite, was born in New
York state, and died in Michigan, at the age of sixty-two years.
They reared nine children, as follows: Laura; Lucinda; Sarah;
David; James; Susan, widow of Frederick P. Sackett, now lives
in Gobleville, Michigan; Evlin; Mary; and Newton. Mr, and
Mrs. Sackett also reared nine children, namely: Earl; Andy;
Grace; Stanley, the special subject of this sketch; Harry; Fred;
Frank ; Logan ; and Pearl.

Having completed his studies in the rural schools of his native
district, Stanley Sackett, whose home was four miles from the
village of Gobleville, subsequently attended the graded schools
of that village, for some time gladly trudging back and forth
night and morning in his efforts to obtain a good education, al-
though during the last few months of his attendance he lived with
Dr. Carpenter, earning his board as hostler and general chore
boy. Ere he had finished school he accepted a position in the
Gobleville Exchange Bank, of Gobleville, of which Mr. S. B. Munroe
was the proprietor, his first compensation having been but one
dollar a week. He lived with his parents during two years of the
time, walking to and fro night and morning. Devoting all of his
energies to his new work, Mr. Sackett soon proved his worth and
ability, and was promoted according to his efficiency until made
manager of the institution. In 1901, leaving Gilbert Mitchell in
charge of the Gobleville Bank, he went to Bloomingdale to estab-
lish, for Mr. Munroe, a private bank, and remained there a year.
Returning then to Gobleville, Mr. Sackett, in company with Mr.
Mitchell, bought the Gobleville Bank. Mr. Mitchell died a year
later, and Mr. Sackett operated the institution, with the Mitchell
estate as a partner, for three years when he bought out the Mitchell
heirs and has since continued as sole proprietor of the institution,
which is one of the safest and best in the county. In addition to

HISTORY OF VAN BUREiN COUNTY 951

banking Mr. Sackett carries on a general insurance and real estate
business, in each line being especially successful.

Mr Sackett married, in 1904, Lena Frank Crosby, who was born
in Gobleville a daughter of William S. and Ella (Pike) Crosby,
and they have one child, Elaine Sackett. Mr. Sackett is an active
member of the Michigan State Bankers' Association and of the
American Bankers' Association. Fraternally he belongs to Goble-
ville Lodge, No. 893, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
to the Encampment; he is also a member of Hudson Lodge, No.
325, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons; of Paw Paw
Chapter, No. 34, Royal Arch Masons; of Lawrence Council, No.
43, Royal and Select Masters; of Peninsula Commandery, No.
8, Knights Templar; and both he and his wife are members of
Lily Chapter, No. 230, Order of the Eastern Star.

Henry M. Kingsley. — Eminently worthy of mention in a work
of this character is Henry M. Kingsley, of Kendall, Van Buren
county, a man of sterling integrity and upright principles, who in
all of his business transactions has ever acted with strict regard
to veracity and honor, and has fully established himself in the
esteem and confidence of his associates and neighbors. A native
of Michigan, he was born May 27, 1845, in Kalamazoo county, a
son of Moses and Clarissa (Beckley) Kingsley, of whom a brief
account may be found elsewhere in this volume, in connection with
the sketch of Herbert Lincoln Root.

Laying a substantial foundation for his future education in the
public schools, Mr. Kingsley completed his early studies at the
Kalamazoo College, in Kalamazoo, and when nineteen years old
taught school one term. Locating on the parental farm at the
time of his marriage, he managed it successfully until 1878. Com-
ing then to Van Buren county, Mr. Kingsley bought land in sec-
tions twenty-six and thirty-five, in Pine Grove township, and was
there actively engaged in agricultural pursuits for nearly three
decades. Going from there to Oregon in 1907, he lived at Hood
River two years, and on returning to Michigan settled in Kendall,
which has since been his home.

Mr. Kingsley married, in 1872, Carrie Beckley, who was born
in Bergen, New York, a daughter of Ward and Eliza (Trumble)
Beckley, and a lineal descendant of Sergeant Richard Beckley, the
line of descent being thus traced : Richard, Joseph, Joseph, Joseph,
David, Ward and Mrs. Kingsley. Richard Beckley, who was born
in Hampshire, England, was living, in 1638, in New Haven, Con-
necticut, where he was prominent in church and civic affairs, and
was sergeant in a company of militia. Moving to Connecticut
about 1661, he bought land of an Indian chief, and there resided
until his death. Ward Beckley, Mrs. Kingsley 's father, lived in
Genesee and Orleans counties in New York state. In 1871 he
located in Michigan, and he died in Mendon in 1880. His wife
survived him, passing away in 1895.

Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley have three children, Mabel Clara, who
married Le Vern Waber, and has two sons, Henry and Clarence;
Henry Ray, who married Mabel M. Downey and has two children.

952 HISTORY OF VAxN BUREN COUNTY

Bavnard and Margaret ; and M. Leland, who married Nellie Tate.
Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley are members of the Congrega-
tional church, and they have reared their children in the same
faith.

Allen Odell. — Standing prominent among the prosperous and
progressive agriculturists of Van Buren county is Allen Odell, who
is now living, practically retired from business, in the village of
Kendall, although he still owns a finely appointed and valuable
farm in Pine Grove township. A son of Amasa Odell, he was born
in Huron county, Ohio, May 21, 1847, and since a lad of seven
years has lived in Michigan.

His paternal grandfather, Benajah Odell, was born in New
York state, of Revolutionary stock, and was a lineal descendant
of one of three brothers who immigrated from England to the
United States in colonial days. As foreman of a gang of men
he assisted in the construction of the Erie Canal, living at that
time in western New York. Subsequently journeying with ox
teams to Ohio, he bought wild lands in Huron county, and was
there engaged in clearing the land and tilling the soil until his
death, when upwards of eighty years old. To him and his wife,
whose maiden name was Sarah Wells, eight children were born
and reared.

Amasa Odell was born in Cayuga county. New York, in 1807,
and as a young man learned the carpenter's trade. Becoming a
pioneer settler of Huron county, Ohio, he purchased a tract of
timber lying on the old plank road leading from Norwalk to
Ashland, and having erected a log cabin in the wilderness cleared
forty acres of his land. Disposing of his farm in 1854, he again
started westward in search of a new home, making an overland
trip to Allegan county, Michigan, and becoming one of the first
settlers of Trowbridge township. Buying from the government one
hundred and sixty acres of land, at one dollar and twenty-five
cents an acre, in the center of the township, it was not long ere the
ringing blows of his axe might be heard as he felled the mighty
giants of the hitherto unbroken forest to make a space on which
he might erect a humble log cabin to shelter himself and family.
Deer, wild turkeys, bear and wolves were abundant, and the pio-
neers depended largely in those days upon wild game for their
meat, the mother in the meantime spinning and weaving the home-
spun in which she clothed the family. For sometime after placing
the ground in a productive condition he used to have to team his
wheat to Kalamazoo, twenty-five miles away, to market it. He
labored industriously, clearing a large part of his land and erecting
a good set of buildings, doing the carpentering himself. Subse-
quently selling his original farm, Mr. Amasa Odell purchased a
near-by farm, on which he resided until his death, at the age of
sixty-seven years.

Amasa Odell was twice married. He married first Maria Coon,
a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Kozad) Coon. He married
for his second wife Eliza Coon, a sister of his first wife. SKe
was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and died in Van Buren county,

HISTOEY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 958

Michigan, in the ninety-second year of her age. Six children were
born of their union, as follows : Elizabeth, Samuel, Aaron, Maria,
Louisa and Allen.

Allen Odell had lived in Trowbridge township, Allegan county,
three years when, in 1857, the first school building in that dis-
trict was erected, and in which he received his early education. In
1864 he enlisted in Company A, Third Michigan Cavalry, and
joined his regiment at Brownsville Station, Arkansas. He sub-
sequently went with his command to New Orleans, thence to Mobile,
and from there rode two hundred and eighty miles, much of the
way through woods and swamps, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He
continued with his regiment in its various marches, battles and
campaigns until the close of the war, when, in June, 1865, he
received his honorable discharge. Returning home, Mr. Odell
began farming in Trowbridge township, on a tract of twenty acres
of land which he had purchased when eighteen years old. In
1879 he removed from Trowbridge township to Pine Grove town-
ship. Van Buren county, and having purchased a tract of partly
improved land on section twenty-seven, erected a substantial set
of buildings, and continued his agricultural operations until 1891.
Taking up his residence that year in the village of Kendall, he
still supervised the management of his farm, to the area of which
he added by purchase, and all of which he still owns. In 1899
Mr. Odell erected his present residence in Kendall, and, though
not now actively engaged in farming, buys and ships produce, a
business which he commenced while still living on his farm.

Mr. Odell married, in 1867, Alice Estella Stockwell, who was
born in Trowbridge township, Allegan county, Michigan, of excel-
lent New England ancestry. Her father, Seth Stockwell, Jr.,
and her grandfather, Seth Stockwell, Sr., were both natives of
Vermont, the birth of her father having occurred October 29, 1827.

Seth Stockwell, Sr., migrated from Vermont to Canada, where
he resided until 1844, when he became one of the very early settlers
of Trowbridge township, Allegan county, Michigan. Purchasing a
tract of timbered land of the government, he built the customary
pioneer log cabin, and devoted his time to clearing the land and
tilling the soil, living there until his death, in 1889, at the age
of four score and four years. He married first Hannah Everett,
who died at the age of sixty years, and subsequently he married
Mary Brundage. His children, eight in number, were all by
his first marriage.

Seth Stockwell, Jr., was seventeen years old when he came with
the family to Michigan. He ajssisted his father in clearing a home-
stead, and when he became of age his father presented him with
forty acres of standing timber. Immediately beginning the pioneer
task of clearing the land, he soon had a sufficient space made, and
on it erected a log house, in which he and his bride began house-
keeping. Four years later he sold his farm, and having pur-
chased eighty acres of land in the same neighborhood resided there
several years. Selling out in 1877, he bought the homestead prop-
erty in section twenty-nine. Pine Grove township, now occupied

954 IIISTOKY OF VAN BUIiEN COUiNTY

by his widow, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until
his death, October 29, 1891.

Seth Stockvvell, Jr., married, July 18, 1851, Lydia Jane Price,
who was born in New York state, August 10, 1835, a daughter of
John Price and granddaughter of Benjamin Price, who spent his
last years at the home of a son in Ohio. Eeared and married in
the Empire state, John Price came from there to the territory of
Michigan in 1836, performing a part of the long journey by lake
and part with teams. Becoming one of the early settlers of western
Michigan, he took up government land lying four miles from the
present city of Allegan, and began hewing a farm from the wilder-
ness. A few years later, in order that his children might have
better educational advantages, he moved to Pine Creek, three miles
away, but did not sell his land, continuing its management until
his death, at the age of fifty years. His wife, whose maiden name
was Lydia Sanford, died at the age of forty-nine years. They
reared eight children, namely: Horatio, Lucy Ann, George, San-
ford, Barton, Oliver, Milo and Lydia J., the latter of whom be-
came the wife of Seth Stockwell, Jr. But an infant when brought
by her parents to Michigan, Mrs. Stockwell was educated in the
rude log school house, with its puncheon floor and slab seats that
had wooden pegs for legs. Since the death of her husband she
has lived at the homestead in Pine Grove township. She reared
three children, namely: Alice E., now Mrs. Odell; Miles; and
Flora.

Mr. and Mrs. Odell are the parents of six children, namely:
George C, who married Addie Porter, and has four children.
Pansy, Fern, Clifton and Roselin; Birt P., who married Lillie
McGregor; Charles B. ; Millie, wife of John Leeder; Pearl E.,
wife of Earl Hudson, has two children, Florence E, and Lawrence ;
and Gilbert A. Mr. and Mrs. Odell are worthy Christian people
and valuable members of the Methodist Episcopal church of
Kendall.

Wallace W. Crandall. — Quietly and unostentatiously but ef-
fectively and profitably engaged in general farming and raising
live stock for the markets for nearly fifty years in this county, the
late Wallace W. Crandall, of Paw Paw township, acquired the
ownership of one hundred and fifty-five acres of excellent land in
the way of worldly possessions, together with some additional prop-
erty, and attained a high place in the regard and good will of
the people as a sterling, upright, progressive and useful citizen and
estimable man in every relation in life.

Mr. Crandall was a native of the state of New York, born in
Orleans county on September 13, 1834, and a son of John L. and
Hannah (Brown) Crandall, also natives of that state and the
parents of nine children: Daniel B., Wallace W., Albert W. and
Lewis, all now deceased; Sarah, also deceased, formerly the wife
of a Mr. Burnett ; Mary, deceased, formerly the wife of Henry
Beardsley, of Orleans county. New York; John B., of Albion,
Orleans county, New York; Ray L., deceased, formerly the wife

HISTORY OF VAN lUTREN COUiNTY 955

of Frank Prussia, of New York; and Aleetta, the wife of Byron
Densmore, of New York, where she has long had her home.

When he was twenty-live years of age Wallace W. Crandall left
his parental home and started out to make his own way in the
world. He had obtained a district school education and acquired
a thorough knowledge of farming under the direction of his father,
as the industry was conducted then, and felt prepared for what-
ever duty might fall to his lot and equal to the task of working
out his own advancement in any situation. He worked at what-
ever he found to do for two years in his native state, and then
harkened to the voice of the awakening West for volunteers in
her great army of conquest, development and progressive enter-
prise.

In 1861 he came to Michigan in response to the persuasive force
of that voice and located in Van I3uren county. He bought a
farm in Antwerp township, which he owned and cultivated for
a time, then sold it and bought sixty acres in Paw Paw township,
on which he lived and labored to the end of his days. By sub-
sequent purchases he increased this to one hundred and fifty-five
acres, which he owned at the time of his. death, on March 4, 1909.
On this land he carried on a general farming industry with energy
and profit, and also raised and fed live stock extensively for the
markets. He was successful in both line of his business, for he
conducted both with skill and ability, and gave every feature of
each the most careful and intelligent attention.

On December 24, 1856, Mr. Crandall was united in marriage
with Miss Elmira ^I. Pitcher, a daughter of Burnett and Mary
(Brown) Pitcher, both born in the state of New York, and reared
and married there. They came to Michigan in 1864 and located
in Porter township. Van l^uren county. The father passed the
wliole of his life on farms, and never followed any other voca-
tion than farming. He died on October 6, 1878, and the mother
passed away on May 5, 1910, spending her last years on the farm
she and her husband had improved and cultivated together from
the time of their arrival in the county until his death, and after-
ward superintending its operations herself and maintaining the
same standard of excellence in the work that he kept up while lie
was in charge of the place. They had four children: Selina E.,
deceased, formerly the wife of Able Brown, of New York state;
Elmira i\I., now the widow of Mr. Crandall; George F., a resi-
dent of Porter township, this county; and Nathan V., who was
born in 1836 and died in 1858. The children acquired habits of
useful industiy from the tuition and examples given them by
their parents, and through all their subsequent lives followed the
teachings of the parental fireside with profit to themselves and bene-
fit to the communities in which they lived, as those of them who
are still living continue to do. They were also well instructed as
to the value of uprightness in manhood and womanhood and the
fundamental duties of good citizenship, and these lessons also
found an abiding place with them and serviceable expression in
their daily conduct.

Mr. Crandall was an ardent Democrat in his political faith and a

956 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

loyal and effective worker for the success of his political party.
He gave the people good service in several township offices to
which they elected him from time to time, and could always be
counted on to aid in any worthy undertaking for the advancement
or improvement of his township and county. In fraternal circles
he was a Freemason of the Royal Arch degree, and in church
affiliation a Baptist.

Samuel J. Orton. — In a review of the good citizens of Waverly
township, Van Buren county, the name of Samuel J. Orton must
take prominent place as a successful and popular farmer-citizen,
whose kindly personality and hne principles have given him a
secure place in general esteem. His farm of one hundred and
twenty-three acres is located in sections 17 and 20 and there he
devotes his energies to general farming and fruit raising. He is
loyal to the county with the loyalty of a native son, for his birth
occurred in Arlington township, January 16, 1850. He is the son
of Ira M. and Cornelia M. (Fitzcraft) Orton, the birth of the
former having occurred in Rutland county, Vermont, and that
of the latter in the state of New York. When a young man Ira
M. Orton left the New England hills for the' Empire state and
there he met and married his wife, their union occurring in 1837.
In 1845 they made an important change by coming to Van Buren
county and here spent the remainder of their lives. They were
the parents of seven children, four of whom were living in 1911.
Edwin P. resides in Arlington township ; Emory O. is a citizen of
Bangor, Michigan ; Samuel J., the subject of this review ; and Pris-
cilla, the wife of Jerome Bigelow.

Samuel J. Orton was reared on his father's farm and obtained
his education in the district schools and the Lawrence high school,
continuing as a student at the latter until his seventeenth year.
Following that he had some experience as a pedagogue, occupying
the preceptor's chair in a school in Wright county, Minnesota.
When, however, it came to choosing a permanent occupation he
gave his heart to farming and he has been prosperous in this
field. He is particularly successful as a horticulturist.

Mr. Orton was first married to Anna D. Slocum, and one son
was the fruit of their union, Percy L. Orton, who married Ger-
trude Butterfield. Mrs. Orton was summoned to the Great Beyond
on April 8, 1878, and he married for his second wife Minnie A.
Briggs, their union being solemnized September 26, 1878. To this
union have been born six children, as follows: Floyd M., of Brit-
ish Columbia, a graduate of Bangor high school; Bertha, a gradu-
ate of the Lawrence high school, a former teacher in the pu})lic
school, and now the wife of Fred McFarland ; Mabel, wife of Harry
Scamehorn, they have one son, Zell; and Grace, wife of Howard
Towne, and they have one son, Milford ; Glen W., a graduate of
the common schools, in which he displayed excellent scholarship;
and Clare B., now in school.

Fraternally Mr. Orton is a member of the Bangor Maccabees
and he is also affiliated with the Patrons of Husbandry. In pol-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 957

itics he is in harmony with the principles of the Democratic party
and he has served as justice of the peace of Arlington.

Franklin Cooley. — Eminently deserving of mention in this
biographical volume is Franklin Cooley, a prosperous farmer and
respected citizen of Bloomingdale township, Van Buren county,
and a veteran of the Civil war. He was born December 4, 1843,
in Sweden township, Monroe county. New York, a son of Charles
Cooley. Ilis grandfather, Stephen Cooley, who spent all of the
later years of his life in Jefferson county. New York, was, doubtless,
a native of Massachusetts, his immediate ancestors having been of
New England birth and breeding.

Charles Cooley was born, it is supposed, in Jefferson county,
New York, but as a young man he settled in Sweden township,
Monroe county, which was his home for a number of years. In
1851, accompanied by his wife and three children, he started for
the western frontier, journeying by way of the Erie Canal to Buf-
falo, thence by lake boat to Detroit, then by rail to Lawton, Mich-
igan. Proceeding then with teams, he blazed his way through the
woods to Allegan county, which was then heavily timbered, the
land, which was owned by the government, being for sale at one
dollar and twenty-five cents an acre. Locating in Cheshire town-
ship, he purchased a tract of land lying on the border line of sec-
tion thirty-three, and immediately assumed possession of the rude
log cabin that had been erected in a small clearing. Lawton was
then the nearest railway station and the depot for all supplies,
as well as the principal marketing point. Clearing a large portion
of his land, he was there engaged in farming until his death. He
received injuries from a falling tree, which rendered him a cripple
for the remainder of his life. He died while yet in the full vigor
of a sturdy manhood, being then but forty-eight years of age.
He married Rhoda Cooley, who was born in ]\Ionroe county. New
York, a daughter of Jacob and Lavina (Alverson) Cooley, pioneer
settlers of Sweden township, that county. She survived him, liv-
ing to the advanced age of eighty-nine years. Five children were
born of their union, as follows: Fidelia; Franklin ; Heman B. ;
Levi J. ; and Jane, who lived but six years.

Brought up on the home farm in Allegan county, Michigan,
Franklin Cooley obtained a practical education in the district
schools, at the same time becoming well acquainted with the dif-
ferent branches of farming. In 1861 he went to New York state,
and there, on August 7, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, One
Hundred and Fortieth New York Volunteer Infantry, which was
assigned to the Army of the Potomac. With his regiment he
participated in many engagements of note, including those at
Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and the Wilderness.
During the latter siege Mr. Cooley was wounded and sent to the
hospital. As soon as his recovery was assured he was transferred
to the First Battalion Reserve Corps, in which he served until
the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged from the
army.

Returning then to Michigan, INTr. Cooley was for awhile engaged

958 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COl^NTY

in tilling the soil. Losing his eye sight, he tlien went to Rochester,
New York, for treatment. At the end of a year, the sight of one
eye being restored, he located at Grand Rapids, Michigan, where
he was for four years engaged in business. He subsequently bought
land in Ottawa county, Michigan, where he was a resident until
1884. Coming then to Bloomingdale township. Van Buren county,
]\lr. Cooley bought his present property, which is located in section
four, just across the road from his father's old homestead. Here
he has since carried on general farming and dairying with excel-
lent success, finding both pleasure and profit in his labors.

Mr. Cooley married, on the 2d of August, 1865, Electa Case, who
was born in Laporte, Indiana, being a daughter of Luther and
Electa (Shumway) Case, who reared four children, Nelson, Ara,
Electa and Betsey. Her father was a native of New England,
as was also his mother. They lived in Indiana for a time, re-
turning then to the east and settling in Sweden, Monroe county,
New York, wliere they spent the remainder of their days.

iMr. and Mrs. Cooley have two children, Eber F. and Lula.
Eber P\, a farmer in Bloomingdale, township, married Jennie
Hewitt, and they have two children, Vinton E. and Edna V. Lula
M., married Roy Grannis, and has one child, Franklin Grannis.
Mr. Cooley is a member of the Ed. Colwell Post, Grand Army
of the Republic, and takes an active interest in the organization.
He is a Republican, and he served as justice of the peace in Ottawa
county and is now serving his second term in Van Buren county.

Don F. Gregory. — The subject of this sketch is a representative
of one of the oldest families in Keeler township. His forefathers
entered the land upon which he resides from the government and
(^ver since the family has been identified with the history of Van
l^uren county. Don Gregory was born in 1876, on December 6,
and is the eldest of the tw^o children born to Albert and Cora E.
(Force) Gregory. The sister is Mrs. Marion Gilchrist, of Des
Moines, where her husband practices his profession of civil engi-
neering.

Albert Gregory was born in New York state in 18'36. Farming
was his life long occupation and he followed it in his native state
until 1846, doing the ''chores" w^hich fall to the lot of the small
boy, and then came with his parents to Michigan. The journey
was made in pioneer style by wagon and took some wrecks to ac-
com})lish. Arrived in Van Buren county, the father, our subject's
grandfather, entered one thousand five hundred acres from the
government and the deed for this is still in the possession of Mr.
Don Gregory and is a valuable document. The first home of the
settlers w^as the primitive log cabin of the earliest days. Those
were the times when deer were to be shot in the front yards and
wild turkeys were somewhat comrtioner than tame ones are now.
Another feature of pioneering days, not quite so alluring, was tlie
plentitude of Indians about. Roads were almost unknown and
the inhabitants found the way by the blazed trails. The nearest
market was at Niles and a trip thither was a real undertaking.

IILSTORY OF VAN BURKN COUNTY 959

This was the environment in which the father of our subject grew
up.

The Scotch ancestry of the Gregorys had endowed the race with
the firmness and the patriotism which characterize that race. The
elder brothers of Albert Gregory were in the war and one of
them was taken prisoner and afterwards released. Returning to
the front, he was seriously wounded and during his convalescence
was cared for by the Catholic sisters and was converted to the
Catholic religion. Albert Gregory was an old-line Whig and later
a Republican. He was not a man who sought public office, though
he took a keen interest in public affairs and was unswerving in his
loyalty to what he considered his duty. Upon his father's death
he fell heir to three hundred and twenty acres of the family estate
and his son Don now resides upon this same tract. All the im-
provements were put on the place by Albert Gregory. For one
year he conducted a store in Dow^agiac. Before his death he ac-
([uired valuable property in South Haven, Berrien Springs and
other places. The Scotch liking for learning was also his and,
though his education was mostly self acquired, he was a success-
ful teacher in Berrien county for several terms. His death re-
moved from the county one of its most enlightened and public-
spirited citizens. He passed away in 1910 and is buried in the
Keeler cemetery.

The wife of Albert Gregory was born in Anderson, Indiana, in
1851:. Her father, Rev. F. P. Force, was a clergyman in the
.Methodist church who has been the pastor of Keeler and who
erected the Methodist church at Benton Harbor. She resides at
Dowagiac at present.

Don Gregory received his education in the county, graduating
from the Dowagiac high school. He spent some time in the employ
of a clothing house, but he intends to devote the rest of his life
to the honored pursuit of agriculture. Ten years ago, on Novem-
ber 28, 1901, he was united in marriage to a young lady who like
himself, is a native of the county and has been educated in its
schools. Miss Nellie McMillan. Their union has been blessed with
one daughter, Catherine. Mrs. Gregory is a lady of gracious man-
ner and kindly heart and in all ways a charming mistress of
their charming home.

Mr. Gregory is a progressive Republican and is a keen student
of the present conditions and interested in the public welfare. He
is a member of the township board and a justice of peace. In the
fraternal orders he belongs to the JModern Woodmen and to the
Odd Fellows lodge at Mercedes. In this latter he is a charter
member and has passed all the chairs. The home of the Gregory
family on the banks of the lake is one of the pleasantest in the
county as its owners are among the most highly regarded citizens.
They belong to families who have lon^g been prominent in the
county and they are worthy representatives of their admirable
kindred.

James M. Longv^ll. — Having come to Paw Paw in the very
early days of its history, when only a few rude tenements, standing

960 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

on the site of the present city and widely scattered through the sur-
rounding country, proclaimed the arrival of the pioneers of civili-
zation and marked its first footprints in the wilderness of the sec-
tion, the late James M. Longwell saw the beginning of the dominion
of mind over matter in the region. Having departed this life on
September 16, 1907, at the age of eighty years, when there had
arisen in the almost trackless waste of his earlier days a thriving
city of several thousand people, in which the seat of government
for a highly developed and rapidly progressive county was located,
he witnessed before he went hence what the daring and uncon-
querable spirit of American enterprise had accomplished in but
little more than a generation of human life. He was devoted in
his loyalty to the locality and throughout his days of activity
wrought faithfully in the van of the army of conquest and im-
provement, doing w^hat he could to keep it moving forward and
magnify its achievements. His life was in its essence and its
expression an epitome of American history itself which, although
varying in features according to circumstances, is the same in trend
and tendency everyw^here, ever onward toward broader, higher and
better conditions for the advantage of its own immediate bene-
ficiaries, and through them that of all mankind.

Mr. Longw^ell was born in the state of New^ York in 1839, the son
of Seleck and ]\Iary Longwell, also natives of that state, and the
parents of six children. Their son James w^as a druggist and the
pioneer of his business in Paw Paw. He adhered faithfully to his
mortar and pestle until the dread summons of sectional strife
called him from them to the field of carnage to aid in saving the
Union he loved from being torn asunder in the Civil war. He
enlisted in the beginning of the conflict in Company C of the Mich-
igan Volunteer Infantry, in what w^as formerly the ^"Old La-
fayette's Life Guard," which soon came under the command of
General Daniel E. Sickles. When he was discharged he was cap-
tain of his company, a rank to which he rose by meritorious serv-
ice in the camp, on the march and where '^Red Battle stamped his
foot and nations felt the shock. ' '

On December 5, 1851, Mr. Longwell was united in marriage with
Miss Phoebe Ann Hawkins, a daughter of William Reynolds and
Eliza (Morehouse) Hawkins, both born at Ithaca, New York. They
came to Michigan in 1836 and located in the wilds near what is
now the village of ]\Iattawan, where they built a primitive log
house and began to hew a farm out of the wilderness. After
devoting iiye years to this arduous undertaking, however, they
sold their home and moved to Paw Paw. Here the father opened
a store and became one of the pioneer merchants of the region.
He kept the store several years, then retired from mercantile life
to devote his attention to his extensive acreage of land and to
this he gave all his time to the end of his earthly career, which
came in February, 1895. He and his wife were the parents of
seven children, only three of whom are living: Phoebe Ann,
Seward and Levi, the last named being a resident of Los Angeles,
California. The children deceased were Silvia, Mary Ann, Henry
and Guy.

HLSTORY OF VAN JHIREN COUNTY 961

Mr. and Mrs. James Longwell were the parents of four children.
The eldest, Eva, is now Mrs. Frank D. Kelly and is the mother
of three children. Fay, who married Dr. Percy Glass, of Sag-
inaw, Michigan; Dr. Boyd Kelly, of Norway, Michigan; and Flor-
ence. William H., whQ was born in Paw Paw, December 5, 1859,
was educated in the common schools and was employed in a num-
ber of different kinds of business until 1886, w^hen he entered the
First National Bank as a bookkeeper and rose to a position as
assistant cashier, which position he still holds, having now (in
1911) been twenty-six years connected with this institution. He
married in 1898 Minnie McGuire, of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Fred
W. resides in Schoolcraft, Michigan, and Daisy is the wife of Ed-
ward L. Goodale.

The late Mr. Longwell was a Democrat in political faith and
allegiance; a Freemason in fraternal relations and a Methodist
in religious connection. He was one of the leaders of the com-
munity in his day and was everywhere known as an excellent
citizen.

James L. Clement. — An eminently useful and esteemed citizen
of Van Buren county, James L. Clement, of Gobleville, is a man
of good business ability and judgment, and for many years has
been prominently associated with the development and growth of
the lumber interests of the state. He was born March 3, 1830,
in Fulton county. New York, which was likewise the birthplace
of his father, AA^illiam B. Clement. His grandfather Clement, who
was of Holland descent was, as far as known, a life-long resident
of the Empire state.

As a young man William B. Clement learned the blacksmith's
trade, in which he acquired great proficiency. In 1835, foreseeing
the wonderful development of the then far West, he came with his
family to Michigan, which had not then donned the garb of state-
hood, traveling by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence by
Lake Erie to Detroit, from there proceeding to Marshall, Calhoun
county, with teams. There were no railways in the country, and
the greater part of Michigan w^as a howling wilderness owned by
the Government and for sale at one dollar and twenty-five cents
an acre. Selecting a timbered tract lying two miles from Marshall,
he walked to Kalamazoo to enter it at the land office, and when he
returned hewed the timber with which he erected a house in the
woods. Deer, wild turkeys and game of all kinds abounded, while
the dusky savages still had their happy hunting grounds in the
surrounding forests. Marshall, the nearest marketing point, con-
tained among its other industrial plants a flour mill, its productions
being sold in Detroit. In common with his neighbors, William B.
Clement did all of his work at first with oxen, but later he went to
Ohio, and having there bought a pair of good horses, was for
awhile engaged in teaming between Marshall and Detroit, and
moved several families from that locality to Grand Rapids. He
built a smithy on his land, and for many years did general black-
smithmg in connection with farming. Locating in Pine Grove
township, Van Buren county, in 1851, he purchased a tract of

962 II I STORY OF VAN J3UREN COUNTY

wooded land on section twenty, and after putting up a substantial
residence erected a saw mill, w^hich he operated successfully for up-
wards of twenty years. Buying land then in Oshtemo township,
Kalamazoo county, he farmed for a time, and then moved to Kala-
mazoo, where he lived retired until his death, in the eighty-first
year of his age. He married Sybil Peters, who w^as born in Fulton
county. New York, a daughter of James Peters. She died at the
age of sixty-five years, leaving nine children, as follows : Margaret,
James L., Charles, Timothy, Seth, William, George, Mary and
Jennie.

No schools had been established in or near ^larshall wiien, as a
boy of five years, James L. Clement came with his parents to the
territory of Michigan. Five years later, in 1840, he attended one
of the pioneer schools of ^larshall, where the laws demanded there
should be two terms, of three months each every year, one in sum-
mer and one in winter. Still later a school was established in his
district, the school house being a mile from his home, and there he
concluded his early studies. As a young man Mr. Clement as-
sisted his father on the farm, and later became associated with him
in the lumber business in Go})leville, where the family settled when
the country roundabout was very thinly populated, all of the terri-
tory in and around Pine Grove township having been covered with
a thick growth of timber.

In 1856 Mr. Clement bought land in Bloomingdale township,
Van Buren county, and was there engaged in general farming for
eighteen years, in the meantime having built a saw mill at Goble-
ville. Disposing of his farm, he migrated to Barton county, Kan-
sas, w^iere he purchased land, and was employed in tilling the soil
for three years. Not meeting with the success which he had antici-
pated in that newer country, Mr. Clement returned to Van Buren
county, and having assumed possession of his Gobleville property,
has since been here actively and successfully employed in the lum-
ber business, being one of the leaders in this line of industry.

Mr. Clement has been twice married. He married first, in 1855,
Sarah Baxter, w^ho was born either in Pennsylvania or Ohio, a
daughter of James Baxter, a pioneer settler of I^loomingdale, Mich-
igan. She died in 1886, leaving three children, namely: John J.,
who married Stella Brown, and is the father of three children,
Mabel, Leo and Ora; IMartin W. married Carrie Smith, and they
have three children, Frank, Carrie and Lysle ; and Edwin, who mar-
ried Jennie Herron, and has two children living, Bertha and Marie.
Their only son, Clark, died at the age of sixteen years. Mabel
Clement, John J. Clement's oldest child, married George Pomeroy,
and has one child, Clement Pomeroy. Frank Clement, a son of
Martin W. Clement, married Frances Weaver, and they are the
parents of two children, Helen and Harold.

Mr. Clement married for his second wife, in 1890, Mrs. Mary
(Knapp) Dil worth, who w^as born in Hamlin, ]\Ionroe county, New
York, a daughter of Jonas Knapp find granddaughter of Silkman
Knapp, a life-long resident of New York state. Her father was en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits in Hamlin, New York, for numy
years, residing there until his death, which was the result of a rail-

IIISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 963

road accident. The maiden name of Jonas Knapp's wife was Polly
Sigler. She was born in New Jersey, a daughter of James D. and
Betsey (Taylor) Sigler, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and
New York. She lived until seventy years of age, and reared nine
children, as follows: Mary, now Mrs. Clement; Hannah; James;
Catherine; John; Louisa; George; Urias; and Betsey. At the age
of sixteen years Mary Knapp began teaching school, and was
([uite successful in her chosen work. When twenty-four years old
she was united in marriage with William Dilworth, who was born
in the province of Ontario, Canada, but subsequently located in
Hamlin, Monroe county, New York, where he was engaged in farm-
ing until his death, at the age of forty-two years.

George W. SciiooijCraft. — Living on his pleasant homestead in
Bine Grove township, George W. Schoolcraft is numbered among
the successful agriculturists of Van Buren county, where for
many years he has been employed as a tiller of the soil, finding
both profit and pleasure in his independent calling. A son of Elijah
Schoolcraft, he was born May 16, 1825, in Stanbridge, province of
Quebec, (yanada, of honored New England ancestry. His grand-
father Schoolcraft migrated from .Massachusetts to Stanbridge,
Canada, and having purchased land was there engaged in farming
during the remainder of his life.

One of a family consisting of four sons and two daughters, Elijah
Schoolcraft was born in Massachusetts, and as a youth went with
his parents to Canada. Securing work as a sawyer, he was em-
ployed in saw mills in different capacities, and on one occasion,
while rafting logs down the Pike river, was carried over a dam
and crippled for life. Removing from Canada, he lived for a time
m Essex county, New York, from there coming to Van Buren
county, Michigan, and spending the remainder of his days in Pine
Grove township, his death occurring here at the venerable age of
eighty-two years. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Dia-
mond. She w^as born in Canada, where her father, George Dia-
mond, settled on immigrating to America from England. Subse-
([uently making his w^ay to the wilds of Michigan, Mr. Diamond
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Cooper township,
Kalamazoo county, and there lived until his death. In the mean-
time he saw wonderful transformations in the face of the country
roundabout, the dim woods giving way to well cultivated fields
rich with grain, and small hamlets growing into thriving villages
and populous cities. When he first arrived in Cooper township a
large tract of land now included in the heart of the business por-
tion of Kalamazoo was off'ered to him for a pair of horses, but he
refused the offer, the horses lieing of much more value to him
than the land. Elijah Schoolcraft lived to be nearly ninety years
old, and his wife attained venerable years. They reared nine chil-
dren, as follows: George W., the special subject of this sketch;
James; Freeman; .Alaria ; William; Juliet; Sarah; Melissa; and
Guy.

Beginning his school life in Canada, George W. Schoolcraft was
twelve years old when his parents moved to New York state, where

964 HISTORY OP' VAN 1UIRP]N COUNTY

he completed his early education. There, while yet in his teens,
he began earning money by chopping wood at forty cents a cord,
after which he was engaged in freighting by boat on Lake Cham-
plain. In 1851 he followed the trail of the pioneer to Michigan,
coming as far as Kalamazoo, then a small village with one hotel, by
rail, and from there with teams to Allegan county. Buying forty
acres of heavily timbered land in Trowbridge township, Mr. School-
craft erected a log house, his first home in this state. His brother
James, who accompanied him to Trow^bridge, bought forty acres of
adjoining land, and the two worked together, clearing and im-
proving their property. Mr. Schoolcraft was an expert hunter and
trapper, and he spent much time in those pursuits, leaving his
brother to work on the land, dividing the proceeds received from
the game that he killed or trapped. Deer, wild turkeys and other
game were very plentiful, and on one occasion Mr. Schoolcraft
killed four large bucks in one day, while oftentimes he killed as
many as three on one expedition. Large flocks of wild pigeons
often flew across the country, and mink were abundant and profit-
able game, their skins selling at ten shillings apiece. For twenty-
five years Mr. Schoolcraft trapped and hunted winters and farmed
summers, continuing to live on his original farm until 1867. Com-
ing then to Van Buren county, he purchased, in section twenty-
seven. Pine Grove township, the farm which he now^ owns and occu-
pies. Twenty acres only were cleared when he made the purchase,
and he has now seventy-five acres under cultivation, and in addition
owns a few acres of swamp and wood land.

Mr. Schoolcraft first married Julia Loomis, who was born in the
state of New York. Her father, Wareham Loomis, immigrated to
New York from England and settled in Essex county. He was by
trade a carpenter and sawyer, and for a few years worked in dif-
ferent mills in New York state. Coming with his family to Michi-
gan in 1853, he improved a farm in Trowbridge township, Alle-
gan county, and there resided many years. When nearly eighty
years of age he returned to New York state to visit friends and
relatives, and w^as there taken ill and died. His wife, whose maiden
name was Joanna Dean, was born in New England, and died at
the home of her daughter, Mrs. Schoolcraft, at the age of seventy-
five years. She reared a large family of children, as follows: Lu-
cretia. Daphne, John, Sylvia, Thomas, Julia, Jane, Richard,
Charles and Harriet.

Mrs. Loomis died, leaving four daughters : Lucina, the first born,
married Martin Hulett, and she died in California, leaving one
son, named Alvah P. Amanda married George Heald, and she
died leaving one son, Fred. Ora married Marb Thayer and has
one son. Jay. Lillie married John Bowles. In October, 1864, Mr.
Schoolcraft married Harriet Loomis, a sister of his first wife and
who was born in Essex county, New York.

Nine children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Schoolcraft, four of whom are living, Elmer, Albert, Fred and
Mabel. Elmer married Eliza Hunt, who died in early life, leav-
ing one child, Ethel. Albert married Jennie McElroy, and they
have five children, Bertha, Bessie, Glen, Blanche and Bemice.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 965

Fred married Alrriira Ward and they have one child, Colia. Mabel
wife of Phil Sunlin, has four children, Ruth, Grace, Clyde said
Fred. Two of Mr. Schoolcraft's grandchildren are married, Ethel,
who married Warren Minor, having three children, Ralph, Mary
and Ora, while Bertha, wife of Leon Shirley has one child, Doris
Shirley. The five deceased children of Mr. and Mrs. Schoolcraft
were : Freeman, the fourth child born, who died at the age of two
years and eight months ; Charlie, the fifth child, died aged sixteen
months; Clyde, the seventh, died aged seventeen months; Claude,
the eighth, died aged three months; and Millie, the ninth, died, aged
three years.

Ralph E. Jennings. — It is to such men as Ralph E. Jennings
that this part of JMichigan owes its reputation for fine cattle and
live stock. He is, in fact, one of the most important and successful
Jersey cattle breeders, all of his cattle being registered. He owns
one hundred and thirty-eight of the best acres in Waverly and
Almena townships and is known not only as a successful man but
as a good citizen. He is the scion of one of the old Waverly town-
ship families, his birth having occurred . on the very farm upon
which he now resides, on April 8, 1872. He is the son of Henry
H. and Leonie A. (Hopkins) Jennings, and the grandson of Eph-
raim and Clarissa (Davis) Jennings. Ephraim Jennings was born
in Vermont in. 1816 and at the age of four years came with his par-
ents to western New York. They were poor people and they brought
all their belongings in a little express wagon, which they pulled
by hand. At the age of eight years Ephraim was bound out until
he should reach the age of twenty-one, but at the age of eleven he
ran away and secured work on a farm to pay for his ''board and
keep." When he was older he helped to build the Erie Canal.
He was married in 1889 and in 1840 came to l^aw Paw and later
purchased a farm in Waverly township. For four years after he
arrived in the state he was employed by one Isaac Williard, with
the exception of a short period when he returned to the Empire
state. Since 1850, when he bought his farm, the property has been
in the Jennings name. This fine old homestead is located in sec-
tion 13. There Ephraim Jennings resided until his death, on Jan-
uary 9, 1908, at a very advanced age. He and his wife celebrated
their golden wedding in 1889. When he bought his farm it was all
dense woods, but he courageously attacked the Herculenean task of
bringing it to a state of cultivation and habitableness, and with
true pioneer philosophy met the many hardships of his lot. Two
sons were born to him and his wife, namely : Henry H., the father
of the immediate subject of this review, and Frank, who died at
the age of nine years.

Henry H. Jennings was born September 14, 1840, in the state of
New York. He was brought here an infant in arms, was reared
amid the rural surroundings of his father's farm; received his edu-
cation in the Paw Paw schools ; became a teacher and taught in the
schools of Van Buren county. He continued his pedagogical serv-
ices for twenty-five years in connection with his farming. For a
time he acted as township school inspector. He was married No-

966 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

vember 11, 1863. At the time of the Civil war, in the prime of
young manhood, he enlisted in Company G, of the First Michigan
Engineers and Mechanics and was in active service until the close
of the war, having a record as a brave and gallant soldier of the
Union. He was a loyal member of the Grand Army of the Republic
and was affiliated with the Waverly Free Baptist church, helping
greatly in its organization and the building of the church edifice.
The demise of this honest and good man occurred on December 5,
1903, but his memory will long remain green in this section.

Three children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Jennings. Lillie PL, a graduate of the Paw Paw high school of the
class of 1886, became a teacher and is now the wife of William L.
Nelson, of Lawton, IMichigan, a prominent ice dealer and fruit
grower. Ralph E. is next in order of birth; and Lottie M., a grad-
uate of the Paw Paw high school (class of 1897), is the wife of
H. B. Buck, a printer, living in Kalamazoo.

The old Jennings homestead was the scene of the birth of the
subject and upon it he remained until the age of ten years, when
liis parents removed to Antwerp township, where he attended the
Paw Paw high school and was graduated with the class of 1889.
In the fall of that year he entered the philosophical and musical
department of Hillsdale college and was a student there for four
years, during the last two being employed as tutor in the musical
department. He possesses musical ability of high order and did
some concert work after his education was concluded. Following
that he sold pianos and organs on various sections of Michigan
and then began to devote his energies to farming and stock-raising,
in which field he has encountered success and prosperity. For
more than ten years he has been associated with the loaning de-
partment of the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company of De-
troit and the Michigan Trust Company of Grand Rapids and has
engaged extensively in negotiating farm loans. In his political alle-
giance Mr. Jennings is found marching under the standard of the
"Grand Old Party,'' to which he has given all his loyalty since
his earliest voting days. He is secretary of the South-West* Michi-
gan Pedigreed Stock Association, and secretary of the Michigan
Jersey Cattle Club as well. He and his wife are zealous members
of the Baptist church, attending at Waverly and the subject is
secretary and field worker of the Sunday-school Association. Mrs.
Jennings is a member of the Paw Paw Chapter of the Order of the
Eastern Star.

On December 16, 1897, Mr. Jennings was united in marriage to
Jennie Beistle, who was born in Berrien Springs, Michigan, April
4, 1876, the daughter of John W. and Phoebe (Long) Beistle. The
father was a native of Pennsylvania and came west when a young
man. He had learned the profession of a dentist and when he
reached Niles he had but one dollar in money. He had brought
with him his dentist's chair and that dollar he was obliged to pay
to a farmer for taking the chair to Berrien Springs, where he lo-
cated, this leaving him with no money whatever. But he deter-
mined to succeed and started at once to practice and so successful
was he that he continued with unabated success for over a quarter

HISTORY OF VAN BUREx\ COUNTY 967

of a century and retired from liis profession with a competence.
He subsequently removed to Buchanan, Michigan, and is now vice-
president of the First National Bank and one of the prominent men
of that town. ]\Irs. Jennings is one of a family of three children,
Elmer I. is a graduate of the dental department of the University
of Michigan and is practicing at South Bend, Indiana. Clayton
AV^ is a dentist and lives at Schoolcraft, Michigan. Jennie E.
graduated from the Buchanan high school in 1894. When she was
but three and a half years old Mrs. Jennings had the misfortune to
lose her mother. To the subject and his admirable wife have been
born two sons : — John Maxwell, on October 10, 1902, and Howard
H., on December 17, 1907, promising little lads who will doubtless
assist in making the future history of Van Buren county.

James 0. Riioads. — Noteworthy among the enterprising and
thrifty agriculturists of Van Buren county is James O. Rhoads,
of Bloomingdale township, who is industriously engaged in the
prosecution of a calling upon which the wealth and support of our
nation largely depends, and in which he is meeting with unques-
tioned success. He was born March 7, 1853, in Wolcott, Wayne
county. New York, very near the birthplace of his father, Solomon
Rhoads.

Oren Rhoads, his paternal grandfather, was, it is supposed,
born in Massachusetts, having been of New England birth and lin-
eage. Moving to AVayne county, New York, when young, he bought
a heavily timbered tract of land in the town of Wolcott, where he
w^as a pioneer, and on the farm which he redeemed from its orig-
inal wildness lived and labored until 1858. Coming then to Michi-
gan, he spent his last years with one of his sons. To him and his
wife fourteen children were born and reared.

Solomon Rhoads became interested in farming when young, and
continued a resident of Wolcott, New York, until 1853. In that
year, following the example of his ancestors, he turned his face
westward, coming to Van Buren county, Michigan and settling in
Almena township. Buying a piece of timber, he erected a log
cabin, and immediately began the arduous task of clearing a farm
from the forest. At that time the few people hereabout depended
largely for their subsistence upon the productions of the soil and
the wild game to be found in the woods, and in the fall of 1854,
while he was out on a hunting expedition, he was accidentally
killed, being then in manhood ^s prime. He married Betsey Haw-
ley, a native of New York, and she survived him many years. To
the parents of our subject there were born two children, James 0.
and Sarah M.

James 0. Rhoads was but an infant when his parents came to
Van Buren county to live. He acquired a practical education in
the pioneer schools of Eaton township, after which he served an
apprenticeship at the cooper's trade, which he followed for a time.
Locating then in the northeast quarter of section twenty-six,
Bloomingdale township, Mr. Rhoads cleared a large tract of tim-
bered land, erected a substantial set of buildings, and was there
employed in tilling the soil until 1906. Buying then his present

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

property, which is located in the southeast quarter of the same
section, he has here continued his agricultural labors with eminent
success, having his land under a good state of cultivation, and all
the necessary buildings for carrying on his work satisfactorily.

Mr. Rhoads married, December 2, 1873, Freelove Burns, who was
born in Almena township, Van Buren county, Michigan, a daughter
of Abel and Sarah (Bidgood) Burns, who migrated from New
York, their native state, to that township in pioneer days. She
died in 1884, in early womanhood. Mr. Rhoads subsequently mar-
ried for his second wife Irene Tucker. She was born in Ridge-
ville township, Lorain county, Ohio, a daughter of Luther W. and
Helen (Reynolds) Tucker, natives of Ohio, and a granddaughter
of Reuben and Eliza (Perkins) Tucker. By his first marriage Mr.
Rhoads has three children, namely: Riley M., who married Nora
Trins, and has three children, Lester, Willard and Delia; Ivy,
wife of John Arch Holmes, has two children, Freelove I. and Frank
J. ; and Iris, who married Harry Shyrock, has one child, Lulu May.
By his second marriage Mr. Rhoads has one son, Orrin J. Rhoads.
Fraternally Mr. Rhoads is a member of Bloomingdale Lodge, No.
221, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons.

John P. Goss. — After a long and useful career in Bangor town-
ship. Van Buren county, during which he was busily engaged in
developing the land from the raw timber, John P. Goss, an hon-
ored veteran of the Civil war, is now living in comfortable retire-
ment in his beautiful home in the village of Bangor. Mr. Goss
is a notable example of the good, practical agriculturist who so
arranges his affairs as to be able to spend the last years of his life
in the enjoyment of the fruits of his early labors, and he is a
welcome addition to the public-spirited citizens of the village, who
recognize in him a man of superior abilities and honest principles.
John P. Goss is a product of the Buckeye state, having been born
m Portage county. May 29, 1841, a son of Ormond and Roby
(Haven) Goss, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter
of Vermont.

Mr. Goss' parents were married in the state of Ohio, and came
to Michigan in 1854, settling in Bangor township and taking up
wild land. Here the father was engaged in farming for many
years, accumulating eight hundred and thirty acres before he
died, and also operated a hotel at Paw Paw for three years. He
died April 28, 1873, and his wife, November 6, 1890. They were
the parents of six children, namely: Henry, Ruth, Anson, Fred-
crick, Polly and John P.

John P. Goss, who is the only survivor of his parents' children,
was reared to the life of an agriculturist and received his educa-
tion in the district schools of Ohio and Michigan. At the age of
eighteen years he began farming on his own account, and so con-
tinued until his enlistment, September 17, 1861, in Company C,
Third Michigan Cavalry, under Captain Hudson, serving with
that organization until February 12, 1866, when he was discharged
at San Antonio, Texas, and received his muster out at Kalamazoo,
Michigan. During a long and strenuous service Mr. Goss par-

-IS;..-..

Tins log cabin was the first home of Mr. John P. Goss in Bangor
township on section six. He still owns the old homestead with
a large two-story building now standing where this log cabin
formerly stood.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 969

ticipated in many hard-fought battles, including New Madrid, luka,
Corinth and the first and second battle of Grenada, and during
his entire service he displayed traits of bravery, faithfulness and
cheerfulness that endeared him to his comrades and made him
respected by his officers. After being mustered out of the service
Mr. Goss returned to Bangor township, where he purchased eighty
acres of farming land, and to this he added from year to year
until he owned two hundred and thirty acres of fine property,
all devoted to general farming and stock-raising. In 1899, feeling
that he had earned a rest from his strimuous activities, Mr. Goss
rented his land and located in the village of Bangor, where he has
a fine home.

On March 6, 1864, Mr. Goss was married to Miss Harriet Wood,
daughter of Mason and Adeline (Mason) A¥ood, natives of New
York, who came to Michigan in 1836 and settled in Jackson county.
Two years later Mr. and Mrs. Wood came to Bangor township,
where they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, and
there continued to live the rest of their lives, Mr. Wood passing
away April 25, 1853, and his w4dow April 2, 1888. They had a
family of five children, as follows: Daniel M., who is deceased;
Harriet, who married Mr. Goss ; Polk and Dallas, twins ; and Maria,
the wife of Hiram Baker, of Lebanon, Oregon. Mr. and Mrs.
Goss have had two children: Mason O., who resides on the old
homestead in Bangor township; and Edna M., who married Jay
Lafler, of Geneva township.

Mr. Goss has always been a great friend of education, and for
twenty-tw^o years served as a member of the school board in Bangor
tow^nship, w^here his fellow citizens also elected him to the office
of highway commissioner. Politically he is a stanch Democrat,
and he takes an active interest in the success of his party in
Bangor and is considered an influential worker in the ranks of
the organization. He is a popular comrade of the Grand Army
of the Republic, an enthusiastic member of the local Grange, and
a consistent attendant of the Christian church.

M. 0. Goss. — Some of the most successful farmers of Van Buren
county, Michigan, are those of the younger generation, who are
now profiting from the sacrifices made for them by their ancestors
who came here during the early settlement of the county and
braved the hardships and privations of pioneer life in order to
establish homes for those who should come after. One of the old
and honored families of Bangor township is that of Goss, a worthy
representative of which is found in the person of M. 0. Goss, who
was bom on the old family homestead in section 6, Bangor town-
ship, August 11, 1872.

Ormond Goss, the grandfather of M. 0. Goss, was born in Penn-
sylvania, from whence he went to Ohio, and was there married to
Roby Haven, a native of Vermont. They came to Michigan in
1853, settling in Bangor township, where 0. Goss acquired eight
hundred and thirty acres of land, and at the time of his death
was one of the prominent and influential citizens of his district.
He died April 28, 1873, and his wife, November 6, 1890. Their
six children were: Henry, Ruth, Anson, Frederick, Polly and

970 HISTORY OF VAN lUJREN COUNTY

John P., the latter being the father of M. 0. and the only sur-
vivor of the six children of his parents. For three years 0. Goss
was also a hotel keeper in Paw Paw, his hostelry being well and
favorably known throughout this part of the country.

John P. Goss was born in Portage county, Ohio, May 29, 1841,
and began farming for himself at the age of eighteen years. On
September 17, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Third Michigan
Cavalry, with which he served until February 12, 1866, and on
being mustered out of the service at Kalamazoo, Michigan, he
returned to Bangor township, purchased eighty acres of land, and
until 1899 was engaged in farming and stock raising, but since
that year has lived retired in the village of Bangor. He became
one of the prominent and influential farmers and land owners of
Bangor township, having accumulated two hundred and thirty
acres of land, and for many years served as school director and
highway commissioner. On March 6, 1864, he was married to
Miss Harriet Wood, daughter of Mason and Adeline (Mason)
Wood, who settled in Bangor township as early as 1838, and two
children were born to this union: Mason O. and Edna M., the
latter of whom married Jay Lafler and resides in Geneva township.

Mason O. Goss received his early educational training in the
public schools and for over two years attended Feris College, Big
Rapids, Michigan. On his return to his home he took charge of
the old homestead, and since he has been twenty-six years of age
he has been operating two hundred and ten acres of land, meeting
wdth great success. He does general farming and breeds good
cattle, horses, hogs and sheep, and makes a specialty of raising
lambs. He is the owner of a threshing outfit, and during thresh-
ing seasons operates it on the farms of his neighbors. He comes
of a long line of agriculturists, from whom he inherits marked
ability in tilling the soil, and to this has been added his knowledge
of scientific methods and the benefit of new discoveries and power-
ful farm machinery.

On September 13, 1898, Mr. Goss was married (first) to Miss
Emma Provost, who died in December, 1900, leaving one child,
Boyd, who is now attending school in Bangor. On October 30,
1904, Mr. Goss married Miss Winnifred Doxtator, and they have
one child : Melba, born October 29, 1908. Mr. Goss is a Democrat
in his political views, and is socially connected with the Odd Fel-
lows. In his dealings with his fellow men he has always been fair
and above-board, and he is consequently held in high esteem and
considered one of the representative men of his township.

Russell F. Loomis. — A well-known and highly respected resi-
dent of Bloomingdale township. Van Buren county, Russell F,
Loomis is a prosperous member of the farming community. Com-
ing from substantial New England ancestry, he was born, No-
vember 20, 1835, in Mantua, Portage county, Ohio, a son of Rus-
sell Loomis.

His paternal grandfather, Wareham Loomis, was born, bred
and educated in New England. Ambitious and enterprising, he
determined to try his fortune on the frontier, and, accompanied
by his wife and children, migrated to Portage county, Ohio, where

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 971

he bought timbered land, from which he cleared and improved a
farm, on which he spent the remainder of his days.

One of a family of seven children, Russell Loomis was born on
the parental homestead in Portage county, Ohio. He began life
for himself as a farmer in his native county, but in 1837 removed
to Lorain county, Ohio, locating in Eaton township. Buying forty
acres of standing timber, he cleared a space in which he erected
a log cabin, and then began the improvements needed on a farm.
In 1849, having nearly all of the land cleared, he sold out for $400
in silver, two teams and a wagon, and journeyed with teams across
the country to Illinois. He bought one hundred and twenty acres
of prairie land in Marion county, nine miles from Salem. Twenty
acres of the land were then cleared, and two log houses had been
built. He set out two orchards, placed a goodly part of the land
under cultivation, and lived there four years. Selling out in 1853,
he became a pioneer settler of Cheshire township, Allegan county,
where he first bought eighty acres of land, and later purchased
another tract of forty acres. Deer and other wild animals were
then plentiful, and Lawton was the nearest railway station, and
the principal marketing point. He improved a good farm, and
there continued a resident until his death, in 1866.

The maiden name of the wife of Russell Loomis was Rebecca
Cooley. She was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. Her father,
Chesley Cooley, was a native of Massachusetts, as was his father,
Timothy Cooley. Timothy Cooley followed the trade of a shoe-
maker at a time when all shoes were custom made, and for many
years conducted business in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he
resided until his death. He married Rebecca Smith, w^ho was born
in that city, of Scotch parents. She survived him, and spent her
last days in Ohio, dying, at the venerable age of ninety-six years,
at the home of her son Timothy, in Eaton township, Lorain county.
Chesley Cooley was reared and educated in the old Bay state,
where his natural mechanical talent and ability were well devel-
oped. As a young man he w^orked in different places in New York
state, from there going to North Eaton, Lorain county, Ohio, where
he established a wagon factory, which he operated until 1853. Mi-
grating then to Van Buren county, Michigan, he resided in Bloom-
. ingdale township until his death, in 1857, at the age of sixty-eight
years.

The maiden name of the wife of Chesley Cooley was Azubah
Johnson. She was born in Bridgewater, Plymouth county, Massa-
chusetts, a daughter of Nathan and Polly Johnson, who were born
in the same county, of English ancestry. She died in 1869, at an
advanced age. Mr. and Mrs. Russell Loomis reared eight children,
as follows: Russell F., Freelove, Henrietta, Marinda, Louisa, Jack-
son, Cynthia and William A.

First attending school in Lorain county, Ohio, Russell F. Loomis
subsequently continued his studies in the rural schools of Illinois
and Michigan, in the meantime being well trained in agricultural
pursuits on the home farm. After his marriage he settled on the
farm of his father-in-law, in Cheshire township, Allegan county,
later building on that part which came to his wife by inheritance.

972 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

In 1864 Mr. Looinis enlisted in Company G, Ninth Michigan Vol-
unteer Infantry, and went with his regiment to Georgia. In the
fall he back-tracked to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he spent
the winter, and in the spring, of 1865, with his regiment, was hon-
orably discharged from the service. Returning home, he resumed
farming. In 1872 Mr. Loomis disposed of his farm, and, accom-
panied by his son and two cousins from Nebraska City, started
across the country for Red Willow county, Nebraska, making the
trip in a wagon drawn by a pair of oxen and four cows which had
been broken to the yoke. At that time much of Nebraska was un-
settled, and large herds of antelope and buffalo were frequently
seen. Arriving in Red Willow county, Mr. Loomis selected a tract
of unsurveyed land, which he entered as a homestead. This, when
surveyed, became school land, but the public officials at the Land
Office assured him that he could homestead it. He accordingly
built on the land, set out fruit and shade trees, and fenced the en-
tire one hundred and sixty acres. When, at the end of seven years,
Mr. Loomis went to secure the title he was blandly informed that
the land belonged to the state of Nebraska, and that the United
States Government could not give title to it. The matter was then
taken to the State Legislature, and later to the Ignited States
Congress.

The following clipping from the Omaha Bee explains the matter
up to the time Congress took action: ''iVfter just a third of a cen-
tury Russell F. Loomis of Red Willow county, Nebraska, practi-
cally has won his right against the technique of federal legality.
It has required thirty-three years for this hard working farmer to
perfect his claim to a certain piece of land, part of the public
grant from the government in Red Willow county, on which he
settled May 28, 1872, and he has not absolutely consummated his
deal yet.

*'This remarkable incident is recalled by the passage the other
day by the United States senate of a bill introduced by Senator
Dietrich authorizing the secretary of the interior to accept from
the state of Nebraska a conveyance of the northeast quarter of
section 36, in township 4, north, in range 29, west, sixth principal
meridian, in Red AVillow county, to enable Mr. Loomis to perfect
his entry and title to this land under the homestead laws of the
United States.

''This bill was introduced by Senator Dietrich in anticipation
of a bill pending before the Legislature of Nebraska authorizing
the governor to execute a deed of relinquishment to the federal
government of this land. It is generally accepted that this bill
will pass the legislature. A counterpart of the bill was introduced
four years ago, passed and went to the governor, but it did not be-
come a law. In 1903 the same bill was again introduced and killed.
Representative Hathorn of Red Willow was the author of both
these bills and made valiant fights for them. This session Repre-
sentative Gliem, who succeeds Dr. Hathorn, introduced the bill
and it is now in the hands of the claims committee.

HISTORY OF VAN BIJREN COUNTY 973

"AVhere the eontiict comes in.

''Russell F. Loomis settled on this land before it was surveyed
and platted. He made his entry under the homestead laws of the
United States, but because his settlement rights conflicted with
the act of Congress by which the Nebraska Constitution was en-
acted, he was never able to perfect his claim. During all of these
years Mr. Loomis continued to reside on this land. He has made
it his home continually, has invested his money in improvements
on the land and has done everj^thing to the end of establishing and
maintaining a permanent home there. In the bill which Dr. Hat-
horn two years ago pushed with such unceasing zeal and industry
it was stated that at that time he had one hundred and forty acres
under cultivation and improvements to the value of $3,000. The
fight was a strenuous one. Able legislators had extreme difficulty
in convincing their colleagues that the state should step in and
secure to this pioneer the land which he was unable to claim under
a perfected title, and for a long time — entirely too long for the
mental comfort of Air, Loomis and his earnest friends — it seemed
as if, despite his long years of toil and hardship, despite the fact
of his 'blazing the way of civili;^ation' in Red Willow county, and
despite his untiring efforts to secure for himself and family this
home they had earned — it seemed even after all these privations
and hardships that Mr. Loomis would not get the land. The Diet-
rich bill providing for the acceptance by the government of the
relinquishment has been passed and no doubts are entertained but
that the Gliem bill, providing the relinquishment by the state,
will pass.''

The State Legislature did pass the bill accepting the offer of the
United States government, but the governor vetoed the bill. IVIr.
Loomis, therefore, finding that after thirty-four years' residence
on the land he could not get a title to it, sold his improvements
for whatever he could get, and returned to Michigan. Locating in
Bloomingdale township, Van Buren county, he purchased the es-
tate w^hich he now owns and occupies, and is here enjoying life.

Mr. Loomis married first, in 1856, Mary Fidelia Cooley, who
vvas born in Jefferson county, New York, a daughter of Charles
and Rhoda Cooley, natives of the Empire state, and pioneers of
Cheshire tow^nship, Allegan county, Michigan. She passed to the
life beyond in 1904, leaving eight children, namely: Myron, Frank-
lin, Mary, Maynard, George, Effie, Alvira and Jennie. Mr.
Loomis married for his second wife Mrs. Alpheus Beals, whose
maiden name was Corintha Bell. She was born in Jefferson
county, Iowa, a daughter of Eli and ^Margaret Bell, and married
first Alpheus ideals, Sr., father of Alpheus Beals, of whom a brief
sketch may be found elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Loomis was quite active in public affairs in Nebraska, upon
the organization of Red Willow county serving as its first justice
of the peace in his precinct, and being the first school director of
his district, and also county treasurer. He is a member of the A.
Calvin Post, No. 59, Grand Army of the Republic, and both he and
his wife are members of the Christian church.

974 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

George N. Hale. — Associated with extensive business operations
since boyhood, George N. Hale, South Haven's leading merchant
has had excellent training for the enterprises he is carrying on
with great success, and a sweep of vision, comprehensive enough
to take in more if favorable opportunities should present them-
selves.

From the time he left school he has constantly been connected
with mercantile life, so that merchandising has become second
nature with him. He attends to the management of his business
with an ease that comes from mastery of all details and a thorough
system in every particular of his work.

George Nathan Hale was born in Oswego county. New York,
March 13, 1842. His father Marshal Hale came from sturdy Ver-
mont stock and his mother, Caroline Meach Hale w^as one of the
descendants of the Knickerbockers of New York. Marshal Hale
came to South Haven in the early fifties. His was a mind for
large enterprises and he engaged in lumbering, milling, canal-boat
building and merchandising. It was in the last named business
that he made his greatest success, being at the time of his death
interested in six large department stores. He was a remarkably
able merchant and his mantle has fallen, not on one, but on all of
his seven sons, who have in turn all become successful merchants.
George N. Hale is the oldest one of this family of merchants.
He left home when a lad of fourteen to visit A. V. Pantland, a rail-
road agent at Lawton, Michigan, where he soon learned telegraphy
and accepted the position as telegraph operator at that station.
About a year of this work was sufficient to convince the young man
that telegraphy was not his field, and went to work for a short time
in a dry goods store at Lawton. He next held the position as clerk in
a hotel at Paw Paw but from this position he was immediately re-
moved by his father and sent to Elmira, New York, to finish his
education. After completing his school work he went to Chicago,
where he found employment in the wholesale grocery store of
Durand, Powers & Briggs, with whom he remained about two
years. He then became bookkeeper for Thomas R. Wood & Sons,
a paint and oil house, and was impelled by his surroundings and
what he heard about the oil business to go to the oil fields of Penn-
sylvania and try his luck at boring for the unctuous fluid that was
making many men rich in a single night or day. But this line of
endeavor was not to his taste and he did not linger long at it. He
returned to Michigan and took up his residence in Schoolcraft,
where he engaged in merchandising in groceries and boots and
shoes for a time. He then sold this business to Barnhart & Scott
and moved to South Haven. Here he took up the business his
father had established under the name and style of M. Hale &
Company, and this he is still conducting. The name has been over
the store fronts either in New York, Wisconsin or Michigan since
1839, and is one of the best known mercantile names in the country.
In 1887 Mr. Hale started a branch business in San Diego, Cali-
fornia, under the name of George N. Hale & Company, which he
kept in operation six years. At the end of that period he sold it
that he might concentrate his efforts and capital in his South Haven

^. ^. y/aJU^

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 975

store, which had been destroyed by fire. There he has lived ever
since and been occupied in merchandising on a large scale, hand-
ling dry goods, groceries and general merchandise. He owns the
finest business block in the city, and as he is one of its leading mer-
chants, so is he, also one of its most prominent and influential citi-
zens, and most active forces in all matters of public improvement.

He w^as one of the directors of the Kalamazoo Branch of the
Michigan Central Railroad, and it was mainly through his efforts
the Citizens State Bank of South Haven was organized and he was
its first president. He w^as part ow^ner of the first steamboat owned
here, the Steamer Huron. He was also instrumental in starting
the South Haven Club known first as the Enterprise Club and also
the Driving Park.

He has served as a member of the city council and the board of
public works. In politics he is a Democrat, and true to his party,
but does not allow partisan considerations to govern him in refer-
ence to local affairs, the good of the city being always his first care.
He w^as opposed to slavery when it existed in this country, and
this led him to cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for presi-
dent. He was living in Chicago at the' time, and state pride made
the feeling in that city strong for the great Emancipator, but Mr.
Hale supported him because of the issues involved in the memor-
able campaign.

Mr. Hale's military career has been somewhat limited, though
through no fault of his own. When the war broke out he was a
member of the Southern Tier Ritle Company of Elmira, New York,
Militia. The entire company w^as preparing to go to the front,
but Mr. Hale w^as compelled to withdraw as he was not of age and
could not obtain permission from his parents. Later on, when he
became of age he enlisted in Chicago, but was so unfortunate as
to break an arm and was given an honorable discharge.

Mr. Hale has been a devoted member of the Masonic order in
several of its branches. He was made a Freemason in W. B. War-
tren Lodge in Chicago in 1863. When Star of the Lake Lodge of
South Haven was forming he demitted from his lodge and became
a member of the new one in his present home. He is also a mem-
ber of South Haven Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, South Haven
Council of Royal and Select Masters, Peninsula Commandery,
Knights Templar, in Kalamazoo, and Saladin Temple, Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine, in Grand Rapids.

On May 19, 1869, Mr. Hale was joined in marriage with Miss
Mary A. Orr, a native of Ogdensburg, New York. Five children
were born of this union, three of whom are living: Marshall A.
and Lawrence G., who are associated with their father in business;
and Georgia C, Channing W., the oldest son died in 1910. He also
was connected with the business. The mother of these children
died May 3, 1902, and on February 18, 1909, the father contracted
a second marriage in which he was united with Mrs. Minnie Manette
Goodman, his present wife.

John A. Hunt is one of the oldest and most venerable of the
farmer-citizens of Covert township. Van Buren county. He has

976 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

lived here since youth, is enthusiastically loyal to the section, has
tilled himself with its annals and become a living history of its
progress. He has ever been aligned with good, public-spirited
causes and is an ardent supporter of Prohibition. Mr. Hunt
shares with so many of those who reside within the favored bound-
aries of Van Buren county the distinction of being a native of
New York. He was born in Camillus, Onondaga county, that
state. January 16, 1827, and is the son of Benjamin and Betsy
Elizabeth (Secoy) Hunt, both likewise natives of New York.
The father, who w^as a farmer, died but tw^o years after the birth
of the subject, in 1829, the mother surviving for many years, or
until 1852. They were the parents of a large family of children,
as follows : Jacob, deceased ; Stephen, deceased ; two w^ho died in
infancy; Eliza, li^enjamin Jonas and Rachel, deceased. It will
thus be seen that Mr. Hunt is the only survivor of the number,
and in truth he has been allotted more years than the majority.

When a young man of seventeen years John A. Hunt severed
his home associations in the Empire stat.e and came to Michigan,
locating in Van Buren county. He bought forty acres in section
25, Covert tow^nship, which was the nucleus of a property which
at one time consisted of one hundred and twenty acres. He is a
veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted on September 22, 1864,
in Company G, of the Tw^enty-eighth Michigan Infantry. He was
sent to the front and one of the most important engagements in
w^hich he participated was the battle of Nashville, on December
15 and 16, 1864, w-hen the Federals under Thomas gained a vic-
tory over the Confederates under Hood, which resulted in the
breaking up of Hood's army as a fighting force. In his military
service Mr. Hunt met with no serious injury and he w^as mustered
out at Louisville, Kentucky, on May 22, 1865.

After the termination of hostilities i\Ir. Hunt returned to Michi-
gan and took up the threads of civilian life. On November 3,
1852, he had married Miss Lucy Ann Whitcomb, and after many
years of happy married life her demise had occurred on February
27, 1888. This union resulted in the birth of three children. The
oldest, Charles A. Hunt, ow^ns the home place, which is the scene
of successful endeavors in general farming and stock-raising;
Frank D., makes his home at Watervliet ; and Nellie A. is the wife
of Truman E. Stratton, of Hartford township. Mr. Hunt was a
second time married on December 21, 1890, Miss Jane A. Kelley
becoming his wife, and her death occurred on February 8, 1902.
On September 23, 1907, Mrs. Ellen Heagle, widow of Harvey
Heagle, v^^as united in marriage to Mr. Hunt. The present Mrs.
Hunt is the daughter of William and Jane (Orr) Stead and by her
previous marriage the mother of eight children, as follows : Albert,
of Chicago; Jane, deceased; Emily, wife of Edward Noonan, of
Kansas City, Missouri; Edwin, of Grand Rapids; Collin, of St.
Louis, Missouri; Mida, wife of Elmer Partington, of Chicago;
Sarah, wife of Fred Fonts, of Grand Rapids, Michigan ; and Alice,
of Chicago.

Mr. Hunt, as mentioned previously, is an adherent of the cause
of Prohibition. He has several times in his career held office, and

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 977

has given satisfactory service as township treasurer and justice
of the peace, and he is distinguished for an unblemished record
as a man and as a citizen. He belongs to the Grange and is, in
religious conviction, a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.

The subject's eldest son, Charles Hunt, on March 3, 1878, laid
the foundation of a happy household and congenial life compan-
ionship by his union with Helen Winslow, daughter of Lewis and
Martha (Gilbert) Winslow, both of whom w^ere natives of the
state of New York. They removed to ^lichigan and lived in Ant-
werp township, Van Buren county. Mrs. Charles Hunt has the
following brothers and sisters : Hardin, of Van Buren county ;
Mary, wife of George Hale, of Covert township ; and Warren T.,
of Rathdrum, Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt are the parents of two
sons, who have taken their places among the most admirable of
the young citizenship of Van Buren county. Mearl, born July
31, 1879, owns a farm in Covert township; and Maurice D., born
September 15, 1883, resides at home and gives material assistance
to his father in his farm duties. Mr. Hunt gives heart and hand to
the men and measures of the Republican party and is an attendant
of the Methodist church, in which his wife and father are honored
members.

George Hale. — Among those good citizens of A^an 13uren county,
Michigan, w^ho have done much to promote the prosperity of the
county and belong to the agricultural class upon which the county
founds its strength, mention must be made of George Hale, whose
excellent farm of one hundred and four acres is devoted to general
farming and stock-raising. He has lived here almost his entire
life-time and has not only watched the advancement of this sec-
tion, but has borne a part in promoting all interests and measures
which he has believed to be for the public good. That which may
be said of so many representative citizens in this locality may be
said of him — he was born in New York, a statement which is
likely to be met with very frequently in this volume devoted to
the men and women of Van Buren county, Michigan.

The town of Henderson, Jefferson county of the Empire state,
was the birthplace of Mr. Hale and the date of his nativity, Jan-
uary 1, 1861. His parents were Richard and Melissa (Nutting)
Hale, the father being a native of Vermont and the mother of Hen-
derson, Jefferson county. New York. The father early removed
from the Green Mountain state and became a sailor on the Great
Lakes. He came to Michigan in the spring of 1865 and located in
Covert township, in section 36. As he grew older the rough life
of the w^ater began to be distasteful to him and he finally came
to the conclusion to give it up and to adopt farming. He secured
a fine tract of land in Covert township, section 36. At that time
this section of the country was heavily timbered and the roads had
been cut through but the stumps of the trees not taken out. On
his tract eight acres had been slashed, but none of it cleared.
While sailing the lakes he superintended the clearing of his land
and later bought forty acres across the road in section 31, Bangor

978 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

township. He was a resident there until his death. His useful
life was terminated on June 23, 1891, but his wife survives and
makes her home with her son, the subject. Mr. Hale had two
brothers, Winfield and William W., both of whom are now de-
ceased.

Behind a desk in the district school-room Mr. Hale received his
first introduction to Minerva, goddess of wisdom. He did not stop
with such advantages as were offered by the public schools, how-
ever, but matriculated in the Normal School and Business College
at Valparaiso, Indiana, from which institution he was graduated
in 1881. He was fitted for teaching and was engaged in peda-
gogical activities for seven years in this county with satisfaction
to all concerned, for his methods in training the youthful mind
were conscientious and enlightened. About the year 1888 he
made a radical change by abandoning teaching and taking up rail-
road work, which he followed for seven years. Perhaps from his
father he had inherited the lure of the sea, for he abandoned the
railroad service and for twelve years occupied the position of
purser on the steamers plying between South Haven and Chicago.
At the end of that period he swore allegiance to the great basic
industry of agriculture, and has ever since followed that vocation
and intends to continue permanently identified with this whole-
some and independent calling, in which, as in no other, a man is his
own master. He owns one hundred and four acres and engages in
general farming and stock-raising.

On February 11, 1882, Mr. Hale took as his wife ]\tary E. Wins-
low, daughter of Lewis and Martha (Gilbert) Winslow, Mrs. Hale
being one of a family of four children, namely : Hardin L., of
Antwerp township ; Helen I., wife of Charles Hunt, of Covert
township; and Warren T., of Rathdrum, Idaho. Mr. and Mrs.
Hale have reared three daughters and one son. whose presence
adds greatly to the cheer and attractiveness of their pleasant
home. The eldest, Nevada E., is married and is the wife of C. R.
Graves, of Charlevoix, Michigan; Valda A., now lives in Chicago,
and Martha M. and Myra I. are at home.

In political matters Mr. Hale is to be found aligned with the
Republican party and he has been called upon to fill several public
offices, such as township clerk and supervisor for three years. Fra-
ternally he is a member of the Masonic brotherhood. He and his
family are affiliated with the ^Methodist Episcopal church.

Adam Dillman. — It would be impossible to enumerate all the
benefits our cosmopolitan civilization has received from the Ger-
man element of our population. In our cities they make up one
of the most law abiding and industrious classes, and ever since the
days when they colonized Pennsylvania they have sent their sons
to fight for the country which they made their own. In our farm-
ing communities their superior methods have taught us to realize
a little of the possibilities of intelligent farming and if we will but
take lessons from the older land in the matter of making: two
blades of grass — say rather wheat or potatoes — grow where but one
grew before, as we are beginning to do, we shall find our farms an

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 979

undreamed of source of wealth. One of Van Buren county's best
managed farms is that of Adam Dillman^ who was born in Ger-
many in 1829, but has lived in America since the age of two.

Peter and Elizabeth (Bame) Dillman were both born in Ger-
many and lived there until some years after their marriage. They
came to America in 1831 and located in Jefferson county, Ohio,
making their home there for eight years and then moving to Han-
cock county in the same state. Here they remained and here the
father died in 1852. The mother lived to the age of eighty-eight
and a half years and died in 1895. Adam is the eldest of the nine
children who constituted the Dillman family. Anne, the next old-
est, is the widow of Augustus Miller, of Hancock county, Ohio,
where Philip also resides. Henry lives in Bluffton, Ohio, and Bar-
bara, the other sister is the widow of Samuel Huff, of Hancock
county. The four other children are all deceased, tw^o having died
in infancy.

Adam Dillman followed the old-time custom of giving his time
until he w^as t\venty-one to his family. At that age he took up
farming for himself and in 1854 w^as married and bought eighty
acres of land in Hancock county, w^iich he w^orked for eight years
and then sold. After disposing of his own place he worked his
father-in-law's farm for five years and then came to Bangor, Michi-
gan. Mr. Dillman lived in Bangor for tw^o years and then bought
a quarter-section in Bangor townshi}), where he does general
farming and stock raising on one of the finest farms in the entire
county.

Mrs. Dillman was formerly Miss Catherine Smith, the daughter
of John and Wilhelmina Smith, both natives of Germany. Her
marriage to Adam Dillman took place on January 17, 1854. Tw^o
children were born of this union : Peter J., for over twenty years
the supervisor of the township, died in 1907, and Henry, the other
son, now lives with his father and manages the farm. Adam Dili-
man is a Democrat and has held minor offices in the township. He
and liis son Henry both attend the Congregational church of Ban-
gor. They are in every way valuable citizens and highly regarded
in the county, as was also Peter Dillman, who spent his life on a
farm in the county.

Sarah Funk Dillman, the widow of Peter Dillman, lives in this
township with her six younger children, Mary, Bertha, Sadie,
Frances, Ruby and Juna. Her oldest daughter, Viola, is the wife
of Henry Clinard, of Van Buren county, and Blanche is Mrs.
Clifford Davis, of South Haven. Mrs. Dillman was one of a fam-
ily of ten children, four of whom were girls. The parents came
to Van Buren county in 1856 and are now both dead. The father,
Daniel Funk, was a native of Germany and the mother, Hester
Yeider Funk, of Ohio. Of the children, the three sisters of Mrs.
Dillman, Maria, Elmira and Susan, are deceased. Henry lives in
Van Buren county; Simon, in Bangor; Joseph, in Greene town-
ship, and George and Daniel both live in Van Buren county.
Isaac, the other son, is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dillman had been
married twenty-nine years when he was taken from this life, as their
union occurred in 1878, on November 24. Like the other mem-

980 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

bers of his family, Mr. Peter Dillman was a Democrat and at-
tended the Congregational church. Fraternally he was connected
w^ith the lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
with the Knights of the Maccabees. He was a man in whom the
community reposed the highest confidence and his long term as
supervisor is but one expression of the esteem with which he was
regarded.

Henry F. Weber. — The Germans in America form an important
class of good, reliable and industrious citizens, who can be de-
pended upon to work hard, save what they earn, and so invest it
as to obtain excellent results. The natives of the Fatherland pos-
sess those excellent traits of character which go so far in the mak-
ing of good and prosperous citizens, and they have transmitted to
their offspring the habits of industry and thrift w^hich have aided
them so materially in the attainment of success. One of the pros-
perous agriculturists of Van Buren county, Henry F. Weber, of
section 6, Bangor tow^nship, is an excellent example of the thrifty,
hardworking German- American citizen. He was born in the
Fatherland, June 17, 1844, a son of Henry and Christina (Muller)
Weber, who were also born in the old country.

Mr. Weber is one of the five survivors of the twelve children
born to his parents, and he came to America in 1867, settling first
in Chicago, where for the next fifteen years he was engaged in
the lumber business. He came to Van Buren county in 1882,
purchasing one hundred and five acres of good farming land in
section 6, Bangor township, and here he has continued to reside
to the present time, carrying on general farming and stock raising.
He has been consistently successful in his ojierations, and year by
year has added to his farming equipment and livestock, repairing
such buildings as were in good condition, and erecting new ones
to take the place of those no longer useful, and he now has as fine
a i)roperty as any of its size to be found in Bangor township. He
stands high in the estimation of his fellow^ citizens, who realize
that he may be depended upon to support all beneficial movements
in his community, and is looked upon as a good representative of
the Van Buren county farmer.

On January 14, 1868, Mr. Weber was married to Miss Louisa
Depper, who died June 22, 1904, having been the mother of twelve
children, as follows: Henry, Louisa, William, ^linna, Annie, Freda,
Fredericka, John, Plerman, Anna, Bertha and Freda. Of these
Louisa, the first Freda, Fredericka, and Anna are deceased. In
his political views Mr. Weber is a Republican, and he and his
children attend the German Lutheran church. The family home
is situated on South Haven Rural Route No. 1.

William Summers. — In the science of agriculture, both practi-
cal and theoretical, William Summers stands second to none in
his part of Van Buren county, and that he has made a success of
his operations a visit to his excellently improved farm in Bangor
township will prove. Mr. Summers is one of the self-made men of
his community, and stands high both as a farmer and citizen. He

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 981

is a native of Kosciusko county, Indiana, where he was born Octo-
ber 11, 1856, a son of William T. and Catherine (Lower) Sum-
mers, natives of Ohio. William Summers was a farmer all of his
life and died in Indiana about 1856, after which his widow, who
still survives him and makes her home in Columbiana county,
Ohio, was married (second) to Henry Booze. To the first union
there were born Marietta, who is deceased; Matthias, of Bangor;
and William. Mr. and Mrs. Booze also had three children: Sa-
mantha, the wife of Cassius Sanor, of Ohio; and Ira and Ulysses,
who are deceased.

William Summers came to Michigan at the age of six years and
remained on the farm of his stepfather until he was nineteen years
of age, when he came to Michigan and for four years was engaged
in working for others. He then purchased eighty act*es of land in
section 15, Bangor township, on which he made numerous improve-
ments, including the erection of some of the best farm buildings in
the township. Later he purchased fifty acres in section 14, and he
now operates it as one property, being engaged in general agri-
cultural pursuits. Mr. Summers has an intimate knowledge of soil
conditions here, and he also knows the scientific use of fertilizers,
the benefits of crop rotation and how to nurse and nurture old
lands, and he has also been one to look to the interests of posterity.

On May 6, 1881, he was married to Miss Sarah Westcott, daugh-
ter of William and Huldah (Dean) Westcott. Mrs. Summers was
the next to the youngest child of her parents, her brothers and sis-
ters being: Benjamin, who died in infancy; Lyman and Eugene,
living in Van Buren county; Lodema, the widow of John Van
Auken of Bangor township ; Mary, the wife of Lewis Wood, of
Bangor township; Esther, the wife of Robert Springett, of Ban-
gor; Sarah, who married Mr. Summers; and Rebecca, who mar-
ried A. Fausnaugh, of Bangor. Mr. and Mrs. Summers have had
three children : Carrie, who lives at home ; Ermie, the wife of Frank
Wood, of Bangor; and Lola Luzette, a teacher in the schools of
Van Buren county. Mr. Summers is a Democrat in his political
views, but he has been kept so busy by his private interests that
he has no time to engage actively in public matters.

Miller Overton belongs to a family who heeded the injunction
of the famous editor to go west and grow up with the country.
Both F. N. Overton and his wife, Louise Wood Overton, were na-
tives of New York. The mother of the latter, Grandmother Wood,
lived to the age of ninety-six and passed away in 1909. Her father
was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and she was a loyal mem-
ber of the order of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
There were three children born to F. N. and Louise Overton,
Verne, Rene and Miller. Verne is a resident of Allegan and is
associated in the creamery business with her brother Glen, of Van
Buren county, and Rene is deceajsed. Miller Overton was bom on
December 29, 1874, and before he was three years old his mother
died, passing to the other life on May 15, 1877*. The father took
as his second wife Nettie Van Benschoten, and two children were

Vol. 11—23

982 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

born of this union. These are Esie, deceased, and Glen, of Allegan,
Michigan.

Miller Overton attended the district school and then graduated
from the Bangor high school, finishing his course there in 1892.
After this he spent a year in the University of Chicago, in its pre-
paratory school, and then returned to the farm to devote himself
to agriculture. Mr. Overton is a farmer who follows modern prin-
ciples and methods. He is the owner of one hundred and forty
acres of land and he specializes in the growing of fruit and in
dairy products. He also gives considerable attention to the rais-
ing of peppermint.

On April 17, 1896, Mr. Overton was married to Ivy, the only
child of E. S. and Lida (Fry) Harvey, of this county. This union
has been blessed with five children, Paul, Merit, Delila, Kenneth
and Carol. Delila died in childhood, but the others are all stiil
at home.

Mr. Overton is Independent as to his politics. He belongs to
the Grangers and attends the Christian Science church.

Francis A. Burger, who owns and operates one hundred and
sixty-four acres of well-cultivated land in sections 16 and 35.
Bangor township, is one of the good, practical agriculturists and
fruit-raisers of Van Buren county, and one of the most popular
men in his part of the county. When a man of one political faith
is elected to positions of responsibility and trust in a community
where the opposite party is greatly in the majority, then it is
very evident that that man has so lived his life as to gain the re-
spect and confidence of his fellow citizens in general. Francis A.
Burger is a native of Hillsdale county, Michigan, where he was
born February 5, 1857, a son of Francis G. and Hattie (Stuck)
Burger, natives of New York.

The Burger family was first founded in ^lichigan in 1849. by
the parents of Mr. Burger, who first settled in Hillsdale county,
and later moved to Van Buren county and settled in Bangor town-
ship, where Francis G. Burger spent the remainder of his life
in agricultural pursuits. At the time of his death, in February,
1899, he was the owner of a valuable tract of one hundred acres
of land. His widow, who survives him, is now eighty years of age
and makes her home with her youngest son in Berrien county.
Francis and Hattie Burger had the following children: Jerome,
who is deceased; Maryette, the wife of ]\Ierrill Miller, living in
Idaho ; Emily Jane, who is deceased ; Eleazer, who lives in Bangor :
Francis A. ; Douglas and Notha. who are deceased ; Judson. a
teacher in the Bangor high school; Minerva, the wife of Fred
Durren, of Cass county, Michigan; and Melvin, a teacher in the
public schools of Berrien county.

• Francis A. Burger attended the district schools of his native
vicinity, and later spent one year in the Bangor high school, after
which he spent twelve years in school, teaching in conjunction
with farming. In 1882 he bought thirty-five acres of land in sec-
tion 14, Bangor township, which he operated in the summers while
teaching school in the winters for six years, but eventually traded

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 988

this land, with two thousand five hundred dollars, for one hundred
acres of good land in section 16. He began to engage in general
farming, giving up school teaching, and soon began to specialize
in fruit growing, which he has continued to the present time. He
has added sixty-four acres to his original purchase, the latter be-
ing located in section 35, and he now cultivates his land along
scientific lines and making his labor pay him well. He stands just
as high in his community as a citizen as he does as an agricul-
turist, and although he is a Democrat in politics he has been elected
in a Republican county to the office of township supervisor for
five terms, township treasurer, school inspector and overseer of
highways, and in none of these has he betrayed his trust in any
way. A good agriculturist, a sterling citizen, an upright and
efficient public official and a kind friend and neighbor, it is no
wonder that Mr. Burger is known as one of his county's represen-
tative men. Fraternally he is connected with the A. F. & A. M.,
the I. 0. 0. F., the K. O. T. U. and the Grange, and he is very
popular in all.

On April 12, 1888, Mr. Burger was married to Miss Mary Graves,
a daughter of Ansel M. and Aurelia (Hough) Graves, and three
children have been born to this union: ]\Iirth, wife of P>ed Srack-
angast, of South Haven, Michigan ; Francis Yere, a graduate of the
Bangor high school, and now a student of the Agricultural Col-
lege at Lansing; and Nilva, who also lives at home. Mrs. Ikir-
ger's parents, who were natives of the state of New York, had
seven children, namely; Chauncey who is deceased; Isabel, the
widow of John Fairgailes, a resident of Nebraska ; George, who
lives in Geneva township, Yan Buren county ; Alice, who is the
widow of Horace Yincent, of Nebraska ; Adelbert, living in Iowa ;
Henry, who makes his residence in Bangor; and ^lary, who mar-
ried Mr. Burger. The pleasant family residence is situated on
Bangor Rural Route No. 1, where Mr. Burger welcomes his many
warm personal friends, especially the old settlers of this section,
to whom he often remarks that he "has lived here as long as any
of them — all of his life."

G. W. Arnold. — A larger proportion of the successful agricul-
turists of Yan Buren county are men who have had to make their
own way in the world and trust to their own perseverance, in-
dustry and inherent ability to aid them in taking their places
among those who were more fortunate in having advantages dur-
ing their youth. One of these successful self-made men is found
in the person of G. W. Arnold, the owner of a seventy-seven-acre
tract of good land located in Bangor township and who also gives
a great deal of attention to the fishing business. He was born
January 22, 1852, in Jackson county, Michigan, and is a son of
Steven Y. and Mary (Buss) Arnold, natives of Yermont. whence
Mr. Arnold's parental grandfather came from Scotland, while
his maternal ancestor was a native of Spain.

Steven Y. Arnold, who was a soldier during the war of 1812,
in the service of the United States, came to Jackson county, Mich-
igan, during the early 'forties, and in 1854 removed to Yan Buren

984 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

county, the government having ceded him one hundred and sixty
acres of land in section 7, Bangor township, but at the time of his
death he left only seventy-seven acres, the remainder having been
sold. Mr. Arnold passed away June 31, 1881, and his widow sur-
vived him until April 19, 1898. They had four children, as fol-
lows : Sarah, the wife of John Smith, of Bangor ; G. W. ; James,
residing in Van Buren county; and Chloe, who married Sebastian
Michaels, of South Haven.

When he was only ten years of age G. W. Arnold started mak-
ing his own way in the world, and took up fishing on the Great
Lakes, an occupation which he has followed off and on for forty
years. During the proper season he has also operated a thresh-
ing machine, with which he has had unqualified success, and at
the time of his father's death he inherited a part of his land, later
buying out all the other heirs. At present he still carries on
fishing in conjunction with his agricultural operations. Mr. Arn-
old is versatile in his abilities and is as good a farmer as he is a
fisherman. He stands equally high in the opinion of his fellow-
townsmen as a citizen, and the support which he gives to all move-
ments of a nature calculated to be of benefit to his community testi-
fies to his civic pride. He has made the most of his business oppor-
tunities, and has a handsome residence on Covert Rural Route No. 2,
and a competency that assures his future comfort.

In June, 1886, Mr. Arnold was married (first) to Miss Nettie
Gillard, who died in April, 1889, leaving two children, namely:
Mary, who married A. Cornell, a resident of the state of Wash-
ington; and Kate, who is married and resides in Colorado. On
July 6, 1898, Mr. Arnold was married to Miss Eva Nanson, and
they have had four children: Claude, Lucille, Glenn and Esther,
all living at home. Politically Mr. Arnold is independent, prefer-
ring to vote rather for the man whom he deems best fitted for the
office than to be bound down by party ties, and his fellow citizens
have expressed their confidence in his official ability by electing
him to the office of highway overseer. Socially he is a popular
member of the U. S. Fish Club, of Chicago.

Lewis E. Willis. — Many of the progressive young agriculturists
of Van Buren county are operating farms that were originally
settled by their fathers, who developed them from the raw tim-
ber and brush land. Profiting by the years of experience gained
by their fathers, reared themselves to the life and work of the
farm, and having the advantage of modern machinery and scien-
tific methods, they are obtaining excellent results, and the en-
thusiasm and enterprise of youth are assisting them to make this
section one of the garden spots of the state. Lewis E. Willis, a
successful young farmer and stock-raiser of Bangor township,
was born on the Willis homestead in section 9 which he is now
conducting, November 9, 1881, and is a son of Isaac W. and Ellen
(Quick) Willis, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of
Canada.

Isaac W. Willis came to Michigan in 1864, and settled in
Bangor township, where, after renting land for a few years, he

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 985

purchased eighty acres of land, but later sold five acres of this,
the remainder being the farm now operated by his son, Lewis E.,
although it is still owned by the father, who now rents a tract
of seventy-five acres in section 17. He and his wife, who also
survives, have had six children: Rester, who is deceased; Lewis
E. ; Melvina, the wife of Clifton Pierce, of Geneva township ; and
Arthur, Chester and Glenn, all deceased.

The youth of Lewis E. Willis was spent on his father's farm,
and his early educational training was secured in the district
schools. Later he attended the Bangor high school for three years,
and then took up farming. From 1903 until 1912 he conducted
the old homestead, where he carried on general farming and stock-
raising, and the application of modern methods brought him fair
success in his operations. He is a popular member of the Gleaners,
and in politics is a Republican, having always been a stanch sup-
porter of the principles of the Republican party and is now serv-
ing in the office of constable. Mrs. Willis is a member of the
Congregational church.

On April 2, 1902, Mr. Willis was married to Miss Ella Pierce,
a daughter of Irving and Melissa (Morse) Pierce, natives of Mich-
igan and early settlers of Geneva township. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce
were the parents of four children: Myrtle, who is the wife of
Charles Hammond, of Hartford, Michigan ; Orion, who is deceased ;
Ella, who married Mr. Willis; and Clifton, who resides in Geneva
township. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Willis,
namely: Donald, Marguerite and Irving William.

Robert H. Tripp. — One of the native sons of Covert township,
of the type in which it has every reason to take pride, is Robert
H. Tripp, foreman of the great fruit farm of C. J. Monroe, and
the owner of a fine ten-acre fruit farm. He is one of the most
successful of Michigan horticulturists. Mr. Tripp is of that type
of citizen who inspires and retains the confidence of his fellow
men and he has with great satisfaction to all concerned held the
important offices of township treasurer and highway commissioner.

Mr. Tripp was born in this township, October 17, 1870, the son
of James W. and Emily (Beebe) Tripp, who came here from the
state of New York. Both are now deceased. These good citizens
became the parents of the following ten children : Effie, wife of
William Frary, of Covert; Lillian, wife of Joseph Turner, of
Covert ; Nellie, who married Charles Goodrich and resides in Wau-
kegan, Illinois; William, of East Lake, Michigan; Charles, of
Mason, Michigan; Lester, of Lake City, Michigan; Roy, of South
Haven ; Robert H. ; Nancy, wife of Frank Williams, of Owosso,
Michigan ; and Newton, of Hartford.

Mr. Tripp acquired his education in the public schools and
early began upon his career as an agriculturist. In fact, his prac-
tical experience began at the age of fourteen years and in a short
time he was initiated into the many mysteries of seed-time and
harvest. Fourteen years ago Mr. C. J. Monroe, proprietor of the
well-known and very extensive Monroe fruit farm, proffered the
subject the position of manager and superintendent of the same,

9H6 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

and he has ever since fulfilled its responsibilities in the most satis-
factory and successful manner. His own ten acre fruit farm is
a model of its kind and shows the results of those scientific investi-
gations made in recent years in the fields of agriculture and horti-
culture.

On July 15, 1890, Mr. Tripp laid the foundation of a happy
household and congenial life companionship by his union with
Susan Bender, daughter of Frederick and Sarah (Echingbeer)
Bender, the former of whom was a native of Germany and the
latter of Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Bender were born the
following six children: George, of Covert township; Mary, wife
of John Bender, of Indiana; Minnie, wife of Oscar Farrer, of
Covert; Frank, of Chicago; Susan, Mrs. Tripp; and Christie,
wife of Charles Cole, of Covert. Mr. and Mrs. Tripp share their
delightful home with one son. Max L., born September 29, 1891.

Mr. Tripp is a Republican in political conviction and has been
found marching beneath the standard of the ''Grand Old Party''
since his earliest voting days. His public offices have been men-
tioned in a preceding paragraph. Mr. and Mrs. Tripp attend the
Congregational church.

Henry H. Albright. — In naming the highly respected citizens
of Van Buren county, Michigan, many old soldiers of the Civil
war are to be found, and it is also noted that those who fought in
their country's defense made good citizens in times of peace, as
they had made good soldiers in time of war. One of the veterans
of that great struggle, who is now living practically retired after
many years spent in agricultural pursuits, is Henry H. Albright,
the owner of a well-cultivated tract of land in Bangor township
known as "Summit Home." Mr. Albright was born in Marion
county, Ohio, March 1, 1840, and is a son of Solomon and Rebecca
(Cramer) Albright, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the
latter of Ohio, and both are now deceased, the father passing away
when ninety-one years of age, and the mother reaching the age
of eighty-seven. They had a family of ten children: Esther,
Hannah and Noah, who are deceased ; Henry H. ; John, now re-
siding in Ohio, a veteran of the Civil war, through all of which
he served; Joseph, deceased; Silas and William, residing in Ohio;
Amanda, the widow of Joseph Westcott, of Ohio; and Samuel,
who also resides in that state.

When he was nineteen years of age Henry H. Albright took
up carpentry as an occupation, and he was so engaged at the out-
break of the Civil war. Fired with patriotism, like so many of
the youth of that day, he gave up the business which he had built
up and hastened to enlist in the Union army, becoming a private
in Company D, Eighty-second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
After seven months spent in the service Mr. Albright was wounded
in battle, several of his fingers being shot away, and he was given
his honorable discharge on account of disability. On his return
to his native locality he began farming on a tract which he had
purchased with a friend some time previous to his enlistment in
the army, but in 1866 he sold his interests and came to Michigan.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 987

For some time he conducted the farm of his father-in-law, and
after the latter 's death he purchased the property, which he con-
ducted as a general farmer and stock raiser until 1903, in which
year he retired.

On October 20, 1863, Mr. Albright was united in marriage with
Miss Rebecca Altman, daughter of Lewis and Catherine (Bear)
Altman, natives of Pennsylvania, both of whom are now deceased.
There were eleven children in the Altman family, as follows: One
who died in infancy, Andrew, Jacob, Sarah, John, Elizabeth,
Catherine, Hannah, Solomon, Mary and Rebecca, the latter being
the youngest of the family and the only one now living. Mr. and
Mrs. Albright have had three children: Emma May, the wife of
Abner Gish, of Lacota, Michigan ; Bertha, the wife of Mark Hesse,
also of Lacota : and Etta, who married P. C. Allers, a sailor on the
Great Lakes.

The Albright family is connected with the Evangelical church,
and both Mr. and Mrs. Albright have given of their time and
means in supporting movements of a church and charitable nature.
Although no politician as far as seeking public office is concerned,
Mr. Albright takes a healthy interest- in anything pertaining to the
welfare of his township, and is a stanch supporter of Republican
principles. Always having led a straightforward, honest and up-
right life, he has the confidence and respect of his fellow-towns-
men, who recognize in him a citizen who may be counted upon to
bend his best efforts , towards any movement that will benefit his
community in any way.

NoRRis A. Williams. — Branch county, Michigan, was the na-
tive place of Dr. Williams and he has spent the most of his fifty
odd years in this state, although he is by no means unacquainted
with other places. His father, Alexander Williams, was born in
the state of New York, and his mother, Sophronia (Smith) Will-
iams, was born in Girard, Branch county, Michigan, where her
parents were pioneers. Alexander Williams came to Michigan
when a young man, and he was married in Branch county and
lived there for a quarter of a century or more. From there they
went to Monroe county and then to Berrien county, spending ten
years in the two places. In 1885 they removed to Nebraska and
settled in Nance county, and here the father passed away eight
years later. He was engaged in mercantile business in Girard,
but engaged in farming in Monroe and Berrien counties and in
Nebraska. His wife, Sophronia Williams died in Tacoma, Wash-
ington, where her daughter, Mary Williams Reeves, resides. An-
other sister, Irene, is deceased, and the two brothers of Dr. Will-
iams live in Michigan. Frank in Hillsdale county and Fred in
Bangor.

Dr. Williams graduated from the Petersburg high school and
then took up his professional studies in the state university. He
received his degree in 1883 and then went to Kansas to begin his
practice. For three years he worked in the sunflower state, but
in the early eighties the prosperity which now characterizes it
had not arrived and Dr. Williams decided to locate in Nebraska,

988 HISTOKY OF VAN BUBEN COUNTY

where his parents were living at the time. He remained there
for seven years and then came to Bangor and for thirteen years
practiced his profession in Van Buren county.

In 1886 Dr. Williams was married to Miss Gretta Cronk, of
Coldwater, Michigan, and their union has been blessed by three
children. These have all received the advantages of the excellent
education which is offered to the present generation and of which
the prosperity of their fathers enables so many to avail themselves.
Paul, the eldest, graduated from the high school of Bangor and
then spent two years in the State University, specializing in chem-
istry. He is now in Houghton, Michigan, in the employ of the
Houghton Electrical Company. Donald, the second son, is now
attending the University of Wisconsin, at Madison, having finished
the high school of Bangor. Roger, the youngest, is at home. The
mother of this family died in 1906. Dr. Williams married for his
second wife Carrie L. Welch, the widow of I. H. Welch, of Bangor.
Her son, Paul Welch, the only child of her first marriage, attends
the University of Wisconsin.

At present the Doctor has given up his practice of medicine,
which he followed with conspicuous success for nearly a quarter
of a century, to engage in farming. He is farming a tract of
three hundred acres. This is the old Cross farm and is called the
Evergreen Farm. He devotes himself to this work as thoroughly
as he did to his former profession and achieves admirable results.

Dr. Williams is a supporter of the Republican party, and while
the practice of the medical profession does not leave one much
leisure for activity in the field of practical politics. Dr. Williams
has always been a notably public-spirited man and while in Bangor
was president of the village school board and president of the vil-
lage. In the Masonic fraternity he has long been a prominent fig-
ure. He was master in the Blue Lodge for four years and for two
years was high priest of the Chapter. He is a member of the
Malta Commandery of the Knights Templars, No. 44, at Benton
Harbor, and of the Mystic Shrine at Grand Rapids. Other lodges
in which he holds membership are the Woodmen and the Macca-
bees. He attends the Congregational church of Bangor and is one
of the most loyal supporters of its activities. Not only by his own
studies and interest in all undertakings for the good of the com-
munity does the doctor-farmer merit a place in the list of Van
Buren county 's representative citizens, but by his interest in train-
ing his sons to take their places in the ranks of the enlightened
workers of their generation.

Lavoisier W. Disbrow was born in Bangor township on October
13, 1865 — the three hundred and seventy-third anniversary of the
discovery of America. His parents were both natives of the state
of New York, who had come to Michigan and settled in Van Buren
county, adding their labors to the development of the new country.
There were bom to Lodwick and Sarah Whitcomb Disbrow three
children: Viola, Lavoisier and Alberta. The father was a farmer
and his son followed that calling also.

At the age of twenty-one Lavoisier Disbrow bought forty acres

HISTOEY OF VAN BUEEN COUNTY 989

of land and began farming for himself. By his careful manage-
ment and intelligent methods he has increased this to one hun-
dred acres, upon which he does general farming and stock rais-
ing. Success has attended his efforts and he has added many im-
provements to his estate, including a beautiful and commodious
dwelling house.

Mr. Disbrow celebrated his twenty-first birthday by holding his
wedding upon that day. He was then united to Miss Cora Easton,
the daughter of Sylvester and Sarah Easton, both of whom are
now deceased. Mrs. Disbrow is one of six children. Of the others
in her family, Albert, Warren and Annie are deceased. Wilbur
and Delbert live in Van Buren county. Eight children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Disbrow, but Pearl, the eldest, died in in-
fancy. The others are all still living at home and are Leta, War-
ren, Albert, Viola, Erwin and Merwin, twins, and Donald.

In political matters Mr. Disbrow is aligned with the Eepubli-
can party and though not active in the party in the sense of be-
ing a practical politician, he takes the greatest interest in public
affairs and in matters of national policy. He belongs to the society
of the Gleaners and is known as one of the most progressive of the
farmers in this county.

Herbert F. Balfour. — Both of the parents of Herbert Balfour
were born in the British Isles. His mother w^as a native of Wey-
mouth, Ei:igland, and his father of Ireland. This mixed ancestry
produced a type which combined the genius of the Scotch with the
more practical bent of the English and one which has given to
the world some of its best statesmen and hundreds of useful citi-
zens. There were ten children in the family of Captain Harrison
and Anne (Lawrence) Balfour, only one of whom, Eansley J., of
Bangor township, is now living. Captain Harrison Balfour and
his sons James, Harrison and John all served in the Union Army
in the Civil war. James was killed at the battle of Corinth and
Harrison also died in the service.

Herbert Balfour spent his boyhood in the usual fashion of the
children of the settlers in this comparatively new state. He had
the benefit of such schooling as the place offered, which, if not
of the modern sort, was yet sufficient to train those who took to
it habits of thoroughness and of self-reliance. On March 16, 1885,
Mr. Balfour was married to Miss Vannie Miles, the daughter of
Honorable Fabius Miles. This distinguished gentleman was bora
in Jefferson county, New York, on the last day of December of
the year 1814. He attended the Watertown Academy and taught
school for a number of years. During the winters he studied
French under a French tutor who was a lieutenant under Napoleon
during his campaign in Spain.

In 1838 Mr. Miles established the Watertown Normal School,
which he conducted until 1844. Among the numerous patrons
of his establishment was Madame De Lafold, the former wife of
Count Joseph Bonaparte. This lady was an American by birth,
who after her removal to Paris married a silk merchant, Monsieur
De Lafold. When Mr. Miles gave up his school in New York he

990 HISTORY OF VAN BURExN COUNTY

removed to Michigan and the events of his career in this state
are well known to those who are familiar with the early history
of the state. He was married in Watertown, New York, to Miss
Betheah Mantel, also a native of Watertown, and Mrs. Balfour is
one of the seven children of this union. Only one other sister is
now living, Lydia, the widow of Marshall Worthington, of South
Haven. She now resides in Tennessee. Mrs. Balfour ^s maternal-
grandparents were Edmund and Dolly (Richardson) Mantel, and
her great-grandfather was Captain Tilly Richardson, a native of
JMassachusetts and a soldier of the Revolutionary war.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Balfour were five children : Ma-
rion A., Harrison L., Grover M., Leland S. and Arthur Herbert.
Their father died in January, 1899, and his death not only de-
prived his family of its head but took from the county one of its
citizens who had made his life felt as an uplifting influence and
whose sincere devotion to the common good won for him the re-
gard of all who came into contact with him. He was a Democrat
in his political views and was fraternally affiliated with the Modern
Woodmen.

Charles A. Moses. — The agriculturists of twenty or more years
ago, as a general rule, gave their entire attention to the growing
of crops and the cultivation of their fields, but the later generation
of farmers have combined their farming operations with those of
dairying, stock raising and fruit growing, and have found that
this method, if managed properly, brings a greater degree of suc-
cess. One of the prosperous young agriculturists of Van Buren
county is Charles A. Moses, who now owns and operates the old
Moses homestead in section 35, Arlington township, where he was
born February 20, 1885.

Judson J. Moses, the father of Charles A., was born in New
York, and as a young man came to Michigan, settling in Van
Buren county, where he became an agriculturist and land specula-
tor. At his death he was the owner of eighty acres of land now
operated by his son, Charles A. Judson J. Moses was married
in Van Buren county to Miss Sophia Prater, a native of Michigan,
and they became the parents of six children: Minnie, the wife
of Wesley Nicholas, of Arlington ; Andrew, who makes his home
in Benton Harbor, Michigan; Maude, the wife of John Carney,
of Lawrence; Mabel, the widow of Elmer Eldred, of Lawrence;
Arthur, who lives in Canada; and Charles A.

Charles A. Moses received a district school education in Arling-
ton township, and at the age of nineteen years began fruit farming,
an occupation which he followed for six years. He then started
raising grain, and in July, 1909, he was deeded half of the old
homestead and moved thereto, later purchasing the remainder of
the land. He now follows general farming and stock raising, and
also raises some fruit, Mr. Moses lost his mother when he was
thirteen years of age, and his father died May 9, 1909. He was
married February 20, 1906, to Miss Gladys Clements, daughter of
John and Elizabeth (Barnum) Clements, who had one other child:
Grove, residing in Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Moses have had three

HISTORY OF VAN BURExN COUxNTY 991

children: Charles J.^ born September 21, 1907; Opal, born Sep-
tember 14, 1909 ; and Clements, born April 9, 1911.

Mr. Moses is a well known member of the Gleaners, and a stanch
Democrat in politics, although he has never desired public office
for himself. He has been very successful in his operations, rais-
ing large crops and breeding some of the best cattle yet turned
out of this township. As a citizen he stands high, always sup-
porting public-spirited movements, and he has many warm friends
in the township who are welcomed at his comfortable residence
on Lawrence Rural Route.

Ransom T. Pierce. — Beginning life for himself as a soldier in
the Union army at the age of sixteen, when the Civil war was
nearing its close, and since then occupied in various productive
and serviceable enterprises, Ransom T. Pierce, of South Haven, has
shown himself to be master of his situation and surroundings and
dependent on his own resources at all stages of his career. He
was a faithful and valiant soldier as a youth, and he has been a
good and profitable w^orker in his other occupations as a man.

Mr. Pierce is a native of Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, born on
September 17, 1848, and the son of Charles and Sarah (Barker)
Pierce, the former born in ^Montreal, Canada, in 1818, and the
latter is of the same nativity as her son Ransom. The father died at
tlie age of seventy and the mother when Ransom was but five years
old. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are
living: Ransom T., the immediate subject of this memoir; his older
sister Sarah, who is the wife of George Underwood, of Shadeland,
Tennessee, and his younger brother Frank, who resides at Boston,
Massachusetts. After the death of his first wife the father mar-
ried her sister, Miss Mary Barker, and by this marriage became
the father of two children : eJosie, who is the wife of Everett Sis-
son, of Chicago, and George, who lives at Paw^ Paw, Michigan.
The father came to Vermont when he was a young man and learned
the trade of a metal founder. He wrought at his trade in Vermont
until 1856, then moved to Young America, Illinois, which is now
called Kirkwood. There he was the first agent of the Chicago,
Burlington & Quinev Railroad, and served in that capacitv until
1860.

In that year he moved his family to Saint Joseph, Michigan,
where he engaged in farming and fruit growing, being one of the
pioneers in the fruit growing industry in that part of this state.
After living in or near Saint Joseph about ten years he moved
to Florida and located in Jacksonville. In the vicinity of that
city he raised oranges extensively for the northern markets until
his death. He was a Freemason for many years, having joined
the fraternity during his residence in Vermont.

Ransom T. Pierce obtained a district school education, which he
began in Illinois and completed at a school in Berrien county lo-
cated east of Benton Harbor. At the age of sixteen he tried to en-
list in the Union army but was at first rejected on account of his
youth. But in the fall of 1864 his ambition to serve his country
in its. great crisis of the Civil war was gratified, he being accepted

992 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

as a volunteer in a new company then forming in Chicago. He
remained in the army until September, 1865, when he was dis-
charged.

After his return home he engaged in the hardware trade in
Benton Harbor until 1876, and during this period he was also
agent for the American Express Company at that point. In the
year last mentioned he turned his attention to the manufacture of
packings or cases for fruit, carrying on this business in Benton
Harbor until 1881, when he moved his enterprise to South Haven.
In that city he is still conducting this plant, and he also has one
of far greater capacity at Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Other institutions for the good of the community and the ac-
commodation of the public also enlist his interest and secure his
aid. He is vice president of the Citizens Bank and a stockholder
in the First State Bank, both of South Haven. In addition, he
takes a very cordial and serviceable interest in the fraternal life
of the community, being a member of Star of the Lake Masonic
Lodge, No. 158 ; South Haven Chapter, No. 58, Royal Arch Masons ;
South Haven Council, No. 45, Royal and Select Masters; Malta
Commandery, Knights Templars, at Benton Harbor; and Saladin
Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in Grand Rapids.

He has been constant and energetic in his attention to the claims
of the city and county of his home in his citizenship, and has given
the people of South Haven excellent service in two terms as mayor,
as well as in many other ways. His political faith is lodged in
the Republican party and all his political services in the cam^
paigns are in behalf of that organization. But he never allows par-
tisan considerations to overbear the good of the community, as
that he always regards as having the first claim on him.

Mr. Pierce was married on August 5, 1880, to Miss Carrie Adams.
She was born in Niles, Michigan, and is a daughter of John and
Helen (Cruik) Adams, both born near Kingston, New York, and
both now deceased, the father having died at the age of seventy-
eight and the mother when ninety-three. The father was a farmer
and became a resident of this state at an early date, fixing his
residence at Niles, where he was one of the pioneers of the locality
and of all Berrien county. Some years before his death he re-
tired from active pursuits and moved to South Haven, where his
last days and those of his widow were passed. Both endeared
themselves to the people of this portion of the state and were
highly deserving of the great and general esteem in which they
were held.

George * Davey, one of the respected farmers of Arlington town-
ship. Van Buren county, Michigan, has lived at his present home
sinc^ he was ten years of age.

He was born in Kosciusko county, Indiana, July 1, 1855, a son
of James and Hannah (Morrison) Davey, the former a native of
England and the later of Pennsylvania. James was a farmer all
his life. In the spring of 1865 he left the ''Hoosier State'' and
with his family came up into the neighboring state of Michigan,
landing in Arlington township, Van Buren county, on April 1st,

HISTOEY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 993

where in section 4 he purchased ninety-five acres of land and where
he made his home the rest of his life, carrying on general farming
and stock raising. He died February 11, 1890. Of his family of
five children, George is the eldest, the others being as follows:
Mary Ellen, deceased ; Henrietta, wife of Fremont Byers, of Arling-
ton township ; James Francis, of Benton Harbor ; and Elfaretta,
wife of Joseph Martin, of New York city.

In his boyhood George Davey attended the district schools during
the winter months and in summer time worked in the fields. He
continued to assist his father with the farm work until he was
twenty-two years of age, when he assumed the management of the
farm and cultivated the land on the shares. This he did until his
father's death, when there was a division in the property, forty
acres being his share.

On November 2, 1898, Mr. Davey married Mrs. Annie (Morse)
Green, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of Charles and Lomira
(Squires) Morse, natives of Indiana. Charles Morse was a soldier
in the Civil war and died while in the service. His widow now
lives in Columbia township. She reared four children, Mrs.
Davey being the oldest. Her brother Frank is a resident of Colum-
bia township, and her brother Charles resides in the northern
part of the state.

Mr. Davey, while he has never taken an active part in politics,
has always been a conscientious voter, casting his franchise with
the Republican party.

William H. Chapman, who owns and occupies ''The Maples,"
a fine farm in Arlington township, was born and reared in
Van Buren county, and is descended from New England ancestry.
His parents, Alvin and Laura (Wright) Chapman, both natives of
the town of Westhash, Middlesex county, Connecticut, left their old
home in the east and came west to Michigan in 1856. On section
17, Arlington township. Van Buren county, the father bought two
hundred acres of land and settled down to farming and stock
raising, and here he spent the rest of his life. His wife died in
1878, and his death occurred on the 14th of February, 1909. Of
their family of seven children, the first two died in infancy; the
next in order of birth. Flora, is the wife of Theodore Reynolds,
of Arlington township. Van Buren county; Eva and May are de-
ceased; next in order of birth was William H., the subject of this
sketch; and the youngest, Abby, is the wife of Edward Fox, of
Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania. Alvin Chapman was a great traveler
and made a fine curio collection, among which are many interesting
war relics. During the Civil war he enlisted, September 28, 1864,
as a member of Company I, Thirteenth Michigan Infantry, and
joined Sherman's forces in the South. Among the engagements
in which he participated were the battle of Shiloh and the siege of
Corinth. He was detailed in the ''Pioneer Corps,'' with which he
went from Goldsboro to Washington, D. C, and his honorable
discharge from the service bears date of September 14, 1865, at
Detroit, Michigan. Previous to his going to the front he was

994 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

commander of a post at home. William Chapman, grandfather of
William H., had served in the Revolutionary war.

William H. Chapman was born on his father's farm in Arling-
ton township, January 4, 1861, and passed his boyhood days not
unlike other farmer boys, attending district school in winter and in
summer assisting with the farm work. He now owns two hundred
and forty acres of choice land, called ''The Maples/' where he is
successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising.

On December 31, 1884, Mr. Chapman and Miss Bessie Herrick
were united in marriage, and they are the parents of four children,
namely : Helen, born August 3, 1888 ; Bya, January 26, 1893 ;
William A., May 20, 1895, and Myra, April 6, 1901. Mrs. Chapman
is a daughter of David and Betsy (Shaw) Herrick, of Twinsburg,
Ohio, and was fifth in order of birth in a family of seven children,
record of whom is as follows : Elbridge, of Colorado ; Calsina, de-
ceased; Helen, deceased; Charles, of Idaho; Bessie; Myra, wife of
Schuyler Atwater of Minnesota ; and Bela, of Colorado.

Politically Mr. Chapman is a Republican ; religiously, a Congre-
gationalist. His lodges are the Grange and the Masons. Also he
is identified with the Order of the Eastern Star, in which Mrs,
Chapman, too, has membership. As a representative citizen, inter-
ested in all that tends to a betterment of affairs in his locality, Mr.
Chapman is held in high esteem.

Louis Albert Bregger is one of the progressive farmers of Van
Buren county. Slowly but surely the day of honest success with-
out technical education is ending; as the fierce competitive spirit
waxes more powerful the greatest handicap in life will be profes-
sional ignorance ; it will be increasingly difficult for persons thus
cumbered to keep their heads above the mighty waves of the raging
sea of commerce. In no sphere will this struggle be more relent-
less than in agriculture. Farmers who can increase cost to the
highest standard and decrease cost to the lowest point will be able
to cope with it, while all others will be failures, or at best mediocre
successes. Mr. Bregger, as an agricultural college graduate, is
devoted to the work in which he is engaged.

Beginning life at Quincy, Illinois, on the 14th day of October.
1862, Mr. Bregger is a son of Thomas and Magdelena (Barth)
Bregger, both of peasant parentage and natives of Germany. The
father had few educational advantages, being obliged to work at
an early age. He served his apprenticeship of the carpenter trade
and worked as a journeyman carpenter in various parts of Ger-
many and also France. A sympathizer with the revolutionary
movement of 1848, he was dissatisfied with conditions after the un-
successful outcome of the Revolution and was one of the large
number of liberty loving Germans who immigrated to the United
States between 1850 and 1860 and gave good account of themselves
in the anti-slavery struggle and the war for the Union. Father Breg-
ger came over in 1852, going almost immediately to Ohio, where he
worked at his trade. Soon after his arrival in that state he made
the acquaintance of Miss Magdelena Barth, who had immigrated
from Germany with her brother in 1846. The acquaintance ripened

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 995

into a friendship which culminated in marriage, and the couple
soon moved to Quincy, Illinois, where they became the parents of
five children, — Josephine, wife of George Keller, of Quincy, Illi-
nois ; John, residing at Rock Island, Illinois ; Louis Albert ; Gustaf ,
deceased; and Anna, wife of Adolph Eberhardt, of Quincy, Illi-
nois. In Quincy, after a few years Mr. Bregger became a carpen-
ter contractor and builder. His death occurred August 4, 1871,
and his wife died in the year 1902.

AVhen ]\Ir. L. A. Bregger was only nine years of age his father
was summoned to the life eternal, and on the mother devolved the
task of rearing her children. Louis Albert attended the city
graded school until he was fourteen years of age, when, to help
support the family, he began work in a file shop, and for the ensu-
ing five years he worked at this industry. Next he entered the drug
business, in which he continued for one year, at the expiration of
which time he turned to farming. Four months of the agricultural
life was sufficient to satisfy him that he had found his vocation, and
if he would succeed as a farmer it was necessary for him to make
a study of the work. Through the influence of his pastor he entered
the agricultural college of ]\Iichigan, from which he was graduated
in 1888, on the completion of a four years' course, which included
horticulture as Avell as the regular agricultural studies. Upon his
graduation he accepted a position as assistant in the college green-
house ; after a half year he went to Grand Rapids and for four
months he was connected with a greenhouse there ; from Grand
Rapids he went to Chicago to fill the position of assistant superin-
tendent of the Graceland cemetery, and for eleven years he suc-
cessfully performed the duties pertaining to that office. During
most of these years, although Mr. Bregger commanded a good sal-
ary, he looked forward to the farm and farming as his place and
his life work. In 1900 he bought one hundred acres of land in
section 20, Arlington township and took up his residence on the
farm where he lives today and proceeded to put in practice the
results of his years of experience. He does general farming, and
makes a specialty of raising fruit, especially peaches and apples.
A lover of nature, the farm and iniral life and work is more to him
than simply a means of livelihood.

On the 3rd day of May, 1892, Mr. Bregger was united in marriage
to Miss Anna 11 Henjes, daughter of Jacob and Bernardina
(Ubeck) Ilenjes. ]\lrs. Bregger, the sixth of a family of seven, lost
both parents when a young girl. She was born in Amsterdam.
The parents came to the United States when she was a year old.
Mr. and Mrs. Bregger have two children, both of whom live at
home with their parents, — John Taylor, born January 14, 1896 ;
and Louis Blake, whose birth occurred on the 18th day of Septem-
ber, 1900. Mrs. Bregger is a cultured woman and she taught for
nine years before her marriage. Husband and wife are interested
in training their boys to be worthy citizens, possessed of principles
of uprightness which tend to right living.

Mr. Bregger 's church connection is with the Unitarians: fra-
ternally he is affiliated with the Grange and with the Royal League.
While his political sympathies and active interest and work are

996 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

given to the Republican party, he is by birth and by instinct an
earnest believer in and advocate of Fundamental Democracy, of
rule of, by, and for the people. He has not sought any public
office for himself and asks only a place on the ' ' firing line ' ' regard-
less of rank or position.

William H. Clark ranks with the respected farmers of Arling-
ton township, Van Buren county, Michigan. He was born and
reared on the farm on which he now lives. Ten years ago, in 1901,
he assumed the management of this place, and here he has since
carried on general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Clark's parents, Israel Gates and Ellen D. (Wallace) Clark,
the former a native of Jackson county, Michigan, and the latter
of New York, took up their residence here in 1865, his father hav-
ing that year purchased sixty acres of the land. Later he added
another sixty, and he now owns one hundred and twenty acres in
section 23. In their family were nine children, of whom Grace
and Cook are deceased; Bert is a resident of Indiana; Mary, wife
of Lewis Findley, lives at Hartford, Michigan; Lucy is deceased;
Susan is the wife of Albert Palmer ; Frances married Hervy Chap-
man, of Lawrence, Michigan; William H. is the subject of this
review; and Ralph is a resident of Kansas City, Missouri.

William H. Clark was born April 17, 1878, and passed his
youth not unlike other farmer boys in Michigan. When he was
eighteen he left the parental roof and for five years was engaged
in farm work elsewhere. In the meantime his mother died, and in
1901, having married, he went back to the old homestead to live
with his father and have charge of the farming operations, which
he has since continued.

Mrs. Clark, formerly Miss Sarah Louise Peck, is a daughter of
Henry J. and Ellen (Hawse) Peck, the former a native of Michi-
gan and the latter of New York, she being the fifth born in their
family of six children. Of the others, we record that Hattie May
is deceased ; Effie Elida is the wife of Daniel Church, of Paw Paw,
Michigan; the third born died in infancy; and Joseph and Elmer
Earl are residents of Bloomingdale, Michigan. It was on October
9, 1901, that Mr. and Mrs. Clark were married.

Politically, while never aspiring to official preferment of any
kind, Mr. Clark keeps himself posted and maintains an interest in
local affairs. His franchise has always been cast with the Republi-
can party. He and his wife attend worship at the Baptist church.

Lawrence Drake was born in Lenawee county, Michigan, on
October 12, 1853. His father, Joshua Drake, was a native of the
Province of Ontario, Canada, who came to Michigan in 1839 and
settled in Lenawee county, where he lived until 1872. At that
date he came to Van Buren county and bought forty acres of land
in Bangor township. Here he passed the remainder of his life;
dying in 1907, at the age of ninety-three years. His wife, Eliza-
beth (Little) Drake, was a New Yorker by birth, who passed away
in 1878. Eleven children were born of their union as follows:
Alvin, who served in the Union army, is now deceased ; John, of

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 997

Lenawee county, also served in the Union army; Thomas, who
served in the Union army, died in the service ; Joshua also died in
the service; James, a resident of Lenawee county, also served in
the Union army; Paulina, who died in childhood; Edway, of Van
Buren county ; Lawrence, of this sketch ; Elsie, the widow of Henry
Goss of Van Buren county ; Mary, the wife of Moses Folk of Alle-
gan county; and George, deceased.

At the age of sixteen Lawrence Drake went to Toledo, Ohio,
and learned the carpenter's trade. After one year in that city,
he sailed the lakes for twelve months and then returned to Lena-
wee county. In 1872 he came to Van Buren county, and in 1878
settled on the farm where he now resides, in section 28, Bangor
township. Since that time he has bought eighty-three acres in
sections 20 and 21, and now farms two hundred and forty-three
acres, a part of this (one hundred and sixty acres) being the Rip-
ley homestead. General farming and dairying are the pursuits
to which he devotes his attention, with admirable results in both.
On February 7, 1877, occurred the marriage of Lawrence Drake
and Harriet Ripley, the daughter of Sterne and Mary C. (Stead-
man) Ripley. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ripley were natives of New
York, and came to Michigan in 1847. They settled in Bangor town-
ship and cleared from the wilderness the farm where their daugh-
ter now resides. The father died in 1863 and the mother in 1900.
Mrs. Drake 's father enlisted in the Third Michigan Artillery, un-
der Captain Dee, and went to the front at the time of the Civil
war. He was taken sick while in service and sent home, but did
not live to see his family again, as he died in St. Louis and was
buried there. Mrs. Drake is the only child of the dead soldier.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Drake has been blessed with nine
children, three of whom, Curtis^ Linnie and James, are at home at
present. Winnie, the eldest is dead, as are also Pearl, the third
child, Effie, the seventh, who died aged three years, and the eighth
died in infancy. Frances is the wife of Ervin Shugars, of Bangor
township, and Georgie is the wife of Clyde Drake, of Benton
Harbor.

Mr. Drake is a Democrat and a man who is always ready to do
his part in any undertaking for the public good. Five of his
brothers served in the Civil war, and though he was too young
to do more than remember the great conflict, he could not fail to
draw in with his very breath the sentiments of lofty patriotism
which have found expression in his life of good citizenship and
zeal in the arts of peace. He has witnessed a marvelous develop-
ment in the county. He broke the land of his first farm with an
ox team and now, but a quarter of a century later, steam and elec-
tricity have found their way even to the fields of the farm. The
estate of Mr. Drake on Van Auken lake has been built up with
cottages, besides having an orchard planted upon it, and it is
growing in popularity as a summer resort.

f

Almus Kennedy. — Franklin Kennedy, the father of the subject
of this review, was born in New Hampshire and later moved to
New York, where he was married to Rosena Frost. He became

998 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

interested in western lands and bought a quarter section in Ban-
gor township, Van Buren county, Michigan, then an entirely unde-
veloped region. In 1849 he and his family came to the state where
they had invested in Bangor township land and bought another
one hundred and sixty acres in Keeler township. Here they lived
for ten years and here in 1859, on October 27, Almus Kennedy was
born. There were seven other children in the family. The eldest
died in infancy; Samantha, who married Thomas Conklin, is also
dead ; Russell died at the age of two years ; Ellis and Franklin are
residents of Bangor, as is also Jane, the youngest, now the wife of
Madison Keith. The other daughter, Florence, is now Mrs. Charles
Kyes, of Benton Harbor.

Almus Kennedy lived at home and helped on the home place un-
til he established his own home at the age of twenty. His father
had sold his place in Keeler township and moved to the one in
Bangor, and it was upon this that Almus grew up. At his mar-
riage he bought forty acres in Bangor township and farmed it until
1909, the year after his father's death. He then succeeded to the
ownership of the home place and here he carries on general farm-
ing and stock raising. Since buying this place Mr. Kennedy has
put out a thousand peach trees and he has a fine apple orchard.
The ever increasing demand for fruit and the dying out of so
many of the older orchards in different parts of the country make
this an especially prudent investment. Michigan fruit is of na-
tional reputation and its production is one of the greatest sources
of her wealth.

On Christmas eve of the year 1879 Mr. Kennedy was united in
marriage to Miss Minerva Burger, the daughter of Francis Burger,
a well known resident of this county, whose life history appears
elsewhere in this work. A son, Orville, of Bangor township, and
a daughter, Nora, were born of their union. Nora is now Mrs.
William Grinnell, of Cass county.

Mr. Kennedy is a Democrat and has been called upon to fill sev-
eral of the township offices, in which he has performed the duties
in a manner characteristic of the man. He is known as one of the
county's most substantial and progressive farmers and he does
much to promote agriculture to the place of a science instead of a
pursuit whose results are largely due to chance. Our modern age
has multiplied appliances of life a hundred times. To provide
these, factories have sprung up everywhere and great mercantile
concerns to market them. But unless the wealth is produced from
the soil and the farms yield their abundant harvests the whole
complicated fabric of our economic life is disturbed and the fac-
tories cease, the mercantile houses close their doors. So the dili-
gent farmer is the basis of all our present system and our debt to
those who successfully ply this occupation is- hard to estimate.
This county is proud to claim so many men who engage in that
work in the efficient manner which not only secures their own
prosperity, but is an essential element in the welfare of the whole
nation.

HISTORY OF VAN BUEEN COUNTY 999

Henry H. Danneffel is the eldest of a family of seven children
who comprised the family of John Danneffel and his wife, Hannah
Green Danneffel. The father was a native of Germany, wlio came
to America when a young man, in company with his brother. They
made the voyage in a sailing vessel and landed in New York, with
less than five dollars. John came at once to Michigan and secured
work at the munificent salary of five dollars a month, at farm
labor. As he was thrifty and knew what he wished to accomplish,
he managed to save a little from the first and by the time he was
married was able to pay a part of the purchase price on the
farm which is now owned by his son Henry. The first home which
he built was an unpretentious frame house but in time he was able
by strict economy and hard work to add the comforts and even
the luxuries of life to his scheme of living. He identified himself
with all the interests of the county and did everything in his
powder to improve conditions in it. He was a Republican in politics
and had been baptized in the Catholic church. He attained ma-
terial prosperity and the respect of all his acquaintances. His
death occurred in 1899 at Benton Harbor, Benton Harbor town-
ship, on July 26, w^hen he was sixty-four years of age. The wife of
John Danneffel was born in Van Buren county December 7, 1845.
Her present residence is at Benton Harbor, although she spends
a great deal of time with her children, three of whom are now liv-
ing. These are Mrs. George Yerrington. of Keeler township,
where her husband is owner of a fine farm ; ]\lrs. Omer White, wiio
also resides in Keeler township, and Henry, our subject. Hannah
Green Danneffel has been a devoted mother and is known far and
wide for her kindness to the needy. The poor have an unfailing
friend in her.

Henry Danneffel was born December 9, 1865, in this county and
received his education in its schools. Until he was twenty-one he
worked for his father on the farm and then started out as a wage
earner. He continued to work for others until his marriage to Miss
Etta M. Elgas, on the last day of December, 1889, when he had
passed his twenty-fourth birthday. He and his wife began their
married life as renters, but after some time they purchased forty
acres of partly improved land. This they later sold and bought
another tract of tlie same extent. They followed the same plan
with this and when they had bought the third forty kept it and
added seventy acres to it. On their present farm of one hundred
and ten acres they do general farming, stock raising and fruit
culture. In 1895 they replaced their original dwelling house by
a handsome two story one, which is as tasteful and comfortable
in its interior as it is beautiful in its exterior.

Clara H. Danneffel, the daughter of Henry and Etta Danneffel
is a graduate of the eighth grade and of the class of 1911 in the
Hartford high school. She has studied music and will continue
to take higher instruction in this branch. The two boys, Jed and
Blga J., are in school, the elder in the eighth grade and the younger
in the seventh.

Mrs. Danneffel is a native of Bainbridge, Michigan, and was
born April 13, 1870. She is the youngest of a family of eight

1000 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

children whose parents are Wendel and Clara Von Desehwanden
Elgas. One of the household is dead ; of the others, two, Frank and
Wendel, are farmers in Bainbridge. The former is married, but
not the latter. Joseph and John are both married and both pursue
the occupation of agriculture, Joseph at Cadillac and John at
Benton Harbor. Dr. A. Elgas is a veterinary surgeon at Hart-
ford, Michigan. He is a graduate of the Valparaiso Normal and
also of the Toronto, Canada, Veterinary Institute. He, too, is
married. Charles Elgas lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he is
one of the most successful business men, being at the head of the
Aetna Insurance Company. At the time of the earthquake in
San Francisco he was one of the adjusters. He is a self made man
and has made good at his work. His education was acquired at
night school. The youngest of this enterprising family, Mrs. Dan-
neffel, is no whit behind her brothers in native talent and she has
found ample scope for it in assisting her husband and in bringing
up her family.

Father Elgas came to America from Germany in a sailing vessel,
spending ninety days on the water. He was without funds when
he arrived and he first settled in New York state. Here he married
and shortly afterwards moved to Michigan. In addition to farm-
ing he was also a miller. He owned a farm of ninety acres of fine
land at the time of his death and was prominent in the district,
having served as treasurer of the township for many years. Po-
litically he favored the policies of the Republican party. His wife
died at Bainbridge on December 8, 1874, and is buried at her hus-
band's side, their resting places being marked by beautiful monu-
ments, not to perpetuate their memory, for that is not necessary to
their children, but as an expression of the love and respect of their
family.

Mr. Danneffel has been for years a school director and has the wel-
fare of that greatest of our institutions at heart. Politically he is
a Republican. He holds membership in the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and in the Knights of the Tented Maccabees, his
tent being No. 623, at Keeler. Mrs. Danneffel belongs to the Ladies
of the Maccabees, Bainbridge Hive, No. 660. Their beautiful home,
' ' Lawn Hill Farm, ' ' is situated three miles from Keeler and seven
from Hartford. It is a thoroughly modern estate in all respects
and is worthy of the pride of its owners, who have acquired it by
their own work. They are eminently fitted to preside over so hos-
pitable a domain, being in all ways representatives of the most
progressive and substantial of our citizens.

Elias Hutchins. — Among the leading farmers and stock raisers
of Arlington township, Van Buren county, Michigan, Elias Hutch-
ins is a substantial and well known representative, he having been
a land owner here since 1883.

Mr. Hutchins is an Englishman. He was bom August 25, 1854,
a son of George and Jane (Hoyle) Hutchins, both natives of Devon-
shire, England, and there spent the first seventeen years of his life.
Then he came to America and direct to Michigan, where, in Paw
Paw township. Van Buren county, he engaged in farm work, at

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY lOOl

first as an employe, which he continued for several years, during
which time he gained a knowledge of the methods used in conduct-
ing farming operations in this country. In 1883 he purchased forty
acres of land in Arlington township, to which he added by subse-
quent purchase until he now has one hundred and twenty acres, in
section 26, not far from Lawrence, on Rural Route No. 2, and here
he is successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising.
In 1881 his parents and other members of the family came to this
country and established their home in Arlington township, and here
his father died in January, 1895, his mother dying in February,
1899. Of their six children all are living in Michigan except Ann,
the third born, who is deceased, the others being : Richard, of Arling-
ton; George, of Lawrence township. Van Buren county; Elias, the
special subject of this review ; Thomas, of Paw Paw township. Van
Buren county, and Mary, wife of Moses Hether. ,

On August 17, 1884, Elias Hutchins married Miss Edna Kidder,
and to them have been given three children, namely: Bertha J.
Guy and Nellie.

Mrs. Hutchins is a daughter of James F. and Jane (Sheldon) Kid-
der, natives of New York state, who came to Michigan in 1848 and
settled at Gliddenberg. Her mother is still living, and at this
writing is eighty years of age; her father died in May, 1905. Of
their three children the eldest, Melissa, and the youngest, Charlie,
are deceased. James F. Kidder was a son of Lynn and Abigail
(Brink) Kidder, and one of a family of two sons and two daughters,
only one of whom is now living. His grandfather Kidder was a
Revolutionary soldier, and following in the footsteps of his worthy
sire James F. Kidder was not slow to offer his service when his
country was in need. He went to the front during the Civil war as
a member of Company K, Thirteenth Michigan Infantry, and was
in active service three years, being mustered out at Detroit in 1865.
Nearly two years of this time he was an independent scout, guard-
ing trains and being detailed on other special duties. He was a
member of Wadsworth Post, No. 49, G. A. R., at Lawrence, and
Mrs. Kidder has membership in the Wadsworth W. R. C, No. 178.

Mr. Hutchins supports the Republican ticket, and is a member of
the Masonic Order. He and his family are Baptists.

)
BxVRTHOLOMEW DoNxWAN ranks with the substantial farmers and
respected citizens of Arlington township, Van Buren county, Michi-
gan, where he has made his home since 1856.

Mr. Donavan is of Irish descent and was himself born on the
''Emerald Isle," the date of his birth being August 20, 1841. In
1852 he came to America. After four years spent in New York
state he came west to Michigan, and has ever since been identified
with Van Buren county. Eighty acres of his present farm he
bought in 1865, subsequently he made additional land purchases
and improvements, and now he owns a fine farm of one hundred
and ninety acres in sections 28 and 32 of Arlington township, where
he carries on general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Donavan has been twice married. His first wife, who before
marriage was Miss Slacie Burger, died in the prime of young

1002 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

womanhood^ without issue. In February, 1892, he married Miss
Eliza Porter, daughter of Alexander and Catherine (Murphy)
Porter, both natives of Ireland ; and their children are three in num-
ber. May and Josephine, attending high school at Lawrence, and
Catharine, at home.

^Ir. Donavan and his family are members of the Catholic church,
and his political views are those advocated by the Democratic party,
with which he casts his franchise.

James Jewell^ born in the Parish of jMorwinstow, in the county
of Cornwall, England, on April 19, 1855, James Jewell grew up on
a farm in the land of his birth. His father, Thomas Jewell, fol-
lowed that pursuit all of his life and lived and died in England.
There, too, the five children of his marriage with Anne Hancock
were reared, and Elizabeth and William still reside there. The
father and mother are both dead, as is also the eldest son, Thomas.
Daniel, the other child, lives at Oil Springs, Canada.

flames Jewell was but nine years of age when he began to work
on the farm and when he was fourteen he learned the blacksmith
trade and followed it until he was thirty years old. He came to
America when he attained his majority and settled in Pickering
township, County Thomas, Ontario. There he followed the trade
wiiich he had learned in England and in 1881, came to Michigan
and remained one year. He then returned to Canada, remaining
over the winter and in the spring came back to Michigan and pur-
chased fifty acres in Bangor township. He has added to this until
now his estate is one hundred and ninety acres in extent and all
sorts of improvements have been added until the place is one of the
finest in the county. Mr. Jewell has all the Englishman's love of
the soil and all the American enterprise in cultivating it.

Mr. Jewell is a Republican in his political convictions and, like
most persons of his ancestry, is a discerning student of conditions,
without being at all interested in politics as a business. Frater-
nally he is affiliated with the Odd Fellows and he and his wife are
valued members of the Methodist church. Mrs. Jewell was formerly
Martha Little, whose father, William Little, was born in Ireland,
while her mother, Ellen Little, was a native of Canada. Martha
Little became Mrs. James Jewell on May 9, 1883. The only child
of this marriage is Elsie, the wife of Guy Hauke, of Van Buren
county, and she has two children, Ronald Jewell and Dorris.

Mr. and Mrs. Jewell have a wide circle of friends in the county
and are esteemed for their many excellent qualities. Mr. JewelPs
skill as an agriculturist has added materially to the prosperity of
the region and has helped to build up the commercial supremacy of
Van Buren county. In their willingness to cooperate with all move-
ments for the betterment of the community Mr. and Mrs. Jewell
have taken their place among the citizens whom the county is proud
to call representative.

Andrew J. Watkins. — Thomas Watkins, the father of Andrew
J., is of German descent and his wife, Malvina Watkins, of Scotch
ancestry. They came to Michigan in 1846 and settled at Bangor,

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1003

which was not then in existence as a village. The nearest post office
was at Breedsville and life was what we term primitive, by which
w^e mean that the people lived in crude houses and were without a
number of material comforts which have come to be regarded as
necessities. But things of any sort do not make life and the men
who r^ad by tallow candles and lived in log cabins had as keen a
grasp of public affairs and as intelligent an interest in the advance-
ment of the community as a later and more affluent generation.
They had less to work with, but if w^e accomplish as much with our
tools we shall have done our part in passing the torch of progress.

The father of Andrew Watkins died in 1873 and the mother in
1887, on the fourth of July. Andrew was but thirteen when he
lost his father, as he was born on April 7, 1860. The other children
of the family are : Mart, now living in Bangor ; Frances, deceased ;
Jane, wife of Hosea Willis, of Goblesville; Charles, deceased; and
Henry, also dead. There were four half-brothers, too, as the father
had been married before. These w^ere William, John, James and
Levi.

At the age of twenty Andrew^ took up farming as his occupation
and has followed it ever since. In 1881 he bought fifty-five acres
and after keeping it ten years and improving it in the interval he
sold it and bought the place of one hundred acres which he now
owns in l^angor township. General farming and stock raising are
his pursuits and he is one of the successful agriculturists of the
county.

On New Year's day of the year 1879 Mr. Watkins was united in
marriage to Miss Lizzie Findley. She died in 1888, leaving three
children. Of these only Ethel is now living. She is the wdfe of
Albert English, of Greely, Colorado. Mr. Watkins' second mar-
riage occurred on February 17, 1895, when he was united w^ith Miss
Estella Godfrey. There have been five children born of that union.
One, Andrew^, the next to the youngest, is dead; the others, Ada,
Otto, Henry and Dewey, are at home and attending school.

Mr. Watkins is Independent in politics. He has been chosen to
lill several township offices, as he is a man who has the public con-
fidence and who does not fail to do his part in the administration of
the public business. He belongs to the society of the Gleaners.

• Alfred Renfer. — In naming the representative citizens of any
community the biographer invariably finds that among the most
prominent and successful are men who started in life with little or
no advantages either of an educational or financial nature and have
worked their w^ay to the front through their own industry and per-
severance. While the soil of Van Buren county is very fertile,
w'ater plentiful and easily obtained, and w^eather conditions nearly
ideal, good crops cannot be raised unless the land is properly and
scientifically conditioned, and the high standard set by the agricul-
turists of the county is therefore of great credit to them. One of
the successful farmers of Van Buren county who has gained his
present position by his own effiorts, is Alfred Renfer, of section 10,
Arlington township. Mr. Renfer is a native of Switzerland, and
was born November 4, 1864, a son of John and Elsie Renfer. Mr.

1004 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Renf er 's parents died in the old country, and of their nine children
only Alfred and three sisters came to the United States.

On first coming to America, in 1883, Alfred Renfer located on
;:5taten Island, New York, where he continued to reside for one year,
and then removed to Chase county, Kansas, in which locality he
worked on a ranch for nine years. During the ten years that fol-
lowed he was a resident of Chicago, and in 1901 he came to Arling-
ton township. Van Buren county, where he purchased eighty acres
of farming land in section 10. He has gradually developed this
property into one of the finest farms of his township, each year
adding to its improvements. He has an excellent set of substan-
tially built buildings and a valuable equipment of farm machinery,
his land is well graded, drained and fenced, and the general neat
appearance of the property testifies to excellent management. Mr.
Renfer is a self-made man in every sense of the word, and as such
is respected and esteemed by his fellow townsmen. He carries on
general farming, fruit growing and stock raising, and has been uni-
formly successful in all of his ventures.

On April 5, 1902, Mr. Renfer was married to Miss Elsie Snyder,
who was born in Switzerland, where her parents were life-long resi-
dents, and to this union there have been born three children: Ar-
thur, born January 21, 1904; John, born April 19, 1906; and Al-
fred, born November 8, 1907. In his political views Mr. Renfer
is independent, reserving the right to vote for the man whom he
calculates is best fitted for the office, regardless of party ties. He
belongs to the Swiss Club, and holds membership in a life insurance
company. Religiously he and his wife are affiliated with the Luth-
eran church.

John J. Nichols. — The name of Nichols is well known in Van
Buren county, where the family has resided for half a century,
during which time it has been identified with the agricultural pros-
perity of Van Buren county. Probably the cause of Mr. Nichols'
success as a farmer is attributable to the fact that he has always
used both muscles and brains in the management of his farm, has
carefully planned before executing, and not left things to adjust
themselves in a haphazard fashion.

Mr. Nichols was born in the town of Galen, Wayne county, New
York, November 1, 1845. He is a son of James A. and Amelia (An
gus) Nicholas, both natives of New York state, where they spent
youth and the early years of their wedded life. Father Nichols
was a blacksmith by trade, and in 1853 he came to Michigan; he
was one of the pioneer settlers in the vicinity of Kalamazoo, where
he took up his residence and plied his trade and also engaged in
farming. In 1862 he came to Arlington township, bought one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land and commenced to farm. For the en-
suing eleven years he cultivated the soil and in 1873 he died ; his
widow survived him eight years, as her demise occurred in 1881.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nichols, Sr. ; the first born
died in infancy and John J., the subject of this sketch, is the only
one living today. The names of the other members of the family
are, — Ellen, who died in 1879 ; Mary A., whose death occurred in

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1005

the year 1902 ; George, who was summoned to his last rest in 1898 ;
and Charles, who died in 1905.

The first eight years of the life of John J. Nichols were spent in
his native state, then he accompanied his parents to Michigan and
attended the district school near Kalamazoo. When he was seven-
teen years old the family moved onto the farm in Arlington town-
ship above mentioned, and he assisted his father in the work of cul-
tivating the land, remaining at home until he was twenty-two years
of age. He then commenced to farm independently on a one hun-
dred and forty acre tract of land which for two years he rented.
At the expiration of the second year he had been so successful that
he was enabled to purchase one hundred and forty-two acres of
land in section 31 of Arlington township, where he may be found at
the present time. During the years of his residence here he has
made many improvements, has built a comfortable home ana erected
commodious sheds and barns. He does general farming and also
stock-raising.

When he was twenty years old i\Ir. Nichols married Miss Zovicie
Northrup, the ceremony having occurred March 20, 1866. The
young couple commenced their wedded life in the home of Father
and Mother Nichols, and when they had been married two years
John J. Nichols took his wife to the farm which he rented in Arling-
ton township. Mrs. Nichols is the second of the four children of
Perrin and Abbie (Briggs) Northrup, of New York state; they
came to i\lichigan in 1837 and settled in Bangor township, where in
1842 Mr. Northrup built the first grain barn ever erected in the
township. Mrs. Nichols' elder sister, Ellen, is making her home
with the Nichols family ; the brother resides in Janesville, W^iscon-
sin ; and the youngest child, Mary, died at the age of thirteen years.
i\lr. and Mrs. Nichols adopted a little girl, Lizzie, and reared her
with all the tenderness and care that they would have bestowed on
their own children, if such had been granted to them. The adopted
daughter repaid the devotion of her parents by growing to maturity
a credit to her training ; she is now married to Frank Cleveland, of
Arlington township.

In politics Mr. Nichols is a Republican, and in fraternal connec-
tion he has been a member of the Masonic order for forty-four years.
He has many friends not only in the township which he honors by
his presence, but in the neighboring country.

Samuel J. Austin. — Van Buren county has its full quota of man-
ufacturers, financiers, professional and business men and states-
men, but particularly is it noted for the high standard set by its
agriculturists who have done so much during the past few years to-
ward making this county one of the garden spots of Michigan.
Many of its best farmers are men who have come here from other
states, with years of experience in agriculture as a valuable asset.
One of these farmers is Samuel J. Austin, of Arlington township,
who since his residence here has proved himself a useful and public-
spirited citizen. Born in Preble county, Ohio, Mr. Austin is a son
of James and Anna (Alexander) Austin, the former a native of
Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio.

1006 HISTORY OF VAN BURExN COUxNTY

During the early years of his life, James Austin acted as a min-
ister of the Christian church, but on removing to Indiana he took
up farming and followed that vocation during the remainder of his
life. He and his wife both died in Indiana, having reared a family
of six children : Gelettia, Gertrude, Allie and Augustus, all of w^hom
are now deceased; Samuel J.; and Virginia, who is the wife of
Charles Doan, of Columbus, Ohio.

Samuel J. Austin was born December 7, 1844, and remained on
the Indiana farm until he was twenty-three years of age, at w^iich
time he entered the agricultural field on his ow^n account and for
tw^elve years rented a tract of one hundred and tw^enty acres in
the Hoosier State. In 1876, having heard of the great opportunities
offered by the practically new Van Buren county soil, he located in
Arlington township, purchasing tw^enty acres of land in section 9.
Later he added twenty-two and one-half acres, and he is now en-
gaged in farming the whole tract. While general farming has occu-
pied the major part of his time and attention, he has also specialized
in the raising of good stock, and has turned out some of the finest
Norman draft horses that Van Buren county has produced. Mr.
Austin has always been an industrious, hard-w^orking farmer, and
the success wdiicli has attended his efforts is but the natural result
of well expended effort. He stands high in the esteem of the people
of his community, who recognize him as a man W'ho has been the
architect of his own fortune and respect him accordingly.

On July 8, 1866, Mr. Austin was united in marriage with Miss
Matilda Owens, w^lio died March 4, 1882, having been the mother
of four children, namely: Lula, who is deceased; Frank, living in
Galesburg, Michigan ; John, a resident of Arlington township ; and
Wilson, who is at home assisting his father in the work of the farm.
W^ilson Austin was married August 5, 1899, to iMiss Bertha Coun-
terman, and one child has been born to them : Virginia, born Feb-
ruary 25, 1908. Samuel J. Austin is a stanch supporter of Repub-
lican principles, but his business interests have kept him so busy
that he has never engaged actively in public life, although he is
always ready to lend his aid and give his financial support to those
movements w^hich show themselves to be of beneht to the community.
He is a consistent member of the Christian church, to the members
of w^hich he is well and favorably known.

AViLLiAM WalLxVCE, a Civil w^ar veteran and for man}^ years a
highly respected citizen of Arlington township, Van Buren county,
Michigan, dates his birth in Indiana, April 29, 1840. His parents,
Thompson Alexander and Esther (Von Brough) Wallace, natives
respectively of Colerain, Massachusetts, and New York, moved from
York state to Indiana and from there to Michigan in 1852 and set-
tled in Van Buren county, w^here they spent the rest of their lives
and died, the mother's death occurring December 25, 1881, the fath-
er's, March 19, 1884. Thompson A. Wallace w^as a farmer all his
life. On coming to Michigan he purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land in section 26, Arlington township, Van Buren county,
eighty acres of which he afterward sold, and at the time of his
death was the owner of eighty acres. He and his wife were the

HISTORY OF VAxN BUREN COUNTY 1007

parents of seven eliildren, namely: Levina, deceased; Maranda,
widow of Oscar Church, of Arlington tow^nship ; William ; Harriet,
deceased ; Henry Cook, who was killed in the Civil war ; Ellen, de-
ceased; and Seymour, of Arlington, Michigan.

William Wallace had just emerged from his ''teens" at the time
Civil war was inaugurated, and he at once tendered his service to
the Union cause. As a member of Company C, Third Battery of
^lichigan Light Artillery, he went to the front, and for four years
he discharged his duty as a faithful soldier. The w^ar over, he re-
turned to Michigan, and his honorable discharge is dated, ' ' Detroit,
June 22, 1865." Since the war his life has been devoted to agri-
cultural pursuits. His first land purchase was eighty acres and
he subsequently bought a forty acre tract, making a farm of one
hundred and twenty acres, in sections 25 and 26, Arlington tow^n-
sliip. where for nearly half a century he has been engaged in gen-
eral farming and stock raising.

On February 24, 1884, Mr. Wallace and Miss Jennie Palmer
w^ere married, and a son and daughter are the fruits of their
union — Harmon P. and Esther, the latter, at this writing, being
employed as a district school teacher. ]\lrs. AYallace is a daughter
of Hiram and Mabel (Bush) Palmer, both natives of New^ York.
Her father died in May, 1855, and the mother now lives in Pine
Grove township. Van Buren county, Michigan. In the Palmer
family were eleven children, of whom eight are living.

Mr. Wallace is a member of the G. A. R., and has been a supporter
of the Republican party ever since he became a voter. His religious
faith is that of the Baptist church, of which both he and his wife
are members.

Thomas Carroll. — The venerable citizen whose name heads this
sketch settled in Arlington township, Van Buren county, Michigan,
more than half a century ago, wiien the land he now owns was un-
improved and the country was sparsely settled. Now he gets his
mail from a box at the gate, addressed, "Lawrence, R. R. No. 2."

Thomas Carroll is a native of the "P^merald Isle." He was
born in county Meath, Ireland, March 16, 1824, a son of Thomas
and Mary (Gaffney) Carroll, who lived and died in Ireland, the
father's death having occurred in 1839, the mother's in 1856. In
the Carroll family were four children, of whom two, Patrick and
James, are deceased. Catherine, the youngest, is now a resident of
St. Louis, Missouri. Thomas spent his early life at the home of his
birth. After reaching man's estate he decided to try his fortunes
in America, and in 1850 he landed in New York. For three years
he made his home near Rochester, New York, and then, early in
1854, came west to Michigan and settled in Arlington township.
Van I^uren county, where he bought timbered land and in time
he cleared and improved a farm. Here for many years he person-
ally cultivated his fields and cared for his stock, and here he still
lives, enjoying the comforts which are the result of his early years
of energetic effort and good management.

On Saint Patrick's Day, 1856, was celebrated the marriage of
Thomas Carroll and Eliza Shanklin, and with the passing years

1008 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

sons and daughters to the number of eleven have come to bless their
home, their names in order of birth being as follows: Henry, of
Benton Harbor, Michigan; Mary Jane, now Mrs. Vanhorn, of Des
Moines, Iowa; John, on the home farm with his father; William, of
Hartford, Michigan; Gilbert, of Van Buren county; Theresa, wife
of Harry Seward, of South Haven, Michigan (Gilbert and Theresa
being twins) ; Lottie, wife of John Washburn, of Paw Paw, Michi-
gan ; Fred, of Van Buren county, and Leo, at home.

Politically Mr. Carroll has always been independent, casting his
vote for the one he deems best fitted to perform the duties of the
office in question. Religiously he and his family are Catholics.

Wesley E. Nicholas. — It is due to the efforts of the energetic,
progressive and intelligent farmers that agricultural conditions in
Van Buren county are in such a healthy condition today. Intelli-
gent working of the soil, recognition of the value of crop rotation,
and the use of modern power machinery have improved conditions
wonderfully during the past several decades, and one of these mod-
ern farmers who have assisted materially in bringing about present
conditions is Wesley E. Nicholas, of Arlington township. Mr.
Nicholas was born May 22, 1858, in Arlington township, Van Buren
county, Michigan, and is a son of Phillip and Hannah (Payne)
Nicholas, natives of England.

On coming to the United States, Mr. Nicholas' parents settled
first in Pennsylvania, but after a year or so removed to Ohio, and
about 1840 came to Michigan and settled in Van Buren county.
The father, who is now living a retired life at Lawrence, was at
one time the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of valuable
land in Van Buren county. His wife died in 1900, having been the
mother of nine children, as follows: George, residing at Lawrence;
Ellen and Ann, who are deceased; Wesley E.; Herbert, who is de-
ceased ; Mary, the wife of John Allen, of Indiana ; Sherman and
Alfred, agriculturists of Arlington township ; and Ellsworth, who
carries on operations in Lawrence township.

Wesley E. Nicholas was reared to manhood on his father's farm,
and at the age of twenty-three years began farming forty acres of
land belonging to his father in section 9. After one year he pur-
chased this land, and subsequently added forty acres more to his
farm, and he now has one of the finest properties in the township.
He is a believer in the use of modern machinery, and has a complete
equipment of farm accessories. His residence is large and of mod-
ern construction, and his barns, granary, silo and outbuildings are
substantially made and well kept. The whole appearance of the
place testifies to able management, while the sleek, healthy cattle
show that Mr. Nicholas stands high as a breeder of stock.

On May 22, 1881, Mr. Nicholas was married to Miss Minnie Moses,
daughter of Judson J. and Sophia (Prater) Moses, and three chil-
dren have been born to this union: Roy E., of Bangor; Verne, the
wife of Leslie DeHaven ; and Marene, living at home. Mr. Nicholas
is a Democrat in politics, and fraternally he is connected with the
Brotherhood of America.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1009

Frank G. Cleveland is a cultured farmer residing in Arlington
township. At one time that adjective as applied to a farmer would
have seemed out of place, but the personnel of the farmer has
changed, and hence ideas in regard to his character have become
modilied. If there is one occupation more than another where
there is room for the exercise of a man's intelligence it is in the
pursuit of agriculture. People at one time thought that it did not
take a man of great ability to farm, but now they have come to the
conclusion that if a man is to get out of the soil all that it is capa-
ble of producing he must use his head as well as his muscles. This
fact can readily be proved by considering the cases of two farmers
who ow^n the same amount of land, with the same climatic and other
conditions. The one will produce nearly twice as much as the other,
and yet both put the same amount of labor on the land. The dif-
ference exists in the fact that the one brings his gray matter to
bear on the subject, while the other expects his muscles to accom-
plish everything. Mr. Cleveland is a farmer w^io uses both brains
and brawn, the result being that he has a farm that is productive
to its fullest capacity.

On the 23rd day of March, 1864, .Mr. Cleveland began life in
Arlington township, Michigan. His parents, Peter and Clarissa
(Drake) Cleveland, were both natives of New York state, who came
to Michigan soon after they were married. They passed most of
their wedded life in this state, engaged in taking care of their farm
and in bringing up their children. They had a family of seven;
the first born did not survive infancy ; John resides at Lawrence,
Michigan ; Walter maintains his home at Hartford, IMichigan ; Jen-
nie is the wife of Charles Mellen, of Lawrence, Michigan ; Frank
mentioned more at length below ; Amelia, the sixth child died in
infancy; and Eva, the youngest, was summoned to the life eternal
in the year 1902. In 1869, when some of the children were very
young, the husband and father died. Mrs. Clarissa Cleveland later
married George Knapp, of Coldwater, ]\lichigan, and became the
mother of three more children, — Clarence, living at Grand Rapids;
Cora, the wife of Charles Segur, of Lansing, Michigan; and Will-
iam, who resides in Grand Rapids. In 1898 the mother's demise
occurred.

Frank G. Cleveland was only five years of age when his father
died, and he remained with his mother until he had attained the
age of fourteen. At that time he had completed the grammar school
course and he went to live with a physician at Lawrence, and while
residing in his house the lad attended high school, from which he
graduated in 1884. He then taught school for one winter and for
the ensuing four years he worked in various lines, but after trying
different occupations he made up his mind that his abilities lay in
the direction of teaching. For eleven years he was known as a suc-
cessful teacher, old-fashioned in his thoroughness and up-to-date
in his modern methods of imparting knowledge. After the death
of his mother he determined to abandon the pedagogical field and
give his attention to agriculture. Returning to the farm in Arling-
ton township where he was born, he devoted himself to the cultiva-
tion of the soil with as much zeal as he had used in his efforts to im-

1010 HISTORY OF VAN BUEEN COUNTY

part knowledge to his pupils. He now owns ninety-five acres of
land in section 29, Arlington township.

On October 17, 1889, Mr. Cleveland was married to Miss Lizzie
Nichols, daughter of John and Lovicie (Northrup) Nichols. Mr.
and Mrs. Cleveland have two sons and a daughter, — John, Earl
and Edna — and they also lost one little one in infancy. In politics
Mr. Cleveland is a Eepublican and his superior abilities are recog-
nized by his fellow citizens, who have elected him to various re-
sponsible positions in the township. He has served as supervisor, as
township treasurer and as school director, his year of experience as
an educator having rendered him qualified to offer suggestions of
a most valuable nature in regard to school matters. His fraternal
affiliation is with the Masonic Order. A man who is a prosperous
farmer, a holder of public offices of trust, a loyal citizen, a good
neighbor and friend, is worthy of the regard which Mr. Cleveland
enjoys in the community.

Seth L. AYakeman, who has been engaged in fruit raising in
Arlington township since 1898, has one of the finest orchards in Van
Buren county. Mr. Wakeman makes a specialty of apples and his
fruit always meets with a ready sale in the markets of the big
cities, his experience having taught him just what the public wishes
in this line. He is a native of Genesee county, New York, and was
born October 22, 1858, a son of George W. and Eliza (Hamm)
Wakeman, natives of the Empire state. George W. AVakeman was
a school teacher in his younger days, but later took up farming,
and he was thus engaged at the time of his death, which occurred in
New York in 1891. His widow survived him ten years. Mr. and Mrs.
AVakeman had four children, namely: George, who is deceased;
John P., living in Genesee county, New York; Seth L. ; and Henry
T., of Niagara county. New York.

Seth L. Wakeman remained on his father's farm until he reached
the age of nineteen years, at which time he took up farming in his
own account, renting a farm of sixty-seven acres, which he worked
for ^ve years. He then purchased eighty acres of land, but after
five years sold it and moved to Geneva, Illinois, where for ten years
he was engaged in farming a rented tract of one hundred and sixty
acres. In 1898 Mr. Wakeman came to Van Buren county, buying
forty acres of land in section 10, Arlington township, erecting here
one of the finest homes in this part of the state, a commodious frame
house which is equipped with all modern conveniences and appli-
ances. Mr. Wakeman has found his greatest profit in fruit raising,
and he has become one of Michigan's largest shippers of apples. He
has two hundred and fifty bearing apple trees and one thousand one
hundred and fifty young trees, in addition to one hundred young
pear trees and twenty-five plum trees. He sells nothing but the
best grade of fruit, and those who have done business with him have
learned that his word is as good as his bond, and that his product
will reach the market exactly as is stipulated in the agreement.
Naturally, such business integrity makes his standing in his com-
munity high and no doubt were he to enter the political field he
wouM be placed in high positions of trust, but he has found no

MR. AND MRS. JACOB P. BANKS

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY lOll

time to work for political honors, although he has filled the office of
school director. Years of experience and study have made him an
expert in fruit raising, and he is an excellent business man.

Mr. Wakeman was married April 4, 1883, to Miss Bertie A. Sim-
mons, daughter of Theodore B. and Roby (Cain) Simmons, who
had five other children, as follows: Charles, who is deceased; George
and Arthur, living in Illinois ; Ray, of Geneva township, Van Buren
county ; and Mabel, the wife of William AVard, of California. Mr.
and Mrs. Wakeman had the following four children: Arthur W.,
Pearl E., Winnie R. and Harry S., all of whom live at home. Po-
litically j\lr. AVakeman is a stahvart Republican, and his religious
views are those of the Christian church, of which he and his wife
are consistent members and liberal supporters.

Jacob Ferguson I^anks. — Worthy of especial mention in this
biographical volume is Jacob Ferguson Banks, a veteran of the
Civil W'ar and one of the more highly respected members of the
agricultural community of Bloomingdale township. Van Buren
county. He was born in Sugar Creek township, Wayne county,
Ohio, February 14, 1835, a son of William Hughes Banks. His
paternal grandfather, Francis Banks, was born in England, of
p]ng]ish and Scotch-Irish ancestry. An iron worker by trade, he
emigrated from P^ngland to Ireland wiien young, and found em-
ployment in a foundry near the city of I^elfast. About 1790 he
came to America, settling in Baltimore, Alaryland. where he en-
gaged in mercantile pursuits. Enlisting as a soldier in the war
of 1812, he was killed on the battlefield. He married Mary Jane
Ferguson, who was born in Scotland, and was of honored ancestry,
having been a lineal descendant of Sir John Ferguson, who figures
conspicuously in the early history of Scotland. She survived him
a few years, dying in Baltimore, Maryland. Three sons and two
daughters were born of their union, as follows: AVilliam Hughes,
Thomas, Francis, Sarah J. and Phnma.

Born at the Old Forge, near Belfast, Ireland, AVilliam Hughes
Banks w^as but a child when he crossed the ocean with his parents.
He learned ship carpentry in Baltimore, and in 1828 moved to
Ohio, becoming a pioneer settler of Wayne county. Buying one
hundred and sixty acres of timbered land in Sugar Creek town-
ship, he erected a log cabin in the forest, and began to clear the
land, at the same time working at the carpenter's trade as he had
opportunity. Subseq[uently moving to Massillon, Ohio,* he built
boats for the AVhitewater Canal, and assisted in building the canal
locks. AVhile employed in the latter work he was hit by a falling
plank, and died from the injuries thus received when but forty-
four years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Rebecca Sny-
der, was born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jacob Snyder, who
was of German ancestry. She survived him, and married for her
second husband Daniel Dresler, and spent her last years in Elk-
hart, Indiana, dying there at the age of four score and four years.
She reared a large family of children, the following having been
by her first marriage : Thomas Francis, Elizabeth, Jacob Ferguson,
AVilliam II. S., Cinderella, Salina, Ella, Lucy and Emma. The

1012 HISTORY OF VAN BUEEN COUNTY

two children by her second marriage were George Dresler and
Catherine Dresler.

After the untimely death of his father, Jacob Ferguson Banks,
who had acquired a good education in the public schools, was bound
out to learn the tanner's trade, and served an apprenticeship of
four years, receiving in addition to his board and three months'
schooling each winter thirty-six dollars the first year, forty dollars
the second year, fifty dollars the third year and sixty the fourth
year. Going then to Gaston, Indiana, he worked as a journeyman
tanner for four years. In 1852 Mr. Banks came to Van Buren
county, Michigan, a large part of Which was then in its primitive
wildness, deer, bears and other wild game roaming at will through
the dense forests. Taking up land, he began the pioneer task of
hewing out a farm from the wilderness. When the tocsin of war
rang throughout the land, Mr. Banks enlisted in Company E, Thir-
teenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and with his regiment went
South. At the battle of Summersville, Virginia, he was wounded,
and being subsequently captured was confined at Libby prison
and at Belle Isle and Salisbury, North Carolina, for eight months.
On being exchanged he rejoined his regiment, and on account of
physical disability was honorably discharged from service. Mr.
Banks immediately returned to Michigan, and in the summer of
1863 enlisted in Company E, Ninth Michigan Cavalry, with which
he again went South. Joining Sherman's Army, he marched with
him to Atlanta, thence on to the Sea, and with his comrades par-
ticipated in the Grand Review of that brave General's army at
Savannah, Georgia. Receiving his honorable discharge with his
regiment in 1865, Mr. Banks returned to Michigan, and a few
years later bought the land now included in the farm which he owns
and occupies, it being a well improved estate, with good buildings.

Mr. Banks married, in 1871, Nancy Beck, who was born in Allen
county, Indiana, a daughter of Richard and Sarah (Lambert) Beck,
natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Mr. and Mrs.
Banks have three children, namely : Jay, Nora and Maude. Relig-
iously Mr. and Mrs. Banks are members of the Baptist church.
Mr. Banks is a member of May Post, Grand Army of the Republic,
and takes an active interest in its work.

William E. Zook, who is engaged in the dairy business in Van
Buren county, Michigan, living on Rural Route No. 5, near Bangor,
is a native ''Wolverine," having been born in Allegan county in
the ''Lake State" February 3, 1873. His parents, William L. and
Tennie (Wydner) Zook, are natives respectively of Indiana and
Ohio, and are now residents of Bangor. During the Civil war his
father served as a Union soldier, and as the result of a wound re-
ceived in battle he was disabled for work at his trade, that of black-
smith, and he became a farmer. He bought land in Allegan county,
Michigan, and farmed there until the year 1889, when he sold out
and moved to Bangor, his present home. In his family were six
children, namely: Zora, deceased; Bessie, wife of Albert Judy, of
Allegan county; Bert W., of Jamestown, Michigan: William E.,

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1013

whose name introduces this sketch ; Morton, deceased, and Ora W.,
ot* T3angor.

William E. Zook attended public school at Bangor up to the
time he was sixteen years of age, and since that time he has devoted
all his energies to farming. The sixty-acre tract on which he now
lives is owned by his father, and is especially adapted for dairy pur-
poses.

On August 26, 1900, Mr. Zook and Miss Emma Lawver were mar-
ried, and their home has been blessed in the birth of six children :
Bessie E., born June 2, 1901; Ora L., December 27, 1902; Ralph H.,
December 4, 1904; Millmann, November 8, 1906; James Taft, No-
vember 21, 1908, and Carl E., March 1, 1911. Mrs. Zook is a daugh-
ter of Hiram and Julia (Bump) Lawver, the former a native of
Michigan and the latter of Ohio, and one of a family of eleven chil-
dren, as follows: Wallace, deceased; Alice; James, a seaman;
Emma ; David J., deceased ; Ralph, deceased ; Florence, wife of
Bert Casey, of Central Lake, Michigan; Bertha, of Kalamazoo,
Michigan ; Ethel, of Pullman, Michigan ; John, deceased ; McKinley,
of Pullman, Michigan.

Politically ^Ir. Zook is a Republican. Fraternally he is identi-
fied Avith the Odd Fellow^s and the Gleaners. As a citizen he has
the confidence and rcvspect of the people of his community.

William Starbuck, the owner of a w^ell-cultivated tract of forty
acres of farming land located in Arlington township, is now en-
gaged in operating his property as a fruit farm, and has met with
uniform success. ITc has been an agriculturist all of his life, and
when he had attained his majority he located in Van Buren county,
more than thirty-seven years ago. Long years of experience have
made him familiar w^ith every branch of agricultural work, and
lie is also well informed on soil conditions in other parts of the
country, much of his time having been spent in the state of Illinois
and Indiana. Mr. Starbuck w^as born in Randolph county, Indiana,
March 4, 1858, and is a son of William and Susan (Leslie) Star-
buck, farming people of Indiana, both of whom are now^ deceased.
William Starbuck was the only child of his parents, and after his
mother's death his father was married (second) to Levisa Davis,
who is also now^ deceased and by wiiom he had six children : Martha,
who is the wife of Alfred Conyars, of Randolph county, Indiana ;
Nelson, who lives in the state of ^Minnesota ; Isam and Beulah, both
of wiiom are deceased; Columbus, w^ho makes his home in Marion,
low^a ; and Thomas, residing in Davenport, low^a.

William Starbuck was reared and educated in Indiana, and up
to the time he was twenty-one years of age he assisted his father on
the Indiana homestead. In 1877 he purchased a forty-acre tract in
Van Buren county, which he eventually sold and moved to Illinois,
in which state he carried on farming on rented land for twenty
years. On his return to ^lichigan, in 1900, he bought his present
forty-acre tract, in w^hich he has carried on fruit farming with
much success. Mr. Starbuck is up-to-date in his views and pro-
gressive in his methods, and from a property that was only fairly
productive he has developed a tract that compares favorably with

1014 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

any of its size in the township. His land has been improved with
good, substantial farm buildings and neat fencing, and is well
drained and tiled.

On November 15, 1873, Mr. Starbuck was married to Eliza Jane
Robbins, daughter of Thomas and Grace (Rogers) Robbins, natives
of Cornwall, England, both of whom are now deceased. j\lr. and Mrs.
Robbins had nine children, as follows : Margaret, who is deceased ;
John, living in Arlington; Elizabeth, who lives in Elgin, Illinois;
Helen, the wife of Mace Meatham, living in Arlington; ^Margaret,
who is deceased; William, a resident of Arlington; Charles, of
Bangor; and William, who is deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Starbuck have had eight children : Charles, of Ar-
lington ; Nora, who is deceased ; Freeman, who lives in Roselle, Du
Page county, Illinois; Myrtle, who married John Harington, of
Arlington ; Rollo, who lives in Arlington ; Bessie and Cleo, who are
living at home ; and Cliif ord, who is deceased. In political matters
Mr. Starbuck is a Republican, and he and his wife are consistent
members of the Methodist church. He has been the architect of his
own fortunes, and the success he has attained has been but the just
reward of sustained and well-directed effort.

Seymour A. Boyer is another of our good citizens whose pai'ents
came from New York in time to let their children grow up in Miclii-
gan and incidentally to enjoy the fruits of their own work in the
transforming of the wilderness into a new and prosperous agricul-
tural country. Our subject's parents were Edward and Dorcas
(Bowe) Boyer, both born in New York. The father died in 1887
but the mother is still living (in 1911), at the age of seventy-one.
The three other children besides Seymour also live in ^Michigan.
Sterlen is a resident of the county, as is also the youngest child,
Alden. Florence is Mrs. Milton Ackley, of Lansing.

Seymour A. Boyer w^as born in Berrien county in 1871, on Jan-
uary 25th. His life-long occupation has been farming and since
his father's death he has had charge of the home place. lie was
but sixteen w^hen he w^as left fatherless and so was obliged to dis-
continue his schooling at that age and to begin the duties of prac-
tical life. In 1900 Mr. Boyer bought forty acres of land in Bangor
township and in the something over ten years since purchasing it
he has increased his holdings to three times the original amount and
now engages in general farming and stock raising. His is one
of the farms of w^hich the county is proud and glad to claim as be-
longing within her borders.

On January first, 1896, Mr. Boyer was married to Miss Edith
Lyle, whose parents, Marvin and Frances Lyle, were both natives
of New York. Edith Lyle Boyer was one of two children, but her
brother died in childhood. The union of Mr. and Mi^s. Boyer was
dissolved in March, 1904, by the death of Mrs. Boyer. She left four
children, Norman, Agnes, Mervin and Carleton, all now at home
and attending school. The present Mrs. Boyer is Isabel, the daugh-
ter of Edward S. and Rebecca J. Miles Jelley. The former is a native
of England and the latter of New York. Mrs. Bover is the only

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1015

surviving member of her family, her two brothers dying in infancy.
The marriage of Miss Jelley to Mr. Boyer took place March 27, 1910.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Jelley were formerly engaged in teaching.
After spending many years at that profession, Mr. Jelley gave it
up to work for a company who dealt in school books and school
supplies. Mrs. Jelley had the honor of teaching the first school
opened in Hartford. Both were people of culture and endowed
with many admirable qualities of mind and character, which their
daughter has inherited in generous measure. Like her husband,
she is a member of the Methodist church.

Mr. Boyer is aligned with the Independent voters in matters
of national policy. He belongs to the Grangers and is a member of
the Fraternal Brotherhood. Both as a progressive farmer and as
a citizen and neighbor he is accorded a high place in the popular
regard.

Andrew Donovan. — The real history of the Civil war is written
most deeply on the hearts of those who participated in that mighty
conflict. The sacrifices of the volunteers did not cease when peace
was declared, for none of them came out of the war as they entered
it. If a few were fortunate enough to escape bullet, shell and
imprisonment, there still remained seeds of disease, shattered nerves
and other ailments which will cling to many as long as life lasts.
For this and many other reasons the survivors of the Civil war are
regarded with such veneration and given the honored respect of
the nation they helped to save. One of the youngest soldiers of
the Civil war was Andrew Donovan, now a prosperous and well
known farmer of Bangor township, and the owner of four hundred
and fifty-three acres of excellent land. Mr. Donovan was born in
county Cork, Ireland, November 1, 1837, and is a son of John and
Mary (Trenny) Donovan, natives of the Emerald Isle.

The parents of Mr. Donovan left their native country for America
in 1851, and first settled in New^ York for four years, later going
west, and eventually locating in Arlington township in 1856. After
coming to Van Buren county, John Donovan followed the vocation
of farming for the rest of his life, and here he died an honored
and respected citizen. Tie and his wife had a family of ten child-
ren, of whom three daughters died in Ireland, while those who
came to this country were : Andrew ; Barth, residing in Arlington
township ; John, who is deceased ; Jewel, the wife of Nelson Laduke,
of Arlington township ; Nora, the wife of Jerry Donovan, of Arling-
ton; Johanna, the wife of John Dougherty, of Hartford; and
Larry, who resides in Arlington.

Andrew Donovan was a lad of eighteen years when he left his
home in New York and came to Michigan in 1856, and here he
enlisted five years later in Captain Hudson's Company C, Third
Michigan Cavalry, for service in the Civil war. He saw four years
of desperate fighting, and established a war record of which any
man might w^ell be proud. With his regiment he participated in
the following battles: New Madrid, Island No. 10, Farmington,
Corinth, Shanghai's Mills, Bay Springs, luka. Second Corinth,
Hatchie, Holly Springs, Hudsonville, Lumpkins Mills, Coffeeville,

1016 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Barnesville, Clifton, Tanola, Grenada, Byhala, Wyatts, Fort Rip-
ley (when Mr. Donovan had a horse shot under him) ; Aregala,
Elliston and Jacks Creek. The regiment marched ten thousand,
eight hundred miles and captured ten thousand prisoners. Re-
turning home after his brave career as a soldier, Mr. Donovan
located in Van Buren county, where he purchased one hundred
acres of land, and added thereto from time to time until he now
has four hundred and tifty-three acres, all in an excellent state of
cultivation. Farming and stock raising have occupied his attention,
and whenever he has taken anything up he has carried it through
to its conclusion. This persistency is always bound to make for
success, and in Mr. Donovan's case there ha^ been no exception to
this rule. He is active in the Catholic church, of which he has
been a life-long member, and also in the A. Lincoln G. A. R. Post.
Politically a Democrat, he takes a keen and active interest in mat-
ters that are liable to be of benefit to his community, and he has
served very acceptably as pathmaster. This sturdy, successful,
patriotic soldier-citizen is one of the leading men of his township
and deserves every good thing that has come to him.

In 1869 Mr. Donovan was married to Ellen Collenan, and they
have had five children, namely: Mary, the wife of Dennis Cough-
lin, of Hartford township; John, who lives in Bangor; Kate, the
wife of Herbert Stanley, of St. Joseph, Michigan ; Bath, who lives
at home in Bangor; and Andrew, a Chicago attorney.

William Blaisdell has lived for over fifty years on his present
farm in section 23, Arlington township, Van Buren county, Michi-
gan, his post office address being Lawrence, Rural Route No. 2.

Mr. Blaisdell is a native of the ' ' Empire State. ' ' He was born in
Wayne county. New York, April 2, 1847, a son of John and Louisa
(Nichols) Blaisdell, both New Yorkers by birth, and with them, in
1860, then a boy of thirteen, came west to Michigan. Here in Ar-
lington township his father bought forty acres of land in section
32, to which he subsequently added until his farm comprised one
Imndred and sixty acres, and here he carried on general farming
and stock raising until his death. His wife also is deceased. They
were the parents of two children-. Sarah, widow of Christopher
Staley, of Arlington township, and William.

At his father's death William Blaisdell inherited eighty acres
of the old homestead, and so he has continued to live on the same
place, as already stated, for over half a century.

Mr. Blaisdell is married and has three children: May, wife of
Ed Denton, of Lawrence, Van Buren county, and Jay and Neva,
at home. Mrs. Blaisdell, formerly Elida Barrett, is a daughter of
Enos and Polly Barrett, of this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Blaisdell are identified with the Methodist Episco-
pal church, and, politically, he is a Republican.

Mitchell H. Hogmire, one of the old and honorable residents of
Arlington township, Van Buren county, has been identified with
the agricultural, public, fraternal and military interests of this
part of Michigan for many years. Mr. Hogmire, who has been

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1017

known as the ' ' Peppermint King, ' ' is the owner of seven hundred
and sixty-five acres of valuable farming land in Arlington township,
and has the distinction of being the great-grandson of Jonal Hog-
mire, of Washington county, a Maryland planter who was known as
the richest man in his state and the owner of three hundred and fifty
slaves. On one of the plantations of this progenitor the great battle
of Antietam was fought during the Civil war, and he also owned a
great deal of other property, all of which was ceded to him for
work he had done for the United States Government as a civil
engineer and surveyor, professions which he had learned in his
native country, Germany.

Mitchell H. Hogmire was born October 10, 1838, in Livingston
county. New York, and w^as brought to Michigan in 1840 by his
parents, Conrad and Sarah S. (Richardson) Hogmire, the former
a native -of Maryland and the latter of New York. Conrad Hog-
mire took eighty acres of land in the southeast quarter of section
8, Arlington township, but later sold this and purchased forty acres
in section 9, w^here his death occurred, February 24, 1847. lie and
his wife had three children, namely : Mitchell H. ; Edwin S., of
Breedsville, Michigan; and William, who died in infancy. ]\lrs.
Hogmire took for her second husband D. D. Briggs, and they had
one child, Victoria, the wile of Professor Lindsay Webb, a school-
teacher for thirty-nine years and now a resident of California.
Mrs. Briggs died June 23, 1886.

For two years after the death of his father Mitchell H. Hogmire
w^as employed at various operations, and he then went to live with
his uncle, with whom he continued to work until he was twenty-
two years old. At that time he was married and went to Burr Oak,
St. Joseph county, IMichigan, where for one year he. was engaged
in the nursery business, and in 1862 he returned to Arlington town-
ship and during the spring and early summer planted ninety thou-
sand grafts. On August 14th of that year he enlisted for service
in the Union army, becoming a private of Company C, Third IVIichi-
gan Cavalry, with which organization he served until May 20,
1865. He participated in many hard-fought battles, and at Mo-
bile, Alabama, escorted General Kirby when he dictated the terms
of surrender to General R. E. Taylor. When mustered out of the
service, June 2, 1865, at the expiration of his term of service, at
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mr. Hogmire held the rank of sergeant
of his company under Captain O. W. Rowland. During the w^ar
Mr. Hogmire had purchased fifty acres of land in Arlington town-
ship, and on his return he took up general farming thereon, making
a specialty of apple growing, and earning the title of "Peppermint
King" through his extensive operations in growing peppermint.
He is now the owner of seven hundred and sixty-five acres of fine
land, and although he has practically retired from farming activi-
ties he still takes a keen interest in matters that affect agricultural
conditions here.

On March 19, 1861, Mr. Hogmire was married to Miss Jane R.
Hogmire, daughter of Andrew and Mary (Whitney) Hogmire, now
deceased, who were natives of New York. Eight children were born
to them: Mary, born February 16, 1837, the wife of Daniel Hein-

1018 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

baugh of Burr Oak, Michigan ; Henry H., born July 15, 1840, who
died January 24, 1857; Margery, born March 8, 1842, who died
May 15, 1856 ; Jane R., wife of Mr. Hogmire, born November 17,
1844 ; John Edmund, born September 29, 1846, who was murdered
in Missouri in 1868 ; Ruth C, born October 13, 1847, who married
John Miller, of Riverside, Chaffee county, Colorado; Robert W.,
bom August 21, 1851, now residing in North Dakota; and Ernest
A., born August 18, 1853, and now living in Burr Oak.

Mitchell H. and Jane R. Hogmire have had eight children ; Ger-
trude, born April 8, 1862, who married Albert Wilcox, of Bangor ;
Byron D., born August 18, 1866, living in Bangor; Eugene H.,
born July 29, 1868, who died February 13, 1873; Elroy S., born
June 19, 1870, who died November 26, 1871; Franklin E., born
February 13, 1874, residing in Arlington township; Henry M.,
born June 24, 1876, who is now at home assisting his father; Rose
F., born September 16, 1880, the wife of Arthur Huff, of Lawrence
township ; and one child who died in infancy.

Mr. Hogmire has been a Republican all of his life, and the various
offices to which he has been elected have testified to the respect and
confidence in which he is held by his fellow townsmen and to his
ability as a public official. He has been township treasurer for ten
years, supervisor for one year and district school treasurer for
twenty-three years. He and his family are affiliated with the
Christian church. For many years he has been one of the most
prominent Masons in this part of the state, and on his retirement
from office in that order was presented by his fellow Masons with
a beautiful watch as a mark of their friendship and esteem. He
belonged to all branches of Masonry, and his work in behalf of that
fraternity was widely appreciated by ]\lasons throughout this
section.

Mr. Hogmire has lived to see marvelous changes take place in
Van Buren county, from the time when his father was given on6
hundred dollars for cutting a road through seven and one-half
miles of solid timber and rolling the logs out by hand to the day
of asphalted roads and organized road commissions; from the time
of one-story log cabins with puncheon floors and wooden chimneys
to the day of magnificent residences and imposing business struc-
tures ; from the time of hand plows and ox-teams to the day of won-
derful power farm machinery, and from the time of swamp, brush
and prairie land to the day of smiling, well watered, prosperous
farming communities which do their part in supplying the markets
of the world. Mr Hogmire has borne his share of the hard work
which has been necessary to bring the marvelous changes about
and, while he has been successful to a high degree in his private
ventures, he has ever been ready to put aside his personal interests
to serve his country, his county or his township. A tried and true
soldier during the Civil war, faithful to every trust, he has been
tried and not found wanting in the battles of peace, and has proved
just as faithful in every trust that goes with governing the land
in more quiet days.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1019

William Sweet. — The Sweet family is intimately connected
with the pioneer history of Van Buren county, and its representa-
tives are deserving of much credit for the part they have borne
in the development and improvement of this section of the state.
One of the best known members of the family is William Sweet, a
successful agriculturist of Arlington township, who is devoting
his attention to farming and stock raising on a tract of one hun-
dred and forty acres located in section 25. Mr. Sweet was born in
Lawrence, Michigan, and is a son of T. Oscar and Hallett J. (Fish)
Sweet, natives of New York.

T. Oscar Sweet came to ]\Iichigan when he was about twelve
years old, in 1850, the family first settling at Nauvoo, where he
learned the trade of a blacksmith. As a youth his wages went to
the family exchequer, to assist his parents in purchasing stock and
implements for the home farm, and throughout his life he dis-
played the' traits of industry and economy which his early training
had instilled in him. He became a well known and successful citi-
zen, and retired on a competence some years prior to his death,
which occurred August 1, 1911, his wife having passed away May
9, 1883. They had a family of five children: Eva, the wife of C. C.
Marshall, of Cleveland, Ohio; Frank, who resides at Lawrence,
Michigan ; William ; Burr, also a resident of Lawrence ; and Ora,
the wife of G. M. Gardner, of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

William Sweet began farming in Lawrence township at the age
of sixteen years, and continued to reside there until 1906, in which
year he came to Arlington township and settled on the Hicks home-
stead, where he now resides, a tract of finely cultivated land in sec-
tion 25. General farming and stock raising have occupied his at-
tention, and he has displayed marked ability as an agriculturist,
operating his land so as to get the best possible results from his
labor. His reputation as a citizen is equally high and in his busi-
ness transactions he has always been fair and above-board. His
many friends in this section testify to his popularity, and should
he desire to enter public life there is no doubt that political prefer-
ment would be his.

Mr. Sweet was married to Miss Helen" Hicks, a daughter of Bar-
ney and Francelia (Crowell) Hicks, the former a native of Michi-
gan and the latter of New York. They were early settlers of Ant-
w^erp township, developing a farm from the wild land, and later
settled in Arlington township, where Mr. Hicks at one time owned
one hundred and eighty acres of land. Mr. Hicks died October 23,
1906, and his wife died August 10, 1909. Mrs. Sweet was their
only child. Politically Mr. Sweet is a Democrat. The pleasant
and comfortable family residence is situated in Arlington town-
ship, on Lawrence Rural Route No. 2.

Andrew M. Cochran. — Among the prosperous agriculturists of
Arlington township none is more worthy of mention than Andrew
M. Cochran, an honored veteran of the great Civil war and the
owner of one hundred and sixty acres of farm land in sections 4,
9 and 10. During a long and honorable career Mr. Cochran has
always displayed traits of honest and upright living, and he

1020 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

stands high in the esteem of his fellow men, who have elected him
to various township offices of honor and trust.

Andrew M. Cochran, born February 12, 1844, was the first white
child born in Arlington township, Van Buren county, Michigan,
and is the son of James G. and Sarah (Watson) Cochran, natives
of Batavia, New York, and New Hampshire, respectively. The
maternal grandfather of Andrew M. Cochran was Samuel Watson,
who came to Van Buren county in 1835 with his own and six other
homeseeking families. They were as follows: Amos Brown, Silas
Breed, J. N. Hinckley, Will Taylor, Jonathan Howard and a Mr.
Babbitt. They were the first settlers of Columbia township. Sam-
uel Watson secured a tract of land, upon which he built a log
cabin and began to work his farm. In 1837 he was a visitor to
Paw Paw, a nearby town, and on his way home he was seized with
sudden illness and died by the way-side. His body was found in
a sitting posture at the foot of an immense tree about a mile and
a half from his home. His name and the date of his death were cut
in the bark of the tree, which stood as a monument to his memory
for a number of years. His daughter, Sarah Watson, was about
thirteen years of age at the time she came with her family to Van
Buren county, and she had the distinction of teaching the first
school in Columbia township shortly after her family settled there.

James G. Cochran came to Van Buren county two years after the
Watson family and their little colony of friends and acquaintances
settled there and organized Columbia township. He came by
steamer from Buffalo to Toledo, and thence by stage and afoot
to Van Buren county, where he purchased a tract of timber land
and built a log cabin. It was a very crude affair, this little home
of his in the wilderness, but it sufficed. The chimney was of earth
and sticks, cleverly combined with the skill of the man who has no
better material to his hand, and the floor was a puncheon affair,
more remarkable for its solidity than its elegance. To this little
home in the wilderness James Cochran took his bride, Sarah AVat-
son, and in this cabin, which sheltered the first couple to be mar-
ried in Columbia township, was born the first white child, as men-
tioned in a previous paragraph, Andrew M. Cochran. The small
tract of land originally purchased by James G. Cochran formed
the nucleus of the magnificent farm of two hundred and fifty-seven
acres developed by him during his life time, but at the time of his
death, which occurred May 20, 1896, he had practically retired
from farming activities, and owned only twenty acres in section 9.
which he then occupied. His wife passed away in 1883, having
been the mother of four children: Andrew M., Malvina, Emery J.
and Almena. The only one surviving is Andrew M. He received
a district school education, and when he was nineteen years of age
contracted for forty acres of farming land. During the year of
his purchase he continued to work on the newly acquired land,
but on February 29, 1864, he enlisted for service in the Union army
during the Civil war, becoming a private in Company C, Third
Michigan Cavalry, under Captain 0. W. Kowland. After a brave
and faithful service of two years, Mr. Cochran was honorably dis-
charged on February 12, 1866, at San Antonio, Texas, and he im-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1021

mediately returned to the farm which he had purchased just prior
to going to war. He added to his original purchase from time to
time, and continued carrying on agricultural pursuits there, finally
accumulating one hundred and sixty acres of fine farm land. In
1902 he went to North Dakota, where he filed on a homestead of
one hundred and sixty acres, 'the patent papers for which were
signed by ex-president Roosevelt, and he remained in that state un-
til 1908, when he returned to his Michigan home, although he still
retains ;the ownership of the North Dakota property. In addition
to engaging in general farming, Mr. Cochran is well and favorably
known as a mechanic, showing a marked versatility in his accom-
plishments and abilities. He has been; very successful in his efforts,
and has earned a competency that insures his comfort in the even-
ing of his life, and likewise assures the future welfare ;of his family.
The family spends the summer months in a residence at Scott Lake,
in Arlington township, owned by ]\Ir. Cochran.

On January 6, 1867, Mr. Cochran was married to ]\liss Sophronia
Beckler, a daughter of Peter and Selina (jMonroe) Beckler, natives
of New .York state, who came to Michigan in 1855 and settled in
Arlington township. ^Mr. Beckler, who was a farmer all the years
of his life, died here .March 29, 1888, his wife having preceded him
on April 27, 1875. They were the j)arents of six children: John,
who died in infancy; Daniel, a resident of Detroit, Michigan;
Wallace, a inember of Captain Row^land's Comy)any C, Third Michi-
gan Cavalry, the same company in which Mr. Cochran served, was
captured by the Confederates in November, 1868, and died in
Andersonville prison in August, 1864; Helen, who is deceased;
Marinda, the wife of George Wilmot, of Grand Rapids, Michigan;
and Sophronia, who became the wife of Mr. Cochran. Mr. and
Mrs. Coeliran were the parents of four children: Myron Wallace,
living in xVlberta, Canada ; Fannie Alida. a graduate of the Deaf
Mute College at Flint, Michigan, she having lost her hearing as a
result of a protracted illness, and she is the wife of Claude Carle-
ton, who is a graduate of the same institution ; Sarah Selina, who
died in infancy, and George Levi, w^ho lives on the old homestead
in Arlington township.

In political matters ]\Ir. Cochran takes an independent stand,
voting rather for the man than the party, and using his own judg-
ment as to whom he deems best to fill the office in question. His
popularity among the citizens of his community and the confidence
and esteem in which he is held have been demonstrated by his elec-
tion to various township offices. Mr. Cochran is a popular comrade
of the A. Lincoln post of the G. A. R. and the Masonic fraternity,
and he and his wife are attendants of the Methodist church.

John Robbins was born in Cornwall, England, July 16, 1832,. a
son of Abraham and Mary (Johns) Robbins, both of English birth
and ancestry. At Cornwall he passed his boyhood days and grew
to manhood, and on reaching his majority he left the old home and
came to America. Van Buren county, Michigan, was his objective
point, and this has since been his abiding place. In 1864 he took
up his residence on the farm on which he now lives, one hundred

1022 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

and twenty acres in section 27. All the improvements on this
farm have been placed here by him. He has carried on general
farming and stock raising, with a fair degree of success, and now
in his declining years is pleased to see the work prosperously con-
tinued by his son.

Mr. Robbins has been twice married. His first marriage, in 1862,
was to Jane Martin, whose death occurred May 6, 1884. By her
he had four children: Abraham, born February 14, 1864; Fred-
erick, July 10, 1871; William, who died in infancy; and Emily
Jane, who w^as born August 28, 1872, and died November 11, 1876.
In March, 1885, Mr. Robbins wedded Homera Ackley, daughter of
Whitfield and Mary (Chambers) Ackley, the former a native of
New York, the latter of Pennsylvania. She is the youngest of a
family of eight children and the only one now living. By his
present wife Mr. Robbins has one son, John D., who resides on the
old homestead with his parents.

John D. Robbins, on February 10, 1908, was united in marriage
w^ith Miss Frances Grant, daughter of RoUand B. and Elsie
(Cheever) Grant, both natives of Illinois. They have one child,
Louis Grant Robbins, born August 26, 1908. ;

Mr. Robbins and his son support the Republican ticket, and the
family are identified with the Baptist church.

Francis Martin, one of the well-known farmers of Arlington
township. Van Buren county, Michigan, whose post office address
is Bangor, R. .R. No. 5, is credited with having cleared more land
in this township than any other citizen.

Mr. Martin is a native of New York state. He was born in St.
Lawrence county, November 20, 1845, a son of William and Mary
(Cady) Martin, the former of Irish birth and the latter a native
of New York. The Martins made their home in the Empire state
until Francis was a .lad of ten years, when, in September, 1855,
they came west to Michigan and settled in Arlington township.
Van Buren county, where the father bought two hundred and one
acres of timber land. . A few years later he sold this land, and his
death occurred at about the age of seventy-three years. In the fall
of 1859 the mother accompanied by her son, went to Chicago to
live. :

In September, 1864, at Chicago, young Martin enlisted in Com-
pany A, First Illinois Light Artillery, and went to the front,
where he served faithfully until his honorable discharge, July 10,
1865. In the engagement at Atlanta his company lost all its com-
manding officers, and four of its guns were carried away by the
enemy.

Returning to Chicago at the close of the ;war, he remained in
that city a short time, and from there went to Grand Rapids, Michi-
gan, from whence a year later he came back to the scenes of his
early boyhood in Arlington township. Van Buren county. His
first land purchase here was eighty acres. Heavily timbered. He
cleared this tract ;and made his home on it until March, 1899, when
he sold out and bought the eighty acres in section 14 where he now
lives. In the meantime he bought and cleared and sold many other

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1023

tracts of land. He carries on general farming and stock raising,
and has for years given considerable attention to the raising of
fruit, in which he has been very successful.

Air. Martin has been twice married. His first wife, whose maiden
name was Hila Belong and whom he wedded August 2, 1868, died
in 1884. Of her five children, Charles, Lafayette and Bert are
deceased, and Adelbert and Hattie are both settled in Arlington
township, Plattie being the wife of George Cargo. On September
14, 1888, Mr. Martin married Miss Carrie M. Crawford, daughter
of Lester and Mary Crawford, both natives of Indiana but now^
residents of Arlington township. The children of this marriage
are as follows: Manley, of Arlington township ; Mrs. Mary Jane
Hurlbert, of Glittenberg; Berl, at home; Cora, wife of Carl Hurl-
bert, of Arlington township ; Clayton Cleo, and Irving and Irwin
twins, but Irying died at the age of six months and two days.

While not a politician, Mr. Martin has always been a conscien-
tious A^oter, casting his franchise with the Republicans, and he has
served efficiently in such local offices as highway commissioner and
drain assessor. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church.

George A. Cargo, whose farm home is located on the line of
Rural Route No. 4, Bangor, Michigan, is a Canadian by birth and
of Scotch-Irish descent. He was born October 10, 1840, a son of
James and Ann (Montgomery) Cargo, both natives of the ''Emer-
ald Isle" and of Scotch ancestry. His parents passed the greater
part of their lives and died in Canada, the father's death having
occurred May 17, 1856, the mother's September 18, 1865. In their
family were eight children, of whom four are deceased. George
A. is the eldest of those living and is the only one in the United
States, the others, Mary Ann, Henry and Charles, being residents
of Canada.

At the early age of ten years George A. Cargo found employ-
ment on a farm, and in this way worked his way while he went to
school. In 1864 he took to himself a wife and that same year they
came to Michigan to live. And here, by honest, earnest effort and
careful management, he has acquired a comfortable home. It was
in 1888 that he bought the forty acres of land in section 2, Arling-
ton township. Van Buren county, where he lives and which he has
cleared and improved.

On November 8, 3864, in Canada, George A. Cargo and ]\Iiss
Emily Maguire were united in marriage, and of the children given
to them the three eldest, Eliza, Mary Ann and Sarah Jane, are de-
ceased; James A. is a resident of Harbor Springs, Michigan; AVill-
iam George, of Arlington, Michigan; Hugh, of Wheaton, Illinois;
and Emma of Bangor, Michigan, Frederick, at home, is engaged in
teaching school, and the youngest, Charles, is deceased.

Mr. Cargo has always been interested in the maintenance of good
schools in his locality, and he has served his district as school mod-
erator. At the polls he votes for the man rather than the party,
and is known as an Independent. His religious creed is that of the
Methodist Episcopal church, of which he and wife are consistent
members.

1024 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

James Eagan, proprietor of Stony Brook Farm, Arlington town-
ship, on Rural Route No. 2, Van Buren county, Michigan, is one of
the prosperous and highly respected farmers of the county.

Mr. Eagan was born in Clyde, New York, June 17, 1852, a son
of Dennis and Ann (Nevill) Egan, both natives of Ireland. His
parents spent several years in New York state, and moved from
there in 1856 to Michigan, here making settlement in Keeler town-
ship, Van Buren county, where the father bought forty acres of
land and carried on farming the rest of his life. Both parents are
deceased. Of their family James is the eldest; Dennis is a resident
of Hartford, Michigan ; and Thomas, Annie, Jennie and Luke are
all residents of Watervliet, Van Buren county, Annie being the
wife of John Burk.

From the age of seventeen James Eagan has followed farming
as a livelihood. In 1881 he bought fifty-five acres of land in Law-
rence township. Three years later he sold this tract and then
bought a farm in section 35, Arlington township, to which he sub-
sequently added by the purchase of an adjoining tract, and now his
place comprises one hundred and twelve acres, and is known as
Stony Brook Farm. To both general farming and stock raising ii,e
gives his attention, and his well directed efforts have been rewarded
wdth a fair degree of success.

On October 17, 1876, Mr. Eagan was united in marriage with
Miss Mary Finley, daughter of Patrick and Bridget (Keeley) Fin-
ley, and the eldest of their family of eight children, the others in
order of birth being as f ollow^s : Edward, of Hartford ; Jane Eliza-
beth, the deceased wife of Eugene Westcott, of Bangor; John, of
Silver Creek; Henry, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; Ella, wife of
Henry Metras, of Washington; William, of Hartford; and Lewis,
also of Hartford — all but Henry living in INlichigan. Mr. and Mrs.
Eagan have five children: Frank and Robert, both of Hartford,
Michigan ; Anna, wife of Charles W. Hilliard, Jr., of Baraboo, Wis-
consin ; and Jennie and Ella, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Hilliard have
two children : Gordon Eagan, born October 2, 1905, and Jean Eliza-
beth, May 31, 1911.

Mr. Eagan and his family are devout members of the Catholic
church ; fraternally he is identified with the Maccabees and politi-
cally he classes himself with the Independents, preferring to vote
for the man rather than the party.

Nelson Laduke. — Many of the leading farmers of Van Buren
county are men who have made their own way in the world, start-
ing as poor boys, with no advantages, and overcoming obstacles
through the force of their own ambition and perseverance. One of
these self-made men is Nelson Laduke, one of the most prominent
farmers and large landowners of Arlington township, who is culti-
vating the soil on a tract of four hundred and forty-seven acres
situated in Arlington township. Mr. Laduke is a native of On-
tario, Canada, and was born in December, 1850, a son of Belinee
and Margaret (Leroy) Laduke, both born in Canada, where Bel-
inee Laduke was a farmer all of his life. He and his wife had
eleven children, as follows : Joseph, who is deceased ; Margaret, the

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1025

widow of William MeCormick, a resident of the Province of On-
tario, Canada; William, Henry, Eveline and Archie, all of whom
are deceased; John, living in Mecosta county, Michigan; Agnes,
the widow of Mr. Parent, of Montreal, Canada; Charles, living in
Arkansas; Nelson;. and Simon, who when last heard from was a
resident of California.

Nelson Laduke received only limited educational advantages,
and was but twelve years of age when he started to make his own
way in the world. Farming occupied his attention for three years,
and he then w^ent to Muskegon, Michigan, and for a few months
was employed as a sawmill hand. He then went to Big Rapids,
Michigan, where for a time he was employed in the lumber woods,
but eventually entered the services of a shoe merchant of Big Rap-
ids, and he continued in faithful service with this business man
for a period covering twenty-two years, nine months and three
days. This long term of employment with one man illustrates Mr.
Laduke 's, persistence, faithfulness to trust and competency. Dur-
ing his years of w^ork as a shoe salesman he had carefully saved his
wages, and in 1890, believing that he could better himself, he pur-
chased a tract of one hundred and forty acres in section 34, Ar-
lington township, and also invested in a threshing outfit. He at
once settled down to farming and stock raising and operated his
threshing machine during seasons among the farmers of his and
surrounding townships, and from time to time added to his land
until he is now the owner of four hundred and forty-seven acres of
excellent land. Hard and earnest labor has always been Mr. La-
duke's slogan. Nothing, he believes, was ever accomplished by the
sluggard, and it has ever been his ambition to accomplish something
that would make his influence felt in the community in which he
resides. . That he has succeeded in doing this is a fact which will
be unassailed, for when a man has developed as much land and
made it into smiling, prosperous, abundantly-yielding soil as has
]\Ir. Laduke it is queer if his influence would be otherwise than a
strong one. His farming activities have taken so much of his atten-
tion that he has not had time to engage in public life, but he has
been a stanch Democrat and always supports the principles of that
party. He is a well known member of .the United Brotherhood, and
he and his family attend the Catholic church.

On November 4, 1882, Mr. Laduke was married to Julia Donovan,
daughter of John and Mary (Toomey) Donovan, natives of the
Emerald Isle, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Laduke was
the seventh in order of birth in a family of ten children, her broth-
ers and sisters being: Andrew, living in Bangor township; Ella,
who died in infancy; Bartholomew^ living in Arlington; Mary,
Margaret and John, who are deceased; Nora, the wife of J. Dono-
van, of Arlington ; Josephine, the wife of John Dougherty, of Hart-
ford ; and Lawrence, who lives in Arlington.

Mr. and Mrs. Laduke have had a family of six children: Law-
rence, who resides at home and assists his father; Josephine, the
wife of Emerson Reese, of Marion, Indiana; Joseph, who is de-
ceased ; Leo, w^ho is engaged in teaching in the Oregon Manual

1026 HISTORY OF VAN BURExN COUNTY

Training School; Marie, who is a teacher in the Dowagiac, Michi-
gan, schools; and John A., who lives at home.

JosEPHUs S. Hover, whose post office address is Bangor, Michi-
gan R. F. D. No. 4, and who has a fine farm of one hundred acres
in extent in section 4, Arlington township, Van Buren county, fig-
ures as one of the representative citizens of his community.

Mr. Hover is a native of Indiana. He was born in Laporte
county, that state, February 28, 1859, a son of Isaiah and Jemima
(Harbaugh) Hover, both natives of Ohio. Isaiah Hover has been
a farmer all his life. He and his wife moved to Indiana from
Ohio, and in the ''Hoosier State '^ made their home for a number
of years. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Union army and
went to the front as a member of an Indiana regiment, the for-
tunes of which he shared for three years. At the expiration of his
term of enlistment he was honorably discharged, after which he
re-enlisted and served about thirty days longer, until the w^ar
ended. During his army life he was captured by the enemy and
for a time was incarcerated in Andersonville prison. He is now a
resident of Wisconsin, but previous to going there made his home
for tw^o years in Michigan. He and his wife are the parents of
five children, namely: Josephus S. ; Hiram J., of Wisconsin; How-
ard, also of Wisconsin; Frank, of Niles, Michigan; and Homer, of
Wisconsin.

J. S. Hover attended public school and worked on the home farm
until he w^as eighteen years of age, when he began work at the car-
penter's trade, which he has followed off and on ever since, in con-
nection with which he has done considerable contracting. Mean-
while he has invested in land, buying a little at a time until he
now has one hundred acres in Arlington township, Van Buren
county, where he resides with his family.

Mr. Hover married, February 26, 1882, Miss Phoebe Jane Hol-
loway, daughter of Levi and Harriet (Magher) Holloway, and
to them have been given ten children, whose names in order of birth
are as follows : Clarence, general superintendent of a building and
construction company of Phoenix, Arizona ; Florence, wife of Linn
Hutchins, of Arlington township ; Claude, also of this township ;
Jay, bookkeeper for the Michigan Central Railroad Company, at
Kalamazoo, and Carl, Alice, Bernice, Opal and ]\Iuriel, all at home.
The ninth child, Manfred, died at the age of two years.

Mr. Hover votes the Republican ticket, and has served his town-
ship as school director. He is fraternally identified with both
the Odd Fellows and the Maccabees orders.

Miles Monroe, whose post office address is Rural Route No. 5,
Bangor, Michigan, and who has been identified with the old Mon-
roe homestead for a period of fifty-five years, is one of the highly
respected citizens of this locality.

Mr. Monroe is a native of the ''Empire State." He was born
in Livingston county. New York, July 31, 1839, a son of Samuel and
Laura (Swift) Monroe, both natives of New York. By trade his
father was a carpenter and builder, at which he worked in early

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1027

life, but later settled down to farming. In 1856 he moved with his
family to Michigan, and that year bought one hundred and sixty
acres of land in section 15, Arlington township, Van Buren county,
where he carried on general farming the rest of his life. Of his
four children, Miles is the youngest. The eldest, Cornelia, is de-
ceased; Bethia, the second born, is the wife of G. W. Monroe, of
Arlington township; the third child died in infancy. The mother
of this family died when Miles was a babe. He was eighteen when
he came with his father to Michigan, and since then his home has
been on the farm on which his father settled, eighty acres of which
he now owns. In addition to this land he has an interest in a forty-
acre tract in section 16. And here he has carried on general farm-
ing and stock raising, cultivating the crops common to the locality
and meeting with a fair degree of success.

October 15, 1860^ he married Christiana De Haven, daughter of
Joel and Christiana De Haven, who traveled life's pathway with
him for nearly thirty-six years. She was called to her last home
February 15, 1896, and was laid to rest in the Hopkins Cemetery
in Arlington township. Two children were the fruits of their
union — Samuel E., a farmer of Arlington township, and Catherine,
wife of Charles el. Palmer, who lives at the old homestead with her
father.

Politically Mr. Monroe has alw^ays affiliated with the Democratic
party, and in his younger days took an active interest in local af-
fairs, having at different times served efficiently in such offices as
township treasurer, highway commissioner and justice of the peace.
Fraternally he is identified with the ^lasonic order.

John H. Siiuver is one of the prominent farmers of Arlington
tow^nship, where he has lived since 1881. He has had a varied ca-
reer, having been engaged in the railroad business, in carpentering,
in the saw mill industry and in farming. If a man is competent
there is need of him somewhere, and Mr. Shuver changed location
as w^ell as occupation until finally he found the niche into which
he fitted.

A native of Ohio, Mr. Shuver 's birth occurred November 5,
1845. His parents were John and Catherine Shuver, the father a
Frenchman, while the mother hailed from Prussia, Germany. They
were married in Europe and several years after marriage lived in
Alsace-Loraine, where Father Shuver plied his trade as a cooper
and carpenter until the revolution of 1845 determined him to try
his fortunes in America. At that time he had a family of six
children, — George and Nicholas, who settled in Ohio; Mitchell and
Antonio, also in Ohio; Joseph, residing in Tennessee; Elizabeth,
now deceased. The family landed in New York in 1845, settled in
Ohio and the father abandoned his trade and commenced to farm.
Shortly after their arrival in America, John H. Shuver was born,
and a little more than a year later, in December, 1846, Father
Shuver passed away. His wddow survived him almost a quarter of
a century, her death having occurred in 1870.

Deprived of a father's care before he appreciated its value, John
H. Shuver was reared by his mother and his older brothers. His

1028 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

education was received in the district sciiools of Ohio, and at the
age of eighteen years he commenced to work at the carpenter's
trade. After thus working for two years he then entered the em-
ploy of the A. & G. W. Railroad Company. After one year 's service
with this corporate concern he took up carpentering, continuing at
that trade until he was twenty-one years of age. On attaining his
majority he left his boyhood home, came to Michigan, settled in Paw
Paw and for the ensuing fifteen years he was engaged in the saw-
mill business. In 1881 he sold out his holdings, came to Arling-
ton township, where he bought eighty acres of land, and commenced
to farm. He makes a specialty of cattle raising and breeds fine
horses and Poland China hogs, shipping great numbers of cattle
each year.

On the 1st day of May, 1873, Mr. Shuver was united in marriage
to iMiss Isabelle M. Scott, daughter of John and Isabelle Scott, old
settlers of Van Buren county. In 1886 Mrs. Shuver died, leav-
ing her husband and two children to mourn her loss. Frank S.
Shuver, the first born, resides in Washington; and Catherine Isa-
belle is at home with her father, his companion and housekeeper.
On March 12, 1891, Mr. Shuver married Miss Charlotte I. Walker,
who departed this life after five years of wedded happiness.

i\Ir. Shuver is a Methodist in his religious adherence ; his fra-
ternal affiliation is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
he being a member of Tillitson Lodge, No. 165, and for twenty-five
years he has been connected with the Grangers, of which time he
has been master of Bangor Grange two years and for eight years
was master of the Van Buren County Pomona, No. 13. His politi-
cal allegiance is rendered to the Republican party, who have appre-
ciated his sterling character and his acknowledged ability by elect-
ing him Township Drain Commissioner.

Charles E. Monroe, deceased, was born in South DansviJle, Steu-
])en county. New York, June 24, 1842, and died in Arlington town-
ship. Van Buren county, Michigan, where he was a well-known
and highly respected citizen.

Mr. Monroe's parents, Zebulan and Cinthia (Townsend) Monroe,
natives respectively of Connecticut and New York, came to Michi-
gan in 1863 and made settlement in Van Buren county. Here Zeb-
ulan Monroe bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in sec-
tion 15, Arlington township, upon which he established his home
and where he spent the rest of his life, engaged in general farm-
ing and stock raising. Here he died December 29, 1880. His good
wife had died on December 27, 1879. Of their nine children the
record is as follows : Lyman, deceased ; Eiiiily, widow of Caleb Lin-
coln, of Saginaw, Michigan; Orinda, Julia A. and Margaret, de-
ceased; George W., of Arlington township; Benjamin B., of Hop-
kins, Michigan; Charles E. and Sarah A., deceased.

Charles E. Monroe in his youth attended the district school near
his home in New York and assisted his father with the farm work.
He accompanied the family on their removal to Michigan, and re-
mained with his father, managing the farm, until his father ^s death.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1029

after which he continued farming the rest of his life, in which he
met with a fair degree of success.

On November 17, 1869, Charles E. Monroe and Hattie E. Palmer
were united in marriage, and to them were given nine children,
namely: Myrtle A., wife of F. W. Robbins, of Greenwood, Michi-
gan; Effie J., wife of Hiram F. Crawford, on the home place with
her mother; Homer A. and Murry A., twins, both of Arlington
township ; the fifth child died in infancy, and the next three, Ida
B., Erma and Lura R., are deceased; the youngest, Pearl, married
Louis C. Miller and lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Mrs. Hattie E.
Monroe is a daughter of Jared and Adeline (Whitman) Palmer,
natives of New York state. Her father, by trade a miller and car-
penter, was for years engaged in mercantile life in Paw Paw and
Dowagiac. He died January 18, 1869. Her mother had died Feb-
ruary 1, 1846, when Mrs. Monroe was only ten months old. In
the Palmer family w^ere six children : Alfred B., now^ a resident of
Bangor, Michigan; William W., deceased, was lost at sea; Richard
O. and Estella J., both deceased ; .Martin W^., and Mrs. Monroe.

Mrs. Monroe is identified wdth the Methodist Episcopal church.
Fraternally Mr. Monroe affiliated with the Grangers and the Pa-
triarchs, and, politically, he w^as a Republican. For a number of
years he filled the office of highw^ay commissioner, and he also served
as township treasurer.

Fred Krogel is one of the progressive farmers in Arlington
township. There is very little in connection with farm w^ork that
lie does not know, but he is not one of those men who feel sure that
they "knoAV it all." If any one has anything better in the way
of methods of work or modern improvements he is always glad to
look into the matter and he tries to keep up-to-date in his methods
and his machinery. He is greatly respected by the people in the
community which he honors by his residence.

The birth of ]\lr. Krogel occurred in Prussia, Germany, August
9, 1856. His parents, John and Etta Krogel, were both born in
the same good old Fatherland, where they spent their youth and
the early years of their wedded life, coming to America in 1866.
The family settled in Geneva township, Van Buren county, Michi-
gan, where the father engaged in farming, the occupation which
he followed all his life. He owned sixty acres of land. P^ather and
mother Krogel reared a family of four children, of which number
three are living today, — Gottlieb, residing in Geneva township on
the old homestead where he spent his boyhood ; Henry, also a resi-
dent of Geneva ; and Fred, the immediate subject of this biography.

The first ten years of the life of Fred Krogel were spent in his
native land, on his father's little farm. He has but slight recollec-
tion of the home where he was born and spent his childhood days,
but he remembers the trip across the ocean and the new experiences
on his arrival in America. He attended the district school of
Geneva township, also assisted his father with the cultivation
of the soil and later became interested with his father in farming
and continued for some years. In the meantime he paid off the
mortgage which his father had been obliged to put on the place,

1030 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUxNTY

and remained there, superintending the management of the farm
until 1891. At that time he sold a part of the old homestead to his
brother and then removed to Bangor township and lived there five
years coming then to Arlington township, where he bought sixty
acres 'of land. He does general farming and stock raising and has
prospered in his undertakings. . -, „. -^^

On May 25, 1884, Mr. Krogel formed a matrimonial alliance with
Miss Theresa Zuhl, daughter of Herman and Bertha (Schebel)
Zuhl natives of Germany ; they are now deceased. Mrs. Krogel is
the eldest of a family of eight children, of whom the following note
is made— Bertha, Minnie and Hannah are living m Germany;
Augusta, the wife of "William Kahlert, resides in Minnesota, as doe^
her brother Carl ; and Marie and Gustaf are deceased. Mr. and
Mrs. Krogel have three children,— Ella, wife of Louis Orton, ot
Arlington township; Emma, who married George Burrelh of Ar-
lington township; and Carl, at home with his parents.

Mr and Mrs. Krogel have ever remained true to the religious
faith in which they were trained and hold membership in the Ger-
man Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat, but he has
never cared to dabble in public affairs, though he is ever inter-
ested in aiding any enterprise which aims towards the betterment
of the county in which he lives.

Alfonso Cross.— The manufacturing, financial and industrial in-
terests of any community are the source of great pride to its citi-
zens but it is to the farms that the country must eventually turn
for its support, and in the hands of the agriculturists lies the pos-
sibility of the country's prosperity or depression. Van Buren
county is well supplied with farmers who know how to get the best
out of their land and to insure this part of the land with a bright
future, and among these may be mentioned Alfonso Cross, ot
Arlington township, who has resided here all of his life. Mr. Cross
was born in Arlington township October 6, 1857, and is a son ot
Henry and Elizabeth (Skinner) Cross, natives of England.

The parents of Mr. Cross came to the United States shortly after
their marriage, first settling in New York and later making their
way to Michigan. Settling in Van Buren county, after a tew
years Henry Cross purchased eighty acres of land m section 36,
of Arlington township, and added thereto from time to .time as
his finances would permit until at the time of his death m 1888,
he was the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of well-im-
proved land. Six children were born to Henry and Elizabeth
(Skinner) Cross, namely: Two who died in infancy; William, also
deceased ; Alfonso and Edward, engaged in farming m Arlington
township ; and Rena, who married George Jacobs, also an Arling-
ton township farmer.

Alfonso Cross received his education in the public schools ot
his native township, and wa^ reared to the life of an agriculturist.
Remaining on the home farm until he was eighteen years ot age,
at that time he began farming on his own account, and when
he had attained his majority he rented the old homestead. Att^r
cultivating this land for two years he purchased forty acres of the

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1031

old homestead where he now lives and twenty acres from an ad-
joining neighbor. He owned forty acres on section 23 and at the
time of his brother's death came into possession of forty acres of
the Worthey estate, the old home. He also owns one hundred acres
in Waverly township. In addition to carrying on general farm-
ing, he has operated a threshing machine on farms of his town-
ship, and he has been successful in both lines. Mr. Cross has
brought his land to a high state of cultivation, erecting excellent
buildings and using scientific methods in tilling the soil. Like
other wide-awake farmers he recognizes the value of science in
farming as well as in other occupations, and he also believes in the
use of modern machinery.

On August 28, 1880, Mr. Cross was married to Miss xVlice
Worthey, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Raymond) Worthey,
the former a native of England and the latter of English descent.
Mr. and Mrs.'Worthy had five children: Frances, the wife of H. S.
Wallace, a resident of Arlington; Alice, who married Mr. Cross;
and three who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Cross have been
the parents of five children: Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Stearns,
residing in Lawrence; Elmer, who. lives in Arlington township;
Chloe, the wife of Glenn Lane, residing on the old homestead;
Jessie, the wife of Frank Beeching, of Arlington township ; and
Gale, who lives at home and attends the high school at Lawrence.

Mr. and Mrs. Cross are devout members of the Baptist church.
He is a Republican in his political views and has held numerous
township offices, his standing being high among the citizens of his
township. The same progressive views that he has used in work-
ing his land have characterized his public life, and all movements
of benefit to his community have received his hearty support. Fra-
ternally he is a popular member of the M. AV. A. and the I. O. O. F.

Lewis II. Vining. — New England, with its hosts of associations
from the early history of our nation, w^as the birthplace of Lewis
H. Yining, and in him are apparent those stanch and admirable
characteristics which distinguished our Colonial forebears. He has
lived in Michigan for the greater part of his life, having come
here as a youth and he is very loyal to her institutions. His farm
of sixty acres is located in Covert township, section 11, and is the
scene of general farming, stock raising and fruit growing.

On March 24, 1851, occurred the birth of Mr. Vining in Hamp-
shire county, Massachusetts, his parents being Marcus R. and
Elizabeth (ilcGuire) Vining. the father a native of the Bay state
and the mother of Ireland. The father at the present time main-
tains his residence in Adams, Massachusetts, having attained to
the advanced age of eighty-eight years, and being an honored and
venerable gentleman. He has been engaged during almost the
course of his entire life in milling, principally in paper mills. The
devoted wife and mother has been deceased for over a decade, her
death having occurred in March, 1899. They became the parents
of two sons, — he whose name inaugurates this brief review : and
Robert, who resides in Adams, Massachusetts.

Mr. Vining received his education in the schools of his native
state. In 1870, when less than twenty years of age, he became
favorably impressed with the developing northwest and concluded

1032 HISTORY OF VAxN BUREN COUNTY

to sever old associations and take up his residence in Michigan.
He located in Covert township, Van Buren county, and in the early
years made his livelihood in saw-mill work, being one of the few
men who effectually worked up the saw-mill business in this town-
ship. By the exercise of industry and thrift the young man event-
ually found himself in a position to become a property owner and
he secured as his own eighty acres in section 1, Covert township,
fifty acres of which he still owns, and on this tract engages in the
cultivation of fruit and also in stock raising and general farming.
He is one of the loyal supporters of the Republican party and is
interested in all such public affairs as affect the welfare of the com-
munity. He and his family worship with the Congregationalists
when attending church.

Mr. Vining was first married to Fannie Rood, and the death of
this estimable lady occurred on November 1, 1905. This union was
fruitful of three children, namely: Ernest, now located in Boise
City, Idaho; Robert, of Kalamazoo; and Alice, wife of Ellsworth
Butler, of Boise, Idaho. On July 22, 1908, Fannie Smith, daughter
of William W. and Mary (Adams) Smith, both deceased, was united
with the subject. The present Mrs. Vining is the representative
of a family well and favorably known in this county and she is one
of eight children, who are as follows : Sarah, deceased in 1907 ;
Mary, widow of J. W. Pedrick, of Bangor; Amelia; Edgar, of
Bloomingdale ; Frank; George, of Stanley, Idaho; and Sidney, of
Breedville. Mr, and Mrs. Vining hold high place in popular con-
fidence and esteem.

Ezra Srackangast is one of the prosperous farmers of Van
Buren county, where he has resided for upwards of a quarter of a
century. Commencing his independent life as an agriculturist
without any outside help, and with no capital except the habits of
industry, the enterprise and ability which have stood him in such
good stead, he has been enabled to make a success of his farm and
is today one of the most notable examples of rewarded merit.

Having passed practically his entire life in Michigan, the birth
of Ezra Srackangast occurred in Berrien county, that state, on
the 5th day of August, 1859. His parents, George and Asenath
(Gard) Srackangast, settled in Berrien county about 1855, the
father a native of Virginia, while the mother originally hailed from
Ohio. Father Srackangast engaged in agricultural pursuits and
at the time of his death, in 1886, he was possessed of one hundred
and twenty acres of good farm land. His widow survived him
almost twenty years, her demise having occurred in 1905. She was
the mother of five children, — Olive, the wife of Henry Hard, of
Findlay, Ohio ; Ezra, the subject of this sketch ; Warren and James,
residing in Montana; and Daniel, who died in infancy.

The first twenty-two years of the life of Ezra Srackangast were
passed on his father's farm, during which time the youth attended
the district school in the winter months and assisted with the cul-
tivation of the soil during the summer time. In 1884 he left the
parental roof and went to Kansas, of whose agricultural possibili-
ties he had formed a high estimate; taking up one hundred and

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1033

sixty acres of land, he farmed until the death of his father two
years later recalled him to Michigan. He did not return to Kansas,
believing that he could do better in jMichigan, and for the ensuing
two years he worked by the month, laying by his earnings, so that
in 1889 he w^as enabled to stock a one hundred acre farm in section
19, Arlington township. After thirteen years of persevering ef-
forts he bought the farm which up to that time he had rented, and
there he resides today, making a specialty of raising stock and also
doing general farming.

On February 7, 1889, Mr. Srackangast was united in marriage
to Miss Martha Layman, daughter of George and p]lizabeth (Mar-
quis) Layman, of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. Mrs. Srackangast
has one brother, William, residing in Berrien county ; and a sister,
Amanda, who also maintains her home in Berrien county. There
was another daughter in the family, Sophronia, and she died in
the year 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Srackangast have one son, Fred L.,
born July 1, 1890, and he married JMirth Burges. They live at
South Haven, Michigan.

Mr. Srackangast is a Republican in his political sympathies, but
he has been too busy attending to the cultivation of his farm to
have found time to take any active part in pul)lic matters, though
he is ever interested in the progress of the county in which he has
resided for .so many years. Mr. and Mrs. Srackangast in a fra-
ternal way are affiliated with the Grangers and with the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows and tlie Rebekah Lodge. Having been a
farmer all his life, it is natural that he should be regarded as an
expert in regard to all matters connected with agriculture, and in-
deed there is very little about farm work that he does not know.
He is both popular and respected in the community.

John M. Truex. — ''If he were born in Ohio, watch out for him,''
used to be a political prophecy ; but it might even more safely be
said: "If he's a Van Buren county citizen, one may easily hazard
that either he or his father were born in New York." Of course
there are several exceptions to the rule. John .M. Truex is a rep-
resentative citizen, for he was born in Cayuga county. New York,
on October 15, 1850. He is the son of Adam and Mary Ann
(Strong) Truex, both of whom were natives of the Empire state.
The father, whose vocation was that of a farmer, was one of the
martyrs of the Civil war, his death having occurred in Salisbury
Prison, North Carolina, on January 21. 1865. At the outbreak of
the great struggle between the states he bade farewell to his family
and enlisted in a New York regiment to do his share to preserve the
integrity of the Union. His fate was that of a million others of the
flower of American manhood. The mother, so long widowed, sur-
vives and makes her home in New York state. Mr. Truex is one
of a family of four children and the eldest in order of birth, the
others being: Alforetta, widow of L. P. Howe, of Cayuga county.
New York; William C, who died February 20, 1910; Adda, wife
of George W. Bell, of Cayuga county.

Mr. Truex grew to manhood on a farm in his native county and
there acquired those habits of industry and thrift which have in-

1084 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

sured his success in life. He subsequently learned the carpenter's
trade and in 1871, when only about twenty-one, he came to Michi-
gan and located in Niles, but only for a short time. The following
year he removed to Covert and secured a position in the Packard
saw mills, which he retained for twenty-one years. During this
time he had purchased land and owned a small but excellent farm
of forty-nine acres in Covert township, section 2. Upon concluding
his association with the Packards he moved upon this tract and has
successfully followed farming and fruit raising ever since that
time.

Mr. Truex married Hettie M. Boswick on November 7, 1872, his
chosen wife being a daughter of William R. and Sarah Eliza
(Tliorp) Bostwick, both of whom were natives of Ohio and both of
whom are now deceased. The Bostwicks are one of the old families,
their arrival in Michigan having occurred in the early '50s. They
located in Allegan county and were the parents of the following
children : Lucretia, residing in tliis township ; Mrs. Truex ; and two
deceased. Into the home of Mrs. Truex were born eight children,
but the live eldest were removed from the household by the '*Grim
Reaper. ' ' Three survive : Gertrude is the wife of George Wiars, of
Covert: Harry M. resides in South Haven; and Ollie R. is also a
resident of South Haveu. He married Hazel Pierson on June 14,
1908, and they have two small daughters, — Bernice, born Septem-
ber 4, 1909; and Evaline Georgia, born March 22, 1911, which gives
to the subject the proud distinction of grandfather.

Mr. Truex is loyal to the policies and principles of what its ad-
mirers are pleased to call the ' ' Grand Old Party ' ' and his lodge
IS the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a good citizen
and true to the best interests of the community.

Leslie Scott, of the firm of Leslie Scott & Sons, owners and
operators of the Arlington Farm, one of the finest improved farms
in Van Buren county, Michigan, furnishes an example of what
can be accomplished by well directed and persevering energy along
a congenial line of endeavor. By virtue of the position he occupies
as one of the leading stock and fruit farmers in Southern Michigan,
biographical mention of him is of especial interest in this volume.

Leslie Scott is a Canadian by birth. He was born in Ontario,
August 4, 1856, a son of Leslie and Elizabeth (Elliott) Scott, both
natives of Ireland, w^ho in childhood became residents of Canada
and who lived and died there. In the Scott family were five chil-
dren, of whom the eldest, Marie, is deceased ; William and James
are residents of Canada ; the fourth born died in infancy ; and
Leslie, the subject of this sketch, is the youngest.

His father a farmer, Leslie Scott early became familiar with
all kinds of farm work as conducted in Canada, and he remained
a member of the home circle until he was eighteen years of age.
Then he came over into the United States and in Pennsylvania
went to work in the oil fields, where he spent two years. At the
end of that time he went back to Canada, from there came to Michi-
gan, and shortly afterward went to Dakota. That was in 1877.
There he took claim to a large tract of land and directed bis ener-

HISTORY OF VAN BUEEN COUNTY 1035

gies to farming, in which he was very successful, in a single year —
1891 — his wheat crop measuring up to sixteen thousand bushels.
His original Dakota claim was four hundred and sixty acres, to
which he added until he was the ow^ner of one thousand two hun-
dred acres, which he sold in 1894. As already stated, he had vis-
ited Alichigan before taking up his residence further west, and in
1894 he returned to the ''Lake State" and bought two hundred
acres in Arlington township. Van Buren county, where he has
developed a dairy and fruit business. The present year, 1911, his
apple crop is estimated at one thousand five hundred barrels. His
dairy is composed of a high grade of Holstein cattle, and all the
buildings and improvements in connection with this industry are
first class in every respect. In order to have his sons remain with
him and be identified with the business, Mr. Scott offered the in-
ducement of a partnership, in which they share, and thus all are
personally interested and take a just pride in the fact that they
have made Arlington Farm the best improved tract of land in
Van Buren county. J^angor is their post ofBce and they are on the
line of Rural Route No. 5.

.Mrs. Scott was formerly Miss Lillian B. De Haven, and was born
and reared in Arlington township. Their children in order of birth
are as follows : Leslie, Forest Fayette, Arthur ]\lilton, Frances and
Kathleen.

J\lr. Scott's religious faith is that of the Episcopal churc^i, in
which he has membership, and, politically, he is a Republican.

William Schermerhorn. — For a period of forty-five years Will-
iam Schermerhorn has owned and occupied his farm of over a hun-
dred acres in Arlington township, Van Buren county, Michigan,
and has been recogni/.ed as one of the representative citizens of his
community.

Mr. Schermerhorn was born in Syracuse, New^ York, March 22,
1834, a son of Ernestus and Ann (Johnson) Schermerhorn, both
natives of the ''Empire State." For twelve years his father was a
manufacturer of salt at Syracuse. Then, in 1835, when William
was a year old, the family moved west to Indiana and settled in
La Grange, wliere he grew to manhood and w^here his parents died.
In their family were eleven children, as follows : Clarissa Ann, de-
ceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Aaron, of Indiana; Orton, deceased;
William; an infant deceased; George W^., who died in the Union
army during the Civil war; John M., James A., Horace G., all of
Indiana, and Isaac, deceased. The mother died in 1863.

When he was twenty years of age AVilliam Schermerhorn engaged
in sawmilling, to which occupation he devoted his attention for three
years. At the end of that time he bought one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Clear Spring township, La Grange county, Indiana,
which he farmed for six years. Then he sold out and came to
Michigan, and here, on April 10, 1868, he bought the one hundred
and ten acres in Arlington township. Van Buren county, on which
he has since lived. All the improvements on this land have been
made by him, and here he has successfully carried on general farm-
ing and stock raising, making a specialty of sheep.

1036 HISTORY OF VAN BURP:N COUNTY

On November 15, 1859, Mr. Schermerhorn and Miss Harriet Day
were united in marriage, and to them have been given five children,
namely: Mary, wife of L. C. Colburn, of Arlington; Jessie M., wife
of S. E. Bridges, of Arlington township ; Lizzie, wife of J. W. Tays,
a civil engineer of New York; Gertrude, at home; and Grant, of
Van Buren county. Mrs. Schermerhorn 's parents, David R. and
Aurilla (Blackman) Day, were natives of Vermont and Connecti-
cut, respectively. They resided some years in Ohio, and from there
moved to La Grange county, Indiana.

Mr. Schermerhorn has always taken a deep interest in any move-
ment tending to improve the moral tone of the community, and,
while not a member of any religious denomination, has assisted ma-
terially in church building in Van ]3uren county. lie has held
some township offices, and politically is Independent.

Of the Schermerhorn family it may further be said that they
are entitled to claim kinship with Israel Putnam, of Revolutionary
fame, from whom they are descended. Other members of their
family took part in the wars of this country, and a great uncle of
William Schermerhorn, who was a gunsmith in the war of 1812,
made the first rifle that was put into the twist barrel.

John B. Wn.cox, for almost half a century a resident of Van
Buren county, has been identified with the agricultural progress
of this part of Michigan, and he has also taken an active part in
the political life of the community. It is not often that there are
found united in one man the qualities which make a successful
farmer, an enterprising business man and a jurist, but Judge Wil-
cox is the unusual exception. During the years that he has lived
in the county the Republican party has found in him one of its
most stalwart supporters, and a brief review of his life will serve
to recall to the minds of his friends and acquaintances his career
of faithfulness, ability and honor.

The birth of Judge Wilcox occurred in Somerset county. New
Jersey, December 14, 1828. He is a son of Isaac and Euphamy
(Bastedo) Wilcox, both of whom were natives of New Jersey.
The father was a freighter and plied his trade between New Bruns-
wick and Trenton, New Jersey, until his death, which occurred in
1830. He was survived by his two children, — John B., and Isaac
J. (now deceased), and his widow. ]\Irs. Isaac Wilcox married
William Reynolds, who made his first appearance into the world
in the state of New York. Of the eight children born to this union.
William, Euphemia Ann, Simeon and an unnamed baby are de-
ceased, while four sons still live in different parts of the country, —
Oscar resides in Bangor, Michigan ; Theodore maintains his home
in Arlington township, this county ; Alexander lives at Big Rapids,
Michigan; and George is a resident of Chicago, Illinois. Mr.
and Mrs. Reynolds were summoned to the life eternal many years
ago.

John B. Wilcox, deprived of a father's care before he was old
enough to appreciate its value, was carefully reared by his grand-
father from the time he was two years old. The schools at that
time were scarce and educational advantages were not so common

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1037

as they are today, and the consequence was that Judge Wilcox re-
ceived very little schooling. He is now regarded as a well-informed
man on all practical subjects, but the knowledge he possesses has
been gained as the result of his later reading and his observations
as he went along through life. At the age of fourteen he left his
grandfather's home and commenced his independent career by
farming in his native state. At the expiration of a year he went
to Wayne county, New York, there engaged in the fanning mill
business, was successful in his efforts in regard to this industry,
and he continued to operate a flourishing mill until 1865. In that
year he came to IVIichigan, bought one hundred and sixty acres
of land in section 18, Arlington township, and he commenced to
farm. He proved as successful in his agricultural pursuits as he
had been in his previous undertaking, and he soon added another
forty acres to- his holdings. On his two-hundred acre farm he
raised grains of various kinds and also stock; during the last few
years he has sold all his land except eighty acres of his original
homestead ; this he retains and continues to operate.

Judge Wilcox has been twice married; In October, 1851, he mar-
ried Miss Lydia E. Penoyar, whose demise occurred February 11,
1871. She was the mother of six children, two of whom died in
infancy; Charles, Emma and John Adelbert grew to maturity and
then entered into the everlasting life ; while Willis, the youngest,
resides in Wyoming. On the 8th of April, 1875, Judge Wilcox
formed a matrimonial alliance with Delia (Brown) Lee, widow of
Abiah Lee, of Edwardsburg, Michigan. By this second marriage
three children were born, — Isaac, his grandfather's namesake, re-
siding in Lansing, Michigan ; Carl, deceased ; and Alice, who is
following the noble calling of training the young. During the past
six years she has taught in Van Buren county, and is now teaching
in Kendall, Indiana. Her vacations are spent on the old home-
stead, in companionship with her father.

In his religious connection Judge Wilcox is a member of the
Methodist church ; he is affiliated in la fraternal way with the
Grangers and with the ancient Masonic order, holding membership
in the Blue Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in the Chap-
ter, Royal Arch Masons, and in the Eastern Star. He has ever
been deeply interested in all matters which tended towards the
well-being of the state which he honors by his residence. lie has
held the office of highway commissioner, of justice of the peace, of
school commissioner, treasurer and director. Although he lends
his support to every good work, he has evinced more interest in edu-
cational progress than in anything else ; while deprived of a liberal
schooling himself, as mentioned above, he is a great believer in the
value of educational training, and his suggestions in regard to the
schools of his county have been of a most helpful nature.

Frank Edwards Rood, at one time one of the foremost nursery
men of the state, is now making a specialty of horticulture, a great
portion of his splendid homestead of one hundred and eighty-five
acres bein^ devoted to this pleasant and profitable occupation. He
is one of the prominent men of the township, the friend of all just

1038 HISTORY OF VAN BUKEN COUNTY

causes, and is to be counted among those skilled in horticulture and
agriculture who have given the state enduring glory as a pro-
ducer o±* bumper crops and luscious fruits.

Mr. Rood was born at Glenn, Michigan, October 27, 1864, and is
the son of Edward A. and Flora M. (Warner) Rood, both natives
of Plainfield, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. The father was
in his earlier years engaged in mercantile business, but eventually
took up farming. In March, 1863, he joined the tide of migration
to the great, newly opening Northwest, and came to Michigan, locat-
ing at Glenn, where he engaged in the lumber business in associa-
tion with the Packards. He lirst became identified with Van Buren
county in 1866 and bought land in Covert township, where he re-
sided until his death on February 9, 1897. At that time he owned
about two hundred acres. The mother, who has been a resident of
the county for half a century, survives, making her home with
Mr. Rood, of this review, and enjoying the honor which is usually
the crown of a virtuous, unselfish life. Lillian A., the only other
child of Mr. and Mrs. Rood, Sr., is deceased.

After receiving his preliminary education in the district schools
]\lr. Rood matriculated in the Agricultural College at Lansing, hav-
ing previously decided, almost as a matter of course, to follow
farming as his life work, and having become well grounded in this
under the excellent tutelage of his father. In the institution men-
tioned he took a two years' course and then began farming on an
independent basis, as superintendent for A. S. Packard. He con-
tinued thus engaged for six years, giving splendid service, and
then, on account of his father's failing health, he returned home
and took charge of the home place, working one hundred and fifty
acres and making a specialty of horticulture. In the division of
property ensuing upon his father's demise, ]\Ir. Rood received
eighty acres and since then he has purchased one hundred and hve,
making one hundred and eighty-five in all. In 1887 he took up the
nursery business and in 1890 he formed a partnership in this busi-
ness with T. A. Lampson, which continued with satisfactory result
until the death of Mr. Lampson. In the meantime he built a pack-
ing house in Covert and bought and shipped fruit in car-load lots.
Although he now devotes the greater part of his time and atten-
tion to the affairs of his own extensive and fruitful farm, he still
owns an interest in the Covert packing house, and he still continued
to ship fruit until the freeze of 1906, when his zeal in this line
met with much discouragement.

On New Year 's day, 1889, Mr. Rood was united in marriage with
Anna E. Atkinson, daughter of Joseph and Josephine (Fish) At-
kinson, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ver-
mont. Joseph Atkinson, who was a farmer, came to Michigan in
1833, when twelve years of age, and made location in Monroe
county. He came to Van Buren county in 1884, and settled in
Covert township. He died at a very advanced age, in November,
1909, and the mother's decease was in 1907. They were the par-
ents of the following children: Clara 0., wife of C. J. Monroe, of
South Haven; Charles H., deceased; George F., professor of botany
at Cornell University, residing at Ithaca, New York; Paul J., de-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1089

ceased; and Mrs. Rood. Mr. and Mrs. Rood share their delightful
home with the following promising sons and daughters: Edward
A., born December 7, 1890; Paul J., born January 29, 1893; Edith
L., born November 19, 1895; Clare A., born February 13, 1898;
Josephine F., born January 23, 1900; and Genevieve, born Feb-
ruary 6, 1906.

Mr. Rood has ever subscribed to the articles of faith of the Re-
publican party and he takes the interest of the intelligent voter
in all public issues. In religious conviction he is a Congregational-
ist. He and the members of his household enjoy the confidence and
esteem of the entire community.

Joel IIager Clark. — Pennsylvania, one of the greatest states
of the American Union in the multitude and variety of the indus-
tries which employ its teeming population and the value of their
products; in the number and importance of the historical events
that have taken place within its boundaries; in the contributions
of its eminent men to every domain of American thought and ac-
tion; and in the sturdy character and fruitful diligence and
frugality of its masses of people, was the birth-place of J. H. Clark,
one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of Porter town-
ship in this county, and it w^as the home of his ancestors for gen-
erations before him.

Mr. Clark's life began in Sullivan township, Tioga county of
that great state, on April 3, 1859, and he was the fifth born of the
nine children in his father's household. His parents, who have
both been dead a number of years, were John and Amanda (Hager)
Clark, who passed the whole of their lives in the state of their
nativity, where the mother died at the age of forty and the father
when he was upwards of eighty years. Of the eight children born
to them in addition to the subject of this brief review, Ellen, Cath-
erine, Nancy and Mary have died ; Julia is living in Sullivan town-
ship, Tioga county; Colin, at Wellsborough, Pennsylvania; Adele,
the wife of Samuel Killey, at Covington in the same state ; and
Hattie, the wife of F. Lanterman, at Covington. After the death
of their mother, the father contracted a second marriage, which
united him with Miss Estelle Mclntyre, and they became the par-
ents of six children : Homer, who lives in Pennsylvania ; Gertrude,
the wife of Homer Hager, w^ho also lives in that state; Frank, a
resident of the same commonwealth; Estella, whose home is in
Sullivan township; and William and Melton, who died in infancy.

J. H. Clark remained on the home farm with his father until he
reached the age of twenty-one, then left home with a settled deter-
mination to make his own way in the world according to his own
desires and opportunities. In 1886 he came to Michigan and took
up his residence in Porter township, Van Buren county. He at
once began farming after his arrival here, and continued to be
engaged in that pursuit nine years. He then returned to Pennsyl-
vania, and during the next six years was occupied in the same
vocation there. Van Buren county had, however, made a pleasant
and lasting impression on him, and at the end of the period last
mentioned he came back to it and again located in Porter town-

1040 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

ship. After his second coming to the county he rented one hun-
dred and sixty acres of good farming land, and this he cultivated
with industry and good results until 1908, when he bought the
farm of eighty acres which he now owns and occupies as his home
and the seat of his industries in general farming and raising live
stock. He also has a general store in which he does a large and
lucrative business. He is therefore contributing to the industrial
and mercantile importance of the township in which he lives, and
the convenience, comfort and general welfare of its people in
two lines of very useful endeavor, and conducting his operations
in both on a high plane of enterprise, integrity and public spirit.

On December 26, 1880, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Loretta
C. Updyke, a Pennsylvanian by birth and the daughter of Ilalsey
and Adeline (Wood) Updyke, of the same nativity as herself, born
in Rutland township, Tioga county. The father died some years
ago, but the mother is still living in her native state, at the age of
seventy-two. They had three children : Mrs. Clark ; her sister Ada,
who has died; and her other sister, Edith, now the wife of Dum-
mer L. Sweet, and still a resident of Pennsylvania, where she was
bom and reared.

Mr. and Mrs. Clark have no children of their own, but they have
a foster daughter, named Frances, who is now eleven years old.
Mr. Clark is a member of the Republican party and gives his ener-
gies to the furtherance of its interests in all campaigns, not with
the hope of personal reward or prominence in an official way, but
because his faith is firmly fixed in its principles and he l)elievos
their general application in government, local and general, would
be good for the country. In fraternal relations he is connected
with the Order of Woodmen, and his religious affiliation is with the
Protestant Methodist church, to which Mr. Clark also belongs. In
neither of these organizations is he simply one of the silent units.
For he is active in his service to both, and his membership is
highly valued in each. As a farmer he is in the first rank in his
township. As a merchant he has the confidence and respect of all
his patrons and the general public. And as a man and citizen he
is universally esteemed throughout the county.

George Alexander Wallace^ one of the enterprising and pros-
perous young farmers of Arlington township, Van Buren county,
Michigan, dates his birth on the farm on which he now lives, Octo-
ber 29, 1879, and is an only son of Seymour and Frances (Worthy)
Wallace. He has an only sister, Effie, wife of Samuel Kelly, of
Lansing, Michigan. As a boy he attended district school in win-
ter and in summer assisted his father with the work in the fields,
and on reaching manhood he continued work on the home farm,
finally assuming the responsibility of the farming operations. He
still lives at the old home place wdth his parents and carries on
general farming and stock raising. This farm, comprising two
hundred and thirty-five acres, is in Section 26, on the Lawrence
Rural Route No. 2.

On October 29, 1898, George A. Wallace and Miss Edna Hinck-
ley were uwited in marriage. Mrs. Wallace is a daughter of Phillip

HISTORY OF VAN JU^REN COUxNTY 1041

and Rebecca (Simmons) Hinckley, and is fourth in their family
of five children, her brother and sisters being as follows: Hervey,
of Cass county, Michigan; Grace, wife of Claud Peck, of Grand
Junction; Gertrude, wife of Floyd Lockwood, of Lawrence, Michi-
gan; and Mildred, of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs.
Wallace have three children: Neva, born December 10, 1899;
Clark, January 6, 1905 ; and Frances, September 8, 1906.

Mr. Wallace is an Odd Fellow and a Modern Woodman. He
votes the Republican ticket.

Merritt J. Truesdell. — Owning and occupying the homestead
farm which his father, the late Erastus Truesdell, cleared from the
wilderness, Merritt J. Truesdell has been a resident of Blooming-
dale township. Van Buren county, for upwards of half a century,
during which time he has witnessed many wonderful transforma-
tions in the country roundabout, the pathless forests giving way
before the axe of the pioneer, the log cabins of the pioneers being
replaced by substantial frame houses, while the hamlets of early
days have developed into thriving villages and populous towns and
cities. Born in Warsaw, Wyoming county, New York, February
6, 1849, he was but five years old when he came to Michigan with
his parents.

His paternal grandfather, Solomon Truesdell, was a descendant
of one of three brothers who immigrated to America in colonial
times. He spent many of his earlier years in Genesee county,
New York, but later took up his residence in Wyoming county,
where he carried on farming until his death.

Erastus Truesdell was born, reared, educated and married in
Wyoming county, New York. Learning the carpenter's trade
when young, he followed it in his native county until 1854, resid-
ing in Warsaw. In that year, accompanied by his wife and three
children, he came to Michigan in search of a favorable place in
which to Locate, bravely daring all the hardships incidental to
frontier life in his efforts to secure a home. Settling in Van Buren
county, midway between Lawton and Paw Paw, he there followed
his trade for five years. In 1859 he ])ought sixty-three acres of
heavily timbered land in Bloomingdale township, in section thirty-
one, one and one-half acres of which had been cleared. He labored
with untiring industry to further improve his land, and in the
course of a few years had the greater part of it under cultivation.
Farming in those days was carried on in a primitive manner.
Paw Paw, fourteen miles away, was the nearest market and depot
for supplies, and all transportation of produce was made with ox
teams. Devoting his time and energies to the improvement of his
property, Erastus Truesdell continued on his homestead until his
death, September 9, 1894, at the age of seventy-seven years. His
wife, whose maiden name was Roxie Rice, was born in Wyoming
county. New York, a daughter of Cyrus and Mary (Harrington)
Rice, and sister of Delos Rice, and of Norman Rice, a pioneer
of Paw Paw, Michigan. She died January 1, 1887, at the age of
sixty-five years, leaving four children, as follows : Lucy, Frank,
Merritt J. and Laura Belle.

1042 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

A small lad when he came with the family to Van Buren county,
Merritt J. Truesdell received a good education when young, and
at the age of twenty years engaged in professional labors, for
several winters teaching school in Bloomingdale, Columbia and
Waverly townships, while during seed time and harvest he was
engaged in farming on the home estate. He continued to live with
his parents, and when they became enfeebled by reason of age he
cared for them as tenderly as they had looked after him in previous
years. Succeeding after the death of his father to the parental
homestead, Mr. Truesdell has each year added to the improvements
already started, through his efforts enhancing the value and at-
tractiveness of the estate. During the many years that he has here
been employed in farming and dairying, he has kept apace with
the times, being a keen observer of men and events and a con-
stant reader of the leading periodicals of the day. He appreciates
the difference between the modern methods of carrying on the
different branches of agriculture, and those in vogue when he was
a boy and used to take loads of wheat for his father to Paw Paw
with ox teams, days being then required to do work that is now
accomplished in a few hours.

Mr. Truesdell married, in 1871, Stella Harrington, who was ])orn
in Van Buren county, Michigan, a daughter of Benjamin and
Joanna Harrington, and they have two children, Lena and Eva.
Lena married James L. Baxter, and has four children, Ralph, Leona,
Merritt and Kenneth. Fraternally Mr. Truesdell belongs to Bloom-
ingdale Lodge, No. 161, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

LEwas Palmer. — The great Empire state has contributed in large
measure to the settlement of Van Buren county, Michigan, a re-
markably large number of its settlers having been born within the
boundaries of that state, or if not they — their forefathers. One
of this number is that well known citizen, Lewis Palmer, who is
engaged in farming, fruit-growing and stock-raising and whose
one hundred and forty advantageously disposed acres are situated
in Waverly township. The scene of his birth was Monroe county,
New York, and its date April 21, 1852. He is the son of Harvey
and Orilla (Baker) Palmer, both likewise natives of the state of
New York. The latter was born and reared in Genesee county.
These worthy people followed the tide of migration to the north-
west, their arrival in Michigan being in the year 1856. They were
sufficiently impressed by the desirability of Waverly township to
locate within its boundaries and there they resided for the re-
mainder of their lives. The father passed to the Great Beyond in
1880, but his cherished and devoted Avife survives and is of very
advanced age, her birth having occurred on August 31, 1826. They
were the parents of seven children, and of this number five are
still living (in 1911), as follows: Harriet, wife of James Dillon;
Lewis; Amelia, wife of C. B. Molby; Henry, of Waverly town-
ship, and Mary L., w4fe of Calvin Dolbee.

Lewis was a child four years of age when he came with his par-
ents to Michigan. Here he was reared and educated in the com-
mon schools and here he has ever since resided. When he arrived

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1043

at the time when a young man chooses a vocation he decided upon
agriculture and to this he has successfully devoted his energies.
He has paid particular attention to horticulture and also to stock-
raising and his product in both lines is excellent.

On January 26, 1888, Mr. Palmer estahlished an independent
household, the lady to become his wife being Flora Speicher. Mrs.
Palmer was born upon the very farm upon which she and her hus-
band still live, on October 12, 1860, and is the daughter of Aaron
and Louisa (Riehl) Spiecher, both natives of Pennsylvania. When
Aaron Spiecher came to Michigan he purchased the farm upon
which his son-in-law now lives and here he lived until his demise.
Mrs. Palmer received her education in the district schools. To
their union have been born three children, one of w^hom died in in-
fancy and one at the age of thirteen years. Jessie Irene, born
December 7, 1889, is a graduate of the eighth grade school and of
the Bloomingdale high school and is now a student in the Western
State Normal School, preparing herself for teaching.

Mr. and Mrs. Palmer are both members of the Methodist Epis-
copal church. He belongs to Bloomingdale Lodge, No. 161, Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and she to the Bloomingdale Chap-
ter of the Eastern Star. In iMr. Palmer's political faith he is in
harmony with the men and measures of the Republican party, but
his interest is of the sort which merely desires good government
and he is not lured by the honors and emoluments of office into
office seeking.

Thomas E. Parkpjr. — If the man who makes two blades of grass
grow where one grew before is a public benefactor, much more is
he to be considered one who starts a new industry in a region and
leads to its development into one of the most successful and profit-
able of the various pursuits that occupy the time and energies of
the people engaged in the industrial life of that region. Especially
is this the case when the industry was before his time unknown
to the locality, and the possibility of planting it there and making
it highly productive was never tried or even suspected.

Thomas E. Parker of Porter township, Van Buren county, Mich-
igan, is entitled to this distinction. He may not have been the
first man to engage in grape culture in this part of the state, but
he has been in it for twenty-seven years, and has greatly aided in
expanding it to its present large and remunerative proportions
and giving its product the high reputation it has in the markets
of this whole country and portions of many others. He has cer-
tainly, therefore, been a public benefactor to his locality by his
intelligence and diligence in fostering the new industry and by
his example in leading others to do the same.

The history of Mr. Parker's life is not an eventful one in the
sense of mingling with great affairs. But it is worthy of warm
commendation in consequence of the fidelity to duty it shows, the
enterprise and progressiveness it embodies, the industry and thrift
it manifests, and the high plane of citizenship on which it has been
conducted. He was born in England on March 23, 1853, and is a
son of William and Elizabeth (Sykes) Parker, also natives of that

1044 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

country and life-long residents of it. Both are now deceased, and
their remains have found a final resting place in the soil which they
hallow^ed by their long and useful labors. They were the parents
of seven children, of whom Thomas was the second in the order
of birth. His brothers Charles, Fred and Sykes, and his sister
Susan are still living in England; and his older brother William
and a younger sister named Anzela died and w^ere buried there.
In 1873 he came to the United States, a youth of twenty, with none
of his family and no intimate friends to accompany him. He dared
the stormy Atlantic alone of all his father's household, and is its
only representative in this country.

The great and growing and somewhat noisy West attracted him
from the start, and he located in Chicago. There he remained five
years engaged in masonry work, of which he had acquired a knowl-
edge before leaving home, and then changed his residence to Ply-
mouth, Illinois, and his occupation to that of keeping a hotel, which
he did also for five years. At the end of that period he sold his
hotel business and moved to Van Buren county, Michigan, with a
view to turning his attention to farming. For this purpose he
bought forty acres of land in section 7, Porter township, and dur-
ing almost the whole of his time since then he has devoted to grow-
ing grapes on a progressive scale of magnitude and improvement.

It was in 1884, twenty-seven years ago, that Mr. Parker planted
his first vines. He has studied his business and its needs and pos-
sibilities carefully, and is recognized as one of the most knowing
and successful men engaged in it in this part of the country. His
beautiful place is know^n as "Mount Pleasant Vineyard,'' and its
output has a high rank in the markets in many states, and has
created an expanding demand in some foreign countries because of
its excellence in quality and the care with which it is always pre-
pared for preservation and shipment.

Mr. Parker was married in 1877, to Miss Miranda Matthews, a
native of Ohio. There were two children in the family of her
parents, herself and a brother, and both are now deceased, Mrs.
Parker having died on September 5, 1910. She stood well in her
community in this county, and her early death was widely lamented.

In political relations Mr. Parker is connected with the Republi-
can party, and as he is a firm believer in its principles he is an
ardent, though quiet worker for its success in all campaigns. His
fraternal affiliation is with the Masonic order, and in this and the
Episcopal church, of which he is a zealous member, he manifests
an earnest and helpful interest at all times, rendering both good
service in every way he can. He also takes a cordial and service-
able interest in the progress and improvement of his township and
county, and does all he can to aid in promoting their welfare and
the utmost good of their people. He is widely and favorably known
as one of the most sturdy and sterling citizens of his locality.

Thomas J. Cornish. — The great American Republic, which has
been an asylum for the oppressed of all civilized nations, and has
cordially welcomed all comers who were worthy from every clime
and tongue ; which has opened wide its treasure house of boundless

HISTORY OF VAN BUEEN COUNTY 1045

wealth and opportunity to all, and been liberal in naturalization
and admission to participation in the management of its civil and
political institutions, has reaped its reward for its liberality in the
wonderful growth of its population by accretions from foreign
lands, and in the vast augmentation of its commercial and inter-
national power through the additions those accretions have made
to its resources of industrial production.

Among the immigrants to this country from other nations no
class has been more sturdy, more reliable, more stimulating and
helpful in our activities or more zealously loyal to our institutions
and our flag than those who have come from England with a set-
tled purpose to remain and be a part of us. Of this class Thomas
J. Cornish, of Porter township, this county, is a very estimable
and satisfactory representative. He has been a resident of Van
Buren county twenty-six years, and during the whole of that period
has followed farming with industry and skill, and by his efforts
has accumulated a competency for himself and made valuable ad-
ditions to the general sum of the county's w^ealth and commercial
importance. He has also performed well the duties of citizenship,
and by his upright course in all the relations of life has won the
respect and regard of the people in all parts of the county.

Mr. Cornish was born in Cornwall, England, on December 25,
1857, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Phillips) Cornish, also
natives of that country and belonging to families long domesticated
on its soil. Their son Thomas was the fifth born of their seven
children, and is one of the three of them w^ho are living in Michi-
gan. The other two are John, w^ho also lives in Porter township,
this county, and Charles, whose home is in another part of the
state. Of the remaining living children of the family William re-
sides in Canada and Edward in England. The two daughters born
in the household, Anna and Mary, have both been dead a number
of years.

Thomas J. Cornish left his native land in 1882 and came to
Canada, where he engaged in farming for three years. But during
all of that time the United States wore a winning smile to him, and
in 1885 he yielded to its persuasiveness and came to Michigan and
Van Buren county. The first seven years of his residence in this
county were passed on rented farms. But he made steady progress
on them in his struggle for advancement, and at the end of the
period mentioned he bought the farm of eighty-one acres on which
he now lives in Porter township. He married during the period
of his tenancy, and this farm was his wife's family homestead.
He has, however, greatly improved it since it came into his pos-
session, and the buildings are both comfortable and attractive, while
the general equipment of the place is modern and complete.

On February 20, 1889, Mr. Cornish was married to Miss Mary
Catherine Mergenthaler, born in Kalamazoo, a daughter of Mat-
thew and Catherine (Wildermuth) Mergenthaler, natives of Ger-
many, but residents of Van Buren county for about fifty years.
Mr. Cornish's parents were born in Shellright, Wittenberg, Ger-
many, and were there reared and married. They came to America
accompanied by three children, making the voyage in a sailing ves-

Vol. 11—2 7

1046 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUxNTY

sel, spending seven weeks en route. They lived in the state of New
York one year and then came to Kalamazoo, where they spent three
years. From there they came to Van Buren county and bought a
tract of timber land, with about a dozen acres cleared, and the father
engaged in general farming. Both residing there until their deaths,
the father dying in 1882, aged fifty-nine, and the mother at the age
of fifty-four years, in 1886. They reared six children : Frederick,
who died at the age of forty-seven ; Louisa, Augusta, Sophia, Mary
Catherine and William. Three children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Cornish, Leo F., Catherine and Russell, all of whom are still
living at home with their parents and helping to brighten the
parental family circle.

In his political views Mr. Cornish sides with the Republican
party, and while he is not an active partisan, he is loyal and true
to his party without the desire for any of the honors or emoluments
it has to bestow. His farm and its claims on his attention, together
with the ordinary duties of citizenship, occupy his time and ener-
gies, and he has no longing for the responsibilities and cares of
public office. But he takes an earnest interest and an active part
in all matters pertaining to the progress and improvement of his
township and county, and does his part toward pushing all worthy
projects involving their advancement to completion. In fraternal
relations he is connected with the Masonic order and the Woodmen,
and the family attend the Methodist church.

William G. Lyle is one of the go-ahead farmers and stockmen
of Decatur township. Van J^uren county, Michigan. His fellow
citizens feel that they have a proprietary interest in him, as he
was born in the township and has there spent his entire life. While
following the same occupation as his father, he has not been con-
tent to live on the reputation that Mr. Lyle, Sr., made, but the son
has shown his own individuality, has made a name for himself, and
won the esteem and respect of the members of the community in
which he lives.

On the 24th day of September, 1870, William G. Lyle began life
on a farm in Decatur township. His parents, Alonzo M. and Mary
(Gates) Lyle, were both born in Michigan and the father was a
farmer throughout his active life, and is now residing in Decatur,
retired from the work with which he has been identified for so many
years. His wife died June 30, 1899. Two children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Lyle, Sr., William G. and Fred C, the latter now re-
siding in Decatur.

The first tw^enty-one years of the life of Will G. Lyle were spent
on his father's farm, during w^hich time the son attended school
at Decatur and assisted his father in the duties of cultivating the
soil. On attaining his majority he left the parental roof and com-
menced to farm independently and, beginning in a small way, he
has gradually added to his holdings until he now owns two hundred
acres of land on section 4, where he does general farming and also
raises stock. Having devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, he
understands his business thoroughly, and he has prospered in his
undertakings.

HISTORY OF VAN BIJREN COUNTY 1047

In January, 1890, ]\Ir. Lyle was united in marriage to Miss Jennie
M. Simpson, daughter of Hubbell Z. Simpson, of Decatur, and to
the union of the young couple five children were born, — Harold
A., Gladys, Theodore, and Marian. Sylvia, the first born, died aged
two years. All the living children are at home with their parents,
and all attended the public school in Decatur. Mr. Lyle is deeply
interested in educational efforts, and for fifteen years has been a
member of the school board ; the fact that he has continued on the
board for so long is proof that he has rendered acceptable service.
Indeed, the standing of the school has been distinctly improved
during the past few years, and this condition is largely due to the
suggestions that Mr. Lyle has made from time to time. In politics
he is a Republican, but he does not blindly vote for any candidate
offered by his party ; he considers most carefully the qualifications
of the man himself, and also his fitness to fill any certain office;
then Mr. Lyle places his vote with the man he believes will best
serve the people, regardless of party considerations. Mr. Lyle is
well-known and deservedly popular in this part of the country.

Joel Merritt Weldin. — One of the promoters of the grape cul-
ture industry in Porter township, this county, and with a consid-
erable acreage of his highly productive and valuable farm devoted
to it, Joel M. Weldin has made a very substantial and profitable
addition to the agricultural and commercial resources of the town-
ship, and thereby has been of considerable direct and continuous
service to its people. He has been engaged in the industry for the
greater part of twenty years, and made a study of it in a way that
has enabled him to be successful in the management of it and
make his contribution to its expansion, progress and improvement
one of considerable moment.

It is much to Mr. Weldin 's credit, too, that he is conducting his
enterprise in the place of his birth and on part of the soil from
which he drew his stature and his strength while he was growing
CO manhood. For he is a native of the tow^nship in which he now
lives, and his farm of sixty acres in section 10 of that township
comprises a portion of the one on which he was born and reared.
He never went out of sight of the smoke of his father's chimney
to find opportunities for advancement in life, but found them in his
thorough knowledge of the soil he helped to cultivate from boyhood,
and the possibilities of which it is capable.

Mr. Weldin 's life began in a log cabin on December 17, 1871,
and he is a son of George and JNIargery (Hayne) (Turner) Weldin,
a sketch of whose lives will be found elsewhere in this volume. He
was educated at the neighborhood district school, remaining at
home with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-one, and
working on the parental homestead under the judicious direction
and supervision of his father. At that age he bought twenty acres
of the homestead, and some time afterward added forty acres more
by a purchase made of another person. Mr. Weldin has been enter-
prising in improving his farm in the matter of good buildings,
having put on nearly all it contains, and he has also been con-
stant and industrious in his study and observation of the nature

1048 HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

of its soil in order to determine what he could make it produce to
the best advantage. Other men had become deeply interested in
grape culture before he had any land to farm, some of them very
successful and some only moderately so, or not at all. He learned
by watchfulness and experiment that his land was well adapted
to the growth of the vine, and he began early in his career as a
farmer to devote a suitable portion of it to this use. He has en-
larged his operations from year to year until he now has a large
and fruitful vineyard, the products of which are held in high
regard wherever they are known, and that is in many places in his
own state and others, near and far away. He plants with judg-
ment, cultivates with care and manages the whole business with vigor
and intelligence. The results are profitable to him and of value
to the community around him.

On February 2, 1899, he. was married to Miss Agnes Ward, a
daughter of Richard and Alice (Burnham) Ward, both now de-
ceased. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Mrs.
Weldin was the fifth born. Her living sisters and brothers are:
Rose, the wife of Frank Wares, of Kalamazoo ; Fred, a resident of
this county ; Kate, the wife of Sanf ord Horton, of Marcellus, Cass
county, Michigan; Bert, who lives in Benton Harbor, this state;
Nellie, the wife of Charles Keef e, of Kalamazoo ; and Cleo, the wife
of Stanley Cornish, of Porter township. The children who died
were Grant, Charles and Mabel, the first, sixth and ninth of the
family.

Mr. and Mrs. Weldin have one child, their daughter Margery
Alice, who was born on March 2, 1900, and is now an aspiring and
progressive school-girl. Mr. Weldin takes an active part in political
affairs as a loyal and zealous member of the Democratic party, but
not in any degree as an office-seeker. He believes the people will
be best governed and served by the domination of the principles of
that party, locally and generally, and for that reason he supports
it with earnestness in all campaigns. In fraternal societies he sees
much good, and he belongs to and takes a cordial interest in two of
them, the Masonic order and that of the Modern Woodmen of
America. He is an estimable and useful citizen, and is universally
respected as such. Mrs. Weldin is a member of the Methodist
Protestant church.

Frank A. Carpenter. — With many men there seems to be but
one line which they can follow, one vocation which fits their abil-
ities, one special occupation in which they can find success, and
until they have settled themselves in that special groove they make
little headway. To the man of versatile traits and abilities, how-
ever, any line of occupation which presents itself is acceptable, and
if he be persistent enough he will win success in whatever field he
finds himself. Frank A. Carpenter, of Decatur township, is not
only a man of versatile habits, but is a good example of the suc-
cessful self-made man of today. He was born in Stockbridge, Mad-
ison county. New York, December 5, 1846, and is a son of James and
Eliza Jane (Sweet) Carpenter.

James Carpenter, who was a farmer all of his life, came to

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1049

Michigan in the fall of I860, and settled at Lawrence, where he
built the long bridge across the Paw Paw river. In 1866 he moved
to iMinnesota, locating in Wabasha county, and he was there en-
gaged in farming until his death, on the 4th of February, 1902, his
widow surviving him only until August 13th of the same year.
They were the parents of seven children: Frank A.; Harold O.,
w^ho lives in South Dakota; Elmer J., also living in that state;
Ellen L., who is deceased ; Charles F., a resident of Montana ; Mary
J., the w^ife of Swan Anderson, of Minnesota; and George L., liv-
ing in Minnesota.

Frank A. Carpenter was married in 1865, and in July, 1866, he
v\^ent to Minnesota, where for two years he was engaged in follow-
ing the trade of carpenter, wdiich he had learned in his youth. On
his return to Michigan, he settled in Decatur, where he has fol-
lowed his trade and wdtli his sons carried on general farming,
specializing in mint growing. For a number of years he has made
his farming pay, and takes a pride in his home and surroundings.
He has teamed logs with the exception of three winters during
fifty-one years, and has probably drawn more loads than any other
one man now^ living in Van Buren county. He also sheared sheep
for forty-five seasons and several years operated a threshing ma-
chine, all of these in addition to working at his trade as a car-
penter. Many residences stand as monuments to his ability. Gen-
ial, pleasant, w^hole-souled, Mr. Carpenter has a host of w^arm,
personal friends, w^ho are gratified with the success he has made in
life. His eighty acre farm is situated in section 11, and for nearly
forty years he has been identified with matters agricultural in
Decatur township.

On November 26, 1865, Mr. Carpenter was married to Miss Susan
Smith, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Kitham) Smith, who
w^ere born in England and came to the United States in 1851, set-
tling in Lenaw^ee county. They had three children: Maria, who
died in infancy; Sarah A., also deceased, who married Roswell
Hicks, and w^hose son Arthur P., is an attorney in Detroit; and Su>
san. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have had eight children: William F.,
born October 16, 1868 ; Emma Belle, bom February 10, 1870, wife of
B. Barnham, of Van Buren county ; Orrie M., born September 26,
1871; Maud E., born March 31, 1873, wife of Arthur Howe, of
Decatur; Roswell H., born September 12, 1875; E. James, born
November 6, 1877 ; Altha V., born November 18, 1880, wdfe of H.
Elliott, of Van Buren county; and Nellie A., born November 25,
1883, wife of F. D. McAdams, of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Politically Mr. Carpenter is a Republican, but he has never
cared to hold office. His influence, however, is always given to
movements that he calculates will be of benefit to his community,
and he is a prominent member of the local Grange. Mrs. Car-
penter is a member of the Methodist church, and prominent in
church and charitable work.

Percy F. Harris. — Van Buren county is fortunate in that it has
among its skilled agriculturists many of the younger generation,
men who are just entering the prime of life, with the enthusiasm

1050 HISTORY OF VAN BURP]N COUNTY

and buoyancy of spirits which belong only to youth. These are
the men on whom the future of agricultural conditions in this
county rest, and it is undoubtedly true that the interests are in
good hands, for they will profit by the experiences of their fathers
and avoid those mistakes and obstacles with which the pioneers of
this section had to deal. One of the leading agriculturists of the
younger generation in Van Buren county is Percy F. Harris, who
is carrying on successful operations in Decatur township. i\Ir.
Harris is a native of Toronto, Canada, and w as born April 2, 1887,
the adopted son of John S. and Mary A. (Baldwin) Harris, the
former a native of Michigan and the latter of New York.

The Harris family was founded in Decatur township in 1892,
and here John S. Harris spent the last years of his life in agricul-
tural pursuits, his death occurring June 30, 1906. He was mar-
ried first to a Miss Lee, by whom he had three children: George,
who lives in the state of Washington; Bertram J., living in Ne-
braska ; and Mabel, the wife of Ezra Sw' if t, of Washington. He was
married secondly to Mrs. Mary A. (Baldwin) Jacques, the widow
of A. A. Jacques.

Percy F. Harris received a good education in the public and high
schools of Decatur, Michigan. He was given a good agricultural
training, and w^hen his father died, in 1906, he took charge of the
home farm, the management of which has been under his care ever
since. Although still a young man, IMr. Harris has been very suc-
cessful, and his property produces as fine crops as any of its size
in the township, wliile he has also had success in the raising of
blooded cattle. He is a stanch adherent of Republican principles,
although so far lie has been too busy with his agricultural opera-
tions to think of entering actively into politics. Socially he is con-
nected with the Gleaners, in which he is very popular. Mrs. Har-
ris still survives her husband and resides in Decatur. The family
is well known in Decatur township, and its members have many
warm, personal friends.

On November 24, 1909, Mr. Harris w^as married to Miss Clara
A. Scott, daughter of Asa A. and Hattie (Wickers) Scott, and this
family is also one of the prominent ones of this community. Mrs.
Harris' only sister, Weltha, is the wife of Allen Morehouse, a
resident of Three Oaks, Michigan.

James C. McLain. — Ever since its incorporation Van Buren
county has been noted for its phenomenal development as a farm-
ing and fruit growing country, but especially has this growth and
development been noted in the past few^ years, during which time
the residents of this section have taken up scientific treatment of
this naturally fertile and productive soil and brought Van Buren
up to the front rank of Michigan counties. James C. McLain, one
of the successful farmers and stock raisers of Porter township, who
IS engaged in operating one hundred acres of land in section 15,
has been closely identified with the development of Van Buren
county for many years. He was born in Pennsylvania, October 16,
1856, and is a son of John and Nancy (Christy) McLain, natives
of the Keystone state, where the father followed the blacksmith

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1051

trade all of his life and died in 1909, his wife passing away in
1898. They were the parents of nine children, as follows: Mary,
the wife of J. D. MeMath, residing in Pennsylvania; Sarah, the
widow of John Z. Ross, of that state ; a child who died in infancy ;
James C. ; Rachel, who is deceased ; Maggie, the wife of S. A. Mar-
tin, of Pennsylvania; Agnes, the wife of William C. Thompson,
of that state; an infant deceased; and John, who lives at the old
home in Pennsylvania.

James C. McLain remained with his parents until he was nine-
teen years of age, assisting his father in the blacksmith shop, but
this work not proving congenial he began farming, and continued
to work at that occupation for one year in his native state. He
then spent one year in the oil country, and at that time decided
that a better field for his abilities lay in the West, subsequently, in
March, 1878, coming to Michigan and locating in Porter township.
In 1884 he was married, and two years later came to take charge of
his father-in-law ^s farm, a tract of forty acres, and in addition to
operating this land he also rents sixty acres in the same township.
Farming and stockraising have claimed his attention and he has
been successful in both branches, being rated among the good,
practical agriculturists of his section. Although a very busy man,
Mr. McLain has found time to act as township treasurer for two
years, as township clerk for nine years and as school moderator
of his district. He is a Mason and a Modern Woodman, and he
and I\lrs. McLnin are consistent members of the jNlethodist Protest-
ant church.

On October 1, 1884, Mr. McLain was married to Miss Fanny
i\IcLain, daughter of William H. and Fanny (Clubine) McLain,
natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Michigan in 1846, settling
first in St. Joseph county, where Mr. McLain followed the trade of
shoemaker until the fall of 1854, when he came to Porter township,
Van Buren county, and purchased a tract of land, which he im-
proved and operated until his death, in October, 1907, his wife
having passed away the July previous. They had lived together
during sixty-seven years of happy married life. They had a fam-
ily of ten children, as follows : John C. of South Dakota, formerly
treasurer of Van Buren county; Philip F., residing in Oregon;
Hamilton H., a resident of South Dakota; George W., deceased;
Mary, the wife of C. L. Balch, of Lawton; Isabella; David M., de-
ceased; James W., deceased; Fanny, who married Mr. McLain; and
Charles, who lives in Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. James C. McLain
have had one son, Glenn G., born May 26, 1886, who now is engaged
in business with his father.

'William S. Chari^s. — Ireland has furnished the United States
with many of its representative men, and they are to be found in
every rank and walk of life. The sons of Erin possess those quali-
ties which make for success and bring them into favorable notice,
so that they are welcomed in any community. A notable example
of the self-made man of Irish birth is found in the person of Will-
iam S. Charles, of Bangor, now living retired after many years
spent in agricultural pursuits, and a veteran of the Civil war

1052 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

whose record is one that is a credit to himself and his countrymen.
Mr. Charles was born in the north of Ireland, June 28, 1839, a son
of John and Jane (Kinnen) Charles, originally of Scotland.

The Charles family came to the United States in 1850, locating
first in Allegany county, New York. John Charles had been the
owner of flax and grist mills and quarries in Ireland, but on locat-
ing in this country he took up farming in New York state, where
he died at the age of seventy-six years, his wife passing away when
she was seventy-two. They had a family of thirteen children, as
follows : One who died in infancy ; Esther, who is deceased ; David,
residing in Bangor; John, P]liza and Thomas, who are deceased;
William S. ; Mary, Anna and Margaret, the latter of whom is de-
ceased; Robert, who enlisted in the Civil war at the age of four-
teen years, served three years in the Union army, and died in Van
Buren county; Andrew, who is now residing in Nebraska; and
Richard, who is deceased.

William S. Charles left home at the age of sixteen years and
came to Michigan, settling in Van Buren county, where for some-
thing over four years he worked at lumbering and as a farm hand.
In 1860 he purchased forty acres of land in Bangor township, and
he was engaged in clearing this property for cultivation when, in
the fall of 1861, President Lincoln issued a call for additional vol-
unteers to suppress the growing rebellion in the Southern states.
Mr. Charles was among the first to respond, enlisting from Van
Buren county and going to Grand Rapids, where on October 14,
1861, he was assigned as private to the Second Michigan (or Ross)
Battery, which was afterward changed to Battery B, First Michi-
gan liight Artillery. The new recruits were transported to the
scene of conflict in a very short time, drills were instituted and
organization perfected, and in January, 1862, Mr. Charles was
promoted to the rank of corporal at Benton Barracks, St. Louis,
Missouri, having command of a detachment of men and duties as
a soldier. His first engagements were at Pittsburg Landing and
Shiloh, on April 6 and 7, 1862, and in the latter struggle he worked
a twelve-pound Howitzer almost entirely alone. When it vvould
recoil he would pick up the trail by the lunett and run it ahead
alone, continuing this action until the ammunition beloitgiiig io
two guns was all gone. He pulled the lanyard that fired the i^ist
shot that was fired out of the battery before it was taken, and
when the ammunition was all spent he was too exhausted to join
the straggling retreat of the Union soldiers. After limbering up
his piece he sat down to recover his breath and sufficient energy to
carry him to safety when he did make the start to rejoin his com-
mand; otherwise he would doubtless have fallen by the wayside
and have become a Confederate prisoner. It was at the close of
this engagement that General Sidney E. Johnson, of the Confed-
erate forces, was killed.

Shortly after the battle of Shiloh Mr. Charles was transferred
to Battery D, First Missouri Light Artillery, in which organiza-
tion as corporal he had charge of a line of caissons in the siege of
Corinth, Mississippi, which lasted from May 10 to May 31, 1862.
On the 31st of July of that year he Avas promoted to the rank of

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1053

duty sergeant and early in August he was detached to recruiting
service. This work being completed by the latter part of Novem-
ber, he returned south and rejoined Battery B, First Michigan
Light Artillery, at Columbus, Kentucky. He there learned that
the substitute who had taken his place while he was engaged in re-
cruiting service had been killed by being struck by a cannon ball.
At Columbus Mr. Charles had charge of a small fort and magazine,
twenty men and eight siege guns for three days, as the Confed-
erates were expected to attack at any time. When the battery got
its guns at Corinth, in January, 1863, Mr. Charles was placed in
charge of a gun and detachment of men. On April 10, 1864, he
was promoted to the rank of first sergeant, at Pulaski, Tennessee,
and while serving in that capacity took part in many engagements
and skirmishes, among which may be mentioned those of Resaca,
Georgia, on May 9, 1864; Lays Ferry, Georgia, May 14, 1864; Cal-
houn Ferry, Georgia, May 15, 1864; and Rome Cross Roads, May
16, 1864. While engaged in a skirmish at the latter place a com-
rade, Lieutenant Wright, while engaged in adjusting the sight of
his gun, was struck in the shoulder by a minie bullet, disabling
him so that Mr. Charles had to take command of his section. Aris-
ing to the emergency of the occasion, he limbered up the ten-pound
Parrott gun alone, picked up the trail and drew it down a hill about
six rods, and its own momentum was such that it would have
crushed him had he not been lucky enough to have struck the lunett
on the pintle hook, as the barrel of this gun weighed one thousand
one hundred and sixty pounds, to say nothing of its setting. This
incident of a lone soldier limbering up a ten-pound Parrott gun
by himself is mentioned in Grant's History of the Civil War, al-
though the name of the soldier is not there given. As it was, Mr.
Charles saved the gun from falling in the hands of the enemy.

After the engagement at Rome Cross Roads came the battles at
Cove Springs, Georgia, October 13, 1864, and Turkey Ridge, Ala-
bama, October 26, 1864. After the latter engagement Mr. Charles
was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, the language of
the commission reading : ' ' Knew ye that reposing special trust and
confidence in the patriotism, valor, ability and fidelity of William

5. Charles, in the name of and by the authority of the people of
the State of Michigan, I do hereby appoint him Second Lieutenant,
Battery B, First Regiment Michigan Light Artillery Volunteers, to
rank as such from the 28th day of October, 1864. (Signed) Henry
H. Crapo, Governor." After his appointment to the rank of
second lieutenant Mr. Charles participated in the engagements
at Griswold, Georgia, November 22, 1864; Ogechee river, Georgia,
December 18, 1864; and Savannah, Georgia, December 11 to
20, 1864. At Kelly's Creek, South Carolina, while in charge
of a foraging expedition, his company drove Wheeler's Cavalry,
killing and wounding a number of them. No report of it was made,
as there was no organization there. Other engagements followed
this, notably that of Salkehatchie River, South Carolina, February

6, 1865; Columbia, South Carolina, February 15, 1865; Cox Bridge,
North Carolina, March 20, 1865 ; and Bentonville, North Carolina,
March 21 and 22, 1865. In all these engagements Mr. Charles par-

1054 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUx\TY

ticipated, at all times having charge of a line of caissons if noth-
ing more important was required, and between engagements he
was out with his forage party much of the time. Five miles north
of Sharon, South Carolina, he, in company with four men, went in
pursuit of some Confederates they knew to be in hiding in the
neighborhood. At Grant 's Mills they came to a place where a boat
had rubbed on the shore and some trees, and leaving one man in
charge of their horses they strapped revolvers around their necks
and struck boldly into the water, which was more than waist
deep. They followed the trail of the boat rubbing on the trees for
about three-quarters of a mile, when they came to a small house
built on some stumps, with the cane brakes thick all around, and
there they captured nine Rebel prisoners. On the afternoon of
the same day Mr. Charles personally took five prisoners one and
one-half miles from the pond. He turned them over to division
headquarters. General Davis commanding. Mr. Charles was mus-
tered out of the service at Detroit, Michigan, June 14, 1865, at the
close of the war.

On his return from the army he again took up the occupation
of an agriculturist, settling on the land which he had purchased
before going to the war, and to this he added from time to time,
being wonderfully successful and accumulating six hundred acres
in Bangor township and one hundred and twenty acres in Waverly
township. He continued to do general farming, stock-raising and
peppermint growing until his retirement from active life in 1879.

On October 9, 1865, Mr. Charles was married to Miss Mary Jane
Cramer, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Sterling) Cramer, na-
tives of New York, and she died, leaving four children : Frank Lee,
living in Bangor township ; Carrie Belle, who married Charles I.
Barker, a well-known Chicago attorney ; and Frederick Grant and
Fred Lee, both deceased. Mr. Charles is independent in politics,
and has served Bangor township as treasurer. He is a popular
comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic, a consistent member
of the Episcopal church, and a prominent Mason, having attained
to all of the degrees except the thirty-third.

Just as he proved himself a brave and faithful soldier during
the dark days of the Civil war, so has Mr. Charles fulfilled his
duties as a citizen in times of peace, and he has ever been known
as a progressive and public-spirited citizen, and one who was al-
ways ready to assist in forwarding measures for the benefit of his
community. He has an enviable reputation as an agriculturist,
taking the premium for apples at the Centennial in 1876, and rais-
ing the first full car of onions that was shipped out of the states
of Michigan, .Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin, this car going to Chi-
cago. During the year 1881 he raised ten thousand bushels of
onions on ten acres of land.

John IMarshall, a citizen of Porter township who has always
been closely identified with movements calculated to be of benefit
to his community, is one of the leading farmers and stock raisers
of Porter township, where he has resided all of his life, and the
owner of an excellent tract of two hundred acres of well culti-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1055

vated land. Having been eminently successful in his own under-
takings, Mr. Marshall has been called upon at various times to fill
positions of importance in his township, and he is justly regarded
as a prominent factor in the public life of his section. John Mar-
shall was born in Porter township, Van Buren county, July 24,
1854, and is a son of John and Grace (Ilayne) IMarshall, natives
of County Cornwall, England.

The parents of Mr. Marshall came to the United States in 1851,
and first located in Onondaga county, New York, from whence
in 1853 they moved to ]\Iichigan and settled on a forty-acre tract
of land in Porter township, where John JMarshall died in December
of the same year, his son having not yet been born. The widow
remained on the Porter township property, securing the deed to
the land at Lansing and having it made out to her son. Another
child, a daughter, had died in infancy and was buried in New-
York. Mrs. Marshall took for her second husband John Barker,
who is also now deceased, and they had a family of five children, as
follows: George H., who is deceased; Ella J., living in Porter town-
ship ; Mary E., the wife of George T. Hathaway, of Porter township ;
Irwin M., living in Porter township ; and Joseph H., who is de-
ceased. Mrs. Barker died in 1906.

John ]\Iarshall grew up on the farm in Porter township, receiv-
ing his education in the district schools, and later attending the
Lawton High School for a short period. When he was eighteen
years of age his stepfather furnished him with a team with which to
work his forty-acre farm and forty acres more which he had pur-
chased, and when his stepfather died he took charge of the two
farms with his half-brothers. ]\lr. Marshall has always been a hard-
working, industrious agriculturist, and from time to time he has
added to his property until he is now the owner of two hundred
acres, all under a high state of cultivation, where he is carrying on
general farming and stock raising. Long years of experience have
given him an intimate knowledge of soil conditions in this section,
and he has so operated his land as to get the very best of results.
He is a Republican in his political views, and in 1885 was elected
to the office of township clerk for four years. On the expiration
of this term of office he was elected supervisor, and in 1898 was
candidate for the office of county treasurer, being elected to serve
in that capacity for two terms. His majorities at the various
elections proved his popularity and the confidence and esteem in
which he is held by his fellow citizens. While serving in the
office of county treasurer he was electel president of the Van
Buren Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which has grown
rapidly under his management and has ably held its own with
the old line companies in the field. His fraternal connections are
with the Masons and the Modern Woodmen, and in his religious
views he is a consistent IMethodist.

On April 18, 1883, iMr. Marshall was married to Miss Idale Van
Antwerp, daughter of Freeman and Harriet (Cook) Van Antwerp,
pioneers of Van Buren county, whose other two children w^ere:
Daniel C, a resident of Lawton ; and Anna, who is deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Marshall have been the parents of five children, as

1056 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

follows: Grace H., who is a teacher in the Paw Paw High School;
and Anna M., Eva L., J. Freeman, who died December 9, 1911,
aged twenty years; and Mary E.

George Burlington. — Orphaned at the age of four years by
the death of his mother, and from that time left largely to the
care of his father, who had plenty of work on his large farm to
occupy the greater part of his time and attention, leaving com-
paratively little for the supervision and rearing of his offspring,
George Burlington grew to the age of eighteen very much as cir-
cumstances dictated, and his subsequent success in life, hisMraight-
forward manhood, his sterling citizenship, and all the other qual-
ities which distinguish him and have won him the universal esteem
of the whole county in which he lives are rather the results of in-
herent uprightness and force of character than of inculcation. He
demonstrated that he had the mettle of a true and self-reliant man
even in his youth, for he began the battle of life for himself be-
fore * ' manhood darkened on his downy cheek. ' '

]\Ir. Burlington is a native of Van Buren county, having been
born in Porter township on a farm of which the one he now cul-
tivates was a part. His life began on March 9, 1881, and he is
the ninth and last child of James W. and Mary E. (Rich) Bur-
lington, the former a native of Somersetshire, England, and the
latter of the state of New York. The father came to the United
States when he was twelve years old and found a new home in
Onondaga county, New York, where he grew to manhood on a
farm near the city of Syracuse. In 1861 he enlisted in the One
Hundred and Twenty-second New York Volunteer Infantry, and
was mustered into the service a short time afterward, but did
not reach or come near the scene of actual hostilities until late in
August, 1862. From that time until he received a serious wound
in the battle of Cold Harbor, which raged during June 1, 2 and
3, 1864, he was in the very thick of the fight. He had conducted
himself with such gallantry that he was promoted corporal sergeant
of his company on May 5, 1864. He took part in the battles
of South Mountain and Antietam, Maryland, September 14 and
17, 1862; Williamsport in the same state, September 19 and 20,
same year; Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 13, 1862; Marye's
Heights, Salem Heights, Deep Run and Banks' Ford, Virginia, in
May and June, 1863, the fighting in this series of engagements be-
ing almost continuous until the last one ended on June 13, and
and after that the regiment had two or three weeks' rest. It was
resting for a gathering storm, however, and not from one that
M^as retiring. General Lee crossed the Potomac and invaded Penn-
sylvania, and Mr. Burlington's regiment was in the force that was
assembled to drive him back. It confronted him on the bloody field
of Gettysburg on July 1, 2 and 3, 1863, and helped to harass him
on his memorable retreat, engaging him in stubborn battles at
Funkstown, Maryland, on July 12 and 13, 1863. It was also in
the contest at Rappahannock Station, Virginia, on November 7,
1863, and the one at Mine Run, Virginia, which lasted, with in-
termittent fighting from November 26 to December 12 of that

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1057

year. The spring and early summer of 1864 brought some of the
hardest fighting of the war, and he was in the very midst of it.
His regiment fought in the terrible battle of the Wilderness, May
5, 6 and 7; the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, June 9-12;
and the battle of Cold Harbor, June 1, 2 and 8, of that year. At
the deluge of death last named ]\Ir. Burlington received a gun-
shot wound in his left foot that disabled him for further service.
It was a severe and dangerous wound, and his system was also
run down also from the effects of a sun stroke received while
he was on dress parade at Goose Creek, Virginia, on August, 1863.
He was taken to Emory Hospital in Washington for treatment,
and was finally discharged from that institution on March 18, 1865.

After his discharge he returned to Syracuse, New York, and
soon afterward was married. In 1867 he came to Michigan and
Van Buren county, and took up his residence at Lawton in Porter
tow^nship. Here he was variously employed for a year or two,
then rented eighty acres of land, which he farmed three or four
years. Having been successful in his operations, he then bought
forty acres, to which he added forty by one subsequent purchase
and forty more by another, all in • section 16, Porter township.
Some time later he bought an additional tract of eighty acres, and
he owned all of this land at the time of his death, which occurred
in September, 1902. His wife died in 1885. They were the par-
ents of nine children, of whom their son George was, as has been
noted, the last born. The others, who are all living, are : Prances,
the wife of Irwin M. Barker; James C. ; Grace T., the wife of C.
H. iMohney; Guy T. ; Nellie, the wife of Claud Miller, of Cass
county; Floyd and Roy, who also live in Cass county; and James
W., whose home is at Decatur. The four first named are residents
of Porter township. Van Buren county.

George Burlington was but eighteen years old when he went to
Allegan county and opened a butcher shop. This he conducted
six years, then sold it and located on forty acres of land which
he owned in that county. He farmed this land for two years,
then traded it for a house and lot in Wayland, Allegan county.
But he did not remain ther<3. He returned to his father's farm,
of which he now cultivates sixty acres. On this he does general
farming and raises live stock as extensively as his facilities allow,
and with gratifying success in both departments of his enterprise.

Mr. Burlington was married on December 15, 1903, to Miss
Hattie M. McLoud, a daughter of Henry W. and Nina (Talladay)
McLoud, natives of Michigan. Their offspring numbers two, Mrs.
Burlington and her sister Edith, who is the widow of the late
Claud Sias, of Kalamazoo. Mr. and Mrs. Burlington also have
two children : Their son James W., who was born on November 20,
1904, and their daughter Frances E., whose birth occurred on
October 3, 1910.

Mr. Burlington is a Republican politically, a Freemason and
a Woodman fraternally and a Methodist in church connection. He
is one of the progressive and enterprising men of his township,
both in his own affairs and in reference to the development and
improvement of the locality in which he lives. He is always to be

1058 IILSTORY OF VAN BURExN COUNTY

counted on for his assistance in all worthy undertaking's designed
to advance the interests of the township and county and promote
the welfare of their people. He is well known througliout tlu'
county and everywhere he is well esteemed as a man and citizen.
The people admire him for his integrity in business, his example
in public spirit, his devotion to the interests of his section and
liis uprightness in private life.

Wesley N. Longcor. — Starting out in life, in the effort to work
liimself up in the w^orld, as a soldier in the defense of the Union
near the close of the Civil w^ar, and thus laying on the altar of
his country as a votive gift of patriotism all the energies of his
late youth and dawning manhood, Wesley N. Longcor, of Porter
township, A^an Buren county, ]\Iichigan, began his career in a
way that was highly creditable to him and gave assurance of the
true mettle of his spirit; and since the close of the great confiici,
of which he saw only the expiring agonies, devoting himself to
earnest work in the still greater field of productiveness in peace-
ful pursuits, with profit to himself and benefit to the community
around him, he has amply redeemed that promise and kept up
the standard of his own usefulness and the sterling worth of the
citizenship amid which he was reared.

Mr. Longcor has passed the whole of his life to the present time
(1911), except the term of his military service, among the scenes
and associations which now surround him. He was bom in Porter
township, this county, on September 12, 1844, and here he grew
to manhood and obtained his education. Here also he acquired
a knowledge of the trade at which he worked for a time and of tlie
duties in which he is now engaged. He is a son of Dean and
Caroline (Finch) Longcor, natives of the state of New York, who
came to Michigan in 1843 and took up their residence in Porter-
township.

For some time after his arrival in this county the father work(Hl
at his trade as a carpenter, then yielded to the presiding genius
of the region and turned farmer. He bought one hundred and
twenty acres of land, all of which he cultivated for a few years,
then sold forty, retaining eighty for his own use, and on this he
passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1880. The mother lived
twenty years longer, passing away in 1900. Five children were
bom of their union, Wesley being the third in the order of
birth, and three of them are now living, Wesley and his brothers
James and Alonzo. Their two sisters, Sarah and Mary, have been
dead several years. James resides in Portage township, Kalamazoo
county, and Alonzo in Fremont, Newago county, this state.

Wesley N. Longcor attended the district school near his home
during boyhood and early youth, and assisted his father at the
carpenter's trade and on the farm as soon as he was old enough.
By this means he gained a knowledge of the trade, and after
leaving school worked at it about one year. In February, 1865,
he enlisted in Company H, Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry,
under Captain Joseph I. Follett. The war was drawing to a close,
and he did not see much active service, although he remained in

HISTORY OF VAN J3UREN COlJxNTY 1059

the army about thirteen months, being discharged at Camden,
Arkansas, in March, 1866, and mustered out at Jackson, Michigan.

He at once returned to his Van Buren county home and gave
his attention to farming. In 1875 he bought eighty acres of land
m Porter township, but soon afterward sold this tract and purchased
the parental homestead, which was then a tract of eighty acres.
On this farm he has dwelt ever since, and here he has experienced
many of the blessings and some of the deepest sorrows of his
life. From this farm he buried his father and mother, and on this
farm he has won success and substance in a worldly way and con-
sequence and esteem among the people as a citizen. He is engaged
in general farming, and manages his operations with such judg-
ment and skill that he has an excellent reputation as a farmer,
and his place and its productiveness prove that he deserves his
standing as such.

On September 17, 1870, Mr. Longcor married with Miss Eliza-
beth Castner, a daughter of George R. and Julia (Baker) Castner,
natives of New York state, who came to Michigan in 1863, and
here reared to maturity five of their eight children, four of whom
are now living: James, who dwells in Porter township, this
county: George R., Jr., who is a resident of Hood River, Oregon;
Mrs. Longcor, the sixth in the order of birth ; and Wesley, also a
lesident of Porter township. The other children of the household
were John, who gave his life in defense of the Union and died
amid the horrors of the Confederate military prison at Anderson-
ville; and Sophia, Amanda and Julia. Mr. and Mrs. Longcor have
had four children: Cora, who is the wife of Fred B. King of
Albion, Michigan; Herman, who died in childhood; Fermer, who
is the wife of W. J. Alley, of Clare county, Michigan; and Caro-
line, the wife of Gaines M. Finch, who is living at home with her
parents. The father is w^armly attached to the Republican party
in political affairs and gives it his ardent support in all its cam-
paigns. He has commended himself to its leaders and its rank
and file by his zeal and loyalty and the value of his services, and
to the people generally by his ability and progressiveness, and he
has been called to administrative duties as township treasurer for
a term of two years and as school director for many more. Fra-
ternally he is allied with the Grand Army of the Republic. His
interest in that organization is cordial, and his hand is ever open
for its service.

George Turner. — Owning and cultivating the farm in Porter
township, this county, on which he was born on January 24, 1859,
and on which he became an orphan at the age of six months by
the death of his father; having lived in the neighborhood of that
farm all his life to this time (1911), and on it since 1880, and
having also prospered and grown strong in wordly wealth and
the regard and good will of the people around him by his opera-
tion of it and his fidelity to the interests of the locality, George
Turner ^s course in life has been like that of the skylark, which
aspires to "soar but never roam, true to the kindred points of
Heaven and home.''

1060 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Mr. Turner is the son and only child of John and Margery
(Hayne) Turner, natives of Cornwall, England, who came to
the United States and Michigan in 1857, and lived in Detroit nearly
two years, then moved to Van Buren county, where the father
bought eighty acres of land in Porter township. He died in
July, 1859, and the mother some time afterward married again,
uniting herself with George Weldin, of Lawton, in these nuptials.
A sketch of John Merritt Weldin, her son by her second marriage,
will be found in this volume. Her life ended in 1885.

George Turner remained with his mother until he reached the
age of twenty-one, when he inherited his father's farm and at
once took charge of it. He soon afterward doubled its size by
purchasing an additional eighty acres, and he has ever since been
industriously and profitably engaged in the skillful and progressive
cultivation of the whole tract. Like many other studious and
wide-awake farmers in the township, Mr. Turner has learned that
his land is well adapted to grape-growing, and he has devoted a
large portion of his farm to the culture of the vine, and by his in-
telligent attention to the business he has built up a fine vineyard
in which he produces grapes of superior quality in large quantities
for extensive shipment to many parts of the country.

Mr. Turner was married on January 22, 1880, to Miss Ida Max-
w^ell, a daughter of John and Belle (Morehead) Maxwell and the
fifth born of their seven children. They were natives and life-
long residents of New York state. Mrs. Turner has two brothers
and one sister living: Thomas, who is a resident of Antwerp
township, this county; Ira, w^hose home is in Jackson, Michigan;
and Belle, the wife of Henry Joslyn, of Genesee county. New
York. The deceased children of the family were: William, Mary
and Maggie. Seven children have been born also in the Turner
household: John and Lewis, who are residents of the same town-
ship as their father; and Homer, Margery, George, Jr., Oscar
and Dea H., all of whom are still living at home with their par-
ents. The father is a Republican in his political allegiance and
has been active in the service of his party from the dawn of his
manhood. The people have found him well fitted by intelligence
and character for important public trusts, and have elected him
successively justice of the peace, highway commissioner and school
treasurer and director.

Mr. Turner's ideal of citizenship is a lofty one and it has led
him to faithful service in every position he has held, and to great
enterprise in behalf of the development and improvement of his
township and county. He is always counted on for effective aid
in behalf of any undertaking for the good of his community and
its people, and is never found shirking any of his share of the work
and responsibility involved. In reference to such matters his
counsel is a» wise as his action is vigorous and helpful. He is re-
garded throughout the county as one of the best citizens it has.

Julius M. Kern. — Born and reared in this county, and in Porter
township, where he now lives ; educated in the schools of the town-
ship, and during nearly the whole of his youth and manhood eon-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1061

nected with its industrial activities in an energetic and helpful
way ; taking his place and doing his part in helping to conduct the
public affairs of the locality, and through every avenue open
to him manifesting his deep and abiding interest in the welfare
of its people, Julius M. Kern has been closely connected with
the history of his home region all his life to this time, and has shown
himself to be one of its genuine products and true representatives.

Mr. Kern's life began on June 10, 1858, on the farm which he
now occupies and cultivates with so much success, and he is a son
of Manassa and Caroline (Harlan) Kern, the former a native of
Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Germany. The
father came to Michigan about 1836, and resided several years in
Detroit. While a resident there he bought one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Porter township, and in 1846 came to the town-
ship and settled on his land. By subsequent purchases he added
to this until he became the owner of three hundred and twenty
acres. His death occurred in 1892, after which the mother pur-
chased 40 acres more. She died on June 21, 1909. Their offspring
numbered six, of whom the second and fifth died in infancy, and
the other four are living. They are : Frances, the widow of John
W. Alexander, of Sterling, Illinois; ]\Iary, who is living with lier
brother Julius on the home farm ; Clara, the widow of Alfred Bay-
liss, for a long time one of tlie professors in the University of
Illinois, and the late president of the Normal School at Macomb
in that state, who was killed by having liis horse fall on him on
the 26th of August, 1911; and Julius M., the last born of the
family and the subject of this memoir.

The last named obtained a common school education, and some
little time after leaving school engaged in the furniture business
for three years at Marcellus in this county. But mercantile life
of that kind was not to his taste, and after making the experiment
in it noted above he gave up the enterprise and returned to th(^
farm. His mother was still living, but he took charge of the farm,
and he has ever since carried on its cultivation and the live stock
business which he conducts in connection with his farming. He
operates in both on a large scale, and, as he is studious and care-
ful with reference to every detail in each, he has been very success-
ful in both. His land has been made highly productive and is cul-
tivated in a way to make it yield the largest possible returns for
the attention and labor bestowed upon it, and the live stock in-
dustry is a leader in its line in the township, where there are many
men engaged in the business.

Mr. Kern has been married twice, and his two wives were sisters.
The first was Miss Margia Young, with whom he was united on the
24th of December, 1877, and who died on June 6, 1881. She was
a daughter of James and Mary (Hooper) Young, the father a
native of Ohio and the mother of England, and the first born of
their nine children. The others are : IMary, who has been dead
some years; Fannie, the wife of James IMclManigal, of Marcellus,
this county; Sarah, the present wife of Mr. Kern; William, who
resides in the state of Washington ; Lizzie, who is the wife of Ed-
ward Carpenter, of Schoolcraft, ]\lichioan ; Ellsworth. Avhose home

Vol. n— 2 8

1062 HISTORY OF VAN BIJREN COUNTY

is at Marcellus; Clarence, who lives in Lawton ; and Edith, who
is the wife of John Horton and has her home in Porter township,
this county. By his first marriage Mr. Kern became the father of
one child, his daughter Iva, who is now the wife of Rush Fellows,
of Schoolcraft, JMichigan. The second marriage of Mr. Kern, which
was with Miss Sarah Young, a sister of his first wife, as has been
stated, occurred on the 5th of October, 1884, and of this union the
following children have been born: Lena, who married Ray Hur-
ley and now lives in La Porte, Indiana ; Cleta, the wife of Arthur
Gillette, of Kalamazoo county in this state; Harlan, who married
Madge Kellogg; iMildred and Clifford J., who are still living at
home with their parents; and Clayton J., who died at the age of
eleven months.

Mr. Kern is active in his citizenship and performs all its duties
with intelligence and close attention to results. His political faith
and allegiance are given to the Republican party, and he is one of
the earnest workers for its success in his township. He has for
some years been doing good work for the people as a justice of
the peace, and his services in this capacity are highly appreciated.
Fraternally he belongs to the Order of Gleaners, and is one of its
energetic and forceful members in his locality. Throughout the
county he is highly esteemed for his worth as a man, his useful-
ness as a citizen and all the elements of high character, business
(^npacity and genial nature which he embodies.

A. Hamilton & Sons. — The firm A. Hamilton & Sons is widely
known, and it is the proud privilege of Horace and William Ham-
ilton not only to carry on the business w^hich their father's en-
terprise created and made to flourish, but to have received from
him a heritage beyond price in the memory of his spotless and
kindly life and the influence of his nobility of character.

Alexander Hamilton was the second son of James anci Rebecca
(Lawrence) Hamilton, both of whom belonged to prominent fam-
ilies in Ireland and England, respectively, the former to the Scotch-
Irish branch of the Hamilton family, of whom the Duke of Aber-
corn is the head as far as titles and dignities are concerned, while
the latter w^as the youngest daughter of Captain Richard Law-
rence, related to the Lawrence-Townley-Widdrington families of
England. Mr. Hamilton's grandfather above named was a United
Empire Loyalist, which gave to him the same standing in Canada
and England that our Revolutionary sires have in this country;
and the sons and daughters of the U. E. L. are as proud of their
lineage as are the S. A. R. and D. A. R. of America.

James Hamilton, the father of Alexander, was born in county
Tyrone, near Strabane, Ireland, and came to Canada in 1828.
Shortly after immigrating he was married to Rebecca Lawrence.
In Ireland he had been engaged in linen weaving, but imme-
diately on coming to Canada took up farming and later went into
the real estate business. He was successful in both these ventures,
and might have become a w^ealthy man if he had not placed too
much confidence in his friends and WTecked his own fortunes by
going security for others. At his death there was nothing left

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1063

for his wife and family of seven children, all of whom were under
age.

It was in this crisis that Alexander Hamilton's sterling char-
acter made itself evident. Though but eighteen years old, he as-
sumed the care of the family and until the day of his death none
of them ever went to him in vain for assistance of any sort. His
devotion to his mother was particularly beautiful, and even when
the others were able to contribute to her comfort he never yielded
his privilege of being the first to bear burdens in her behalf ; and
this even when hard times often made it difficult to provide for
his own family as he wished.

Mr. Hamilton was twenty-seven when he first came to Mich-
igan in the spring of 1864, as he w^as born October 3, 1836, in Halton
county, Ontario. Within a week of their arrival he and a friend
(Lewis Williams) prepared to plant an orchard and nursery on
a twenty-acre plot of ground w^here the city of Benton Harbor
now stands; but the price of land rose with remarkable rapidity,
going from eighty to two hundred and fiftv dollars per acre in
a few months, so Mr. Hamilton decided to sell here and look else-
where for a home and a suitable place for his proposed industry.

In December, 1865, he w^ent to Missouri, but not liking that coun-
try soon returned to Michigan and in the spring of 1866 commenced
in a small way the nursery and fruit growing business in western
Allegan county. The demand for trees by local planters rapidly
increased, and in order to supply his growing trade Mr. Hamilton
established branch nurseries at Hart, Grand Rapids, Schoolcraft
and Kent City. In 1896, to be near a good shipping point, he
moved to Van Buren county and settled just outside the corpora-
tion of Bangor. Here he developed the extensive business which
was operated at the time of his death under the firm name of A.
Hamilton & Sons. During the period of his business career Mr.
Hamilton w^as instrumental in helping to organize the Saugatuck
and Ganges Pomological Society and was also for years an active
worker in the West Michigan Horticultural Society. He had early
realized the possibilities of the fruit industry in his section of the
state, and devoted himself to the development of the country, not
merely to promote his own profit, but with the broad-minded in-
tention of improving general conditions.

It was in 1866 that Mr. Hamilton made the acquaintance of the
young lady who on May 26, 1868, became his wife. This was
Miss Sophia C. Ensign, the daughter of a prosperous farmer liv-
ing near Bryan, Ohio, and at whose home the wedding was cele-
brated. The children of their union were Blanche A., Cecelia M.,
Alice R., Horace E. and William L., all of whom are living ex-
cept Cecelia, who died in infancy.

It was Mr. Hamilton's privilege to successfully w^ork out the
plan of his life, but the competence he acquired for himself resulted
in material prosperity for many others. It is a question, however,
if even the impetus he gave to the valuable industry of fruit grow-
ing in this region can compare with the good he did by merely
being what he was; a man with absolute integrity of soul, in-
domitable will, high courage and great patience, tempered by ten-

1064 HISTORY OF VAN BUEEN COUNTY

derness and humor; a man who exemplified the Golden Rule and
made his life one long "confession of faith/'

Since Mr. Hamilton's death, which occurred October 11, 1910,
the business of the nurseries has been carried on by his two sons,
under the same firm name, Mrs. Hamilton now owning her hus-
band's share. They cultivate two hundred and twenty-five acres
of land on which are located, besides the nursery stock, extensive
orchards and two substantial country homes, Mrs. Hamilton own-
ing one and her sons the other, which is occupied by William L.
and his family, consisting of a wife and one child, William K.

Horace E., the older son, more commonly known as Harry, has
never married, and with his mother lives on the "old farm," his
sister, Mrs. Blanche A. Robinson (widow of Albert Gl. Robinson),
making her home with them, while the other sister, Mrs. M. J.
Hunziker resides in Kent City, ^Michigan. Harry is a great worker
in Grange circles, and also belongs to the Odd Fellows and other
fraternal and social organizations. His inclination for work has
always been along the same line as his father's, and, in fact, those
who know best say the resemblance in character does not by any
means end here. He was born in Saugatuck, Allegan county, Mich-
igan, November 21, 1876, and acquired his education in the dis-
trict school, supplemented later with study at the Ferris Institute,
Big Rapids, the M. A. C. at Lansing and the Northern Indiana
College at Valparaiso. When about twenty-four, arrangements
were made whereby he became a business partner of his father's,
and to him belongs a fair share of credit for the progress made
by this company, as with advancing years and failing health Mr.
Hamilton, Sr., relied more and more on the help of his son, espe-
cially when it came to the growing and marketing of the nursery
stock.

William L., the other member of the company, who was born
in Ganges, Allegan county, Michigan, July 20, 1879, originally
planned to follow (and has to a certain extent) another line of
business, his ambition favoring a mechanical course in college.
After graduating from the Bangor High School he continued study
at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and later taught
Manual Training for three years in the Chicago University, and
one year in the Illinois State Normal School at De Kalb. About
this time, however, the company, which was then A. Hamilton & Son,
decided to offer William L. an interest in their growing business,
which was accepted. More land was bought, more attention given
to fruit raising (especially the apple) and the firm name again
changed to include the new partner. William L. brought a great
deal of enthusiasm into the orcharding proposition, and has
patented several inventions, some with direct bearing on this por-
tion of their business, and it looks as if both he and his brother
were in every way fitted to carry on the work with credit and
honor to the name of him who first planned and developed the
interests of ''The Peach Belt Nurseries" of A. Hamilton and Sons.

Bert Gleason. — Actively engaged in general farming in Paw
Paw township. Van Buren county, during the last seventeen years,

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1065

and in fruit growing for a considerable portion of the time, Bert
Gleason is one of the men who have given life, volume and a quick-
ening spirit of progress to the agricultural industry of this por-
tion of the state, and added a new phase of value to it in his spe-
cialty of fruit production, which he conducts on an extensive scale
and with very gratifying results, both in the quality of his products
and the profits he derives from them.

Mr. Gleason is a son of William and Frances (Prater) Gleason,
a sketch of whose lives will be found in this work, and was born
in the township of his present residence on September 27, 1871.
He obtained a district school education, and as soon as he left
school began to devote himself to farming on the parental home-
stead under the direction of his father, with whom he had been
working in the same line from boyhood. When he reached the
age of twenty-three he married, and then bought sixty acres of
land adjoining his father's farm on the north. He has since added
twenty acres by another purchase, and on this whole tract of
eighty acres he carries on a vigorous industry in general farming,
also raising and feeding some live stock for the general market,
and driving each department of his business with all the force of
an energetic spirit determined to win the best attainable results
for himself and the country around him.

By study and experiment he discovered some years ago that
his land was well adapted to fruit culture, and he at once embarked
in that department of production. His orchards are now^ among
the best and most prolific in the tow^nship, and he is an acknowl-
edged authority on all matters connected with the production of
fruit in this part of the country from the beginning to the end of
the process.

On November 10, 1894, Mr. Gleason was married to Miss Jennie
V. Sheldon, a daughter of Julio and Melissa E. (Church) Sheldon,
whose life-story is briefly told elsewhere in this work. Five chil-
dren have been born of the union, all of whom still add life and
brightness to the parental family circle. They are: Duane, born
December 8, 1900; Charles, born December 27, 1903; Marie, born
June 13, 1906; Grace, born Januarv 4, 1908; and Leslie, born
July 23, 1909.

Mr. Gleason is a Democrat in politics and earnestly loyal in the
support of his party in all campaigns. He has not sought or de-
sired political preferment, however, his chief desire being to give
his attention to his business without other cares and responsibil-
ities to disturb him in that. But he is always warmly interested
in the w^elfare of his township and county, and with a view to
promoting that is serving as a school director. Fraternally he is
chief gleaner of Gliddenburg Arbor of Gleaners, and in connection
with his business, and his desire to promote it, is one of the
directors of the Wildy Fruit Growers' Association of Paw Paw, and
also president of the Farmers' Institute Society of Van Buren
county. In church affiliation he is a Baptist. He is a square,
straightforward man and an excellent citizen, and everybody who
knows him respects him highly as such.

1066 HISTOEY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Leon High is a well-known figure in Decatur township, and
one cannot think of him without at the same time calling to mind
an enterprising farmer. Not only has he been engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits his entire life, but his father was a farmer. The
people of Van Buren county feel that they have a proprietary in-
terest in Mr. High, as he was born here and spent most of his life
here. He has gradually developed from being his father's son
to a man who has made his own name, not being content to live on
the reputation of his father, exalted though it was.

On the 9th day of July, 1871, the birth of Leon High occurred
in Decatur township. Van Buren county. His father, Alfred High,
who died January 10, 1903, was for many years a familiar fig-
ure in this section of the country. The nativity of Alfred High
took place in Wyandotte county, Ohio, May 14, 1842, and his par-
ents, James and Matilda (Sargeant) High, were both natives of
Pennsylvania. Alfred High was one of a family of ten children,
whose names are as follows, — Jacob, deceased; Margaret (Mrs.
Graves), residing in Chicago, Illinois; Hetty Ann, deceased; Wil-
liam, deceased; Alfred; Lydia, deceased; Javanomus, living in
California; Oliver, of Hartford, Michigan; and two babies who
did not survive infancy. When Alfred High was twenty-one years
of age he left the parental roof, and with no other capital than
a horse he commenced his independent career. He gained em-
ployment with a neighbor in Ohio, and for four years he was in
the service of this farmer. At the expiration of that time Mr.
High had saved nine hundred dollars, almost all his wages; he
came to Michigan, bought fifty acres of land in section 33, De-
catur township, and started to farm his own land. He later added
eighty acres to his original purchase, and another tract of sixty-
four acres, all in the neighborhood of Decatur. He did general
farming and also raised stock. In 1866, on the 15th day of No-
vember, Mr. High married Miss Mary Vought, one of the nine
children of Abram and Mary (Cass) Vought, both natives of New
York. The names of Mrs. High's brothers and sisters are, — James,
John, Samuel, Thomas A. (all deceased), Francis, living in Mis-
souri; Jeremiah, residing at Wolverine, Michigan-; Philip, now
in Kansas; and Clarena, who maintains her home in Iowa. Mr.
and Mrs. Alfred High had three sons, Leon, whose name initiates
this biography; Charles and Burget, who reside in Cass county.
Father High was a Democrat in his political views, was the in-
cumbent of various offices in the township, and had a high reputa-
tion for uprightness in the community. In a religious way he
was a member of the Christian church, and was ever active in its
work. It is eight years since this good man passed away, but his
memory is still green, not only in the hearts of his family, but he
is not forgotten by his fellow citizens.

Leon High gained his educational training at the Decatur school,
and remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-four
years of age; he then went to Cass county, where he farmed for
a couple of years, at the termination of which time he returned to
Van Buren county, settled on the eighty acre tract, in section 33,
Decatur township, which his father had purchased soon after he

HISTOKY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1067

came to Michigan, and there Leon High has remained, occupied
in cultivating his land, and gaining for himself friends and reputa-
tion.

In December, 1896, i\Ir. High married Miss Mary Roth, a daugh-
ter of Michael and Anna B. Roth. Mr. and Mrs. Roth had seven
children, — Joseph, Louis, Kate (Mrs. Clarence Haffner) and Maggie
(married to William Andrews) all reside in Cass county, while
John and Mary (Mrs. High) lived in Van Buren county. John
still maintains his home there, but Mrs. High died February 14,
1911. She had two children, — Ellen, whose birth and death oc-
curred on the fourth of July, 1906; and Allene, born October 31,
1903, who is at home with her father. He lives a quiet, simple
life, interested in the activities of the Christian church, of which
he is a deacon, in the fulfillment of his daily duties and in the
intercourse with his friends and neighbors, w^ho respect and es-
teem him.

John Lytle.- — Farming as an occupation is a profitable one if
follow^ed along scientific lines, but the work of the farmer today
entails much study and not a little scientific training, in sharp
contrast to the agricultural methods of several decades ago, when
power machinery, crop rotation, tiling and other innovations were
things unheard of. John Lytle, who is engaged in scientific farm-
ing in Porter township, is a stanch adherent of modern treatment
of the soil, and if the success which has rewarded his efforts is any
criterion then, undoubtedly, the modern ideas are best. xV native
of Porter township, ]\Ir. Lvtle was born October 12, 1862, and is
a son of D. W. C. and Mary J. (AYilcox) Lytle.

D. W. C. Lytle was born in New York, and during the fifties
came to Michigan, where he was engaged in farming during the
remainder of his life. His death occurred June 22, 1894, and that
of his ^^ife, who w^as a native of JMichigan, in March, 1904, and
they were the parents of six children : Charles S., who is engaged
m farming in Porter township ; David, who owns farming land in
Antwerp tow^nship ; John ; Wilber B., residing in the town of
Lawton; Nancy V., who is the wife of \V. B. Shafer, of Paw Paw;
and Robert B. of Porter township.

John Lytle received a public school education and remained on
the homie farm until he was twenty-six years of age, at which
time he began working out among the farmers of his neighborhood.
In 1891 he purchased fifty acres of land in section 15, on which he
was engaged in farming for twelve years, and he then went to
Lawton and established himself in the implement business. After
five years spent in a mercantile line Mr. Lytle decided that there
was more of a future for him as an agriculturist, and he sub-
sequently returned to farming in Porter township, an occupation
which he has carried on with much success ever since. He now^
has one of the best improved farms in his part of the township,
equipped with modern buildings and furnished with up-to-date
machinery and equipment, and he is considered a good judge of
all things agricultural.

On December 29, 1888, Mr. Lytle was married to Miss Stella A.

1068 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Munroe, daughter of J. D. and Eliza Munroe, natives of Cayuga
county, New York and Michigan, respectively. ]\Irs. Lytle was the
eldest child of her parents, and her brothers and sisters follow:
Mark P., living in Wisconsin ; Bertha, who is deceased ; Carl, liv-
ing in Los Angeles, California; Celia, the w^ife of Fred Bradley,
of Tacoma, Washington; Viola, the wife of Frank Pierce, li\m^
in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Leon, a resident of Paw Paw; Myrtle,
the wife of Ray Wheaton, of Paw Paw; and Pearl, who lives in
Lincoln, Nebraska. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Lytle, namely: Lola, who is the wife of Arba Ilawley, assistant
postmaster of Paw Paw.

Mr. Lytle is a Republican in his political views, and although
he has never been an office seeker he has served as constable and
school inspector of Porter township. He is a member of the Masons,
the Eastern Star and the Modern Woodmen, and with his family
attends the Methodist Church. The family home is situated on
Lawton Rural Route No. 2, and there the many friends of Mr. and
Mrs. Lytle are always sure of a sincere and hearty welcome.

William Beach. — Southern ^Michigan was largely settled and
opened to civilization by daring emigrants from the state of New
York, and its population has been increased, as the years have
passed, by thousands of new arrivals from that state. The restless
energy of its people drove many beyond its borders in search of
new conquests in the farther wilderness, even long before its own
western wilds were tamed to the service of civilized man, and the
tide of the conquering host, having once set in this direction, has
continued ever since. Thus while increasing multitudes were
peopling its own domain many of its more adventurous spirits were
creating a new state of magnificent proportions and almost bound-
less resources to shine, a star of the first magnitude, in the galaxy
of American commonwealths. What the founders started their
followers have continued, and what Michigan is today they, and
others like them from other states, have made it.

William Beach, one of the enterprising and progressive farmers
of Porter township, Van Buren county, modest and unpretentious
as he is, is one of the contributions of New York to the forces that
have developed, built up and so highly improved the Wolverine
state. He was born in Monroe county, New^ York, on October 31,
1839, and is a son of Spencer and Sally Jane (Dusenbury) Beach,
also natives of that state, and the first born of their tw^elve chil-
dren, eight of Avhom are living, the other seven being: James, a
resident of Oregon; Albert, whose home is in Arkansas; Harriet,
the wife of William Farman; Jane, the wife of Charles Hooper;
Molly, the wife of Peter Barker; Frank, who lives in Waverly
township; Harriet, Jane and Molly live in Porter township; and
Levi, Ella, Charles and Timothy, the other children of the house-
hold, have died.

William Beach came to Michigan in 1852 and bought sixty
acres of wild land, which he cleared, improved with grood build-
ings and brought to some considerable degree of productiveness
in the twenty years during which he ow^ned and worked on it.

HISTORY OF VAN lUIREN COUNTY 1069

At the end of that time he sold it and moved to Nebraska. There
he bought one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved expanse,
and this he soon afterward traded for forty acres under cultiva-
tion in Porter township, this county, which is a part of the farm
he now owns and tills. He has one hundred and twenty acres at
this time, however, having added eighty acres to his original forty
by a subsequent purchase. He does general farming and makes a
specialty of fruit, which he produces in fine quality and consider-
able quantities, having established in many of the leading mar-
kets of the country a liigh reputation for the excellence of his
products in this line.

^ On October 31, 1876, Mr. Beach united himself with JMiss .Mary
E. Bentley in marriage. She is a native of Almena township, Van
l^uren county, and a daughter of AVilliam Augustus and Emma

(Taylor) Bentley, natives of Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire,
England. Both were reared in their native land and came to
America, she at the age of seventeen and he when about twenty-
one. Mr. and Mrs. I^each have reared five children, and all of them
are living. They are: Sherman, a prosperous farmer and live
stock mcin; Edward, who is a general farmer; (Irace, the wife
of Claude Reynolds; Ray Walter, who is now managing his
father's farm; and Tsa, tlie wife of Roy Sage, of Waverly. They
are all residents of this county, and all valuabh^ additions to its
citizenship and industrial forces.

Mr. Beach, the father, is a stanch and zealous working Repub-
lican in his political activity. He has sought no prominence in
his party or the official life of the township or county, but has
held several local offices at the solicitation of the people, has
filled them greatly to the advantage of the township. Fraternally
he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for
many years, and in church relations he is a Methodist. His in-
1 crest in his lodge and his church has always been earnest, and
has carried with it a cheerful readiness to render either any serv-
ice in his power at any time.

Ray Walter Beach, the fourth child and youngest son of Wil-
liam and Mary E. (Bentley) Beach, was born on April 7, 1885.
He was reared on his father's farm and educated in the district
school in its vicinity. Since leaving school he has worked on
the farm, and during the last few years has had charge of it.
While he cultivates it under the direction of his father, he makes
a study of his business and shows a commendable spirit of pro-
gressiveness in his operations. He is a young man of good social
qualities, earnestly interested in the progress and development of
his township, attentive to his duties as a citizen, and the people
esteem him liighly as one of their most estimable and promising
citizens.

He was married on November 25, 1904, to Miss Minnie Sherburn,
and by this union became the father of two children: Deo, who
was born on October 12, 1905, and died in August, 1906; and Eva,
whose life began on December 24, 1907, and ended in January,
1908. Like his father, Mr. Beach is a Republican in his political

1070 HISTORY OF VAN JMJREN COUNTY

faith, and he is also earnest and energetic in the service of his
party. He takes a cordial interest in all efforts made for the
progress and improvement of his locality, and never withholds his
active and practical aid from any that he deems worthy.

Rev. James Henry Hammond. — In March, 1910, in Van Buren
county, Michigan, the inevitable shaft of death ended the life
of one of the most highly esteemed and widely known men of our
time, not only in this county but in many places in several of the
other great states of the American Union. This was the late Rev.
James Henry Hammond, at one time state evangelist of Mich-
igan for the Christian church, to which he devoted his energies
during the greater part of his highly commendable and extensively
useful life. His services to humanity and in behalf of the bet-
terment of mankind were not, however, confined to this state, nor
to the Christian ministry. On many fields of action and in many
parts of the country he was in the front rank in the performance
of duty, and in the benefits he conferred on his fellow men.

New York, the state of his birth; Kentucky, from one of whose
theological institutions he w^as graduated as a preacher of the
gospel; and Iowa and Illinois, in each of which he held pastorates
at various times, knew him well, esteemed him highly in life and
now venerate his memory. Lines of light and hope and comfort
for the sons of men radiated from his progress in every path of
duty and made life better and happier for all on whom they rested,
no matter whether they were of his faith and sect or not.

Mr. Hammond was born in Greene county, New York, on April
1, 1847. He was of English ancestry, his grandfather, Jonathan
Hammond, having come to America from England and settled in
eastern New York. There his son Nathaniel, father of James
Henry, w^as born on October 15, 1815. He followed the cabinet
maker's trade, and in early life w^edded Miss Caroline Sears, also
a native of the Empire state. He died at the early age of forty-
one, in 1856, when his son James Henry was only nine years old.
After his death the mother removed to Delaware county. New
York, and there her life ended in 1883.

James Henry Hammond received a common school education,
and on February 8, 1864, when he was but seventeen years of age,
he enlisted in Company M, Fifteenth New York Heavy Artillery,
for defense of the Union during our Civil war. He remained in
the army until after the close of the terrible and sanguinary con-
flict, and was honorably discharged on August 22, 1865. When his
regiment was enlisted, although the Confederacy was manifestly
approaching its end, some of the hardest fighting of the war re-
mained yet to be done, and he did not escape a serious mark of its
fury. The regiment was sent to join General Grant in his pend-
ing campaign, and was consequently in the thickest of the fray.
In the capture of the Weldon Railroad, on August 18, 1864, he was
injured by a minie ball, which passed through his right side. He
was then sent to the hospital at City Point, Virginia, and after-
ward to Lincoln Hospital in Washington. There the surgeon who
attended his wound said that if the ball had been one-sixteenth

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUxNTY 1071

of an inch farther in it would have caused his death. As it was,
he never fully recovered from the wound. But while it caused him
suffering at times, he was proud of having received it, always re-
garding it as a mark of honorable distinction.

After the close of the war and his release from the army, Mr.
Hammond resumed his educational course, entering Stamford Semi-
nary to prepare himself for useful work as a teacher. He followed
this profession for a number of years in various places, with a
trend toward the West. For awhile he lived in Ogle county, Illi-
nois, and later he taught school in Rock Island county in that
state. While residing in the latter place he united with the Chris-
tian church, and his religious zeal soon became sucti that he re-
solved to devote the remainder of his life to the Christian ministry.

With this object in view he pursued a course of instruction in
theology in the Bible College connected with the State University
at Lexington, Kentucky, a school conducted under the auspices of
the Christian church. His course in this institution was inter-
rupted by his acceptance of a call to the pastorate of the Chris-
tian church in Dubuque, Iowa, which he occupied for one year.
He then returned to the college, and was graduated from it, with
the second honors of his class, on June 14, 1877.

After his graduation his active work began, and it never ceased,
even for a short period, until failing health compelled him to give
it up. His first call was to Midway, Kentucky, where he re-
mained a year. From there he went to Pompey Hill, New York,
and after a term of appreciated service in that place, again turned
his face in the direction of the setting sun and came to Grand
Rapids, Michigan. Here he remained four. years, then went to
Painesville, Ohio, for one year, at the end of which he accepted the
position of state evangelist of Michigan for his denomination. It
was while occupying this position that he was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Grace Anderson, the nuptials being solemnized
on January 1, 1883.

Mrs. Hammond was born in Van Buren county, Michigan, a
daughter of Le Grand Redmond and Susanna (Morris) Anderson.
Her paternal grandfather, Le Grand Anderson, was born in
Fredericksburg, Virginia, on February 11, 1795, and was a son
of Cornelius and Anna (Redmond) Anderson, the former a native
of England and the latter of France. They were the parents of
seven children : Catherine, who became the wife of John Gassaway,
of Chillicothe, Ohio; Miriam, who became the wife of Elijah An-
derson, of Dayton, Ohio ; Anna, who married with Cornelius Simp-
son, of Winchester, Virginia; Mary, who died unmarried; Phebe,
who became the wife of George McCormick, of Woodward county,
Virginia; Cornelius, who first wedded Miss Sarah Thompson, and
following her demise was united in a second marriage with Miss
Mary Wright. He was again bereft of his companion and married
for the third time, choosing on this occasion Mrs. Margaret (John-
son) Charles, a cousin of the wife of John Quincy Adams. The
seventh child of this household was Le Grand Anderson, the grand-
father of Mrs. Hammond. Cornelius Anderson immigrated with
his family from Virginia to Ohio about 1810. Sometime before

1072 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

leaving his native state he had bought from a slave ship two col-
ored men and a woman, whom he owned for two or three years and
found to be good, faithful workers, l^ut when he was ready to
leave Virginia he felt it would not be right to take these into a free
state. So he found them good homes with families in Virginia and
gave them their freedom, and felt great satisfaction in doing it.

Le Grand Anderson received his early education in Virginia,
and was about fifteen years of age when he removed with his par-
ents to Pikewold Prairie, Ross county, Ohio. He enlisted for serv-
ice in the second war with Great Britain, in 1812, and remained
in the army until the close of the war. Then, in common with
his comrades in the service, he was offered land grants by the gov-
ernment. These, however, he refused, saying his services had been
given to his country through patriotism and not tjirough any de-
sire for reward. After the close of the war he returned to Ohio,
and on February 18, 1817, he was united in marriage with Miss
Catherine Shaw, a daughter of William and Lydia (Baughman)
Shaw. She was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on October 3,
1795, and was taken to Ross county, Ohio, by her parents about
the time of the migration of the Anderson family to that locality.
Her parents were Quakers, while her husband was of the Baptist
faith, and had entered tlie ministry of that denomination. To the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Le Grand Anderson ten children were born.
Their names and order of birth were as follows : Cornelius, Anna
Lydia, AVilliam, Mary, George R., John, Eliza, Harriet, Le Grand
R., the father of Mrs. Hammond, and Jane. They have all died
but Mary, who is the wddow^ of the late Benjamin A. Murdock, of
Paw Paw^, and Jane, w4io is the wife of a Mr. Dewey, also a resi-
dent of Van Buren county.

As his family increased Mr. Anderson felt the need of acquiring
larger holdings of land in order to provide for his children, and
to the end of securing the same he made three trips into the. West
on tours of investigation, his first ^rip being to the vicinity of
what was then Fort Dearborn, but is now Chicago. On this trip,
which was made on horseback, he w^as accompanied by Martin Baer,
one of his neighbors in Ohio. His next trip was to Missouri. But
he evidently did not find that country to his liking, for the next
year he made a third trip, this time coming to Young's Prairie,
Michigan, and from there to Prairie Ronde, in 1823. Here he
bought land from the government, and from this time on he w^ould
come to that part of Michigan every year, accompanied by a hired
man, put in a crop, and return to Ohio for the winter. He fol-
lowed this practice until 1832, when, having built a comfortable
residence and other necessary improvements on his land, and with
his granaries well stocked from the crops of previous years, he
brought his family from Ohio to Michigan as their future home.
He passed the remainder of his days in this Michigan home, where
his life ended on July 31, 1869, twenty-six years after the death of
his wife, which occurred on September 8, 1843.

Le Grand Redmond Anderson was married at an early age, on
P^ebruary 26, 1860, to Miss Susanna Morris, and by this union be-
came the father of three children: Mary Grace, the widow of Rev.

HISTORY OF VAN Bl^REX COUxNTY 1078

Mr. Hammond; Clara S., tlie widow of Rev. James H. Rennie, a
sketch of whose life will be found in this volume ; and Le Grand, who
died at the age of nine years. Rev. James Henry and Mrs. Ham-
mond were the parents of three children : Mary Grace, whose birtli
occurred on February 27, 1887, and who is now the wife of Orville
Abbott, of Porter township, this county ; Clara Susanne, who was
born on January 21, 1889, and is now the wife of Herbert Abbott,
also a resident of Porter township ; and Le Grand Anderson Ham-
mond, whose life began on April 6, 1891, and who is now a student
at the university in Notre Dame, Indiana, preparing for the legal
profession. The tw^o daughters are graduates of the State Normal
University at Kalamazoo, Michigan, and also attended Lake Brie
College, of Painesville, near Cleveland. Ohio.

Soon after his marriage Mr. Hammond filled the pulpit of the
Christian church at Bangor for several months and held a num-
ber of revival meetings. He then accepted the pastorate of the
church at South Bend, Indiana, where he remained about two years.
From there he went to Mount Ayr, Iowa, and there he preached
the gospel and performed excellent and appreciated pastoral serv-
ices for one year. In July, 1890, he was called to fill the pulpit
of the church at Decatur, this county, a new organization with
about one hundred members. He labored zealously in his efforts
to win souls to Christ, and was successful in building up a strong
congregation. In later years, however, his health failed, so that
for some time prior to his death he lived retired.

Byron ]\I. Poorman. — This progressive, enterprising and pros-
perous farmer and live stock man, although not a native of Van
Buren county, has lived within its boundaries and taken part in
its industrial life for thirteen years, and mingled with the peo-
ple of the locality in which he resides from his childhood. He is,
therefore, not lacking in knowledge of the needs of his township
or the desires and aspirations of its people, and he has been so
closely associated w^ith them that he is practically one of them in
spirit and community of feeling, as well as in effort for the advance-
ment and improvement of the country around him in his present
abiding place.

Mr. Poorman was born in the adjoining county of Cass on July
11, 1875, his parents, John and Maria Theresa (Carpenter) Poor-
man, being at that time residents of that county. The father was
born and reared in Pennsylvania and the mother in this state.
When he attained his majority and had the world to choose from
for a place in which to employ his energies for his advancement
in life, the father came to Michigan and located in St. Joseph
county. There he bought eighty acres of land, which he lived
on and cultivated for some years. He then moved to Cass county,
where he passed the remainder of his days, dying in August^ 1895.
The mother is still living and has her home in Marcellus, Cass
county.

They were the parents of six children, all of w^hom are living.
Byron M. was the fourth in the order of birth. He has one brother,
Charles, who resides in Cass county, and four sisters: Eva, the

1074 HISTOEY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY

wife of Robert Whitenight, of Cass county; Minnie, the widow of
the late Joseph Rediker; Pearl, the wife of Joseph Lee, of St.
eloseph, Michigan ; and Clare, the wife of Dr. Howard Bee, of Sum-
mit Station, Ohio.

Byron M. Poorman grew to manhood on his father's farm, ac-
quiring a good fundamental knowledge of practical farming under
the instruction of his parent, attending the district school in the
neighborhood when he could be spared from the exacting duties
which often required all the force the family could muster for
their performance, and gaining social attainments and imbibing
the principles which prevailed in the community from association
with its people. At the age of twenty he was a man in stature, in
strength, in self-reliance and in ambition to make his own way in
the world. At that age he was married and began farming on his
own account, renting the home place for three years.

In 1898 he bought eighty acres of land in Porter township, this
county, in section 27, and at once located on it and began farming
it vigorously, but with a judgment which ripened with years and
experience, and a progress that has kept pace with development
and discovery in the science of agriculture. He has remained on
this farm until the present time (1911), carrying on a general farm-
ing and live stock industry, which has increased in magnitude as
his facilities have been enlarged and his resources made more
abundant until he is now one of the leading farmers of the town-
ship for the extent of his acreage, and one of the most enterprising.

Mr. Poorman 's marriage, already alluded to, occurred on De-
cember 19, 1895, and united him with Miss Eliza Smith, a daugh-
ter of Charles and Ida ("Wilsey) Smith, natives of Michigan and
the parents of five children : Ora, who married Fred Reynolds
and lives in Preston, Kansas; Eliza, now Mrs. Poorman; Carrie
May, who has her home in Grand Rapids, Michigan ; Willard, who
lives in Porter township, this county; and Leroy, the third child,
who has been dead a number of years. Their father has been a
farmer from his youth and is still actively engaged in the busi-
ness of tilling the soil. His wife died in April, 1898.

Mr. and Mrs. Poorman have had three children : Ida May, who
was born on March 17, 1897, and died on December 25 of the same
year; Ethel Merle, who was born on October 28, 1900, and died
on April 7, 1901 ; and Howard Milton, whose life began on August
31, 1905, and ended on January 15, 1906. Mr. Poorman is a
Republican in his political affiliation, and although he has no ambi-
tion for public prominence or official station he is loyal to his
party from conviction and one of its zealous supporters. Fra-
ternally he is a Freemason, and takes a cordial and helpful in-
terest in the affairs of his lodge. He stands well in the regard of
the people of his township, and everywhere he is recognized as a
man of worth and a citizen of high class, whether viewed from
the standpoint of his interest in the welfare of his township and
county, or his uprightness and integrity in all the dealings he has
with his fellow men and in all the relations of life.

HISTORY OF VAN BIJREN COUNTY 1075

David P. Hall. — Although in his youth and young manhood
something of a wanderer, seeking an advance in his fortune in three
states of the Union, but always in the occupation of farming, to
which he was reared, David P. Hall, of Porter township in this
county, has been a constant resident of the locality in which he now
lives during the last twenty-six years, and all the time a substan-
tial and valued contributor to its advancement in all lines of whole-
some progress and improvement in every activity that ministers
to the enduring welfare of its people and their convenience and
comfort in life.

Although he has sought profitable employment and good oppor-
tunities for his benefit in two other states, Mr. Hall is a native of
Michigan. His life began in Jonesville, Hillsdale county, on No-
vember 24, 1856. His parents were Amos and Eunice (Brown)
Hall, the former a native of Steuben county, New York, and the
latter born and reared in Michigan. The father came to this
state in 1847 and located for a time in Hillsdale county. When his
son David was a year old he moved his family to Van Buren county
and bought one hundred and thirteen acres of land in Porter town-
ship, section 21, on which he carried on general farming opera-
tions and live stock raising until his death, w^hich occurred in
September, 1888. The mother preceded him to the life beyond
twenty-three years, dying in August, 1865.

Their son David was the second born of their seven children, and
he and his sister Ursula, w^ho is the wife of John Hoetop, of Kala-
mazoo, are the only ones now living. Those who have died were :
William H., Sally Jane, Cassius M., Helen, and one w^ho passed
away in infancy. By the death of his mother when he w^as but
nine years of age David was thrown on his own resources at an early
age, but he show^ed that he w^as capable of taking care of himself,
and gave a signal proof of that fact when he was but sixteen.

At that age, in 1872, he went to Nebraska and bought one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land, which he lived on and farmed for
three years. But the conditions were not agreeable to him, and
at the end of the time mentioned he returned to his father's home,
was then in this county and comprised the farm on which he now
lives. He remained at home three years, assisting his father in
Ihe cultivation of the land. Then the roving spirit seized him
again, and he went to Missouri, where he remained seven years, en-
gaged in farming and raising live stock.

IMissouri did not prove much more attractive to him than
Nebraska, and once more he returned to the parental homestead,
and here he has lived and prospered ever since. He sold a portion
of the homestead, but retained ninety-five acres for his own use,
and he has cultivated his farm with such industry and skill that
he has made every acre of it yield him first-rate returns for the
labor and care he has bestowed upon it. He does general farm-
ing and continues to raise live stock with good results.

Mr. Hall takes an active interest in local public affairs, and in
his political faith and w^ork he is a loyal member of the Republican
party. But he has not been zealous in its behalf through desire
tor an,y office it could bestow^ upon him. His activity has been in-

1076 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

spired by his strong faith in the principles of the party and his
desire to promote the general welfare of the people, which he is
always ready to do by any means at his command. The same de-
sire has made him an ardent supporter of all forms and means of
public improvement in his township and county. In religious faith
and connection he is united with the Methodist Protestant church,
iuid is one of the energetic workers in the congregation in which
he holds his membership. He is universally regarded as an up-
right man and an excellent citizen wherever he is known, and that
is in all parts of the county.

JosEPJi K. Shanahan. — Prominent among the old and honored
I'esidents of Decatur townships may be mentioned Joseph K.
Shanahan, who has been a resident of Michigan for nearly eighty
years, and is now the owner of a magnificent tract of farming
J and. He has been a witness of and a participant in the wonderful
changes that have taken place in this region, and during his resi-
dence here has built up a reputation for honesty, integrity and fair
dealing that makes him one of the most highly esteemed men of
his township and a model of public-spirited citizenship. Mr. Shana-
han is a native of the State of Delaware, and was born October
6, 1829, a son of Edward and Rebecca (Kimmey) Shanahan, both
born in that state.

In 1832 Edward Shanahan, who had been a farmer in Delaware,
brought his family to Michigan, and on Juno 5th of that year settled
in Cass county. He purchased land and began farming, and added
to his lioldings from time to time until when he died lie was the
ownc^r of one thousand four hundred acres of land. Successful
m his own affairs, ^fr. Shanahan was on numerous occasions called
upon by his fellow townsmen to manage the affairs of his county
and township, and from 1860 to 1862 he was a member of tlie
State Legislature. Pew men of his time were better or more favor-
ably known, (»ither in farming or stockraising circles or in pub-
lic life, and he reared a family that was a credit to him in every
i-espect. He and his wife had the following children : Joseph K.,
AVilliam, Sarah, Peter and James, who are deceased; Alexander,
who lost his life while serving in a Michigan regiment during the
Civil war; Clifford, who is living in Wisconsin; Henry, deceased,
wlio was in the Fourth ^Michigan Cavalry during the Civil war and
assisted in the capture of Jefferson Davis, president of the Con-
federacy, and received seven hundred and sixty dollars as his share
of the money offered for the capture; Elizabeth and Louisa, who
are decreased ; Edward, residing in Wisconsin ; Judson, a resident
of South Bend, Indiana; and Kimmey, who lives at Edwardsburg,
Michigan. Another child died in infancy.

Joseph K. Shanahan received his education in the public and
high schools of Edwardsburg, Michigan. In 1858 he came to
Porter township, Van Buren county, and bought one hundred and
fifteen acres in section 19, and forty acres in section 24, Decatur
township. To this he has added fifty-seven acres in Porter town-
ship, and he now devotes the whole property to farming and stock-
raising. He has registered Durham stock, as well as fine Holstein

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1077

cattle, and there is not a better judge of animals in the township.
His place is finely improved, having a handsome residence, large
barns and granaries, and numerous outbuildings for the shelter
of his stock and implements. Mr. Shanahan is modern and pro-
gressive in his ideas, and believes firmly in the use of power farm
machinery. Always a hard worker, intelligently applying a train-
ing of a lifetime to his calling, Mr. Shanahan has developed a
magnificent property, and has something to show for his efforts.
He has also gained and retained the friendship and esteem of his
neighbors and business associates.

On January 1, 1863, Mr. Shanahan was married to Miss Etta M.
T\Iaffitt, daughter of Calvin and Lucy (Owen) Maflfitt, natives of
Vermont, who came to Michigan at an early day and settled near
Paw Paw. Mr. and Mrs. INIaffitt reared seven children, as follow^s :
Sarah, the wife of D. C. Coleman, of Lawton ; Andrew and George,
who are deceased; Eretta, who is the widow of John Pierson, of
Fort Wayne; Alonzo and Melissa, w^ho are deceased; and Etta
M., who married Mr. Shanahan. Mrs. Shanahan died in 1879,
having had two children: Edward M., who is now engaged in
farming with his father; and Louis, who is deceased. In 1883 Mr.
Shanahan was married (second) to Elinda Sherburn, and they
had two children: Louise, the wife of Henry J. Barton, of
Battle Creek, Michigan ; and James K., who lives in Lawton.

Mr. Shanahan is a Republican, and has held various school offices
and acted in the capacity of highway commissioner. In religious
!)elief he is a Baptist. Few men can look back with more pride
upon a career filled wdth such good deeds, with care for others and
devotion to public trust. His parents were upright, God-fearing
people and he was reared to follow in their faith and footsteps.
Such men as Joseph K. Shanahan are the best citizens any com-
munity can desire.

Orley Mason Vaughan, M. D., was born in Glens Falls, New
York, September 21, 1853, being a son of Robert W. and Eliza
Jane (Hatch) Vaughan, natives respectively of Fort Ann, New
York, and of Garrettsville, Ohio. Of the five children born to
this couple three grew to maturity, the subject of this article be-
ing the eldest; Emily C. is now residing at Hartford, Michigan;
and Ella C. is Mrs. Thomas Carter and a resident of San Jose,
California.

Dr. Vaughn received his early education in the public schools
and at Kalamazoo College. He was assistant postmaster in Paw^
Paw, Michigan, in 1874-1875. He then taught school for a year,
and later matriculated in the Northwestern University Medical
School, which institution conferred upon him the degree of Doctor
of Medicine in 1881. He began the practice of his profession in
Bangor, Michigan, in 1881, from which place he moved to Covert
in July, 1883, where he has since resided.

Dr. Vaughan was married in the spring of 1883 to Miss Mary
Pitts, a daughter of Samuel and Julia (Oliver) Pitts and who was
born in Pontiac, Michigan, October 6, 1851. They are the parents
of three children : Dr. Orley Mason, Jr., born May 15, 1884, w^ho

Vol. n— 29

1078 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

graduated from the Northwestern University Medical School in
1911 and is now in the Madison General Hospital, Madison, Wis-
consin; Willard Robert, born July 14-, 1887, who is a member of
the senior class in the medical department of the University of
Illinois; and Lepha Bell, born March 15, 1889, a recent graduate
from the Western State Normal School at Kalamazoo, Michigan,
and who is now^ at home.

In politics Dr. Vaughan is a Democrat, and he served as post-
master at Covert during both of Cleveland's administrations. He
is a member of the lodge of Master Masons, located at Bangor, of
the Royal Arch, Council and Eastern Star, at South Haven, of
the Knights Templar at Kalamazoo and of the Mystic Shrine at
Grand Rapids. He is also a member of the different lodges of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Kala-
mazoo Academy of Medicine, of the Michigan State Medical So-
ciety and of the American Medical Association.

Dr. Vaughan takes great interest in school work and was for
twenty-one years a member of the Covert School Board. As health
officer for the past twenty-eight years he has looked after the
health and sanitary conditions of Covert village and township, and
as one of the superintendents of the poor for Van Buren county
for the past fifteen years he has ministered to the wants of the
unfortunate and dependent poor. In a business way he has dealt
largely in real estate in Van Buren county and in Chicago, Illinois,
and is a stockholder and director in several banks, public utility
and industrial corporations.

The devotional part of Dr. Vaughan 's home life is looked after
largely by his good wife, who is a member of the Covert Congrega-
tional church and an active worker in the W. C. T. U. Both she
and her daughter, Lepha, are interested in lodge work and both
are members of the Eastern Star at South Haven and of the
Rebekah lodge at Covert.

Edv^in p. Orton. — The life of the subject of this sketch in Arling-
ton township. Van Buren county, Michigan, spans a period of more
than three score years, in which marked developments and improve-
ments have been made. And in this progress Mr. Orton as a
prosperous farmer and worthy citizen has taken a place and acted
well his part, and in his declining years has the satisfaction of
seeing his sons take up the work he has gradually relinquished.

Mr. Orton is a native of the Empire state. He was born in
Orleans county. New York, October 1, 1841, a son of Ira and
Cornelia (Fitcraft) Orton, the former a native of West Haven
township, Rutland county, Vermont, and the latter of New York.
When a child of four years he was brought by his parents tc^ Mich-
igan, and the family home w^as then, 1845, established in Arlington
township, in primitive pioneer fashion. Here his father was en-
gaged in farming the rest of his life, and he died July 5, 1893.
His mother had passed away in 1876. Edwin P. was the third
born in their family of eight children, of whom the first died in
infancy ; Emeline and Louis are deceased ; Emory is a resident of
Bangor, Michigan; Samuel lives in Waverly township, Michigan;

HISTORY OF VAN BURP^N COUNTY 1079

Milo is deceased ; and Priscilla is the wife of J. N. Bigelovv, of
Bangor.

Mr. Orton remained with his father until he was twenty-five
years of age, when he bought forty acres of land in section 21,
Arlington township, and began farming on his own responsibility.
That was in 1864. Later he bought another forty acres, and still
later he added a third forty, the last tract being in section 29, and
this land, one hundred and twenty acres, he has utilized for gen-
eral farming purposes and has been fairly successful in his opera-
tions.'

On April 18, 1867, he and Florence S. Slocum were united in
marriage. Of the children given to them the first born died in
infancy ; Alice is a resident of Arlington, Michigan ; and Lewis and
Royal are engaged in farming in Arlington township. Royal being
on the home farm wuth his father.

Lewis E. Orton was born March 7, 1873. On November 18,
1900, he married Miss Ella Krogel, and to them have been given
three children : Lew^is, who died in infancy ; Florence, born August
10, 1902; and Evelyn, born July 3, 1908.

Royal F. Orton was born October 12, 1879, and has always lived
on the home farm. On November 8, 1899, he married Miss Bertha
Krogel, and to them also have been given four children : Elsie,
Edwin, Irving (deceased), and Ethel.

The senior Mr. Orton and his son Royal class themselves with
the Independents, politically, while Lewis Orton supports the
Democratic ticket.

Emmett Northrup, now residing in Janesville, Wisconsin, is
a member of a family which has been connected with the progress
of the state of Michigan for more than seven decades, and a his-
tory of this section of the country would not be complete without
some account of the career of Mr. Northrup, whose father was one
of the pioneer settlers. Emmett Northrup has been connected with
so many different and useful enterprises that it is difficult to de-
cide in which line he was most distinguished, whether as grain
dealer, as merchant, as marshal or as railroad man. There is an
old saying that ^ ' a rolling stone gathers no moss, ' ' but if Mr. North-
rup will pardon our likening him to a stone we would say that he
has not only gathered moss in the course of his many changes,
but he has been able to dispense some of it to his family. A brief
account of Mr. Northrup 's life will indicate the nature of his
gleanings.

The birth of this well-know^n man occurred in Bangor township,
November 19, 1849. He is a son of Perrin M. and Abbie (Briggs'i
Northrup, w^ho were natives of New York state; they came to
Michigan in 1837, and settled in Bangor township, where they
remained for the residue of their days. Father Northrup is noted
as having built the first grain barn that was ever erected in the
township; he was a farmer all his life and died July 28, 1860;
twenty years later, January 31, 1881, his wife was summoned to
the life eternal. They reared a family of four children, — Ellen,
residing with her sister, Mrs. Nichols, in Arlington tow^nship ;

1080 HISTORY OF VAN BURExN COUNTY

Lovic'ie, the wife of John Nichols, a prominent farmer of Bangor,
Arlington township; Emmett the subject of this biography; and
]\lary, who died at the age of thirteen years.

The first twenty-five years of the life of Emmett Northrup were
spent on his father ^s farm, during which time he received his
educational training and assisted his father in the cultivation of
the soil. He felt, however, that farming was not his vocation and
he determined to make a change of occupation. In 1880 he went
to Paw Paw, Michigan, entered the employ of Briggs and Nash,
well-known grain dealers of that place, and remained in the* serv-
ice of this firm for the ensuing eight years. Next he became iden-
tified with the mercantile business at Paw Paw, where he continued
to conduct a prosperous store for the eight succeeding years.
Abandoning this line of work, for a couple of years he was the mar-
shal of Paw Paw, and subsequently moved to Janesville, Wis-
consin, in the employ of the railroad with which he has remained
ever since.

In 1872 he was united in marriage to Miss Adelia Rhodes of
Arlington township. Of the three children who were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Northrup were, — Percy, the first born, and Florence, the
youngest, are deceased, and Sidney has followed in his father ^s
footsteps, being a conductor with the Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail-
road Company.

In politics Mr. Northrup has ever rendered unwavering allegiance
to the Democratic party, and in fraternal connection he is affiliated
with the Masonic Order. He has become popular in Janesville and
he is not forgotten by the residents of Van Buren county, the com-
munity in which he resided for so many years.

Jeremiah AVelker. — Among the enterprising and successful
farmers of the county who have given their whole time and atten-
tion to the development of the agricultural resources of the county
and have thus helped to lay the sure foundation of the prosperity
of the district is Mr. Jeremiah Welker, who was born in Hancock
county, Ohio, on July 19, 1853. His father, Samuel Welker, was
a Pennsylvanian, who went west in his young manhood and mar-
ried Rachel Miller, a native of Ohio. There were two children of
their union, but the other child died in infancy. When Jeremiah
was seven years of age the family moved to Michigan, where the
father had bought one hundred and ten acres of land in Bangor
township. Farming had been his life-long occupation and he
continued to follow it until his death, which occurred in 1879.
His wife died twelve years later.

At sixteen Jeremiah began to manage the home farm, and he
has always lived on the place where his family settled over fifty
years ago. To the original farm he has added twenty acres in
section 14, the other being in sections 22 and 23. General farm-
ing and stock-raising are the branches of agriculture to which he
devotes his attention.

Mr. Welker is Independent in the matter of politics. He has
served as highway commissioner for two years and the same

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HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1081

length of time as drain commissioner. Fraternally he is connected
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

On July 3, 1873, Mr. Welker married Miss Martha J. Miller,
who was born in Randolph county, Indiana, a daughter of An-
drew and Mary (Teagle) Miller, her father a native of Ireland
and her mother of Indjana. Mr. and Mrs. Welker have reared
three children, named Emerson, Arabelle and Ray. Emerson mar-
ried Maude Rassett and lives at Benton Harbor. Arabelle is the
wife of Robert Crippen, who operates a part of the Welker farm.
Ray is at home with his parents.

Bert Lee ranks with the energetic and up-to-date young farmers
of Arlington township, Van Buren county, Michigan. He has
charge of the farm on which his father settled fifty years ago, and
while he carries on general farming he is making a specialty of
raising peaches and apples.

It was on the farm on which he now lives, ]\Iarch 22, 1884. that
Bert Lee was born, son of C. W. and Minnie (Mead) Lee, the for-
mer a native of Indiana and the latter of Michigan. C. W. Lee
came to ]\Iichigan in 1862. His first" land purchase here was one
hundred and fifty acres, to which he added by subsequent purchase
until at the time of his death he was the owner of two hundred and
twenty-three acres, in section 3, Arlington township. Corn and
hogs were his specialties. Each year he fattened and marketed
a large number of hogs. His wife died January 25, 1893, and his
death occurred February 7, 1908. They were the parents of eleven
children. The first born died in infanc}^ and the others in order
of birth are as follows; Frank, of Bangor; Judson, of Arlington;
Clarence, of Jackson; Arthur, of Columbia township. Van Buren
county; Helen E., wife of Ora Hosier, of Arlington; Isaac, of
Arlington ; Ina Belle, wife of Charles Hosier, of Washington ; Bert,
whose name introduces this sketch ; Floyd, of Arlington, — all of
Michigan — and Earl, of the United States Navy.

Up to the time he was fifteen years of age Bert Lee attended the
district school near his home. Then he went to Jackson, where he
took up the study of engineering, and spent two years in prepara-
tion for this w^ork, after which he accepted a position as second
engineer in the Detroit White Lead Works, at Detroit, and worked
there nine months. Next we find him at Herington, Kansas, where
he engaged in railroading, which he followed five years. The farm,
however, had its demands and attractions, and he came back to
Michigan, to the old home, and took up farming and threshing.
He is now conducting farming operations at the old homestead,
forty acres of which he owns, and on which he is making a specialty
of fruit, giving preference to peaches and apples.

On January 29, 1909, Bert Lee and Miss Ethel Fisher were united
in marriage, and their home has been blessed in the birth of a
daughter. Leone, born September 12, 1911. Mrs. Lee is the only
child of William and Mary (Grills) Fisher, both natives of Indiana.
Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have been residents of Michigan since 1864,
and now make their home with Mr. and Mrs. Lee.

Mr. Lee has always voted the Republican ticket. He is well

1082 HISTORY OP VAN BIIREN COUNTY

posted in public affairs, and is recognized as one of the repre-
sentative young men of the community in which he lives. Fra-
ternally he is identified with the Free and Accepted Masons.

Alpheus Beals. — Distinguished not only as the descendant of
an honored pioneer settler of Van Buren county, but as a fine repre-
sentative of the native born citizens of Bloomingdale township,
Alpheus Beals has for many years been actively associated with
the advancement of the agricultural interests of this part of Michi-
gan, and as a general farmer has met with well deserved success.
He was born on the farm where he now resides, March 2, 1866,
and is the third in direct line to bear the name of Alpheus, his
grandfather having been Alpheus Beals, the first, and his father
Alpheus Beals, the second.

Born in or near Springfield, Massachusetts, July 10, 1800,
Alpheus Beals, the first, grew to manhood in his native state, where
he began life for himself as a stage driver. Subsequently starting
westward, he was for awhile engaged in agricultural pursuits at
Farmington, Ontario county, New York, but was not quite satis-
fied w4th the financial results of his labors. Continuing, therefore,
his journey westward, he made his way to Van Buren county,
Michigan, which seemed to him an ideal place for one willing to
begin at the very foundation as a farm builder. Locating in the
western part of Bloomingdale township, he purchased a tract of
land, a very small part of which had been cleared, the remainder
being covered with standing timber. Continuing the improvements
already inaugurated, he was there prosperously engaged in tilling
the soil until his deatli, October 6, 1865. His wife, whose maiden
name was Hannah P. Turner, was born in Cummington, Massa-
chusetts, and died, in 1876, in Bloomingdale township, Michigan.

One of a family of eight children, Alpheus Beals, the second, was
born June 16, 1841, during the residence of his parents in Farm-
ington, New York. A young man when he came with the family
to Bloomingdale township, he soon began farming on his own ac-
count, and continued until forced by ill health to retire from ac-
tive pursuits. He died at his home in Bloomingdale township, in
1900. He married Corintha Bell who was born in Jefferson
county, Iowa, a daughter of Eli Bell.

Eli Bell was born and bred in Springfield, Massachusetts, com-
ing from substantial New England stock. Moving in early man-
hood to Ohio, he lived there a short time, and then followed the
march of civilization to Michigan, locating at White Pigeon. An-
other migration toward the setting sun took him to the territory
of Iowa, where he became one of the first settlers of Jefferson
county. Returning to Ohio three years later, he made the removal
with teams, going eastward in the same manner that he made his
previous journeys, and on arriving in Lorain county located in
Eaton township. In 1849, being again seized with the wanderlust,
he came with his family to Van Buren county, Michigan, and ar-
riving at Bloomingdale township, his point of destination, after
nightfall spent his first night in his new home in the wagon in which
he and his family had crossed the country. Buying a tract of land

HISTORY OF VAN HUREN COUNTY 108B

in section eight, he erected a log cabin in the wilderness, and at
once began to clear and improve a homestead. He met with good
success in his pioneer task, and during the many years he occupied
the farm made improvements of value, including the erection of a
good set of frame buildings. When well advanced in years he pur-
chased a pleasant home in the village of Bloomingdale, and there
resided until his death, at the age of seventy-one years. The maiden
name of the wife of Eli Bell was Margaret Corning. She was
born in Massachusetts, the native state of her parents, Ephraim
and Margaret (Cooley) Corning, who moved from Massachusetts
to New York state, thence to Bloomingdale township. Van Bureu
county, Michigan, where they spent the remainder of their lives.
Mrs. Bell died at the age of sixty-two years. Mrs. Corintha (Bell)
Beals survived her first husband and married again, in 1904, Rus-
sell Loomis, of whom a brief sketch appears on another page of
this work. By her marriage with her first husband she had four
children, namely : Alpheus, better known as Allie, being the special
subject of this brief biographical record; Edwin E. : Bertha; and
Ada.

Growing to man's estate on the parental homestead, Alpheus
Beals obtained a practical common school education, and at the age
of sixteen years, on account of the ill health of his father, assumed
the management of the home farm. At the father's death, in 1900.
Mr. Beals and his brother succeeded to the ownership of the home
estate, which under their care is now one of the best improved in
the community.

Mr. Beals married, in May, 1887, Mary Allen, who was born in
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Joseph and Laura (Warren) Allen,
natives of the Keystone state. Six children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Beals, namely : Jay, John, Josie, Vera, Laura and JNIary.
Religiously Mr. and IMrs. Reals are faithful members of the Chris-
tian church.

A. S. Mitchell. — The fruit industry of IMichigan, which was
started on a small scale a comparatively short time ago, and has
grown to such great proportions as to be known by the superiority
of its products and the earnest demand for them all over this
country and in many foreign lands, furnishes a striking illustration
of the enormous richness of this country and the wonderful enter-
prise and resourcefulness of the people who inhabit it. Until its
adaptability to the growth of fruit was discovered by tests and ex-
haustive experiments much of the land which is now highly pro-
ductive and profitable because of this was of comparatively little
value. But when the commanding might of mind made known its
real possibilities, and the energ>^ of the Michigan farmers began
to develop them, the whole situation was changed.

Among the fruit growers of Van Buren county A. S. Mitchell,
of Lawton, is easily in the front rank. The magnitude to which he
has expanded his business from a very small beginning, and the
skill and success with which he conducts his operations, alike en-
title him to this distinction. He is one of the most extensive grape
producers in Antwerp township, and one of the best *posted men

1084 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

in the business. And he has acquired his knowledge of the indus-
try and his mastery in conducting it from close and careful study
of it in all its bearings.

Mr. Mitchell is a native of the state of New York, bom in Cayuga
county on January 23, 1842. His parents, Jacob H. and Catherine
(Kniffin) Mitchell, were also bom in that state, and reared and
married there. The father died there in 1876, and the mother
passed away in 1891. They had six children, of whom J. W., the
first, A. H., the second, and Mary, the fifth, have died. Those who
are living, besides A. S., who is the oldest survivor of the family,
are : Theodore L., who is a resident of Minnesota, and Maria, who
is the wife of H. Reightmyer, and still lives in New York state.

At the age of eighteen A. S. Mitchell began life for himself by
conducting a steam shovel and a dredge, operating on railroads,
canals, lakes and rivers, in his native state. He continued this thir-
teen years. At the end of that period he came to Michigan, arriving
in Van Buren county in 1876 and locating at Lawton. Here he
became a merchant, handling butter and eggs, continuing in the
enterprise seven years. In 1883 he sold his business in this county
and moved to Worthington, Minnesota, where he carried on the
same line of trade in connection with a general store for thirteen
years.

In the meantime Mr. Mitchell had bought twenty acres of land
in Antwerp township, this county, which he set out in fruit in 1896.
From this small start he has expanded his fruit culture until he
now has one hundred and forty acres in grapes. He is as careful
as the closest attention can make him to every detail of his busi-
ness and his success in it is commensurate with his care. He plants
judiciously, cultivates intelligently, picks and packs his products
in such a way as to insure their safe transportation to their desti-
nation, and in consequence his fruit has a high rank in the mar-
kets everywhere and always commands the best prices the state
of trade allows.

Mr. Mitchell was married January 24, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth
Wright, and by this union became the father of four children:
Carrie I., the wife of A. L. Johnson, of Minnesota ; Claude W., who
is still living at home; Gay, who is the wife of Vere Hurlburt, of
Minnesota; and Emma H., who married Arthur Beam and lives
at Lawton. The mother of these children died in 1880, and on
November 20, 1881, the father contracted a second marriage, in
Avhich he united himself with Mrs. Belle (Disbrow) Hines, the
widow of the late John Hines.

In religious connection Mr. Mitchell is affiliated with the Metho-
dist Episcopal church. In fraternal relations he is a Freemason
and a Woodman, and in political faith and allegiance he belongs
to the Republican party. He was supervisor of Antwerp township
four years, from 1897 to 1900, inclusive, and gave the township
excellent service as such, as the citizens of it are almost unanimous
in declaring, and he has repeated this good record in other town-
ship offices. Everything connected with or growing out of his
business has his earnest attention and his ardent support. He has

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1085

for years been one of the most active members of the Michigan Fruit
Exchange, and is now its president and directing spirit.

In reference to the interests of his township and county Mr.
Mitchell is as enterprising and far-seeing as he is in connection with
his own business. He is public spirited and liberal in support of
public improvements and every commendable undertaking that in-
volves the progress and development of his part* of the state or
promotes the welfare of its people. He is also energetic and help-
ful in his devotion to the cause of public education and his aid in
augmenting the power and increasing the usefulness of every good
agency at work in his community for its betterment. Van Buren
county has no better or more representative citizen, and none who
is held in higher or more universal esteem.

John A. Robinson. — Little success will be attained by the farmer
who by persistent, exhaustive cropping endeavors to get all he can
from the soil and to put as little as possible back again — his is
destructive, not constructive, farming. Farming is labor of the
hand, it is true, but it is also labor of the mind, and the agriculturist
Avho w^ould get the best from his property must study soil condi-
tions and by learning just what constitutes the best crops treat
his land so as to produce them. The farmers of Van Buren county
are now using scientific methods, taught by years of experience,
and prominent among them may be mentioned John A. Robinson,
of Porter township, who specializes in grape growing and the manu-
facture of peppermint oil. Mr. Robinson was born in Porter town-
ship, January 1, 1864, and is a son of James and Mary Ann (Ste-
phenson) Robinson, natives of Ireland (of Scotch ancestry), who
(*a.me to America in 1846, and first settled in Canada.

The Robinson family was founded in Michigan in December,
1862, when James and Mary Ann Robinson located near Lawton
and purchased forty acres of land in sections 6 and 8, Porter town-
ship. Here they spent the rest of their lives engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits, Mr. Robinson dying IMarch 26, 1906, and his wife
May 1, 1897. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom
six survive: Sarah, the widow of Eugene Harris, of Lawrence;
Amelia, the wife of Eugene Drake, of Arlington township ; Alice
Ann, wife of Samuel M. Armstrong, of Ashland, Wisconsin;
Thomas, wlio is engaged in farming in partnership with his
brother; Mary E., the wife of Edwin R. Miller, of Otsego, Michi-
gan ; and John A.

John A. Robinson first engaged in farming at the age of twenty-
tw^o years, and he has always remained on the home farm. At
present he is associated with his brother, Thomas, and they have
one hundred and sixty acres under cultivation. They also carry
on a peppermint still, for the manufacture of mint oil, and this
year will have between six and seven hundred pounds of this prod-
uct. In addition they carry on general farming and grape raising
and are very successful in all of their ventures.

On February 6, 1886, John A. Robinson was married to Miss
Martha J. Delamater, and she died April 13, 1898, having been the
mother of five children: Pearl lone, born February 18, 1888, is

1086 HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY

the wife of G. W. Fisk of Towiisend, Montana, and has one daugh-
ter, named Almeda, born December 17, 1911; James Arthur, born
June 7, 1889, and residing in Lawton, married May L. Harris and
has one son, Byron J., born September 27, 1910; Howard Leroy,
born November 10, 1891, is at home ; and Hazel May, bom January
12, 1894, and Gladys, born August 5, 1895, are also at home. Mr.
Robinson was married (second) to Cora B. (Summers) Etter, the
w^idow of Miles Etter, who had one child by her first marriage,
John D. Etter, who was bom December 21, 1896. Mr. Robinson
is a Republican, and served his township as constable. His frater-
nal connections are with the Maccabees and the Knights of Pythias,
and with his wife he attends the Methodist church. Successful
in his business ventures, public-spirited to a high degree, progres-
sive and enterprising in all things and the happy possessor of many
warm personal f rends, Mr. Robinson can truthfully be said to be
one of Van Buren county 's representative citizens.

Nathan Hawkins. — The hustling farmer is always on the alert
for new inventions which will minimize cost and production, and
it is indeed interesting to visit a well-equipped farm and scrutinize
the various implements used in preparing the products of the
ground for practical use. There is probably no class of people who
grasp anything new^ and progressive like the prosperous farmer,
and to this class belongs Nathan Hawkins, of Porter township,
wiio is engaged in general farming and fruit raising along modern,
scientific lines. Mr. Haw- kins is a native of Adrian, Ohio, and was
born February 8, 1871, a son of Timothy B. and Margaret (Kim-
ball) Hawkins.

Mr. Hawkins' parents, who were also born in the Buckeye stat(\
came to Michigan in 1881 and settled in section 7, Porter township,
where they purchased farming land and settled down to an agri-
cultural life. Here Mrs. Haw^kins died August 1, 1898, but her
husband still survives her and makes his home on his farm in De-
catur township. He married for his second wife Ella Dickey, who
also survives. To Timothy B. and Margaret Hawkins the follow-
ing children were born : Nathan ; Clara, who resides at home ; Gor-
don, who is deceased : Jessie, the wife of Martin Lechlitner, of Mish-
awaka, Indiana; Mentie E., w^ho is deceased; and Earl, who resides
in Nebraska.

Nathan Hawkins received his education in the district schools
of Decatur township, and at the age of thirty years purchased the
home place, on which he has since carried on general farming and
fruit raising. Many changes have been made on the property since
he has taken charge, and he now ranks among the progressive agri-
culturists of his tow^nship. He has always been a stanch advocate
of the use of power machinery in farm work, and his property
is w^ell equipped with the most modem appliances. As a citizen
Mr. Hawkins stands high in the esteem of his fellow^ townsmen,
and he bears an excellent reputation for honesty in business deal-
ings. He is a supporter of Republican principles and works hard
in the ranks of his party, although he has never sought public office
on his ow^n account. He and his family attend the Methodist

JIISTOKY OF VAN JUMiEN COUNTY 1087

ehurcli, and fraternally he is a popular member of the Odd Fel-
lows order.

On November 23, 1901, JMr. Hawkins was married to Miss Rena
G. Wiles, daughter of Henry and Jennie (Jones) Wiles. Mrs.
Hawkins has two sisters: Hortense, the wife of Harry Tompkins,
of Decatur, Michigan; and Jessie, who lives at home with her
parents. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Hawkins have had two children, born as
follows: Vivian Leola, September 22, 1903; and Henry Gordon,
July 2, 1906. The comfortable Hawkins family home is situated
on Lawton Rural Route No. 2, and there are welcomed the many
warm personal friends of Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins.

John D. Hayne. — In every branch of industry the advance of
Van Buren county has been remarkably rapid during the last few
years, and its progress has been equal to that of any other section
of the state of Michigan. The present prosperity of the county
is well represented in its agriculturists and stockmen, and among
these may be mentioned John D. Hayne, the owner of a magnificent
tract of two hundred and forty-three acres of some of the best
farming land in Porter township. Mr. Hayne was born on the
farm which he is now operating, September 20, 1868, and is a son
of John and Elizabeth (Turner) Hayne.

Mr. Hayne 's parents w^ere natives of England, and came to
the United States in 1855, locating first in Detroit, Michigan,
and going thence to Wayne county. In 1858 they settled as pio-
neers in Van Buren county, where Mr. Hayne erected a log house
that was the family residence for many years. From this humble
beginning Mr. Hayne developed one of the finest properties in this
part of the county, his land being all under cultivation, and at the
time of his death comprising two hundred and forty-three acres,
all of which had been cleared and put under cultivation by himself.
Mr. Hayne was born May 14, 1827, and died June 13, 1905. He
and his wife had four children, the first two of whom died in in-
fancy. The daughter, Laura, is the wife of D. C. Van Antwerp.

John D. Hayne was educated in the district schools of Porter
township, and has always resided on the home farm. In 1891,
when his father retired from active pursuits, he took charge of the
property, and when John Hayne died he was left a part of the houK^
farm and purchased eighty acres more to make up two hundred
and forty-three acres. He has shown himself an able agriculturist
and a w^orthy representative of this old and honored family, and
stands high in the esteem of his fellow men as a man and a citi-
zen. On October 26, 1892, Mr. Hayne was married to Miss Lilla
G. Kinney, daughter of Horace H. and Susan (Abbott) Kinney,
the former a native of Michigan and the latter of England, and to
this union there have been born two children, as follows : Vera L.,
born May 8, 1896, and Horace K., born December 8, 1900.

Mr. and Mrs. Hayne are consistent members of the Methodist
church. His political opinions are those of the Republican party,
and he has served Porter township as treasurer for one term. Fra-
ternally Mr. Hayne is a member of the Masons, the Eastern Star,
the Maccabees and the Woodmen.

1088 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Charles Lytle. — It very frequently happens that the men in
a family will show an inclination towards a certain profession or
line of work, and especially is this true with regard to men who
make a business of farming. There are often generation after gen-
eration of farmers in a family, the sons inheriting their skill and
inclination from their fathers. However, the agriculturist of to-
day faces an entirely different proposition from that of a quar-
ter of a century ago. Each year brings some new discovery, some
improved methods, some newly invented machinery, so that the
agriculturist of today, although better fitted to cultivate his land,
must also keep abreast of the times in order that he may cope
with his fellows. Charles Lytle, a farmer of Porter township, Van
Buren county, no doubt owes much of his skill as an agriculturist
to his father, D. W. C. Lytle, who for a number of years carried
on farming in this township.

D. W. C. Lytle was a native of New York, and came from that
state to Michigan during the 'fifties, engaging in agricultural
work, which he followed throughout his life, and he died on his
home farm June 22, 1894. He was married in IMichigan to Mary
J. Wilcox, a native of this state, and she died on the 24th of Feb-
ruary, 1904, having been the mother of six children, as follows :
Charles; David, who is a farmer in Antwerp township; John, en-
gaged in farming in Porter township; Wilber B., a resident of
Lawton; Nancy Y., the wife of W. B. Shafer, of Paw Paw; and
Robert B., also an agriculturist of Porter township.

Charles Lytle was born on the home farm in Porter township,
April 17, 1859, and remained on the home farm until his mar-
riage, at which time he rented one hundred and twenty acres of
his father, falling heir to this land at the time of his father's
death. He has put his property in an excellent state of cultivation,
and devotes twenty-three acres to grapes, having upwards of
eleven thousand vines. It is only natural that a man of Mr. Lytle 's
training and natural abilities should succeed and that he should
make a success of his operations. No man stands higher in the
community than he, and he is recognized as a sound, reliable man,
a good farmer and honorable business citizen.

Mr. Lytle was united in marriage, December 8, 1886, with Miss
Estella A. Birdsell, daughter of George M. and Amelia (Quick)
Birdsell. Mr. and Mrs. Birdsell had six children, namely : Estella
A., who married Mr. Lytle; Clara E., the wife of C. E. Lewis, edi-
tor of the Lawton Leader; Georgianna, the wife of W. K. Lane, of
Van Buren county; Grace, who married D. H. Palmer, of Avilla,
Pennsylvania ; Cora, a trained nurse of Denver, Colorado ; and one
child which died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Lytle have had four
children, namely: Anna, Homer B., Arthur C. and G. Wilber, who
live with their parents. Mr. Lytle is a Republican in political
matters, and has served very acceptably as a member of the town-
ship board. He and Mrs. Lytle attend the Baptist church, and
have been liberal contributors to movements of a religious and
charitable nature. He is popular in fraternal circles and holds
membership in the Masons and the Woodmen. Mrs. Lytle and

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1089

daughter are members of the Eastern Star, and the son, Homer,
is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Elver E. Waldron, one of the prominent and prosperous farm-
ers of Porter township, is the proprietor of one hundred acres of
valuable land, upon which is erected a large farm dwelling, a good
barn and all other buildings necessary to a first-class modern
homestead. The fields are finely laid off for fruit-growing and
general farming, and for pasturage; the fences are substantially
built and kept in good repair, and the property is fully equipped
with the most highly improved machinery. Mr. Waldron, who
is now serving as supervisor of Porter township, was born in Van
Buren county, Michigan, May 23, 1855, and is a son of L. M. and
Clarissa (Bugbee) Waldron, the former a native of Ohio and the
latter of New York.

During the early 'fifties the AValdron family was founded in
Michigan by Mr. Waldron 's parents, who settled on a farm north
of the town of Lawton. In 1873 L. M. Waldron purchased a farm
of sixty acres in Porter township, section 14, and there he was
engaged in agricultural pursuits until his retirement, since which
time he and his wife have resided in their comfortable residence
situated in Lawton. They have been the parents of three chil-
dren, namely: Ida M., the widow of W. E. Kinney, of Kalama-
zoo county, Michigan; Elver E., of this sketch; and Jessie M., who
is deceased.

Elver E. Waldron attended the public schools of his native
vicinity, and as a youth also attended the school of hard work,
learning early that the only way to succeed in life was through
hard, persistent effort directed along the lines of honesty of pur-
pose and integrity and fair dealing in all things. By the time he
was sixteen years of age he had mastered all the details of farming
and fruit-growing, and when he had reached his majority he be-
gan working for wages, although he continued at home. In 1891
he had accumulated enough to engage in farming on his own ac-
count, and in that year purchased the forty-acre tract adjoining
the old homestead in Porter township, adding to it some time later
the sixty acres originally bought by his father. He now operates
the entire one hundred acres and carries on general farming, spe-
cializing in fruit. His operations are extensive, and he finds a
ready market for his product in the large cities.

On November 6, 1874, Mr. Waldron was married to Miss Adella
Campbell, daughter of W. W. and Thankful (Halstead) Campbell,
natives of Ohio. Mrs. Waldron has one sister, Lottie, who is the
widow of I. E. Powell, of Van Buren county. Four children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Waldron, namely: Minnie, who mar-
ried Stephen Frank, of Kalamazoo county; William Hugh, who
married Grace Cooley and helps to cultivate the home property;
Harry, who resides at home; and Blanche, who married James D.
McMahon, an attorney of Hammond, Indiana.

Politically a Republican, Mr. Waldron has been active in the
ranks of his party in Van Buren county, and has been elected to
the offices of township clerk and supervisor, in which latter ca-

1090 inSTORY OF VAN BimEN COUNTY

pacify he is at present serving. lie has proven himself as able an
official as agriculturist, and deserves the confidence and esteem
in which he is held by the people of Porter township. He is a
leading member of the Gleaners, and a consistent attendant and
liberal supporter of the Methodist church, of which Mrs. Waldron
is also a member.

Darwin McKee. — The average Michigan farmer, be he enter-
prising and progressive, is usually loath to give up his operations,
even when he has reached years that to men in different lines of
employment would seem advanced, but when he does turn over his
operations and retires from activities he can look back over the
years that have passed with a satisfied sense that he has accom-
plished much in the development of his section. Darwin McKee,
of Decatur township, a widely known farmer and stockraiser who
is now leading a retired life, was for many years engaged in till-
ing the soil of Van Buren county, and assisted materially in bring-
ing about the changes that have made the once wild country into
a land of prosperity and plenty. He was born in Niagara county,
New York, August 8, 1828, a son of Chauncy and Lucy (Loomis)
McKee, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Ver-
mont. Chauncy McKee, who was a farmer all of his life, died
August 26, 1875, and his wife passed away in 1845. They had
three children : Edwin, Avho is deceased ; Darwin ; and Delose, who
is deceased.

Darwin McKee was seventeen years of age when his mother
died, and he remained on the home farm until his marriage, at
the age of twenty-five years, when he began running a boat on the
Erie Canal. After three years spent in this occupation he returned
to farming in New York, continuing until 1865. In that year he
came to Van Buren county, and on March 28th of the same year
located in Decatur township. Purchasing eighty acres, he began
the clearing of this land, and eventually erected substantial build-
ings and good fencing, and made it into a well improved farm. He
has resided here continuously since. Later, however, he bought
one hundred and fifty-three acres in section 12, on which his sons
have engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. Mckee was greatly
interested in breeding draft horses, and did a large business in this
line. He was, and is still, considered an excellent judge of live
stock, and he raised some of the finest animals that Van Buren
county has yet produced. His opinion was often consulted on the
stock market, w^hile buyers from all over the state preferred to deal
with him than with others. Mr. McKee has been a witness of won-
derful changes, and it is due to the efforts of just such industrious,
hard-working agriculturists as he that these changes have come
about.

Darwin McKee was married in 1853 to Miss Adelia Andrus,
daughter of Abel B. and Sophia (St. Clair) Andrus, natives of
Vermont. Six children have been born to this union: Benjamin
H., of Decatur; Leonard C, residing in Decatur township; Dar-
win, Jr., also of Decatur township; Hattie, the wife of Allison
Ives; Ella Dell, who is deceased; and Elinor, who married Cass

HISTORY OF VAN RIIRp]N COILNTY 1091

Rosewan, of Portland, Oregon, and she is now deceased. Mr. Mc-
Kee is a stanch Republican in political matters, and although he
has never cared for public office for himself he has always wielded
a strong influence in matters which have affected the welfare of his
township. The family home is situated on Decatur Rural Route
No. 2.

Emory II. Squier, who is a widely and favorably known resident
of Decatur and as an industrious farmer and public-spirited citi-
zen, is pleasantly located on section 22, upon forty acres of highly
cultivated land, which he devotes to the raising of mint and celery.
Mr. Squier was born in Volina, Cass county, Michigan, August 31,
1865, and is a son of David and Mary (Rich) Squier, natives of
(7 ass county.

David Squier was reared to an agricultural life, and he fol-
lowed that occupation as a youth, later entering the mercantile
field. During his latter years, however, he again became a farmer,
and this was his vocation at the time of his death, which occurred
at Decatur, November 19, 1907, he having been buried on his sev-
enty-third birthday. He became widely and favorably known,
and possessed the esteem and confidence of his fellow townsmen
to such an extent that during the last fifteen years of his life he
was elected to the office of supervisor. His widow still survives
and makes her home at Decatur. They had two children : Harley
E., living in Decatur township, and Emory H.

Emory H. Squier received a public and high school education,
and after leaving the latter institution entered Parsons Business
College. His first employment w^as as clerk in a stave factory,
but after one year his health failed and he returned to the home
farm, where he continued to assist his father until 1889. Mr.
Squier then entered the mercantile field, establishing himself in a
clothing business at Decatur, but after three years he again re-
sumed farming and he is now profitably engaged in raising mint
and celery on a forty-acre tract in section 22, Decatur township.
]\Ir. Squier is a worthy representative of the old family whose
name he bears, and throughout his life has displayed the same
<*haracteristies that made his father so highly esteemed. Fair in
his business dealings, possessed of a high sense of honor and civic
pride, and withal an excellent business man and farmer, Mr.
Squier possesses to the fullest degree the esteem of the community
in which he resides, and he is now serving his fourth term as
supervisor of Decatur township.

Mr. Squier was married to Miss Cora Knight, daughter of
Anson and Catherine (West) Knight, and to this union there have
been born two children: Lena, who is deceased, and Frances, re-
siding with his parents. Mr. Squier is a Democrat in his political
views, and is considered one of the influential party men of Decatur
township. Fraternally he is connected with the Maccabees and the
Woodmen, and is also a Pythian. He and Mrs. Squier attend the
Universalist church. Mrs. Squier 's brother, Alden Knight, is a
well known citizen of Decatur.

1092 . HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUxNTY

Edward McAdams. — Agricultural conditions in Van Buren
county have changed to such an extent during the past several
decades that the enterprising farmer has been compelled to change,
to a large degree, his methods of treating the soil. New discover-
ies have been made, powerful machinery invented and new inno-
vations introduced, and he who would reap the most beneficial re-
sults from his property must keep himself conversant with the
changes of the times. One of the up-to-date farmers of Van Buren
county, who is now engaged. in fruit and grain raising on a well-
cultivated tract of thirty acres situated in Decatur township, is
Edward McAdams, a native of Genesee county, New York, who was
bom December 9, 1856, a son of William and Betsy (Ray)
McAdams.

Mr. McAdams' parents were natives of Ireland, of Scotch ances-
try, and came to the United States shortly after their marriage,
settling in Genesee county. New York, from whence they came to
Michigan in 1857. Here in Decatur township William McAdams
bought twenty-five acres of wild land, and after he had cleared
and cultivated it he added another forty acres, which he also put
in a state of cultivation. Here he and his wife spent the remainder
of their lives, both dying in 1897. They were the parents of ten
children: John, who is deceased; Mary, the widow of Leonard
Hurlburt, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Susan, the wife of Adel-
bert Howland, of Cass county; Betsy, who married Charles Earl,
a resident of Decatur; Jennie, who married William Stewart, of
Grand Rapids ; Edward ; George, living in the state of Minnesota ;
Joseph J., of Decatur; Eliza, the wife of Prank Jones, of Grand
Rapids ; and Frank, who is deceased.

Edward McAdams was about one year old when brought to
Michigan, and his education was secured in the district schools of
Decatur township, which he attended until he was sixteen years
old. He then began farming, and continued as an agriculturist
for five years, but on attaining his majority he went to northern
Michigan and for nine years was a member of a lumber camp crew.
Next he spent one year and six months in a Wisconsin lumber mill,
but on account of failing health he returned to Michigan and set-
tled on his present thirty-acre farm in Decatur township, where he
is engaged in raising fruit and grain. His operations have been
uniformly successful, and he is considered one of the substantial
men of his township.

On December 3, 1877, Mr. McAdams was married to Miss Win
nie Roberts, daughter of Thomas and Lydia (Carpenter) Roberts,
and two children have been born to this union : Leslie, who resides
in Decatur, and Herbert, now in the employ of the Grand Trunk
Railroad Company. In his political views Mr. McAdams is a Re-
publican and his religious connection is with the Presbyterian
church.

Leslie McAdams. — Farming has drawn out the best efforts of
some of the leading men of Van Buren county and developed their
abilities. Through their endeavors in an agricultural line they
have become well-to-do and prominent in their communities. Such

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1093

a mail is Leslie AIcAdams, of Decatur township, who is well and
favorably known in his neighborhood as an exponent of scientific
farming. Mr. McAdams has intimate knowledge of the soil of
this section, as this, with the exception of one year, has been his
home all of his life. He was born on his father's farm in De-
catur township, August 24, 1878, a son of Edward and Winnie
(Roberts) McAdams, natives of New York and now residents of
Decatur township. A sketch of their lives appears preceding this.

Leslie McAdams remained on the home farm until he attained
his majority, at which time he went to the lumber woods of Wis-
consin and there spent one year. On his return he took up farm-
ing as an occupation, and this he has followed with much success
to the present time. Mr. McAdams' farming ' operations have
kept him so busy that he has not found time to engage actively in
politics, but he is a stanch supporter of Republican principles and
no movement for the betterment of his township fails to receive
his support. He is popular fraternally as a member of the Masons,
the Eastern Star and the Gleaners, and his religious affiliation is
with the Presbyterian church, which he and Mrs. McAdams attend.
^Ir. ]\IcAdams has a comfortable .residence situated on Decatur
Rural Route No. 2, and he has also erected substantial barns and
outbuildings and put up neat, durable fencing and made numerous
other improvements.

On September 11, 1903, Mr. McAdams was united in marriage
with Miss Jennie Gates, the estimable daughter of Michael and
Edna (Campbell) Gates. Mr. Gates died in May, 1908, and his
widow is now residing in Decatur. Mrs. McAdams was the young-
est of four children, her brothers and sister being: Elmer, who
lives in Lawton; Allie, a resident of the village of Decatur; and
Lillie, the wife of Frank Silkworth, of LaAvton. Mr. and Mrs. Mc-
Adams have had three children, born as follows: Madge, in
March, 1904; Leo, in November, 1906; and Irene, in November,
1908.

William L. Congdon is a well-known farmer in Decatur town-
ship. Michigan boasts, and with reason, of its wonderful agricult-
ural resources, and that it has become such a successful farming
country is attributable to the fact that men of acknowledged abil-
ity have identified themselves with the cultivation of the soil. Mr.
Congdon, a farmer by nature, by inheritance and from choice,
stands prominent in the state which he has helped to make famous.

On the 9th day of December, 1880, William L. Congdon began
life on a farm in Springfield, Missouri. His parents, George M.
and Mary C. (Fultz) Congdon, were both natives of New York,
and soon after their marriage they came west, took up their resi-
dence in Missouri, in 1882 came to Michigan, where they bought
forty acres of land in Decatur township, and proceeded to farm.
Tn a short time Mr. Congdon, Sr., sold his tract of land, moved
to Marcellus, where he remained three years, then returned to
Decatur tow^nship, and bought fifty acres of land in section 18.
This land he also sold at a profit, and some of it he traded off for
other property. He is now living at Lawton, but his wife died on

1094 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY .

the 21st of March, 1905. Father and Mother Congdon were the
parents of six children, — Etta, wife of P. J. Flynn, of Chicago;
Clinton W., residing at Springfield, Missouri ; George W., deceased ;
Isaac E., now living in Decatur, Michigan ; Lillian May, married to
William Anderson, of Chicago ; and William L., whose name initiates
this biography.

William L. Congdon has no recollection of his native home, as
he was but two years old when the family movec* to Van Buren
county, i\Iichigan, and his boyhood was passed in Decatur town-
ship. He entered the district school and later attended the pub-
lic school of Decatur. xVfter completing his educational training
he determined to make agriculture his chosen calling. Commenc-
ing to farm with his father, he later bought the homestead of
forty acres above mentioned, to which he has added twenty-five
additional acres. He does general farming and stock raising, bring-
ing all his intelligence to bear on his work, so that he is enabled
to produce large crops from the land.

On Christmas eve of 1901, ]\Ir. Congdon married Pearl, daughter
of Guy and Eveline (Mayhart) Exceen, residents of Lawton. Mr.
iuid Mrs. Exceen had a family of three children, — Myrtle, deceased ;
William F., residing at Ottumwa, Iowa ; and Pearl. Mr. and Mrs.
Congdon have two daughters, — Lillian i\I., born March 3, 1904,
a student in the public school ; and Anna Maxine, whose birth
occurred July 13, 1911.

In political sympathies Mr. Congdon is a Republican, but he has
never evinced any desire for public office for himself. In fra-
ternal connection he is affiliated with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and with the Maccabees. The family attend the
Methodist church. He is a man who is greatly (\steemed by his
many friends.

Walter A. Wood is a product of Van Buren county, .Michigan,
and was born October 2, 1875, a son of Henry and Ellen (Torrey)
Wood, natives of New York, whose other two children are : Arthur,
of Allegan county; and Fred, of Van Buren county. Walter A.
Wood secured a district school education, after completing which
he took up farming as a means of livelihood, and continued to be
engaged in agricultural pursuits until February 28, 1910, at which
time he began handling and trading horses and shipping hay and
grain. He came to Bangor September 1, 1911, and shortly there-
after bought an interest in the livery business with which he is
now^ connected. Mr. Wood is a Democrat in his political views, and
belongs to the Order of the Moose, Kalamazoo Lodge. July 25,
1900, he married Miss Lena Pease who was born in Otsego, Allegan
county, Michigan, being a daughter of Jerome and Lottie Peas(\

James Canning is one of the well-known and representative
farmers of Decatur tow^nship, Van Buren county, where he iujs
lived for upwards of half a century. Since he first engaged in
agricultural pursuits the status of the farmer has undergone a
radical change. A farm and a mortgage used at one time to be
synonymous terms, but a man burdened with debt is not apt to

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1095

be beautiful either in looks or disposition. Now all of this has
been changed and ' ' back to the farm ' ' means a return to efficiency,
health and life; we reach the farm by going forward, not by
going backward. The business of the farmer who produces food
must be regarded as a fine art, not to be left to the whipped-out
and the discouraged, as in former times. Much of this changed
condition has come about within the recollection of Mr. Canning,
and it is due to the work and example of such as he that ideas on
this subject have so completely changed.

Ireland is the country which Mr. Canning proudly claims as
his birthplace, his nativity having occurred in County Antrim, in
1838, but he is of Scotch ancestry. The first twenty-four years of
his life were passed in the Emerald Isle, where he learned farming,
according to the methods which have been practiced by the Irish
from time immemorial. Mr. Canning, however, was progressive in
his ideas, and determined to leave the land which is bound by cus-
tom to remain in the rut formed by primitive methods, and he took
passage in a sailing vessel bound for New York, in which city he
landed in 1857. He remained in the east for the ensuing nine
years, during which time he succeeded in earning money, and as
his wants were simple he was enabled to save a large proportion of
his wages. In 1866 he came to Michigan, bought eighty-two acres
of land in Decatur township, in section 7, and here he has remained
ever since, engaged in general farming and in stock raising.

The year 1857 was doubly memorable to Mr. Canning, as he
then came to America, as above mentioned, and he was united in
marriage to Miss Margaret Richard on the 2nd day of July. Mrs.
Canning is a daughter of Alexander and Jane (Reed) Richard,
of County Antrim. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Canning : Robert, living in Idaho ; Alexander, also a resident of
Idaho; Jane, wife of Ed Kernes, of Van Buren county; Mary,
married to Milo Youels, of Van Buren county ; James, who makes
his home in Indiana ; and William, who lives on the old homestead.

Mr. Canning is a Republican in his political sympathies, stanch
in his allegiance to the party to which he has always given his sup-
port since he first became an American citizen. In religious con-
nection he is a Presbyterian, a devout member of the church in
Decatur. During the years of his residence in this neighborhood
Mr. Canning has made many friends, and his uprightness of char-
acter and his kindly personality have won for him the respect and
esteem of all who come within the sphere of his sympathetic nature
and his genial kindliness.

Phillip Maguire. — The late Phillip Maguire was a prominent
and highly respected farmer of Van Buren county and an old
resident of Decatur township. He built up for himself a lasting
reputation as a man possessing most excellent traits of character,
was honorable and upright in his business transactions, and was
imbued with that generous public spirit that made him always
ready to assist in whatever was calculated to promote the welfare
of his county and community. Mr. Maguire was born in county
Mayo, Ireland, in May, 1823, and died January 25, 1901, in De-

1096 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

oatur township. He came to America in 1851, settling* in New York
state, wliere lie was engaged in farming until 1858, and in that
year made his way w^est to Michigan and purchased eighty acres of
farming land in section 4, Decatur township, where he continued
to do general farming and stock raising for the remainder of his
life. He was married on September 8, 1858, to Miss Mary Burns,
daughter of JMichael and Julia (Healy) Burns. Mrs. Maguire's
mother died when she was an infant, and her father took for his
second wife ]Miss Bridget Boyle, by whom he had a family of eight
children.

.Mr. and Mrs. Maguire had five children: James and John, who
are deceased ; Mary, who lives with her mother ; George, who resides
in Decatur ; and Phillip, who is engaged in operating the old home
farm. Mr. Maguire was an ardent Democrat in politics, but never
aspired to office. During the more than fifty years that he resided
here he made friendships that were warm and sincere, and all of
his old friends remember him with naught but kindness. Having
the ready sympathy that goes with the Irish blood, Mr. Maguire
was ever ready to assist those who were less fortunate in life than
he, and the extent of his charities will probably never be known.
He was a faithful member of the Catholic church, to which his
widow, Avho is now residing in the comfortable family residence at
Decatur, also belongs.

John Barker. — The late John Barker, who was for many years
engaged in agricultural pursuits in Porter township, showed so
much ability in handling his own affairs that during a long period
he was elected to positions of honor, wiiere he displayed marked
fidelity to his trust in taking care of the affairs of his fellow towns-
men. Possessing the full confidence of his community, he worked
always for the public welfare and the influence of his life will be
felt long after his name has been forgotten. Mr. Barker was born
in Yorkshire, England, April 15, 1817, and was a son of Jeremiah
and Mary (Bentley) Barker.

The parents of Mr. Barker immigrated to the United States some
time after their marriage, and first settled in New York, from
whence they made their way to Michigan during the early days
of this state and settled in Porter township, where they spent the
remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1849 and the mother
in 1862. They had a family of ten children, as follows: Thomas,
John and Ann, deceased; Mary, who married Robert Gould of
Ceresco. Michigan, and she died aged ninety years; Elizabeth,
Susan, George and Joseph and Josiah, the latter twins, all de-
ceased; and Ezra, deceased.

When his father's estate was divided John Barker inherited
eighty acres of the old homestead, and this land he was engaged
in cultivating throughout the remainder of his life. He was a
good farmer, a public-spirited citizen and an honest official, and
he possessed in the fullest extent the esteem and confidence of his
fellow^ citizens. An ardent Republican in politics, he was always
a hard w^orker in the ranks of his party, and was considered one
of the most influential men of his organization in this part of Van

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1097

Buren county. For many years he served in positions within the
gift of the people of Porter township, including the offices of
township clerk and township supervisor. He died firm in the faith
of the Baptist church.

Mr. Barker was married to JMrs. Grace (Hayne) IMarshall, widow
of John Marshall, and they had a family of five children, as follows :
George, who died in infancy; Ella J., who is now the owner of
one hundred and fourteen acres in section 9, Porter township,
which she cultivates as a general stock and fruit farm ; ]\lary, who
married George Hathaway, one of Porter township's leading agri-
culturists; Irwin M., also engaged in farming in this townsiiip ;
and Joseph H., who is deceased. The Barker family is one of the
best known in Porter township, and its representatives have been
prominent in almost every line of endeavor.

Irwin M. Barker. — When the visitor to a farming property
sees neatly-arranged buildings, well-built fences, graded land, sleek
cattle and carefully cleaned machinery and implements, he is not
apt to be far wrong in the surmise that he is looking at the land
of a successful farmer, for the agriculturist wlio is thus conscientious
in his work cannot fail to achieve success, espcn-ially if lie be the
owner of such fertile land as is to })e found in Van Buren county.
Such a general air of prosperity is to be foimd pervading the
homestead of Irwin M. l^arker, farmer and stockman of Porter
township, who has lived on his present property all of his lif(\ ^Ir.
Barker was born in Porter township, March 19, 1862, a son of
John and Grace (Hayne) (Marshall) Barker, members of one of
Van Buren county's old families.

Jeremiah and Mary (Bentley) Barker, the grandparents of
Irwin M. Barker, immigrated to the United States from England,
settling first in New York, and then going to Michigan as pioneers
and settling in Porter township, where Jeremiah Barker spent
the rest of his life in farming and died in 1849, his widow sur-
viving him until 1862. They had ten children, as follows: Thomas,
John, Ann, Mary, Elizabeth, Susan, George, Joseph and Josiah,
twins, and Ezra.

John Barker was born in Yorkshire, England, April 15, 1817,
and accompanied his parents to the United States as a lad. He had
always lived at home, and when his father's estate was divided he
came into possession of eighty acres of the homestead in Porter
township, where he became a leading and influential farmer and
served in various township offices. He married Mrs. Grace (Hayne)
Marshall, widow of John Marshall, and they had five children, as
follows: George, who died in infancy; Ella J., the owner of a gen-
eral stock and fruit farm ; Mary, w^ife of George Hathaway ; Irwin
M., of this review ; and Joe II., deceased.

Irwin M. Barker was born on the homestead farm and grew to
manhood there, attending the district schools of that vicinity. At
the time of his father's death he inherited a part of the property
and bought more land until he now owns a tract of eighty acres,
all under a high state of cultivation. He is a skilled farmer, and
in addition to farming along general lines he specializes in grapes.

1098 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

His success is well merited, as it has been gained through indus-
trious, persevering labor and energy that has overcome all obstacles.
He has many friends in this part of the county.

Mr. Barker was married December 23, 1891, to Miss Franc C.
Burlington, daughter of James and Mary (Rich) Burlington.
Mrs. Barker's parents had nine children: Franc C, who married
Mr. Barker ; James, of Porter township ; Grace, the wife of Charles
Mohney, of Porter township; Guy, who is engaged in farming in
Porter township ; Nellie, who married Claude Miller, of Marcellus,
Michigan ; Floy and Roy, residents of Marcellus ; Jay, of Decatur,
Michigan; and George, residing in Porter township. Two chil-
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs Barker, namely: Marshal J.,
born November 20, 1893, and died November 1, 1908; and Joe
Whitney, born December 1, 1895, and died December 7, 1910.
Mr. Barker is a Republican, a member of the Maccabees and a
Methodist, and he is active in the work of his party, popular in
fraternal circles and a consistent attendant of his church.

John H. Cornish. — Van Buren county is eminently fitted for
the raising of general farm products, stock or fruits. The progres-
sive farmer of today has learned that he oftentimes secures better
results by specializing than if he continued along general lines,
and one of the successful agriculturists of Porter township who is
farming along these lines is John H. Cornish, the owner of an
(excellent farm of 140 acres, situated in section 15. Mr. Cornish
is a native of County Cornwall, England, the country which has
furnished the world's greatest colonizers, and he was born Feb-
ruary 25, 1852, being a son of Thomas and Mary (Hayne) Cornish.

The Cornish family came to the United States in 1853, settling
first in Orleans county. New York, and after two years removing
to Michigan, where Thomas Cornish took up 100 acres of land in
section 16, Porter township, and here was engaged in agricultural
pursuits up to the time of his death in 1908, his widow surviving
him two years. They had a family of six children : Mary A., who
is. deceased ; John H. ; Grace P., deceased ; Edward T. and Eliza,
twins, deceased ; and Dr. Cornish, of Lawton. The boyhood of John
H. Cornish was spent on his father's farm, and he received his
education in the district schools, which he attended when he could
be spared from the work of clearing and cultivating the home prop-
erty. At the age of eighteen years he began farming on his own
account, and by 1879, through industry and economy, he had
saved enough to purchase seventy-five acres of land. To this he
has added from time to time, as his finances would permit, and he
now has 140 acres of well-cultivated property. He has become one
of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of his township, and
has also specialized extensively in fruit growing. Mr. Cornish's
farm is a model of neatness, and the young agriculturists of this
township could do no better than to take it as a plan upon which
to lay out their own farms.

On October 20, 1880, Mr. Cornish was married to Miss Mary R.
Forbes, daughter of James P. and Amanda (Bennett) Forbes, and
two children have been born to this union : Mildred G., the wife of

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1099

Jesse M. Kinney, of Kalamazoo county, Michigan; and Stanley R.,
who married Cleo Ward, lives at home and assists his father. Mr.
and Mrs. Stanley R. Cornish have one son, Vaughan Richard, born
August 22, 1911. The elder Mr. Cornish is a Republican in politics,
and served as township treasurer three years and as supervisor
eight years. His religious faith is that of the Methodist chufch.
He is capable to discharge the duties of any office to which he may
be called, is a man who stands high in his community, and is a very
affable and pleasant gentleman, who, having once given his friend-
ship, never recalls it. In addition he is a good citizen and an ex-
cellent business man. Such a man has the full confidence of his
fellows and is not unlikely to be raised by them to high honors.

Fred Forbes. — One of the progressive and enterprising agri-
culturists of Van Buren county, Michigan, who has spent his life
on the farm which he now has charge of, in Decatur township, is
Fred Forbes, the worthy son of a worthy father and one of his
community's prominent public-spirited citizens. Mr. Forbes has
noted the various changes that have taken place during his resi-
dence here — changes that have affected every kind of work, and
he has seen the country grow from a half-developed, unpromising
prairie into one of the finest farming sections in the land. Born in
Decatur township, Mr. Forbes is a son of John and Charlotte (Lang-
don) Forbes, the former a native of Lyons, New York, and the
latter of Hillsdale, Michigan.

John Forbes, who is still living and makes his home with his
son, came to Michigan in 1856, at the age of twenty-three years, and
lived in Constantine for a time, later settling at Hillsdale where
he was married. In 1861 he came to Van Buren county and pur-
chased fifty acres of farming land in section 13, Decatur township,
and here he has resided ever since. A hard and faithful worker,
Mr. Forbes put his land in a fine state of cultivation, erected sub-
stantial buildings and made his property first class in every respect.
His wife died on this farm in 1895, having been the mother of
seven children, as follows: Theresa, Elvira, AVilliam, Tilla and
Harry, all of whom are deceased; Fred; and James, who also re-
sides in Decatur township.

Fred Forbes grew to manhood on the home farm, attending the
district school when he could be spared from the work of clearing
and cultivating the home property. Since his father's retirement
he has been in charge of the farm, and has made numerous im-
provements both to land and buildings. He is progressive in his
methods and modern in ideas, and is a firm believer in the use of
power farm machinery. On August 23, 1900, Mr. Forbes was mar-
ried to Miss Ida Montania, who died in June, 1901. In October,
1902, he was married to Amanda Keifer, daughter of Samuel and
Sarah (Robnolt) Keifer. Mr. and Mrs. Keifer had three children:
Amanda, the wife of Mr. Forbes ; Ida May, the wife of Allison Gor-
butt of Constantine, Michigan ; and one child that died in infancy.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Forbes: Samuel,
born July 25, 1904; Henry, born January 15, 1907; Joseph, born

1100 PIISTORY OE^ VAN BUREN COUNTY

February 18, 1909; and Alvira, born May 9, 1911. iMrs. Forbes
has a daughter named Mildred Keifer, born March 17, 1898.

Mr. Forbes is a Democrat in his political views, and while he has
never sought public office, being too busy with his extensive farm-
ing interests, he has served very acceptably as school director. He
and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist church, and
are Well and favorably known in social circles of Decatur township.

George Hathaway. — Presenting as it does a worthy example to
the rising generation, the life of this gentleman, which from early
boyhood has been one of assiduous industry, untiring energy and
unquestioned integrity, is well deserving of being sketched, how-
ever briefly, in the pages of this volume. George Hathaway was
born on the farm which he is now operating, in section 16, Porter
township, Van Buren county, December 13, 1860, being a son o]
Anson and Experience (Reynolds) Hathaway, the former a native
of Massachusetts and the latter of Ohio. The family was founded
here when Michigan was still a territory, by Mr. Hathaway 's grand-
father, who settled in Kalamazoo county and took up wild land
where he lived for a time then w^ent to Antwerp township, Van
Buren county, where he died two years later. Anson Hathaway,
son of the pioneer and father of George, was brought up to the
life of a farmer, and as a young man located in Porter township
on eighty acres of land which as yet had not known the touch of the
axe or plow. He built a small house and started in to clear the
property, but having only a limited supply of farming implements
and no improved machinery, the work of cultivating and improving
progressed but slowly. He persevered, however, keeping ever })e-
fore him the prospect of one day owning a comfortable property
which he could call his own. With constant care and industry his
land finally was converted into a smiling, productive farm, cvnd
the original little buildings were supplanted by modern structures
ef the best workmanship. Here his wife died July 81, 1879, and he
followed her to the grave IMarch 4, 1889. They were the parents
of five children: Mary Adell, who died August 15, 1908; Ella, the
wife of Charles Wiles of Oxford, Kansas; Frances, the widow of
William Hoyt of Lawton ; George; and Ida, who died May 17, 1900.

George Hathaw^ay received his education in the district schools
of Porter township and the high school at Lawton, from which
he was graduated in 1883, for one year after which he was engaged
in teaching school. During the next two years he attended Parsons
Business College, but eventually returned to the home farm, which
he has conducted ever since. Farming and stock raising have oc-
cupied his attention, and his energy, economical habits and physical
strength have been factors in his success, but his business sagacity
and good judgment have also proved of no small value. Honest
and trustworthy, he has always enjoyed the confidence of all who
have had dealings with him in any way. Politically he is a Demo-
crat, and has always been stanch in supporting the principles of
his party, but he has never aspired to political honors himself, his
own extensive interests demanding the greater share of his time.

GEOROE W. CORNTSTT

HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY noi

In religious connection he and his wife are members of the .Aletho-
dist church and support it liberally.

On August 14, 1902, Mr. Hathaway was married to Miss Mary

/a^'"'i/'*1'^^**''" °*' J*'''" ^"^ ^^^a'^e (Hayne), Barker (a sketch
ot Mr. Barker appears on another page of this work). Four chil-
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barker : P]lla, who lives in Porter
township; Mary, wife of Mr. Hathaway; Irwin, residing on the old
'jQ"'i''lon^ '" °''^^'" to^'nship; and Joseph, who died February

^o, loo".

Charles P. Sheldon, born and reared in Walerton, New York
eame to Van J3uren county in about 1842. The country at that time
was m a most primitive state of advancement, and in Hartford
township where he settled, Mr. Sheldon found steady and strenu-
ous employment in the improving of the lands he acquired there
He lived m Hartford township until 1855, when he removed to
Tipton, Iowa, then in about the same stage of development as he
had found Van Buren county twelve years previous. He became
the owner of a large farm there, which he improved and developed
to a high state of excellence, living upon it for the remainder of his
!^ 1* '^^' married Laura Mantle, the daughter of Edward and
Dolly (Richardson) Mantle, and she died a few vears prior to the
passing of her husband. They successfuUv reared a familv of
seven children.

Dr. (iIeorge AV. Cornish was born in Porter township. Van Buren
county, Ahchigan, on February 21, 1860, and liis life, for the greater
part, has been passed as a resident of the state of his nativitv. He
IS the son of Thomas Cornish, born in Cornwall, England, the latter
being one of a family of four sons and two daughters, namely:
John, Edward, William, Thomas, Ann and Mary. John alone of the
family remained in P]ngland. All the others came to America, set-
tling in Canada, with the exception of Thomas, who remained at
home on the farm in Cornwall until 1852, when he came to America
with his wife and two cliildren. They came on a sailing vessel
and were six weeks in the passage. They settled in New York
state until late in 185:^ when they removed to Michigan, locating
m Porter township. Van Buren county. Here they lived for a time
Avith a widowed sister-in-law, and after looking about a little
Thomas Cornish bought a tract of timbered land in section 16.'
He set about cleaning up the land, eventually putting the place in
a fine state of cultivation. He w^as always a hard-working, energetic
man, and the years of unrelenting toil he expended on his wilder-
ness home are everywhere apparent today in the fine, up-to-date
place, today one of the best in Van Buren county. He lived there
until the time of his death, which occurred w^hen he had reached the
age of seventy-nine years. In early life, in fact, previous to his
emigration to this country from Cornwall, he married Mary
Hayne, also a native of Cornwall. Mrs. Cornish's father was a
native and life long resident of Cornwall, and after his death his
widow^ came to .Vmerica and spent her declining years in Van
Buren county with her daughter, Mrs. Cornish. She reared eight

1102 HISTORY OF VAN BURP]N COUNTY

children: Grace, Jane, John, Mary, Kate, Digory, Marjory and
Eliza. Mr. and Airs. Thomas Cornish reared a family of six chil-
dren. They are Mary A., John H., Grace P., Edward T. and
Eliza J., the two latter being twins, and George W.

The early schooling of George W. Cornish was obtained in a
small log cabin affair in the village wherein he was reared, and
by dint of his compelling desire to study and learn, he was able
to enter the high school in Lawton, being graduated from that
school with the class of 1881. He secured employment as a
teacher for a time in order to re-coup his slender fortune suffi-
ciently to enable him to continue his studies, and when it was pos-
sible for him to do so entered the State Normal at Ypsilanti, gradu-
ating with the class of 1889. He again resumed teaching, and after
a few terms passed thus he entered the Medical Department of
the State University at Ann Arbor. Soon after his entry there,
one of his brothers received severe injuries, and in the spirit of
self-abnegation which has characterized his entire life, he re-
linquished his long cherished desire, surrendering for a time at
least, the possibility of finally reaching the goal of his ambitions,
and returned to the family home to care for his disabled brother.
Soon after his return, he was elected county superintendent of
schools, a splendid recognition of his ability on the part of the
people who had witnessed his struggles for an education, and
he served two terms in that capacity. At the end of that time
it was possible for him to resume his studies, and he entered the
Detroit College of Medicine, graduating from that splendid insti-
tution with the class of 1899, after which he took a post-graduate
course in New York City. Following the completion of his studies,
in order to be near to his aged parents and his invalid brother, he
located in Lawton, where he has remained continuously, and
where he has built up a fine practice in Lawton and the surround*
ing district.

Dr. Cornish is popular in all circles of his community, and haa
served his village several terms as its president, also as president
of the school board. He is a member of Lawton lodge No. 216 A.
F. & A. M., and with his wife, is a member of the Order of the
Eastern Star. In October, 1905, Dr. Cornish married Mrs.
Catherine (Smith) Robbins, the daughter of Myron and Catherine
(Crawford) Smith and the widow of Charles Robbins.

Walter Albert Hall was born in Kalamazoo township, Kala-
mazoo county, Michigan, in 1873. He is the son of Frank and
Abby A. (Balch) Hall, natives of New York state and Michigan
respectively. General Isaac Hall, the father of Frank Hall and
the grandfather of Walter Albert Hall, was a native of New York
state and an officer in the War of 1812. His entire life was spent
in his native state. The maternal grandfather of Walter Albert
Hall was Royal T. Balch, a native of Vermont and one of the
early settlers of Kalamazoo county. He acquired land in Genesee
Prairie, which he improved during his lifetime, the property finally
ranking among the best farm land in that part of the state. He
spent the remainder of his life on his farm, finally dying there.

HISTORY OF VAN l^JREN COUNTY 1103

Frank C. Hall was for many years engaged in farming in Kala-
mazoo county and later in Pine Grove, but after a life of toil
passed in the developing of his property, he has retired and now
lives quietly in Gobleville.

Walter Albert Hall attended the village schools of his com-
munity as a boy and later attended the Paw Paw high school, fol-
lowing up his studies there with a course of instruction in the Bap-
tist College at Kalamazoo. He taught school five years in Van
Buren county after his college course had been completed, and
since his pedagogic experience he has been occupied in farming,
and for the last two years has been the proprietor of a hotel at
Kendall, which he has conducted with a large measure of success.
Mr. Hall has been prominent in local politics for some time, and
has served his township in various capacities. He has been town
clerk for three years, and is at present township supervisor. He
has serv||i two years as a member of the county board of super-
visors, and he was one of the original promoters of the plan for
the building of state reward roads, now being introduced with
splendid success in various states. Mr. Hall is a Republican in his
political adherence, but his support locally is ever of an order
best calculated to advance the public interests, regardless of par-
tisan sentiments. He is a member of the IVEasonic fraternity and
of the Gleaners.

On August 18, 1903, .Mr. Hall married Velma Dunnington, born
in Paw Paw, and the daughter of Robert and Cynthia (Sherbourne)
Dunnington.

Adalbert FAUhNAuon. — Clair Creek township, Fairfield county,
Ohio, was the native state of Henry Fausnaugh, who \vas born
August 25, 1832, son of Adam and Mary Decker Fausnaugh, natives
of Pennsylvania. They moved to Clair Creek, Ohio, where they
spent the remainder of their days. Henry Fausnaugh was reared
on the farm and farmed in Ohio until ]May, 1856, when he moved
to ]\Iichigan and settled in Geneva on the farm which he still oc-
cupies. The mother of Adelbert Fausnaugh was Catherine Yeider,
])orn in Eagle township, Hancock county, Ohio, and who died in
February, 1865. She was a daughter of Jacob and Mary Yeider.

To Henry and Catherine (Yeider) Fausnaugh four children were
born, whose names are as follows: Lavina, Jackson, Adelbert, and
Adolphus, Adolphus and Lavina both being deceased. The mother
died when Adelbert was four years of age and the father took as
his second w^ife Elizabeth Rarick. To this union was born Mrs.
Mina Warren, Jesse, Mrs. Minnie Webber Frank, and Mrs. Andie
Fisher.

Adelbert Fausnaugh was born in Geneva township, Van Buren
county, Michigan, December 28, 1861. At the age of twenty-one
he became overseer of Evergreen Stock Farm, where he worked for
seven years. At the end of this period he went to Illinois for a
year and then returned to Bangor and was married to Rebecca
Westcott, one of the seven children of William and Huldah (Dean)
Westcott. The other sons and daughters of the Westcott family
are as follows : Lyman of Hartford and Eugene, Mrs. Lodema Van

1104 HISTORY OF VAN BITREN COUNTY

Anken, Mrs. Mary Wood, Mrs. Esther Springett, Mrs. Sarah Sum-
mers, all of Bangor.

Mr. and Mrs. Fausnaugh still live on their eighty acre farm
on section 22 where they first settled after their marriage. He
does general farming and stock-raising, paying special attention
to horses. He has been notably successful in this line and has earned
a well deserved reputation for his fine stock. In politics, Mr.
Fausnaugh is an Independent, though in matters of national
policy, he favors the Democratic party's principles. He is influ-
ential in local organizations and interested in public concerns.
Fraternally, he belongs to the Masons and to the Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows. Also he and his wife are members of the
Grange, Farmers Club and Eastern Star.

Jacob D. Houseknecht. — The substantial and prosperous
citizens of Bloomingdale township have no more worthy ripresenta-
tive than Jacob I). Houseknecht, who stands high among the
industrious, progressive, and business-like farmers who are so
ably conducting the extensive agricultural interests of Van Buren
county. A son of John Houseknecht, Jr., he was born in Bonn
township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1842.

His grandfather, John Houseknecht, Sr., was born either in
Germany or in Pennsylvania of German parentage. Early in life
he moved to Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, from his former
home, which was near Reading, locating in Penn township when
nearly all of the land in that vicinity was owned by the govern-
ment, and was covered with a heavy growth of native timber. Pur-
chasing seven hundred acres of land, he began the pioneer task
of hewing a farm from the wilderness. After putting up the
customary log house he built a bank barn eighty-four feet long
and forty-five feet wide, putting heavy bars across the windows
to keep out the bears and other wild animals, which were plentiful,
and oft times very destructive to crops and stock. With the as-
sistance of his stalw^art sons, he cleared and improved a valuable
homestead, on which he and his good wife spent their remaining
years. He married Elizabeth Smith, and they reared ten chil-
dren, as follows: Betsey, John, Jacob, Benjamin, Daniel, George,
Christopher, Katie, Hannah, and Polly. All of the children mar-
ried, reared families, and many of their descendants still live in
Penn tow^nship.

John Houseknecht, Jr., was born in Reading, Pennsylvania,
mit was reared and educated in Lycoming county, where his par-
ents settled when he w^as a child. Choosing for his life w^ork the
independent occupation of his ancestors, he succeeded to the own-
ership of the parental acres, and was successfully engaged in
farming in Penn township until his death, which occurred in the
fifty-sixth year of his age. He was twice married, by his first wife,
w^hose maiden name was Christie Ann Hill, having five children,
namely: Julia Ann, George, Charles, Ellis and Frank. He mar-
ried second Mrs. Sally Ann (Fox) Houseknecht, who was born
m Pennsylvania, of English ancestry, and w^as the widow of
Christopher Houseknecht, by whom she had four children, Charles,

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1105

Philip, John, and P]lizabeth. By this second marriage John House-
kneeht, Jr., became the father of seven children, namely: Christ-
opher, Sarah, Jacob I)., Albert L., Reuben, Frederick and Hiram
S. The mother lived to the venerable age of four score and four
years.

At the age of fifteen years, being left fatherless, Jacob D.
Houseknecht went to Genesee county, New York, and for two
years there lived with his half-brother, in Alabama township. En-
listing then in the Nineteenth New York Battery, he went South,
and, was with the Army of the Potomac, to which his company w^as
assigned, participated in many of the more important engagements
in and around Richmond and Petersburg. At the Battle of Spott-
sylvania Court House his battery was charged by two brigades, and
the greater number of its members were either killed or wounded.
xVt the close of the conflict, Mr. Houseknecht w^as honorably dis-
charged from the service, and returned to New York state, where,
at Indian Falls, he was engaged in farming for a number of years.
Migrating to Van Buren county, Michigan, in 1882, he purchased
a tract of timbered land in Bloom.ingdale township, one and one-
half miles west of Gobleville, and immediately began felling the
huge progeny of the forest, preparatory to placing the ground un-
der cultivation. Laboring with a will, he has succeeded well in
his undertakings, and has now a finely-improved and highly
productive farm of one hundred and forty-two acres, with good
I'uildings, and well stocked.

Mr. Plouseknecht married, in 1878, Elizabeth Nighthart, who
was born at Honeoye Falls, New York. Her father, Anson Night-
hart, was born in Germany, where his parents were life-long resi-
dents. With two of liis sisters he immigrated to the United States,
locating first hs a farmer at Honeoye Falls, New York, liut after-
wards buyini>- land at Indian Falls, in the same state, where he
continued as a farmer until his death, at the age of seventy-four
years. The maiden name of Anson Nighthart 's wife was Susan
Sliker. She was born in Germany, and as a girl came with her
parents to Indian Falls, New York, where her father bought land,
and was thereafter a resident until his death. She died on the
home farm at the age of sixty-four years, leaving seven children,
namely: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Houseknecht; Kate; Louis; Enos;
Annie; Susan; and .Martha, all of whom were reared in the German
Lutheran faith. Mr. and Mrs. Houseknecht have one son, George
Houseknecht, wiio is associated with his father in farming. Mr.
Houseknecht is an active member of A. Calvin Post, No. e59. Grand
Army of the Repu})lic.

John R. Cook. — In Lawrence township, on section 21, is located
the attractive and valuable country estate of John R. Cook, one
of the most successful farmers and fruit growers in the county.
At this place he owns one hundred and twenty acres of land. Ten
acres of this is a vineyard. As a viticulturist he has a prominent
place in that industry in western Michigan, though he does not
produce grapes in such quantities as some other growers in this

1106 HISTORY OF VAN BUEEN COUNTY

section. Mr. Cook is one of the prosperous general farmers and
progressive citizens and has made a successful career.

He was bom in Pipestone township, Berrien county, May 6, 1870.
His parents were Richard and Lottie J. (Ridenour) Cook. His
mother, who is a native of Berrien county, is still living. His
father, who died in 1906, was born in Canada. There were ten
children in the family and all are living at this present writing,
as follows: Lulu is the wife of George E. Howard; John R. is
second in the family ; Charles A. married Hattie Jennings ; Fred
D. married Elsie John ; Frank is single ; Anna is the wife of Jesse
W. Cobb; Russell married Maud Shaffer; Dr. William, who is a
dentist at Coldwater, Michigan, married Bernice Warner; Mary
is the wife of Paul Landgraft ; Josephine is a graduate of the Law-
rence high school and of the Kalamazoo College in music and ai't.

When John R. Cook was seven years old the family moved to
Lawrence township. Van Buren county, and here he was reared
and began the career of thrift and industry which has led to pros-
perity. He attended the pulilic schools of the township until he
was nineteen years old, nnd then devoted all his time to the pur-
suits of agriculture and the cultivation of fruits. On September
2, 1891, when he was twenty-one years old, he married ]\Iiss
Fannie Howard. She is a daughter of Turner AV. and iMarcia
(Place) Howard of Lawrence township, and she whs born in this
township November 13, 1870, and received her education in the pub-
lic schools. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the parents of four children :
Myron H., who was born in 1894, is a graduate of the Lawrence
high school ; Lyle T., born in 1896, is a student of the same school ;
pjffie A. was born in 1899 and attends the grade schools; and
Mildred E. was born in 1907.

Mr. Cook affiliates with the Rising Sun ijodge No. 119, F. & x\.
]\I., and he and his wife are esteemed members of the Order of the
Eastern Star No. 256. His political allegiance is given the Demo-
cratic party. For seven years Mr. Cook was highw^ay commissioner.
Public duties and private business he has attended to with equal
conscientious care and diligence, and he lias long ])een one of the
valuable citizens of this community.

Daniel W. Allen^ a representative man of Waver ly township,
is a dairy-farmer, whose well-situated, well-kept estate is in sec-
tion 3, of this township. One must go far to find a ])etter citizen,
one more liberal and broad-minded, altruistic by nature and gen-
erous nnd pul)]ic-spirited in his attitude towards the affairs of
the community. He is the friend of good government, the chairi-
pion of the best education possible and is truly typical of the
(dtizens who have made Waverly tow^nship one of the favored por-
tions of earth. The Allen family is of Welsh origin and the Amer-
ican founder of this particular branch was among the earliest
colonial immigrants, coming sometime in the sixteenth century.

In the state of New York, Daniel W. Allen first opened his eyes to
the light of day in Providence, Saratoga county, May 7, 1845. He is
the son of Job and Hannah M. (Odell) Allen, while his paternal
grandparents were Daniel and Susannah (Almey) Allen. Daniel

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1107

Allen was born in Washington county, New York, and was a blaek-
smith by occupation ; his death occurred in Providence, New York.
The father, Job Allen, was a manufacturer of chairs; he was mar-
ried in New York and came to Michigan about the year 1865, lo-
cating in Kalamazoo county, wiiere he rented a farm and remained
i'or four years. He then removed to Van Buren county, where he
purchased forty acres of land, on which his son, Joseph C. Allen
now resides. On the homestead mentioned he passed on to the life
eternal in 1886, his beloved w^ife and life companion surviving un-
til September, 1895. They were the parents of seven children (six
of whom were living in 1911), namely: Daniel W. ; Joseph C. ;
Susan, who died at the age of sixteen years ; William C, of New
Haven, Connecticut; Alberta L., wife of J. L. ^NIcKnight ; Lydia,
wife of George Scott, of South Haven, Michigan; and Job S., of
Waverly township.

Daniel W. Allen came with his parents to Kalamazoo county,
Michigan, at a time when he was learning his trade, which was
that of a carpenter. Shortly thereafter he returned to his native
state and there completed his apprenticeship. He remained there
until 1877 and then returned to Van Buren county. In the mean-
time he had married, the young woman to become his wife being
Katie Hughes, of Saratoga county, New York, who was born
in Boston, ]\Iassachusetts, and was left an orphan at the age of
three years. She remained in the city of her birth until about eleven
N'ears of age, then lived with Mr. and Mrs. Geer until her mar-
riage. She has proved an ideal wife and mother, possessing grit,
( nergy, capability and cleverness in marked degree and she is re-
spected most by those who know her best. She is devoted to her
children in whom she has ever placed implicit confidence. It
might be said in this instance, slightly to paraphrase the words
(»f the poet,

"Happy they
With such a mother ! faith in womankind
Beats with their blood, and trust in all things high
Comes easy to them."

i\Irs. Allen's father was of Scotch descent. The union of Mr. and
Mrs. Allen has lieen blessed by the birth of two daughters, Mina
M., who is now the wife of Rev. D. G. Wakeman, and resides in
Worthington, Indiana. They have four children; Alberta L., the
second daughter, is the wife of Dr. Hugh Smith, of (i obi evil le,
Michigan, and they have two children.

Mr. and Mrs. Allen are not members of any particular church,
l)ut they attend the churches and support them and are essentially
moral people. In politics Mr. Allen is in harmony with the tenets
of the Democratic party. He has given the most enlightened serv-
ice as a member of the Bangor school board and his work while
connected therewith was greatly appreciated. He is a stanch friend
of the cause of securing the best education possible. He is a
great reader and keeps abreast of the issues of the day. He and
his w^ife are rightly known as friendly, courteous and hospitable
people.

1308 HISTORY OP VAX BUREX COUXTY

Dr. Marshall J. Harvey. — That field of usefulness in which
Dr. Marshall J. Harvey has played an active and satisfactory part
in Waverly for many years is that of a veterinary surgeon, and in
this capacity, so necessary to an agricultural community, he has
proved conscientious and enlightened. That which may be said
of so many of Van Buren county's best citizens may be said of
him — he is a native of the state of New York, his birth having oc-
curred in Genesee county, November 23, 1839. He is the son of
X^orman and Louise (Wright) Harvey, both of whom were born
in the Empire state and the latter in Byron, Genesee county. The
father came to Michigan at a much later date than his son, his ar-
rival within its boundaries being in 1887. He made his home with
Mr. Harvey until summoned to a better land. The mother died in
1844. They were the parents of three children. Reuben P. was
a member of Company H, of the Eighth New York Regiment and
in 1864 gave up his life for the salvation of the Union on the bat-
tlefield of Lookout Mountain. Louise, wife of Wilson Martin, lived
in New York until her death.

Marshall J. Harvey was reared upon a farm in Genesee county
and received his education in the district school. At the age of
twenty-tw^o years he left the home of Dr. Peter Crow^ell who had
reared him and began life for himself. Esteeming the acquisition
of a loyal and lielpful wife the first element towards a successful
career, he w^as united in marriage to Mary E. Root, on August 25,
1861. Mrs. Harvey was born in Hamlin, Monroe county, New
York, February 8, 1842, and received her education in the district
schools. On November 1, 1866, a little over five years after their
marriage, Dr. and Mrs. Harvey severed old associations in the Em-
pire state and came to Van Buren county, Michigan, where they
engaged in farming shortly after they went back to the old home,
but remained in New York only two years, and subsequent to
that came back to Michigan where they have ever since remained.
With his uncle. Dr. Peter Crowell, Dr. Harvey made a study of
veterinary science and ever since finishing his preparation he
has engaged in its practice. He resides in Waverly township, sec-
tion 1, southwest quarter of northwest quarter.

In his children. Dr. Harvey has given a number of good citizens
to the community. The union of himself and his wife was blessed
by the birth of five sons and one daughter and four sons survive.
Charles, who married Rosa Beardsley of Waverly township, makes
his home at Waverly ; Frank, took as his wife Hattie Weatherwax,
and resides at Waverly ; Ray is unmarried, living with and being
associated in business with his father; and Martin, who married
Dessie Herrington, is also located at Waverly. The daughter,
Hattie, became the wife of Bert Cleveland, and an admirable life
was ended in untimely fashion by death. Dr. Harvey and his
wife have several grandchildren to perpetuate the good name and
high principles of the head of the house.

In the matter of politics Dr. Harvey is a Democrat, but he has
never taken an active part in public life, other than to give to all
public-spirited measures his sincerest support. He and his wife
enjoy high standing among the good citizens of Van Buren county

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1109

and are well entitled to a place in this record of its representative
men and women.

Adolf Herzog. — In the development of our agricultural re-
sources, the most valuable asset of our prosperous country, the
German- Americans have had a share which cannot easily be meas-
ured and one of Keeler township's representative men of this
profession is Adolf Herzog. Baden, Germany, was his birthplace
and that of his six sisters as well. The parents were Valentine and
Katherine (Dietehe) Herzog, who lived and died in Germany.
The father was a farmer and served in the German army. He
died in 1904, eleven years after the death of his wife. Both were
members of the Catholic church. All the children are living; three
of them in America.

Adolf Herzog was the youngest in the family as well as the
only son. At the age of fifteen, in 1882, he sailed from Antwerp
and arrived in this country after a voyage of thirteen days, with
a capital of less than fifty dollars. He came to Van Buren county
and began to work at a salary of $10 a month and he continued
to be a wage earner until his marriage. This event took place in
1893, on April 20, the bride being Mrs. Mary Hahn. She too was
born in Germany, in Prussia, on January 16, 1865. At the age of
seventeen, she came to America with her parents, Ferdinand and
Katherine Steffens Thar. They embarked at Bremen and landed
thirteen days later in New York, from which place they came to
Berrien county, Michigan. The father is still living on his farm
there but the mother is dead. They began life with less than $75
and that in a new country and with mostly small children to care
for. Their history is another chapter in the literature of success.

Mr. and Mrs. Herzog too began their wedded life with little
capital. They were obliged to go into debt to purchase their orig-
inal eighty acres but now they have wiped out all indebtedness and
have improved their place and made it one of the homelike and com-
fortable residence of this section. Their three children are all re-
ceiving excellent educations and are able to take high places in
scholastic honors. Katherine E. has finished the public school
course and is now a student in the state normal at Kalamazoo and
is a student also of instrumental music. Harry J. is one of the
best students in the Watervliet high school and a member of the
class of 1914. Emma E. is in the seventh grade.

In politics, Mr. Herzog is a Republican. For five years he served
as treasurer of the school district. The father and mother are
members of the Catholic church and their children have been
brought up in the same faith. Their church is St. Joseph's of
Watervliet and the children were confirmed by Bishop Kelly.
All who know Mr. and Mrs. Herzog accord them a high place in
their regard and esteem and no home is a more pleasant and pop-
ular resort for the friends and neighbors of its owners.

GooDV^iN S. ToLLES, general farmer and stock-raiser, residing in
the vicinity of South Haven, supervisor and justice of the peace
of Geneva township, is one of the well-known citizens of Van

1110 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Buren county, Michigan. He was at one time engaged in the lum-
ber business, but has found a more congenial occupation in tlie
great basic industry of agriculture. Mr. Tolles was born in Bur-
ton township, Geauga county, Ohio, on February 6, 1858, the son
of Goodwin S. and Clarinda (Tracy) Tolles, both natives of the
Buckeye state. The family removed to this state in 1865, just
following the termination of the conflict betw^een the states, and
located in 'Geneva township. The father owned at one time three
hundred and twenty acres of land, and during the most of his ac-
tive career was in possession of a fine farm of one hundred and
sixty acres. He eventually sold his holdings and at his death was
living a retired life, enjoying in ease and quietness the fruits of
his former industry and thrift. He passed to the Great Beyond
in the year 1895 and his wife's death occurred in 1909. To their
union were born four children, namely : Mary, deceased ; Good-
win S. ; one who died in infancy ; and James, who resides in Geneva
township.

Until the age of twenty-one years Goodwin S. Tolles, the sub-
ject, devoted his energies to securing an education and to assisting
his father in the work of the farm. Upon the attainment of liis
majority he embarked in the lumber business and was identified
with the lumber camp in Bangor township for four years. Sub-
sequent to this he purchased eighty acres of land in Geneva town-
ship and removed to this well-situated farm where he has ever since
maintained his home and which is the scene of successful and in-
telligent operations in the line of general farming and stock-raisin^'.

On August 9, 1883, Mr. Tolles laid the foundations of a con-
genial life companionship by his marriage to ]\Iiss Clara Warner,
daughter of A. and Olive Warner, both natives of the state which
has given to Van Buren county a large proportion of its stanchest
and finest citizenship, — New York. ]\Irs. Tolles is one of a family
of six children, the others of the original household having been as
follows: Husam, a citizen of South Haven; Frank, who makes
his home in Geneva township; Lucy, who is the wife of John
Meyers, of Kibbie, Michigan; Lilly, who is the wife of W. X.
Chaddock, of Geneva township; and Emma, who married Claude
Lockwood, of Geneva township. Into the home of Mr. and .Mrs.
Tolles was born one son, Shirley E., who is associated with his father
in his farming operations. On July 1, 1907, the younger Mr.
Tolles married Myrtle Wilkins, daughter of (ieorge and Mary
Wilkins and they have a small son and daughter — Mary ]\Iorie.
born August 20, 1908; and Ralph Goodwin, born April 11, 1910.

Mr. Tolles takes a helpful and public-spirited interest in all the
affairs of the community and can ever be depended upon to give
his support to all such measures as are likely to be of general bene-
fit. He is affiliated with the ancient and august Masonic order and
also with the Maccabees. His religious conviction is that of the
United Brethren church. Mr. and Mrs. Tolles maintain a pleasant
and hospitable home, their address being South Haven, R. R. No.
5. Mr. Tolles has since his earliest voting days given his whole-
hearted allegiance to the policies and principles of the Republican
party and he has several times been entrusted with public office.

HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY 1111

He is at the present time supervisor and in times past he has given
valuable service as township clerk and highway commissioner.

Floyd Harris. — Although he has been actively and successfully
engaged in farming almost ever since the dawn of his manhood, and
has gone at the work and conducted his operations as if he never
had any other purpose in life, Floyd Harris of Porter township,
this county, did not begin his efforts for advancement in a worldly
way in this department of useful endeavor, or seek his education
as if he had only it in view. But the pulse of life is so rapid and
the currents are so various in American enterprise that no man's
destiny, and scarcely any one's vocation can be predicted for any
length of time with any degree of certainty in this country. This
condition, to the man who is made right, is, in itself, largely an
advantage. Such a man usually enters upon the stage of action
prepared for usefulness in almost any possi})le contingency.

Mr. Harris was born in Porter township. Van Buren county,
Michigan, on February 27, 1884, and is a son of Lafayette and
Cora B. (Glover) Harris, the former born in .Mattawan on iMar(»Ti
26, 1856, and the latter born in Lawton, July U, 1866. The father
was a son of Leonard M. and Esther (Munger) Harris, and the
first born of their three children, the other two being William
Henry, who lives in Kalamazoo, and Flora L., whose life ended
some years ago. Lafayette Harris has passed the whole of his life
to this time (1911) on a farm, and is still engaged in tilling the
soil with energy, skill and progressiveness, and prospering in
the occupation. He owns one hundred and sixty acn^s of land in
Van Buren county.

The mother is a daughter of Jonathan and Lovina (Fitield)
Glover. Mr. Glover was born in Canada and Ah's. GlOver in Pier-
pont, St. Lawrence county, New York. Mr. (Jlover served in an
Indiana Regiment in the Civil war. He caim^ to .Alichigan. 1866,
and engaged in farming in Porter township and spent his last years
here. Mrs. Glover still resides in this county. Mr. Harris's par-
ents were residents of this county until 1908, and in all respects
so passed their years among these people as to win their cordial
and lasting regard for their fidelity to theii* family, their wisdom
and care in rearing their children, and their sei-viceable inteivst
in the community around them. Mr. and Mrs. Harris became the
parents of three children: Their son Floyd; their daughter Ethel
May, who married with William Ferre and now has her home in
California ; and their other son. Mack, who is deceased.

Floyd Harris began his academic* education in the district school
in the vicinity of his father's home and completed it at the Coloma
(Michigan) State Normal School. After leaving the Normal school
he pursued a course of special training at a ))usiness college in
Kalamazoo. He then taught school for two years and a half,
but at the end of that time felt such a yearning for the farm
that he returned to it. Since then he has made farming his prin-
cipal occupation, but has done something in the way of raising
live stock for market in addition. He has also given attention to
the public affairs of his township in the w^ay that every citizen

1112 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

should and every good citizen does, by zealous support of what-
ever is best for the locality and the people who live in it, and by
aiding in the development of its resources and the quickening of
its progress and improvement.

On May 10, 1905, Mr. Harris was united in marriage with Miss
Isabelle Copenhaver, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Kline)
Copenhaver, and the fourth born of their seven children, only one
of whom, Charles, has died. Those who are living, besides Mrs.
Harris, are: Jennie May, the wife of Oliver Everhart of St.
Joseph county, Michigan; Emma Eugenia, the wife of Lewis Jones
of Battle Creek, Michigan; Carrie, the wife of Luther Thomas of
Schoolcraft, Michigan; and Merle and Earl, twins, both of whom
are living in Porter township, this county.

Mr. Harris is a Republican in his political faith and gives strong
allegiance to his party because he believes firmly in its prin-
ciples and theories of government. In fraternal relations he is
a member of the Order of Gleaners, and in church connection a
Methodist. He and his wife have two children: Zorma E., who
was born on April 28, 1906; and Maxine L., whose life began on
April 26, 1910. The parents are esteemed throughout the town-
ship and in other parts of the county for their genuine worth, their
upright lives and the helpful interest they show in everything that
contributes to the enduring welfare of the locality in which they
live and the people by whom they are surrounded.

Frank A. Butterfield. — Waverly township, Van Buren county,
has no more loyal citizen than Frank A. Butterfield, whose highly
improved farm of one hundred and fifty acres is located in section
18. Mr. Butterfield is one of that large representation in this
county who came from the state of New York and who have proved
one of the most potent factors in the achievement of the prosperity
which the section enjoys. He w^as formerly engaged in the hotel
business. Mr. Butterfield was born on November 24, 1858, in
Orleans county, New York, and is the son of Chauncey W. and
Clara A. (Wright) Butterfield. Both parents, likewise, w^ere
natives of the Empire state, their births having occurred in Orleans
and Cattaraugus counties, respectively. A few years after their
marriage they came to Van Buren county, Michigan (in April,
1864), and located upon the very farm upon which their son now
lives, and there made their residence for many years. In 1866 and
1867 Mr. Butterfield was supervisor of Waverly township. In
1904 he and his wife retired from the more active endeavors of
life and located in Paw Paw, where on July 24, 1907, the father
passed on to the Undiscovered Country. The admirable wife and
mother still survives. They were the parents of six children, five
of whom were living in 1911, namely: Frank A.; Ida E., wife of
Henry Fox, who makes his home at Rome ; Arthur A., who is mar-
ried to Mrs. Alice Green, of Grand Rapids, and lives in Grand
Rapids; Olin E., who married Flora McKnight, of Hastings, Mich-
igan; and Gertrude E. is the wife of Percy Orton and they live
on part of the homestead ; Cora A., died in 1887.

Frank A. Butterfield was a small boy when he came to Mich-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY ill 8

igan and upon his father 's farm he was reared, under the tutelage
of the elder man becoming well grounded in the many departments
of agriculture. He received his education in the district schools
and as soon as his school days were ended gave his entire atten-
tion to the occupation in which he has found such success. On
September 22, 1880, he laid the foundations of a happy marriage,
the young woman to become his wife being Mary Bucknum, then
living in Union City, Branch county, Michigan, but whose birth
occurred in Jackson county, Iowa, on June 5, 1859. They share
their home with one son, Harold L., born April 21^ 1895.

Mr. Butterfield takes no small amount of pleasure and profit
from his lodge affiliations. He holds membership in Paw Paw
Lodge, No. 18, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and both be-
long to the Maccabees and to the Rebekahs. Mr. and Mrs. But-
terfield spent ten years in Paw^ Paw, where, as before mentioned,
they were engaged in the hotel business, the former being land-
lord of the Clifton and Union Hotels. In his political affiliation
he is a Republican and he is the champion of good government,
giving his support to all measures which he believes likely to prove
conducive to the general welfare.

Mrs. Butterfield is the daughter of Jerome Bucknum and his
wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Humphrey. Mr. Buck-
num is the son of Samuel ]3ucknum, a pioneer of Jackson county,
Michigan, and a highly esteemed citizen. He came to the state as
early as 1839. He was the son of a German physician. Margaret
Humphrey's father was John Humphrey.

Charles Kietzer. — If the secret of the success of the German-
American farmer is sought it will be found in the qualities of his
character. He is primarily a home-maker and he has besides a
real liking for work. His native land is not large enough to permit
of waste and so he is trained to make the most of all that comes
to his hand. When he brings his capacity for taking pains — which
Carlyle declared to be the definition of genius — to the pursuit of
farming he makes a signal success of that industry, upon which all
our economic life depends and so becomes a potent factor in our
industrial prosperity. Van Buren county is fortunate in having
a number of such farmers, among whom Charles Kietzer holds a
high place.

The family to which he belonged are natives of Prussia. He is
one of four sons born to Michael and Minnie (Dahms) Kietzer.
In 1881, the family decided to come to America to take advantage
of the greater opportunities here and accordingly sailed from
Bremerhaven and landed at Baltimore after a voyage of three
weeks. They came directly to Berrien county, Michigan, and rent-
ing a home, supported themselves by working by the day. In time,
the father purchased eight acres of land and there he lived until
his death. He was a Republican and a member of the Lutheran
church in his native land. When he came to America, he joined
the German Evangelical body of the Christian church. He died
at the age of 77, but his faithful wife is still living. All four of
the sons, Michael, John, Charles and Frederick are farmers and

1114 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

residents of the state of Michigan. Frederick and Michael live at
Bainbridge, John at Watervliet and Charles in Keeler township.
All are married.

Charles is next to the youngest of the family and was born April
1, 1863. He was therefore, seventeen when he came with his fam-
ily to America. He first went to La Fayette, Indiana, w^here he
worked for an Englishman. He remained in La Fayette for a year
and a half and did any work by which he could earn an honest
living. He came to Berrien county in 1883 and thence to Van
Buren county where he has since resided. At first here, he sup-
ported himself by working for wages ; then he became a renter and
so gradually climbed the ladder of fortune.

On October 3, 1894, he w^edded Miss Clara Rokenbauch. They
became the parents of three sons and of two daughters of whom
three are living. Eva K. and Dean (L are bright pupils of the
seventh grade and Eva will study music. Maurice Elden, the
youngest, is in the third grade. Mrs. Kietzer was born in Van
Buren county in a log house which stood on the farm where she
now lives. The date of her birth was May 21, 1863. There were
four children in the Rokenbauch household and Mrs. Kietzer is
tlie youngest. Only two are now living, the other surviving mem-
ber being Louise, the wife of AVillard Mays, residing in Bainbridge.
]\Irs. Mays has four children. Father RokenbaucFi was born in
AVurtemburg, Germany, on February 4, 1828. He received his
education in Germany and came to America when a young man.
He made the trip in a sailing vessel which lost its course and
wandered north almost to the coast of Labrador, and so took four-
teen wrecks to reach New York. The young immigrant w^orked as
i\ laborer in New York state and then came to Van Buren county.
The country was mostly unimproved when Mr. Rokenbauch came
to Michigan and the first tract of forty acres which he purchased
was all w^oods. It is on this place that Mr. Kietzer now resides.
The log cabin gave place to a more comfortable and modern struc-
ture and the place was freed from encumbrance. Mrs. Rokenbauch
was a native of Prussia and was born June 22, 1820. She died
October 3, 1890, eight years before her husband's decease. Both
of them were members of the Evangelical church. They are buried
in the Keeler cemetery where monuments mark their last resting
place.

Mr. and Mrs. Kietzer began their w^edded life on a farm of
forty acres for which they had gone into debt. They have added
to their original place and after purchasing Mrs. Kiezer's sister's
share of the estate lived for a time in the frame house her father
had built to replace the log structure. In 1907 they built their
present comfortable and spacious modern dwelling and now it
stands on their eighty acres of fruitful land, all free from debt
and adapted in every way to be a place where it is a joy to live.
Prospect Hill Farm is a home in the truest sense of the term.

Mr. Kietzer has always supported the policies of the Republican
party and while in no sense a politician, his interest in public ques-
tions is keen and intelligent. Mrs. Kietzer is a member of the
Christian church of Bainbridge. It is impossible to speak too highly

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1115

of .Mr. nnd Mrs. Kietzer. Ht; is known as one of the truest as
well as one of the most eminent citizens of the county and his
wife is worthy of sliaring all the success which falls to his lot.
Tiiese are the ''timbers out of which to build a republic" and their
record deserves a lasting place in the history of the county their
industry has advanced.

Henry L. Dobbyn. — To him whose name inaugurates this re-
view, belongs the distinction of having lived on the same half sec-
tion in Van Buren county since the age of seven years. He is a
Canadian by circumstance of birth, but for many years has been
one of the most loyal and helpful of the adopted sons of this town-
ship, and has ever given his support to such measures as he has
esteemed likely to be of general benefit to the community. Henry
F. Dobbyn was born on September 9, 1846, and is the son of James
and Margaret (Drake) Dobbyn. They were among the early
pioneers in this section, having come to iMichigan, in April, 1854,
at which time they took up three hundred and twenty acres of
land from the government in section 32. The father who engaged
in farming throughout his entire life, died in 1907, his wife preced-
ing him to the Great Beyond in 1905. They were the parents of
a family of children of typical pioneer proportions, eleven boys
and girls coming to bless their household. An enumeration of
them is as follows: William, residing in ]\lancelona, Michigan;
Henry L. ; John and Richard, deceased; Jane, wife of George W.
Hale, of Mancelona; George, a citizen of ]Mancelona ; Curtis, resid-
ing in Hyburn; Mary, deceased; and George and his twin brother
whose young lives were e^ded in infancy.

^Ir. Dobbyn 's homestead, a desirably situated tract, consists of
eighty acres and is the scene of successful operations in the field
of general farming. He makes a specialty of the raising of grain
and fruit, and has done his share toward the achievement of the
agricultural prosperity of Van Buren county, w4iich more than
any other factor gives it its prestige.

On April 21, 1868, Mr. Dobbyn laid the most important stone
in the foundation of his success by his marriage to Martha elohn-
son, daughter of Newton Johnson, deceased, both of whom are
natives of the state of New York. Her family came to Michigan
at an early day and Mrs. Dobbyn was engaged in teaching school
in this district when she married. Their happy marriage has re-
sulted in a family of four children, as follows: Ida B., wife of
Elsworth Chorpenning, of Coloma ; Alvin, an employe of the offices
of the Michigan Central Railroad and located in Chicago ; Minnie,
wife of E. Rockwell, of Coloma ; and Daniel, of Covert township.

Mr. Dobbyn is a stalwart supporter of the cause of the Repub-
lican party. There is nothing of public import in his township in
which he is not helpfully interested and no local movement which
in his judgment promises to benefit any considerable number of
his fellow citizens that does not have his cordial advocacy and sup-
port. He has held several minor township offices very creditably.
He enjoys that highest honor of being a true and useful citizen,

1116 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

of the type whose record is essential to the completeness of this
history of Van Buren county, Michigan.

Charles W. Havens. — The father and the grandfather of
Charles W. Havens, both of whom were christened William, were
natives of Steuben county. New York. The grandfather was one
of the early settlers of Keeler township where he had a small farm
upon w^hich he and his wife lived to the end of their lives. William
Havens grew to manhood in the county in wliich he was born and
was married to Jane Lewis. There was one other child of their
union besides Charles, of this review, Olive, who became the wife
of Martins Olds. The father came to Michigan after his marriage
and settled in Keeler township, Van Buren county, where he lived
until 1874 when he moved to Hartford, remaining there until his
death on September 24, 1892.

Charles was born on the 29th of November, 1867, in Keeler town-
ship, and lived there until he was six years old. His life was
that of the farmer's son of that time, devoted to work on his
father's place and to attending the district school. After the
age of seventeen he gave all his time to farming. He now owns
sixty acres and has an interest in an additional ninety. Besides
general farming, Mr. Havens is engaged quite extensively in grow-
ing fruit and in both lines of agriculture is successful.

On September 28, 1898, Mr. Havens w^as married to Miss Pearl
Humphrey who w^as born in Girard, Illinois, in 1875. Her father,
B. F. Humphrey, had graduated from the theological course of a
well known Baptist school and was a minister of that denomination.
Mrs. Havens was one of a family of six children and two others
are still living. F. D. Humphrey is a physician in Hendrick, Okla-
homa, and May is the wife of Elmer Benedict. Mrs. Havens was
educated in the high school of Mishawaka, Indiana, and later her
family came to Hartford township to live. It was here that she
met Mr. Havens and became the mistress of his home and the
mother of their three sons. The boys are aged twelve, eleven and
nine years respectively. The eldest son is William B. Havens;
William being a name which has been a favorite in the family for
generations. The two younger children are called Russell and
Gerald. All of them are in school and are among the best stu-
dents in their classes.

Mrs. Havens is a member of the church in which her father spent
so many years of faithful service for the salvation of souls, her
membership being in the church at Hartford. She also belongs to
the Fraternal Brotherhood in which she carries two thousand dol-
lars insurance. Mr. Havens is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen
of America, and carries one thousand dollars insurance.

For twelve years, Mr. Havens has been treasurer of the school
district and he has the welfare of the educational activities of th(^
district always at heart. In politics, he is aligned with. the Demo-
crats. Personally he is a man of pleasant address and sociable in
disposition. Both he and his wife are widely acquainted in the
county and count a host of friends here.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1117

Frank J. Tedrow. — Well versed in the art and science of agri-
culture, Frank J. Tedrow ranks high among the progressive and
successful farmers of Bloomingdale township, his well-kept farm,
on section 29, and everything about his premises, bespeaking the
thrift and good management of the proprietor. A native of this
township, he was born, April 7, 1865, a son of the late Aaron K.
Tedrow.

Born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in December, 1827,
Aaron K. Tedrow was left motherless when a child, and at an
early age became self-supporting. He was blessed with a rugged
constitution, a cheerful heart and willing hands, and thus equipped
began as soon as old enough to learn the stone mason's trade, which
he followed for a number of years. In 1856, desirous of invest-
ing his earnings in cheap land, he came to Bloomingdale town-
ship. Van Buren county, Michigan, and bought eighty acres of
land, which included the east half of the northeast quarter of
section 29. This entire section and the surrounding country was
at that time heavily wooded, and the few settlers lived in log
cabins, subsisting the first few years of their residence in this
locality largely on the wild game to be found in the forests. Build»
ing- a typical log house, he began the improvement of the land,
and was here engag^ed in farming until his death, in 1876, at the
age of forty-nine years. He had in the meantime acquired con-
siderable wealth, being the owner of four hundred and forty acres
of rich land, much of which was under a good state of cultiva-
tion. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Kooser, was
born in Pennsylvania, and died in Bloomingdale township, in
1906, leaving six children.

After completing his early education in the district schools,
Frank J. Tedrow^ took a course of study at Parsons' Commercial
College, in Kalamazoo. Familiar with the various branches of
agriculture from his youth up, he then decided to continue in the
occupation to which he was bred, and in 1899 settled in section 29,
on the place which he now owns and occupies. Energetic and enter-
prising, Mr. Tedrow has placed his rich and fertile land under a
good state of cultivation, and has erected a tasteful and con-
venient residence, a good barn, and all the necessary out buildings,
and has installed all the machinery required by a first-class mod-
ern agriculturist. He carries on general farming with excellent
pecuniary results, making a specialty of dairying and poultry
raising.

In 1897 Mr. Tedrow was united in marriage with Myrtle M.
Baughman, who was born in Bloomingdale township, Van Buren
county, a daughter of Edmund and Catherine Baughman. Two
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tedrow, namely : Gladys
and Doris. Fraternally Mr. Tedrow is a member of Blooming-
dale Lodge, No. 161, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and of
Bloomingdale Camp, No. 8159, Modern Woodmen of America. He
has been treasurer of the school board for the past fifteen years.

George W. Chapman. — Having earned all they have in the way
of worldly possessions by hard and continuous labor, and worked

1118 HISTORY OF VAK BIJKEN COUNTY

their way through difficulties, over obstacles aud under privations
and hardships that were at times oppressive in both their extent
and severity, George W. Chapman, one of the progressive and en-
terprising farmers and fruit-growers of Lawrence township, and
liis faithful and industrious wife are entitled to all the pleasure
they can get out of their present prosperity, and all the pride they
may ever feel over the gratifying success that has crowned their
efforts.

Both of these excellent persons are products of the township
in which they now^ live, and they are also fine representatives of
its most sterling and reliable citizenship. Mr. Chapman was born
in Antwerp township, this county, on May 4, 1848, a soq, of Clin-
ton and Lydia (Wait) Chapman, natives of New York. Clinton
was the son of "Elder Chapman," as the respect of all who knew
him and his standing in his community induced the people to call
him at all times, and he was a native of Allegany county. New
York, where he passed the whole of his life and reared his family.
The elder died about the time his son Clinton came to Michigan
with his young wife, the mother of George W., to whom he was
married in their native state a short time before.

On the arrival of the young couple in this state they located at
Litchfield, Plillsdale county, where they remained until 1847, the
head of the house working out on farms and in other pursuits to
(^arn a living for his family and secure what he could in the way
of advancement in the world. In the year last named they moved
to Van Buren county, where they passed the remainder of their
lives, the mother's ending in 1864, the father surviving a number
of years, and dying at the age of sixty-seven. They were the par-
ents of nine children, of whom their son George W. is the only one
now living. His mother's death occurred when he was sixteen
years of age, and his father was afterward married to Miss Malinda
Logan. By his second marriage the father had two children. Their
mother died, and the father contracted a third marriage, which
united him with Mrs. Celeste (Hayden) Swift. They had four
children, two of whom have departed this life. The two who are
living are Freedeus and his sister Lilly, wiio is the wife of James
Horton, of Minnesota, where he is profitably engaged in farming.

(leorge W. Chapman has passed the whole of his life in Van
Buren county. He was educated in its country schools, assisting
his father in the labors of the home farm while attending them.
When he reached the age of seventeen, being ambitious to work
out his own destiny and make his own way in the world, he left
school and hired out to work for others by the month. This he
continued five years, living frugally, laboring industriously and sav-
ing his earnings for use in starting his own independent career,
which he was eager to begin.

On July 30, 1870. being then a little over twenty-two years old,
he was united in marriage with Miss Laura J. Braybrooks, a daugh-
ter of James and Jane (Simmons) Braybrooks of Lawrence town-
ship. After his marriage he worked by the day at whatever he
could get to do until the following February, when he located on
a farm near Hartford, and this he farmed as a tenant for two

HISTORY OF VAN lUTREX COUNTY 1119

\ears. He then moved to Keeler township, and there he and his
wife eultivated a farm whieh they rented for eight years.

At the end of that period, in 1880, he bought sixty acres of huid
across the road from where he now lives, and moved on the tract
in 1881. But by the fall of 1887 he found something more to his
desire, and bought the farm he now lives on and located on it at
once. Here he has lived ever since, cultivating his land with en-
terprise and skill, improving his property with good judgment,
and developing all the possibilities of his situation by studying
what they might be and devoting himself with steady industry
to their full realization. He built his present dwelling in 1899.

One of the avenues to prosperity which lie opened and has made
the most of is his industry in fruit culture. He planted his orchards
with intelligence and has cultivated them with care, and they
have yielded good returns for his enterprise in starting them and
his zeal and prudence in caring for them. While he is not one of
the great fruit-growers of the county, he is one of the most suc-
cessful, and the products of his orchards always bring good prices,
for they are choice and prepared for the market with every atten-
tion to details in packing and shipping refpiired to bring the
liest results.

Mr. and Mrs. Chapman liave one child, their son H. Hurvey
Chapman. He is a graduate of the Lawrence High School, and
now usefully engaged in working liis way forward in the struggle
tor advancement among men. On Noveml)er 10, 1896, he was mar-
ried to ]Miss Frances Clark, the daughter of Edward and Ellen
(Wallace) Clark, residents of Arlington. Two sons have been
born of the union: Keith Clark, who is now thirteen years of age;
and George Virgil, whose age is eight.

Mr. Chapman and his son Hurvey are members of the ^lasonic
order in several of its branches. They belong to Rising Sun Lodge
No. 119, at Lawrence, and also to a Royal Arch Chapter and
Council of Royal and Select Masters in the fraternity. In addi-
tion, they and their wives all belong to the ^Masonic auxiliary the
Order of the Eastern Star, and the elder Mrs. Chapman holds mem-
bership in the fraternity of the Maccabees.

The father is independent in his political action, always cast-
ing his vote for the good of the community and the candidates he
deems best fitted for the offices they seek. His son trains with the
Republican party, and is zealous in its service. The father has
tilled the office of road commissioner acceptably in Lawrence tow^n-
ship, but he has never been desirous of public office. His farm of
one hundred and vsixty-five acres, which he calls "Maple Ridge
Farm," and which is so designated by everybody else, occupies
his time and attention, and furnishes lum all the drafts on his
energies he cares to have. It is the fruit of his own and his wife's
hard labor and thrift, and the object of chief concern to them.
But they never neglect the duties of citizenship, and are highly
esteemed for their fidelity to them.

Henry Spaulding. — The name Spaulding has been one connected
with the history of our country since the Colonial times and the

1120 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

representative of that family whose life is briefly outlined in tliis
sketch has borne a part worthy of the best. His great-grandfather
was Zebulon Spaulding of Connecticut ; his grandfather, Marcus
Spaulding, also born in Connecticut, but for the most of his life,
a resident of New York state. He married Sarah Bump and they
became the parents of eight children, four boys and four girls.
The boys were M. ]\I. Spaulding, the father of Henry of this
sketch ; JMerritt, aged ninety years, still living ; Warren W. and
Almond M., who died Deceirjiber 25, 1909, aged fifty-two years. Of
the girls, Mary died in infancy and Elizabeth before she was mar-
ried. The two others became mistresses of homes of their own.
Shortly after his marriage, Marcus Spaulding the grandfather,
moved to Erie county, Pennsylvania, and there spent the remainder
of his life. The father of Henry also lived and died in that
county. He was- married to Emeline Van Ostran and there were
eight children in their family too. Three are now living (in 1911),
Henry, Mary Spaulding Crane, and Sarah Spaulding Smith, both
the latter are widows. M. M. Spaulding died in 1901 and his
wife thirty-tw^o years before.

Henry Spaulding was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1842, on
July 25. He grew up in that city and attended the public schools
until in 1861 when he enlisted in the Eighty-third Pennsylvania
Infantry, Company H. He was in the first division of the third
brigade of the fifth army corps and was a sergeant. He was
wounded at the battle of Gettysburg and thus disabled for further
service and on December 27, 1868, was discharged. After this
he returned to Erie and for about two years followed the trade
of carpentering. Later he became a contractor and in 1870 came
to Lawrence. It was the fifth of October when he arrived at that
city and in the following April, he came to Hartford and did
his first work on the Hartford hotel.

On the twenty-fifth of September of the year in which Mr.
Spaulding came to Hartford he was married to Helen Beaman and
for nearly forty years, this union lasted being broken in April
29, 1910, by the death of Mrs. Spaulding. She was born and reared
in Orleans county. New York, and was very well known in this
district. She was a member of the Benevolence Chapter, No. 46
of the Eastern Star and of the Hartford Rebecca Lodge, No. 281.
Her death removed a zealous worker and an estimable woman from
the county.

Mr. Spaulding has long been prominent in the lodge circles of
the township. He is a member of the Florada Lodge, No. 309, and
a past master of that body. In the Odd Fellows fraternity, he be-
longs to the Charter Oak Lodge, No. 231, and is a past Grand in it.
He belongs to the Elsworth Post, No. 20 of the Grand Army of the
Republic and is a past commander of the same. In the Michigan
G. A. R. he is a past Junior Vice-Commander and is now chair-
man of the executive committee. In the Benevolence Chapter No.
46 of the Eastern Star he is a past Patron, being the first to hold
that office in the chapter.

In political matters, the Republican party has always had his
support and lie has served his party in various offices. He has been

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1121

the clerk of Hartford township, justice of peace, and supervisor
for one year. While supervisor, he was appointed by the legis-
lature assistant sergeant at arms and served during the term in
1889 and in 1893 was again elected to the same office. This same
year he was appointed custodian of the Military Museum at Lans-
ing and held that position until 1897, when he was made post-
master of the senate. He concluded his services at the capital
by serving two years on the police force at the state house.

Conscientious in all he does, a kind neighbor, and a citizen of
unimpeachable integrity, Mr. Spaulding has the universal respect
of the community where he has lived so long. He has borne his
part in peace and war and has acquitted himself in both with
steadfastness and valiant courage.

Phineas Farrow. — Forced by circumstances to make his own
way in the world from the age of ten years, with nothing in the
w^ay of capital but his wdlling spirit, his good health and his strong
determination to win an independent estate, and with his efforts,
now crowned by a success that grows with his advancing . years,
Phineas Farrow, one of the prosperous farmers of Porter township
in this county, has given in his creditable career a fine illustration
of the all-conquering mettle of American manhood, and of the pos-
sibilities always open to industry, frugality and steady persever-
ance in this land of boundless wealth and opportunity.

Mr. Farrow was born in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, on No-
vember 1, 1853, and is a son of Phineas and Maria (Bennett) Far-
row, natives of New York, who came to Michigan in the forties.
The father was a blacksmith and worked diligently at his trade
until the discovery of gold in California set the world on fire with
excitement and unlimited expectations. He then yielded to the
prevailing enthusiasm and joined the army of argonauts that
streamed across the plains to the new Eldorado. He remained in
the Golden state until 1861, and then enlisted in a California regi-
ment of volunteers raised for the defense of the Union at the begin-
ning of the Civil war. He served through the memorable con-
flict, and at its end returned to Illinois and was never heard from
afterward. Three children were born in the family: Phineas,
the last born, and his brothers John and Charles. John died at an
early age, and Charles is now living in Nebraska.

After the death of her first husband the mother married his
brother Edward, and of this union three children were also born :
Thurman, w^ho is a resident of Nebraska ; Eugenia, who is the wife
of Charles Souls, of Paw Paw; and George, who lives in Battle
Creek. The mother has also passed away, her death having oc-
curred a number of years ago. She was sorely pressed by adversi-
ties at times in her life, but she did the best she could for her off-
spring and was almost heroic in her efforts to rear to usefulness
her two families of children.

Her son Phineas remained at home until he reached the age of
twenty-one but, as has been stated, began making his own living
when he was ten. He had very limited opportunities for schooling,
and the greater part of his training for the struggle among men

1122 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

for advancement has come from the harsh but thorough school of
experience, and many of its lessons have been difficult, while its
discipline has always been severe. But while its rod of stimidus
at times seemed merciless, he never winced under the pain to an
extent that deprived him of his nerve or abated his efforts for
progress.

On January 1, 1877, when he was twenty-four years old, he was
united in marriage with Miss Mary Longcor, who abdde with him
only ten years, three months and fifteen days, dying on April 15,
1887. Directly after this marriage he rented eighty acres of land,
which he continued to farm for thirteen years. He then con-
tracted a second marriage, on March 26, 1890, which united him
with Miss Emma Hubbard, a daughter of Roswell and Samantha
(Smith) Hubbard. The father w^as a native of Ohio and the mother
of New York, and both were early arrivals in Michigan. They
were the parents of six children : Pliny, who lives at Lawton ;
Emma A., the wife of Mr. Farrow; Eva, the wife of George La
More, of Eau Claire, Michigan; Effie, the wife of William Waugh,
of INIarcellus, Cass county ; Francis, a physician at Eau Claire, this
state ; and Frederick, who died in 1905.

After his second marriage Mr. Farrow rented the eighty acres
which constitute his present farm in section 29, Porter township,
for one year. At the end of that lease he rented two hundred and
sixteen acres south of this eighty and lived on it three years. He
then moved to Prairie Ronde township, Kalamazoo county, where
he rented C. F. Nesbitt's farm of two hundred and sixty acres, and
this he occupied and cultivated eleven years. In the meantime
he had bought the eighty acres in section 29, Porter township, this
county, on which he formerly lived one year as a tenant, and when
his lease in Kalamazoo county expired he removed to his own
farm, where he has ever since been living and prospering finely,
as his industry and wisdom in the cultivation of his land entitle
him to. He carries on general farming and live stock raising on
a scale commensurate with his facilities, and gets good returns
from both. The place has been highly improved by him, and is
now one of the choice farms of its size in the township, and one
of its most attractive rural homes.

Mrs. Farrow was a school teacher for more than fifteen years
and taught thirty-five terms in all. She and her husband have
three children: Cletah May, who married p]dward Cornish and
lives in Porter township, not far from the home of her par-
ents; and Irma Lena and Thelma Marie, who are still members of
the parental family circle. The father is a Democrat in his po-
litical faith and allegiance, a Methodist Protestant in his church
connection, and a member of the Masonic order and its auxiliary,
the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Farmers' Union in fraternal
relations. He was a director of school district No. 6 for 5 years.
No citizen of the township enjoys and none deserves a higher de-
gree of respect and good will from its residents of all classes and
conditions.

HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY 112:]

Lemuel Lyle. — A resident of Porter township, this county, for
twenty-five years, and living on and cnltivating the farm of two
hundred acres which he now occupies for fifteen years, Lemuel
Lyle has been a lon^-continued and substantial contributor to the
progress and improvement of Van Buren county, a potential force
in its industrial life, a valued aid in the work of the intellectual
and moral agencies laboring among its people, and a man of in-
fluence in connection with its civil affairs as a citizen w^ho never
neglects his duty or abates his interest wdth reference to them.

Mr. Lyle is not a native of Michigan or the United States, but
he is as warmly attached to the institutions of the land and state
of his adoption and as earnest in support of them as he ever could
have been in connection with those of the country and province of
his birth. This was Prince Edward Island, Dominion of Canada,
where his life began on March 14, 1842. He is a son of James and
Elizabeth (Berch) Lyle, the former English and the latter Irish
by nativity. Both died many years ago on Prince Edward Island,
of which they became residents in early life. Eleven children were
born to them, and of these nine are living, Lemuel was the sixth
in the order of birth. The others who are living are: John R.,
who still resides on Prince Edward Island ; Thomas B., whose home
is in Wexford county, Michigan; Edward James, who is living in
New Hampshire ; Mary, the widow of George Gay, whose home is
also on the island w^hich was the scene of the parent's labor; Lizzie,
the widow of James Rod, another resident of Prince P^dw^ard Island ;
Letitia, the widow of James Dailey, who lives at Wexford in this
state; Eliza, the wife of Alexander McCormick, of Prince Edward
Island; and Caroline, a widow% who also has her dwelling place
in New Hampshire. The children who died were the fifth and
tenth, William and Henrietta, who passed away a number of
years ago.

Lemuel Lyle came to Michigan in 1866 and located in Paw Paw
township, this county, where he remained three years. He then
moved to the town of Paw Paw and made that his home for a
vshort time. In 1869 he returned to his native place, where he passed
the next five years. At the end of that period he came back to Van
Buren county. Soon afterward he bought forty acres of land near
White Oak in Ingham county, which he farmed for five years, then
rented one hundred and sixty acres which he cultivated for five
years.

During all this time he had a strong yearning for Van Buren
county, and at length he determined to gratify it. He once more
returned to the county and rented the two hundred acres which
he now owns and occupies, after devoting ten years to the de-
velopment and improvement of other land. He has lived on this
farm ever since, and been a resident of Porter township for a full
quarter of a century continuously, as has been already noted.
He has made his farm one of great productiveness and value, and
one of the most desirable and attractive in the township by his in-
dustry and skill as a farmer and his excellent business management.

On Aus^ust, 18, 1869, Mr. Lyle united himself in marriage with
Miss Louisa Labadie, a daughter of Anthony and Sarah (Mason)

1124 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Labadie and a native of Paw Paw township, residing in Mattawan
at the time of her marriage. She and her husband had had five
children, four of whom are living: Anna, the wife of John Reits,
of Decatur township, this county; William, who has his home in
Porter township, not farm from that of his parents ; and Frank and
Ebenezer, who live at Wexford in this state. Alonzo, the third
born of the five children, died at the age of thirteen months. The
wife and mother has also passed away, after having traveled life's
pathway with her husband for more than forty years.

Mr. Lyle has been an active member of the Democratic party
from the beginning of his citizenship in this country. He believes
in the principles of the party and its theories of government, and
he supports it warmly on that account. The desire for public of-
fice has been no part of his incentive to loyalty, for he has never
felt it. But earnestly interested in the welfare of his county, state
and country, as he is, that party seems to him to offer the best
means of securing that welfare and enlarging it. He was reared
under the guidance of the Episcopal church, and he still adheres
to it with devoted earnestness and a sincere zeal for its advance-
ment to the largest measure of usefulness and a constant willing-
ness to do everything in his power to aid its progress. His mem-
bership is valued highly by the congregation in which he holds it,
as his citizenship is in all parts of the county in which he has so
long lived and labored.

Wesley T. Barker. — The life of a successful man is an interest-
ing study, but that of a good one furnishes a fitting example for
others. Some men never shirk from the line laid out by duty, but
unflinchingly tread it to the g6al, wherever it may be. Many re-
markable characters were developed by the Civil war, the trials,
dangers and privations of that struggle bringing out the good and
strengthening the weak points in a man, making him a hero. Among
those who are honored above the ordinary in Van Buren county is
Wesley T. Barker, who throughout his life has continued to heed
the call of duty as he did when his country made its call for de-
fenders. Mr. Barker is a native of Wayne county, Michigan, and
was born December 12, 1835, a son of Harvey and Content (Mc-
Kinstry) Barker, the former a native of Massachusetts and the lat-
ter of Vermont.

The Barker family came to Michigan in 1828, settling in Wayne
county, where Harvey Barker followed the occupations of local
preacher and farmer. He came to Van Buren county in 1839, and
was here engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years, owning
at one time three hundred and twenty acres of land in Porter town-
ship. He spent his last years near Bellevue, Eaton county, and died
in 1863. He was the father of seven children, as follows : Eleanor,
deceased; John P., of Kalamazoo, Michigan, now eighty-one years
of age; Lucy; Wesley T. ; Oscar J. and Harriet, deceased; and
Charles H., residing at Kalamazoo Junction.

Wesley T. Barker as a young man was engaged in breaking land,
and estimates that during his life he has laid open for cultivation
over six hundred acres of Michigan property. When he was twenty-

HISTORY OF VAxN BURP]N COUNTY 1125

one years of age he began hauling wood with an ox team to Law
ton. In 1858, having secured eighty acres in section 19, Porter
township, he drove to his property with an ox team, the snow at
that time, in March, 1862, being three feet deep. In August of
the same year, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming
a member of Company C, Fourth Michigan Calvary, under Cap-
tain Melchor, and he served wdth that organization until July,
1865. During this time, in the numerous skirmishes, raids and
engagements in which the Fourth Michigan particupated, Mr.
Barker faced the enemy no fewer than ninety-seven separate times,
but his only injuries were received when his horse fell on him after
a seven mile charge at Shelbyville, Tennessee. He was honorably
discharged at Nashville, that state, after a brave and faithful
service and one of which he may well feel proud, returning thence
to his Michigan land, which he proceeded to clear from the wilder-
ness. On this land, which is located only about a mile from where
the family first settled on coming to Van Buren county, Mr. Barker
erected all the buildings and fences and made all the improvements.
On November 20, 1861, he was married to Mary H. Barker, a
daughter of Thomas and Melissa Barker, who came to Michigan in
1849. Mrs. Barker's parents had six children: Mary, William,
John C, Elizabeth (deceased), Peter, Alsophine (the wife of George
Kerby, of Volenia township). Mrs. Barker died in May, 1911. Mr.
Barker is a Republican in politics and is affiliated with the Grand
xVrmy of the Republic. He and his wife are inembers of the Meth-
odist church. i\lany and great are the changes which have taken
place in Van Buren county since the family iirst settled here. When
they came from Wayne county ]\lr. Barker and his father drove
one hundred and sixty miles through the woods with ox teams, the
journey consuming a space of time that seems almost incredible
in these days of speedy railroad trains. The stock, a little herd
of cattle that formed the nucleus of Mr. Barker's present magnifi-
cent herd of animals, had to be driven through the wilderness of
trees and brush which formed this part of the country at that time.
Finally, on their arrival, it was found they did not have enough
provisions to carry them through, and the father was compelled
to trade a wagon for the bare necessities of life. The father grew
the flax from which the mother made thread, and wool was carded
to make the clothes for the family. All of the original buildings
were made of logs, there being no boards available at that time, but
these have been replaced by modern buildings. Now, looking back
over the intervening years, Mr. Barker can appreciate the changes
that have come over the section, and can see that he has taken no
small part in bringing about the development of Van Buren county
from a wilderness into a smiling, prosperous farming community.
He is one of his section 's true pioneers, and as such is honored and
respected by his fellow townsmen, many of whom are reaping the
benefit of the years of hard and incessant toil of just such men
as he.

William Leedy, farmer, stock raiser and fruit grower of Arling-
ton township, has through hard and persistent labor won a place

1126 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

for himself among the successful farmers of his community, and
is now the owner of an excellent tract of one hundred and fifteen
acres. With no other advantages than a progressive mind, a deter-
mination to succeed and inherent ability as an agriculturist, he
started out to establish himself in a profitable occupation, and the
success which has attended his efforts is well deserved. William
Leedy was born September 3, 1866, in the state of Indiana, and is
a son of Henry C. and Mary (Lawrence) Leedy, the former born
in Indiana and the latter in Pennsylvania.

The Leedy family was established in Michigan in 1865, when the
parents brought their children to Arlington township, buying one
hundred and sixty acres of land. Mr. Leedy was for some time
engaged in the mercantile business at Bangor, but sold out and for
two years was located in Kansas and later in Iowa. On his return
to Michigan he opened a market, which he operated in conjunc-
tion with a livery business for three years. For three or four years
following he operated a part of the old homestead, and he then
purchased fifty acres of timber land and worked the timber into
lumber, having built a sawmill on the place. Eventually he pur-
chased seventy acres, moving his sawmill to the new land, and from
time to time added to his property until he was the owner of three
hundred and twenty -two acres of well cultivated land. He died
June 26, 1899, and his widow is now living at the family home in
Columbia township. Henry C. and Mary Leedy had eleven chil-
dren, as follows : Sarah, who is deceased ; William ; Jacob, living in
Kalamazoo; James, a resident of Arlington; Viola, the wife of
Fred Goodwin, of Columbia township; Cora and Anna, who died
in infancy ; Daniel, a farmer of Arlington township ; Alice, the wife
of Arthur Lee, of Arlington; Mattie, the wife of Emory Hath^i-
way, of Arlington township ; and Earl, who resides at home.

William Leedy was reared to manhood on the home farm, and
when he was eighteen years of age he went to northern Michigan
and for a year worked in a lumber camp. On his return he took up
farming, and he and his brother Jacob raised a mortgage of three
hundred dollars on sixty-six acres of their father's farm. After
a few years William Leedy purchased his brother's interest in the
land, and later purchased fifty acres and eventually thirty-three
acres more, and he now has one hundred and fifteen acres of some
of the best land in Arlington township. He has made numerous
improvements on this land, and can point with pride to as fine a
set of buildings as can be found in the -township. A man of Mr.
Leedy 's abilities is always a valued citizen, and he has many warm
friends and admirers in his community.

On April 5, 1883, Mr. Leedy was married to Miss Tamson Pathie,
and she died leaving two children: Annie, the wife of Clifford
Daniels, of Waverly ; and John, who is deceased. Mr. Leedy was
married (second) December 8, 1904, to Miss Edith Weikel, daugh-
ter of Levi and Martha (Curtis) Weikel, and two children have
been born to them: Glen Levi and Orville Clay. Mrs. Leedy 's
father was born in Indiana and her mother in Michigan, and both
are now living in Columbia township^ They had four children :
Edith, who married Mr. Leedy ; Ellen, the wife of Fred Corden, of

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1127

Elkhart, Indiana; George, residing in Columbus township; and
Perry, who also lives in that township.

Mr. Leedy is independent in his political views, voting for the
man rather than the party. His religious faith is that of the
Methodist church, and he is known as a liberal supporter of re-
ligious and charitable movements.

S. E. Overton. — The beautiful art of carving on wood always
enlists interest in both the artistic and the inartistic mind, for
there is something about it that appeals to every taste and gives
pleasure to all classes of observers. It has the majesty of far cen-
turies upon it in practice, giving dignity and exaltation to its his-
tory, and has found expression in every clime and country under
the sun, which proves its value in an esthetic sense and also in the
line of utility, for it is everywhere in operation for the service as
well as for the enjoyment of mankind.

This art has its highest and most extensive expression in the city
of South Haven in the establishment of the S. E. Overton Com-
pany, of which S. E. Overton is the head and directing force.
This company manufactures artistic wood carvings, gable orna-
ments, stair newels, oval door panels, and other fine products of
wood, including some of the delicate and many of the beautiful
parts of pianos. Its plant is one of the most complete in the coun-
try, and its trade extends all over the United States and Canada.
S. E. Overton, the proprietor, is himself a practical wood carver
of unusual skill and refinement of taste, having acquired a thor-
ough knowledge of the business in a long and studious appren-
ticeship.

Mr. Overton was l)orn in Chicago, Illinois, on March 8, 1875,
and is a son of Charles and Esther (Mclntyre) Overton. The
father was a native of England, where his life began on July 21,
1855, and the mother came into being in Ireland on August 19,
1857. They had four children, all of whom are living, and of
whom their son S. P]. was the first. The father came to this coun-
try with his parents and lived with them for some years in Wash-
ington, D. C, where he obtained his education. He was a machin-
ist, and after his removal from Washington to Chicago, worked for
a number of years at his trade in the latter city, but passed th(^
closing years of his life in Streator, Illinois. In church connection
he was a Baptist, and in political affiliation a Republican.

S. E. Overton was educated in Chicago and Streator, Illinois.
After leaving school he worked for awhile at molding, then learned
the trade of wood carving. In 1903 he began business as a manu-
facturer of wood carvings at 102 Lincoln street, Chicago, where he
conducted his operations one year. He then moved to 488 Carroll
avenue, and there he remained until 1908, when he moved to South
Haven, Michigan. After locating in that city he built a large
plant for the general manufacture of wood work, in which he em-
ploys regularly about sixty-five to seventy-five men, and from which
he turns out large quantities of goods to supply an active demand
that comes as has been stated, from all parts of the United States

1128 HISTORY OF VAN BITREN COUNTY

and the Dominion of Canada, and is especially voluminous from the
manufacturers of pianos.

Mr. Overton was married on April 22, 1897, to Miss Linnie Zehr-
den, who was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin. They have two chil-
dren, their sons Charles and Samuel R. The father is a Freemason
in the lodge, capitular and cryptic branches of the York rite in
the fraternity. He belongs to Star of the Lake Lodge, No. 158,
Royal Arch Chapter, No. 58, and Council No. 45, Royal and Select
Masters, all located and working in South Haven. He is also a
member of Pomona Lodge, No. 153, Knights of Pythias, of that
city.

In political faith and allegiance he is a Republican, and a loyal
and serviceable member of his party. South Haven and Van Buren
county have derived considerable benefit from his citizenship, for
he is public spirited and progressive, and alw^ays alert for general
progress and improvement, supporting with energy all projects
that involve the welfare of his locality and are beneficial to its
people.

James Kelley is one of the prominent farmers in Van Buren
county. Most men will succeed better as employes than as em-
ployers, and that fact gives the reason why so many men buy farms
and lose them, through their inability to systematize things and
conduct their farms on a i)aying basis. The reason of the failure
is not because they do not work enough, but they do not use their
})rains sufficiently. This has not been the fault of Mr. Kelley, who
has made a success of farming. He found it impossible to leave the
agricultural life, though he tried it for a time, then found the call
of the land too strong for him, and back to the farm he returned.
He has not only been able to secure a competenc}^ for himself and
liis family, but he has done much for the betterment of the town-
ship in which he resides.

The birth of James Kelley occurred in the township w^here h(^
farms today, the date of his nativity being September 2, 1864. He
IS a son of Michael and Mary (Mahoney) Kelley, both natives of
Ireland, who emigrated from the Emerald Isle about 1849, coming
direct to Kalamazoo, Michigan, w4iere they farmed for several
years, and then traded their land for the eighty-acre tract on sec^-
tions 7 and 8, which is owned by James Kelley. Mr. and Mrs.
Kelley, Sr., raised a family of seven children, whose names are as
follow^s: John, deceased; Michael, deceased; Frank, residing in
Oklahoma City; James, the subject of this sketch; George, resid-
ing in Dowagiac; Jennie, the wife of John Rapp ; Anna, deceased.
One child died in infancy. In 1887, in the month of February, the
father was summoned to the life eternal, and ten years later, on
July 12, the demise of the mother occurred.

The boyhood of James Kelley was spent on his father's farm,
and he attended the neighboring school. He learned to perform
those duties which are required of a boy brought up as he was, and
after he finished his educational training he devoted his whole time
to assisting to cultivate the soil, remaining at home until he w^as
twenty- three years of age, the year that his father died. He theii

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1129

determined to try city life, and went to Chicago, Illinois, where he
remained for a year and a half. Eighteen months w^as sufficient
to convince him that he w^as better qualified to make a success as a
farmer than in any other capacity, and he returned home, under-
took the management of the old homestead, which he now ow^ns. He
does general farming to some extent, but makes a specialty of rais-
ing horses, cattle and hogs, doing an extensive trade in live stock.
In religious belief Mr. Kelley is a Catholic, and in politics he
has never cared to unite wdth any party, preferring to vote inde-
pendently and select his man for office, considering the qualifica-
tions of the candidate rather than party supremacy. Mr. Kelley
is unmarried, and has many friends amongst his neighbors, who
have for him the high regard which his uprightness of character
merits.

Albert B. Blackinton. — Among the enterprising, progressive
and able business men of Van Buren county that have triumphantly
trod the pathw^ay of success, and have acquired wealth while de-
veloping the rich mineral resources of Northern Michigan, is Albert
B. Blackinton, of Pine Grove tow^hship. The descendant of a New
England family of prominence, he w^as born, April 29, 1861, in
Susquehanna tow^nship, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, where
the birth of his father, Albert A. Blackinton, occurred in 1830.

His paternal grandfather, Lyman Blackinton, w as born in Black-
inton, Massachusetts, of English lineage. In early life he moved
to Pennsylvania, going there before the day of railroads, and for
many years being a noted stage driver of his locality. Although
never wealthy, he acquired a modest sum of money, and spent his
last days in Susquehanna township, dying at the remarkable age
of one hundred and four years. He married and became the father
of four sons and tw^o daughters.

Brought up and educated in Susquehanna township, Pennsyl-
vania, Albert A. Blackinton was there a resident until 1867. Com-
ing then wdth his family to Michigan, he purchased a home in Ken-
dall, Van Buren county, and was here employed in tilling the soil
until his death, in 1908, at the age of seventy-eight years. He
married first Caroline Taylor, who was born in Susquehanna county,
Pennsylvania, a daughter of William and Margaret Taylor, natives
of the Keystone state. She died in 1866, leaving four children,
Charles, William, Albert B., and Sarah, of whom Albert B., the
subject of this sketch, is the sole survivor. The father subsequently
married for his second wdfe Emily Merritt, who survives him.

Leaving school at the early age of thirteen years, Albert B. Black-
inton began to be self-supporting, working at any offered employ-
ment. While yet in his teens, he was for a time employed in a saw
mill at Sand Lake, Kent county, afterwards being similarly occu-
pied at Sault Sainte Marie, in Chippewa county, for eight years.
Then, imbued with the restless spirit characteristic of the Ameri-
can people, Mr. Blackinton crossed the country to the territory of
Washington, locating in Tacoma, then a city of about twelve thou-
sand inhabitants. He there continued work in the saw^ mills for
four years, Avhen he aw^oke to the fact that working for daily w^ages

1130 HISTORY OF VAN BURExN COUNTY

was a very slow road to wealth. Determining to find something
more profitable as an employment, Mr. Blaekinton returned East,
and became a prospector on the northern shores of Lake Superior.
He was exceedingly fortunate in his ventures, discovering valuable
deposits of iron, and in due course of time found himself the pos-
sessor of a handsome fortune. He still retains an interest in mines
on the Mesaba and other ranges. Returning to the scenes of his
childhood days in 1911, Mr. Blaekinton purchased a farm in Pine
Grove township, and is making extensive and valuable improve-
ments on his property, intending to make this his permanent home.
In 1880 Mr. Blaekinton was united in marriage with i\Iaude Wil-
son, who died in early womanhood. Four children were born to
tliem, none of whom are now living. Fraternally Mr. Blaekinton
is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Henry J. Dodge. — Both as a citizen who has always shown an
active interest in all that pertains to the general welfare, and as
the proprietor and partner in the Hartford City Mills of Hart-
ford, Michigan, an enterprise that has done much to promote
lhe general welfare of the whole city, Henry J. Dodge has well de-
served the general esteem with which he is regarded by all who
know him. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 15, 1844,
a son of Philander and Thirza (Eastman) Dodge. His father was
a native of Oneida county. New York, and his mother was born in
West Poultney, Vermont. After their marriage in New York state,
his parents went to Milwaukee in 1835, where his father who had
first been a farmer, served on the city police force for twenty-two
years. For some time he lived in Casco, Allegan county, Michigan,
and engaged in farming. His death occurred in Milwaukee. He
and his wife were the parents of four children, Henry J. being the
only survivor in 1911. Truman and Henry died in infancy and
Leander W., later.

Henry J. Dodge was reared until his fourteenth year in Milwau-
kee and attended the public schools of that place until he went to
Dane county, AYisconsin, to live with his grandfather Eastman on
a farm. There he attended the district schools until his seventeenth
year when he enlisted in Company "K, " 33rd Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry on August 4, 1862. His military career lasted for three
years, one month and five days. During his service, his regiment
many times saw the front, and he was present at the battles of
Vicksburg and Nashville, and was in the celebrated Red River
Expedition under Banks. After he was mustered out, he returned
to Dane county, Wisconsin, and for two years engaged in farm-
ing for himself.

On the 26th of January, 1866, he was united in marriage to
Miss Mary E. Shumway. Two years later Mr. and Mrs. Dodge came
to Michigan and in February, 1869, located in Allegany county
where Mr. Dodge proceeded to farm for twenty-two years, gaining
in that time many loyal friends and the respect of the whole
county. He then sold out and came to Casco where for four years
he was variously engaged before buying a farm in South Haven
tow^nship, Van Buren county, and in the latter place he served

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1131

lor fifteen years as highway commissioner. In 1910, Mr. Dodge
eame to Hartford and purchased the Hartford City Mills, and has
taken a prominent place among the business interests of the
community.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dodge have been born four children. Truman
A. is a farmer in Allegan county, Michigan; Warren S. is a con-
tractor and builder in South Haven; Clara E. is now the wife of
Isaac McKinzie of South Haven township, while Thirza M. is Mrs.
W. A. Keeny of Hartford, her husband being associated with her
i'ather in the Hartford City Mills.

Mr. Dodge is a member of the Baptist church and interested in
all of its good works. He is also a member and ex-commander of
the Jack Chandler Post of the G. A. R. In his political affiliations,
he is a stanch Republican, thoroughly convinced that the men and
measures of that party are best fitted to manage public affairs.

C. B. Manley, whose farm home in sections seven and eight of
Lawrence township is one of the attractive places of the vicinity
and illustrates the thrift and enterprise of the man who developed
it, is a native son of Van Buren county and represents one of the
oldest families in the county.

He is a grandson of Manley, who came up from Ohio

into Michigan and was one of the pioneers in the community of
Keeler township, where he entered his homestead about 1838. He
possessed the sturdy traits of the early settlers and set to work
and cleared and improved his land until it was a valuable and
productive home. It is now known as the Charles Hammond place.
Pie was the father of seven sons and three daughters, and three of
the children are still alive: — Richard is in northern Michigan,
Judire is in California, and Joseph, who was the seventli son, is a
resident of Oregon.

James Manley, the father of C. B., died when the latter was ten
years of age. He was reared in Keeler township, and married Miss
Jane A. Olds. Their three children were: W. D., who married a
farmer in Montana ; C. B. ; and Clara J., wife of O. G. Hungford,
of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

C. B. Manley was born in Keeler township, October 13, 1854,
and was reared in his native township on what is now know as
the Lee Drullinger farm. During his boyhood he attended the
(country schools during the winter and worked on the farm in
summers until he was twenty years old. On April 6, 1881, he mar-
ried Miss Laura Cook, and began to make a home and independ-
ence. Mrs. Manley was born in Newbury township, Cass county,
Michigan, November 5, 1859. Her parents were Sullivan and
Harriet (Austin) Cook, who were from Medina county, Ohio, where
they married, and in 1853 came to Michigan. Their home for a
number of years was in Cass county, and later in Van Buren. Her
father was in the lumber and saw mill business. Mrs. Manley re-
ceived her education in the schools at Hartford, and is an accom-
plished woman. She formerly taught music for some time.

Mr. and Mrs. Manley are the parents of three children : Bernice
IS the wife of Gordon Gould, and they have one son, Bernard;

1182 HISTORY OF VAN RUREN COUNTY

Ralph married Miss Ava lieimett, and they have a daughter, Laura;
Mildred is the wife of Claire Sheppard. Mrs. Manley is an active
member and has served as president of the literary organization,
the Corwin's Woman's* Club. Mr. Manley is affiliated with the
Maccabees at Hartford. In politics he is a Democrat, and at the
present time is serving as treasurer of the township. His farm
consists of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Lawrence town-
ship, and during a life of industry he has accumulated sufficient
of the world's prosperity to be comfortable the rest of his life. In
1904 his right arm was severed by a corn shredder, so that his
former capacity for all kinds of work has been much impaired.

Frank E. Gorton. — For over thirty years the well-known and
estimable citizen whose name inaugurates this review has been en-
rolled among the successful farmers and stock raisers of Waverly
township. Van Buren county. His estate is located in section 24
and is typical of the picturesqueness and splendid agricultural
methods of this favored section of Michigan. Mr. Gorton is a native
of the state, his birth having occurred in Allegan county, on De-
cember 20, 1856. He is the son of I. H. and Betsy (Cabot) Gorton,
both of whom were natives of the state of New York. There they
were married, and like so many people of that state, they eventually
cast their fortunes wuth the newer state of Michigan and its allur-
ing wealth and natural resource. They took up their residence in
Van Buren county, in 1866 and here in 1872 the father was sum-
moned to the Great Beyond, his devoted wife and life companion
surviving him until February, 1877. They became the parents
of five children, four of whom survive at the present time. William
J. makes his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan ; Ida I. is the wife of
Clarence Stephens of North Dakota ; Hattie L. is the wife of Albert
Strubel of Allegan county, Michigan; IMarion L. is deceased.
Frank E. Gorton was a lad of ten years of age when his parents
took up their residence in Van Buren county. He attended the
district school and at the age of sixteen lost his father, a circum-
stance which threw him at an early age entirely upon his re-
sources. From that time he managed the farm and he continued
thus engaged until the death of his mother. He then assisted va-
rious agriculturists by the month.

On April 23, 1881, Mr. Gorton laid the foundation of a happy
home life by his union with Laura E. Streator, a daughter of Frank-
lin M. and Mary (Green) Streator, and the representative of an
old and distinguished family. She was born in Waverly township,
September 25, 1858. Her father was a native of Randolph, Portage
county, Ohio, w^here his birth occurred October 12, 1835, he being
the son of Cyrus H. and Laura (McCrinan) Streator. The date
of the birth of Cyrus Streator was March 1, 1811, his parents being
Isaac and Clara (Plum) Streator. Laura E. McCrinan was born
May 18, 1813, and w^as married November 26, 1834. They became
the parents of four children, two of whom died in infancy. The
mother died in Ohio, and Cyrus Streator came from the Buckeye
state to Paw Paw in 1856. Franklin M. Streator was married in
Ohio, January .1, 1856, and became the father of three children.

HISTORY OF VAN lUJREN COUNTY 1133

namely: Laura E. ; Clara I., wife of Ro])ert Taylor, of Waverly
township; and Mattie, who died in infancy. Franklin M. Streator
was called to his eternal rest December 17, 1906, but his benignant
influence will not soon be lost in the scenes in which he was best
known. He was quiet and unassuming by nature, high principled
and rightly respected. Prewatt T. Streator died August 13, 1906.

The union of Mr. Gorton and his admirable wife has resulted in
the birth of two children, a son and a daughter. Mattie S., a grad-
uate nurse, is connected with the Michigan State Hospital at Kala-
mazoo, having charge of ]\Ionroe Cottage. Lynn E. is single, and
makes his home on his father ^s farm. The Gorton farm consists
of one hundred and twenty-six acres in sections 13 and 24 in Wav-
erly township. Mr. Gorton is a Republican and is a public-spirited
type of citizen.

To revert to Mrs. Gorton's family, the Streators, they were
known far and wide as breeders of higli grade sheep and cattle.
The family is an old one and on American shores has been traced
back beyond Isaac Streator, of Massachusetts, whose wife was Clara
Plum, of the well-known family of that name. Clara Streator bore
her husband ten children. Isaac II. was a son of Isaac II. Sr., who
married Hannah Alderman, they being the parents of five chil-
dren. Mrs. Gorton's mother, whose maiden name was Mary E.
Green, was born in i^ortage county, Ohio, June 27, 1837, and came
with the Streators to Michigan in the spring of 1856, as a bride.
She survives, a venerable and well-esteemed lady, and a member
of the Christian church in Bloomingdale. IMr. and i\Irs. Gorton
are people who play a (luiet, but none the less useful part in the
many-sided life of the community.

Arthur Torrey was born in the state of Minnesota, ^larch 22,
1883, and is a son of William and ]\Iaggie (Collins) Torrey, the
former a native of New York and the latter of Minnesota. Mr.
Torrey 's mother died December 30, 1891, having been the mother
of three children: Nellie and Fred, who are deceased; and Arthur.
Mr. Torrey then took for his second w^ife Dora Edw^ards, and they
had two children: Lew4s and Pearl, both of whom reside in Col-
orado. Arthur Torrey attended the district school until he was
thirteen years of age, at w^hich time he began w^orking at farming,
and followed that occupation until March 20, 1911, wlien he came
to Bangor and went into the shed Imsiness. On August 7. 1911, he
purchased all of the stock in a livery stable here, and three weeks
later sold a one-half interest to Walter A. Wood, and later sold his
entire interest in that business. On March 3, 1905, Mr. Torrey
was married to IMiss Ellen Parrish. He is a stanch Democrat in
political matters.

Nathaniel II. 13angs. — The fertile fields of Van Buren county
have furnished some of its best citizens with the means of w^ork-
ing out their life's destiny, and of laying up for themselves a com-
fortable provision for later years. Farming is hard, unremitting
work, and to carry it on successfully requires good management
and an intimate knowledge of all its details, but in these days of

1134 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

modern machinery the life of the agriculturist has its advantages
and is certainly remunerative. One of the well known farmers of
Antwerp township, who is specializing in fruit growing, is Nathan-
iel H. Bangs, who was born in Monroe county, New York, May 31,
1833, a son of Nathaniel and Mary (Woodman) Bangs, natives of
Vermont.

Mr. Bangs' father, who had spent his life in agricultural pur-
suits, died in 1834, his widow surviving him for many years. They
had eleven children, namely: David, Didama, Lorenzo, Maria,
Daniel, Riley, Orange, all of whom are deceased ; Woodman, Nathan-
iel H., and two children who died in infancy. Nathaniel H. Bangs
was sixteen years of age when he went to Churchville, where he was
apprenticed to the trade of harness maker in the shop of Willard
and Bangs for three years, at the end of which time he became pro-
prietor of a business at Bergen, Genesee county. New York. One
year later he sold out and went back to the old homestead for two
years, after which he purchased sixty-five acres of farming land.
In the spring of 1862, Mr. Bangs came to Michigan and settled on
a farm of ninety acres, situated in Antwerp township, but traded
this eleven years later for a property in Paw Paw, which, in turn,
was traded six months later for forty acres in Bloomingdale town-
ship. Selling this land, Mr. Bangs purchased IIIV2 acres in sec-
tions 4 and 9, Antwerp township, where he has since carried on
fruit farming. Mr. Bangs has established himself in the respect
and esteem of the people of his community, and is a man who has
the ability and desire to form warm personal friendships. He is
a leading Republican of his community, having served as treasurer
of Antwerp township for one year. Fraternally he is connected
with the Masons and the Sons of Temperance, and religiously with
the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Bangs was married (first) to Miss Mary Jane Warren, who
died February 19, 1874, leaving four children : Jerome W., of Cedar
Rapids, Iowa; Adie Loraine, the wife of E. F. Parks, cashier of
the First National Bank of Paw Paw^ ; Byron, who is deceased; and
Charles Vernon, of Kansas City, Missouri. On October 21, 1875,
Mr. Bangs married for his second wdfe Arlette Morrison, daughter
of Robert and Mariannia (Harwick) Morrison. Mr. Morrison was
a native of Vermont and his wife of New York, and they came to
Michigan in 1833, locating in Antwerp township, where Mr.
Morrison followed farming until his death, September 18, 1907,
his wife having passed away June 19, 1887. They were the par-
ents of three children : Arlette, wife of Mr. Bangs ; Alice, who died
m 1863 ; and Daniel, residing in Paw Paw. Mr. and Mrs. Bangs
liave had three children : Alice M., who was born January 21, 1878,
the wife of Myron Griswold, of Chicago; Robert M., born eTuly 7,
1880, and now managing his father's farm; and Earl Nathaniel,
born July 7, 1882, now in Sheldon, Illinois.

Eugene Phillips. — The schools of Van Buren county are of a
high order, and their work is well appreciated by the people. The
banks are vigorous and progressive, and the county has prospered
by the aid they have given it in keeping the financial machinery

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1135

well lubricated. The business houses in various parts of the domain
are up-to-date, enterprising and studious of the needs of the people.
Every other interest and industry among this people is in touch
with the times and has its highly creditable representatives, making
Van Buren county, as it deserves to be, one of the most forward
and progressive in the great state of which it is a part. But the
leading occupations of those who reside within its borders are agri-
culture and its allied pursuits, fruit culture and live stock breeding,
and the representatives of those industries are the real bone and
sinew of the county. Among them no man stands higher or is en-
titled to greater consideration than Eugene Phillips of Keeler town-
ship, the interesting subject of this memoir.

Mr. Phillips was born in Mount Morris, Livingston county. New
York, on January 13, 1852, and is the third of the seven children,
six sons and one daughter, born to Richard P. and Sarah J. (Mc-
Giveney) Phillips, five of whom are living. Mary is the widow of
John McAlpine and resides in Hartford township. Eugene is the
second in the order of birth of those who are living. William is a
resident of Silvercreek, Cass county, and a prosperous farmer.
M. F., a retired farmer living at Dowagiac, is now engaged in the
insurance business. Charles H., the youngest of the living repre-
sentatives of the family, resides in Calgary, province of Alberta,
Canada, and there he is a leading citizen and successful in his
business.

Richard P. Phillips, the father of these children, was born in
Columbia county. New York, on January 6, 1822, and died in Van
Buren county, Michigan, on March 26, 1893. He was a farmer
in both states, and never had any other occupation. His grand-
father, Martin Phillips, came to this country from Germany in
Colonial days, and when the Revolutionary war began he joined
the Colonial army and was closely connected in the service with
General Washington. He was with the great commander at Val-
ley Forge, and helped to hold up his arms in various other critical
situations during the momentous struggle for American inde-
pendence.

Richard Phillips, had but little opportunity to attend school, and
while he became a man of extensive and varied information, he was
in all essential particulars a self-educated man. He was reared and
married in his native county, and moved his family to Michigan
about the year 1854. At that time the family located in or near
Adrian in Lenawee county, and a short time afterward changed its
residence to Allen county, Indiana, where the father rented land
and farmed it for four years. At the end of the period named he
brought his household back to Michigan and located it for one year
near Dowagiac in Cass county, then moved it to Van Buren county,
where he rented land for farming purposes for a time. He pros-
pered as a tenant and in time bought 200 acres of good land, but
seeing something more in accordance with his desire, he sold this
tract and bought 244 acres in Silvercreek township, Cass county,
and forty acres in Van Buren county at the same time. He built
a rude log shanty on his Cass county land, cutting the logs for it
himself, and having them scored by his son Eugene. The cabin

1136 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

was crude in construction and limited in the range of its possibilities
for comfort. But it made a shelter for the family circle, its mem-
bers have never had homes which gave them more substantial
happiness.

In his political faith and allegiance the elder Mr. Phillips was a
Democrat until the crucial issues which brought on the Civil war
came to the front. He then became an Abolitionist and a Republi-
can, and cast his vote for General John C. Fremont for the presi-
dency. After the war he returned to his former political alliance
and remained a member of the Democratic party to the end of his
life. He w^as a man of strong convictions, high character and strict
integrity, and was widely known and esteemed as such.

His wife was also a native of the state of New York. Her life
began in Franklin county of that great state on March 12, 1829,
and closed crowned with the high regard and universal good will
of the people in this county on December 23, 1907, when she was
nearly seventy-nine years of age. She was a typical American
matron of the highest type of excellence, ready for any emergency
and prepared to take her place and do well her part in any situa-
tion. The example she gave and the rules of life she impressed on
her children are embalmed in their memory and will live there in
perpetual fragrance, fruitfulness and widening benefaction.

Eugene Phillips has passed the greater part of his life in Cass
and Van Buren counties, Michigan, and is a true type and worthy
representative of the great body of farmers who have given these
counties the standing they have in the state and the influence they
exert in the industrial and commercial circles of this part of the
country. He remained with his parents until he attained his ma-
jority, and, although he then had less than $150 in money, he de-
termined to get married and erect a domestic altar if his own, trust-
ing to his capacity, self-reliance and industry to make it stable and
build it into value.

On Ojetober 15, 1873, he united in marriage with Miss Adeline
Copley, who was born in Cass county, Michigan, on March 6, 1850,
and died in Van Buren county on January 24, 1911. She was a
daughter of Ebenezer and Dorice (Knapp) Copley, obtained an
excellent education in the district schools and the high school in
Dowagiac, and was a very successful teacher, holding a first grade
certificate as such in both Cass and Van Buren counties. Her in-
dividuality was strong, her intellect was superior and well de-
veloped, and her disposition was of the most kindly and considerate
nature. Her religious connection was with the Methodist Episco-
pal church, of which she was for many years a devout and energetic
working member in all church enterprises, and especially in the
Sunday school. And when she departed this life in the prime of her
womanhood and fullness of her usefulness, her untimely death
was universally lamented.

Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Phillips three
are living. Edward E., their one son, is a farmer in Keeler tow^n-
ship, owning eighty acres of land in that township and forty in
Hartford township. He obtained the greater part of his education
in the common schools, but attended the high school at Hartford

HISTORY OF VAN lU'REN COUNTY 1187

one year. He was married to Miss Stella Burch, a daughter of
Willard and Celestra 11. (Case) l^urcli, of St. Joseph county,
i\Iichigan, where their daughter was born, reared and educated.
Her father was a soldier in the Civil war. He usually votes the
Republican ticket in political campaigns, and takes an active part
in the fraternal life of his community as a member of the Modem
Woodmen of America and the Knights of the Maccabees in the or-
ganizations of these fraternities located and working at Hartford.

Metta Phillips, the second child of the Phillips household, married
William Sibson and is living with him in Cass county on one of her
lather's farms. They have seven children. Emma Phillips, the
youngest of the living children of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, became the
wife of Myrle Evans and lives in Hamilton township, this county.
She has one child. Before her marriage she was a popular teacher
in the public schools of Van Buren county.

When Mr. and Mrs. Phillips began their married life they lived
on a farm they rented for three years. At the end of that period
they bought sixty-five acres, about thirty acres of which were par-
tially improved and under cultivation. They built a little frame
house and lived in it the first winter without lath or plastering.
When they bought their land the utmost they could raise as a pay-
ment on it was $800, and the rest was held at ten per cent interest
until they paid it. There was not a fruit tree or shrub of any kind
on the place, and when they came to plant what they desired, Mi-s.
Phillips held each slip and little tree while her husband judiciously
placed the ground around it. The well on the farm was so foul
that they were obliged to abandon it and dig another; and Mr.
Phillips was forced to give up a cow and six dollars to get a new
well dug.

When they got their first tract of sixty-five acres paid for they
bought another of the same size, going in debt for that also. The
land in the new tract was unbroken and all its possibilities were
yet to be developed. In addition to these two tracts in Keeler town-
ship Mr. Phillips now owns forty acres in Hartford township, this
county, and 1361/4 cares in La Grange township, Cass county. All the
improvements on his several farms have been made by him, and avS
he started with nothing in the way of capital and has accumulated a
competency, he is a worthy representative of the thrifty farmers of
this portion of the state, and his record furnishes a fine illustration
of what can be accomplished by industry and thrift in a land so
blessed with natural richness and possibilities of improvement and
development as the region in which his energies have been so prof-
itably employed.

His home farm is known as the "Elmwood Farm,'' and is located
five miles and a half from Hartford and the same distance from
Keeler. He is independent in politics locally, casting his ballot for
the man he deems most fit for the office sought and most likely to
look after the best interests of the locality. For in all things he is
essentially a good citizen and eager to contribute in every way he
can to the substantial and enduring welfare of the people among
whom he lives and labors. All classes of residents in Van Buren
and Cass counties know his merit and esteem him in proportion

1138 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

to it, regarding him as one of the best and most useful citizens among
them and one of the truest representatives of their most elevated,
high-toned and productive manhood.

Herman Langelan. — In proportion to its population, Van Buren
county has as great a number of substantial and intelligent agricult-
urists as any county of its size in Michigan, and among its number
is Herman Langelan, of Keeler township, the owner of a farm of
excellently well-cultivated land, which he has operated with such
judgment as to have made him, financially, a successful and sub-
stantial man. Mr. Langelan was born in Westphalia, Germany,
July 3, 1856, the fourth in order of birth in the family of six chil-
dren born to Wilhelm and Carolina (Krohne) Langelan. All of
these children are living except one son, and the survivors reside
in Michigan with the exception of Mr. Langelan 's sister, Caroline,
the wife of Herman Ahrends, a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr.
Langelan 's parents never came to the United States, but both died
in the Fatherland, where Wilhelm Langelan was an agriculturist
all of his life.

Herman Langelan received a good education in the German
language, and as a lad of sixteen years decided to come to the
United States, having heard of the excellent opportunities offered
in the new country. In 1872 he sailed from Bremen, and when he
landed in New York City, he was not only without capital, but was
$120 in debt. Coming to Berrien county, Michigan, by way of
Cincinnati, he became a wage earner, and soon engaged in the mill-
ing business with his brother, continuing therein for eight years
and also spending one year in Minnesota. During this time he prac-
ticed the strictest economy, and was able to clear off his indebted-
ness, and he then purchased eighty acres of farming land in Berrien
county, for which he went into debt to the extent of $1,600. In
1894, having sold his Berrien county farm, he came to Keeler town-
ship and bought eighty-seven acres of land, to which he has since
added another tract of seventy-three acres, and he now has it all
under cultivation. This property, which, is known as the ''Maple
Avenue Farm," is located ten and one-half miles from Dowagiac,
ten miles from Hartford, and one mile from Sister Lakes, and is
one of the best farms in Keeler township. Mr. Langelan has been
ably assisted in his operations by his estimable wife, whose advice
and counsel have done much to help him to succeed. They stand
high in the esteem of their neighbors, who recognize and appreciate
their many good qualities, and they have been active workers in
church and charitable work, and have reared a family that would do
credit to any community, giving their children good, practical edu-
cational advantages, and teaching them lessons of honesty and hon-
orable living. Mr. Langelan is an adherent of Republican princi-
ples. Fraternally, he is a member of the' Keeler Camp, M. W. A.,
holding a policy for $3,000 therein, while his wife has a policy for
$1,000 in the Dowagiac Assembly No. 1, International Congress.
They are faithful members of the German Lutheran church, and
have liberally supported all movements of a benevolent nature that
have been worthy of their consideration.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1139

On January 9, 1885, Mr. Langelan was married to Miss Angeline
Kettler, and to this union there have been bom five sons, one of
whom is deceased, the survivors being : Henry Fred, educated in the
public schools and now a salesman in a grocery store at Sisters
Lakes; Clarence, a graduate of the public schools, who is now at
home assisting his father in the work of the home farm ; Ernest, who
is now attending public school ; and Herman, the youngest, at home.

Edwin J. Dayton, farmer and stock-raiser of Waverly township,
was born near Cleveland, Ohio, on January 5, 1860. His father,
Allen G. Dayton was born in the vicinity of the same city in 1826.
It was here that he was married to Fannie H. Slitor, born Novem-
ber 6, 1832, in the state of Connecticut, the daughter of James and
Flavia Slitor. Her mother died when Fannie was two years old and
her father some years later. Of the five children born to Allen G.
and Fannie Dayton, only Edwin is living at present. Three grew to
maturity and the others died in childhood. The father of this fam-
ily moved to Michigan in 1862 and after living four years at Hills-
dale county, moved to the farm in Van Buren county which is now
part of Mr. Dayton's place. He lived there the rest of his life and
it is still the home of his wife Fannie Slitor Dayton, who has been
h resident of the township for forty-five years.

Until he was ten years old, Edwin Dayton attended school. From
that age until he was sixteen, he attended only a part of each term
and then at seventeen, he entered the high school at Paw Paw and
completed the four years' course in three years, graduating in 1880.
He paid his own way while in school by milking cows and deliver-
ing the milk for Mrs. L. L. Hall. He became a teacher in the pub-
lic schools of Van Buren county where he taught for six winters.
He saved the small salary he received and increased his capital by
working at other things and in time was able to invest in some valu-
able lands. At present he owns 260 acres of land all in Waverly
township and he has remodeled the farm home where he lives and
made it one of the most attractive places in the county. Besides gen-
eral farming, Mr. Dayton is a breeder of high grade cattle and sheep
and he has done much to improve the stock in this district. He is a
stockholder in the Paw Paw Savings Bank and altogether one of the
substantial members of the community.

In April, 1887, Mr. Dayton married Lura, the only daughter
of Truman and Harriet Sinclair Allen, mentioned elsewhere in the
history of the county. She was born January 9, 1861, and was edu-
cated in the schools of Paw Paw. Two sons have been born to her
and her husband. Allen D. is a student in the Bangor high school,
a member of the class of 1915, and is sixteen years of age ; Charles,
aged thirteen, is attending the district school.

Mr. Allen belongs to the Masonic order, his lodge being the
Bloomingdale, No. 221 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
As an enterprising and progressive farmer, he is influential in the
Grange. He has made a signal success of all that he has under-
taken and he is of that admirable class who are termed hustlers.
What he has and what he is are due entirely to his own work and
character. *' Character is fate" said the old Greek, so Mr. Dayton's

1140 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

success is not so surprising. In the eminence he has attained, he
has been ably assisted by his wife, who like himself, is esteemed for
her neighborly kindness and for her sterling worth.

Burr Benton. — For a quarter of a century has Mr. Benton been
a resident of Van Buren county, Michigan. He is called the ' " King
Raiser of Peaches ; ' ^ is a progressive citizen and enjoys the respect
and esteem of all who know him. Mr. Benton is a native of Berrien
county, where he was born April 5, 1857, and he is the fourth in a
family of seven children, tw^o of whom w^ere sons and five daughters
— the offspring of Burr and Louisa ( Juday) Benton. Of this num-
ber four are living: Theodore, an agriculturist and a member of
the Baptist church, is a resident of Oklahoma ; ]\Iary Ann, wife of
George Vandestyn, is a resident of Keeler township and the mother
of four children; Burr is next in order and Louisa is the wife oi
B. J. Smith, a farmer.

The father was a native of the Green Mountain state his birth
having occurred in 1812 and his death in 1872. He came to Michi-
gan as a boy in 1820 and was among the pioneers. At that time
there was not a frame building in Niles. He was the first sheriff
of the county, being elected in 1832 when only twenty years of age
and one of the tax receipts issued by him to a neighbor has been seen
by his son Burr. On the land entered from the government by his
father Burr l^enton, the immediate subject, was born. At that early
date deer and wolves were plentiful and life still wore a rather ad-
venturous aspect and even years later these wild creatures were seen,
for not so many years ago this part of Michigan was a wilderness.
Father Benton was a Jackson Democrat and an enthusiastic Union
man and during the Civil war he made speeches and raised troops
to put down tiie rebellion. Among the many public services of this
prominent citizen was that of many years as justice of the x^eace.
He owned eighty acres of land and a team or two of oxen were
among his faithful servitors. He was a resident of l)errien county
for over half a century and in that time witnessed great develop-
ment and many changes. He w^as a member of the Methodist p]pis-
copal church and benevolent in his proclivities.

Mrs. Benton, the mother, was a native of Pennsylvania of stanch
old Pennsylvania-German stock. She was bom about 1830 and
died in 1872, her demise occurring but sixty-two hours after that
of her husband. Thus this devoted couple, so happy together in
life, were not separated by death. She was but a girl when her
parents came from the Keystone state to Berrien county and here
practically all her life was spent. Both of these good people are
interred in that county where a beautiful stone stands sacred to
their memory. They were fine pioneers of the type which so well
paved the way for Michigan's present high standing. Father Ben-
ton w^as a great hunter and it is related that one morning before
breakfast he killed four deer and in one memorable day he killed
five bears, ]\Iany and many a time he conversed and mingled wdth
the redmen.

Until the age of twenty-six years, Mr. Benton remained in his
native Berrien county. He had the advantage of receiving in his

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1141

youth a training in the work he meant to follow and no one could be
better fitted for it. He now devotes his energies to agriculture and
horticulture and has been eminently successful. When he began
life independently he had about two hundred and fifty dollars in
cash and that was the nucleus of his present prosperity.

Mr. Benton has been twice married. His first wife was Miss
Luella M. Dempsey and their only child was Martha L. She is now
the wife of A. A. Burbank, of Whiting, Indiana. Mr. Burbank wa«
in San Francisco at the time of the earthquake. They have a small
son, Cecil J. On June 8, 1878, Mr. Benton was a second time mar-
ried, the lady to become his wife being Miss Martha Henderson. To
this union have been born three children, a son and two daughters.
The son, John F. Benton, is deceased. His lamentable demise oc-
curred March 1, 1906, when only about twenty-two years of age.
He had been educated in the public schools, was an excellent mu-
sician and had adopted agriculture as his own life work. Zelma A.
is the wife of 0. H. Mathayer, a resident of the vicinity of Sister
Lakes and their three children are Elsie, Fae and Claire. Louisa B.
is the wife of John Harrold, a farmer, and their two children are
Beatrice and John Burr.

Mrs. Benton is a native of Marion county, Ohio, and was born
November 3, 1856. She is the eldest of seven children, five of whom
are sons and two daughters, born to Joseph R. and Sarah (Long)
Henderson, more detailed mention of whom is given in the bio-
graphical record of P. H. Henderson (Mrs. Benton's brother) given
on other pages of this work. Mrs. Benton was a little girl of eight
when she came with her parents to Michigan and here she was reared
and educated. When she and her husband began life it was on the
Benton homestead in Berrien county, a partially improved farm
of eighty acres. There they resided five years and cleared twenty-
five acres, which they sold and then came to Keeler township, where
they purchased forty acres. As Mr. Benton's capital at that time
consisted of only about $800, he was forced to go partly in debt. A
part of his property was a blind team, but he managed very well.
As he was able he added to his property from time to time and now
is one of the prosperous agriculturists in this locality. In the early
days he raised garden truck and disposed of much by peddling. All
the fine improvements which his farm now boasts were brought
about by him, with the aid of his estimable wife, even the trees be-
ing set out by them. In February, 1907, they purchased their pres-
ent excellent place of one hundred acres, which property was in a
deplorable state when they took it. They have expended upon it
much thought and honest toil and money. It is largely devoted to
fruit and is one of the best fruit farms in the township. There are
no less than one hundred and seventy-five apple trees and sixteen
hundred peach trees, twelve hundred and fifty of which are bearing
trees. The varieties represented in the latter are the Champion,
the New Prolific, the Kalamazoo, the English Mammoth, the Alberta
Gold Drop, the Lemon Tree, the Bismarck, and the Salloway. It
is the general opinion that Mr. Benton is the most skilled peach
grower in all Van Buren county. He is a born horticulturist. Mr.
and Mrs. Benton have surely prospered, for whereas they began

Vol. n— 83

1142 HISTOEY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

without practically any capital, they today, in 1912, have not a dol-
lar's indebtedness against their fine farm and pretty home. This
estate had been rented for years and had run sadly to waste, fences
being down and buildings dilapidated. It is now neat, well-kept,
and well-improved. In addition to their property, they have money
in the bank and their children are in pleasant homes of their own.
No small amount of credit is due to the faithful aid of the noble
wife and mother.

Mr. Benton is a Republican in his political sentiment and cast his
first vote for James A. Garfield, the martyred president. Frater-
nally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at
Keeler, and Mrs. Benton belongs to Rebekahs. Both Mr. Benton
and his wife are generally respected and it is well that the record
of their lives be preserved in this History of Van Buren County,
Michigan.

George Weldin. — The life of George Weldin, one of the most
prominent and successful agriculturists of Van Buren county, Mich-
igan, presents a striking example of enterprise, industry and integ-
rity, conducing to eminent success, and of business consistencies
based on enlightened and moderate views — views at all times com-
patible with a generous toleration of the rights of others, and com-
manding general confidence and esteem. Mr. Weldin was born No-
vember 20, 1839, in Lenawee county, Michigan, and is a son of L. II.
and Betsy (Merritt) Weldin, natives of New York and Pennsyl-
vania, respectively.

L. H. Weldin came to Michigan in 1837, and in 1839 located in
Porter township. Van Buren county, buying a farm of 170 acres
which he cultivated until 1850. In this year he went West, where
he remained for a short time, but eventually returned to Porter
township and bought another farm of 160 acres on which he was
engaged in agricultural pursuits at the time of his death in 1867.
His wife, who passed away in 1850, was the mother of nine children,
as follows : Jewel, who is deceased ; Almira, the wife of L. R. Day,
of Nebraska; Augustus I., Hannah, Polly and Eliza, deceased;
George; and Susan and Clara, deceased.

George Weldin was reared on his father ^s farm, attending school
each winter when he could be spared from the duties of the home
place, and when he had reached the age of twenty-two years pur-
chased eighty acres of land at Pine Grove, Michigan, which he still
owns. As the years went by, Mr. Weldin 's operations grew rapidly,
and from time to time he added to his land until he became one of
the heaviest taxpayers in the county, owning 497 acres of well cul-
tivated land in addition to considerable other real estate, although
he had disposed of a great deal of property, now having 136 acres
of farm land, most of which is devoted to the growing of grapes.
In addition to his home and the lots on which it stands in Lawton,
he is the owner of twenty building lots in this town. He has always
been alive to and identified with the promotion of the best inter-
ests of Van Buren county, of which he has so long been a resident
and where he has seen so many changes for the better.

On February 3, 1862, Mr. Weldin was married to Margery Tur-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1143

ner, and to this union there have been born four children: Lewis
H., a merchant of Battle Creek, Michigan ; Cora, the wife of Henry
Mock, of Fort Morgan, Nebraska, the owner of a 1,600-acre ranch ;
Nora, the widow of J. Dorsey, of Battle Creek ; and Merritt, living
in Porter township. Mr. Weldin 's first wife died in 1887, and he
was married in July, 1891, to Manila Ray, bom in Lake county,
Ohio, daughter of G. C. and Elizabeth (Bellington) Ray, the former
a native of New Hampshire and the latter of New York.

In his political views, Mr. Weldin is independent, and his fra-
ternal connection is with the Maccabees. Since his twenty-second
year he has been a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and he assisted materially in the construction of the church
of that denomination at Lawton. Mr. Weldin has a comprehensive
knowledge of realty valuations in Van Buren county, and perhaps
no man in the county can boast of an opinion which carries more
weight or advice which is deemed more reliable.

Edward H. King is a leading photographer of Van Buren county
and one of the best known in the state of Michigan, this having been
achieved through the exercise of his natural ability to which he
has made telling addition through study and observation. He was
born in Fremont, Ohio, October 3, 1855. His father, Samuel King,
was born in Columbus, Ohio, and followed the occupation of farm-
ing in Sandusky county, where he passed his life and where his de-
mise occurred at the age of sixty-two years. In his political views
he was a stanch Republican and Protectionist, taking an active part
in political affairs and serving faithfully and with efficiency in a
number of township offices. He married Mary Moore, who was
born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Samuel Moore, a Sandusky
county farmer, in which section he spent his entire life. Mrs.
Samuel King was one of a large family and the mother of eight chil-
dren. They are as follows: John, who is a builder and contractor
in California; James, a farmer in Gratiot county, Michigan; Laura,
deceased; Charles, who is one of the prominent men of Montcalm
county, holding the office of sheriff and being the proprietor of a
hotel; Edward, of this review; Ella, who resides at Battle Creek,
Michigan ; and two who died in infancy. The mother, now^ eighty-
eight years of age, also resides in Battle Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Sam-
uel King were attendants of the Advent church.

Edward H. King's father died when he w^as but seven years old
and he spent his early years on a farm, was educated in the public
schools and being of a musical bent, he early turned this talent to
advantage by teaching singing, both individually and in classes.
After following this occupation for a few years and discovering that
he possessed an artistic temperament in another direction, he began
the study of photography in 1887 at Grand Rapids, Michigan, where
he later established himself in business and conducted the same
successfully for twelve years. He was then out of business for a
year and subsequently removed to Belden, where he built up a large
business, which he later sold out. Some idea may be gained of the
prominence to which he had risen, when it is related that the gen-
tleman who bought out his business made prints from his negatives

1144 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

and exhibited them at a convention, where in competition with a
large number of others they took first prize. Mr. King was then
out of business for four years and then went to Grand Rapids, where
he erected a building fitted with all the latest appliances for making
the highest grade of portraits. This building was declared by com-
petent authorities to be the most complete of its kind to be found in
the United States. After conducting this for a time, he sold out and
in 1908 removed to Paw Paw, where he has since resided.

His work has evoked the highest praise from all who have exam-
ined it and he not only ranks among the best as an all-round pho-
tographer, but he is easily and by far the leader in his specialty as
an artist in the line which is an art in itself and to which he has
given a vast amount of attention, that of making his subject forget
that he is sitting for a picture and removing him from every vestige
of camera embarrassment with the result that he produces a likeness
which is so strikingly natural as to call forth the highest commenda-
tion from even the most critical.

He is known far and wide as the photographer who is capable of
placing at perfect ease even the most nervous person and thereby
making a portrait which is a pleasing likeness and gives the highest
satisfaction possible.

Fred W. Banks. — Holding high rank among the practical and
progressive agriculturists of Van Bur en county is Fred W. Banks,
one of the leading farmers and dairymen of Bloomingdale township.
A son of Captain Will H. S. Banks, he was born May 8, 1866, in
La\\i:on, Michigan. He comes of excellent ancestry, being a grand-
son of William Hughes and Rebecca (Snyder) Banks, of whom a
brief account may be found on other pages of this volume, in con-
nection with the sketch of Jacob F. Banks.

Born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, Will H. S. Banks was brought
up and educated in his native state. Coming to Michigan in early
manhood, he located in Cass county at a time when the greater part
of the land in that region was covered with heavy timber. At the
outbreak of the Civil war he raised the Twelfth Regiment of Michi-
gan Volunteer Infantry, but becoming ill could not join its ranks.
He subsequently organized a company of cavalry, which was at-
tached to the regiment, and he was commissioned its first lieutenant,
later, on the death of the captain of the company being promoted to
the rank of captain. Captain Banks was a gallant and faithful
soldier, serving ably in any position to which he was called. He
served as quartermaster in General Kilpatrick's division, was with
Sherman on his march to Atlanta and thence on to the sea, and on
through the Carolinas to Washington, in the meantime taking an
active part in many fiercely-fought engagements. At the close of
the cohfiict he was honorably discharged from the service and re-
turned to his home in Lawton, Van Bur en county, Michigan, where
he farmed for awhile. Removing subsequently to the South, Cap-
tain Banks embarked in the wholesale grocery business in Colum-
bia, South Carolina, from there going to Patrick county, Virginia,
where he established himself in business as a manufacturer of
botanical oils and shipper of herbs. In 1890 the Captain returned

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1145

to Van Buren county, Michigan, locating in Columbia township,
where he has since been successfully employed in general farming.

Captain Banks married Ellen Mary Hicks, who was born in
Miami county, Ohio, a daughter of Perry and Margaret Hicks and
granddaughter of John and Caroline Hicks, life-long residents of
England. Margaret Hicks, whose maiden name was Nieve, was born
in Norage, England, near London. Caroline Hicks was a daughter
of Commodore Perry. Perry Hicks, who was educated in Oxford,
England, was born at Plymouth, Lands End, England, and in 1831
immigrated to America, settling first in Ohio, but later becoming a
pioneer of Cass county, Michigan. Mrs. Ellen Mary Banks died in
Columbia, South Carolina, leaving but one child, Fred W. Banks.

Very young when his mother died, Fred W. Banks was educated
in the public schools of Virginia. In 1888, in the fresh vigor of
early manhood, he returned to Michigan, his sole wealth at that
time having been good health, a keen intellect, strong hands and a
willing heart. Thus equipped, he began working by the month, and
at the end of two years, through industry and economy, had saved
two hundred dollars. His father, perceiving that he was inclined
to be thrifty and wise, then gave him four hundred dollars in cash
and the rent for one year of a farm that he owned in Bloomingdale
township. Mr. Banks immediately embarked in farming on his own
account, and was so successful in his undertakings that at the end
of a year he bought seventy acres of the land now included in his
present estate and at once assumed its possession. Fortune has
since smiled upon all his ventures, and he has since added more
land to his original purchase, his farm now containing one hundred
and ninety acres of rich and highly productive land, of which he
hajs made improvements of a substantial character, including the
erection of good farm buildings. Mr. Banks has stocked his farm
with a high grade of cattle and makes a specialty of dairying, find-
ing this branch of agriculture quite profitable.

In 1891 Mr. Banks was united in marriage with Maude C. Haven,
a daughter of Augustus and Emily Haven, of whom mention is
made in connection with the sketch of E. A. Haven elsewhere in this
volume. Mr. and Mrs. Banks are the parents of four children,
namely : Ella, Robert, Margaret and Mildred. Politically a stanch
Republican, Mr. Banks cast his first presidential vote for Benjamin
Harrison. Religiously both he and his wife are worthy members of
the Christian church.

Liberty H. Bailey. — Venerable and universally venerated on
account of the number of his years and the uprightness and useful-
ness of his life, comfortable in a worldly way, free from the cares
of business, and with health and strength remaining notwithstand-
ing his great age. Liberty H. Bailey of South Haven has found,
even on this side of the grave, a peaceful harbor where the storms
of life break not, or are felt but in gentle undulations of the un-
rippled and mirroring water. He has run his race of toil, and trade
and ambition. His day's work is accomplished, and he has come
home to enjoy, tranquilly and unharassed, the splendor of the sun-
set, the milder glories of late evening.

Mr. Bailey was born in Townshend, Windham county, Vermont,

1146 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

on February 26, 1820, and is therefore past ninety-one years of age.
His parents were Dana and Betsey (Walker) Bailey, the former
born in Massachusetts, and the latter of the same nativity as her
son. Both lived to an advanced age, the father dying when he was
more than eighty-four and the mother when she was more than
eighty. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom have
died except the interesting subject of this brief review, who re-
mains, a shining link connecting the dawn of civilization in this
part of the country with its present high state of development and
advanced improvement, one of the men who laid the foundation of
Van Buren county mingling with those who are building it to finer
and greater proportions as the years go by.

Mr. Bailey's father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and took
part in the battle of Bennington, Vermont, where General Stark
humbled the flower of the British army. He was a quiet and peace-
ful farmer until the honor of his country was assailed, and then he
joined with thousands of others like him to resent the insult and
punish the power that so haughtily thrust it on us.

He was a man of influence and prominence in Vermont, where he
lived from boyhood, and a member of the legislature of that state
for over thirty years. The flrst speech he ever made in public was
delivered in Washington, D. C, in April, 1820, but he made many
after that, for he took an active part in all public affairs, local and
general, and his opinions had great weight with the people of his
county and state. He was also connected with the famous ''Un-
derground Railroad," which was organized and conducted to aid
fugitive slaves from the South to freedom and safety in Canada.
In early life he was a Whig in politics and later a Republican, and
from his youth he was a devout and consistent member of the Con-
gregational church.

Mr. Bailey's ancestors on both sides of the house w^ere English.
His great-grandfather on the paternal side, Richard Bailey, came to
this country from England in his young manhood and settled in
Massachusetts Bay colony. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war, and faced the scarlet uniform and glittering bayonets of his
former countrymen on many a hard fought field in that momentous
conflict. His son, Richard Bailey, Jr., was born in Massachusetts,
as was also his son Dana, but later the family moved to Windham
county, Vermont, where Dana Bailey passed the remainder of his
days, being killed at last by a fall from a wagon while in the per-
formance of some useful labor. He grew to manhood in Townshend,
Vermont, and there married Betsey Walker, and during the rest
of their lives they occupied the house in which she was born.

The father of this Mrs. Bailey, Jesse Walker, left England with
his parents when he was but eleven years of age. The family set-
tled in Townshend, Vermont, where, when he grew 1^ manhood, he
married and built himself a dwelling house which is still standing
in the town. He was one of the first young men in his locality to
enlist when the Revolutionary war began, and he remained in the
service until its close, being at the surrender of Cornwallis at York-
town, as well as in the battle of Bunker Hill six years, before. After
. that battle he found among the dead of the British army on the field
the body of one of his boy chums in England, Samuel Marsh, who
had his musket by his side with his name carved on it. Mr. Walker

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1147

took this musket as a keepsake, and used it throughout the war.
It has been cherished as a valuable souvenir by the family ever
since, and is now in the possession of Mr. Bailey of South Haven.

Liberty H. Bailey was first married in 1845, being then united
with Miss Sarah Harrison, a daughter of Benjamin Harrison, who
was a first cousin to President William Henry Harrison. She was
born in Columbus, Ohio, and died in South Haven, Michigan, her
death occurring on December 16, 1862, when she was thirty-eight
years of age. Of this union three sons were born : Dana, who died
at the age of fourteen years; Marcus, who resides in New York
city; and Liberty H., who is a resident of Utica, New York, and one
of the distinguished men of the country.

On August 27, 1863, the father of these children contracted a sec-
ond marriage in which he was united with Miss Maria Bridges, a
native of Avon, Liv'ngston county. New York, and the daughter of
Jeremiah and Sarah (Richardson) Bridges, the former a native
of the state of New York and the latter of Connecticut. The fam-
ily came to Michigan and here the parents passed the remainder of
their lives.

Mr. Bailey was educated in his native state, completing his
scholastic instruction at the Vermont Baptist College, from which
he was graduated in 1840. One of his classmates was Alphonso
Taft, the father of President Taft and attorney-general in the cabi-
net of President Grant. They lived on adjoining farms in Ver-
mont, and after their graduation they came West together. Mr.
Taft stopped at Cleveland, Ohio, and made his future home in that
state. Mr. Bailey came on to Michigan, and all his subsequent
years have been passed in this state.

He journeyed from Buffalo to Detroit on the steamer Madison, and
from Detroit to Dearborn by rail over the only railroad then in the
state, and that only ten miles long. From Dearborn he walked to
Kalamazoo. This was in 1844. He did not tarry long in Kalama-
zoo, but came on to Van Buren county, and here he was employed
by Isaac Willard for some months. He then returned to Kalama-
zoo, but the next year, 1845, came back to this county and bought
forty acres of government land, the patent for which was signed by
President James K. Polk. Some time later he bought the tract of
120 acres with a house on it. This house he still occupies and it has
been his home ever since. As time passed and he prospered he kept
on buying land until he owned between 500 and 600 acres. But he
has sold it all except his original abiding place of 120 acres.

When Mr. Bailey located in this county the whole country around
him was wild and almost unpeopled except by the Indians and
wild beasts of the forest. His nearest neighbor was Lark Pearce,
who lived several miles distant from him. His strict integrity in
dealing with them and the benignity of his disposition made the
Indians his friends, and he protected himself from the wolves and
other beasts of prey as well as he could. While the conveniences
of life were few, nature was provident in supplying the necessaries.
Game and fish were abundant, and the generous soil soon began to
yield good returns to the persuasive hand of the husbandman.
And in a little while other settlers came and located near the dar-
ing adventurer who had so confidently ''stuck his stake ^' in the
very heart of the wilderness.

114B HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

In the nature of the case Mr. Bailey became a prominent man in
his locality. He was well educated, had good business capacity,
and was well informed on public affairs. When the time came
for the organization of his township he was necessarily one of the
leaders in the movement, and he never lost his supremacy during
the long period of his activity. He served as township supervisor
two terms, as a justice of the peace for more than twenty years,
and as road commissioner for an equal length of time. He was
the first man in the township appointed to this office, and when he
began his services in it there were no roads for him to deal with.
His services were therefore of exceptional value to the township,
for he made roads as they were neded and opened up the country
for more numerous settlers, and started the region on its career of
progress that has led to its present high state of development and
improvement.

Mr. Bailey has been a Freemiason for almost fifty years. He was
made one in Rising Sun Lodge at Paw Paw in 1862, and became a
member of Paw Paw Royal Arch Chapter in 1863. The next year
he joined Peninsula Commandery of Knights Templar at Kalama-
zoo.* When Star of the Lake Lodge No. 158, in South Haven
was in process of formation, he dimitted from his old one and be-
came a charter member of the new organization. He was its first
Worshipful Master, and served in that position eight years. He
also dimitted from his old Chapter and became a charter member
of South Haven Chapter No. 58, when it was formed, and he was
its first High Priest, holding the position six years. In addition he
was a charter member of South Haven Council No. 45, Royal and
Select Masters, and its first Thrice Illustrious Master for four years.
He now belongs to Kalamazoo Commandery, Knights Templar
and De Witt Clinton Consistory, thirty-second degree Masons, at
Orand Rapids. This is a long and busy Masonic record and Mr.
Bailey is entitled to the pride he feels over it.

In politics he was a Republican until a Republican Congress
raised the salary of its members during their term of office in di-
rect violation of the constitution. Since then he has voted the
Democratic ticket and worked for that party. Notwithstanding the
burden of his years he still takes a very lively interest in public
affairs, but in reference to them he holds steadfastly to the teach-
ings of the Fathers of the Republic, believing firmly in the largest
measure of local self-government consistent with the general weal
and the absolute supremacy of the people over all their constituted
authorities, and has no tolerance for the unwarranted stretches of
power by public officials which present-day party government has
engendered and seeks to justify by any sophistry that is available.
He is in all respects a sterling, straightforward and upright citi-
zen, and has been a very useful one. He is an admirable type of the
Michigan pioneer, and a no less admirable representative of the later
citizenship of the state.

Professor Liberty H. Bailey, director of the College of Agri-
culture, Cornell University, since 1903, is the youngest son of Lib-
erty H. Bailey of South Haven, by his first marriage. Professor
Bailey is one of the leading authorities on botanical, horticultural
and agricultural subjects in the United States, having been thor-

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1149

oughly educated in all the scientific and economic branches of these
natural sciences which have so important a bearing upon the funda-
mental welfare of the people. A national authority on these sub-
jects, he has been frequently consulted by both Presidents Roose-
velt and Taft in their broad investigations of the Agricultural
Problem. The former named Professor Bailey as the head of the
Commission on Country Life, appointed to investigate the condi-
tions and requirements of the great agricultural communities of the
United States, and as a member of that body he so strengthened
his past record as an economic and scientific expert in every phase
of the subject, that he was even then marked for public advance-
ment. This judgment of President Roosevelt was heartily con-
firmed by the son of his father's old classmate and cabinet officer,
President Taft.

Liberty Hyde Bailey was born in South Haven on the 15th of
March, 1858, and was graduated from the Michigan Agricultural
College in 1882 with the degree of M. S. The experience of his
boyhood life, on the farm and in the open generally, directed his
mind at an early period to the study of botany and horticulture, to
which were later added the phases of agricultural economics and
and education. In 1882-3 Professor Bailey served as assistant to
the eminent Asa Gray of Harvard; was professor of horticulture
and landscape gardening at Michigan Agricultural College in
1883-8 ; professor of horticulture at Cornell University in 1888-1903,
and since the latter year, as stated, has been director of the College
of Agriculture of that institution.

As an author Professor Bailey has also a broad and still ex-
panding reputation. His individual publications include the fol-
lowing: ''Survival of the Unlike,'' ''Evolution of Our Native
Fruits," "Lessons with Plants," "Botany, an Elementary Text
for Schools;" "Principles of Fruit Growing;" "Principles of
Vegetable Gardening;" "Plant Breeding;" "Garden Making;"
' ' Horticulturist 's Rule-Book ; " " Principles of Agriculture ; ' '
"Nursery-Book;" "Forcing-Book;" " Pruning-Book ; " "Practi-
cal Garden-Book;" "Cyclopedia of American Horticulture" (four
volumes) ; ' ' The Nature-Study Idea ; " " Outlook to Nature. ' ' Pro-
fessor Bailey has also acted as editor of the "Rural Science" and
"Garden-Craft" series and the "Cyclopedia of Agriculture" in
four volumes, as well as a constant contributor to technical and
popular magazines in line with his professional work, studies and
investigations.

James D. Ferguson, a successful farmer and representative citi-
zen of Van Buren county, Michigan, who with his brother Edward
E. Ferguson owns and operates a tract of one hundred and sixty
acres of well cultivated land situated in section 1, Bangor township,
has been prominently identified with the business and agricultural
interests of Michigan for a number of years and is a direct de-
scendant of Elder William Brewster, the spiritual leader of the
Massachusetts pilgrims, who was born in Scrooby, England, in
1560, came to the New World in the "Mayflower" and died in Ply-
mouth, Massachusetts, April 10, 1644. James D. Ferguson was
born January 29, 1852, in Jefferson county. New York, and is a

1150 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

son of Elias Brewster and Catherine Ann (Doolittle) Ferguson,
natives of New York.

Elias Brewster Ferguson as a young man followed the profession
of a physician in New York, and later engaged in the jewelry busi-
ness there, but on coming to Bangor, Michigan, in the fall of 1866,
he with his brother. Dr. J. E. Ferguson, established a general mer-
chandise business, and conducted this store for many years. He
died at the age of eighty-four years, March 3, 1906, while his widow,
who still survives, is in her eighty-third year. They had two chil-
dren : James D., and Edward, who resides in Bangor.

Until he was eighteen years of age, James D. Ferguson was as-
sociated in business with his father at Bangor, and he then went to
Lawrence, where he was employed by H. M. Marshall in the mer-
cantile trade. Returning to Bangor when he was twenty-two years
of age, he organized the Bangor Furnace Company store, but a
year later the business was sold to a Paw Paw concern, although
he continued with the business for a number of years thereafter.
Eventually Mr. Ferguson took up farming, but after five years
spent in tilling the soil he again engaged with Silas De Long in
the mercantile business, retiring at the end of thirteen years on
account of poor heatlh. For two years he was again engaged in
agricultural pursuits, and he then went to Kalamazoo and estab-
lished a wholesale and retail confectionery business, but after seven
years of successful business dealing he returned to Bangor, and he
is now engaged with his brother in general farming and stock-rais-
ing on an excellent tract of one hundred and sixty acres located in
section 1. At one time he made a specialty of horse breeding, but
he now operates his land along general lines, and has achieved con-
siderable success. His long years of experience as a business man
have assisted him greatly in disposing of the product of his farm at
a profitable figure, while his large business acquaintance helps him
materially in his transactions. He bears an enviable reputation
for integrity and honesty in all matters with which he is connected,
and his standing as a public-spirited citizen is equally high.

On January 8, 1890, Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage with
Miss Stella A. Barber, daughter of Charles W. and Agnes (Tall-
man) Barber, natives of New York. Mr. Barber came to Michigan
as a young man, and settled first in Kalamazoo, where for twenty-
four years he served as agent for the Michigan Central R. R. at Al-
amo, Michigan. On his retirement, he moved to South Haven,
where his death occurred in August, 1904, his wife having passed
away eleven years before. They had six children, of whom the eldest
died in infancy ; Elvira K. is the wife of D. Morrison of Paw Paw ;
Mary Elizabeth, the wife of Frank Ford of Kalamazoo, died in 1876 ;
Warren George died in 1878 ; Stella A. married Mr. Ferguson, and
Ora P. died in 1893. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Ferguson, namely : James Barber, who is attending the State Agri-
cultural College ; George Kandall, a student of Kalamazoo College ;
Earl Robert, attending Bangor high school ; and Elias Brewster
and Catherine Agnes, at home with their parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson are consistent members of the Congre-
gational church, and have interested themselves in its work. He
is a Democrat, although never an office seeker, and a popular mem-
ber of the Knights of the Maccabees.

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1151

Honorable Milan D. Wiggins. — The many noteworthy achieve-
ments of Honorable Milan D. Wiggins, of Bloomingdale, not only
in the agricultural, manufacturing and mercantile world, but in
public life, have marked him as a man of much ability, sound judg-
ment and great force of character, and won for him an influential
position among the leading men of his village. A son of Nahum
Wiggins, he was born in Newbury, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and
comes of stock which since early colonial days has produced men
of strength, brains, and integrity, being a lineal descendant of one
Wiggins, who immigrated to America in 1631.

For many years a resident of Vermont, the grandfather of Milan
D. Wiggins, removed wdth his family from that state to Ohio about
1800, becoming one of the first prominent white settlers of the
Western Reserve. Securing from the Government a tract of heav-
ily timbered land that is now included within the limits of the
city of Cleveland, he built a log cabin in the wilderness, and on
the farm which he redeemed from the forest spent his remaining
days, dying when upwards of eighty years of age. During his
residence in Ohio he watched with pride and pleasure the develop-
ment of the state from a wilderness to a well-improved and popu-
lous region, large towns springing into existence, while the little
hamlet containing but a few rude log cabins grew into the prosper-
ous city of Cleveland.

Born in the Green Mountain state, Nahum Wiggins was but a
small lad when he accompanied his parents on the tiresome over-
land journey to the Northwest Territory, where he w^as reared and
educated. The true pioneer spirit of enterprise and action domi-
nated him from boyhood, and he became a leader in the establish-
ment of beneficial projects, being a consistent and persistent
''booster," and a loyal and liberal supporter of all good movements
for the welfare of his community. He was one of the first to intro-
duce Connecticut clocks into Ohio ; was one of the builders of the
Ohio canal, and owned and operated some of the first boats used
on that water-way ; and was one of the pioneers in buying cattle in
Texas, and raising them in Ohio. During the later years of his
life he met with financial reverses, and died, in 1850, a poor man.
He married Phoebe Dunham, who was born in Bedford, Ohio, a
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hungerford) Dunham, and she
survived him many years, passing away in 1896, in Bloomingdale,
Michigan, Four children were born to them, namely: Milan D.,
Cullen H., Lizzie, and Asa.

Laying a substantial foundation for his future education in the
public schools of his native county, Milan D. Wiggins subsequently
attended Hiram College, of which the late President James A. Gar-
field was one time at the head. At the age of eighteen years he
began teaching school, whereby he earned enough money to pay his
tuition and expenses at Oberlin College, which won distinction
not only as being the first to introduce co-education, but as the first
to admit colored students to its halls. Coming to Michigan in 1876,
Mr. Wiggins bought land in Bloomingdale, and engaged in the till-
ing of the soil. He subsequently enlarged his operations, embark-
ing in the manufacture of cheese, and also opened a store of general
merchandise, successfully conducting all of these enterprises until
1899, when he sold out. In 1901 Mr. Wiggins established the Peo-

1152 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

pie's Bank, at Bloomingdale, and has since devoted his time and
energies to the affairs of this thriving institution, which has gained
decided prestige under his skilful management.

Mr. Wiggins married, in 1870, Maria F. Hubbard, who was born
in Copley, Summit county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Sophia
Frances (Wilcox) Hubbard. Mr. and Mrs. Wiggins are the par-
ents of four children, namely: Helen, Nellie, Leburn, and Arthur
B. A stanch Republican in politics, Mr. Wiggins cast his first presi-
dantial vote for U. S. Grant. He has ever taken an intelligent in-
terest in local, state and national affairs, and has filled various pub-
lic offices of trust. For six years he was township treasurer; has
been a member of the County Board of Supervisors; from 1888
until 1891 he represented his district in the State Legislature, dur-
ing which time he voted for Senator McMillan ; in 1910 Mr. Wiggins
was elected to the State Senate, and cast his vote in favor of Charles
E. Townsend for United States Senator. Fraternally Mr. Wiggins
is a member of Bloomingdale Lodge, No. 221, Ancient Free and
Accepted Order of Masons; and of Bloomingdale Lodge, No. 161,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Religiously both Mr. and Mrs.
Wiggins are consistent and valued members of the Christian church.

BuRRiLL A. Robertson. — The pioneer settlers of Van Buren
county had many difficulties to encounter in the early days, but
they were, for the most part, hardy and persevering men, and more
than one lived to see his final triumph over all. Among these there
have been persons of various nativities, all alike struggling to ac-
quire a competence, and all developing into excellent citizens, pub-
lic spirited and alive to the best interests of their community, but
principally they were natives of the United States, Easterners who
found their own localities too congested for the advantageous dis-
play of their own abilities, and who therefore struck out for the
new West to hew their homes and fortunes out of the great wilder-
ness. Prominent among the pioneer families of Van Buren county
stands that of Robertson, a worthy representative of which will be
found in Burrill A. Robertson, one of the progressive agriculturists
of Keeler township, and a native-born citizen of the county. He
was born March 23, 1853, and was the tenth of the eleven children
bom to Samuel and Deborah (Crabb) Robertson, of whom eight
children are still living, all residents of the Wolverine State ex-
cept Mrs. Isabelle Wilson, who makes her home in Woodson county,
Kansas.

Samuel Robertson was a native of New York and was born in
1807. He was reared in the Empire State, being educated in the
common schools, and early in life learned the carpenter ^s trade.
As a young man he spent some years in the South, caring for an
invalid uncle, but during the early history of Michigan came to
this state, and settled in Keeler township at a time when the pres-
ent thriving town of Hartford, with a population of 1,100, was but
a handful, and the people went to Paw Paw by ox-team to have
their milling done. Wild animals still roamed the heavy timber,
Indians lurked in the woods and were none too friendly to the
whites, roads, churches, schools and other conveniences there were
none, but this sturdy pioneer overcame all obstacles and became one
of the successful men of his community. His first property, on the

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1153

town line next to Hartford, was covered with heavy timber, and
here he erected a little log cabin and began to clear his property.
The heavy timber soon gave way to the axe, the stumps and brush
were cleared from the land, then the plodding ox-teams assisted the
farmer to break his ground, and soon the land blossomed forth into
smiling fields, rich with grain and agricultural products. From
time to time this thrifty and industrious farmer added to his land,
and at one time he was the owner of 290 acres, all of which was lo-
cated in Keeler township. Politically a Democrat, he served as
justice of the peace for twelve years, and he and his wife were con-
sistent members of the Christian church, in the faith of which he
died in 1879. Samuel Robertson was married to Deborah Crabb,
who was born in Ohio in 1820 and died in 1892, and both are buried
in Keeler cemetery, where monuments have been erected to per-
petuate their memory in the minds of their friends and children.

Burrill A. Robertson, the worthy son of a worthy father, was
reared to manhood among pioneer surroundings, and early in life
was trained to the habits of industry, integrity and economy.
When he began life on his own account, he had no capital other
than a strong physique, a willing heart and a determination to
succeed, and whatever success has come to him has been w^ell-
merited, for it has been but the just reward for years of hard, un-
remitting labor. After his marriage he settled on thirty acres of
land, a part of the homestead, for which he went into debt, and
not only has he cleared this encumbrance, but he has added to his
property from time to time and is now the owner of 120 acres of
some of the best land to be found in Keeler township. It is in an
excellent state of cultivation, and Mr. Robertson's ability as a
farmer has enabled him to raise some of the "bumper'' crops of
this locality. The little frame house that was the first family home
of this young couple, has given w^ay to a modern, two-story struc-
ture, equipped with all up-to-date appliances, and a splendid barn
and numerous substantial outbuildings greatly improve the ap-
pearance of the property. Progressive in all things, Mr. Robertson
has been quick to take advantage of new innovations, and he now
has a high-power automobile, which he finds not only a great
source of pleasure, but of much help to him in his farm work. He
and Mrs. Robertson are welcomed into the leading social circles of
Keeler and have hosts of warm personal friends who are pleased
to note their business success and their social prominence. Politi-
cally, Mr. Robertson is a stalwart Democrat, and since the can-
didacy of Samuel J. Tilden he has supported the principles of this
party. He has served as treasurer of the district board for two
years and as highway commissioner for a like period. He and his
wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and give their moral and financial support to all benevolences
worthy their consideration.

On November 14, 1876, Mr. Robertson was married to Miss Oretta
R. Dean, in Berrien county. Mrs. Robertson was born November
•27, 1855, in Bangor, Michigan, and w^as the eldest of two children
born to Daniel R. and Margaret (Ducolon) Dean. Her brother,
Frank, is an agriculturist of Bangor, and is married. Daniel R.
Dean was born June 27, 1831, in New York, and died March 29,
1902. He was still a youth when he accompanied his parents to

1154 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

Van Buren county, and settled in Bangor when the country was
one vast wilderness. As a young man Mr. Dean learned the trade
of carpenter and joiner, which was his principal ocupation through-
out his life, but he also purchased land in Van Buren county, and
became reasonably successful as an agriculturist. During the gold
rush in the ' ' Days of '49, ' ' he went to the California gold fields, but
meeting with only partial success returned to Michigan after two
years, and there he spent the rest of his life. He and his wife
were members of the Christian church, and he was fraternally con-
nected with the I. 0. 0. F. at Benton Harbor. Daniel R. Dean was
married to Miss Margaret Ducolon, who was born March 3, 1835,
in Canada, in which country she lived until she reached young
womanhood, and she now resides in the town of Hartford.

Albert Horace Abrams. — Since 1898 actively identified with the
grocery business established by his father in Lawrence in former
years, Albert Horace Abrams is, by reason of his ever progressing
tendencies and his many admirable traits as a business man and
as a citizen, recognized in his home town as one of the representa-
tive men of that place, and takes prominent rank among the fore-
most men of Lawrence. Never a politician, but always deeply
interested in all civic affairs pertaining to the welfare of the com-
munity, Mr. Abrams has made his influence one of the uplifting
elements in the life of his town. Fair minded and honorable in
all his dealings, he has established a name, or rather, perpetuated
a name which his worthy father established in Van Buren county
in the early fifties.

Albert Horace Abrams, born February 27, 1870, in Paw Paw
township. Van Buren county, is the son of James Edward Abrams
and Helen Beddoe. The former was born on November 11, 1841,
in Albany, New York. He was the son of John Abrams, born in
1797, and lived for many years at 'Newburg-on-the-Hudson, later
settling near Albany, New York, where his son James was born.
In 1852 he removed to Michigan, bringing with him his family,
and there he made his home henceforth. James Abrams was a
veteran of the Civil war, offering his services when the war broke
out. He enlisted in the Seventieth New York Infantry on April
12, 1861, and in November, 1862 was transferred to the First Reg-
ular Cavalry, serving with honor and distinction until he was
honorably discharged on December 12, 1864. Following his re-
turn to civilian life Mr. Abrams became engaged in agricultural
pursuits and the closing years of his life are being spent in that
capacity. He was always a firm supporter of the Republican party,
and during his life he held various township offices of trust and
responsibility. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church and an earnest supporter of the faith. His wife, Helen
Beddoe, was born in Southfield, Oakland county, Michigan, in
1847, and was the daughter of John and Abagail (Green) Beddoe,
who later became residents of Van Buren county.

The boyhood and youth of Albert Horace Abrams was spent in
attendance at the district schools of his town until he was six-
teen years of age. He then secured employment as a mail carrier
on the route between Prospect Lake and Decatur, saving in the

HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 1155

three years of his service in that capacity, sufficient money to per-
mit him to avail himself of a complete course at Parson 's Business
College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Following his graduation from
that institution Mr. Abrams was employed by the West Chicago
Street Railway Company between 1892 and 1894. In 1896 he took
a clerkship in the store of his father and in 1898, after having be-
come fully experienced in the matter of managing such an estab-
lishment, he took over the grocery store in which his father had
been occupied for a number of years, and where he had built up
a reputation and attained a success of a mpst worthy nature.
Since that time Mr. Abrams has been successfully conducting the
grocery business established by his parent, and marked success
has attended his w^ell directed endeavors.

Mr. Abrams, during the years of his residence in Lawrence as
a man of business, has done much for the advancement of that
cummunity. Never actuated by motives of any but the highest
order, his service as a member of the village council in 1901-2
was of a nature calculated to tend to the best good of the communal
life. He is recognized as an active and forceful citizen, in his
capacity as such having a reputation for carrying to successful con-
summation everything in the way of public service which may fall
to his lot to perform. He is not a man of any political aspirations,
believing as he does that such an attitude is harmful to his best
business interests, but he is never laggard in the performance of
his duty in a civic w^ay, and his political support is always di-
rected towards that influence which is for the seeming good of the
village. Mr. Abrams is an enthusiastic sportsman, and his annual
expeditions in the northern woods of Michigan in the legitimate
deer-hunting season afford him a pleasure that he is seldom in-
duced to forego. As a disciple of Izaak Walton he is not less
deeply concerned. He is absorbed in landscape photography as
a pastime, and has produced some particularly artistic work in
that line. Mr. Abrams is prominent in Masonic circles, and has
been connected wdth the work of the order for a number of years.

On April 2, 1895, Mr. Abrams was united in marriage with Miss
Nellie E. Wakeman, daughter of Nathan B. and Isabelle Wakeman,
and they reside in their beautiful and modern home, which ex-
presses eloquently in its character the refinement and culture of its
owners.

Andrew^ Baker. — A native of the state of New York, but a resi-
dent of Michigan from the age of eleven, Andrew Baker of Porter
township, where he has for some years been identified with the
farming industry, may be called a product of this state without
impropriety. For it was here that he grew^ to manhood, obtained
the greater part of his education and made all his preparations for
the battle of life.

Mr. Baker's life began in Wayne county in the great Empire
state on August 14, 1846, and he came to -Michigan in 1857 with
'his parents, Chauncey and Emmeline (Van Dosen) Baker, who
were also natives of New York. For a time after its arrival in
Michigan the family lived in Wayne county, but later moved to
Van Buren county. Here the father bought land and began an
enterprise in general farming and live-stock raising which he car-

1156 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

ried on until the time of his death, and which his son is still con-
ducting on a part of the old homestead and some additional land.

Of the seven children born in this family, Andrew and his twin
brother Andrus, who died some years ago, came second. Of the
other, Frank, the first born, is also deceased, and the seventh died
in infancy. Those living now are Andrew; Hiram, an engineer
on the Michigan Central Railroad ; William, a resident of Lawton ;
and Sarah, the wife of Eaton Kronk of Antwerp township, this
county.

Andrew remained with his father until his death in 1903. The
following year he went to Battle Creek, where he worked in a ma-
chine shop for six years, following which he returned to his former
home, with the intention of devoting the remainder of his life to
farming. Of his father's farm, twenty -six acres fell to him as his
share, to which he added seventy-four acres by purchase, netting
him one hundred acres in all. Since that time he has been occupied
in the tilling of his farm and in a certain amount of stock raising,
a fair measure of success attending his efforts in his agricultural
endeavors.

Mr. Baker is a Democrat in his political adherence, and has al-
ways been active in the interests of the party. His first interest,
however, is in the welfare of his community, regardless of party
claims, and he has rendered excellent service to his town in the
capacity of school director and treasurer. He is a communicant
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and active in all departments of
service with which that organization is connected.

Mr. Baker has been twice married. First, on May 30, 1889, to
Miss Julia Castener. Three children were born of their union, of
which only the youngest. Myrtle, survives. She is the wife of Nel-
son Kynien of Battle Creek, Michigan. On June 12, 1895, the wife
and mother passed away, and later the father remarried, his sec-
ond wife being Esther Conklin, the widow of Samuel Conklin.
Three children have been born of this marriage. The first died
in infancy; the second, Nyle, lives in Battle Creek and the third,
Warren, is at home with his parents.

Captain Oran W. Rowland, the author of this history, was born
in Savannah, Richland county, Ohio, on the 2e5th day of March,
1839. His parents, Eber and Jerusha (Fowler) Rowland, were both
natives of the state of New York. Captain Rowland was a country
lad, and, his father being a miller, he very naturally learned that
trade while he was yet but a boy in his 'teens. When he was a youth
of fourteen years he came to Calhoun county, Michigan, and spent
one winter in the township of Sheridan with the family of his mater-
nal grandfather, Edmund 'Fowler. His parents followed him to
Michigan within a few months. While a resident of Sheridan he
attended school in one of the primitive school houses of those days
known as the '* Tamarack,'' from the fact that it was constructed
of logs cut from tamarack trees.

The young man afterward removed with his parents to the town
of Springport in Jackson county, Michigan, where he was engaged
in milling, working in both saw-mill and grist-mill and for a portion
of the time being the engineer, the mills being run by steam power.
When he was in his eighteenth year, he came with his father and
mother, to Lawrence, Van Buren county, Michigan, in which county

HISTORY OP VAN BUREN COUNTY 1157

he has ever since resided, except while in the service in the Civil
war and for a short time thereafter. He received a good common
school education and afterward attended a private "select" school
in the village of Lawrence taught by a very competent instructor,
the late Rev. Edwin S. Dunham. At this school he became proficient
m the science of mathematics and acquired a good knowledge of
English and a smattering of the Latin language. He began teach-
ing school when he was nineteen years of age and followed that pro-
fession for a considerable length of time, his last experience in that
line being as teacher of the Lawrence village school.

Mr. Rowland entered the military service of the country on the
17th day of September, 1861, in Company C, of the Third Michigan
Cavalry. At the organization of the company he was appointed as
a sergeant and was subsequently promoted to be orderly sergeant.
He reenlisted in the same company in 1863, and was soon afterward
commissioned by Governor Blair, Michigan 's great ' ' war governor, ' '
as second lieutenant, and was assigned to Company E of the same
regiment. The next year he was promoted to be first lieutenant and
was assigned to Company I. Not long afterward, he was promoted
to a captaincy and was reassigned to Company C, the company in
which he first enlisted. In this capacity he served until the middle
of June, 1865, when he was mustered out and honorably discharged,
after having been in the service for about three years and nine
months.

Five days subsequent to his entry into the service, on the 22d
day of September, 1861, Captain Rowland was married to Miss
Mary A. Benjamin, daughter of Daniel and Eunice (Hazard)
Benjamin, with whom he has lived for upwards of fifty years, they
having celebrated their golden w^edding anniversary last Septem-
ber. To them were born three children — Mary L., Marion 0. and
Mina B. The first born daughter is now the wife of Henry E.
Shaefer, register of deeds of Van Buren county, and has a family of
four children, two sons and two daughters. The son resides in the
city of Detroit and is the president of the Detroit National Fire
Insurance Company. He was formerly connected with the ]\Iichi-
gan state fire insurance department and for a time was state in-
surance commissioner, a position which he resigned to accept the
presidency of the company with which he is now connected. He
was married to Miss Rose Smith, of Paw Paw, and they also have
four children, two sons and two daughters. Captain Rowland's
youngest daughter, Mina, died when but twelve years of age of that
dread disease, diphtheria.

For a time after leaving the service Mr. Rowland followed his
trade of milling, then was engaged in teaching and in the mercantile
business in a moderate way. In the fall of 1868 he was elected to
the office of county clerk of Van Buren county, a position which he
held for four years, and has been deputy for every one of his suc-
cessors. While filling the office of clerk, he studied law and was ad-
mitted to the bar in the fall of 1872. He has since held numerous
other official positions; has filled the office of prosecuting attorney
of the county ; had been and still is circuit court commissioner ; was
on special duty as a federal agent of the census of 1890, and, as
circuit court commissioner, was at one time ex-officio, judge of the

1158 HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY

juvenile court, a position that he held only long enough to get the
title of Judge prefixed to his name, the supreme court declaring that
the statute which created the office was unconstitutional.

While engaged in the office of prosecuting attorney Mr. Rowland
entered the newspaper business. He was, in company with A. C.
Martin, his partner, owner of the True Northerner y of which he was
the editor for a period of six years. He then sold his interest in
that sheet and purchased the Van Buren County Uepiihlican, at
Decatur, which he and his son published for a number of years. He
has served many terms as one of the justices of the peace of the
township of Paw Paw, an office which he still holds. He was a
member of the board of trustees of the Paw Paw graded schools for
about twenty-five years and was president of the board much of
the time.

In politics. Captain Rowland is and always has been a Republi-
can. His first presidential vote was cast for ^'Father Abraham''
and he has ever been proud of that vote.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Rowland have been members of the Christian
(Disciple) church in Paw Paw for the past twenty-five years. Mr.
Rowland has been an elder in the church for many years, has taken
great interest in all departments of its work and has been especially
interested in the Bible school in which he has been a teacher con-
tinuously for a longer time than he has been a member of the
church.

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